How could you not love this face?
A Face Only a Mother Could Love
This year’s World’s Ugliest Dog isn’t the usual Chinese Crested. A 3-year-old, 125 pound, Neapolitan Mastiff named Martha took the title at the competition in Petaluma, California. Brought to the competition by her foster mom, Martha won with the help of her flowing wrinkles, immaculate drooling skills, and saggy eyes. Her victory also leaves her plodding away with $1,500, and a trophy that is somehow bigger than she is (though certainly not as heavy).
Big, Wrinkly, Cute?
But underneath all those wrinkles is a story that will make you overlook the drool hanging out of those great, big jowls. Martha hasn’t always been a celebrity. Like many of her competitors, she is a rescue dog. She was rescued by the Dogwood Animal Rescue Project in Santa Rosa, California after being found as an unwanted dog on Craigslist. The rescuers could tell that Martha was not in good condition and was likely in considerable pain. Due to the condition of her eyes, Martha underwent two surgeries. Now, she is no longer in pain and has partial sight in her right eye (the left is, unfortunately, completely blind). Painless and with her new title, Martha is on her way to her fur-ever home.
A Joke with a Cause
Sonoma-Marin Fair, the group that puts on the annual competition to find the World’s Ugliest Dog does not only put on this competition for a laugh. Their goal is to show people that even dogs with disabilities or awkward faces deserve love, no matter how ruff they are around the edges. We agree, but we also think Martha is adorable and has plenty of character to fill in even her deep wrinkles.
Related: Animal Shelters: What to Expect When You’re Paws Deep in Volunteering
