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Video featuring trial wins by defending champion Finn making the field Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals Championship and the 2016 championship final won by Julie Woods’ Darcy. Courtesy of Los Alamitos Race Track.
Aaaaand away they g—hey, you, the finish line’s over here! Quit sniffing whatever that is! You just had a nap—get up and run!
The 21st annual Weiner Nationals, sponsored by Weinerschnitzel and hosted by Los Alamitos Racecourse, brought in an audience of over 14,000 fans and spectators ready for some good times and very funny fun.
“The first one we did brought in 8,000 people,” said Orlando Gutierrez, the race track’s Marketing Director. “It’s hilarious!”
The races also earned $8,497 in ticket and merchandise sales for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center (SBACC), the event’s beneficiary since the dogs took their short little legs to the track in 1996. According to Ann Victor, the race track’s PR director, the Nationals at the Los Al course have raised $250,000 for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center over the years.
“We try to do them in a number of our market areas, but nothing’s as prestigious as the Los Alamitos race—it’s awesome,” said Doug Koegeboehn, Wienerschnitzel’s Chief Marketing Officer.
It’s also engaging and, as Gutierrez described it often hilarious. At this year’s meet, dogs with names like Squinty, Luigi Linguini and Loud Mouth Jack scooted for the finish line and everywhere else on the track as their humans waved their pets’ favorite chew toys and called out to them. During an early trial, one dog bumped another and went on to win the race anyway as spectators yelled out “Inquiry! Inquiry!”
The Breeder’s Cup would never stand for this. Photo by Kate Karp.
At 27 pounds, Tucker has to be one of the biggest doxies around. He’s also the best traveled—He was born in Hungary, and his parents, U.S. Air Force servicewomen Kaylee and Sydney Sprout, got him when they were in England. He’s been to Ohio and now lives in Mississippi. He drove all the way to Cypress, (well, he didn’t drive) where Kaylee, is originally from to be in the race. When asked how he did in the race, Kaylee said, “He did as well as we expected—he came in last.” Photo by Kate Karp.
There were 10 trials in all and a Legend vs. Legend Head to Head Match race featuring two-time champion Mr. Schnitzel and multiple local champion Tootsie. Tootsie was declared winner of that race, putting one more notch in his collar. The Championship Race followed the trials and featured the 10 little winners. Eager-beaver-colored Darcy broke out of the gate before the bell and was schlepped back inside; characteristically speaking, she handily won the championship. Her proud parents, Bankers Hill, California, residents Julie and Anthony Woods, took home the $1,000 prize, a non-chewable glistening trophy, and a doghouse with the Wienerschnitzel logo that she immediately made herself comfortable in.
The Woodses, left of dog house, in the Winner’s Circle group shot, with winners of all trials. Photos courtesy of Los Alamitos Race Course
Wiener Winner Darcy, flanked by Anthony and Julie Woods and the Wienerschnitzel mascot. Photo by Kate Karp
With all the emotion, you’d wonder how seriously all these doxie people take the race.
“Not at all!” Julie Woods said. “It’s just a lot of fun, and she loves to run!”
If you own a dachshund and would like to enter the 2017 Wiener Nationals, email [email protected] or follow this link for rules and information.
Photo by Kate Karp
Virtually Pets
At least one dog in the Nationals was rescued from SBACC: Bullet, who took the 1 position in Trial 3, was adopted when he was 9 months old. The Southern California Dachshund Rescue (SCDR) in La Habra has a load of them to adopt as well (You know what they say—you’ll never find a purebred dog in a shelter or a rescue, so spend a ton of money on one on Craigslist. Yeah, right.)
Visit the rescue’s website to find out about adoptable dogs, or contact [email protected] for more information. The little guys might make great entrants in the Nationals, but that’s beside the point, according to Doug Koegeboehn. “I would not adopt a dog to go race a dog. I would adopt a dog to love a dog,” he stated.
