Uggie the Dog, Star of "The Artist", Retires

In a ceremony yesterday in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Uggie the dog, a star of the Oscar-winning film "The Artist", officially retired. The ceremony saw Uggie mark his paw prints in cement outside the famed Hollywood theater, a symbol that although he has retired his legacy will live on.

Uggie had gained popularity earlier this year as a result of his role in the award-winning film "The Artist", where many in the industry felt the dog's performance upstaged his human co-stars. Many even called for the pup to receive recognition for the excellent job he did in his role.

Despite the outcry, though, Uggie was notably snubbed from receiving an Oscar, as Academy Awards can only be won by humans. The snub spurned a movement, "Consider Uggie", to change the Academy's rigid policy, but to no avail.

With his retirement, Uggie ends a fairly illustrious career in film. Outside of his most recent role, the pup gained fame from appearing in the 2005 romantic comedy "Mr. Fix It" and 2011's romantic drama "Water for Elephants".

Uggie the dog's story is all the more remarkable because he was close to not having a movie career, or a home for that matter, at all. The pup was allegedly rejected by his first two owners for wild behavior, and was on the precipice of being placed back in the shelter system when his current owner, Omar Von Muller, took the dog in. Though sources indicate he only intended to foster the dog, Uggie grew on him due to his work ethic and he decided to keep him permanently.

Uggie's retirement comes as he approaches 10 years old, and is certainly a retirement well-deserved.

What do you think about this movie dog's retirement? Share your thoughts in a comment!