The Sonoma-Marin Fair puts on the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition annually in Petaluma, California and man, there are some hideous pooches. I was lucky enough to have viewed this event on television and there was a fine crop of hairless, toothless, crazy eyed dogs running around. The lucky 2008 winner was Gus, a Chinese-Crested, from Florida.

He captivated the judges and won the crowds hearts. A dog named Sam has won for the past three years but sadly died giving Gus the opportunity for the gold. Gus was a rescue dog from a bad home. He suffers from skin cancer - poor pup He won based on his unique looks. Gus is completely hairless, has only three legs and is missing one eye. His fourth leg was removed due to a skin tumor and his eye was lost in a cat fight. He now lives in a loving home with a mother and daughter who still think Gus is perrrty despite his complications.

Synthesis writer/photographer Harland Spinks was on hand to see Northern California hardcore band Set It Straight play their final show at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, CA. From the looks of things, the group got a proper send off. Experience the fun, sans the broken bones, via pictures after the jump. You can also read Harland’s full report of the festivities at Synthesis.net.
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