A “Dawg-ed” Day for Georgia

Back from my whirlwind tour of, well, nowhere in particular, I am pleased to report that I am back at the helm of the ship here at Gate 21 … at least for the moment.

Anyway, moving right along…

In my absence from the blogosphere, (which both John McCain and Barack Obama jointly hailed as “Freakin’ Trippy!”) many things have occurred around the world of SEC sports, and beyond; not least of which included the death of Georgia Bulldogs mascot Uga VI.

The recently departed pooch was interred at Sanford Stadium yesterday in a vault where his predecessors were also laid to rest. A Baptist Minister presided over a memorial service attended by members of the athletic department, university administration, and others.

I am truly sad to hear that Uga has passed away. He is a great symbol of college football and one which resonates in the hearts and minds of many across the SEC. As an animal lover, I am sure he will be missed by many.

Still, is it just me or is it a tad odd to hold a memorial service of any kind — whether for man or dog — concluded by a prayer ending: “Sic ’em, Uga. Woof, woof! Amen.“

I mean no disrespect for the Georgia faithful, Uga, dog lovers, or anyone. That just strikes me as being … well … a bit over-the-top.

Still, I am sorry to hear that Uga passed. There is something peculiarly endearing in watching a squat little white bulldog in a sweatshirt waddle his way around the endzone to take his place atop several bags of ice. I am sure that Uga VII will admirably fill the shoes — or paws, as the case may be — of the departed mascot, and look forward to seeing him mix it up with Smokey IX for seasons to come.

In other news from Athens…

Bulldogs offensive linemen Trinton Sturdivant and Justin Anderson were both arrested Monday night and charged with simple battery of a female. This brings the offseason arrest count at Georgia to six.

Fortunately, the soon-to-be-introduced Uga VII was not mentioned in the police report…

– Go Figure …

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