Winner Crowned In The 2023 World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

When people say "ugliest dog"... to me, it instantly means cutest. Am I the only one? Scooter isn't what most people would consider to be a typical beauty.

The inverted rear legs of the 7-year-old Chinese Crested dog are nearly bald, but for a flash of white, thin hairs. But it was these quirks that won over the judges at the "World's Ugliest Dog" competition in Petaluma, California, where the dog won the top prize on Friday.

Scooter may have his pink, errant tongue hanging out of his mouth. However, the title of the competition is meant to be ironic. The celebration, which has been going on for close to 50 years, celebrates the faults that give each dog its own special beauty while also promoting adoption.

Scooter, admired today for his eccentricities, previously feared execution due to his deformities. His biography on the contest website claims that he was born with two malformed hind legs that made it difficult for him to walk. After a breeder took Scooter into animal control in Tuscon, Arizona, as a young puppy, a volunteer from the rescue organization Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) was able to save him.

The 7-year-old utilizes his butt, which he uses as a tripod, to support himself when walking on his front feet becomes tiring. Recently, Scooter received a new cart to aid with his mobility. He can move quickly through the park like the other dogs, and he appreciates affection. Scooter can walk while balancing on his two front legs when the wheels are off, which is something that most dogs cannot do. Lookin' good, Scooter!

16 Great Tampa Bay dog parks listed by county. Monday was National Hug Your Dog Day! I know you already did that. Now let's hit the road. Take a trip to the Dog Parks below! Why a dog park? 3 Good Reasons:

Socialization for dogs: Dog parks provide a safe and enclosed space for dogs to interact and play with other dogs. Exercise and health benefits for dogs: Dog parks give dogs an opportunity to exercise and burn off energy in a way that they may not be able to do in a smaller or less enclosed area. Community building: Dog parks can bring together dog owners and create a sense of community.

Note that this Tampa area list is not exhaustive and there may be other dog parks within these counties or nearby areas. It's always a good idea to check with local government websites or community forums for the most up-to-date information on dog parks in the area. Also: The addresses provided are for the park entrances, and specific dog park areas within these parks may have their own designated entrances.

Enterprise Dog Park: 2671 Enterprise Rd E, Clearwater, FL 33761

Fort De Soto Dog Beach: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715

John Chesnut Sr. Park: 2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34685

Walsingham Park: 12615 102nd Ave N, Largo, FL 33778

Al Lopez Park: 4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614

Davis Island Dog Beach: 1002 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Gadsden Park: 6901 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33611

Picnic Island Dog Park: 7404 Picnic Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33616

Happy Tails Dog Park: 8701 Old County Rd 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653

Land O'Lakes Dog Park: 3904 Land O' Lakes Blvd, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639

Trinity Paw Park: 7700 River Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34655

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park: 9120 Old Post Rd, Port Richey, FL 34668

Delta Woods Park: 3400 Deltona Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34606

Linda Pedersen Park at Jenkins Creek: 6300 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34607

Pine Island Park: 10840 Pine Island Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34607

Rotary Centennial Park: 10375 Sandlor St, Spring Hill, FL 34608