One Eye, Three Legs, and a Prize for Being Ugly

When you find out how Gus got so ugly you’ll appreciate just how beautiful he and his human companions are in the mirror that really matters – the soul.

Gus, a pedigree Chinese Crested, won the 20th annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at California’s Sonoma Marin Fair, and like many of the competitors, he’s a overcome plenty.

Gus lost a leg to cancer, and an eye to a tomcat. His owner, Jeanenne Teed of St. Petersburg, found their hairless friend when they heard he’d been found by a rescue group near their home in a garage, locked in a crate.

“I’m just in shock,” Jeanenne said after accepting the prize money, noting that the funds will go towards Gus’ radiation treatment.

Indeed, you’ll see some funny looking critters at this anti-beauty pageant, but these pups have heroic tales.

Photo © Justin Sullivan/Getty Images