By Rachel Strauch
Staff Reporter

What Cinnamon Von Strudel may lack in stature, she more than makes up in spirit, particularly when it comes to all things Bavarian. Owner Michael Mitchell, a Leavenworth resident, asked Leavenworth City Council members at the June 14 meeting to consider adopting Von Strudel, a 20-month-old miniature Dachshund, as the city’s official mascot.

“On behalf of Strudel, I would like to say I saw her enjoying the Bavarian music [at a recent Leavenworth festival],” said city council member Bob Kelly after Mitchell made his request.

Owner Mitchell believes Von Strudel would serve as an asset to the city. “She would be a tremendous marketing and PR tool”,” said Mitchell of Von Strudel. “She just loves people, all people, all ages. There is not one person who sees her who doesn’t go away smiling.”

Mitchell, who recently moved to Leavenworth from Nevada, found the public responded well to Von Strudel during their bicycle rides through the city.

“I pedal my bike and she sits up front in a basket when we go downtown,” said Mitchell. After one enamored fan suggested Von Strudel become the city’s official mascot, Mitchell decided to start a petition signed by supporters in the Leavenworth community to help Von Strudel gain that title.

“Everyone wanted to sign the petition, except for one 90-year-old lady who said she never signed a petition in her life, but that she loved my dog,” said Mitchell.

The petition, drafted and signed by Mitchell and Von Strudel with her paw print, states the Dachshund would fulfill her mascot duties by participating in community functions, such as parades and festivals, visiting schools, retirement homes and the senior center and would regularly ride through the city streets in Mitchell’s basket on his bike “greeting both visitors and residents” and “bringing a smile to their faces.”

During her public appearances, Von Strudel would wear an outfit with Cinnamon, City of Leavenworth Mascot” embroidered across the cloth. Mitchell brought an example of Von Strudel’s outfit to the meeting for city council members to view.

“I can’t put [the outfit] on her yet,” said Mitchell in as later interview with the Echo. Von Strudel would only be permitted to promote herself as the official city mascot on her clothing and on her bike basket with city council approval.

City council members appeared open to the idea of a potential city mascot.

“We’ve never been approached,” said Mayor Mel Wyles of the request to name an official Leavenworth mascot. Wyles told Mitchell the council would have to review the issue in an upcoming study session. In addition, Mitchell would be required to wear a Bavarian outfit when escorting Von Strudel during her mascot duties. Mitchell told the Echo he would have no problem donning the Bavarian costume, but wanted to wait to wait for the council’s final decision before purchasing the item.

“There’s no reason not to do this,” said Mitchell. “It [having Von Strudel as the official mascot] is a win-win situation for the city…If someone gets a good experience out of being around her, it’s good for the city of Leavenworth.”

Even if Von Strudel’s request is denied, Mitchell said the dog will continue to bring joy to the community.