ATHENS — Uga VIII, Georgia's white English bulldog mascot, has been buried at Sanford Stadium beside his predecessors.

The dog served as mascot for only half of a season before his death from lymphoma on Friday.

Uga VIII, only 17 months old, lived with the Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler family of Savannah. The family says Uga VIII was buried Saturday in a private ceremony.

Wendy Seiler, whose husband Charles is the mascot's chief handler, says Uga VIII was on his bed with his toys when he died in his sleep. Uga VIII was diagnosed with the cancer in early January.

Uga VIII took over last season for Russ, Uga VII's half brother who filled in as mascot in 2009 and early in 2010. Russ again will step in as the school's mascot.