Enjoy a Dog Day Afternoon at Festival

Postal Employees Take On A New Role

CHARLESTON, WV — What’s faster than a turtle, as tall as a can of soda pop and one of man’s best friends? You’re right if you guessed — a wiener dog! 

Again this year, local residents will witness “the thunder of paws, the thrill of victory and the whines of defeat,” as Charleston West Side Main Street hosts the 2nd annual West Side Wiener Dog Races at Stonewall Jackson Middle School, 812 Park Ave.

The excitement begins Saturday, June 21, at 1 p.m. when Dachshunds of all ages and pedigree line up at the starting gate with hope of fame and glory. The event is part of Festivall and all proceeds will be donated to West Side Main Street, the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the fight against breast cancer and Kanawha-Charleston Humane Society.

For a mere $20 entry fee, attendees can be part of one of the fastest growing sports in the area. These lean, mean elongated running machines have been practicing against neighborhood turtles for the past year and have won every race. Now is the time to find the fastest of them all.

Besides the races, there will be wiener dog caricature artists, pet fortune teller The Great Barkini, dog splash pools, and a Blessing of the Pets by Brother Dennis.

Letter carriers, who suffer from more than 3,000 dog bites annually, have volunteered along with other postal employees to assist these magnificent athletes as they vie for the honor of being crowned the 2008 race champion. Postal Service volunteers also will man the food booths, the Wiener Dog comfort stations, judging and the all important role of pooper scoopers.

Prizes will be given for the Most Original Costume, Cutest Boy Weiner, Cutest Girl Weiner and Best Weiner/Owner theme costumes in the Parade of the Wieners and Costume Judging.

Around 70 Dachshunds and their owners participated in the event last year. Organizers expect an even larger turnout this year. This event is free and open to the public.

Rules: Must be a Wiener Dog. Please be sure your dog has had all required shots for its own protection. May bring your dog’s favorite toy. No food (human or dog food) or other pets are allowed in immediate race area. All dogs must be on a leash and will be asked to leave if unruly. Owners are required to cleanup after their dogs. Plastic bags available. Dogs should be on their best behavior (i.e., no fighting or biting). Only two handlers in the race area per dog — one at start and one at finish line. No waving blankets or other large items at the start of the race. Races will be run in heats with the winner of each heat racing against the other heat winners for the division. All dogs not involved in the race and parade will not be permitted within the race area. No selling of puppies or adult dogs of any size or breed.