Uga VIII, the white male English Bulldog mascot of the University of Georgia, passed away early Friday.
Go 'Dawgs.
over 1 year ago
T Kyle King
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I always suspected
there was something wrong with our beloved mascot, early on. He never seemed to have any energy and seemingly, whenever there was a shot of him on-camera, he was lying down. I don’t know how long he was afflicted, but he just didn’t seem healthy.
This is very sad.
"If we score, we may win. If they never score, we'll never lose."
-Erk Russell
We need to consider
that the Seiler’s may not be taking the line down the path towards health. Before anybody jumps down my throat, I said consider. With 4 dead dogs in twelve years, I think it warrants looking at this issue. Sonny turned his nose up at going toward the new breed standard designed to breed them back to health. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but there’s no harm in asking the question.
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 4, 2011 5:39 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Mandingo has a valid point, imo. Just look at your UGA I thru VI pictures__
the latest ones look like they were hooked up with Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds suppliers, uh, trainers. As far as a "spotted"one, that Miss State’s mascot, not UGA. And, Russ’s record isn’t so great, is it__getting him back would be like asking Logan Gray to stay on to play quarterback. Sonny, get your line straightened out or it’s “Goodnight to you in the Garden of Good and Evil”
If we were to change lines...
I would like something descended from Handsome Dan. They don’t seem to be a direct lineage, but, in the event we had to change lineage, it would be another nod to the past to have it come from Yale.
But something does probably need to be done about the line. Not being a breeder, I don’t know what.
Your point is a valid one, Mark Mandingo...
… but I think it’s more appropriate to wait at least a little while to let the shock/grief sink in before we start analyzing the shortcomings of the breed or the family that raises them.
But I just had a death in my family last week, too, so I’m just a little sensitive on this issue.
Its just that the issue never gets raised
not amongst the people that make the decisions anyway. And I don’t think it will unless it gets raised when it’s on everbodys’ mind. I’m not questioning the Seilers commitment, or their love, or how well they care for their dogs, but there’s a problem. Whether it’s inbreeding, or the fact that they’re bred to fit how we want them to look (which is unhealthy), or if its just bad luck, we need to figure it out. As the school with the iconic bulldog, and sort of the flagship bulldog of bulldogs, we need to ask whether or not we’re damaging the breed. By next year, we would have had as many Uga’s in the past 12 years as the previous 44.
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 4, 2011 6:42 PM EST up reply actions
I must disagree with you.
This issue was discussed at length in many venues when Uga VII passed away. I’m not saying it shouldn’t continue to be an issue… I’m just saying one shouldn’t start harping on it less than an hour after his death was announced.
When is a good time
And it honestly would make me feel better if you can send me the article of video where the Seilers or university personnel discussed this. Then I could sleep well knowing that they’re on it. Because this is the only comments I’ve heard about the breed’s health.
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/01/16/uga_507884.shtml
Call it harping, but just somebody get on it.
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 4, 2011 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
Inasmuch as we certainly will not have a new Uga in place prior to the start . . .
. . . of next football season, at the earliest, I believe vineyarddawg is right that it would be possible to allow a respectful period of grieving prior to addressing the issue you raise.
That said, I don’t believe anyone here would be inclined to jump down your throat for expressing a perfectly valid opinion, even if reasonable people may differ over the propriety of your timing. This issue certainly was raised here in the interregnum between the death of Uga VII and the coronation of Uga VIII, and jujdawg is absolutely right that, if you look at a photo array of our mascot lineage, the Ugas clearly have been getting significantly larger, which is not a good sign for a breed that has some of the health problems of English bulldogs.
While there is no question that the Seilers love their pets, and while Uga probably gets better health care than many Georgia fans, there clearly is something amiss when several successive mascots have recurring health problems and abbreviated reigns. Bringing “fresh blood” (literally, not figuratively) into the breeding process, in the hope of reversing these tragic trends, would appear to be in order.
I would hate to see the end of Uga as a lineage mascot, but I would not view it as too great a departure if a grandson of Uga VII or a great-grandson of Uga VI whose father was not an Uga were to ascend to the throne as Uga IX. It worked for the British monarchy, right? A smaller, healthier mascot who was not spotlessly white would be preferable to the steady downward trajectory from regal lethargy to persistent sickness.
