Friday was a special day for Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese with a unique tongue and a limp in his right leg. The Pekingese pup, who hails from Los Angeles but now lives in Oregon with his loving family, finally clinched the coveted title of “World’s Ugliest Dog” at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. After participating in the competition for five years, Wild Thang secured his first-place win after coming in second three times in the past.
One of the judges at the “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest compared Wild Thang’s journey to that of a bridesmaid who never becomes the bride. Despite his unusual appearance, Wild Thang enjoys being held, cuddled, and even sleeping on ice packs. He has had a tough start in life, surviving distemper as a puppy while under the care of a foster family in Southern California. As a result, he now has a waddling right leg and teeth that don’t grow properly.
Wild Thang and his owner, Ann Lewis, use their platform to advocate for dog vaccinations, shedding light on the importance of keeping pets healthy. During the competition, participants shared their heartwarming stories and showcased their unique qualities in hopes of winning over the judges and the sponsor, Mug Root Beer. Mug Root Beer, a first-time sponsor for the event, not only provided cash prizes to the winners but also announced that the champion’s face would be featured on special edition cans of their beverage.
Despite his unconventional looks, Wild Thang’s victory at the “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest serves as a reminder that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. His resilience, charm, and loving nature have captured the hearts of many, proving that appearances aren’t everything. As Wild Thang basks in the spotlight of his well-deserved win, he continues to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate what makes them special.