June 22nd 2024.
The World's Ugliest Dog Awards have just announced their latest winner for this year's competition. It's none other than Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese pup who beat out some tough competition to claim the crown. The annual event, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, saw eight dogs vying for the coveted title. What's even more heartwarming is that most of these furry contestants were once shelter dogs who have finally found their forever homes.
Wild Thang, hailing from Coos Bay, Oregon, has actually participated in the World's Ugliest Dog contest five times before. Talk about determination! He even came in second place three times, but this year, he finally took home the top prize. This competition, which has been running for nearly 50 years, celebrates the unique imperfections that make all dogs special and lovable.
Wild Thang's distinct appearance is a result of contracting distemper when he was just a 10-week-old puppy. This disease stunted the growth of his teeth, leaving him with a hanging tongue, and also caused a muscular disorder in one of his legs. Despite the challenges he's faced, Wild Thang has survived and is now thriving with his forever family. His biography even states that his leg paddles 24/7, but that doesn't stop him from living his best life.
Coming in second place is Rome, a 14-year-old pug who uses a wheelchair to get around. This was Rome's first time competing in the World's Ugliest Dog contest, and he also won the coveted People's Choice award. His owner, Michelle Grady, expressed her love for the competition and its celebration of imperfectly perfect dogs like Rome.
The third-place winner is Daisy May, a 14-year-old rescue dog who has had a rough past. She was rescued from the streets at the age of two and has since lost her hair, teeth, and vision. Her owner, Elizabeth Whitehouse, was surprised to see Daisy May place in the competition, but she knows that her dog's beauty goes beyond physical appearance.
Aside from the judges' vote, there was also a special People's Choice award where fans could vote for their favorite dog. This award went to Rome, the pug who came in second place. The winning dog and its owner received a cash prize of $5000, while second and third place took home $3000 and $2000 respectively.
Other notable entries in this year's competition include a mixed-breed Chihuahua, Chinese Crested dogs, and Pugs. One dog named Poppy is described as having a "chupacabra-chic" appearance, while another named Freddie Mercury is a hit with children at birthday parties in his hometown due to his unique face that resembles a fork-lift.
It's heartwarming to see that the World's Ugliest Dog Contest has been going strong for over 30 years. This just goes to show that a dog's pedigree does not define its worth or beauty. Last year's winner, Scooter, a hairless Chinese Crested pup with deformed back legs, proves that even dogs with physical disabilities can win hearts and minds. The competition's website even emphasizes that it's not about making fun of "ugly" dogs, but rather celebrating their unique and lovable personalities.
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