University of Virginia Library

Seal — With Fond Memories

Only a few yards northeast of
Hancock Drive, opposite from
Gilmer Hall, stands a tombstone
bearing the inscription. "To
Perpetuate the Memory of Seal.
Mascot and Friend of the Students
of the University" dated
December 11, 1953.

For many years a dog known as
'Seal' served with unflinching
commitment as the University's
mascot. No one seemed quite sure
as to who took care of Seal,
especially during the vacation
periods. But Seal was never skinny,
and he managed to get along better
than many, eating around, never
imposing on one fraternity for food
for too long a time.

Not to be negligent of the duties
of the day, Seal was often seen on
his way to and from classes, many
times submitting to a lecture in Old
Cabell Hall. Many a time did Seal
appeal on the platform during a
speaker's presentation, and he
conducted himself as many do, by
falling into a sound sleep.

Seal's main community
obligations were to the football
teams, and it was from his antics on
the gridiron that most of his
popularity grew. The Corks and
Curls of 1966 provides us with a
running account of Seal's ambitious
behavior.

"You know how a dog will run
onto the field every once and a
while during a football game. Well,
Seal, who was at the University
after World War II, used to make it
a regular practice. His half-time
capers were renowned and
devastating, and they aroused the
emotions of many a student and
alumnus alike. His favorite trick,
the one that won the hearts of all
true Virginia rooters, was to relieve
himself on the goal posts of the
opposing team.

"Seal a legend in his own time,
had an unbroken string of such
triumphs extending over several
seasons when he joined the team on
the infamous Penn trip. That was
the one, if you will recall, on which
the Wahoo Faithful nearly
demolished the hotel where they
were staying. The trusty little black
and white dog of undetermined
ancestry, not to be outdone,
headed for the Penn goal posts
before the half-time gun had
sounded. The opponent's
cheerleaders were prepared,
however, and they formed a line,
blocking the poor dog's path to his
destination. Always a dog with
another trick up his sleeve, Seal
made a beeline for the abandoned
enemy outpost and proceeded to
moisturize his adversaries'
megaphones. Lacking their former
cheering support, the Penn team
fell behind.

University Hall has also paid its
respects to the former great,
providing a glass case to exhibit
Seal's colorful cape and posed
picture. Mr. James Kinnard,
Assistant Director of Admissions,
recalled "Seal was rather lazy,
moved rather slowly, and usually
attended classes." When queried as
to Seal's cause of death, Mr.
Kinnard replied with all due
reverence that the dog "was
probably overindulged."