WienerFest with wiener dog races Sunday
Dashing dachshunds will be racing and be on parade when the SW Florida Wiener Dog Club and Shell Factory host WienerFest 2011.
The event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 18 starting at 10 a.m. with registration and meet and greet time. Races start at 11 a.m., and following them at 4 p.m., contests for a variety of wiener distinctions will be held, along with a hot dog eating contest.
“There are three categories for racing puppies up to two-years-old, adult dogs two to six and seniors seven and older,” said club organizer Peggy Kay.
The SW Florida Wiener Dog Club is a relatively new club, she said. “We started in April, after participating in other local derbies.” The group that had their derbies there in the past moved to a new location, and she and Shell Factory representatives wanted to carry on the tradition at the Shell Factory – especially with it’s new Doggy Heaven Dog Sports Park.
The park is home to several area groups, including the Wiener Dog Club, SunCoast Dock Dogs (with their 40′ x 20′ dog diving pool), Calusa Dog Agility Club and the Lee County Dog Obedience Club.
“The cost to enter your dachshund in a race is $10 per dog,” Kay said. “A registration form is on our website people can fill it out and mail it to me.” Closer to the event she suggests bringing them in or just registering that day. When the dogs arrive at the facility, they must show proof of vaccination and current license.
“Our races are family friendly and non-intimidating. Of course we enjoy friendly competition but the welfare and safety of all the dogs is our first concern.”
She said they always try to schedule races in the coolest part of the day and water and shade is always available. “Our partner Vet on Wheels will be on hand to help if there is an emergency.”
After racing, wieners will be on parade in a variety of contests, including:
n Best trick
n Best Costume
n Waggiest tail
n Most obedient
n Dog and owner look-a-like
n The smallest wiener
n The largest wiener
n The handsomest boy
n The prettiest girl
n and last but not least “Doggy Heaven’s Cutest Little Angel”.
The Publix store on Pine Island Road is sponsoring the hot dog eating contest after the races.
It’s free to watch, and spectators will have fun, she said. In the past the large crowds have made it hard to see the actual races, but that is something they have addressed. “I’m really excited that we’re going to have bleachers set up around the perimeter of the 50′ track, both on outside and inside for spectator viewing.”
While daucsands only will be the racers, the public is invited to bring any dog, leashed.
Kay will bring her own two dachshunds – Botsey and Bailey – who are litter mates and both six-year-old black and tan males, adopted from the local Forever Pets.
Kay has worked for the City of Fort Myers in recreation for 20 years. She is happy with how the club is growing. “The club is growing on Facebook and Meetup.com and members are signing up. You don’t have to be a member to participate in the races.”
The club meets once a month on the third Sunday of the month from from 9 to 11 a.m., when they do “Wiener Racing 101” a learn and practice for newcomers. “We do practice racing for people and dogs who have never done it before to try it. There’s no charge.”
The interaction is a way to socialize dogs. “It’s really important to have a well-rounded pet.”
The group then has a late breakfast or early lunch at Shell Factory’s Dogbones Cafe (a pet-friendly restaurant). “You can also bring your pooch with you when you come for drink specials during Canines and Cocktails there every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
For information go to Swfloridawinerdogs.com or call the group at 458-3294, or the Shell Factory at 995-2141. The Shell Factory is located at 2787 N Tamiami Trl., and the dog park entrance is at the main entrance, off US-41 N Cleveland Ave.