May

Dachshunds Show Their Stuff at “Wiener Mania” at Phoenix Greyhound Park

The heck with those powerhouse fillies (yes, we mean you Rachel Alexandra) and come-from-behind long-shots (looking at Mine That Bird,) this Sunday, May 24, all eyes will be focused down — way,way down — on the dashing Dachshunds running in the Wiener Mania races at Phoenix Greyhound Park.

This is the 13th year for the annual Wiener Races with more than 60 dogs running the 150-foot-long course for the chance to win — drum roll, please — a year’s supply of free dog food. This popular event brings thousands of folks into the Park to watch the comical races and brings in lots of dollars for the charity, Phoenix Adopt a Greyhound, which places retired racing dogs into loving forever homes. There will be a $2 cover charge for this day with all proceeds going to the organization.

If you have never seen a “non-racing dog” dog race you’re in for a fun treat. When we used to attend the International Horse Show in Washington, D.C., a highlight of the show (and one we always looked forward to) was the Jack Russell terrier races. The feisty little dogs would take off out of the gate and then some would decide to run their own course and head into the stands while others would stop and engage in what we like to call “typical terrier disagreements” with fellow race participants. It would be a miracle if even half of the eight starters eventually crossed the finish line!

Festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. when the gates open with a Wiener Parade planned for 4 p.m. and the first race going off at 5 p.m. In addition to the Wiener Mania events, there will be 18 Greyhound races as well. Phoenix Greyhound Park is located at 38th Street and Washington and can be reached via the new Phoenix Light Rail or there is plenty of free parking as well.

For more information visit these links ArizonaAdoptAGreyhound.org or PhoenixGreyhoundPark.com to get all the details.