Darby and Margie, both 7 years old, are bonded littermates. Their owner died, and they went to stay with relatives until a more permanent arrangement could be made. The relatives contacted the breeder that sold Darby and Margie as puppies 7 years ago, but they had no provision for taking their dogs back. However, the breeder contacted SCDR, and asked us if we could help these two sweet sisters. We wholeheartedly accepted. These two get along fine with other dogs but would be best in a home with no children. It’s unknown how they react to cats. Because of a lack of activity in their former home, they look like stuffed sausages, but with exercise and a proper diet, they should be diet franks in no time. They’re spayed and current on shots.
Snoop is a neutered senior male, 11 years old. He was surrendered to SCDR after living for 10 years with afamily who found less and less time for him as years went by. Poor guy has adjusted well, though—he’s active and playful and would also do best in a home with no small children or cats. A nice companion dog for him would be great, though!
Sammy is an 8-year-old mini with special needs. He’d been rescued from a shelter and adopted by a family who returned him after his paralysis made it difficult to care for him. He’s crate trained for indoors. He’s not a good candidate for an apartment or a condo because his bark is loud and close neighbors would not be happy. His best living condition would be a private residence with no stairs and a backyard so he can continue to sharpen his hunting skills and regain strength in his legs. Sammy is making progress, too. He can stand unaided, and can even take a few steps. He still needs his wheels, but spends most of his time standing on all fours, and walking using the cart for balance. Rescue volunteers predict he won’t need it much longer.
And it’s hard to pass up this adorable mix at Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 East Spring Street. This is what happens when a dog is bought as a breeder and decides to take herself for a walk. Fritz is the shelter’s featured pet—he’s about 6 years old and has what the staff describes as a “funny little crispy-sounding bark.” He’s great with other dogs and is social—he’s been to several events and has done very well there. He’s already neutered, so no worries! He’s not eligible for the Wiener Nationals, of course, but he’d be a great companion for anyone, and if you stop by this Saturday for Clear the Shelters (see Mark Your Calendars), there will be a big bite taken out of his adoption fee and a big tongue lick for the new family! Ask for ID# A571897.
Mark Your Calendars (the People Way)
Clear the Shelters Day!
Saturday, July 23, 10:00AM–6:00PM, Pussy & Pooch, PD Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 East Spring Street (at entrance to El Dorado Park), Long Beach
$20 adoption fee per pet; parking free for shelter guests
Help #CleartheShelters! Long Beach Animal Care Services and the spcaLA are participating in this daylong adoption event promoted by NBC 4 Los Angeles and Telemundo 52 Los Angeles. All adoption fees for dogs and cats at the PD Pitchford Companion Animal Village will be reduced to $20! Come by and find your new forever friend!
Kitten Tsunami Adoption Event
Saturday, July 23, noon–4:00PM, Pussy & Pooch, 4818 East Second Street, Long Beach
Free event; adoption fees apply
Next “wave” of beautiful kittens needing forever homes, and only a couple of steps to shop for all their necessities. See flyer for details; come to the event to see de tails!
Photo courtesy of the Integer Group and IBRCC
International Bird Rescue’s 45th Birthday
Saturday, July 30, 11:00AM–4PM, Angels Gate Park, 3601 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro
Free event
Happy birdie to you! Dawn dish soap is celebrating their wildlife partner’s 45th year International Bird Rescue’s (IBRRC) 45th Anniversary, and IBRRC would love for you to join them! The organization will open its doors and host a community fair with the theme “Preserving Wildlife Through Images.” National Geographic photographer and author Joel Sartore will present his photos and a message about wildlife conservation, and there will also be food trucks, family-friendly activities and behind-the-scenes tours. For over 40 years, Dawn has been supporting wildlife rescue rehabilitation centers, including IBRRC, with its product to clean animals affected by oil pollution. As such, Dawn is the only dishwashing brand trusted by wildlife rescue experts for decades.
