PETALUMA, Calif. — A dog from North Bend, Oregon named "Wild Thang" took home first prize in the "World's Ugliest Dog" contest this past weekend, securing his first gold medal in the competition after taking home silver numerous times.
The Pekingese dog from North Bend, a town on the Oregon Coast near Coos Bay, was honored Friday as the World's Ugliest Dog at the annual contest in Petaluma, California, after three straight years of placing second.
According to the official website of the competition, the "annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of 'ugly' dogs, but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!"
Wild Thang was born in Los Angeles before "retiring" to North Bend. When he was young, Wild Thang contracted canine distemper from a foster rescue puppy, a virus which can affect many different mammals and can cause respiratory and spinal issues.
The virus caused Wild Thang's teeth to not grow in all the way, causing his tongue to stay out. His front right foot also paddles while he walks. Other than that, his owner, Ann Lewis, said he is a healthy, happy dog.
According to the World's Ugliest Dog website, Wild Thang loves people, other dogs, and especially his toys. His is purpose in life, though, is to promote pet vaccination.
Wild Thang doesn't only support the vaccination of pets, he and his owner have raised money to adopt Pekingese dogs in Ukraine into safe homes. They have already helped seven Pekingese find adoptive homes in the United States and Canada.
While it may sound cruel to nominate a dog as the ugliest in the world, the contest is anything but that.
The official website for the contest reads, "Dogs of all breeds and sizes have warmed our hearts and filled our lives with unconditional love. This world-renowned event celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique."
The contest advocates for the adoption and appreciation of dogs and puppies who may have deformities.
Wild Thang will return to Oregon with a new sense of pride as well as a shiny gold trophy.