Uggie Named Spokesdog for the Humane Society's Pets of Valor Award

The adorable Jack Russell is back, and helping pets off screen in his spare time!

Published February 28, 2013

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Uggie the dog, the canine made famous for his acting in 2012's award-winning film "The Artist", has been named the spokesdog for the Humane Society of the United States' Pets of Valor Award.

Uggie the dog, the memorable Jack Russell who received praise for his canine acting in 2012's Best Picture-winning film The Artist, retired after this final film, choosing to ride off in to the sunset when he was on top of his game. While many surely missed the dog's presence on the Hollywood scene, Uggie didn't stay quiet in retirement, releasing his own autobiography to much fanfare. Uggie fans have even more to cheer about now, with the recent confirmation that, at least for one night, he will be back in show business.

That's because the Jack Russell has been selected by the Humane Society of the United States to be the spokesdog for the organization's Pets of Valor Award, according to a Yahoo! story. The award honors a "rescued or adopted dog or cat who has acted heroically to help a person in need,", according to the HSUS website.

As a high-profile pooch himself who was adopted by his owner and trainer, Omar Von Muller, Uggie seems to be the perfect choice for spokesdog for the award. Uggie's own personal life shows that adopted animals can make great pets and achieve success, and are certainly capable of heroics.

The Pets of Valor Award is set to be presented this summer on June 2nd. Pet owners can nominate their animals for the award on the HSUS website until March 31, at which point five finalists will be selected and a winner chosen through online voting from May 24-31.

What are your thoughts on the Pets of Valor Award and the decision to name Uggie its spokesdog? Tell us in a comment.

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Comments (4)

Mariya (Unverified)
Well getting a pet is a big reisonsibilpties Will U be getting it from a trustworthy breeder where you get to see the pup parents free from any disease which is inherited .I would recommend adopt dogs from home shelter rather than to buy a pet . Yes , Adopted dog are mostly matured dog .They tend to be in secured as their owner may had given up on them . But been the 2nd owner need alto of patience and assured them that they are loved.Please remember a dog will stay for at least 15+ .So think about the next 15 year, are you ready for him .What about when the mother is not free and need to travel, where and who would you placed your cute dogs?Dog food ,are you going to feed him with dry food or home cooked food ?Vaccine ,Bringing it to a vet if the dog fall ill .Which vet in your area is good ?training your dog .Are you bringing to obedience classes or you are training it yourself?you need to dog proof your home . You need to make sure thefloor are clean and all poison and health hazard plants are away from the dog .Buying child lock gates to prevent it from running out of the house and ended to be stray dog .And your other family member.How will they see the dog , will they love the dog or shun the dog ?And having a pet need alot of PATIENCE AND LOVE .There is alot of commitment and time needed in raising a pet.know your pet nature .The well-bred Bichon Fries is feisty, sensitive, playful, and affectionate. A cheerful attitude is a prominent personality trait. Most Bichons enjoy socializing with people and most dogs. Bichons may be relatively stubborn, but are also said to be patient. They may tend to nip gently in play. They may have sudden bursts of energy resulting in the blitz or buzz , where they race around in circles until they collapse happily onto their backs. They are great around children and also good watch dogs. They tend to be very friendly towards people even outside of the immediate family.Secondly ,then if you are buying a puppy ,you can start thinking of where should he sleep ? U can buy a crate to toilet train him . Place newspaper in the crate and let him used to paper training him.U have to set the boundaries especially when he is a pup.Bichons can also be hard to house train. A crate is usually the best method of training. The puppy should come to see his/her crate as his personal space so avoid using it as discipline for bad behavior to maximise house training potential.Because Bichons do not shed, they are suitable for many people with allergies; however human sensitivity to dog fur varies considerably. People with dog allergies should first visit with a Bichon to test their individual reaction before committing to ownership.Like most non-shedding dogs, Bichons are high-maintenance. They require regular grooming, which can be expensive and/or time-consuming. If you don't brush their fur, it will get matted and tangled.And there are also allergies or skin problem in dog .Surf the website for more information on your dog , or go your local library and read up on them , or buy books on your dog care .A pet is quite a big commitement . All the best and Hope your family will have a good time with your new family member !
Anonymous (Unverified)
Uggie's a jack russell - there's no doubt in my mind He can handle the job.
Barbaraannecampbell (Unverified)
Ithinkitsfine,butwhyajackrussel.butidothinkheiscute.alsothethepetsofvalorawardithinkisagoodidea.whtnot.petsdoasmuchaspeopleright.
seriously (Unverified)
Barbara Ann Campbell, the SPACE bar is the long skinny bar located at the bottom of your keyboard. It is a friend of words because it gives each word space to breathe and be understood.
Anonymous (Unverified)
Yay Uglie! Rock on, little guy.