Long Beach Love Art and Photo Show, Benefitting spcaLA
Saturday, July 30, 7:00PM–10PM, Underground Salon, 149 Linden Avenue, Long Beach
$5 entry fee and bar menu prices
A truly hep-cat evening, with 10 percent of sales going to the spcaLA pets, features artwork from Outer Limits Tattoo Long Beach, and Photos from Krk Dominguez. The Record Truck record store on wheels will have vinyls; Master Droog (The SLOP STOMP) and DJ Polyester (The SLOP STOMP, Bad Reputation) will be spinning all night. Lots of raffle prizes as well as goodies from Delightful Crepes Cafe Pit Bull Bakery and Seal Beach Toffee. There will be items for sale from Lil Devils Boutique, LB Skate Co, New Flower Studio, Made by Adriane/Lucky Girl Handbags, and other local Long Beach businesses and designers.
Dog Adoption Event
Saturday, August 6, 11:00AM–3:00PM, Pet Food Express, 4220 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach
Adoption fees apply
Find your new best friend and everything that he or she could ever want or need, in one place. Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS) and other rescues will be bringing some wonderful dogs ready to go home with their new people. Everything is high quality at Pet Food Express, and that includes the adoptive pets! Check out the Cat Adoption Center while you’re there!
El Dorado Audubon Society Birds and Butterflies Field Trip
Saturday, August 13, 8:00AM–10:00AM, Gum Grove Nature Park, Crestview Avenue and Avalon Drive, Seal Beach
Free event
Butterflies may not be pets and the birds you’ll encounter on this lovely outing likely won’t ride around on your shoulder, but they are animals, and this is an exercise in appreciation. We meet in the parking lot near Avalon Drive and Catalina and walk toward this long, narrow park overlooking the Los Cerritos Wetlands to enjoy songs of summer. We will be looking for house wrens, song sparrows, black phoebes, swallows and raptors. We can see the bike path along the San Gabriel River and on clear days the local mountains, Palos Verdes and the downtown Long Beach skyline. Hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars are advised, and be forewarned that there are no restrooms on the site.
Ongoing
Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS): Free Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinics, once monthly; Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics, scheduled days Monthly. Locations vary.
See flyer on web page for pricing of services
Beginning this Sunday, February 21, the Society for California Veterinary and Vaccine Care (SCVVC) will offer free spay/neuter procedures and wellness services to residents of the cities served by ACS: Long Beach, Signal Hill, Cerritos, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach. During the remaining weeks of the month, Spay/Neuter Project Los Angeles (SNP/LA) will offer low-cost vaccines, nail trimmings and topical flea treatment for residents of the same areas. Click link for locations and times and click the links next to each event for vaccine pricing and other details.
Pet owners must be 18 years or older. All pets must be on leashes or in carriers. Only healthy and non-pregnant animals will be vaccinated. If you have a prior rabies vaccine certificate, license tag or license renewal notice for your pet, please bring it with you to the clinic. Vaccination and microchip services are provided for pets residing in any city. Licensing service is provided for residents within our jurisdiction:. Microchips, flea treatment and nail trimmings also available.
Pet Food Bank, Sponsored by Christian Outreach in Action
See flyer for details
BARK Therapy Dogs Library Appearances
Various area libraries (Long Beach events generally held on Saturdays)
Free event
Dogs love unconditionally. They don’t judge or criticize. And they love a good story. Bring your children to the library to read to these lovely therapy dogs, and watch their confidence in their reading ability grow.
BARK (Beach Animals Reading with Kids) is an all-volunteer group dedicated to increasing children’s reading skills as well as interacting with pets. Check the calendar page on the group’s website, and find out more about this terrific organization.
spcaLA Friends for Life Summer Camp
June through August, Monday through Friday; Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring Street, Long Beach
Details on website
Paws down, it’s the best camp around! spcaLA Friends for Life Summer Camp™ is for kids 8 through 13 years old. At camp, kids learn the basics of pet care and responsibility, respect for all animals, and the beginnings of dog training, all while making new friends on a number of legs! There are several sessions still available, each running Monday through Friday. Registration details and session schedule are available here.