Uggie the dog, the charming Jack Russell terrier who starred in Oscar-winning film The Artist, is now the face of a PETA (People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals) poster campaign.

Almost certainly the world’s most famous mutt, Uggie has lent his lovable furry mug to a moody black-and-white advert (full version below) that asks people to adopt pets, rather than buy them. “I’m Uggie, and I was adopted,” reads the caption. “Millions of dogs are waiting in animal shelters for a loving home. Adopt, don’t buy.” A worthwhile message, I think we can all agree. It’s understood Uggie waived his usual fee of 5 Bonios and ten minutes of belly rubs for the ad.

The backstory of Uggie has now become pretty well-known: the canine actor had too much energy for his first two owners to cope with, and he ended up with dog trainer Omar Von Muller, who adopted him and turned him into a four-legged movie star.

Uggie has now been retired from films – he’s close to turning a grand ten years old – but Von Muller has previously said he would let the dog do an occasional advert. Mimi Bekhechi, manager for PETA UK said:

“Animal shelters are full to the brim with dogs and cats who are waiting for the opportunity to become the star of a loving family. Peta encourages everyone who is considering bringing a canine companion into their lives to save a life by adopting from an animal shelter – and never patronising breeders or pet shops.”

Uggie is in prestigious company with his new PETA campaign – previously, the likes of Justin Bieber, Kellan Lutz, Audrina Patridge, Eva Mendes and (a nude) Pamela Anderson have all posed for the organisation. Here’s the full heartwrenching poster:

[Via PETA]

Uggie The Dog Stars In Peta Ad [D'awww] is a post from: The Inquisitr