It probably comes as no surprise that the winner of such a usual title as "World's Ugliest Dog" would also have a rather unusual back story, one that has not only touched the lives of his loving owners Jeanenne Teed and her daughter Janey, but so many others as well. Find out what happened behind the scenes during the actual competition as Jeanenne gives an update on Gus, along with advice for other pet parents who are struggling with ill pets.
*Note: Animal Planet is sad to report that Gus passed away on Monday, November 10, 2008 after a long fight with skin cancer. Gus will always be remembered as a fighter and champion. Rest in peace, Gus.
Tell us a little bit about your experience on the day of the competition. What were the highlights, as well as the most nerve-wrecking moments?
It was a long trip from St. Petersburg, Florida to Petaluma, California. We arrived at our hotel only to discover that our pre-paid room had been given away! All of the local hotels were sold out, with the exception of one. It was quite late by the time we checked in and as I struggled with the key, Janey held Gus hidden in his "baby" carrier. A tall blonde in workout clothes came bounding past us. I asked her if she was Beth Ostrosky, and she replied "Yes," and I uncovered Janey's "baby" and Beth came over and gushed all over Gus as if he was the most handsome dog in the world! This serendipitous moment made the hotel trouble all worthwhile.
The day of the show was very long. It started with an early morning photo shoot with a professional photographer — definitely a highlight to get beautiful photos of my two babies! It was a long hot day, and after sniffing out the competition, Gus fell sound asleep in my arms. Before we knew it, we were called to the stage. Gus was half asleep as I placed him on the red carpet to follow us. I looked behind me, and Gus was just standing there. I picked him up and stood him on the judges' table. He laid down like a sphinx, totally ignoring the judges, as if to say, "Here I am! Take me or leave me." There went his personality points! I left the stage and told Elwood's mom that we had blown it. So when Gus won his class, I was totally shocked. The rest of the show went so quickly. All of a sudden we were up on stage and the crowd was shouting "Gus, Gus, Gus!" I thought, "Wow, they love my little Gus as much as I do!"
By far, the most nerve-wracking moment was when Beth O. leaned in to kiss Gus on stage. Gus has a tendency to bite at random and with no warning. I was so relieved that this was not one of those times!
Can you tell us a little bit about when Gus was first diagnosed and how this impacted plans to enter earlier rounds of the World's Ugliest Dog competition?
Gus was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC,) a form of skin cancer, in December of 2006. What was unusual in his case was that it presented on both thighs in almost exactly the same spots. After consultation with a veterinarian oncologist, we decided to have his one leg amputated, (and) the tumor on the other leg "debulked" followed with chemotherapy. As disfiguring as amputation (can be), it didn't slow Gus down, and he was up and walking the next day. I have since learned that this is often the case.
Around this time, I had watched the 2006 "Ugliest Dog in the World." It looked like so much fun! I fell in love with Archie, but I knew Gus had him beat. We decided to enter the show, but when the time came, I felt the risk to Gus' health was too much since he had just completed chemotherapy. Instead, we stayed home and cheered when Elwood became top dog.
Gus prognosis in December 2006 was 6 to 9 months. We were set on beating the odds.
We had our sights set on 2008, but the cancer returned in January. We decided to treat it again because it remained localized to the thigh and had not spread. We had a second "debulking" and were going to follow up with radiation when the wound healed. We entered the contest, but (we) were unsure if Gus would be well enough to travel until a week before the trip. As it turned out, he was at the top of his game and looking as beautiful as ever!
Next >> Get an update on Gus' condition and learn about his media tour as the World's Ugliest Dog.
