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Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc.

North Fort Myers, Florida 33903

Phone: (239) 839-7760

info@floridawienerdogderby.com

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HISTORY OF THE FLORIDA WIENER DOG DERBY

The Florida Wiener Dog Derby began with an idea and a commitment by eight individuals who sat on a back porch and decided to hold a Wiener Dog race in the winter of 2009. The Florida Wiener Dog Derby officially came to being in January 2010, and the innagural Florida Wiener Dog Derby was then held on the grounds of the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, Florida on March 28, 2010.

Here’s a little background….

While living in Austin Texas, in September of 2007, Doug Dailey (the current President of Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc.) was approached by his boss, and asked if he would be interested in a dachshund puppy that was in need of a home. Doug took the puppy home and fittingly named the puppy “Tex”, as he felt a Texan dog should have a Texan name, even if he wasn’t a Texan sized dog. Doug’s boss then suggested that he should enter Tex into the annual Wiener Dog race in Buda, Texas.

To Doug’s surprise when he and Tex arrived at the Buda Wiener Dog Race, they found that 700 dachshunds were entered and several thousand spectators were in attendance. Tex, who at the time of his first race was only 7 months old, managed to make it to the quarter final round. He was a natural from the beginning, and both Tex and Doug were hooked on wiener dog racing from that point.

Doug found the family atmosphere, along with the comical competition, something unique and special. Everyone at the race was happy, connected, and truly enjoying the event and the atmosphere.

In July of 2009, Doug returned to North Fort Myers, where he was raised, to care for his ailing father after the loss of his mother. During this time Doug heard of a small wiener dog race in Avon Park and decided to enter Tex. Several members of the family decided to come along to see the race and what the big thrill about wiener dog racing was. After the family members saw the race they were taken in by the event, and for over a month that was all they wanted to talk about. Tanya Jones, Doug’s cousin suggested that he should start his own race in the Fort Myers area. Doug agreed that he would, if the others would help in putting it together.

Doug got to work and along with his friend Dave Theiss started to scout locations to hold such an event. They decided to go to the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce for some assistance. They were directed by the Chamber to contact Donna Ellis, who at the time was the Marketing Manager for the Shell Factory. Donna met with Doug and Dave, and loved the idea and concept.

Donna said that in order to properly promote such a project, a name for the event was going to be needed. Doug suggested “Florida” to make it an event that would gain a larger base in which to draw from. Dave suggested “Wiener Dog” as this would distinguish it as a dachshund specific event. Donna suggested “Derby” as this would give it a racing title.

Thus the “Florida Wiener Dog Derby” was officially born. In only 90 days, the eight committee members along with Donna Ellis, managed to hold the largest first time Wiener Dog Race ever in the United States, with 262 racing dachshunds and over 3000 spectators!

Since that point, The Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. has run an exhibition race at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers for the Fort Myers Miracle Dog Daze promotion. It was the first time a true wiener dog race was held in a Florida Pro Sports Stadium.

The Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. also created “Dogtoberfest”, an event that was held in October of 2010 to bring attention to local animal organizations in need.

Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. has gone outside of the Southwest Florida area after being asked by the New River Methodist Church in Zephyrhills Florida to help in the organization of their initial “Hallowed Weener Festival”.

The Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. also consulted the Humane Society of Eastern Philadelphia in their organization of a wiener dog race in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. has appeared on Wagworld.com a website of the Purina Company . When asked about how the Purina Company knew about the Florida Wiener Dog Derby, the reporter commented, “My editor stated that this is a famous event and to make sure we cover it”.

In just its first year, The Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. has established a reputation as a dynamic organization. The Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. is also a member of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

Future Florida Wiener Dog Derby's will be located at the Lee Civic Center due to its tremendous growth and future potential.

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