One of the blog’s loyal readers informed me that his beautiful pup, Kaya, has just passed away. You have my deepest condolences Gary.

Cody, a helpful and friendly dog ambassador in a Florida gas station, has been ordered to stay home because health inspectors have no sympathy for animals being in the same place as food for sale. Of course, Cody really poses no threat to the pre-packaged, sealed food, but that’s bureaucrats for you. To read more on the issue, see the article on Dogster.

As we’ve said before on Muttskis, we love all mutts and mixes, even if they happen to not be mixed at all. With that in mind, say hi to Duke, a lovable Akita adopted from the Midwest Akita Rescue Society by Connie.

Meet Pabst. With an adorable underbite, this beautiful boxer mix is the proud winner of the 2009 World’s Ugliest Dog Competition in Petaluma. Personally, I think he’s too adorable for his own good.

Name: Teagan
Age: 14 weeks
Breeds: lab/boxer/shar pei mix
Hobbies: Learning new tricks, playing fetch, & getting into stuff!
Owner: Jenny, Royal Oak, MI

Name: Cash
Age: 2 years
Mix: Australian Shepard/St. Bernard
Hobbies: Eviscerating toys, running, cuddling and going to “grandma and grandpa’s” house.

It sounds mean, but there is actually quite a bit of competition for the title of ugliest dog in the annual San Diego competition.This years winner is the “lovely” boxer mix, Chomper, seen to the left. She was the only puppy of her litter to survive and always carries her tongue out, even when her mouth is closed. Lest you worry about little Chomper, she is actually a very healthy pup of 4 years. To see a video of the event, click here. Chomper is actually very cute in the video.

The dog contest is held by the Kiwanis of San Diego and aside from ugliest dog, there are also prizes for cutest dog, best St. Patties Day Contest, best mutt and more. Procedes help animal shelters across the county.

Name: Pualani
Age: 7 years old
Mix: Australian Shepherd/Heeler/Mystery
Hobbies:  Going to the dog park, eating and dressing up for different holidays.
Owner: Tracie, Piedmont, CA

Name: Fredrich von Stinkenhammer
Age: 10 years
Mix: Boston Terrier/Beagle
Hobbies: Playing with rope toys, barking at cats and hanging out at the family surf shop.
Owner: Amber Gavel, Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Name: Tweek
Age: 2.5 years old
Mix: Boxer/American Staffordshire Terrier Mix
Hobbies: Swimming in the ocean, playing at the dog park, and climbing mountains.
Owner: Greer, Norwalk, CT