Sonoma-Marin Fair Ugliest Dog contest accepting entries

The Sonoma-Marin fair is calling all dogs to join the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest on June 23. With a face only a fur-momma could love, these pups are put to the test for the world’s best cause, and to celebrate that every dog is adorable by promoting the power of community and importance of adoption. Entries will be accepted between now and Wednesday, June 20 on the contest website.

The annual contest isn’t only for a good laugh, as many of the pets entered in the past have been animals that have been adopted after being rescued from shelters or puppy mills. The owners of these dogs have taken them in despite some physical features like hair loss, hunched backs or dental deformities. They also might have taken in an animal that required some health care and are not easily placed in a forever home. The goal of the contest is to continue to advocate for pet adoption as a reminder to “Adopt, don’t shop.”

This year’s sponsorship dollars will fund a prize match donation for a pet rescue/adoption nonprofit pre-selected by each winner. That means that $3,000 has been earmarked for the awarded nonprofits.

The contest day, June 23, begins with pre-contest entertainment and information on pet care and adoption. Pups and handlers then stroll the red carpet to show off their silliest qualities to the judges, international media and fans.

Enter your pooch online at www.sonoma-marinfair.org/worlds_ugliest_dog_2018. Entries need to include a written biography for your dog, a high quality digital photo of the pup, and proof of updated vaccinations. The deadline to enter is June 20 by 5 p.m.

The 2018 Sonoma-Marin Fair will be taking the summer fun “Beyond the Milky Way” from June 20-24. For details, visit sonoma-marinfair.org.