Elwood may be one ugly dog, but he has a beautiful story to tell.

Meet this unique personality – and his human companion Karen Quigley – at a special author talk on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan.

Quigley, of Sewell, N.J., is the author of the children’s book, Everyone Loves Elwood.  She adopted Elwood when he was 9 months old. Elwood, who is part Chinese crested and part Chihuahua, was deemed “too ugly to live” by his breeder, and was saved by a compassionate dog-lover, who later had to put him up for adoption.  Quigley met Elwood, fell in love and stardom soon followed.  

Elwood – who is hairless except for a white “mohawk,” and whose tongue permanently flops outside of his mouth - was named the World's Ugliest Dog in 2007.

The gist of the annual Ugliest Dog Contest (held in California) is that there are no ugly dogs and Elwood's book continues that story:  You need not be beautiful to be lovable! It is OK to be different and it is important to be kind to all animals (and people).

There will be opportunities for photos of Elwood at the Library event. Elwood is a Good Will Ambassador for homeless animals and those with special needs, and asks that if you want to take his photo, that you bring a can of pet food or dog treat to donate.

All pet food contributions will be made to the Monmouth County SPCA and a volunteer will be here to accept the donations.

For more information on this program please call 732-431-7220, X7222. For more information on programming at the Monmouth County Library, please visit our webpage at www.monmouthcountylib.org