Damn Good Dogs: The Real Story of Uga, the University of Georgia's Bulldog Mascots [Paperback]

Sonny Seiler (Author), Kent Hannon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2006

Readers are offered a rare glimpse into the personal 50-year history of the nationally acclaimed mascot for the Georgia Bulldogs, Uga, English bulldogs so revered they are buried in a mausoleum at Sanford Stadium when they die. Full of anecdotes – such as Uga V’s famous plunge at an Auburn player in 1996, his appearance in several major Hollywood films, and Sports Illustrated’s decision to put him on the cover of their 1997 college sports issue – this new softcover edition of the book is lavishly illustrated with color photos and memorabilia, and features other stories involving longtime Georgia head coach Vince Dooley and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sonny Seiler is the owner of the line of six white English bulldogs who have served as GeorgiaÂ’s mascot since 1956. He is an internationally-known attorney who represented Jim Williams in the murder trial made famous in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Seiler appeared with Uga V in Clint EastwoodÂ’s film version of the book. Frank W. (Sonny) Seiler lives in Savannah, Georgia. Kent Hannon is currently the editor of Terry Magazine, a publication of the University of GeorgiaÂ’s Terry College of Business. Previously, he spent 13 years in the editorÂ’s chair at Georgia Magazine and is a former staff writer at Sports Illustrated. Kent Hannon resides in Athens, Georgia. Past titles include Damn Good Dogs: The Real Story of Uga, the University of GeorgiaÂ’s Bulldog Mascots (Hill Street Press, 2002).

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sports Publishing (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596701471
• ISBN-13: 978-1596701472
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,092,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars World's Greatest Mascot, December 28, 2002

By 

Allen A. Wheeler (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Damn Good Dogs! The Real Story of Uga, the University of Georgia's Bulldog Mascots (Hardcover)

This is a book that actually needed to be written for a variety of reasons. On many differant levels, the story of the growth of Uga 1 through Uga V1 is also the story of the growth of a family, a region, and that of a world class university.
In 1956, Mr. Frank Seiler and his wife,Cecilia, receive a English Bulldog puppy as a belated wedding gift. These two people who hail from Georgia were just getting started in life as a married couple and in their careers. Mr. Seiler as a law student at Georgia on his way to becoming a well known Savannah attorney, and Cecelia as a homemaker and fellow university graduate. While working at the Georgia ticket office in 1956 Athens, Mr.Seiler is asked by Coach Wally Butts if the university could use their dressed up English Bulldog to generate some excitement for the football team after Uga 1 causes a stir in the stands during a game. This is where the rest of the story begins.
By using archival photos and recollections, Mr. Seiler relates how the Uga legend came to be. It tracks the growth of the Seiler family which eventually includes four children who all became caretakers to the Uga line. This story also explains the hard work and dedication that The Seiler's have shown in going to all Georgia home games and many away games.Even with a busy law practice and a growing family, The Seiler's give their time and energy to growing the dogs both as pets and as world famous mascots. Damn Good Dogs! is the story of a loving, hard working family and the dedication they show towards a university that has grown by leaps and bounds in 45 years. Today, Uga VI is the face of the University of Georgia. Anywhere in the world it is a symbol for everyone associated with the University of Georgia and the city of Athens, Georgia. This book tells how this actually came to be.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! What a treat from Sonny and Uga!, December 26, 2002

By 

Marc Schaub "schauby" (Advance, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Damn Good Dogs! The Real Story of Uga, the University of Georgia's Bulldog Mascots (Hardcover)

I don't know of any book that provides a more comprehensive history of a line of animals than this one. Uga is beloved by UGA students, grads and fans, and this book is a beautiful tribute to what he has meant not only to Georgia football, but to the University of Georgia as a whole. The pictures in this book are beautiful and Sonny and Cecilia Seiler's memories are almost palpable.

Let's face it, there is no mascot more revered: the Dawgs are buried in the Stadium, for Heaven's sake! This book is a must read for Georgia fans, young and old.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If your blood runs red and black, this book is for you!, May 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Damn Good Dogs! The Real Story of Uga, the University of Georgia's Bulldog Mascots (Hardcover)

This book is entirely entertaining as well as informative.

I am truly fortunate because my brother was nice enough to stand in line to get me an autographed copy of this book!! The stories within, some you've heard and some you've not, will make you laugh and cry. "Damn Good Dog", I guess that sums it up!

Go Dawgs!!
UGA Alumni, relocated North of the Mason-Dixon