We love a doggy adoption story with a happy ending, and few are as heart-warming, or glamorous, as that of Vincent the bulldog. Adopted from the Illinois English Bulldog Rescue organization by Meredith and Chad Green of Des Moines in February, Vincent is approximately three years old and weighs 60lbs. He likes running up and down stairs, chasing his adoptive Yorkshire Terrier sister, chewing on bones, and long car rides. Now, as of Sunday April 24th, Vincent is officially the most beautiful bulldog in the land, as judged by the Drake University contest of the same name.
"He had the look, the wrinkles, the nose, the happiness," pronounced guest judge Kurt Van Auken, Star 102.5 radio's producer. "His tongue was always wagging. It was pure joy looking at him." Such comments are a far cry from just nine months ago, when Vincent was found wandering the streets of Des Moines alone, thin and scrappy from neglect. The beautiful pooch's luck was about to change in the most unexpected way, though, and his new owners couldn't be prouder of him.
"He's not your typical bulldog, where owners often talk about how theirs is so lazy. [He's] actually very active," said Meredith. Indeed, Vincent managed to fight off the competition using just his charm and good looks, in the face of competitors dressed in a series of elaborate costumes, with even more elaborate props.
Drake University, Des Moines, uses the bulldog as its mascot, and Vincent will now make a personal appearance and partake in a photo shoot at the Drake Relays, a prestigious track and field event held at the institution this week.
Photo ©Instagram.com/drakeuniversity