World's Ugliest Dog is Dead

Pigeon Forge: The winner of Animal Planet's "World's Ugliest Dog" contest in June, 2009, Miss Ellie has died at the age of 17. Ellie was a Chinese Crested Hairless dog, who had a career in resort show business in the Smoky Mountains.

Ellie starred in shows at the Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge, reports the Mountain Press. She also appeared in "Dogs 101", an Animal Planet cable show. Apart from this, she was on billboards and in a commercial too. Over the years, Ellie helped raise more than $100,000 for the Sevier County Humane Society.

November 12 has been proclaimed as "Miss Ellie Day" by Pigeon Forge Mayor Keith Whaley for her owner's efforts to raise money for the local humane society. During her lifetime, Ellie helped to raise over $100,000 for the Sevier County Humane Society.

Miss Ellie, who was rescued from a poor life inside a cage, only had a couple of back teeth, cataracts in both of her eyes, several moles, pimples and limited hair. According to Dog Breed Info Center, dogs kept in small cages under less than ideal conditions seldom have long lives, but 17 is rather respectable for any dog, especially for a dog whose lifespan is supposed to be 10-12 years.