Elwood’s life started out a little uncertain but has certainly turned into a FABULOUS LIFE! 

When Elwood was born his breeder felt he was “too” ugly to sell so she was going to end his life.  Luckily for Elwood a woman intervened and took Elwood to live with her at 4 weeks old.  Then a call to the NJ SPCA changed Elwood’s life forever.

When Elwood was 9 months old he needed a new home and that’s when life began to change for him.  Karen's boyfriend, John, was the investigator on the case and called Karen to come see Elwood.  When Karen saw Elwood it was LOVE at first site and he went home to live with her and other rescued dogs and cats.  The two became inseparable.

At the insistence of a friend Karen entered Elwood in the 18th Annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, CA.  Karen agreed to enter Elwood in the contest when she learned that the gist of the contest is “there truly are NO ugly dogs”.  Karen never once for a second ever thought Elwood was ugly.  To her he is the “cutest thing that ever lived”.  But, the contest would afford Elwood the opportunity to spread some important messages and to show the world that ALL dogs are wonderful regardless of what they look like.  

Once entered in the contest Elwood’s face was all over.  Television shows, the Internet, newspapers were all talking about Elwood.  Animal Planet aired the contest, which showed Elwood capturing 2nd place for the mutt class!  Upon returning home Elwood was known to all. He began making appearances at charity events that helped raise money for homeless and abused animals.  Karen was so inspired by Elwood’s story that she wrote a children’s book called  Everyone Loves Elwood.

Then June rolled around again and back they went to the 19th Annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest and this time Elwood took home the crown and the title.  WOW!  Now life was really rolling.  Appearances on Weekend Today, CNN, The View, The 10 Morning Show, Brazilian TV, just to name a few.  Television news shows from California to Philadelphia were talking about this little dog; even India news and London news focused on this little pup!  His face appeared in newspapers across the United States, London, Australia, Ireland, Chile, Spain and who knows where else.  The Internet was loaded with Elwood stories and videos. 

Now offers for appearances were coming in none stop. 

Elwood represents what love is all about.  People call him “magical”.  It was said that Elwood won the contest not because of his looks, but because of his loveable personality and, no doubt, he was the crowd favorite!   People everywhere love Elwood and Elwood loves everyone he meets.  He has a way of making people feel happy and smile and laugh…and what a wonderful gift that is.  Elwood has always used his celebrity to help homeless animals by spreading the message to “Be Kind to Animals”; encourage people to “Adopt” animals from shelters and rescue groups; and remind people how very important it is to “Spay and Neuter” their pets.

Who knows what is in store for Elwood.  But one thing is for sure,  Elwood is enjoying a fabulous life because he is loved and he gives an incredible amount of love in return.  When the spotlight fades Elwood will continue to be happy and loveable and funny.  He’s one in a million!

So for anyone who has ever hesitated to adopt an animal please let Elwood be your inspiration.  Millions of amazing dogs and cats sit alone in shelters across our country just waiting for a chance at a fabulous life.   And, the best part is it just might make your life fabulous too!