I'm a dog...and I do the Catwalk
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A 15-year-old dog with no teeth dubbed Britain’s ugliest has swapped chasing cats for the catwalk by landing a modelling contract. Chase, a Chinese Crested dog with a cataract in one eye, a crab-like walk and very little hair, was named third ugliest dog in the world thanks to his unique looks.
But despite his reputation, he was headhunted by agency Models Direct – which boasts clients including M&S, Disney, MAC make-up and Pets at Home – who hope to make Chase into a star. Professional photos show Chase working his diverse side and now owner Storm Shayler, 49, hopes to see his name in lights soon.
‘His earnings will vary depending on the job but I will just be happy for anything he gets. He will always be a star to me. ‘Anything he earns will be ploughed back into the dogs. He’s up for anything.’
Dog-lover Storm, of Cimla, Neath, south Wales, is so devoted to her pet she even takes him as a plus one to weddings. She said: ‘I take him everywhere with me in his own little harness and nothing fazes him. ‘I couldn’t ask for a better dog and having him with me gives me that extra bit of confidence.’
The World’s Ugliest Dog competition last year in Petaluma, California, was won by a three-year-old Neapolitan Mastiff named Martha and Chase came third. Hospital worker Storm said: ‘I couldn’t believe it when they called out the winners and I heard his name.
‘The competition is great because it promotes the animals the might get overlooked because of their appearance. ‘All of the pets have more to offer than just what they look like.’ Rescue dog Chase also helped his owner overcome post traumatic stress disorder after losing her mum in a tragic motorbike accident. Storm added: ‘I love having the dog with me because if I start struggling when I am out and about I can just stop and give the dog a cuddle.