In short, it is time for the long-term health of the line and the individual dogs to take precedence over aesthetics. Your point is a good one, Mark, and no one here faults you for making it, even if the more prudent course might have been to have waited until our departed mascot was interred in Sanford Stadium with his forebears.
Go 'Dawgs!
Kyle
If now is too soon, then write a post about it in three months so it can be discussed then. And no offense to anyone here, when I say it’s never discussed, I mean by important people in this matter. I mean the Seilers, the University, etc. I wish we all had a say, but we don’t.
And I still don’t understand this too soon thing. I’m not calling up the Seilers or protesting outside their house. I understand some of you are way more broken up than I am, but still. If a person dies and there could be an issue related to health, no one says “we’ll figure this out later, right now let’s just grieve.”
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 5, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
In my experience, that (quite rightly) is precisely what people say.
That said, I will be happy to revisit this issue in more detail, if someone will be kind enough to remind me following the interment. Thanks.
Go 'Dawgs!
I think a discussion in a few weeks is entirely appropriate, and even necessary.
I’ll try to remind you by the beginning of March if nothing gets posted before then.
From what I understand, lymphoma is not hereditary.
"It'll only be reviewed because the guys up in the booth want to watch it a few times too." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf16_mw0nxs
I was going to say something similar. This is just as much, if not more, of an unfortunate passing than it is about inbreeding.
I own a bulldog, and the bottom line is they all have a large number of potential health problems.
"One thing I will never do as long as I’m at Georgia is lose to Florida." - Herschel Walker
I agree
I don’t think it’s about inbreeding. I think the lymphoma was just a tragic happenstance. But the other dogs could be a problem.
I’m not convinced about the inbreeding, I just think it’s the heart issues and general unhealth due to the physical traits that have been bred into them. Bulldogs didn’t always look this way. It’s also bad that Sonny’s ignoring the new breed standards put in place.
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 5, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
the new breed standards
are not AKC standards, they are British standards. Considering the Seiler’s breed AKC registered dogs, they follow the AKC standards. If the AKC standards change, then Sonny will likely change right along with them.
There can be different standards for the same breed depending on the Kennel club – ignoring a change in one set of standards isn’t necessarily bad.
I can bake like a demon.
but in this case
the reason why they changed the breed standard was due to health concerns.
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 5, 2011 7:20 PM EST up reply actions
As true as that is,
the AKC has not made the same change. If your goal is to breed dogs that conform to the BKC standard, then you make that change, however, if your goal is to breed dogs that conform to the AKC standard, you don’t. The Seiler’s dogs are AKC registered, which is why they breed to the AKC standard & not the BKC standard and haven’t made the change.
I can bake like a demon.
Roman Bulldogs
Were actually much taller and leaner in appearance and used as guard dogs. They weren’t that attractive and we would unlikely use them as a mascot. Is that the breeding standard we should use? With bull baiting, they developed a slightly squattier build and large jowls. When bull baiting finally became illegal (after years of it not only being legal, but an expectation in some areas) the breed almost went extinct. Bulldogs were bred back to be good family dogs of calm temperament. by a group of gentlemen in England. With the advent of sports and some natural adorable features such as large eyes and an ever present smile – bulldogs became very popular and people naturally selected the “cuter” ones over what is only the last 30-40 years.
The point: the “standards” aren’t really standards at all – this breed went from being a guard dog, to a dog used to satisfy blood lust, to nearly extinct, to be brought back as a calm and gentle dog. The health problems likely began 100 years ago as they became shorter and stouter and that route has just gone it’s natural course. So if you if say “bulldogs didn;t always look this way” – then I could say “pick a decade, heck, pick a day”. There is this concept they were perfectly normal and healthy up until more recent times. The real problem is the breeders whom try to make a quick buck and more or less abuse the dames and don’t ensure the dogs go to good homes. The Seiler’s certainly aren’t in this category.
