Uga VIII becomes new top dog

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By Andy Johnston

For the AJC

ATHENS -- Instinctively, Uga VIII seemed to know exactly where to go after becoming Georgia’s newest mascot in a short pregame ceremony.

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Uga VIII takes to the field for the first time after his official introduction Saturday October 16, 2010 at Sanford Stadium.

Brant Sanderlin, bsanderlin@ajc.com Uga VIII takes to the field for the first time after his official introduction Saturday October 16, 2010 at Sanford Stadium.

Uga VIII's official debut

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He headed across the field and straight to his doghouse in front of the student section at Sanford Stadium before Georgia’s game with Vanderbilt on Saturday. His new game-day home provided a perfect backdrop for a multitude of photographers and fans wanting to catch a glimpse of the latest in a long line of English bulldogs named Uga.

UGA President Michael Adams, who took the red spiked collar from Russ, the interim mascot and placed it around Uga VIII’s neck, likes what he has seen from the new top dog.

Counting Russ, Uga VIII is the fifth mascot since Adams came to Georgia 13 years ago.

“They all have different personalities,” Adams said. “I inherited [Uga] V, and he seems more like V to me than either VI or VII, but it’s early. We’ll wait and see. He seems to relish the role more than VI and VII did, to me. I feel good about it.”

Uga V gained worldwide acclaim for his Sports Illustrated cover in 1997 and for appearing in the film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

Before being led to his doghouse by members of the Seiler family, which owns the line of mascots, Uga VIII stopped and seemed to give a goodbye kiss to Russ.

“We had several puppies that were direct descendants from the Uga line to choose from,” Sonny Seiler said. “We came to the conclusion that this dog had all the physical attributes that we look for in a Georgia mascot.”

Uga VIII is the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of the original Uga, who reigned from 1956-66, and is the grandson of Uga VI. He was born Sept. 12, 2009, and is 55 pounds.

Russ was 4-4 after taking over from his half brother Uga VII, who died of heart-related causes Nov. 19, in just his second year. Uga VII was 16-7 after taking over for Uga VI, Georgia’s winningest mascot at 87-27 from 1999-2008.

“My wife Sheryl and I are dog lovers, and we were able to spend some time with Uga VIII before the ceremony,” Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said. “It’s a beautiful dog. It’ll be interesting to watch him grow up through the program.”

McGarity took over in August and now has a new mascot in his first year.

Being his first game, Uga VIII seemed to be unsure of the crowd noise and music. He spent most of the game inside his doghouse.

“This is a great-looking dog,” Adams said. “I think he’s going to have a great career.”