MANSFIELD — It is said that the size of the dog does not matter in a fight. It’s the spirit that counts in any competition.
Well, there was not much size at Monday night’s Richland County Fair Wiener Dog Races. This was the first time Wiener Dog Racing was featured at the Richland County Fair, and it did not disappoint.
For Karrie Whitemore, wiener racing was something she wanted to do for years. Her racer, Rusty the Rocket, is the “Fastest Wiener in Mansfield.”
After hearing about the event, Whitmore was eager to get her register her dog.
Jim and Carol Dillon signed up their 4-year-old weiner, Woody the Wiener Dog, too.
“This is his second race,” the Dillons said. “The first time he got distracted halfway down and started chasing another dog.”
Dozens of dogs were part of the contest, and were brought out to the track in groups of 10 to race. They were placed into their starting block, the sign was given to race, and chaos ensued.
Each race started with a split second of confusion as the dogs tried to figure out just what was expected. From there, some were able to complete the race, others, not so much.
Friends were made, butts were sniffed, and the owners got their workout in chasing their dogs all around the track.
In the end, MoJo was crowned the winner, having won all of his heats.
While this event was the debut for several of the racers, MoJo is a veteran on the track. He is a three-time champion at the Attica Fair and won the Cleveland Pet Expo as well.
A $500 prize was awarded to Mojo and his family for his spectacular performance.
(Photos by Malaki Stanfield)
