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Rescued from neglect, the hairless bulldog claimed the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest title on Friday but her prize came long before the competition results were announced.

By Mark Walker

She does not stand in triumph. She does not strut.

Instead, Petunia rides in someone’s arms, her small, hairless body balanced against a loop of pink leash. Fairground trophies shine behind her, but she looks away, folds of skin settling like soft hills along her neck.