Local nonprofit secures 12th Guinness World Record

Thousands of Austin dogs and their owners fetched a 12th Guinness World Record at the 23rd Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk and Expo earlier this month, securing the win with a 15-foot Purina dog bowl.

The Mighty Texas Dog Walk acts as the annual fundraiser for Service Dogs, Inc. — a Dripping Springsbased nonprofit which provides service animals for individuals with physical disabilities, including wounded veterans and other disabled Texans. Each year, the event attempts to break a world record; this year, a successful attempt was made for the “World’s Largest Dog Bowl.”

“Austin is known around the world as a dog-loving city,” said Service Dogs, Inc. Founder and CEO Sheri Soltes. “Now, we’re also known as a World Record Breaker.”

Revelers and their dogs dressed as “My Favorite Things,” played games and sampled free treats from event sponsors.

“We’ve never seen anything like this,” said Anne Smith, who brought her dog Zoe to the dog walk for the first time. “I can’t believe all of the free dog treats and games for dogs,” she said. “Zoe’s favorite thing was the giant Purina dog bowl, and mine was a tie between the Subaru ax throwing and the donut holes.”

This year’s Mighty Texas Dog Walk raised over $200,000 — the highest amount to date. Proceeds Service Dogs, Inc. to adopt shelter dogs and train them as Service Dogs.

“Service Dogs, Inc. is one of the only groups that provides the dog free of charge,” said SDI graduate Austin Meredith. “My service dog, Peaches, helped me move out on my own, graduate from college and even start my master’s program.”

“My dream is to work for NASA,” he continued. “Peaches will be right by my side.”