The annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk will be held on Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Camp Mabry parade grounds. Touted as “The Doggiest Day In Austin,” the Mighty Texas Dog Walk is a staple of Austin’s nationally recognized dog-loving culture and is known for its numerous Guinness World Records. To date, the event has fetched 10 Guinness World Records including “Most Dogs Walked,” “Largest Fur Ball,” and “Largest Cake for Dogs.”
Funds raised during the event will benefit the Service Dogs Inc. training program. This is the 22nd year Service Dogs Inc. has produced the event, and the second year it’s being held at Camp Mabry. “We love working with them and everyone loves their beautiful parade grounds,” said Sheri Soltes, founder of Service Dogs Inc.
Founded in 1988, the nonprofit adopts dogs from shelters throughout Texas and trains them to be assistance dogs. Their mission is to provide abandoned, unwanted dogs with renewed lives of purpose and love while simultaneously helping Texans in need, free of charge.
Through a partnership with a working dog, Service Dogs Inc. brings greater independence to wounded veterans and others living with disabilities; helps abused children find their voice in court; and provides first responders with a healthy way to process the trauma and grief they encounter.
When asked what makes the Service Dog Inc. program unique, Soltes said, “We use dogs adopted from animal shelters instead of breeding. We have used positive training techniques for over 30 years. We do not use force, punishment or other aversives. Our dogs perform behaviors because they want to, not because they are trying to avoid punishment. “We also are unique because we provide the dogs completely free of charge. The Mighty Texas Dog Walk supports our training program so we can turn more strays into stars.”
This year’s walk will feature a canine agility setup by Zoom Room for dogs to navigate fun, safe obstacles, a “Sniffari” course where dogs can use their nose to find hidden treats, and a costume contest with the theme “We Are Family.”
Attendees can expect to see thousands of dogs, take home free samples of dog foods and treats and enjoy tons of other giveaways from sponsors. “People leave with their ‘Wag Bags’ stuffed to capacity with premier treats, food samples and other goodies,” said Soltes. She also said The Westin Hotel is one of their new sponsors this year, and that their chef is baking special dog cookies that they’ll be giving away at their booth.
This is the first year that Service Dogs Inc. will have a dog as its Grand Marshal.
“Kaxan, the dog found in the alley behind Austin TV station KXAN, is our Leader of the Pack,” said Soltes. “He will be launching his new book, 'Becoming Kaxan' at the dog walk. He will be pawtographing copies. Kaxan often appears on KXAN’s weather with Chief Weathercaster Jim Spencer. He also is an accomplished Therapy Dog and volunteers with Divine Canine. He has a robust social media following as City Dog Austin.”
Another purpose of the Mighty Texas Dog Walk is to fetch Guinness World Records for Austin. Soltes said that Austin dogs and their owners have brought home 10 Guinness World Records in previous Mighty Texas Dog Walks including Most Dogs Walked, Biggest Cake for Dogs and Biggest Fur Ball.
This year there will be an attempt to beat China for World’s Largest Coloring Book. “China holds the current record at 16.85 m² (square meters) won in 2021. That is approximately 183 square feet,” said Soltes. “Our coloring book will measure 15 by 13 feet or 195 square feet. Guests can help color the colossal coloring book, which will include illustrations from 'Becoming Kaxan.'”
Soltes said they are expecting 3,000 dogs and people at the Nov. 13 event. “We want tired happy dogs who fall asleep in the car on their way home,” she said. They are also hoping to break their own record and raise $250,000 this year, which would sponsor the training of five service dogs in the class of 2023.