Uggie, canine star of Oscar-winning The Artist, put to sleep

The canine star of the Oscar-winning film The Artist has been put down after succumbing to a prostate tumour, according to reports. Uggie, the 13-year-old Jack Russell who played ‘The Dog’ in the 2011 film, was put to sleep on Friday in Los Angeles, TMZ said. Owner Omar Von Muller, who rescued Uggie from being sent to the dog pound, said the decision to end Uggie’s suffering was “difficult”, particularly during the last few weeks of his life. Uggie was banned from Oscar nomination because he was a dog but he did win the coveted Palm Dog gong at Cannes in 2011 and the first Golden Collar award in Los Angeles.

Everybody thinks I am a great trainer. I don’t think so. I think he is just a great dog.

Uggie owner Omar Von Muller

One of Uggie’s most famous roles was in period drama Water For Elephants in 2011 but it was his work in The Artist that won him hearts the world over. He was considered by many to have upstaged even his human co-stars.

I will forever hold him dearly in my heart and never forget his infinite love for chicken and hotdogs.

Sarah Clifford, who was one of Uggie’s trainers

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