Wild Thang, owned by Ann Lewis of North Bend, Oregon, claimed the coveted title on Friday at the 2024 Worldโs Ugliest Dogยฎ Contest. Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, has become a familiar face to fans of the annual contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma. This marks Wild Thang’s fifth time participating, and his victory is a testament to his undeniable charm and resilience, according to organizers.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including surviving distemper as a puppy, Wild Thang has emerged as a healthy and happy “Glugly” (glamorous/ugly guy). His mission is to raise awareness about the importance of pet vaccinations, using his popular Instagram account, @Wildthangofficial, to spread his message far and wide.
In addition to a guest spot on the “Today” show Monday morning, where he captivated audiences with his unique charm and stories, Wild Thang will also be featured on limited-edition cans of MUG Root Beer, further cementing his place in history. These cans, featuring the top dog’s mugshot, will be released via social media by mid-July. Fans can enter to win one of the limited-edition cans via @mugrootbeer on Instagram and TikTok.
Wild Thang also received a share of $10,000 in cash prizes from MUGยฎ Root Beer, a new sponsor of the Worldโs Ugliest Dogยฎ contest. MUG upped the ante this year by offering $5,000 to the first-place winner, $3,000 to the second-place winner, and $2,000 to the third-place winner.
Rohnert Park’s Rome Wins Second Place, $3K
This year’s highly anticipated competition featured diverse contestants, each with a remarkable story.
In second place and winner of the “People’s Choice” award was Rome, owned by Michelle Grady of Rohnert Park, California.
Rome is a 14-year-old Pug from The Pug Hotel in Rohnert Park. Heโs a sweet old man in a tiny pug body who has captured the hearts of many with his endearing personality and happy feet.
Despite his bowed legs, Rome’s zest for life is evident in his tippy-tap dance moves. Beyond the contest, Rome contributed to his community as a 2023 Wheeling Pug Relay team member, traveling across America to raise funds for providing wheelchairs for differently-abled dogs. He also brings joy to hospice patients and educates children about the importance of adopting senior rescue pets.
Lafayette’s Daisy Mae Wins Third Place, $2K
Securing third place was Daisy Mae, owned by Elizabeth Whitehouse.
The 14-ish-year-old beauty hails from Lafayette, California. Daisy’s unconventional looks have made her a true queen of unconventional beauty. Rescued from the streets at a young age, Daisy overcame adversity and blossomed into a confident and spunky pup.
Daisy’s favorite pastimes include snuggling, annoying her older sister Harriet, and engaging in intense squirrel-chasing sessions. Her journey inspires us by reminding us that true beauty lies within.
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
