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PRESS KIT

Press Release:
SCOOTER IS THE WORLD’S UGLIEST DOG!

First Place

Scooter

Chinese Crested

7 years ago, a breeder of Chinese Cresteds brought a brand-new pup to animal control in Tucson for euthanasia.  The little guy had unfortunately been born with two deformed hind legs.  It appeared he would never walk, let alone crawl and fight for his existence.  One of our kind volunteers from Saving Animals from Euthanasia happened to be there and saw this little fellow.  He knew that this pup might have a chance at finding a good home and a fairly normal life with the support of our rescue group.  He brought him home with the other rescues that day.

Today Scooter is not only surviving but thriving.  He has no idea that he is any different from any other dog.  His handicap has not stopped him from a life of locomotion on his two front legs. Swaying side to side he takes on obstacles – stones, curbs, steps – and then throwing his back end to the sky, in one final swoop – he conquers!

But years of walking on his front legs are taking a toll.  He takes frequent rest stops, propping himself up on his butt, which he uses as a tripod.

With some help from funds raised from friends and rescue groups, Scooter has been able to get therapy and a brand-new cart.

The cart is working out well for Scooter. He appreciates his newfound ability to zoom around and check things out. He loves going to the park and welcomes any outstretched hand.

And when the wheels come off, Scooter wobbles off, with a walk that only Scooter can do – On his OWN TWO FEET!

Friday, June 23rd at 6:00 pm – the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest

For nearly 50 years, the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest has been a testament that the pedigree does not define the pet. 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 day begins with pre-contest entertainment and information on pet care and adoption. Each pup and handler will bask in the limelight as they show off their unique beauty to the judges, media, host, and fans. It’s a wonderful show of pageantry and pride.

And while fun and entertaining, the contest speaks to the importance of advocating for the adoration of all animals and the benefits of adopting. Many of the contestant dogs have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills, to find loving homes in the hands of those willing to adopt. Please join us in raising awareness and support for the pets yet to be placed in a loving home.

Prior to arriving for the contest, all the dogs must provide a veterinarian’s paperwork asserting that they are healthy.  The World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest follows up with a vet check on-site just prior to the contest.  Animal rescue and adoption groups are also on site with information showcasing adoptable pets.

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!

Judges

Gaudi Schwartz – co-host of NBC news Stay Tuned

Gadi Schwartz is a co-host of Stay Tuned, NBC News’ daily news show on Snapchat’s Discover platform, as well as the anchor of Stay Tuned NOW, a new daily primetime program on NBC News NOW. Schwartz also hosted the limited series The Overview on Peacock and is an NBC News correspondent.

Over the course of his career, Schwartz has received multiple industry awards, including five regional Emmy Awards and two Los Angeles Golden Mikes.

Catherine Liang – Miss California

David Rabbitt – Sonoma County Board of Supervisors

Brian Sobel – Sobel Communications

Second Place

Wild Thang

7-Year-Old
Pekingeses

Wild Thang is a 7 year male Pekingese, who is no stranger to the ugly dog contest.  This will be his forth time as a contestant.  He was born and raised in Los Angeles and recently retired to North Bend, Oregon.

Wild Thang contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster.  Sadly, after thousands of dollars later, the other puppy did not make it, but Wild Thang did, barely.  He survived, but not without permanent damage.  His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7.  Other than that, he is a healthy, happy Glugly (glamourous/ugly) guy.

He loves people, other dogs and especially his toys.  His purpose in life is to promote the necessity of getting your pets vaccinated.

Wild Thang has an Instagram account (Wildthangofficial) which allows him to keep in touch with all his friends, as well as he has posted a gofundme account to help get his fellow Pekingese, in the war zone in the Ukraine, to safety.  To date, 7 Pekingese have safely made it out of the Ukraine and are now living happily in their adoptive homes in Canada and the US.

Third Place & Spirit Award

Harold Bartholomew

16-Year-Old+
Chihuahua

Harold Bartholomew, 16++, is living his best life in Lake County, CA. Most weekdays he can be found strutting his stuff behind the front desk at VCA Windsor Animal Hospital. Harold, or Harry to his peeps, is a blind, deaf, snot bubble-blowing master who brightens everyone’s day with his stunning looks.

It wasn’t always snot bubbles and rainbows for this exquisitely ugly pooch. Just over a year ago, Harold was found by Underdog Rescue wandering in a park in Antioch, CA. Things were not looking good but Harold’s grumpy face caught the attention of his animal-loving parents. Given his poor condition, Harold was supposed to be on hospice but ugly digs deep and Harold is thriving as best a curmudgeonly gentle dog of his age can.

Realizing there’s a crown for ugly dogs, Harold Bartholomew has endorsed this message. When crowned World’s Ugliest Dog, he plans to use his platform to promote the importance of rescuing animals.

People's Choice Award

Rascal Deux

Hairless Mutant

I’m Rascal Deux, a rescued naturally hairless mutant, 6.5.lb. crazy critter, with Einstein hair, crooked face, 2 different colored eyes, loose tongue, and born without many teeth. Some call me Bat Dog, Space Alien, or a Chupacabra. I’ve won 9 other Ugliest Dog contests so far that NO other living dog has done. I’m “Ugly Dog Royalty” being the 5th generation to carry on the “Ugly Dog Dynasty” after Dad, Original Rascal who won Worlds Ugliest Dog in 2002 and 17 other World record first places. Rescued Great Grandfather, Chi Chi is in the “Guinness Book of World Records” for winning 7 World Titles at Petaluma, and my adopted Great Grandmother, Lady Pink, and Grandmother, Mai Tai winning 3 world titles each. My Master, Actor & TV Personality, Dane Andrew of Sunnyvale, Ca. is breaking his own World Record with his 47th year in world competition. We were on “America’s Got Talent”, Have a music video “You Bring Me Luck” by singer, Athena, Cast in a star-studded Animal Fundraiser film, “The Adventures of Skanky Doo”, and have a cartoon strip named “The Ugliest Dog”, Guest on Creature Features TV show, and even was on the cover of LIVE Magazine with Paris Hilton Holding me. I use my ugly notoriety for good with fundraisers, and school appearances, and soon, use my patented trademark hot dog leash to raise monies for animal charities. I tell the world to spay/neuter, adopt and support your local shelter. Please vote for me since I will donate ALL winnings to charity. WOOF!!!

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