Retired UGA Bulldogs mascot Uga IX buried

Thirty-one days ago, Sonny Seiler entered Suite301 at the Georgia Center, while two University of Georgia treasures lay peacefully in separate rooms.

Uga IX, better known as Russ,was in Athens for the first time since2014 to be at the introduction of his grandson, Que, as Uga X.

The Seiler family - who have owned the mascots since1956 - was joined in their suite by writers from theAtlanta Journal-Constitution, a reporter from theAthens Banner-Herald and even an ESPN film crew.

"We've had people in and out of this place all day," Seiler said Nov.21. "All anyone wants to talk about are the dogs."

The mood was far different at the Georgia Center on Tuesday morning.

There were no cameras or recording devices. No revolving door of friends. Most of all, no treasures in separate rooms. Only one aspect, in fact, mirrored the festivity from Nov.21: All anyone talked about was Russ.

One month after his final trot at Sanford Stadium, the11-year-old died Monday morning at the farm where he was born. A day later, he was laid to rest beside eight predecessors, who established the foundation for Russ' legacy.

"He was a great one," Seiler said to Russ' breeder, Becky Perry, prior to the11:30 a.m. burial.

"The best," Perry responded. "Russ was the best."

Russ' path to becoming Uga IX was unlike any who came before him.

He served as interim mascot for25 games after Uga VII and Uga VIII passed away. He then served for two wins at the beginning of the2012 season before being officially promoted to Uga IX. Russ was unique in that he was coated with brown spots - straying from the all-white English bulldogs that the Seilers are known for.

From2009 to2014, Russ compiled an overall record of44-19.

"Most people don't know this, but Russ was nearly blind in his right eye," said Charles Seiler, Sonny's son, at Tuesday's funeral service. "He had trouble walking in a straight line. … I can't tell you how many times I got tripped up when I wasn't paying attention."

For the Seiler family, Russ' legacy goes well beyond his63 games as Uga IX. Russ was the final mascot of Cecelia Seiler, Sonny's wife, who died in the summer of2014. He was also the first bulldog pet for Cecil Seiler, Charles' son.

"The thing I'll remember most," said Charles, before pausing, "was how much people loved him. Everyone loved Russ."

Seventeen people attended Tuesday's private burial,including University of Georgia president Jere Morehead and athletic director Greg McGarity.

Also on hand was Uga X, who wore a black Georgia sweater.

The service lasted about15 minutes, and Charles, his wife, Wendy, and McGarity all shared thoughts about the beloved mascot.

Charles said that Russ had stopped eating late in his life, prompting an idea to feed him pork roast, ground beef and boiled chicken and rice.

"He started to eat again," Charles said.

After Charles and Wendy spoke, their8-year-old son closed the ceremony with a short reading.

"Have you a dog in Heaven, Lord?" Cecil Seiler read aloud. "Is there room for just one more? 'Cause my little dog died today, he'll be waiting at your door. Please take him into Heaven and keep him there for me. Just feed him, pet him, love him - that's all he'll ask of thee."