PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Miss Ellie, a small, bug-eyed Chinese crested hairless whose pimples and lolling tongue helped her win Animal Planet’s “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest in 2009, has died at age 17 after a career in resort show business in the Smoky Mountains.
Ellie starred in shows at the Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge, appeared on the Animal Planet cable show “Dogs 101” as well as on billboards and even did a commercial.
Miss Ellie was rescued eight years ago by Dawn Goehring from an owner who didn’t want her anymore. The dog had been living in a garage.
“She started traveling with me and the dogs within a year,” said Goehring, who owns and trains canines featured at the Comedy Barn.
Ellie was indifferent to performing, Goehring said, but would appear on stage.
Pigeon Forge Mayor Keith Whaley proclaimed Nov. 12 “Miss Ellie Day” for Goehring’s efforts to raise money for local rescue groups. Over the years, Ellie helped raise more than $100,000 for the Sevier County Humane Society.
