Henry Goes to the Races

Last year, I wrote about my experiences at the Buda Weiner Dog Races.  I had a great time.  Unfortunately, because of my IVDD surgery, I was not able to go this year.

However, I am very excited that a friend of mine got to go this year.  In fact, he competed and did very well!  I'm very pleased to announce a return of my friend Henry as a guest blogger.  He had an amazing time at the Buda Weiner Dog Races.

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Hi, my name is Henry James.  Cody invited me to do a guest blog and share my weekend with you.  I am very excited to tell you all about the Buda Fair and Weiner Dog Races! 

It first started on Friday afternoon. My persons and I drove three hours to a place called Buda, which is just south of Austin, TX.   When we arrived at the hotel, we saw lots of other Weiner Dogs and their persons checking in too.  The other dogs said they were nervous about the Weiner Dog races that would be taking place in the next two days, which made me feel better because I was nervous too!

The next day we got up really early.  There was a dog costume contest and dog parade that my persons really wanted to attend.   They spent the past week creating a costume for me that consisted of a sombrero, mini tequila bottle, trumpet and a fiesta vest.   I’m not sure what I was supposed to be, but at the fair, everyone kept calling me Señor. 

Henry In His Costume – Ready for the Dog Costume Contest and Parade!

My Persons and I led the parade as we marched around Buda Park into the stadium.  It was lots of fun. There was a small band and everyone cheered!

Later that day, we walked around the fair and prepared for the races.  There were so many Weiner Dogs.  Little ones, big ones, round ones, and then there was Holly!  She was so beautiful!  We met in a vendor booth while my persons were looking at jewelry.   She was petite, shy and had beautiful fur!   We played some while the persons talked.  It was then time to say good-bye and we wished each other luck in the races.  

At the Fair -Henry Meets Holly (another Weiner), Love at First Sight!

Henry In His New Doggie Carrying Bag and Cap

At the Fair --Henry In the Mini Weiner Mobile

It was time to race!  I was nervous as the persons put me in the starting kennels.  So much barking!  I knew that I had to run fast, and I did!  I got second in my race.  When I crossed the finish line, one of my persons held me up high for everyone to see me.  I heard cheers as they called my name that I would be going to the Quarter Finals the next day. 

Henry Posing With His Medal After Winning Second In His Race

As the day wrapped up, I was exhausted!  My persons drove into Austin to eat and see the sixth streets in Austin.  What is so exciting about 6 streets? Oh well, I slept. 

On Sunday, we had to wait until 3pm so that I could race.  It was a long day.  We walked and shopped more at the fair.  I kept looking for Holly, but I didn’t see her.  Finally 3pm came and it was time to race!   I was with the fast dogs now.  They were much bigger and barked louder.  I felt small, but my persons kept saying that size didn’t matter!  That was my mantra as I shot out of the starting kennels.   I got third.  It wasn’t good enough to move on to the Semi Finals, but it was good enough for my persons.   They said I was still their number one and held me up high!  That was good enough for me – I left the races proud that I did my best. 

Henry Gets Third in the Quarter Finals, But He Is Still Our #1 Weiner!!

Henry's Awesome and Cool Birthday!

Henry is a really cool and lucky small pup.  He had a super cool birthday party and is my guest blogger for the day.

My name is Henry James.  On Monday, June 6th, I finally turned two years old.  Cody has invited me to share my wonderful day with you.  I’m very excited to tell you all about it!

The night before the big day, Grandpa showed up to visit for a few days!  I was so excited that he remembered it was my birthday. We spent the night watching basketball.  It was very exciting.  I had no idea that chasing a ball around a room was a professional sport! It looks more complicated than playing fetch though.

The morning of my birthday, I woke up to find out that one of my persons was leaving to the airport for a weeklong trip to Milwaukee.  This made me very sad.  A few hours later, Grandpa and my other Person sang happy birthday to me.  It was wonderful!   Afterwards, we ate breakfast, played in the backyard and then I took a long nap.

Later in the day, my Person and I logged into FaceBook to let everyone know it was my birthday.  I was thrilled with all the responses and birthday wishes!  I am truly loved.  My other person even texted a video from Milwaukee singing happy birthday and sending virtual kisses.  I watched it five times! 

The evening was spent eating sweets and wearing my birthday outfit.  I wasn’t very thrilled with the outfit.  It made me feel like a puppy.  At two years old, I’ve matured.  I’m still in potty training, but I’m going to school now.  I’ve learned to sit and eat lots of yogurt dog treats.  My Person is also teaching me to walk correctly on a leash.  I still get distracted by birds and other dogs, but I’m motivated to improve.

Before bed, I played with my brother Chester and friend Ally and then fell asleep happy watching TV with Grandpa and my Person.  Life is wonderful.