Off to the races again!

4th Dachshund Dash slated July 27 at Expo

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID, Okla. — The fourth annual Enid Paws 4 the Cause Dachshund Dash is raising money this year to help purchase a new Enid Police Department K-9 partner to replace the retired Thor.

The races start at 10 a.m. July 27 at Chisholm Trail Expo Center. The new EPD dog will be trained in the areas of drug identification and patrol.

Assisting with the event are Security National Bank, Park Avenue Thrift, Eagle Marketing and Chisholm Trail Broadcasting.

The event is nationally sanctioned by the National Dachshund Foundation, said April Danahy, marketing director for Security National Bank. The grand champion and reserve grand champion will be eligible to go the national dachshund races in Finlay, Ohio.

“We’ve been pleased with the community support, spectators and racers, as we raise money for animal-related causes,” Danahy said.

Paws 4 the Cause helped raise money for EPD to purchase a K-9 patrol dog when Rex retired, for trees and bushes at the dog park and watering stations for dogs along Enid’s Trail System. Last year, it helped raise money to establish three outdoor adoption areas at the city of Enid animal shelter.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors and racers and their owners. A great group of people put it on every year and it continues to grow,” Danahy said. “Racers from as far away as Arkansas come over to compete. The goal is to provide a family fun event that’s safe for animals and fun for spectators.”

Eagle Marketing’s Frank Baker said he has been pleased with the way the community has embraced the event.

“Nothing against two-legged people, but I’m a big dog fan,” Baker said. “It’s great to see money funnel back to tangible things for pets.”

Baker also reminded people who may attend that the event will be air conditioned inside the Expo Center. He thanked Lynne Benkendorf of Eagle Marketing for handling the logistics of the event.

“It is sanctioned by the people who put on the Wiener Nationals in Ohio,” Baker said. “I encourage people to come out. It’s just the goofiest, sweetest thing you can see.”

Three age groups of dachshund athletes will compete. The age groups are puppies 4 months to one year in age; adults one year to eight years in age; and seniors eight years and up. All racers must be full-blood dachshund. This year, there will be additional races for mixed-breed dachshunds.

Owners may register their dogs at The Groom Closet, 2005 W. Chestnut. Registered dachshunds will be randomly drawn to participate in the dash, as limited racing spots are available. There is a $20 registration fee for racers registered by the July 8 deadline. Late registration fee is $45. Information is available at enidpaws4the cause.com.

There will be sponsorship opportunities and booth space at the event.

http://enidnews.com/localnews/x1076953035/4th-Dachshund-Dash-slated-July-27-at-Expo