Let’s be honest, some of us aren’t exactly cover models. But hey, who needs chiseled features and perfect hair when you’ve got a heart of gold and a tongue that could double as a scarf? Meet Wild Thang, the Pekingese who proves that “ugly” is just a word, and that sometimes, the most lovable creatures are the ones who dare to be different.

 The Underdog with the Underbite

Wild Thang wasn’t exactly a beauty queen. A Pekingese with a tongue that lolled like a windsock and a gait that could only be described as a “glorious stumble,” he was the kind of dog who made you laugh just by existing. But hey, who needs good looks when you’ve got personality? And boy, did Wild Thang have personality.

Wild Thang’s story is one of resilience. He was diagnosed with canine distemper as a puppy, a nasty illness that left him with a few quirks, shall we say. But his owner, Ann Lewis, saw something special in those crooked teeth and that wonky leg. She saw a champion.

“Wild Thang, you’re not just ugly,”* she’d whisper to him, “you’re gloriously ugly. You’re a glugly dog.” And that’s how the term “glugly” was born – a celebration of the unconventional, the imperfectly perfect.

Five times, Wild Thang had competed in the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. Five times, he’d come close but missed the crown. But this year, at the 2024 Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, everything was different. The judges saw the spark in his eyes, the love in his waddle. They saw a dog who embodied the spirit of the contest – a celebration of the unique and the lovable.

A Triumph of the Spirit

When they announced Wild Thang as the winner, the crowd erupted in cheers. He stood on stage, his tongue lolling out in a goofy grin, a crown of artificial flowers perched atop his head. He was a king among misfits, a champion of the underdog.

Wild Thang’s victory wasn’t just about the $5,000 prize (though I’m sure Ann Lewis appreciated that). It was about showing the world that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, that every dog deserves love and a forever home.

Wild Thang’s story resonated with people around the globe. He became an internet sensation, his face splashed across social media. He was even invited to appear on NBC’s “The Today Show.” But more importantly, he inspired countless people to adopt rescue dogs, proving that “ugly” is just a word, and love knows no bounds.

The Heart of the Matter

Wild Thang’s tale is a reminder that it’s not about how you look, it’s about who you are. It’s about embracing your flaws, celebrating your quirks, and living life to the fullest. It’s about love, laughter, and the joy of being perfectly imperfect.

As I looked at Wild Thang, with his lopsided grin and wonky walk, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. Here was a dog who didn’t care about fitting in, who embraced his unique looks with gusto. He was a reminder that we could all learn a thing or two from him.

So, next time you see a dog that doesn’t fit the mold of traditional beauty, remember Wild Thang. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that every creature deserves love and admiration. After all, it’s the imperfections that make us who we are.

And if you ever find yourself feeling down about your own flaws, just remember: you’re not ugly, you’re glugly.