New England

Maine Dog Named Finalist in World's Ugliest Dog Contest

The prize for winning the title includes a trophy, $1,500 and a free trip to New York

Could the ugliest dog be living right here in New England? One Maine pet owner sure hopes so.

Molly Horgan, of Falmouth, is excited that her chihuahua Tostito is one of the nine pooches selected as a finalist for the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, according to News Center Maine.

"It's all about celebrating that every dog is really beautiful," Horgan said. "It's not offensive at all."

The contest has been running for nearly 30 years and promotes pet adoption. Along with its “adopt, don’t shop” message, the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest also sends a message that every dog is beautiful no matter how unique their features are. It often highlights pooches who have been saved from puppy mills or adopted from shelters.

Horgan rescued Tostito and knew immediately that he was the pet for her. The pup’s facial features are a result of severe neglect that led to his lower jaw becoming rotted.

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest will be held on June 21 in Petaluma, California. The prize for the contest includes a trophy, free trip to New York and $1,500.

Last year, Zsa Zsa the English bulldog won the title.

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