Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon, emerged victorious at this year's World’s Ugliest Dog contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California.
Diagnosed with canine distemper early in life, Wild Thang battled through developmental setbacks, including the inability to grow teeth and a muscular disorder affecting one of his legs. Despite these adversities, his spirited demeanour and undeniable charm captivated both judges and spectators alike at his fifth appearance in the contest. This was his first win.
Ann Lewis, Wild Thang’s human, will receive a $5,000 prize and an appearance on NBC’s Today show.
The contest, a Petaluma tradition since 1971, aims to promote the adoption of animals from shelters.
The contest is held annually and has taken place for nearly 50 years. Its website notes that “the contest speaks to the importance of advocating for the adoration of all animals and the benefits of adopting”.
This year’s event featured a diverse lineup of canine contestants, each with their own tales of survival and second chances. Among them was Rome, a 14-year-old pug who clinched the coveted People’s Choice award, and Daisy Mae, a senior mixed-breed dog who claimed third place despite facing health challenges.
Other entrants included Chihuahua mixes, Chinese crested mixes and pug mixed breeds, including a 14-year-old brussels-griffon/pug mix named Freddie Mercury. Freddie Mercury is the official mascot of Petaluma’s local ice-cream truck and is kind of a local celebrity. He did not win a prize at his debut this year.
Voting was conducted by a panel of judges, with the public able to vote online for the people’s choice award category, which went to the pug Rome.
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