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Breaking News: 2008 World's Ugliest Dog Loses Cancer Battle

PetSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:58:25 -0800

When I met Gus up close and personal moments after he won the title of 2008 World's Ugliest Dog back in June, it was clear he had gone through a lot. This 9-year-old rescued pooch endured radiation, surgery on a malignant tumor, and a leg amputation from his skin cancer – and what I remember most from my chat with his super-sweet owners was that the pup had a fondness for pizza . . . yum!

Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but sadly he just passed away. RIP, Gus!

I wanted to honor this pooch's big win in a gallery of photos so check them out when you read more.

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My Exclusive Interview with Gus, the 2008 World's Ugliest Dog!

PetSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:00:45 -0700

All the way from St. Petersburg, Florida, Gus captured the title – and my heart – when he won the 20th Annual World's Ugliest Dog Competition. The three-legged, one-eyed pup with cancer has a true tale of triumph – Jeanenne Teed and daughter Janey plan to use his award money of $1,600 (that's $100 for being a finalist for the purebred category, $500 for winning the Ugliest Dog of 2008 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, and $1,000 for being the "2008 World's Ugliest Dog") towards his radiation treatments.In addition to the money, he got two trophies, one taller than his owners – I've got no clue how they'll get those back to the Sunshine state! I already mentioned it was hot, hot, hot up in Petaluma, but that didn't stop me from catching up with the trio after they won and asking them a few questions about their precious pooch.

PS: How long ago did Gus join your family?
JT: Gus is nine years old and came to us when he was one year old. He came to us word of mouth . . . he was being kept inside a crate inside a garage by an owner who really just couldn't deal with him. She did the right thing and she gave him up to a better home . . . we'd like to think. And he's been with us ever since, through thick and thin, and he's hanging in there. He's a tough cookie.

PS: You mentioned that he has cancer – what kind of cancer does he have?
JT: He has skin cancer. He was diagnosed in December of '06 and, at that time, the cancer was quite advanced and he needed to have his leg amputated. The other leg was debulked and the tumor was removed. After chemotherapy and then treatment with another medication, he had a great year – we had a great year – we took him on vacation for the first time.

Find out where they went – and what happened to his eye! – when you read more.

PS: Where did you go?
JT: We went to the Panhandle to an area that we always go to, Walton Beach, and it was just a great experience. Over Christmas, and over the holidays, we had that and now we have this great experience, too, which is unbelievable . . . absolutely unbelievable.

PS: So when you got Gus, did he have only one eye?
JT: Well, that's a sad . . . (laughs) . . . Gus got into a cat fight last December and obviously the cat won. So he lost his eye, too, to the cat. And he hasn't forgotten about it either.

PS: Hmm, they're not pals now I'm guessing?
JT: No, they're one for one. Gus had caught the kitten when he was a tiny, itty bitty kitten. And was trying to tear the kitten up with our other dog, Buttons, and they were playing tug-of-war. I rescued the little kitten who turned out to be a great, big tomcat.

PS: What's Gus's favorite treat?
JT: French fries. Unfortunately. We don't feed him this often but he loves McDonald's french fries. And when he was undergoing chemotherapy and his stomach was upset, the only thing he would eat was pepperoni pizza. Fortunately Janey works at a pizza place so it was easy to come by but that's what kept him going when nothing else tasted good to him.

PS: And are you gonna get him a special meal before you go back to the hotel tonight? A pampering snack at the fair, funnel cake perhaps?
JT: Him or us (laughs). We will get Gus whatever he wants to eat. It's been a great experience.

RIP, Gus – 2008 World's Ugliest Dog

PetSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:20:35 -0800

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And the 2009 World's Ugliest Dog Is . . .

PetSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:59:01 -0700

Another Petaluma scorcher for this year's Ugly Dog Contest! The 2009 champ was a new face who won me over with his pronounced underbite, which he uses like a scoop to get the food in at mealtime. Ha. Even though the last several years have featured lil pups like the late Gus, this time a big pup's top dog.

