Dog races raise money for children

Woody the wiener dog wasn’t the quickest competitor on the track, but he was definitely the crowd favorite.

The physically impaired Dachshund, aided by a tiny set of wheels attached to the back of his little oblong body, was one of about 20 entrants in the 17th annual wiener dog race held Saturday at the Spinnaker Bar and Casino in Lakeside.

The event, which is held each year in conjunction with a chili cook-off, raises money for Flathead Valley children who must travel to one of the nation’s Shriners Hospitals for Children to receive medical treatment.

“There is no charge to them (the children) or their families regardless of their financial situation,” said Rudy Heinle, who is one of the organizers of the event. “It’s a really neat deal.”

 Although families are not required to pay medical costs, they are responsible for travel expenses. Since the nearest Shriners Hospital is located in Spokane, the cost of going to and from the facility can put a strain on a family’s budget.

“Once they get there, they really treat them (the kids) like a million bucks,” Heinle said.

In addition to the $5 entry fee paid by race participants, each chili cook-off entrant paid a $25 fee. Members of the public chipped in $5 apiece for unlimited chili samples. Spectators also had the opportunity to place bets on their favorite dogs for a chance to win half of the betting pot, with the other half going to the Shriners.

There were 17 entries in this year’s chili competition, which was judged by a panel of designated chili tasters. The award for best chili went to April Stegura and Tyson Wright for their “buffalo ghost chili.” Although the winning pair wouldn’t reveal their secret recipe, they credited their success to buffalo burger from M & S Meats and ghost pepper from “Mad Mike.”

Heinle said he is happy to help with the event each year.

“It’s a lot of fun and a great cause, so everybody wins,” he said.

Even Woody the wiener dog.