The annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest took place at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, where an 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang from Oregon won the top prize. Wild Thang, known for his unique features such as a lolling tongue and unruly fur, finally took home the $5,000 check after finishing in second place three times in the past.
Wild Thang’s owner, Ann Lewis of North Bend, expressed her joy at her pet’s win. She stated that Wild Thang was a fan favorite at the competition. Now living in Oregon after being born and raised in Los Angeles, Wild Thang contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster, which caused his tongue to stick out. Despite this, Wild Thang is healthy and happy, according to his owner.
The judges of this year’s contest were moved by Wild Thang’s story and felt that he truly deserved to win after previously coming in second place several times. Alongside Wild Thang, second place was awarded to a wheelchair-bound pug named Rome, and the bronze medal went to a mixed breed rescue named Daisy May.
The prize for winning the Ugliest Dog contest included an exclusive first interview with NBC’s “Today” show, which Wild Thang’s owner agreed to. This interview is set to air live on Monday morning
