In a heartwarming and humorous tradition, the 2024 World’s Ugliest Dog competition, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, has crowned Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon, as this year’s champion. This victory comes after five previous attempts, marking a triumphant moment for Wild Thang and his owner, Ann Lewis.
A Journey Marked by Perseverance
Wild Thang’s unique appearance, characterized by a perpetually dangling tongue and a muscular disorder in one of his legs, is the result of surviving canine distemper as a 10-week-old puppy. This disease stunted the growth of his teeth and affected his leg muscles, contributing to his distinctive look that won the judges over.
The competition, which has celebrated canine imperfections for nearly 50 years, featured eight contenders this year. Most of these dogs were rescues, highlighting the event’s underlying message about the importance of adopting animals in need of homes.
A Celebration of Imperfections
Wild Thang’s win brings a $5,000 prize and a special appearance on NBC’s The Today Show. Ann Lewis expressed her joy and pride in Wild Thang’s victory, underscoring the message that every dog, regardless of their physical imperfections, has unique beauty and value.
In second place was Rome, a 14-year-old pug in a wheelchair, owned by Michelle Grady. Rome, who made his debut in the contest, won $3,000. Grady praised the competition for showcasing dogs that are “imperfectly perfect,” celebrating their unique charm and resilience.
Daisy May, another first-time entrant, secured third place. This 14-year-old mixed breed dog, rescued from the streets at the age of two, has lost her hair, teeth, and vision. Her owner, Elizabeth Whitehouse, was thrilled and surprised by the podium finish, emphasizing that Daisy May’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
People’s Choice and Honorable Mentions
Rome also captured the hearts of the public, winning the People’s Choice Award through an online vote. The judges, who included NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz, human rights advocate Linda Witong Abrahm, and California’s 34th Treasurer Fiona Ma, had a challenging task with so many lovable and unique contestants.
The competition featured a diverse array of breeds, including Chihuahua mixes, Chinese Crested mixes, and Pug mixes. Freddie Mercury, a first-time entrant described as having “a face like a fork-lift,” didn’t win a prize but left a lasting impression. As a rescue, Freddie serves as the mascot for a local ice cream truck in Petaluma, attending youth football games and birthday parties.
A Message of Love and Adoption
The World’s Ugliest Dog competition is not about mocking the dogs’ appearances but rather about celebrating their unique features and the love they bring to their owners. The event aims to promote the adoption of all animals, regardless of their looks, and to show that every dog is truly beautiful in their own way.
This year’s event was a joyful celebration of these extraordinary dogs and their heartwarming stories. It highlighted the bond between pets and their owners and the importance of giving a loving home to animals who need it the most.
