GALLERY: Wagging tails & cheering crowds at Abilene’s Annual Dachshund Races

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Excitement, wagging tails, and plenty of cuteness filled Nelson Park Festival Gardens for the annual Rescue the Animals Dachshund Races and Rescued Dog Reunion.

Since the early 2000s, the event has been a celebration of furry companionship and a fundraiser for Rescue the Animals. While the races are typically all about dachshunds, this year featured a special spotlight race just for corgis.

Before the sprints began, the Rescued Dog Reunion gave pups of all shapes, sizes, and stories their time to shine. Categories like Smallest Dog, Fat Dog of the Year, and Owner & Dog Look-a-Like Couple of the Year brought a mix of fun and heartwarming moments as rescued pets competed for top honors.

Rescue the Animals President Paul Washburn said the real joy comes from seeing the dogs’ quirky personalities take center stage.

“The best part is probably watching the dogs run because they do such weird things. I mean, if you’ve got strange people that you work with, we also offer a goofiest dachshund trophy for that reason,” Washburn said.