On May 4th, 2013, 96 Chihuahuas, their owners, and hundreds of spectators were at the Kastles Stadium for the 2nd Annual Running of the Chihuahuas. The event was put on by OnTap Magazine as a celebration of Cinco De Mayo and a fundraiser for the Paws of SW Dog Park Group.

RunningoftheChihuahasThe centerpiece of the event was the fifty-foot turf “race track.” The rules stated that every dog had to have someone to release them and also someone to catch them at the other end. There were no toys or treats allowed on the racetrack. 12 preliminary races determined who went on to the semi-finals. The racing was fast as most of the dogs ran quickly from one end of the “race track” to their waiting owner at the other end. The crowd was doubled over with laughter during heat 7 when none of the dogs ran the track but decided to play with each other and run around in circles instead. After an official restart only one dog made the entire sprint to win heat 7.

The final race was very competitive and the finish was close. In the end Lola, won out as the fastest Chihuahua of the day! Her owners accepted a $150 gift card on her behalf.

Some of the dog vendors that came out included: Dogma, Howl to the Chief, Barkley Square, Fur Get Me Not, Unleashed by Petco, the Healthy Dog Store, Dogtopia, and Valerie’s Animal Den. Food was available for purchase from the SOL Mexican Food Truck, Sinplicity Ice Cream, and the Red Hook Lobster Pound Truck. Other generous sponsors included Corona Light, Pacifico, The Kastles, The Wharf, Cantina Marina, and Dr. Katy.

Paws of SW would like to thank everyone who came out and helped make this event a success!  We raised over $2000 towards building the dog park. Please check out the status of the dog park at www.pawsofsw.org. The location and tentative layout have been approved by DPR and are we waiting for a design and build contract to be finalized. The SW Dog Park is going to be built in Lansburg park as part of a revitalization that also includes brand new basketball courts and community gardens.

By Kate Renner

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