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PETALUMA, Calif. (AP) — A 10-year-old mutt named Quasi Modo is the winner of this year's World's Ugliest Dog contest.
The pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix and her owner took the $1,500 prize Friday night, besting 25 other dogs competing in the contest that applauds imperfection.
Quasi Modo was abandoned at an animal shelter before being adopted by a veterinarian in Loxahatchee, Florida, according to her biography posted on the contest's website. Spinal birth defects left her a bit hunchbacked.
Two Chinese crested and Chihuahua mixes named Sweepee Rambo and Frodo took the second and third prizes.
An 8-year-old Chihuahua named Precious received the "spirit award," honoring a dog and owner who have overcome obstacles or are providing service to the community. Precious, who is blind in one eye, is trained to monitor smells related to low blood sugar levels and alert her owner, a disabled veteran.
The contest, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma, California, is in its 27th year.
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APPHOTO CANB111: Quasi Modo wins top honors in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair on Friday, June 26, 2015, in Petaluma, Calif. Quasi Modo's owners, who travelled from Florida to compete, will receive $1500. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) (26 Jun 2015)
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