Fourth of July Wiener Dog races are on

Calling all my Wiener Dog friends: if you have been sitting around on the comfy couch instead of getting that well-paid spokesdog job, here's how you can win some money and make your humans proud! Enter the Annual Wiener Run and race to be the best! The Wiener Run is part of the fabulous Fourth of July festivities at Tehachapi's Phillip Marx Central Park, and the winning dachshund will take home $200. The second, third, and fourth place dogs will receive $100, $50, and $25, respectively. This will be a double-elimination format race, with prizes awarded at the end.

Register now at Canine Creek Dog Wash & Boutique (798 Tucker Road, Suite 5) in Tehachapi. Before June 30, the entry fee is only $10 per canine athlete; day of race registration will be $20 per dog. Check in will begin at 8:30 a.m., and races will begin at 9:30. Let's give a big thank you to Canine Creek for sponsoring the race, and for providing gift bags to the first 30 dogs to register. If you have questions, please call Susie at Canine Creek (661) 822-0307) or email your question to [email protected]. Checks should be made payable to The City of Tehachapi.

All canine athletes must be actual wiener dogs (no trying to fake us out, you whippets and greyhounds, by acting short!), and racers must be current on vaccinations. Humans can bring a favorite toy to encourage the runners, but no food treats can be used to entice the athletes. Remember: City leash and poop scoop laws apply to competitors (just sayin'). Start your training now, because last year's winner is coming back to defend the title.

Even if you don't have a wiener dog in your pack, come down to Central Park to cheer for the racers. It's a hilarious time, and a great start to the Fourth of July celebration!

Aspiring Canine Travel Writers, take note:

If you have suggestions for the best places for travelling canines and their humans to check out when they visit Tehachapi, please let me know. I'm looking for the best pet friendly places to recommend on the new Tehachapi Tourism app and other travel apps. (If you haven't already downloaded the new Tourism app, please check it out – it's free!) What petfriendly hotels, restaurants, or destinations in our area would you recommend to travelling dogs and their people? You can message me with your suggestions on my Facebook page (Cash the Wonder Dog), email [email protected]), or send them care of The Loop. Thanks for making summer travel better for dogs who come visit us!