The Seiler’s lost a pet. A pet they loved. They have children and grandchildren and cousins and nieces and neighbors who loved this dog. I am certain no one feels more upset about the loss of two Uga’s than them. And the day of someone losing someone (or something) they love, maybe wasn’t the day to start a discourse on something slightly more complex than “ignoring the new breed standards.”
"One thing I will never do as long as I’m at Georgia is lose to Florida." - Herschel Walker
by tankertoad on Feb 5, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
you're right
which is probably why they’re probably not reading these comments. I never said it wasn’t complex, I just said we needed to figure it out.
by Mark Mandingo on Feb 5, 2011 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
Gene mutations are hereditary
And there are several genes we know of in humans that make it far more likely that we develop cancer. It may not be strict causation, but it is worth noting that heredity can play a role in (not only cancer) but many diseases. Whether or not this is the case with the UGA line, I think it’s time to think less of impressive musculature and pure white coat and more of the dog’s health in making breeding decisions. Shoot, throw some poodle or beagle in there, I don’t mind. The university has an opportunity to set an example for responsible breeding, so I hope they finally intervene.
by TheAreopagite on Feb 6, 2011 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
2 in 15 months?
Maybe the Seilers should consider going outside the lineage at this point. I nominate Isaiah Crowell’s Uga.
Rest in peace, Big Bad Bruce.
Can we bring back Russ now?
I mean, what’s a guy gotta do to get a full time job? I don’t mean to be insensitive, but he’s well liked amongst the Georgia fans. Who cares if he’s not solid white?
I think the problem with Russ' coloration
isn’t so much that he’s not solid white as it is that you can’t hide the brown under his jersey (or sweater, or whatever you call dog shirts).
by Just Some Dawg on Feb 4, 2011 6:42 PM EST up reply actions
Although Russ's coloration would represent a depature from the tradition of all-white mascots, . . .
. . . the reason he was not selected on a permanent basis was his age.
I’m not necessarily defending that decision, but that is the reason it was made.
Go 'Dawgs!
Hindsight is 20/20 of course...
but Russ’s age seems like a silly concern now, doesn’t it?
by MaconDawg on Feb 4, 2011 8:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I heard Russ was thinking of signing with Mississippi State
by TheAreopagite on Feb 6, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
+1
is Auburn aware of this yet?
"If we score, we may win. If they never score, we'll never lose."
-Erk Russell
Damn...
RIP Little Buddy :(
I did have some of my Oregon friends call me this afternoon to offer their condolences, they all wish that Oregon had a mascot as awesome as Uga.
"I will fly in the greatness of God as the marsh-hen flies, In the freedom that fills all the space 'twixt the marsh and the skies"
-Sidney Lanier, Poet and Writer from Georgia
Heartbreaking
Damn Good Dawg.
"If there's one thing worse than chlamydia, it's Florida." ~ Emma Stone, Easy A
by RedCrake on Feb 4, 2011 7:19 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Damn Good Dawg indeed!
Obviously there needs to be a serious conversation about this. After UGA VII, it was basically just “outsiders” raising a fuss; this time, I think, UGA alums and enthusiasts will raise their voices.
My solution—take one of UGA III or IV’s …descendants, breed them with an independent, all-white line that is super healthy, and start a new line.
Something’s got to give. This is getting way too depressing.
How 'Bout Them Dawgs!
A Little Unluck Sprout
Augustus says it best:
"I’ll say a word…. just a word. He was a good, brave Dawg, he had a fine tenor voice and we’ll all miss him. There’s accidents in life, and he met with a bad one. We may all do the same if we ain’t careful. Dust to dust."
Woodrow: "He’s right, boys. The best thing you can do with death is ride off from it."
RIP
by Munson's_Marbles on Feb 4, 2011 8:53 PM EST reply actions
A Little Unlucky Sprout
Augustus says it best:
"I’ll say a word…. just a word. He was a Dawg, brave Dawg, he had a fine tenor voice and we’ll all miss him. There’s accidents in life, and he met with a bad one. We may all do the same if we ain’t careful. Dust to dust."