Four-year-old Pabst and his owner, Miles Egstad, came from Citrus Heights, CA - the Boxer mix was super sweet, loved the shade, and seemed to be rather sleepy before his turn on stage. Resting up for his time in the sun, I bet. We got a glimpse of Pabst, blue ribbon and all, so see one more cute pic (and hear what his owner had to say about the win) when you read more.

On the recognition: "This breed is not known for being ugly like the Chinese Crested. He's so ugly, he's adorable."

On the prize: "He's definitely getting a filet mignon, maybe not tonight, but he will. And getting his teeth cleaned, look at them!"

Congrats to Pabst and Miles and stay tuned for more Ugly Dog coverage next week!

Spinach and Eggy Apps For You (and Your Little Dog, Too)

PetSugar — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 03:00:19 -0800

Still searching for the perfect New Year's Eve party appetizer? The latest pet-friendly recipe from the December/January issue of Everyday Day With Rachael Ray is a Gus-tini, a crostini named for a dog pal, Gus. There's some variation to the recipe depending on whether or not you're feeding people, or treating a pooch to a small bit. Find both when you read more.

Holiday Brunch Gus-tinis
Every Day With Rachael Ray (December/January 2009)

Ingredients

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (for people portions only)
Half of a 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 large egg
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 to 2 slices wheat bread, toasted and cut into triangles
Salt and pepper (for people portions only)

Directions
In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the EVOO over medium heat. For people portions, add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the spinach and cook until heated through. Add the egg and stir to scramble, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the nutmeg. Top the toast with the spinach-egg mixture. Season people portions with salt and pepper.

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Arctic Animals Most Active on Snowy, Winter Days at the Zoo

PetSugar — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 03:00:54 -0800

I wanted to melt when I saw these adoro photos from the Bronx Zoo! Cold weather pros like the Snow Leopard totally love the freezing weather – in fact, this season's a great time to check out these creatures at your local zoo in cold climates. Even though my personal favorite, Gus, lives further downtown at the Central Park Zoo, spot another well-camouflaged Polar Bear (along with a host of other creatures) frolicking in the white stuff in the Big Apple.

See all the snowtime playtime piccys when you read more.

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The Results Are In: Most Missed Celebripup

PetSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0800

It's easy to watch celebrities bond with the cute pets that share their homes and lives, and feel a connection to them as well. However, the dog we voted as this year's most missed pet is one I actually got to meet up close . . .
Gus! This pup already has a special place in my heart since I got to pet and hold him back in June. I can assure you that his owners were super sweet and truly cherished their winner of the 2008 World's Ugliest Dog Competition.

Behind-the-Scenes Video from the 2008 Ugliest Dog Contest!

PetSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:30:31 -0700

I loved chatting with the charming contestants – and their peculiar pets – at the 2008 World's Ugliest Dog Competition. I was so excited to see the pooches that I nearly forgot all the other fair fun! From ferris wheels to funnel cake, there were plenty of things to keep me occupied 'til showtime. See the Sonoma-Marin Fair through my eyes . . . leading up to Gus's big moment in the sun! Enjoy!

Creature Features: Polar Bears

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:00:10 -0800

Awwww – look how well this sleepy polar bear blends into the background! But, did you know that he only appears to match the snow? Polar bears actually have transparent fur that allows sunlight to pass through the hair and become absorbed by the bear's black skin, helping to keep them extra toasty! The fur looks white because it's reflecting the white surroundings while helping him blend in. In fact, polar bears have two coats of fur – an outer one with hollow guard hairs and a softer, inner one combining as a double-layer to heat them up. Added to that is a layer of fat from two to four inches thick that provides a third level of insulation – perfect for those North Pole temps! For those of you experiencing an onslaught of wintery days, 'tis the best season to watch the polars bears in action at your local zoos – my fave is Gus at New York's Central Park Zoo.

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