The Most Beautiful Bulldog of the 2018 Drake Relays has a remarkable life story, and at one point, her journey to the famous Blue Oval in Des Moines may not have happened.

John and Leanne Hill of Pella are the proud owners of Bow-Z, a two year old female bulldog, who happens to be the center of attention at the 109th edition of America’s Athletic Classic. Bow-Z won the 2018 Most Beautiful Bulldog contest this past weekend while wearing a Dutch costume.

The Hills tell KNIA/KRLS News her journey to the Relays is remarkable, considering she was on a list to be euthanized as a young puppy.

“When she was born, the breeder realized she was born without hip sockets, so they took her to a facility to have her euthanized, because she wasn’t breedable, she wasn’t sellable, and she was basically a ‘throw-away puppy.'” John says. “One of the vet techs at that center said, ‘oh, we’re not going to put this puppy down, I’m just going to go home and take care of her.'”

John says from there, the cost was too high for foster care due to numerous medical issues, so Bow-Z wound up at Animal Lifeline of Iowa. The pair adopted her last year after seeing her when taking another pet up to the metro for treatment.

“I think it was just in God’s plan that that’s how it ended up being and how she ended up being in our lives,” LeAnne says. “I think she’s blessed us as much as we’ve blessed her, and she couldn’t be more a part of our family.”

Bow-Z will be coronated this Saturday during the Drake Relays, and also meet Drake’s mascot Griff.

Hear more about the story of Bow-Z on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.