ATHENS, Ga. -- A private burial service for Georgia mascot UGA VII will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Sanford Stadium. The service will not be open to the public, according to UGA officials.

A statement from the university said UGA VII died of heart-related causes.

"We are all in a state of shock," said the dog's longtime owner, Sonny Seiler, in the statement. "We had no warning whatsoever."

There will be no live mascot at Georgia's game against Kentucky on Saturday but a wreath will be placed on the dog house on the north sideline.

"He was 10-3 last year, which is not bad for a freshman," said Seiler. "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."

The dog, named "Loran's Best," made his football debut in August 2008 in a ceremony before Georgia's 45-21 win over Georgia Southern. School officials said an announcement is expected shortly.

He was the latest in a line of mascots that have been featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated, Time, Newsweek and in several movies.

The previous mascot, Uga VI, died of heart failure in June 2008 after a nine-year reign. He was the school's winningest mascot with an 87-27 record, seven wins in nine bowl appearances and a pair of Southeastern Conference championships.

"This is a very sad day not only for the Seiler family, but also for all Georgia people," said Damon Evans, UGA's Director of Athletics. "Just as his ancestors, he had captured the hearts of college football fans everywhere as the country's number one mascot. He had been truly embraced by all those who follow the Georgia Bulldogs across the country. We will miss him dearly."

LINK: UGA VII's Web Page