'Disneyland for dogs': Annual walk will feature thousands of canines in fundraiser

Service Dogs Inc. will host its 21st annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk Nov. 14, featuring thousands of canines for the organization's largest fundraiser of the year.

Sheri Soltes, founder and president of Service Dogs, told the Austin Journal this year's event is even more important after last year's event was skipped due to COVID-19. 

"People can expect Disneyland for Dogs! Every size and shape of dog having the best day of its life," Soltes said. "We have dozens of dog-friendly exhibitors handing out freebies, like Purina and Petco. It’s also amazing people-watching."

Founded in 1988, Service Dogs Inc. aims to provide custom-trained service dogs free of charge, one of few organizations to do so, to Texans overcoming challenges, Soltes said. 

"We are starting our 34th year, so we are achieving our long-term goals," Soltes said. "To provide a highly trained Hearing or Service Dog for every person who wants one, to provide Courthouse Facility Dogs to all the victims' assistance departments at the DA and County Attorneys’ offices, to help children when they have to testify about trauma and to continue to provide Facility Dogs to support first responder mental health."

"Community support makes this possible, so the more people who learn about us and fall in love with our mission, the more people and dogs we can help," Soltes said.

The 21st annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk will feature free samples of great dog foods and treats, free advice from top dog nutrition specialists, veterinarians and trainers, food from vendors, live music and a costume contest under the theme "Dogs Are Magic," the website states.

Attendees will also be able to participate in the ninth Guinness World Record: Most People & Dogs Performing A Magic Trick, conducted by Esther’s Follies Magician Ray Anderson the Grand Marshal and the event will also include and his magic dog, Carter. All funds raised at the event will go to the Service Dogs Inc. training program.

The event will follow Austin health guidelines which do not currently require masks outdoors, though they are strongly encouraged. According to the organization's website, staff requests community members socially distance if possible, and stay home if they are running a temperature over 100.4. Registration includes a walker, guest and VIP options.

Rescue organizations with a potential candidate for the training program may contact the company at office@servicedogs.org for more information on the evaluation criteria.