Prepare to fall in love, world.
Martha the Mastiff earned the spot of top dog (erm, won first place) at the World's Ugliest Dog competition over the weekend. According to E! News, Martha beat out 13 other ugly-but-cute animals, including a 16-year-old Brussels griffon–pug mix named Moe and a 14-year-old Chinese crested–harke mix, to take home the $1,500 prize for her family.
The competition's website describes the giant, jowl-y dog as "125 pounds of drooling, snoring, gassy, loud and silly girl," which seems to be pretty on point, especially based on her behavior during the judging process. According to NBC News, "The Northern California crowd was charmed by Martha as she lay with her exhausted face spread across the stage."
The annual World's Ugliest Dog competition comprises mostly shelter and rescue dogs and helps bring attention to animals that may not always be the first pick in the litter. "We’re proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great addition to any family," the CEO of the fair said in a statement on the competition to E! News.
Martha was rescued by her handler, Shirley, after being neglected to the point of near blindness. She's since had surgery to correct her vision, and now she spends the majority of her days snoozing. It's a little bit unclear what about any of this makes Martha "ugly," but a prize is a prize and $1,500 is nothing to balk at.
Although most dogs would let the honor go right to their funny-looking heads, Martha couldn't have cared less. According to NBC News, when judge Kerry Sanders asked the sleepy pup, "Do you know you just won the World's Ugliest Dog Contest?" her handler answered for her: "I'd gloat, but I need a nap."
...Same, girl.
