Mr Happy Face, for most of his life, lived in abominable conditions with a hoarder. Last year, the 17-year-old Chinese Crested Dog was adopted as a rescue by Jeneda Benally, a 41-year-old Arizona musician. On Friday, the pooch was crowned the world’s ugliest dog in an annual competition held in Petaluma, California.

“During the pandemic, I had hoped to either have a baby or adopt a dog. Since having a baby would have been an act of God, I opted to adopt a dog,” Benally told the audience and the judges while introducing Mr Happy Face at the contest.

Also Read: Gorilla chases dog who entered enclosure at San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Watch

She said that when she visited the shelter last year, she was told about an older dog that “could be inbred because he was so ugly.”

“The shelter staff tried to prepare me for what I was about to see. I saw a creature who was indeed old, needed a second chance and deserved to be loved,” said added. 

Also Read: Cat and dog’s 12-year-old friendship wins hearts

Benally consulted the vets who told her that the pooch’s health was deteriorating and that he might only live a few weeks.

“Love, kindness and mommy kisses have helped him defy the anticipated short life that we all expected him to have with our family. His hobbies include sleeping, snoring, woofing in his sleep and making odd sounds when he is happy,” Benally added.

Also Read: Rescued chihuahua puppy shot in the neck with an arrow, see photo

The pooch won the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest on Friday and took home a winner’s prize of $1,500.

“Mr Happy Face is wonderful. I love his crooked head, his hairless body. He’s all pimply. And he’s just adorable but ugly at the same time,” said Dave Rupiper, one of the judges, said at the contest.