‘Artist’ star Uggie leaves paw prints in Hollywood

Every dog has its day - and Monday belonged to Uggie.

The canine star of the Oscar-winning film “The Artist” became the first dog to put its paw prints in cement outside the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

The rambunctious Jack Russell terrier was celebrated at a treat-laden ceremony outside the landmark as Councilman Tom LaBonge declared it “Uggie Day” in Los Angeles.

“The main message that Uggie would like to send to everybody out there is to please adopt,” Uggie’s trainer, Omar Van Muller, told the crowd. “He’s adopted. He made it. If you guys can adopt a dog, even if they don’t make it on the big screen, they’ll be big stars at your house.”

The event also marked Uggie’s retirement from show business. Van Muller said Uggie, whose other film credits include “Mr. Fix It” and “Water for Elephants,” would no longer star in films but would appear at charity events and other functions.

Uggie, who arrived at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in a fire truck, was bestowed with a golden bow-tie collar and given a cake in the shape of a fire hydrant after performing tricks for photographers and tourists lining a red carpet.

He was later joined by pooch pals Lassie and Rin Tin Tin and “Artist” actor Ken Davitian.

A pair of Uggie’s “Artist” co-stars - his brother Dash and another Jack Russell named Dude - were noticeable absent Monday. The trio shared the role of the canine companion to Jean Dujardin’s fading silent film star in “The Artist.” The movie won five trophies at the Academy Awards earlier this year, including the best picture prize.

Uggie was nearly upstaged at his own event when pop star Katy Perry unexpectedly appeared across the street, attracting a crowd of police and barking fans. Perry was scheduled to appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
AP