Santa and his sausage dogs gear up for Wiener Wonderland charity event
Dachshunds will be getting into the Christmas spirit at a festive fundraiser helping give vulnerable sausage dogs a second chance.
The Red Foundation’s Wiener Wonderland promises a day of seasonal fun, with a dog show, stalls, food and drink and a tombola raising money for the breed’s rescue and welfare.
There will also be a full blown outdoor Christmas Market area where sausage dogs and their companions can meet Santa, as well as other adorable photo opportunities.
The family-friendly event takes place on Sunday, November 8, from 10am until 4pm at Great Sutton Village Hall, CH66 3NZ.
It follows the charity’s successful Summer Social in Bedfordshire, which brought dachshund lovers together to support its work.
Co-founder Vicky Wilson, from Sudbury, Suffolk, said: “Our Summer Social was such a success, and it was wonderful to see so many dachshund lovers coming together to support the dogs who need us.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who came along and helped make it such a special day. Now we can’t wait to celebrate the festive season with Wiener Wonderland, enjoy some Christmas fun and raise more vital funds to give vulnerable dachshunds the care and second chances they deserve.”
Behind the celebrations is a charity whose story began with six stark words on an online selling site: “£450 gets her.”
The advert concerned Red, a frightened 18-month-old dachshund living in desperate circumstances.
Members of the dachshund community rallied to raise the money needed to rescue her, with Vicky stepping forward to secure her safety.
The appeal attracted more donations than expected. Once Red was safe, supporters agreed the remaining money should help other dogs, leading to the creation of The Red Foundation in 2017.
“Red changed far more lives than anyone could ever have imagined,” said Vicky.
“She was one little dog who brought an entire community together. People wanted to save her because they could see she deserved better, and once she was safe we realised there were so many more dachshunds just like her who desperately needed help. That’s how The Red Foundation began.”
Today, the volunteer-run charity helps dachshunds across the UK whose owners can no longer care for them, including families affected by illness, bereavement, relationship breakdowns and financial hardship.
It also supports dogs whose owners have underestimated the commitment involved in caring for the breed.
Vicky says demand has never been higher, with the charity still dealing with the consequences of the pandemic puppy boom.
“Dachshunds became incredibly popular during lockdown,” she said.
“Sadly, many families are now back at work and some of those dogs are struggling badly with separation anxiety. Others were bought without enough research into the breed and people find themselves unable to cope.
“We’re also contacted about dogs being given away for free, which can leave them incredibly vulnerable. Every rescue organisation is overwhelmed at the moment, and we’re no different. The need just keeps growing.”
Some dogs also arrive with existing health conditions requiring costly treatment.
The Red Foundation covers lifetime veterinary costs relating to pre-existing conditions, including Intervertebral Disc Disease, or IVDD, helping remove a significant financial barrier to adoption.
Prospective adopters undergo a detailed assessment, while new families receive behavioural guidance and ongoing support to help their dog settle.
Every adopted dog also goes home with a Pet Remedy welcome pack, following a partnership with the calming brand. A Pet Remedy-supported welcome video helps explain what owners can expect during the first days together.
“We don’t just hand over a dog and wish people luck,” Vicky said.
“We’re there before, during and after the adoption because that’s what these dogs deserve. Rescue is about giving them the very best chance of succeeding in their forever home.”
Funds raised at Wiener Wonderland will help the charity continue that work, turning a festive day out into practical support for dogs in need.
“Whether you come along with your own dachshund, volunteer, donate or simply enjoy the day, you’re helping us give vulnerable dogs another chance,” Vicky said.
Wiener Wonderland takes place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 10am to 4pm at Great Sutton Village Hall, CH66 3NZ.
For tickets and further information, visit @theredfoundation on social media or the charity’s event pages.
