2007's Ugliest Dog, Elwood, Dies: Internet In Mourning
The "World's Ugliest Dog" of 2007 died unexpectedly over the holiday weekend, leaving the internet in mourning.
Named Elwood, the Chinese crested and Chihuahua mixed breed dog, died on Thanksgiving morning, according to his owner Karen Quigley.
The New Jersey owner said Elwood had suffered from health issues in recent months but had been doing well before he abruptly died, reported USA Today. The dog was eight years old.
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"Don't cry because it's over… Smile because it happened," Quigley posted to Facebook along with Elwood's death announcement.
"How lucky for me to be picked to be his mom," she continued. "My hear misses my little man so much, but I am so thankful for every second of our eight years together."
In 2007, Elwood came in first in the annual ugly dog contest in Marin-Sonoma County Fair in California after having placed second the year before.
After being crowned as the world's ugliest dog, Elwood's celebrity inspired the children's book "Everyone Loves Elwood," which promotes acceptance.
With dark gray skin and almost entirely hairless, Elwood was often compared to famed science fiction characters such as Yoda and E.T. Other features belonging to the small dog included a Mohawk-like patch of white hair on his forehead, uneven and bulging eyes, and a coarse, enormous tongue that always hung out of his mouth.
Moreover, Elwood's owner, Quigley, once explained that Elwood was almost euthanized because of his unusual appearance.
"The breeder was going to euthanize him because she thought he was too ugly to sell," she said, according to People.com. Quigley adopted Elwood at nine months old in 2005.
However, despite his off-putting appearance, Elwood captured the hearts of thousands and even developed an online following. This week, many social media site users are mourning his death.
"The world has lost one of its ugliest dogs," wrote Twitter user Emily. "RIP Elwood."
Ashley added, "Aw we met Elwood back in 2008 at an animal charity event. Sweet pup. He will be missed RIP."
