Thursday Nov. 19, 2009

ATHENS----- Uga VII, the legendary Georgia mascot who roamed the
sidelines at Bulldog football games, died unexpectedly Thursday morning in
Savannah.

He died of heart-related causes according to owner Frank W. "Sonny"
Seiler. He was four years old and finishing his second season as the team¹s
mascot. His given name was "Loran¹s Best" and his first game was Aug. 30,
2008, vs. Georgia Southern.

"We are all in a state of shock," said Seiler. "We had no warning
whatsoever."

There will be no live mascot at Georgia¹s game on Saturday but a
wreath will be placed on Uga VII¹s doghouse on the north sideline.

"He was 10-3 last year which is not bad for a freshman," said
Seiler. "Uga VII was not as active or mischievous as his father but more
distinguished. He realized his role when he put his shirt on. He was
well-behaved and always appreciated the significance of his role."

"This is a very sad day for the Seiler family but also for all Georgia people," said Damon Evans, UGA Director of Athletics. "Just as his
ancestors, he had captured the hearts of college football fans everywhere as the country¹s number one mascot. He had been truly embraced by all those who follow the Georgia Bulldogs across the country. We will miss him
dearly"

Seiler said there were options available for Uga VII¹s replacement
but no final determination would be made until sometime next year.

"Our hearts go out to the Seilers and the entire Bulldog Nation at
this unexpected loss," stated University of Georgia President Michael F.
Adams. "Uga VII was both a family pet and a symbol for millions of fans,
and besides that he was just a sweet dog. We will miss him."

"The College of Veterinary Medicine is saddened by the sudden loss
of our dear friend and mascot, Uga VII," said Dr. Sheila W. Allen, dean of
the College, and Dr. R. Bruce Hollett, personal faculty veterinarian for Uga
VII. "His playful personality and winning spirit will be missed by all of
us at the veterinary college, and all of us at the University of Georgia.
The Seilers are long-time friends of the University, and we share in their
grief."