Uggie, the Jack Russell terrier who charmed audiences in the 2011 Oscar-winning film "The Artist," has died. Omar Von Mueller, his Los Angeles-based owner and trainer announced Uggie's death earlier today in a Facebook post. The 13-year-old dog had a cancerous tumor on his prostate.
Uggie started his life bouncing around among owners who were not prepared to own a Jack Russell terrier. The little dog was, in fact, headed for the pound when Mr. Van Mueller rescued him as a possible trick dog prospect. Uggie did well, and the rest is movie history.
Along with "The Artist," Uggie also appeared in 2011's "Water for Elephants," alongside Reese Witherspoon, and he had a cameo in the 2012 Will Ferrell election comedy "The Campaign."
Jack Russells are small dogs with a great deal of drive, which makes them ideal for trick performance dogs, but often too much for folks looking for simple house pets.
Jack Russells are game-bred hunting dogs, and they are NOT the dog for every one. In fact, hundreds of thousands Jack Russell Terriers are abandoned to shelters every year, and scores of thousands die there, for no other reason than they are no longer puppies and are normal, adult, Jack Russells Terriers.
If you, or anyone you know, is thinking of getting a Jack Russell, stop them from acting in haste and urge them to read Bad Dog: An Article for Prospective Terrier Owners.
Then have them read Bad Dog Talk for Jack Russell Terriers from the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America.
Then have them read this general piece: So You Want a Dog? Terrierman's Top Ten Tips for Avoiding Expense & Misery.
Have them pay special attention to the last few lines under point number one:
If you will not consider getting an adult dog from a local shelter or over-stocked breeder, you do not want a dog. You want a puppy. And what you need is a cat.
If Uggie could speak, this would be his last and most heart-felt message to all: Breed less, love more, train better, and above all consider getting your dog from the pound.
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