The dogs took over the catwalk at the Pre-Westminster Fashion Show on Friday, February 10, 2012 at the Hotel Pennsylvania in Manhattan.
Pups were dressed to the nines as they strutted their stuff around the glamorous Penn-Top Ballroom. The theme of the night was Venetian Masquerade Pet Fashion Theme by Ada Nieves, and both the canines and their owners got into full character for the event.
The night started out with a “Seasons” Multiple Dog Wedding representing Winter, Fall, Spring and Summer. It was followed an exhibitors runway show, a pet fashion designers’ award ceremony, and, of course, best dressed. In attendance were the stars of reality show “Doggie Moms,” and several pet actors who have wagged their tails on the silver screen.
The fashion show marked the beginning of the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Weekend. Although the Westminster Dog Show is all about pedigrees, rescue dogs were on hand as well to show off their costumes and participate in the event.
National vendors and local animal-related businesses had booths set up where they displayed their products and services. The pet vendors ranged from Bling Bone, a company that makes bone shaped jewelry for humans to Very Wendy Sketches, where you can have your pet immortalized in art.
Part of the proceeds from the show went to benefit Animal Care and Control of New York City, the largest pet organization in the Northeast. The group rescues nearly 40,000 animals each year in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. There were several dogs on hand that were available for adoption, and they wore shirts that irresistibly suggested, “Adopt me.”
The night was sponsored by magazine Cesar’s Way, Natural Balance Pet Food, Inc. and Petzlife. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the United States. The first is the Kentucky Derby.
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