pet connection

The most-e-mailed story on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Web site? The introduction of Uga VII, the University of Gerogia’s new mascot:

Sound the trumpets and roll out the red carpet. The new Uga has arrived and his name is “Loran’s Best.”

Uga VII was officially named Friday and will make his public debut before Saturday’s game against Georgia Southern. The dog, who is nearly 3 years old, will be escorted onto the field by the Seiler family, who has owned the continuous line of mascots since Uga I took up the mantle in 1956.

At 56-1/2 pounds, Uga VII succeeds his father, Uga VI, who died of heart failure in June. He is second only to Uga VI as the biggest mascot in the line.

Sonny Seiler, the dog’s owner, said “Loran’s Best” was one of three bulldogs considered for the gig. This bulldog won out because he had everything the Seilers were looking for.

“He had all the qualities physically,” Seiler said. “He had the demeanor. He’s the spitting image of his father.

The Georgia fans will be pretty worked up today in Athens, with a new dawg and all the dawgs ranked No. 1 at the start of the season.

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Off shortly to San Francisco , where Christie and I will be heading to Slow Food Nation for part of the day. Last night, I had a nice visit with fellow PetConnection blogger Kim Campbell Thornton, her husband, Jerry, and their Cavaliers, Bella, Twyla and baby Harper. They’re all on their way to Seattle, and multiple stops along the way.

Kim had to see the chickens, so we came back to the house. She was quite taken with Nadine, one of the Cinnamon Queens from the California Education Through Animals Foundation. When I dropped them back off at their motel, Kim was musing how she could possible handle a chicken — maybe a bantam? — at their condo. Note to Kim and Jerry: Check out the article on leash-training your chicken at the American Silkie Bantam Club Web site!