Special Agent McGee, Party Animal
Last Saturday my family and I spent the day at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, Georgia, home of the 2010 Howl-O-Weenie Festival, sponsored by DREAM (Dachshund Rescue, Education, Awareness and Mentoring).
The park was overrun by Dachshunds, most in full costume to celebrate Halloween and raise awareness (and money) for pet rescue. My grand-dog Special Agent McGee dressed up as a Party Animal, complete with Hawaiian shirt and grass skirt. The skirt embarrassed him until he saw other Dachshunds dressed as pirates, peacocks, Spanish dancers, Robin Hood. . .the list is endless. One trio of doxies made up Gone With the Weiners, a tribute to Scarlett and her pals. Another sported Skippy's Hot Dog stand, a lightweight contraption attached to his doggy wheelchair so he could participate in the festivities, and the old fella basked in the attention. Take a look:
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| Skippy's Hot Dog Stand -- he trotted around on two legs and two wheels like he owned the place! |
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| Lady Dog-Ga, I believe. |
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| Dachshund Hood, ready to fight the Sheriff of Doggingham |
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| Prince Charminghound |
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| Gone With the Wieners (well, 2 of them anyway. Rhett must be away charming some little doxie...) |
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| Anybody seen my castanets? |
And lunch---need you ask? Hot dogs, of course!
Doxies are an interesting breed. Consider that the Dachshund was bred to hunt badgers. Badgers are stocky, fierce omnivores related to weasels and otters. When a badger retreats to his den he backs in, facing out. Dachshunds plow into the hole and nab the sharp-toothed badger by the snout and drag him out. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) they were bred to "fight to the death" with the troublesome badgers. That takes some serious strength and courage, and little Dachshunds have both. Not that you would believe it after seeing those photos from the Howl-O-Weenie Festival.
Contests on festival day included best costume, face licking, weenie races, and howling, among others. The Dachshunds were game and their families played along. It was a fun time.
During the course of the day we met a lovable fella rescued by DREAM from a terrible animal hoarding situation. Two of his paws are deformed and he bears scars from mistreatment. Surprisingly, his temperament is calm and affectionate, and he made fast friends with our Special Agent McGee. Stay tuned for a future update on the miniature red doxie my daughter dubbed Chutsky (if you're a fan of the Dexter books, you'll get the connection). Here's a pic of McGee and Chutsky. Pretty handsome pair, huh?
If you think you might want to rescue a dog, keep in mind that there are many organizations available to pair you with a purebred should that be your preference. DREAM is one of these, if a lovable Dachshund is your choice, but consider also Collie Rescue, Golden Retriever Rescue, Labrador Retriever Rescue, and many others. And please don't overlook mixed breeds. All these furry kids need good homes, so please keep them in mind if you are ready to love and be loved by a precious pooch.
Happy Howl-O-Weenie month!
Lisa
