For 13 years DARE, a Dachshund adoption, rescue and education organization, has been hosting a special event for local pups to have a day of fun.
For one special day, Dachshunds of all shapes and sizes enjoy a dog-themed party, a costume contest,
licking contest and, of course, the legendary races. Plant City is joining in the mix this year as a variety of local businesses and two local artists partnered with the event to help draw awareness to the program.
Tish Gray, a local resident who volunteers with DARE, adopted one of her two lovely Dachshunds from the organization. After her first Weiner dog, Heidi, passed she began volunteering with the group since it dealt specifically with the breed and soon she fell in love with one of the fosters named Sissy. Though both her pups are now gone, Gray continues to work with the group and has been a DARE volunteer for eight years.
“I have never been involved with any other rescues so I can’t really compare, but I can tell you that you’ll never find a more dedicated group of workers, of volunteers, than you’ll see at DARE,” Gray said.
DARE takes care of all of the necessary medical treatment for its rescues prior to being adopted. They are also spayed or neutered and microchipped before being sent out with a new family. The funds raised each year at Dox-A-Palooza go right back to caring for the rescued dogs.
Gray said one thing that sets the organization apart is the genuine relationships the foster parents have with the rescues. When a potential adopter comes in searching for their perfect new pet, the staff can give real insight as to each dog’s temperament and needs and steer them toward the perfect pet.
Some of the fosters will be at the Doxiewood Dox-A-Palooza.Plant City artists Loretta Burns and Jake Simmons have been working on special dog-themed art specifically for the event.
The Florida Strawberry Festival donated four tickets to the upcoming event as well as Festival license plates and pens. Fred’s and Johnson’s BBQ donated gift certificates for two dinners from each restaurant.
Tub Treats donated a basket of homemade products. The Massage Clinic of Plant City donated a hand-crafted gift card for $75 or a 60 minute therapeutic massage. Road Runner donated two gift certificates for an oil change. Lowe’s Home Improvement Store donated a gas grill.
Last year, Gray said approximately 400 to 500 people attended the event.
“Rescues need a home, I know there are people that go through breeders because that appeals to them for a certain reason, but I would rather give a dog that needs one a home,” Gray said.