Short legs, big party

On most days, Tracy Harwood spends her time as a court clerk for the City of Durango. But next Thurs., June 4 – International Corgi Day – she hopes to bring something entirely different to town: short legs, wiggly butts and oversized personalities.

“I’ve had this corgi for almost three years,” Harwood said of her dog, Claire. “I got her as a puppy, and she is the funnest dog I’ve ever had. She’s got the biggest personality.”

That personality, Harwood says, seems to come standard with the breed.

“They’re just the funnest, quirkiest little dogs,” she said. “Everybody who has one, they get it. I know why Queen Elizabeth had so many.”

Inspired by popular corgi gatherings around the country, Harwood decided Durango needed one of its own. Events like the Tour de Corgi in Fort Collins have drawn hundreds – even thousands – of dogs over the years, while also raising money for local animal shelters. Boise hosts a large corgi gathering as well.

“Durango celebrates everything else, so why can’t we have one?” Harwood said.

This year’s event, called the Corgi Crawl, is intentionally small. Harwood said she wanted to test the waters before investing in permits and larger planning efforts.

“The city said that we could do a sidewalk parade without having to do any of those,” she said. “So I’m just trying to see how much interest I get.”

She has promoted the event through Facebook and flyers from Farmington to Pagosa Springs. If turnout is strong, Harwood hopes the Corgi Crawl could eventually grow into a larger annual celebration.

Harwood believes there are already plenty of corgis scattered throughout Durango and La Plata County. Friends and fellow dog lovers have been helping spread the word, and she said even corgi admirers, who don’t necessarily have one, are encouraged to attend.

The event will begin at Buckley Park, costumes are encouraged, and there will be prizes. Still, for Harwood, the event is about more than prizes or even corgis.

“I’m just trying to bring some joy back,” she said. “Do something fun, family- friendly.” And in Durango, she added, “We make a party out of anything.”