Crowd Goes Wild As Senior Pup Finishes Last Place In Wiener Dog Race

This little wiener dog may not have come in first at the 2022 Doxie Derby, but her strength and perseverance certainly impressed everyone watching the race that day! Sophie, a 14-year-old dachshund, entered the annual event alongside a horde of younger pups. Although the other dogs quickly outran this senior pooch, she didn’t give up until she reached the finish line. Audience members erupted into cheers when Sophie finally made it across!

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An adorable video of Sophie crossing the finish line at the Doxie Derby went viral on social media. People were truly moved when they saw the elderly dog slowly but surely inch her way across the court where the race was being held. Her steps might have been tiny, but they were filled with determination!

“Sometimes coming in last is more valuable than coming in first,” wrote one commenter. “Because not giving up is everything.”

In other words, slow and steady really does win the race sometimes!

Every year, the Doxie Derby is held by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. According to The Dodo, this sporting event is just for fun. There are no real stakes for winning or losing the race — everyone is there to have a good time and watch some adorable wiener dogs scamper across the court! So, Sophie technically had nothing to gain by crossing the finish line. However, she also had nothing to lose.

This plucky senior dog has truly inspired us for a variety of reasons. First, she demonstrated that a true winner is someone who doesn’t give up. Second, she proved that your age shouldn’t keep you from following your dreams.

Oh, and she also showed us that dachshunds are adorable, especially when they run! But we already knew that.

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.