Elwood

Elwood, voted America’s ugliest dog in 2007, will make a very special appearance at the 2008 National Dog Day Main Event being held on Saturday, August 23, at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons. As seen on national television, Elwood’s story is one of hope and triumph.

Elwood’s life started out a little uncertain. When Elwood was born, his breeder felt he was “too” ugly to sell so she was going to end his life. Luckily for Elwood a woman intervened and took Elwood to live with her at 4 weeks old. Then a call to the NJ SPCA changed Elwood’s life forever.

When Elwood was 9 months old he needed a new home. Karen Quigley was contacted about Elwood, and was asked to come see this amazing little creature. When Karen saw Elwood it was LOVE at first site and he went home to live with her and other rescued dogs and cats. The two became inseparable.

At the insistence of a friend, Karen entered Elwood in the 18th Annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, CA. Karen agreed to enter Elwood in the contest when she learned that the gist of the contest is “there truly are NO ugly dogs.” Karen never once for a second ever thought Elwood was ugly. To her he is the “cutest thing that ever lived”. But, the contest would afford Elwood the opportunity to spread some important messages and to show the world that ALL dogs are wonderful regardless of what they look like.

Once entered in the contest, Elwood’s face was all over. Television shows, the Internet, newspapers were all talking about Elwood. Animal Planet aired the contest, which showed Elwood capturing 2nd place for the mutt class! Upon returning home, Elwood was known to all. He began making appearances at charity events that helped raise money for homeless and abused animals. Karen was so inspired by Elwood’s story that she wrote a children’s book called, Everyone Loves Elwood.

Then June rolled around again and back they went to the 19th Annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest and this time Elwood took home the crown and the title. WOW! Now life was really rolling. Appearances on Weekend Today, CNN, The View, The 10 Morning Show, Brazilian TV, just to name a few. Television news shows from California to Philadelphia were talking about this little dog; even India news and London news focused on this little pup! His face appeared in newspapers across the United States, London, Australia, Ireland, Chile, Spain, and who knows where else. The Internet was loaded with Elwood stories and videos.

Elwood represents what love is all about. People call him “magical.” It was said that Elwood won the contest not because of his looks, but because of his loveable personality and, no doubt, he was the crowd favorite! People everywhere love Elwood and Elwood loves everyone he meets. He has a way of making people feel happy and smile and laugh…and what a wonderful gift that is. Elwood has always used his celebrity to help homeless animals by spreading the message to “Be Kind to Animals”; encourage people to “Adopt” animals from shelters and rescue groups; and remind people how very important it is to “Spay and Neuter” their pets.

Who knows what is in store for Elwood. But one thing is for sure, Elwood is enjoying a fabulous life because