Vol's dog, Smokey, dies | TigerFan.com

BostonBengal · Mar 21, 2006

Guess even the dog couldn't stand to see all those Vol players convicted....poor dog suffered from high blood pressure.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2373193

Updated: March 20, 2006, 9:43 AM ET
Smokey VIII, Vols football's most victorious dog, diesAssociated Press

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Smokey VIII, the bluetick coonhound mascot with the most victories in Tennessee football history, died Friday from complications from high blood pressure and kidney disease, university officials said.

Still a pup when he started, Smokey VIII led the Volunteers onto the field and howled from the sidelines for eight seasons from 1995 through 2003, making his final appearance at the 2004 Peach Bowl in Atlanta.

The Vols compiled a 91-22 record, claimed two Southeastern Conference titles and won the 1998 national championship during his tenure.

"He served with distinction, weathered storms, cold and heat," said Earl Hudson, who owned the dog since it was two months old. "He came through it all real well and was always rearing to go. He was a great mascot."

Smokey VIII stepped down after being diagnosed in November 2003 with a nasal tumor. He received radiation treatment, then chemotherapy. He was given 13 months to live, but doubled that and lived to be more than 11 years old.

"He always came in with his tail wagging and a friendly howl," recalled Dr. Kate Stenske, his veterinarian. "He will be missed by all his friends at UT Veterinary Hospital."

Tennessee's line of Smokeys began in 1953 and is currently represented by Smokey IX.
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OkieTigerTK · Mar 21, 2006

Being an animal lover, that makes me sad. Having just lost a pet to cancer not long ago, I can relate to how Smokey's owner must feel.

There are a lot of animals I would prefer over a lot of people. My guess is that Smokey would have been the only one associated with Tennessee athletics that I would have liked.

BostonBengal · Mar 21, 2006

OkieTiger said:

Being an animal lover, that makes me sad. Having just lost a pet to cancer not long ago, I can relate to how Smokey's owner must feel.

There are a lot of animals I would prefer over a lot of people. My guess is that Smokey would have been the only one associated with Tennessee athletics that I would have liked.
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Yeah...at least he did drugs that were prescribed...

SabanFan · Mar 21, 2006

That's a shame :dis:

Cajun J · Mar 21, 2006

I like Smokey b/c he would piss on the field at Neyland stadium.

LSUsupaFan · Mar 21, 2006

My dad had to put down his 15 year old beagle right around Christmas. Losing an animal can be really rough.

I dread the day when Mike V goes.

Hawker45 · Mar 21, 2006

So Smokey VIII was 91-22. They ought to build him a shrine.

So that means Smokey IX is 15-9 with one bowl appearance.

good doggie.

blindside517 · Mar 21, 2006

I have 8 dogs...so of coarse this makes me sad...r.i.p. smokey.

TigrinumMajor · Mar 21, 2006

Tennessee officials reported that, even with the high blood pressure and the kidney disease, Smokey was in better shape than Phillip Fulmer.

BostonBengal · Mar 21, 2006

blindside517 said:

I have 8 dogs...so of coarse this makes me sad...r.i.p. smokey.
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8?! :shock: I have my hands full with my 3 year old Boxer, Jazz! ...let alone 8!