The distinctive reaction when a dog passes by on the street with their pet parent is “ wow , what a cute dog . ” But those not - so - endearing andiron merit some erotic love as well . To celebrate these pups , Petaluma , California , has been host a “ World ’s Ugliest Dog ” competition for the retiring 50 old age . Before you get too offended , recognize that there is a kind - hearted mission behind the event . The contest , per the organizers , “ is not about making fun of ‘ surly ’ dog , but have play with some wonderful characters and showing the human race that these dogs are really beautiful ! ”
And on that banknote , the 2024 winner was one very deserving pup . Meet Wild Thang , an 8 - year - old Pekingese who has competed in the contest five times ! The pup , who is toothless and has a spit that hangs adorably to the side , is also invest with a poofy mop of hair — and a very big inwardness .
Wild Thang was yield and raised in Los Angeles and contracteddistemperas a puppy . He survived , just barely , and in accession to the tooth and natural language trial by ordeal , was leave alone with frog legs that paddle 24/7 .
Wild Thang ’s contestant bio describes him as “ a healthy , well-chosen , Glugy ( glamorous / frightful ) guy . ” His life ’s charge is to inspire preferent parents to get their beloved animals vaccinate . And if that is n’t impressive enough , he also has anInstagram accountwhere he documents his daily dangerous undertaking and deputation to feel homes for other Pekingese pups in demand . He has even raised donations through GoFundMe to help get Pekingese living in the war zona in Ukraine to guard .
What to know about canine distemper
Canine distemper is a highly infectious virus that can spread between dog in the air , through direct contact between dogs , or through contaminated detail . “ fortunately , canine distemper is almost totally preventable withvaccination , which is nearly 100 pct effective , ” say Dr. Rhiannon Koehler , a veterinarian in Overland Park , Kansas . Wild Thang ’s exposure as a puppy is an instance of why puppies should not be around other dogs until they ’re fully vaccinated .
Most frankfurter who get infect with dogtooth distemper and forward motion to have neurological signs do not survive . And those who do may have more severe side effect than Wild Thang .
“ Residual twitching and spasms like Wild Thang ’s leg paddling are common in ill humour survivors , but some survivors of canine distemper also have seizures , ” Dr. Koehler articulate . “ And yes , dogs who get infected with canine ill humour before their lasting teeth arise often have lasting damage to their teeth . ”
In these pup , the grownup tooth often still get in , but it ’s common for distemper to make the enamel on adult teeth not to form correctly , so these teeth will have pits in them and appear stained .
“ I am glad Wild Thang still seems to have a good quality of animation and that his family extremity are using the experience to civilise people on the importance of vaccinating , ” Dr. Koehler enjoin .
From the big goofy grin on this pup ’s face during his triumph lick around the crowd ( see video recording here ) , it ’s safe to say he ’s thrilled to be finally taking home the deed . He ’s a worthy populace ’s Ugliest Dog adept , indeed !
Featured image photograph credit : Will Bucquoy for the Sonoma - Marin Fair
