A rescue dog who overcame a serious injury is now being celebrated as one of the cutest dogs around! Champ, a 10-year-old, three-legged Yorkie mix from New York, has won PEOPLE’s 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest.

Originally found as a stray in Texas with a severe leg injury, Champ underwent an amputation before being adopted by Susan Carmody in November 2023. Today, he is a certified therapy dog who visits schools, airports, and assisted-living facilities, bringing comfort and happiness to people of all ages.

As the winner, Champ receives a year’s supply of PEDIGREE dog food and a $1,000 donation to an animal rescue organization of his owner’s choice. His owner plans to donate the money to Wagging Tails Rescue NY, the organization that helped Champ find his forever home.

people.com