( CNN ) -- Uga VII , the University of Georgia mascot whose deeply furrowed face was a fixture at the school for more than a year , died early Thursday , the university said . He was 4 years old . The purebred English bulldog died of heart-related causes in Savannah , Georgia , according to its owner , Frank `` Sonny '' Seiler . Fans knew Uga VII had arrived when the white dog , sporting a spiked collar and red Georgia University jersey , made his short strides along the football field 's sidelines . He made his first appearance at the August 30 , 2008 , season opener , when Georgia faced off against Georgia Southern , the university said . He was nearing the end of his second season with the team , the university said . He was preceded by his father , Uga VI , the university 's winningest mascot , who died of congestive heart failure . `` This is a very sad day for the Seiler family but also for all Georgia people , '' said Damon Evans , University of Georgia director of athletics in a university news release . `` Just as his ancestors , he had captured the hearts of college football fans everywhere as the country 's No . 1 mascot . He had been truly embraced by all those who follow the Georgia Bulldogs across the country . We will miss him dearly . '' Uga VII 's given name was Loran 's Best , the university said . His death was unexpected . `` We are all in a state of shock , '' Seiler said in the release . `` We had no warning whatsoever . '' A wreath will be placed on Uga VII 's doghouse on the sideline , the university said . There wo n't be a live mascot to take his place at Saturday 's game against Kentucky . Officials have not decided who will replace the white bulldog , but the decision is expected next year , Seiler said . Until then , fans and Seiler will mourn the loss of the school 's favorite pooch . `` He was 10-3 last year , which is not bad for a freshman , '' Seiler said . `` 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 . ''
B ##h was in his second year as University of Georgia mascot . Purebred English bulldog died of heart - related causes . Officials have to decide next year who will replace the white dog .