Quirky Critters Compete For Star 101.9’s Ugliest Pet Competition!

By Hannah McNamara

In a celebration of the weird, the wonderful and the surprisingly cute, Star 101.9’s Scotty and Kaley brought plenty of laughs to the region last Saturday with their ‘Mackay and Whitsunday’s Ugliest Pet Competition,’ held at Digger Landscape Supplies in Bucasia.

A quirky line-up of local contenders drew smiles from the crowd, with Frankie the dog, Tiny the hairless cat, and Shaun the goat all vying for the title. But it was Sarah Parrot’s pooch Pippy who ultimately stole the spotlight, taking out first place and earning the title of Mackay and Whitsundays’ ugliest pet with captivating style.

Each contestant walked away a winner in their own right, receiving a framed photo, while Pippy proudly took home the trophy. Frankie placed second, Tiny secured third, and Shaun the goat rounded out the competition in fourth.

Digger Landscape Supplies owner Joel, who helped judge the pets alongside Star 101.9 radio hosts, said the idea came about quickly and was all about bringing the community – and ugliest pets – together.

“We thought it’s pretty awesome… it’s all about bringing the community together and having a bit of a laugh… I suppose also to get the ugly pets out,” he laughed.

Joel admitted the judging process wasn’t necessarily easy.

“Some of the pets here are actually a bit terrifying… But they’re also quite cute in their own little way.”

While Pippy claimed the crown, Joel revealed he had a soft spot for another contestant.

“I actually really loved the hairless cat – it didn’t look too impressed to be here though,” he joked.

For Pippy’s owner Sarah Parrott, the win was a light-hearted moment for her much-loved companion.

“Poor Pippy… she’s a very unique little dog,” she said. “She’s just got that unique little personality. She’s so out there, and she goes everywhere with us.”

Now 10 years old, Pippy’s bold personality and unmistakable appearance have made her a standout wherever she goes.

“When everybody sees her, they’re like… ‘What is that?’,” Sarah giggled.

“She’s a Chinese Crested cross, with a Papillon mix on her mother’s side.”

With laughter, personality and plenty of unconventional charm on display, the event proved that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, and even the quirkiest pets can capture our hearts!

1^st place winner Pippy with her owner Sarah Parrott

2^nd place contestant Frankie with his owner Jodie Grosskreutz

3^rd place contestant Tiny the cat, who was eager to get back home.

4^th place contestant Shaun the goat, with her owner Cassie Dawes.

Group pic - Star 101.9 hosts Scotty and Kaley joined contestants and organisers at Digger Landscape Supplies for the Mackay and Whitsundays’ Ugliest Pet Competition, where Pippy the dog, owned by Sarah Parrott, was crowned the region’s ugliest pet. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara