March 15, 2012: We've scoured the Web to find the best and most compelling animal stories, videos and photos. And it's all right here.

Yoda, the World's Ugliest Dog

Yoda, Who Held the Ugliest Dog Title, Passes Away at 15

The current holder of the World’s Ugliest Dog title died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday. Even Yoda’s owner once admitted that she thought Yoda was a rat when she first found the dog. At less than two pounds, the Chinese Crested and Chihuahua mix won a huge trophy and a $1,000 prize when she claimed the title. A new World’s Ugliest Dog will be named in June. — Read it at the Radar Onlinehttp://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2012/03/world-s-ugliest-dog-dies-yoda-age-15

Georgetown Bulldog Mascot Has to Sit This One Out

It may be the height of the college basketball season, but Jack, the 8-year-old Bulldog who is Georgetown University’s mascot, will have to take it easy on the sidelines. Jack’s vet says that she thinks the dog has a tear in his CCL (the equivalent of a human ACL) that may require surgery. But the beloved Bulldog is otherwise healthy, and he has a good prognosis. — Read it at Today

New Frog Species Discovered — in New York City

Most new species are uncovered in remote areas, but this leopard frog was hiding in the big metropolis known as New York City and its surrounding counties. The frog looked so much like the southern leopard frog that it took genetic testing to determine it was indeed a different species, which has yet to be named. — Read it at The New York Times

HBO Cancels Luck Following Third Thoroughbred Death

“While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won’t in the future,” the executive producers of the HBO series Luck said in a statement. HBO canceled the series, about the seedier side of horse racing, after three horses died during production for the second season, sparking controversy over their safety. — Read it at the LA Times

Polly Bravo, rescued Afghan puppy

Puppy Injured in Afghanistan Gets a New Start in the U.S.

Thanks to the Afghan Stray Animals League, Polly Bravo, an 8-month-old puppy found by U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, has a new home in Alexandria, Va. “He’s been fascinated by toys, running on the hardwood floors downstairs. He’s been fascinated with the grass and the daffodils,” said the pup’s new owner. — Watch it at NBC Washington

Plus: In more rescue news, three U.S. military vets are working to tame 29 wolf-dogs who were retrieved from an Alaska tourist attraction through a program called “Warriors and Wolves.” — Read it at the Daily Democrat