FurBall 'fun'draiser goes to the dogs

The volunteers behind the Worland FurBall fundraising event are trying out a fun new fundraising event this Saturday that dog lovers won't want to miss. All proceeds from the event go toward New Hope Humane Society in Worland.

Deb Coronado said, "My partner in planning, Suzie Shelhammer, was the originator of the FurBall, and for the last 10 or so years she has always wanted to do small dog races. We haven't had the chance to put things all together until this year, so we are giving it a try.  It is not an easy task to add something new, but we will see how things go this year."

A volunteer with the FurBall, Coronado said the new event centers around small-breed dog races. Entrants must be dogs that will fit in a racing box that is 13 inches wide and 16 inches tall. A gate will be lifted, and the dogs will be off to the races on a 60-foot track in the indoor arena at the Big Horn County Fairgrounds in Basin.

Coronado said the location was chosen because, "They have an indoor arena with heat, restrooms and plenty of parking."

Multiple heats will be run, until a final race decides the winner. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place.

As of writing on Nov. 5, there are six racers signed up, with space for four more entries to participate in the event. Coronado said that bigger dogs can participate in a "fun run" side event.

To enter a dog to participate in the event, you can pre-register by e-mailing [email protected], and you can speak to Coronado about participating. Pre-registration is preferred, but you may also sign up at the door.

Other side events include betting opportunities on the dog races, a 50/50 raffle, a dog costume contest with a prize for the winner, and a silent auction. Coronado said auction items include, "A basket of Mary Kay items, some Wyoming Cowboy items, porch decorations, a bucket of car care items from O'Reilly Auto parts and more."

Coronado said, "If people don't have a racer they are welcome to come watch, bid, bet and have fun with us."

EVENT DETAILS

The FurBall Dog Races start at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the indoor arena at the Big Horn County Fairgrounds in Basin. There is an entry fee to enter a dog to race or participate in the costume contest. Spectator admission can be paid in the form of a cash donation, pet food or treats.

Coronado said, "All of our fundraising efforts go directly to help the animals at the shelter as well as our spay and neuter coupons. If someone can't come but still wants to help they can donate directly to New Hope with money, pet food, treats or they can come out to volunteer. We always need dog walkers and cat petting/brushing."

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See this link for a preview of the race!