They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And the annual World's Ugliest Dog contest unearthed some true diamonds in the ruff at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese , was crowned the winner and collected the $5000 prize after five previous attempts.
"He was a fan favorite ...
he's kind of like the bridesmaid and never the bride," judge Fiona Ma told the Associated Press. READ MORE: Karen never expected to hear what the vet told her at 4am "He really tugged at our heart strings and deserved to win." As a puppy, Wild Thang contracted a virus that almost killed him and left him with permanent damage.
His teeth never developed, so his tongue flops out, and his right front leg paddles all the time. "He's never had a hair cut so that is the way he is and [his owner] shaves his stomach and he likes to sleep on ice packs," Ma added. For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here .
"He is just a sweet dog – I was just holding him and he loves to be held and cuddled. That's part of it, these rescue dogs, they just need forever homes, so please adopt, don't shop." The contest is not about making fun of the dogs, organisers stressed, "but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!" READ MORE: Tips for getting your peace lily to bloom A 14-year-old, one-eyed pug named Rome snagged second place, making his first appearance in the competition.
He has retired.
