New York (CNN) -- It was dog, gone.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

New York City (CNN) -- The two reigning champs of a hot dog eating contest joined their challengers for a weigh-in as they hope to devour their way into the record books Wednesday in New York City.

CNN: Hot dog eating champs all set for July Fourth contest

"It demolished both the houses there, mine and my mom's, and it killed my dog, " Marak's wife, Cheryl, told CNN's Piers Morgan.

CNN: SHARE THIS

"I told him that Jubilee and Chief (his favorite dog) would be waiting to greet him, " his wife told CNN.

CNN: Cowboy actor Dale Robertson dead at 89