Chihuahua race raises money to save dogs from high kill shelters

The annual Running of the Chihuahuas raises money for the Rural Dog Rescue.
Rural Dog Rescue is dedicated to saving the lives of high-risk dogs such as hounds, black dogs, older dogs, handicapped dogs and dogs that are sick when they come into the shelter. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Rural Dog Rescue is dedicated to saving the lives of high-risk dogs such as hounds, black dogs, older dogs, handicapped dogs and dogs that are sick when they come into the shelter. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Scooter the handicapped dog didn’t win the race, but he won the hearts of a lot of dog lovers. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The annual race took place at the District Wharf. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The annual race took place at the District Wharf. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, chihuahuas were dressed up in festive clothes. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, chihuahuas were dressed up in festive clothes. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
One hundred twenty-six dogs competed at the seventh annual race. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart) (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
At the race, there were 16 heats with groups of eight dogs. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
George, a 10-year-old rescue dog won his heat. He poses for a picture with his owner Dean Kern. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Kern said they were at the event last year and loved everything about it, especially that it brings attention to rescue dogs. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
Kim Hawkins, director and found of Rural Dog Rescue, said this year’s running of the chihuahuas was the biggest ever, drawing in the biggest crowds. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
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Rural Dog Rescue is dedicated to saving the lives of high-risk dogs such as hounds, black dogs, older dogs, handicapped dogs and dogs that are sick when they come into the shelter. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The annual race took place at the District Wharf. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, chihuahuas were dressed up in festive clothes. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)

WASHINGTON — The Kentucky Derby wasn’t the only big race taking place this weekend. During Saturday’s seventh annual Running of the Chihuahuas at the District Wharf in Southwest D.C., 126 chihuahuas raced for the title of top dog all while raising money for less fortunate pups.

There were 16 heats with groups of eight dogs. George, a 10-year-old white and tan rescue with big ears, won his heat.

George’s owner Dean Kern said they were at the event last year and loved everything about it, especially that it brings attention to rescue dogs.

The event raises money to save the lives of dogs from high kill shelters mainly in North Carolina and Southern Virginia. The proceeds from this event go to Rural Dog Rescue which is dedicated to saving the lives of high-risk dogs.

Kim Hawkins, director and found of Rural Dog Rescue, said they rescue the “underdogs” from economically challenged high-kill shelters.

Hawkins said some of the dogs that other rescue groups and adopters overlook are hounds, black dogs, older dogs, handicapped dogs and dogs that are sick when they come into the shelter.

Hawkins said this year’s running of the chihuahuas was the biggest ever, drawing in the biggest crowds.

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