Running for a reason

What began as a simple idea between friends is about to send a pack of dachshunds racing for a good cause. 

The inaugural Weenie Dog Dash, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at Apodaca Park, will raise money to help cover Christyn Goodale’s medical expenses while giving the community a chance to rally around a local resident through an event inspired by friendship — and a long-haired miniature dachshund named Zoe. 

For Alissa Herrera, the idea came from an unlikely source. Goodale has been faced with ongoing medical challenges that have led to multiple surgeries, ongoing complications and years of treatment. As the friends discussed ways to help offset medical costs, Herrera wanted to create something different from a traditional fundraiser. 

“We were touching on ideas on what we could do to help her get this medication,” Herrera said. “I told her, ‘Why don’t we do a little weenie dog race?’ I’ve never seen one done in Las Cruces.” 

The inspiration came from Zoe, Herrera’s long-haired miniature dachshund, whose popularity during a workplace photo contest helped spark the idea. The concept quickly gained momentum. 

After sharing it with friends and community members, Herrera said the response was overwhelmingly positive. Residents began asking how they could participate, local businesses expressed interest in getting involved, and organizers soon found themselves navigating permits, insurance requirements and event planning. 

The June 13 event will feature dachshund races, a costume contest, food vendors, music and prizes. Organizers have capped race participation at 40 dogs and secured permits anticipating more than 100 attendees. 

Several local businesses have signed on to participate, including Dave’s Dogs, Fizzpresso, Taco Woods, and Gunnar’s Ice Cream. Although the fundraiser started as a way to help Goodale, organizers also wanted it to feel like a community event where local businesses, pet owners and families could come together. 

“We wanted everyone in the community to have an opportunity to advertise and really engage,” Herrera said. 

For Goodale, seeing the event take shape has been both unexpected and deeply meaningful. 

“Seeing friends, family, local businesses, vendors and community members who come together to support me has been incredibly humbling,” Goodale said. “Medical expenses can be overwhelming and knowing that so many people are willing to donate their time, resources and support means more to me than I can put into words.” 

Goodale said she initially thought the idea would remain a little more than a conversation. 

“Originally, I thought it was a fun idea, but I didn’t realize it was actually going to become anything beyond conversation,” Goodale said. “When Alissa told me she wanted to pursue it and turn it into a real event, I was honestly surprised.” 

As preparations continued, the fundraiser became more than covering expenses. It also became a reflection of the support system surrounding Goodale and the willingness of community members to rally around one another. 

“When my friend Alissa came up with the idea for this event, I was incredibly touched that she thought of me and wanted to help,” Goodale said. “Every person who attends, donates, sponsors or participates is helping make a difference.” 

Herrera hopes attendees leave with a few laughs, some memories and perhaps a new appreciation for the community that helped make the event possible. 

If the inaugural race proves successful, she would like to see it continue in future years, potentially benefiting other local causes and organizations. For now, the focus is on June 13 and a group of dachshunds ready to sprint for something bigger than a finish line. 

“It has turned what started as a simple idea into something much bigger than I ever expected,” Goodale said. “If the event is successful, we would love to explore making it an annual tradition for the community.”