Wild Thang, the self-proclaimed ‘world’s ugliest dog’, stole the show at the annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, California. With his unique appearance and lovable personality, Wild Thang became a fan favorite after competing in the contest five times and finally taking home the title. Judge Fiona Ma expressed that the win was well-deserved and touched the hearts of many, highlighting the importance of animal rescue and adoption.
The competition, held on June 21, 2024, aims to raise awareness around the importance of rescuing and adopting animals in need. Wild Thang and his owner Ann Lewis were awarded $5,000 for their victory and will make an appearance on NBC’s The Today Show to share their story. Second place was awarded to Rome, a wheelchair-bound pug, with a mixed breed rescue named Daisy May taking home the bronze medal.
Despite his unconventional appearance, Wild Thang’s win showcases that beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder, and that every animal deserves love and a forever home. The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest serves as a reminder to embrace diversity and celebrate the uniqueness of all creatures, no matter their appearance.