The annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest was held in the United States.
The winner was 8-year-old Pekingese Wild Tangwho suffered from canine distemper as a puppy and never grew teeth. How reports The New York Times, he received the title of the world's ugliest dog on his fifth attempt. He had previously distinguished himself by helping to evacuate seven Ukrainian dogs from Russian shelling. The organizers of the competition, which took place on June 22 in California, noted:
“His victory is a testament to his unwavering charm and tenacity.”
After being infected with distemper as a puppy – an infectious disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of animals – the dog barely survived. The disease left its consequences: Wilde's teeth never grew, so his tongue is always out, and the dog also has problems with his right hind leg.
But he is described as “a healthy, happy guy who loves people, other dogs, and especially his toys.” The dog also promotes vaccinations for pets and has helped raise money to save his fellow Pekingese from Russian shelling in Ukraine. The contest's website says:
“As of today, seven Pekingese have safely left Ukraine and are now happily living in their adopted homes in Canada and the United States.”
The honorable second place and the audience award went to 14-year-old pug Romewho debuted at the competition. He suffers from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – an obsessive fear of missing out on an interesting event, which makes Rome almost never close his eyes. The dog is also involved in charity – he raises funds for the purchase of wheelchairs for dogs with various problems.
Third place went to Daisy May, a 14-year-old dog who was rescued from a life of homelessness on the streets more than ten years ago.They say about her:
“What she lost over the years in hair, teeth and eyesight, she made up for by gaining friends, self-confidence and courage.”
Besides chasing squirrels and sunbeams, Daisy May loves to cuddle up to people and annoy her older sister.
The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to take part in an evening entertainment show on one of the American TV channels. In addition, he will become the face of a limited series of beer of the sponsor of the competition and will receive a cash prize of 5000 dollars. The organizers of the competition, which has been held for almost 50 years, note that its goal is to note the imperfections of pets, which make them special and unique. The competition website notes:
“While the contest is fun and entertaining, it also highlights the importance of loving all animals and the benefits of adoption. Many of the dogs in the contest have been rescued from shelters and the streets and have found loving homes. The annual contest is not about making fun of “ugly” dogs, but about showing the world that these dogs are truly beautiful!”
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