Wait a minute. Basset hounds waddling?

That's right. Hundreds of basset hounds will pound the pavement in Birmingham for the Great American Basset Waddle for Rescue May 21. The waddle, hosted by the City of Birmingham as part of the Celebrate Birmingham Parade, is a fund raiser for Michigan Basset Rescue.

Waddle participants collect pledges and then walk with their bassets in the parade. Proceeds benefit Michigan Basset Rescue, a non-profit group that has rescued nearly 2,000 homeless basset hounds in the past 13 years, according to the organization.

The Waddle is a spectacular sight that has evolved beyond the dreams of JoAnne Smith, secretary of the Michigan Basset Rescue who has been involved with the waddle since the beginning. Back in 1993, 12 basset hounds waddled up Woodward Avenue. This year, organizers expect more than 600 bassets from 45 states.

"They come back year after year. It's like a family reunion," said Smith. She said basset hounds are sweet, loving, laid-back pets with owners that are just as special.

"Bassets don't obey you, you obey them," she said of the short-legged, long-eared dogs. The Waddle is the culmination of a three-day basset event that began Friday and also includes a picnic in Waterford.