In a TODAY exclusive, Petunia and her handler Shannon Nyman stop by the plaza after being crowned the winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. “Even a wonky dog is deserved to be loved,” Nyman says.

Rescued from neglect, the hairless bulldog claimed the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest title on Friday but her prize came long before the competition results were announced.

The 2-year-old hairless French bulldog mix appeared live on TODAY alongside handler Shannon Nyman on Aug. 11. She basked in her victory, three days after winning $5,000, a spot on limited-edition cans from sponsor Mug Root Beer and the coveted bragging rights for being selected as the World's Ugliest Dog.