Once again, the search for America’s Fastest Chihuahua is on: the third annual Petco Unleashed races are about to roll across the country.
Thousands of pint-size pets with larger-than-life personalities will face off during 15 regional races held during the first three weekends in May.
The competitors, accompanied by their owners, will race in groups of 10 along a 35-foot track. Regional winners will be awarded a trip to San Diego to race for the coveted title of America’s Fastest Chihuahua in between innings of a San Diego Padres baseball game at Petco Park on Sept. 2, 2007.
Regional races will be held on May 5 in Sacramento, Calif., Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Miami; on May 12 in Boston, Phoenix, Anaheim, Calif., San Francisco, and Dallas; and on May 19 in Seattle, Denver, San Diego, Houston, and Washington, D.C.
The national race will decide a successor to the current title holder, 3-year-old Tiger from Bakersfield, California. The winner will earn bragging rights, a trophy, a $300 Petco gift card and a year’s supply of Royal Canin Chihuahua food.
Chihuahuas are the 11th most popular purebred dog breed in the country, according to the American Kennel Club. They are also considered among the smallest and lightest dogs in the world.
Petco and race co-sponsor Royal Canin say they are holding the events to celebrate the breed and to encourage all animal lovers to consider adoption as a first option when adding a pet to their family.
“The Petco Unleashed race is about family fun and about reminding people that there are millions of adoptable pets – including Chihuahuas – waiting for loving homes,” Petco local store marketing program manager Heather Olson says.
During the races, Petco and The Petco Foundation will again work with Chihuahua Rescue & Transport to help more homeless Chihuahuas find new families.
For more information about the races or to pre-register, visit http://www.petco.com/Content/Content.aspx?PC=petcounleashed&Nav=1&cm_re=apr2040207-_-unleashed-_-hpbtn.