Dressed in hats, tutus, butterfly wings and all manner of crazy costumes, hundreds of Basset Hounds, airdales, greyhounds and other assorted breeds paraded through downtown Birmingham in the annual Bassett Waddle.
The Oakland Press file photo
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More than 650 Basset Hounds are expected to be in Birmingham May 20 for the Great American Basset Waddle for Rescue.
The Waddle, hosted by the City of Birmingham as part of the Celebrate Birmingham Parade, is an annual fundraiser for Michigan Basset Rescue.
The event is a lot of fun, but it serves a serious purpose, said Melissa Fenchel, president of Michigan Basset Rescue. That's because proceeds benefit the nonprofit group, which has rescued nearly 2,000 homeless Basset Hounds in the past 15 years, according to the organization.
The Waddle is a spectacular sight that has grown in size over the years. Back in 1993, 12 Basset Hounds waddled up Woodward Avenue. This year, hundreds of the short-legged, long-eared hounds from 45 states and six Canadian provinces are expected.
Fenchel said many people plan their vacation around the Waddle so they can meet with fellow Basset Hound families they have become friends with through the event.
"There's lots of love in the air. People just love these dogs," she said when asked to describe the atmosphere during the event.
According to Fenchel, Basset Hounds are friendly, laid-back and social dogs who love to eat. Following the parade, the pups will gather on Martin Street near Shain Park to enjoy a cool drink and greet their many friends and fans.
Basset owners must register their dogs in order to participate in this fundraising event.
For more information, visit www.michiganbassetrescue.org.
Contact Jane Peterson at (248) 745-4573 or jane.peterson@oakpress.com
