Midwest Dachshund Rescue Fundraiser and Social on June 20, 2015 in Wheaton Features Doxie Dash Wiener Races, Doxie Costume Contest and More

The annual “Cross Town Bark Around,” a fundraiser and social presented by Midwest Dachshund Rescue (MWDR), will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at the DuPage County Fairground Exhibition Hall, 2015 W. Manchester Rd., Wheaton, Illinois. The sponsor is Veterinary Specialty Center.

The “Doxie Dash Wiener Races” will begin at 12:30 p.m. All activities, except for the races, will be inside the air-conditioned buildings. Friendly leashed dachshunds, dachshund mixes and their families and friends are invited. Dachshund lovers without dogs are also welcome. Last year, some 1,300 people and 400 dachshunds attended.

Other activities include raffles and silent auctions featuring Cubs and White Sox tickets, theme park passes, dining gift cards, overnight hotel stays and more. The event also will feature a Doxie Costume Contest, Doxie Talent Show, Best Peanut Butter Licker and other doxie-themed games. The Doxie General Store will feature one-of-a-kind dog-related items. There also will be a quilt raffle, bake sale with treats for pets and people, nail trims and photos with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Pedal Car.

Admission is $5 for adults and kids age 13 and older. Registration is not required for admission but advance registration is necessary for the Doxie Dash Wiener Races.

There are many dog friendly hotels in the area including the Hampton Inn at 205 West North Avenue, Carol Stream, Illinois (630-681-9200). In addition, the fairgrounds has on-site camping facilities.

All proceeds benefit rescued dachshunds whose veterinary care, spaying and neutering, food, medication and other needs prior to adoption are funded by MWDR. MWDR is a 501 (c) (3), all-volunteer organization that was founded in 2003. MWDR operates through a volunteer network of representatives, transporters and foster homes in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Most dogs come into MWDR from kill shelters or puppy-mill closures. Owner surrenders also are accepted when funds and foster homes are available.

Lori Biesboer, president of MWDR, said the group “is totally committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing needy dachshunds and dachshund mixes throughout the Midwest.” The annual fundraiser and social are crucial to raising the funds and awareness necessary to maintain the organization’s mission.

For more information about the Cross Town Bark Around or to register for the Doxie Dash, go to www.mwdr.org.