The 2024 World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Winner Is a 'Cuddly' Pit Bull Mix Who's 'Never Met a Stranger’
This year's World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest has crowned its winner, and it’s a victory not just for one dog but for rescue dogs everywhere—especially pit bulls. Margot, a 3-year-old Pit Bull and American Bulldog mix, took home the title of PEOPLE's 2024 World's Cutest Rescue Dog, sponsored by PEDIGREE®, beating out over 7,000 other entrants.
Margot’s story began like many rescue dogs. In November 2022, she was found wandering alone in a Walmart parking lot and was brought to Cincinnati Animal CARE by a Good Samaritan. It wasn’t long before she caught the eye of volunteer Julia Zupan, who had been helping the shelter by taking dogs on day trips to de-stress from the shelter environment.
Zupan first saw Margot’s unique look—a striking mix of one blue eye and one brown—on the Facebook page of a fellow volunteer. “I wasn’t looking for a dog, but I saw Margot and thought, ‘I have to meet this dog because I’ve never seen one like her,’” Zupan recalls. That day, she arranged to bring Margot to her apartment for a quiet day trip. It wasn’t long before Margot, a natural cuddle bug, made herself at home. “She was fully lying on me, snuggling,” Zupan says. After just two days, Zupan knew she couldn’t give Margot up and officially adopted her on November 15, 2022.
Margot quickly became Zupan’s constant companion and is described as “the most affectionate dog” she has ever met. Despite not initially seeking to adopt a dog, Zupan’s connection with Margot was instant, and she soon found herself entering the adorable pooch in PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest.
Margot’s lovable personality and gorgeous, speckled appearance earned her thousands of votes from the public, as well as the judges from PEOPLE, The Talk, and PEDIGREE®. Her prize package includes a year’s supply of dog food from PEDIGREE® and a $1,000 donation to an animal rescue of her choice. Fittingly, Zupan chose Cincinnati Animal CARE, where Margot’s story began.
Zupan, who continues to volunteer with Cincinnati Animal CARE, has gone above and beyond by using her platform to promote rescue dogs. She has taken more than 16 dogs on day trips and fostered four short-term, further advocating for shelter animals. Her social media accounts for Margot (@margottherescue on TikTok and Instagram) help bring attention to the joys and challenges of raising a rescue dog, including Margot’s leash-reactivity training. Despite having "really big feelings" on walks, Margot is always eager to make new friends and is working with Zupan to manage her reactions through regular training and trips to off-leash parks.
Margot’s win coincides with Pit Bull Awareness Month, an important milestone for Cincinnati Animal CARE and pit bull mixes, which are often misunderstood. At the shelter, they work tirelessly to break stereotypes about pit bulls, highlighting that dogs like Margot are affectionate, loyal, and full of love. “Rescue dogs aren’t just cute—they’re resilient, loving, and full of personality,” says Zupan. Margot’s story showcases how wonderful rescue pit bulls can be, proving they’re just waiting for the right person to give them a chance.
Margot’s win is also a victory for Cincinnati Animal CARE, which continues to encourage fostering, adopting, and volunteering. As Zupan points out, “Volunteering, fostering, and adopting have changed my perspective on how many amazing dogs are waiting in shelters.” She hopes that Margot’s win will inspire more people to consider adopting or fostering a shelter dog.
If you’re interested in getting involved with rescue efforts, Cincinnati Animal CARE is always looking for volunteers and fosters. As Margot’s story shows, there’s a loving, cuddly dog waiting for their chance to find a forever home—one that could just change your life, as Margot did for Zupan.
For more information on how you can help or to meet adoptable dogs, follow Cincinnati Animal CARE on social media or visit their shelter.
