World's Ugliest Dog to Join the Doo Dah Parade in April

The City of Ocean City announced recently that a former "World's Ugliest Dog" title holder will ride in the annual in Ocean City, scheduled this year for Saturday, April 14. Elwood will join , who will be the grand marshal, as celebrity guests in the parade.

The following is a news release from Mark Soifer, public relations director for the city:

Elwood, the winner of the 2007 World's Ugliest Dog Contest, has become a media sensation throughout the world. Guided by Karen Quigley of Sewell, the Chinese crested Chihuahua mix has made appearances at hundreds of gatherings projecting a simple message: "You don't have to be beautiful to be lovable." 

The story begins when Karen rescues Elwood from his breeder who can find no buyers for the puppy. The Chihuahua is endowed with a seemingly endless tongue, long pointy ears, virtually no fur and sports what most resembles a Mohawk haircut. But his personality is sweet and he is very lovable.

After winning the prestigious contest in Petaluma, CA, Elwood became an international sensation. The media adored him. Stories about the unusual canine appeared in the Associated Press and spread through England, Ireland, Turkey, Brazil, Chile and India as well as all over the United States.  As his fame grew, he began making major TV appearances on The View, the Rachael Ray Show, Dogs 101, Most Outrageous Animals, CNN, Weekend Today and appeared on broadcasts in Brazil, Germany and England.

 But Elwood and his mom, Karen, never lost sight of his true mission and purpose — to spread the message to help homeless and abused animals. Together they traveled at their own expense, throughout the country, to support nonprofit rescue groups and raise thousands of dollars for animals in need. In January 2009, they appeared in Ocean City to raise money for our award-winning Humane Society, a no-kill shelter.

New Jersey Monthly magazine named Elwood "Most Inspirational Dog in New Jersey" for his charity work. Elwood and Karen also provide author visits to schools teaching children to be kind to animals and the importance of spay/neuter procedures.

The pair has provided programs to Brazilian school children via Skype. In October, Elwood appeared in his first TV commercials for Frontier Airlines, a Colorado-based carrier. 

Karen accompanied by Elwood gave the commencement address at Gloucester County College in May, the first in the school's history that addressed the plight of homeless and abused animals. And, yes, Elwood wore a cap and gown.

Elwood and Karen will ride in the city's Doo Dah Parade on Sat., April 14. They will receive the city's first annual Doo Dah Good Doggies Deeds Award on the reviewing stand in front of the following the parade. Elwood and Karen will greet their admirers and pose for photos.

For information on all Doo Dah events or to participate in the parade, call 609-525-9300, after hours and on weekends, 609-364-4010 or email msoifer@hotmail.com.