An 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang has been crowned the 'World's Ugliest Dog' at the 2024 Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, after five years of competing and finishing second three times. Wild Thang's unique appearance, characterized by a lolling tongue and a constant paddling motion of his right front leg due to distemper contracted as a puppy, earned him the top prize and a $5,000 check. Wild Thang's victory highlights the contest's mission to promote dog adoptions and raise awareness about pet vaccinations. Wild Thang and his owner, Ann Lewis, have also been active in rescuing Pekingese dogs from Ukrainian war zones. The competition, which celebrates the imperfections of dogs and has been a fair highlight for nearly 50 years, also aims to encourage the adoption of senior and shelter dogs.