Midwest Dachshund Rescue Fundraiser and Social on May 18, 2013 in Wheaton Features "Doxie Dash Wiener Races"

The Fifth Annual “Cross Town Bark Around,” a fundraiser and social presented by Midwest Dachshund Rescue (MWDR), will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Rd., Wheaton, Illinois.

The event will be inside the Exhibition Hall and will be held, rain or shine. The “Doxie Dash Wiener Races” will begin at 1:30 p.m. All activities, except for the races, will be inside the buildings. Friendly leashed dachshunds, dachshund mixes and their families and friends are invited. Dachshund lovers without dogs are also welcome. Last year, some 1,300 people and 400 dachshunds attended.

Activities in addition to the Doxie Dash include raffles and silent auctions, featuring Cubs and White Sox tickets, theme park passes, dining gift cards and overnight hotel stays. The event also will feature a Doxie Costume Contest, Doxie Cake Walk, Peanut Butter Lick and Hot Dog Dunk games. The Doxie General Store will feature one-of-a-kind dog-related items. There also will be a bake sale, nail trims and photos with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Pedal Car.

Admission is $5 for adults and kids age 13 and older. Registration is not required for admission but advance registration is necessary for Doxie Dash Wiener Race participants.

There are many dog friendly hotels in the area including the Hampton Inn at 205 West North Avenue, Carol Stream, Illinois (630-681-9200). In addition, the fairgrounds has on-site camping facilities

All proceeds benefit rescued dachshunds whose veterinary care, spaying and neutering, food, medication and other needs prior to adoption are funded by MWDR. MWDR is a 501 (c) (3), all-volunteer organization that was founded in 2003. MWDR operates through a volunteer network of representatives, transporters and foster homes in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Most dogs come into MWDR from kill shelters or puppy-mill closures. Owner surrenders also are accepted when funds and foster homes are available. In 2012, MWDR rescued 262 dachshunds in need.

Lori Biesboer, president of MWDR, said the group “is totally committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing needy dachshunds and dachshund mixes throughout the Midwest.” The annual fundraiser and social are crucial to raising the funds and awareness necessary to maintain the organization's mission.

For more information about the Cross Town Bark Around or to register for the Doxie Dash, go to www.mwdr.org.