Elwood, named world's ugliest dog, dies

Toronto Sun FIRST POSTED: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2013 03:15 PM EST

The world's most breathtakingly ugly dog has passed away. Eight-year-old Elwood, a Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix, died in his owner's home in New Jersey on American Thanksgiving. Elwood was crowned the world's ugliest dog at a contest in California in 2007 and later became the topic of a children's book preaching acceptance. His owner, Karen Quigley, says there was more to her pet than his unique looks."He touched lives around the world with his messages of accepting differences and helping homeless animals," Quigley told QMI Agency in an email. "He helped people recognize the importance of helping homeless animals and that pit bulls are loving dogs, and he taught young and old to embrace who they are and be proud of their difference while teaching others to accept difference.