World Record - Um...Not Yet
Best Dog Walk Ever - Yep, You Bet!

Check out our new video featuring the 2011 Mighty Texas Dog Walk:

So how can a crowd this big, not break that world record?

If we went by registrations, we'd be pretty close. But Guinness requires us to go by dogs crossing the finish line and that's where we have to paws for a moment.

The number of tear strips we collected from the walkers' bibs was significantly lower than the number of dogs registering to walk. What's up with that?

Possible answers:

• People registered but did not show up.
• People showed up but did not cross the finish line.
• Some of both for sure.

Lessons?

• Show up and make sure your pals do.
• CROSS THE FINISH LINE!
• Living well is the best revenge and everyone had a blast at our newly expanded Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Festival.

Here are just some of the notes we received:

We had a great walk at our first ever Mighty Texas Dog Walk! - Jen

It was a wonderful time! Can't wait to do it again next year! - Olivia

Thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into this event - it was so well run/the goodies were fantastic/water stops with swimming pools were great - definitely on the must do list next year too!! - Carol

We had fun! Still unpacking the food, bandanas, treats, toys we picked up at the vendor booths. Loved it :) - Austin Paws

The numbers: 9,889 dogs crossed finish line; est. 12,000 people attended! $112,000 raised for our training program!

More feedback:

The bands were a big hit. We might start them earlier next year, so more walkers can enjoy them.
The food was good but people asked for more staples like hot dogs.
Doggie carnival super popular, especially the doggie portrait booth.
The Sponsors and their giveaways were the big hit of the event. Both Sponsors and Walkers were overwhelmed by the opportunity to meet, learn about each other and share product samples.
One funny glitch: Our usual sign maker dropped the ball so we had to get a replacement the afternoon before the dog walk! Luckily, they rose to the occasion and got everything done with one teeny weeny mistake. See if you can catch it:

Never take yourself too seriously. We don't!

So all in all, we were thrilled with the new expanded Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Festival. A huge thanks to our staff and volunteers who put in a 12 hour day with good naturedness, patience and enthusiasm. Thanks to our fantastic sponsors, all of the city departments involved, Roadway Events and of course, you - the dog lovers and dogs of Texas!

Enjoy the photo gallery here, and please share your own photos with us on Texas Hearing & Service Dogs' Facebook page. We are all enjoying them!

If you missed the event and are envious of those amazing Mauro Garza designed T-Shirts, we have a limited supply left in all sizes - get them here!