SeeCalifornia.com

Quasi Modo, a pit/dutch shepherd mix breed dog, became the 2015 World’s Ugliest Dog at Sonoma Marin Fair based on his “back story” and looks. This year’s contestants didn’t disappoint with their unique special-ness. Quasi Modo was selected because he “epitomized excellence in ugliness” according to Chief Judge Brian Sobel. With multiple birth defects to his spine, his back is too short for the rest of his body and the parts went together in the worst possible way. His appearance can be unsettling — grown men have jumped on top of their cars to get away because they thought a hyena or Tasmanian devil was coming their way.

If you think you’ve had it “ruff” many contestants in this year’s competition have been rescued from shelters just before it was time for them to be euthanized, and some are still waiting for homes. Often their looks turn people off, making them the least likely candidates for adoption. The contest seeks to raise awareness that no matter their physical detractions, these animals are loving companions.