Meatball Crowned Most Beautiful Bulldog

[madinmaryland]

http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/23200940/detail.html

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Dozens of slobbering bulldogs dressed in everything from tuxedos to tutus shuffled onto the blue carpet Monday to show their stuff.

None were a match for Meatball, a brown and white pup crowned the winner of the 31st annual Beautiful Bulldog pageant in downtown Des Moines. Meatball beat out 49 tail-wagging wannabes who came from as far away as South Carolina to compete in the event and serve as the official mascot for the 101st annual Drake Relays track and field event.

I'm speechless," said Meatball's co-owner, Ryan Anderson of Des Moines. "He's got a lot of character to him. He's got a lot of personality and he likes playing with everyone else."

As winner, Meatball received a key to the city, a royal cape and crown. He will make numerous public appearances at Drake Relays events, which continue through Saturday.

Meatball's secret weapon -- besides a perfectly wrinkled face and a proud potbelly-- were the handful of supporters wearing blue "Team Meatball" T-shirts and cheering on the charismatic showman in his rookie appearance.

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