Uggie the dog is taking his final bow.
The beloved Jack Russell Terrier star of "The Artist" is being retired by his trainer, Omar Von Muller, a day after being egregiously snubbed by the Academy Awards. The black and white, silent film homage was nominated for ten trophies, and despite international acclaim and a television press tour that rivaled some of the biggest promotional pushes in Hollywood, none of those nods went to the talented canine.
"He may do a couple of little things here and there because he enjoys them, but I don't want to put him through long hours anymore. He's getting tired," Von Muller told Life & Style Magazine.
It was a banner year for Uggie, who, for his roles in both "The Artist" and the circus drama "Water for Elephants," has two nominations in the Best Dog in a Theatrical Film category in the first ever Golden Collar Awards. The show will take place on February 13th, just weeks before the big Oscar ceremony.
Von Muller is at least keeping it in the family when it comes to replacing Uggie on the big screen; the dog's brother Dash will be taking over.
"Uggie is 10 years old and has done a lot of work; he wants to relax at home," he said. "If somebody wants to do a movie with Uggie, they'll just have to deal with Dash!"
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