Roller derbies and dachshunds might not seem like a natural combination, but it certainly did bring crowds to the Mount Forest District Sportsplex on July 29.
Wellington Roller Derby presented the first ever Mount Forest Wiener Dog Race in conjunction with the Bloody Mary’s home opener Roller Derby bout.
The action-packed evening featuring a half-time race by some athletic wiener dogs.
The event was held in partnership with the Canadian Dachshund Rescue-Ontario. Proceeds from the 50/50 draw supported the Canadian Dachshund Rescue.
Canadian Dachshund Rescue volunteer coordinator David Bastien explained the group was formed in 2000 to rescue and “re-home” dachshunds or dachshund-mixed breeds.
“We’ve placed over 1,000 dogs since 2000,” he said.
Currently there are 27 dogs in the organization’s care.
Bastien explained there are no shelters used by the organization – rescued dogs go straight into foster homes, where volunteers act as foster families. He added any potential behaviour issues are addressed before the dogs are offered for adoption.
Volunteers come from as far north as North Bay all the way down to Windsor.
He said the wiener dog race came as a result of an email from Caitlin Hall with Wellington Roller Derby.
“She emailed asking if we’d like to be involved in a wiener dog race. I thought it would be interesting,” Bastien said.
“After talking to Caitlin and seeing the niche market for roller derby and for the Dachshund rescue, putting them together is a really good marriage.”
For more on Wellington Roller Derby visit www.wellingtonrollerderby.ca
For more information on Canadian Dachshund Rescue visit www.canadiandachshundrescue.com.
