Introducing Scooter, the 2023 winner of the annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. Of course, he is the most adorable dog of 2023. And just wait until you read what a great inspiration he is.
First off, take a look at this face. What a punim — too cute! Right?
Scooter is a happy and loveable 7-year-old Chinese Crested, which is a breed of hairless dogs.
His Einstein doo and sideways tongue are irresistible. How can you look at that face and not smile? I know I can’t.
When Scooter was born, his back legs were deformed. The joints are positioned so that his back legs and feet are facing the wrong way. This makes it impossible for him to walk on them.
There Are Angels Among Us
The breeder took the little puppy to the animal control facility in Tucson, Arizona, to be euthanized. But fortunately for our little buddy, a fateful hand stepped in. An angel (volunteer) from Saving Animals from Euthanasia (SAFE) was there and rescued him.
By the way, I would like to say thank you to SAFE; and all the other organizations and special individuals out there like them.
There are so many organizations around the country (and further) that help to save animals from abuse, neglect, and euthanasia.
The vast majority of these are non-profit and can use all the help they can get.
Some of the many ways to help are fostering, volunteering, donating supplies, and of course, monetary contributions. If you would like to help, contact your local rescue and ask them what they need.
As I’m sure you’ve heard — please spay and neuter your pet.
And, unless it’s for a specific reason, please adopt from a shelter before buying from a breeder. I’m not against breeders in general. I myself would love to own a big huge Great Dane someday. BUT I also understand that for every animal you buy, one dies in a shelter. Please opt to adopt.
Scooter ended up being adopted by a man from SAFE. Linda Elmquist, who is also with SAFE, would check in on Scooter and take him to his medical appointments.
As things sometimes happen, after about 7 years, the man was no longer able to take care of Scooter. So, Linda lovingly stepped right up and adopted him. He has now been part of her family for the past 7 months. But they have really been a part of each other’s lives all along.
Scooter gets a scooter!
As I mentioned, Scooter’s rear legs are backward, so he can’t use them. But he doesn’t let that stop him at all.
Linda says that other than his back legs being deformed, he’s just like any other dog. He doesn’t even seem to know that he’s any different.
When Scooter walks, he walks on his 2 front feet. He figures out how to get around bumps, stairs, and other obstacles all on his own. No complaints — his legs just swing in the air behind him.
When Scooter does his business, so to speak, it lands on his back feet, and he just flicks it off like it’s no big deal. There’s no shame in his game. Bit of advice, however — watch out for shrapnel.
When he gets tired, he rests on his little bum like a tripod. Unfortunately, this happens more and more lately.
Not to worry though. As luck would have it, more angels stepped in again. They helped to raise enough money for Scooter to receive therapy and a 2-wheeled cart to help him get around.
Scooter gets a scooter!
The World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest
For over 50 years the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest has raised awareness for dog adoption by celebrating the uniqueness, imperfections, and adorable characteristics of dogs that make each dog unique. The majority of the dogs in the contest have been rescued from animal shelters, hoarders, and puppy mills.
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!
World’s Ugliest Dog®
The contest has time and again been proof that regardless of pedigree, size, or imperfection dogs are full of personality and unconditional love. They can truly capture our hearts.
Scooter is the “poster child” for adopting an animal that might be overlooked for its unique brand of beauty or who needs some extra help.
His perseverance and tenacity are an example for all of us. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. He’s really quite inspiring.
I hope that when he’s at the park he loves to go to, that he inspires as many people as possible. He’s really quite a remarkable little guy with a greater purpose than he will ever realize.
The World’s Ugliest Dog spreads the world’s most beautiful message of fortitude, spirit, courage, acceptance, love, kindness, positivity, encouragement, and so much more.
What a beautiful dog he is. ❤️
