Dog derby to raise funds for rescue agency
By STEPHANIE N. LEHMAN
ROUND LAKE BEACH – The long dogs with the little legs – they’re going to be a-racing.
Round Lake Beach’s Petland will sponsor it’s second annual Dachshund Derby at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 28, at 815 E. Rollins Road.
It’s a chance for “weiner dogs” to race, with the ultimate goal of raising funds for other local animals in need, said Allison Buttrill, kennel manager at the local Petland.
“It’s all for fun, and it’s all for charity,” Buttrill said.
The dogs race on a 50-foot track in heats of three, with the ultimate winner taking home a year’s supply of Nutro dog food. The race itself is the best part of the day, Buttrill said.
“The owners or friends stand at the finish line, and they can bring treats or toys or whatever they think will get their dog to run,” Buttrill said. “The gates are dropped and the dogs run or do not run ... some do really well, some sniff each other.”
“[The owners] get to have fun; they get to be goofy,” she said laughing. “We’ve had people screaming and dancing and making fools of themselves at the finish line.”
A minimum $5 donation is asked of all contestants, with proceeds benefiting Petropolis Adoptions, an non-profit rescue organization based in Round Lake.
A $10 raffle will take place during the races, with the winner taking home a Dachshund puppy and other prizes.
Following the races, Round Lake Beach police officer Ken Rydz and his canine partner, Gunner, will host a demonstration and answer questions related to the canine unit.
Registration will take place at 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact Petland at 847-223-7900.
