LABELLE – Dachshund owners from as far away at Tampa were in LaBelle on Saturday, Oct. 21 for Howl-O-Ween & Lenny’s Downtown Doxie Dash.

The races attracted 35 Dachshunds, who raced in six age divisions, ranging from puppy to the “Footlong” category for dogs age 12 and older. In addition, the “Weenie Wannabe” category was open to dogs of any breed that fit in the racing boxes.

Dogs were placed in four starting boxes and ran on a grass track to their owners. The park’s famous oak trees provided shade to keep the racers comfortable.

Each heat had space for four racers. The two top finishers from the preliminary heats moved up to the next level of competition.

Race organizer Doug Daily was the announcer for the event. Doug and his wife have organized Dachshund races for 12 years. They started the races in North Fort Myers. When they moved to LaBelle, they brought the races with them.

The Howl-O-Ween event was organized by LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC). Proceeds from the event support current and future LDRC projects to increase the value of downtown LaBelle in its revitalization and beautification efforts, while providing a fun way for people to enjoy fall festivities with their pets.

In addition to the races, the event included a pet costume contest and presentation by Hendry County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Officers.

The Doxie Dash was renamed Lenny’s Doxie Dash in honor of Lenny LaForest, who in years past helped coordinate the event.

LABELLE -- Event organizer Doug Dailey explained the ruled of the Dachshund races in LaBelle on Oct. 21. [Photo by Katrina Elsken/Caloosa Belle Independent]

LABELLE -- Five-year-old Logan brought his puppy, Cookie, to the Dachshund races in Barron Park on Oct. 21. Cookie, who was in the puppy category for dogs under age 2) did well in her first races and made it to the semi-finals. But when the starting gates opened for her semifinal, Cookie apparently became confused and ran the wrong direction. She still got plenty of snuggles and love from her best friend.

LABELLE -- Doug Daily explains the Dachshund race rules at the Howl-O-Ween event on Oct. 21 in Barron Park.

LABELLE -- For the Dachshund races, the little dogs were loaded from the top into the racing box. To start the race, the doors on the front of the four boxes opened simultaneously.

LABELLE -- Dachshund races were the highlight of the Howl-O-Ween event in LaBelle's Barron Park on Oct. 21.

LABELLE -- Lenny's Downtown Doxie Dash drew 35 Dachshunds along with their owners and fans to the races in Barron Park on Oct. 21.

LABELLE -- Dog owners crouched behind the finish line to call their dogs in the Dachshund races. Some used squeaky toys and treats to encourage the dogs to hurry to them.

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