By Ali Robertson, Times Correspondent
Thursday, November 11, 2010
DUNEDIN — A year ago, Katie was knocked out of the competition early. Saturday, she's ready to sprint her way to redemption — as fast as her 5-inch legs can carry her 15-pound frame.
The 3-year-old dachshund will make her mad dash in the Running of the Wieners, one of the competitions at the Third Annual Dogtoberfest. She's one of at least 400 dogs expected to flock with owners to Highlander Park for Saturday's festival, hosted by the Suncoast Animal League.
"The way people pack around the racing area, I think they would place bets if they were allowed," said Rick Chaboudy, executive director of the Suncoast Animal League. "Sometimes it's the owners who are funnier than the dogs."
This year's event will offer something special as festivalgoers try to break the Guinness world record for the most dogs in costume.
Chaboudy said festival committee members originally planned to exceed 208 costumed canines, a record set last April by the New York Mets. But the ante was recently raised after the committee heard about a group of 218 dogs in costume in England.
Registration will begin at 11 a.m., and the record attempt will start at 12:30 p.m. in a fenced-in area of the park.
Chaboudy knew the record attempt would highlight the festival, but he's surprised at how quickly it took on a life of its own. In the past few weeks, people from all parts of Florida's east coast have called asking for recommendations of pet-friendly Dunedin hotels.
He expects more than 1,000 people, but Chaboudy said the spacious park will allow everyone to enjoy Dogtoberfest, especially his favorite event, the Running of the Wieners.
At 3:30 p.m., heats of dachshunds, like Katie, will assemble at the racing course.
Katie's owner, Julia Belcher of Tampa, said her pup has been chasing the cat, running for the fence when someone walks by and sprinting at the sound of the treat bag opening — all part of her yearlong training regimen for the race.
When Katie raced in 2009, she won her first heat, but lost in the second to "Crazy Balloon Dog," which went on to win the event, Belcher said.
That dog, a dachshund named Norman, has a unique strategy. As he races, his owner releases helium from a balloon, a sound that makes him go wild.
"He just tore off from the handler to get the balloon," Belcher said. "I thought to myself, 'Oh my gosh, Katie's never going to be able to keep up.' She didn't have a chance."
Registration for the Running of the Wieners is $5, and all proceeds go to the Suncoast Animal League. Chaboudy said the nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue agency needs the help.
Recently, a dog named Skip, who could only walk on three legs, was brought to the agency. After undergoing a surgery that cost $1,800, Skip is in recovery. Chaboudy said things like that happen all the time.
"They're cute and adorable, but they also end up being very expensive," he said. "It's a daily struggle."