Emily Rovner, a Political Science and Jurisprudence major, is in her first year as Opinion Editor for The Montclarion.
Anyone who loves animals can constantly find themselves looking at articles entitled “17 Dogs Who Are Having Better Birthdays Than You” or “18 Baby Rhinos Learning How to Rhino.” It is no wonder these articles litter the internet because animal lovers simply cannot get enough. However, animal lovers in Melbourne, Australia were able to step away from their computer screens long enough to have their beloved pet dachshunds take part in what is truly the cutest sport known to man: the Running of the Wieners.
On Sept. 19, 2015, over 50 dachshunds kicked off the country’s Oktoberfest activities by taking part in the Hophaus Southgate Inaugural Dachshund Running of the Wieners. The Running of the Wieners sought to include every dog in the festivities with not only a main race, but races for mini, standard and old dachshunds as well as dachshunds with disabilities. Although not every dachshund was quite ready for their racing debut, all dogs were invited to participate in the costume competition.
If wiener dog racing and costume competitions were not wonderful enough already, the event helped raise nearly $4,000 for Dachshund Rescue Australia, a nonprofit organization that rescues and helps find new homes for dachshund across Australia. The money raised can now go to the rescue’s great missions. At the same time, the organization can now further their efforts in helping ensure animal welfare, educating the general public of what a great breed dachshunds are and providing foster homes as well as forever homes for dachshunds.
The Hophaus Southgate Inaugural Dachshund Running of the Wieners is nothing new, but it is truly a wonderful event for dogs and owners alike. The event allows hundreds of dachshunds owners to create a community of those who love animals and the dachshund breed in particular. Also, with the help and support of the Dachshund Rescue Australia, the event promotes the adoption of the quirky breed by celebrating them and all their unique qualities. Beyond everything else, the Running of the Wieners is an incredibly fun event.
Hopefully, with all the recent publicity of the Hophaus Southgate Inaugural Dachshund Running of the Wieners all dachshunds and owners will take part in next year’s Running of the Wieners, because the internet could sure use more cute dog pictures.
