Update: Abilene's Dachshund Races Have Been Canceled

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Updated: July 11th, 2022 Dachshund Races are CANCELED!

The Annual Dachshund Races and Rescued Dog Reunion has been completely canceled. Founder and President of Rescue the Animals Palu Washburn said "the heat is way too intense and I want to remind all pet owners to be responsible pet owners and provide their fur babies reliefe from the heat."

Paul went on to say "with as many people seeking relief for heatstroke from their doctors and minor E.R.'s, veterinarians are doing the same thing when it comes to your personal pets." If the Dachshund Races are rescheduled we will be the first to announce it right here, so keep checking back.

In the meantime check out the videos of some of the Dachshund Races in the past.

The Annual Dachshund Races and Rescued Dogs Reunion returns for 2022, (so long as we don't have another 'pandemic shutdown.') The Rescue the Animals SPCA event will return on Thursday, July 14th at the Festival Gardens across the parking lot from the Abilene Zoo.

The Dachshund Races and Rescued Dog's Reunion is open to every dog because every dog is a rescue. We highly encourage you to bring your fur babies to this fun and hilarious event. Admission and participation in the 'Rescue the Animals Dachshund Races' and the 'Rescued Dog's Reunion' is absolutely free, however, donations are needed and needed.

Trophies will be awarded from smallest to tallest from youngest to oldest and more

Come show off your fur-buddy before the Dachshund Races. Dress up yourself and your dog for the costume contest. Trophies will be awarded in many different categories such as Goofiest, Smallest, Tallest, Fattest, Youngest, and Oldest Dog. There's also an Owner/Dog Look-a-Like, Couple of the Year, Best Costume, Mr. and Miss Congeniality, and lastly the Homecoming Queen and King.

Sponsorships for this event are available and welcomed. All funds raised go directly to rescuing animals of all kinds here in West Texas. Plus many animals that have run out of time are rescued and shipped to various other animal rescue groups throughout the United States. Your help and donations are graciously accepted.

I personally invite you to come out to this event and bring your camera to capture all the fun and heartwarming moments and share those photos with us. I am honored to be the master of ceremonies once again as this is one of my favorite events in the Lone Star State. we'll see you there.

Gates will open at 4 pm with food and beverage trucks. The 'Rescued Dog's Reunion' is at 6:30 pm and the races begin at 7 pm. It all takes place at Nelson Park's Festival Gardens. Register online at RescueTheAnimals.org or call Rescue the Animals at 325-695-SPCA.

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Does your loyal pup's breed make the list? Read on to see if you'll be bragging to the neighbors about your dog's intellectual prowess the next time you take your fur baby out for a walk. Don't worry: Even if your dog's breed doesn't land on the list, that doesn't mean he's not a good boy--some traits simply can't be measured.

Gallery Credit: Sabienna Bowman