When 100 Dachshunds get together, the cuteness factor is undeniable. Put them in Santa suits, Christmas jumpers and other festive-themed attire, and … well, it goes off the chart.
If you happened to be in London’s Hyde Park on Sunday, Dec. 22, you might have spotted the posse of pups enjoying the Christmas Sausage Dog Walk. It wasn’t only Dachshunds taking part — lots of other small dog breeds joined in the fun.
The tradition began in 2017, when local dachshund owner Ana Rodriguez organized a special holiday walk for her dog Winston. This year’s event helped to raise funds for The Red Foundation, a charity that provides shelter, sanctuary and medical care for Dachshunds who need it.
The Red Foundation thanked Rodriguez, Winston and all the other pooches who participated in the Christmas Sausage Dog Walk, revealing on Facebook that £307 ($401) was raised.
One of the dogs who has benefitted from the work of The Red Foundation is the adorable Humphrey, who suffered from IVDD (intervertebral disc disease, a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column either bulge or burst into the spinal cord area, per PetMD.
But thanks to The Red Foundation, Humphrey got the perfect adopter: a semi-retired vet nurse who has her own swimming pool. A few months later, he is “loving life,” wrote The Red Foundation on Facebook. He’s even won more rosettes and trophies in one day at a fun dog show than most dogs win in a year.
“Your donations have funded £3000 ($3880) of electro muscle stimulation therapy and multiple hydrotherapy sessions with a view to get this boy spinal walking in future if possible,” The Red Foundation added on Facebook, alongside a picture of Humphrey rocking his shorts and leg warmers.
And this Christmas, thanks to donations, Humphrey will get a much-needed gift: a scooter to let him move around indoors with more freedom, without damaging his delicate skin.
The sausage dog stroll isn’t a one-off event. Walks are held regularly throughout London and the rest of the U.K., letting owners and their canine chums get together to enjoy the nation’s parks, stretch their (little) legs, and perhaps make some new friends.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories.
