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Each summer, for the last 50+ years, uniquely imperfect yet totally lovable dogs from around the country gather in Petaluma, California to compete for the coveted title of “World’s Ugliest Dog.”
The competition, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair June 19-23, drew thousands of spectators, all hoping to meet one of dozens of homely hounds the enter each year or the celebrity judges that make the tough call. This year was especially tough as the judges called upon the crowd to help them decide and Scamp The Tramp prevailed.
“We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs lovable and adoptable,” explains Karen Spencer, Marketing Director who explains the event is not meant to poke fun at perfectly imperfect pups, but to promote the adoption of dogs who might otherwise seem less adoptable.
“Scamp defines ugly with cute, winning all of our hearts. Let’s all paws for a moment and celebrate the World’s Ugliest Dog: Scamp!” shared long-time returning judge Kerry Sanders, NBC News Correspondent.
Scamp The Tramp was rescued by his fur mommy, Yvonne Morones back in 2014. This is a story of an online swipe right and love at first sight. Yvonne discovered Scamp on PetFinder and immediately melted. It was near his last hour when she pulled in and saved his life.
“It was on the way home that I knew I made the right choice. There we were, two strangers in a car on the way home to a new start. Bob Marley was playing ‘One Love’ and I looked over and little Scamp was bobbing his head. It was like he knew he had found his forever home” Shared Yvonne.
For being crowned the World’s Ugliest Dog, Scamp’s prize included a very large trophy, $1500, and a donated prize match which will be split between the Humane Society of Sonoma County, Angels Fund and Compassion Without Borders.
Scamp competed against 18 other dogs, most of which were also adopted and/or rescued. The red carpet runners up included 2nd Place winner Wild Thang, owned by Ann Lewis and 3rd Place winner Tostito, owned by Molly Horgan who also won the Spirit Award. This year’s People’s Choice Award went to Meatloaf, owned by Denae Pruner.
