Dachshund Races & Rescued Dog Reunion

2023 Dachshund Races

June 15 at Nelson Park

Free Admission! Free to Race!

Become a Sponsor Register Now

Join us for a great summer evening on the lawn and in the shade at the Festival Gardens across from the Abilene Zoo.

Schedule of Events:

5:00 pm   Gates Open

6:00 pm   Groomers Parade

6:30 pm   Rescued Dog Reunion

7:00 pm   Dachshund Races

Sponsors Needed!

Since this is a free event, our only income is from our sponsors.  All Sponsors are welcome to have a booth at the event.

Super Dachshund Lover Sponsor $5,000

Platinum Sponsor $2,500

Diamond Sponsor $1,000  NEW in 2023 Diamond Sponsors will also be a Lane Sponsor!  Get your LOGO on a lane!

Gold Sponsor $500

Silver Sponsor $250

Bronze Sponsor $100

If you prefer to purchase a sponsorship via check or by mailing your payment, please print and fill out this Sponsorship form.

Groomers Parade

All groomers are invited to strut their stuff in the show ring prior to the Reunion! Bring a dog who shows off your talent and get some exposure!  Email contact@rescuetheanimals.org if interested!

Rescued Dog All-Breed Reunion

This is the dog “Show” for every dog, not just the ones with papers!  Come show off your rescued dog in the show ring before the Dachshund Races.  Dress up and dress up your dog for our Costume Contest.

Just show up and enjoy the Reunion. No registration needed.

Your dog can win a trophy!  We’ll have lots of trophies, and we want your dog to take one home.  We’re sure your dog will be the winner in at least one of our categories.

• Smallest Dog
• Tallest Dog
• Fat Dog of the Year
• Youngest Dog
• Oldest Dog
• Owner and Dog Look-a-Like Couple of the Year
• Best Costume
• Mr. and Mrs. Congeniality

We will also pick a Homecoming King and Queen!

NEW for 2023!  All Kind Outstanding Shelter Dog Award for one OUTSTANDING dog who was adopted from the Abilene Animal Shelter.

Dachshund Races

The MAIN event begins as soon as the Reunion Ends!  Pre-Register or Register on race day at the event!

Any Dachshund can race! Any dog that looks like a Dachshund can race.

All dogs must be current on shots and be on a leash at all times except when racing.

Each dog needs two humans!  One person will be at the start line and one at the finish line.

NEW for 2023! If you have entered your dachshund in our free event we have set up a fundraising page on Give Lively where you can use your voice to get your dog sponsors. Peer to Peer fundraising is a great way to make a difference. The Dachshund with the most sponsorships (Money raised) will be recognized and will WIN a prize! 

Goofy Dachshund Race Off
If your dog doesn't actually take off racing, but smells the roses along the way, it has a chance to be entered into our Goof Off.  Our judges will choose a dog after each race heat to compete in the Goofy Race Off at the end.  Let's admit, these are our favorite racers, as they bring us lots of smiles and laughs!  Enter your dog today, even if you think "my dog won't run."