Friends in low places: Inaugural WeinerFest puts beloved dachshunds in the spotlight

They’re small in stature, long in body and seemingly limitless in personality. Dachshunds may be known for their distinctive shape, but anyone who has spent time around the breed knows there’s much more to the little dogs than their short legs and long backs. That personality was on full display Saturday at Pollard Park, where dozens of dachshunds and their owners gathered for Tyler’s inaugural WeinerFest: Jurassic Bark, a celebration featuring races, contests, vendors and plenty of opportunities for dogs and their owners to socialize. The event was the brainchild of three local women — Polly Featherston, Amanda Cortez and Laura Crim. “We are not an organization,” Featherston said. “Initially it all started with a Facebook post: ‘Hey, anybody want to throw a WienerFest in Tyler?’ And we got together and we eventually were able to make it happen.” Featherston said she owns six dachshunds and has a particular fondness for the breed’s appearance and personality.

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