February 27, 2012: We've scoured the Web to find the best and most compelling animal stories, videos and photos. And it's all right here.

Uggie Has a Big Night at the Oscars

Everyone’s favorite Jack Russell Terrier may not have been up for an Academy Award himself, but he did make it onto the stage — and into at least one acceptance speech. Best Director winner Michel Hazanavicius mentioned Uggie’s acting prowess, but added, "I don't think he understands what I'm saying. He's not that good." The pooch joined fellow cast members on stage as they celebrated The Artist’s Best Picture win, and Jean Dujardin left the stage carrying Uggie in one hand and the golden statuette in the other. — Read it at CBS News

Entrepreneur Opens a D.C. Dog-Washing Business

Ethel Taylor was once a missionary in Liberia. Now she’s on a mission to bathe Washington, D.C.’s dogs. Despite not having business experience or even a great love of dogs, Taylor saw a big opportunity when she invested in a new innovation out of Australia — a self-serve canine washing machine, the K9000. — Read it at the Washington Post

Massive Lobster Found Off the Coast of Maine

A 27-pound lobster caught by a shrimp boat crew off the coast of Rockland, Maine, has been named Rocky. But this crustacean won’t be showing up on anyone’s dinner plate: The big guy, one of the largest ever caught in the state, was initially donated to the Maine State Aquarium, then released back into the Atlantic. — See the photo at the Huffington Post

Gracie the comfort dog

Comfort Dog Gets Elementary School Gig

The students at an Iowa elementary school have a new best friend: Gracie the Golden Retriever. The comfort dog has a “calming influence” when kids are learning to read — and she helps them to open up if they’re having a bad day. — Watch it at CNN

Strange New Bat Spotted in Vietnam

The Griffin’s leaf-nosed bat, which sports leaf-like facial protrusions, was first found in 2008, but the bat was mistaken for a known species. Further research has revealed that this bat is different from the giant leaf-nosed species, especially when it comes to personality. While the giant species reacts “angrily” when captured, this bat “seems quite gentle.” — Read it at National Geographic News

Ghengis Khan Stewart Shares His Memories of Westminster

If only dogs could talk. Well, Martha Stewart’s Chow Chow, known as G.K. for short, sat down to tell People about his experience at the Westminster Dog Show. “My favorite part of the experience has to be when I saw Martha's face light up after I won Best of Breed,” he said. — Read it at People Pets