It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Zsa Zsa, the English Bulldog who was crowned the “World’s Ugliest Dog” just last month. At the age of nine, she has left us, slipping away in her sleep as her adopter, Megan Brainard, shared on her Facebook page.
A Life of Triumph and Advocacy
Zsa Zsa’s distinctive features—her drooping tongue, underbite, and bowed legs—captured hearts and won her the prestigious, albeit peculiar, title at the annual competition in Petaluma, California on June 23. However, the event is more than just a celebration of unconventional beauty; it serves as a platform to promote dog rescue and adoption, a cause close to my heart as well.
From Puppy Mill to the Spotlight
Before her moment in the spotlight, Zsa Zsa endured five long years in a Missouri puppy mill. Once her breeding days were behind her, she was put up for auction. It was then that Underdog Rescue stepped in, purchasing her and setting the stage for her new life. Megan Brainard and her family, smitten by Zsa Zsa’s unique charm, adopted her, and as Megan expressed, “From the moment we saw her beautiful face, we knew we would be her forever home.”
The Plight of Bulldogs
Bulldogs, like Zsa Zsa, often suffer from a range of health issues due to inbreeding. A 2016 study analyzed the DNA of 102 Bulldogs across the United States and concluded that achieving genetic health in the breed would necessitate introducing genetic diversity from other breeds. This lack of diversity has led to serious health concerns, including respiratory problems that have prompted many airlines to ban the transportation of Bulldogs.
A Legacy of Love and Awareness
Dr. Stacey Anstaett, a Colorado-based veterinarian, lamented that Zsa Zsa’s unique appearance was a direct result of poor breeding practices. “When dogs are bred without consideration for their health and comfort, and profit is the only motivation, dogs suffer unnecessarily,” she said. Zsa Zsa was fortunate to find a loving home with people who were dedicated to making her life as comfortable as possible, and her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible breeding and pet adoption.