SUPPORTING THE DACHSHUNDS

WHO OWN OUR HEARTS

AWARENESS & EDUCATION

The main mission of the Washington Metro DachtoberFest Foundation is to raise awareness of various health issues that dachshunds and other long and low breeds face; to educate pet owners about preventative care and handling of their pets to minimize health risks, and to raise awareness that there are always alternatives to euthanasia.

A pet owner’s ability to recognize symptoms of potential life threatening health issues such as Intervertebral Disc Disease*, seizure and epilepsy, obesity, Cushing’s disease, dental disease and behavioral matters can lead to earlier intervention and veterinary care. Increased knowledge and proactivity in a pets health results in healthier and happier pets, opens alternatives to euthanasia and reduces the number of dogs that are surrendered as a result of health related issues. 



^* Breeds affected by IVDD include Basset Hound, Beagle, Bull Dog, Chihuahua, Corgi, Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshund, French Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Poodle and Shih Tzu.  It also affects large breed dogs such as Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepard, Labrador Retriever, Pit Bull Terrier and Rottweiler. 

ENJOY THE FEST

Washington Metro DachtoberFest, the largest long dog festival on the East Coast, is held the first Saturday in October every year at the Frederick County Fair Grounds in Frederick, Maryland. It continues the treasured tradition of bringing dachshund lovers together to enjoy a day of family-oriented doxie fun. The Fest welcomes all well behaved pets.

The Fest attracts over 2000 dog lovers from more than 20 states, mostly East of the Mississippi, from Maine to Florida with the highest concentration of Fest Fans haling from NOVA, DC and Maryland.  They were accompanied by close to 600 dachshunds and other long dog breeds.  Fest Fans enjoyed the Woofminster dog show, wiener races, costume parade and contest, blessing of the animals, Selfies with Santa, incredible raffles, Ask the Expert forums and shopping with over 35 vendors.

Dog lovers can also enjoy educational discussions during the Fest. Our guest speakers include area veterinary and behavioral specialists who address many canine health issues common to the long-back breeds. In the past our guest speakers touched on intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), complete with discussions and demos on proactive preemptive care and prevention, various treatments including conservative crate rest and meds, alternative/holistic therapy, and surgery. General health issues common to all breeds, including weight management and oral hygiene, and behavior and training issues are also topics that our guest speakers have covered the the past.

Thank you for your continued support of Washington Metro DachtoberFest Foundation!

PARTNERSHIPS

The Foundation is seeking partnerships with veterinary hospitals, veterinary rehabilitation facilities, as well as veterinary medical equipment and pet supply companies throughout the region that would be interested in working with our Foundation, by providing a discount to those families who are referred to them through a WMDF program. Please contact us if your company is interested in a partnership with the Washington Metro DachtoberFest Foundation.