This dog is like Frankenstein…the sum of all the unique parts. It has the long torso of a Bassett hound, broad chest of a Labrador, stubbly legs of a Chihuahua, deep bark of a Doberman, attitude of a Rottweiler, voracious appetite of a beagle, and the heart of a lion. They come in standard and mini-sized; red, black, dapple, or piebald, with long, short, or wirey coats.
They came from as far north as Jacksonville, west from Cape Coral, and south from the Florida Keys. They brought costumes, racing attire and fan clubs. About 400 dogs gathered in celebration of this special breed which hails from Germany, where they are known as teckels. Dachshunds, doxies, hot dogs or wienies (say it “wineys, NOT weenies”) came for a day of fun and fundraising at the Third Annual Dachstoberfest. The event was held in West Palm Beach, October 19.
Eighty dogs preregistered and competed in the Doxie Dash. Races were divided by age. They ran in heats for pups, dogs, and seniors. The first race featured puppies. When the starting gate opened, only one ran to his mom squeaking a toy at the finish line. The others waited at the gate, confused. The crowd cheered on. Non-wienies won their racing slots by bid (to benefit DRSF), and were awarded trophies. There were vendors and exhibitors, food trucks and a smelling station. Dogs were encouraged to revel in the scents of peanut butter, chicken, seasoned gym socks, and cat poop.
Dachshund Rescue of South Florida (DRSF) accepted 310 dogs to the program, to date this year. With seventy dogs currently in the foster program, several wienies attended and turned up the charm; hoping to win hearts of new families. Like any reputable rescue, DRSF adoption has a process, including an application, background check, home visit and adoption fee. “We want to assure each dog gets the best family we can match him/her with”, stated Pam Weiner, DRSF president.
“Dachshunds in our program are owner surrenders, strays and pulled from shelters. We don’t turn away the aged, the sick or temperamental challenges”, stated Mona Straub, DRSF board member. The average rescued dachshund accrues $400 with vetting and care. “Our organization is fueled by volunteers. We are always in need of foster homes. We can help more dachshunds, with more foster homes”, she added. And that, is the long and the short of it!
The next wiener-dog festival is Winterfest, in Miami in January.
