homecoming game against Vanderbilt. On January 7, 2011, UGA officials announced that Uga VIII had been diagnosed with canine lymphoma, which led to his death on February 4, 2011. Epitaph: He Never Had A Chance Uga IX ("Russ", 2012–15; interim mascot, 2009–12) – After the death of Uga VII, his five-year-old half-brother, Russ, was selected as interim mascot for the final two games of the 2009 season. He continued as interim mascot for the first six games of the 2010 season and participated in a "passing of the collar" ceremony for Uga VIII before the Homecoming game against Vanderbilt. Less than three months later, Russ was once again called on to serve at the 2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl, due to a then-unspecified illness suffered by Uga VIII (later revealed to be canine lymphoma). After the death of Uga VIII five weeks later, it was announced that Russ would continue as interim mascot indefinitely. Russ served during the entire 2011 season as interim mascot, and UGA Director of Athletics Greg McGarity announced on August 30, 2012, that Russ received a "battlefield promotion" and would assume the title of Uga IX. The official ceremony was conducted prior to the Georgia vs. Florida Atlantic home football game on Saturday, September 15, 2012. Uga IX died of natural causes on December 21, 2015, at 11 years-old. He was the only official Uga mascot to date that had visible brown markings, as other members were selected for an all-white hair coat or had markings that were hidden from view by the jersey. Epitaph: He endeared himself to the Georgia people. His dedication to duty when called upon was exemplary. Uga X ("Que", 2015–present) – Won two SEC championships (2017, 2022), one Rose Bowl (2018), one Sugar Bowl (2020), two Peach Bowls (2021, 2022), one Orange Bowl (2021) and two CFP National Championships (2022, 2023). A grandson of Uga IX, he was introduced at the November 21, 2015 game against Georgia Southern. Temporary mascots Since 1956, four other bulldogs (three of which were from the Uga family line) have served as temporary sideline mascots when the current Uga was not available. The bulldog later known as Uga IX served two terms as an interim mascot before officially becoming Uga IX. Bugga Lou – 1971 – This unrelated, female, brown-and-white bulldog filled in for an ailing Uga II at the South Carolina and Florida games during the