Oshawa’s newest ‘Community Legend’ brings smiles wherever he goes – in a dachshund costume

Not all legends wear capes. Some wear oversized dachshund costumes and stroll around the community bringing smiles everywhere they go.

That’s what Oshawa’s Rich Luchford – better known as the ‘UndercoverDachshund’ – does every time he puts on his costume and goes for a walkabout with his dog, a dachshund (of course) named Mia.

“It started as something fun to do with my dog and it has turned into this great adventure that we are on,” Luchford said.

His adventures have taken him far beyond his neighbourhood, with UndercoverDachshund being spotted at community events around the city, Oshawa Generals and FireWolves games (despite the bulky costume he managed to snipe a goal in a between-periods mascot contest at a recent lacrosse game) and any place where his (and Mia’s) presence will draw a smile.

He has also been featured in media on both sides of the borders in the past year as the ‘legend’ of UndercoverDachshund continues to grow.

“It started as one simple idea to spread smiles and kindness but it has turned into something we never imagined. Seeing UndercoverDachshund being recognized and shared through different news stations and media moments has been surreal to us,” he said.

“There have been so many moments where we’ve stopped and realized just how far this journey has come in such a short time. Seeing the joy and kindness this has brought into people’s lives is something we’ll never take for granted.”

Tonight Luchford (Mia is sitting this one out) will be honoured by the City of Oshawa for bringing so many smiles to the community when he is awarded the 2026 Community Legend Award, an annual honour that will see a permanent plaque with UndercoverDachshund’s name added to the Community Legend wall.

The Community Legend Award recognizes a person or an organization/group (or man in a dachshund costume) who has made a “significant contribution” on the Oshawa community at a grassroots level and has “contributed to improving the quality of life” in the city.

“UndercoverDachshund is a volunteer-led initiative that brings people together through acts of kindness, creative outreach, and community engagement. Through family-friendly activities, school visits, and partnerships with local charities and organizations, he promotes inclusion, connection, and community pride across Oshawa and Whitby.”

Previous recipients include Lisa Weiss (55-year volunteer), Joanne Kozaroff (girls hockey champion), Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Durham Region Branch, Jim Fergusson (Food for Clothing Exchange), S.J. Jim Brewster (war veteran, long-time fundraiser for Oshawa Hospital),  Sharon Clark (‘Sharon’s Kids’), Gord Reid (advocate for the rights of older adults), Mal Knocker, Chelsea Smith, Jackie Finn, Viola Pilkey, Bob Hooper (Oshawa’s ‘#1 Fan’), Ken Shaw, Dave Thompson, Jim Potticary and the Oshawa Block Parents Association.

Already honoured by the Town of Whitby with a ‘Certificate of Joy,’ UndercoverDachshund will add to his laurels with the Community Legend Award in the Oshawa council chambers Thursday evening.

And it all started on a lark, a way to make his dog happy and spread a little joy among his neighbours. “Dressing up as a dachshund, walking a dachshund, I thought it would be funny,” he said.

“I am very excited and honoured to accept this award,” he said, adding that he will definitely be wearing the costume tonight. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Hopefully running the bases at the Blue Jays game one day on loonie dog night.”

“Thank you for believing in UndercoverDachshund, for following along, and for being part of this journey with us. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just recently found our page, we appreciate you more than you know.”

The special council meeting, which includes presentations for Senior of the Year, Culture Counts winners, the EP Taylor Windfields Farm Champion and several other community awards, begins at 6 p.m.