Hot dogs (Arbor Dog Races)

 

I headed down to the Museum just as the Dachshunds were amassing 

for the days events.

It was an overload of cuteness with dogs in carriers,

dogs in costumes,

some with owners in matching costumes

and some just milling about, sniffing or barking at each other.

After the costumes were judged, they then paraded down the pier and back,

while on the river

there was the usual

busy Saturday activity.

Back from the parade

and it was time for the main event.

The participants and spectators waited patiently as the heats were called.

The expression "like trying to herd cats" should be changed to "....herd dachshunds"

as they weren't all

into it.

Each had a handler at the start line trying to get them cranked up and focused on the goal

and another at the finish line using balls, treats or just their voice to motivate them

to, at least, head in the right direction.

With the crowd, loudly, cheering them on.

There were 3 heats, 5 or 6 dogs in each one.

The top three from each heat advanced

to the semi-finals and then the finals.

I didn't stay for the end as I wanted to get over to Silver Lake

to see some of the firefighters competition.

But, when I got there

they were on a lunch break.

I took the opportunity for a walk

around the lake

When I got back around

to where the action was....

there still wasn't much action.

Families sitting in the shade.

It was a beautiful day, so both that day and the next, Rick and I went sailing.

Then Monday evening was the last of the spring season Spinnaker races and Spellbound finished 4th for the month. (12 in the fleet) A pretty good showing for our first involvement in the regular club races. That's Fiona on the right, then Gord, Rick and myself.