It is a contest where beauty is in the attention of the leash holder.
At the annual contest for the world's ugliest dog on the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, an 8-year-old Pekingese from Oregon named Wild Thang was finally crowned top dog.
Wild Thang and his owner Ann Lewis of North Bend, known for his unique appearance characterised by a lolling tongue and unruly coat, took home a check for $5,000.
Wild Thang had finished second within the competition thrice in recent times.
“Wild Thang was a fan favorite,” said Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer and one among the judges for this 12 months's contest. “The fact that he competed five times and only came in second is like being a bridesmaid and never a bride. I think it really touched us deeply that he deserved to win.”
Wild Thang was born and raised in Los Angeles until he recently moved to Oregon. According to his biography, he contracted distemper as a foster puppy, which caused his tongue to hang around.
Apart from the physical problems, Wild Thang is healthy and completely satisfied, in line with his owner.
The “World’s Ugliest Dog” competition has been a highlight of the fair for nearly 50 years and promotes adopting dogs, especially older dogs, from animal shelters fairly than from breeders.
Second place went to a wheelchair-bound pug named Rome, and the bronze medal went to a rescued mixed-breed dog named Daisy May.
According to Sonoma County newspaper The Press Democrat, which sought an interview with Lewis after Wild Thanga's win, the prizes for this 12 months's ugliest dog contest were contingent on her giving an exclusive first interview to NBC's “Today” show. Lewis and Wild Thanga will appear continue to exist the show Monday morning.
— Employee and wire reports
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