The eagerly anticipated “Best Little Dogwalk in Texas” is back again. Dogs, accompanied by their humans, compete in contests and then gather with their family to stroll along the grounds of the First Baptist Church in Wimberley.
Presented by Whole Pets Market and Physical Therapy of Wimberley, the event is a fun way for humans to socialize with other dog lovers, dress themselves and their canines in costume and usher in the Fall season while supporting the training of Freedom Canine International service dogs for individuals with disabilities.
There will be a doggie photo booth, sponsored by The Leaning Pear, an agility area sponsored by Byron Eckols State Farm, and a Sniffari, sponsored by The Shady Llama. At 9:45 a.m. there will be a dog training demonstration, followed by the Doggie Costume Contest, organized by Cypress Creek Animal Hospital, and the Starr Agency’s Doggie Talent Show after the walk.
Last year, the Best Little Dog Walk in Texas drew 150 dog lovers and 77 registered canines. In the costume contest, dressed up dogs and their owners competed for best costume, the best group costume and best look alike prizes. In the talent competition, dogs vied to win for best talent, the best tail wag and for the best howl.
Participation in the dog’s day out activity requires that each dog is registered by one person. The cost for early registration is $30. The cost to register on the day of the dog walk is $35. Dogs who travel in a pack of humans can bring them along after the initial registration is made. To register, go to https:// freedomcanines.com/ events/ and click on the “Register here” button or go to https://runsignup. com/Race/TX/ Wimberley/Freedom-CaninesTheBestLittle-DogWalkinTexas The event begins at 9 a.m. on the First Baptist Church grounds at 15951 Winters Mill Parkway in Wimberley and ends at 11:30 a.m.
Organizers hope to attract sponsors for the Freedom Canine International program.
The non-profit organization raises and trains life-saving assistance dogs and provides them to Texans who need them, at no cost. What’s more, they engage high school students to help raise and train the dogs. In 2023, they pioneered the first dog behavior and training class offered in a Texas Public High School. Student puppy raisers take on the responsibility of caring for and training puppies and in the process, gain essential life skills. Proceeds from the walk goes toward the training of both the High School students and the dogs, as well as providing care for the dogs.
For those interested in sponsoring a Puppy in Training, the cost to fund its first year of training is $10,000. To fund its final specialized training, the cost is $20,000. Sponsors can also help celebrate a dog’s heartwarming graduation, the occasion in which the dogs meet their clients, as a Gold, Silver or Bronze sponsor.
For more information about Freedom Canines International and their innovative work, visit freedomcanines. com.
