In a pack of animal rescue organizations here in South Florida, one special group stands heads and shoulders above the rest -- Dachshund Rescue South Florida.
“Pepe is an owner surrender -- he was very sick when we got him, he’s diabetic and he’s blind and he’s getting adopted on Saturday and we are so excited!” Pam Weiner told Local 10 News.
That excitement to find these wiener dogs their forever homes is evident when you meet Weiner -- no pun intended; that’s her real name!
“They still have these gigantic personalities and they think they are big and they think they run the world and they kinda do!” Weiner joked. “They are just such love muffins, all of them.”
Weiner has been running South Florida Dachshund Rescue for the better part of the last decade, overseeing the annual Doxie calendar, selling treats with the distinct dogs on the label and even bottling wine with wiener dog labels.
If it raises money for the rescue and it gets a response, DRSF will try it!
“We have had more engagement recently than we have had in the last year or so -- it’s been pretty impressive, but I think the way that we tell the stories with so much honesty and hope,” Weiner said.
The group has a quarter of a million followers on Facebook and Instagram combined.
They are a force with fundraisers and finding the tiniest of tots their forever homes.
“Puppies, I know, I know, always the cutest part of the job, but there’s actually so much more to saving animals and successfully running a rescue group,” Weiner said. “A lot of it has to do with how invested the core of our volunteers are. A lot of our volunteers have been with us 10-12 years.”
Hundreds help out, foster these babies and do the dirty work -- all with love and determination to give these little ones long and happy lives!
Weinerfest and those adorable races will take place at TY Park in Hollywood this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.