A rescue pug named Jinny Lu was crowned the World's Ugliest Dog on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Santa Rosa, California, capping a comeback story that began after she was found in a shack in the mountains of South Korea.
The 6-year-old, who placed second in last year's contest, beat eight other finalists to take the title, along with a trophy and a $5,000 prize, according to TODAY. Owner Michelle Grady adopted Jinny Lu four years ago; the dog was shy at first but has since become an energetic presence known for alternating between playful screeching and cuddling, and now makes regular visits to elementary schools and hospice facilities to promote pet adoption.
Judges — including NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz, California state senator Mike McGuire and broadcaster Debbie Abrams — picked Jinny Lu from a field of finalists, part of a contest now in its 50th year, per the Press Democrat.
"This event has always been about celebrating the dogs that might otherwise be overlooked," said Mandy Clendenen, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, which runs the fair.
The contest, held annually since the 1970s, has long doubled as an adoption-awareness campaign, with organizers noting that many past winners — like Jinny Lu — came from shelters or rescue situations rather than breeders. Root beer maker Mug, a longtime sponsor, said it would print a limited run of cans featuring Jinny Lu's face.
Jinny Lu made her first big post-win media appearance on NBC's TODAY show this week, and Grady said the pair plan to keep up their shelter and hospice visits. The win caps a four-contest run for Jinny Lu that started with early losses before last year's runner-up finish set up Friday's victory.