At Sonoma-Marin Fair, rescue pup Petunia steals judges’ hearts in Ugliest Dog Contest

by Autumn DeGrazia, Bay City News August 11, 2025August 11, 2025

Petunia, a 2-year-old French bulldog mix, and her owner Shannon Nyman, accept the first place trophy during the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, August 8, 2025. (Autumn DeGrazia/Bay City News)

THE DOGS STRUTTED THE RED CARPET and showed off their unconventional looks in hopes of walking away with $5,000 in cash, a Mug Root Beer merchandise deal and bragging rights from the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair last week.  

This year’s field was composed of cancer survivors, senior dogs and aspiring social media stars. However, only Petunia could steal the judges’ hearts. 

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