From the "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder" File: Remembering a Pooch Named Ellie

She was judged "The World's Ugliest Dog" in Animal Planet's 2009 "World Ugliest Dog Pageant." (Did you know such a thing existed???)

Her name is Ellie. She's pictured above. And she passed away the other day at age 17. (Source)

I don't know about you, but I see nothing ugly about this Chinese Crested Hairless, who hails from the small town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. In fact, I think she was downright cute! With her bulging eyes, wild wisps and big pink tongue constantly sticking out the corner of her mouth, Ellie was a favorite at dog shows across the country. She also made lots of appearances at Humane Society fundraisers.

Farewell, Ellie. We will miss you! But Ellie's name lives on. I think it's simply wonderful that the mayor of Pigeon Forge has honored Ellie's fundraising abilities (Ellie's appearances have raised more than $100,000 for her hometown over the years) by designating November 12 as Miss Ellie Day. How cool is that??

Another major loss was the death of actress Rue McClanahan (Blanche from TV's Golden Girls) at age 76. Rue was a vegetarian most of her life, a gentle soul who loved all animals, and one of the earliest card-carrying members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). She was also a supporter of Farm Sanctuary (so was Golden Girls co-star Bea Arthur; and of course, one of the other Golden Girls, Betty White, is a legendary animal advocate). McClanahan used her Hollywood clout to stick up for the animals.

Rue will be sorely missed.

Not only was she a talented actress, but she was also a person who made a huge difference.