Woodrow: "He’s right, boys. The best thing you can do with death is ride off from it."
by Munson's_Marbles on Feb 4, 2011 8:54 PM EST reply actions
not sure what happened here
sorry for the mess
by Munson's_Marbles on Feb 4, 2011 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
Condolences, UGA fans.
It's not what you've done but what you are doing that matters.
And the roses in this grand ol' stadium are once again Crimson. - Eli Gold, CTSN Broadcast of the BCS Championship Game at the Rose Bowl, 1-7-2010
That's classy friend. Thank you.
"One thing I will never do as long as I’m at Georgia is lose to Florida." - Herschel Walker
Loss is never a place to be a fan.
Losing “man’s best friend,” no matter the team, is a sad day. Godspeed to UGA VIII
It's not what you've done but what you are doing that matters.
And the roses in this grand ol' stadium are once again Crimson. - Eli Gold, CTSN Broadcast of the BCS Championship Game at the Rose Bowl, 1-7-2010
by AlabamaJammer on Feb 5, 2011 8:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it.
by Munson's_Marbles on Feb 5, 2011 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
Lonesome Dove (the television series)
was almost perfect. Almost. The casting of “Blue Duck” nearly ruined everything. In the book, I envisioned a chisled savage with eyes that could kill a man for just staring. Central casting chose a guy who looked like the bass player for Black Sabbath. I wasn’t happy.
"If we score, we may win. If they never score, we'll never lose."
-Erk Russell
That Chigger Is Holding Up The Game... Let's Gamble!
I felt the same way the first 80 times I watched it… now I simply cannot see it any other way. But I think that is more like not being able to tell your drinking alcohol after the 10th drink (in my case its like 2 1/2).
That movie is the closest thing to perfection that I have ever seen.
Damn Sodbusters
by Munson's_Marbles on Feb 5, 2011 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
I was fine with Frederic Forrest playing Blue Duck.
The one that always struck me as a stretch was Robert Urich as Jake Spoon. Then again, the idea of Robert Urich as an actor always struck me as a stretch.
Go 'Dawgs!
This is so true!
I mean – The Ice Pirates – that is all
Although, this may explain quite a bit. Anjelica Huston may be Urich’s way into the movie.
Truth is though, nothing and I mean nothing – NOT even a silly and completely random dancing sequence from Dick Van Dyke (see Mary Poppins and just so it is clear, anything and all things Dick Van Dyke brings forth an unexplainable rage) could have ruined what Robert Duval and Tommy Lee Jones brought with Gus and Woodrow. That was life changing.
by Munson's_Marbles on Feb 6, 2011 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
I saw this dog featured on a National Geographic Explorer and thought of you guys
Amazing beast that is all white and part American bulldog (it is bred to kill wild boars):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogo_Argentino
So sorry to hear about the passing of your fine dog.
RIP Big Bad Bruce
I guess at this point I’m taking some consolation in that it didn’t seem like he suffered for very long.
Thanks to all the other teams fans who have been so kind and generous in expressing their condolences for our beloved mascot. Here’s to keeping it classy guys!
by EricBDawg on Feb 5, 2011 6:53 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
my most sincere condolences
it’s with significant pride i can say i attended a game at which he presided over in victorious fashion.
Roll 'Bama Roll: The Champagne of 'Bama Blogs.
I'm sorry
I just heard about this today. As the owner of two Labradors, I feel your loss.
mlmintampa
UF C/O 06
http://www.alligatorarmy.com
Thanks, mlmintampa.
We really do appreciate these sentiments, especially coming from rival fans.
Go 'Dawgs!
Sorry to hear this.
Uga VIII was indeed a damn good Dawg.
I am always saddened to hear of these things, and it seems the Dawg nation has had to endure more than its share of grief over the last several years. I hope Uga IX has a long, healthy, successful tenure.
Roll Tide and Go Dawgs.
"I reject your reality and substitute my own!"
-Adam Savage
Condolences, UGA fans. From a Hoya
Hate to see a bulldog cut down in its prime.
@SaintMMA
SB Nation MMA
Watch Kalib Run
Poyznus
Hoya Saxa
by David St. Martin on Feb 8, 2011 11:45 PM EST reply actions
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