SEWELL,
N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey canine that was crowned the world's ugliest
dog in 2007 and later became the topic of a children's book preaching
acceptance has died. Elwood was 8.
His owner, Karen Quigley, says
the Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix died unexpectedly Thanksgiving
morning. The Sewell resident said Elwood had been dealing with some
heath issues in recent months but appeared to be doing well.
Elwood
was dark colored and hairless — save for a puff of white fur resembling
a Mohawk on his head. He was often referred to by fans as Yoda, or
E.T., for his resemblance to those famous science-fiction characters.
Elwood
won his crown at the annual ugly dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin County
Fair in California a year after he had finished second.
Quigley had rescued Elwood in 2005, when he was about nine months old.
"The breeder was going to euthanize him because she thought he was too ugly to sell," Quigley has said.
After
garnering the ugly dog title, Elwood became an online darling and
developed a worldwide fan base. During his life, he appeared at more
than 200 events that helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for
animal rescue groups and nonprofit animal organizations.
Inspired by her pet, Quigley wrote Everyone Loves Elwood,
a popular children's book that promoted a message that it's OK to be
different. Quigley said the book shares lessons of love, compassion and
perseverance and encourages readers to be kind to animals.
"He made people smile, he made them laugh and feel good. It was wonderful," Quigley said Saturday. "He will truly be missed."
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