Every time we turn on the television, scroll through social media, or even walk down the street these days, bad news seems to be in plentiful supply. So today, we wanted to share some good news!Back in June 2025, a welfare check at a Mill Basin home in Brooklyn took a dramatic turn when police discovered the body of a 73-year-old woman surrounded by the filth, fur, and feces of over 100 dogs. The heartbreaking story of dozens of dogs in appalling conditions flooded news and social media sites, with images of matted creatures, neglected to the point of being unrecognizable as canines.

The rescue operation was intense, involving numerous animal shelters, foster carers, veterinary teams, and volunteers to give as many of these poor animals a fresh start as possible. One of the animal care centers that took part in these efforts was the New York branch of the Best Friends Animal Society, which took in nine dogs, all desperate for treatment and love.

A lot can change in four months, and in that time, these brave little dogs have fought their way back from the horrors of their past and started new lives in the loving arms of their adoptive parents. We spoke to two of the wonderful people who stepped up to provide a new home for two of the pups, Igor and Edie.

Igor and Caitlin

As manager of Premier Veterinary Medical Group in Rockville Center, Caitlin has seen her fair share of dogs in need and has fostered and adopted dogs in the past. Igor was among the nine dogs brought into her hospital after the rescue operation, and while getting to work shaving, bathing, and treating these malnourished and neglected creatures, she found herself becoming more and more attached to a sad little Shih Tzu named Igor.

“He was so helpless, and I knew then and there I could give him the life he always deserved, even in his old age,” says Caitlin. “Igor LOVES to cuddle and howls like he’s a 100 lb wolf. He rolls on his back (we call it wiggle-worming) and he rolls around and howls until he gets the attention he knows he deserves!”

What Caitlin finds most remarkable about Igor is how happy he is.

“He is blind, but when he hears our voices, he immediately jumps up and wags his tail. He goes outside with his larger brother and sister, and he quite literally is living his best life.”

Edie and Hannah

Hannah had wanted her own dog since moving out of her parents’ house, but wanted to be sure she had all the resources, time, and space before adopting. When she found Edie’s profile on the Best Friends website, she knew it was time.

“I had been checking online every few weeks or so for a few years and had never applied to adopt any pets until I saw her picture. Impulsively, I messaged and got in touch with the Best Friends Animal Society. I just knew she was my dog And now she is home and happy!”

When asked about her favorite things about Edie, Hannah finds it hard to narrow things down.

“Everything! She loves to throw her tiny tennis ball for herself, and she’s also good at playing ball with friends. She also likes to smile and peep her bottom teeth when getting tummy pets, and she’s very expressive with her eyebrows, even without one eye. She is perfect.”

The Joy of Adoption

If these precious pups don’t give you the feels, then perhaps nothing will. But if Edie and Igor’s stories inspire you to reach out to your local animal shelter or rescue organization in search of your next best friend, Hannah advises people to make sure they’re in the right position to take on such a commitment.

“Be thoughtful and realistic about your space and time when planning to bring a new dog home. They can take a lot of work and patience, but are more than worth the joy they will bring to your life.”

Caitlin urges potential adopters to take a second look at the dogs that might not be at the top of everyone’s list.

“Puppies and kittens find homes every day, but when you adopt a senior or special needs dog, the feeling you get when they are thriving is something that will fulfill you more than you know.”

But if you’re not in a position to adopt or foster a pet, there are plenty of other ways you can lend a helping hand to dogs in need. Reach out to your local animal shelter or go online to find out how you can make a difference.

Did You Know? 

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If there’s one thing that most dog owners will tell you, it’s that their dog is the cutest. And quite frankly, they’re all correct. However, at this year’s Sonoma County Fair, an unusual group of dog lovers took part in the annual World Ugliest Dog competition. This might not seem like the sort of contest you would want your dog to win, but there is something undeniable about these less conventionally attractive canines.

This rather unique event has been a much-loved feature of the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, but this year the contest made its debut at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa on August 8, 2025. Competition was tough, with ten remarkable canines competing to be named ugliest dog. Ultimately, it was a two-year-old hairless Frenchie Bulldog cross, Petunia, who was crowned the overall winner.

Petunia, rescued from a terrible situation in Las Vegas by Luvable Dog Rescue, is described as a gentle soul who adores other dogs, cats, and people. Her favorite pastimes include snuggling and taking trail walks in the Oregon woods. Following her rescue, she received essential veterinary care, including spay and BOAS surgeries to correct an elongated palate common in poorly bred bully breeds.

For the second year in a row, MUG® Root Beer sponsored the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest, helping raise the total prize pool to $10,000. This year’s awards include $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third place. Petunia will also have her moment of fame as the (temporary) face of MUG Root Beer, with a line of limited-edition MUG merchandise.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year! I am so pleased that we have such amazing partners to work with,” said Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association CEO Mandy Clendenen. “Thanks to both MUG and the Sonoma County Fair, we can keep this fantastic tradition alive.”

Perhaps it was the star turn of Britain’s Ugliest Dog, Peggy, the Chinese Crested Mix, in the most recent installment of Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, that has elevated the less aesthetically fortunate dogs to the level of adorable. Take note world – ugly is the new cute!

It truly highlights that there is far more to canine companionship than appearances. Many of these less-than aesthetically perfect dogs found loving homes through adoption, proving that giving dogs a second chance can be rewarding for both animal and owner. After all, a puppy’s cuteness is fleeting; ugly is forever!

To support animal rescue projects, MUG will make a one-time donation to the Dogwood Animal Rescue Project located in Santa Rosa, California. “At MUG, we’ve always rooted for the underdog—literally. As a dog-backed brand, we’re proud to show up for canines in need, just like our mascot, Dog, would want. This year, we’re inviting our fans to join us in our mission to root for all dogs, help them find homes, and commemorate the World’s Ugliest Dog with the biggest honor we know: their face on our can” said Michael Smith, Vice President, MUG Root Beer.

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