Watch out, Wienerschnitzel, there’s a brand-new hotdog in the area.
Oakley McQueen Vanderhorst, or rather McWien (McWeen?), is a 10-month-old mini dachshund who takes his name after his motivation, Disney’s Lightning McQueen. He will be completing in the 26th Annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course on Saturday, July 15.
Proceeds will approach the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, which, according to the Los Alamitos websiteis “a nonprofit group dedicated to finding homes for stray animals in the Orange County area. Since 1996, the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals has helped raise around $300,000 for the Care Center through selected ticket sales and T-shirt sales.”
Competing amongst 100 entrants, Oakley is the only competitor representing Santa Clarita, however he is figured out to make his city proud. The race will require 10 50-yard trial warms, and each winning wiener from the 10 races will go on to complete in the champion. (See rules from 2019.) First location will win $900, 2nd location will win $500 and 3rd to seventh locations will win $100, respectively.
Proud paw-rents, Rylee and Coleman Vanderhorst, have actually been training Oakley for almost a month and a half. Adopting him in January, they have actually constantly understood not just how quick, however likewise how unique of a dog he is. Looking for a race to display his skills, Coleman’s determined search landed him in Saturday’s race.
“Now that we have a wiener dog, we were wondering how we could meet other wiener dog parents.”
Submission consisted of an innovative composing piece, and within 24 hr, the Vanderhorst family had actually been alerted that their valuable Oakley would be completing.
Training their puppy not just indicated mentor him basic techniques, however likewise expert training. Coleman excitedly constructed Oakley a racing box reproduction, and he was quickly a pro. Almost.
“He picked it up pretty fast. As soon as we put him in a box, and I started walking away from him, he started crying. As soon as we opened [it]he ran right to me,” Coleman said. “He’s definitely a daddy’s boy, so it’s easier to put [Coleman] at the other end where he can see him because he’s a good target,” Rylee said.
Aware of possible interruptions, such as other wiener dogs throughout the race, Coleman is surprised with Oakley’s development.
“I’m most proud of how quick he picks up on tricks. He learns really quickly, and listens pretty well. If we were to [let him off his leash]we have a callback word, which is ‘cannoli.’”
Rylee went over the total experience and how it has actually been a terrific chance for the Vanderhorsts.
“It’s been a fun experience. It’s brought us closer together as a little family. We’ve bonded a lot.”
While Oakley did not have a declaration, he will continue to do press leading up to his special day. It appears that he will use his energy to make Santa Clarita proud.
“Stay tuned, and support Oakley. He is the only wiener dog representing Santa Clarita, so I think it’d be awesome to have him bring the trophy home. It’s also a good cause to [raise] awareness to fundraise for all the puppies who need to find good homes.”
Those who want to support Oakley can follow his Instagram.
