Second Chance: Furry Fashion Forward

01 Mar Second Chance: Furry Fashion Forward

I am a dog. 

I am not a fashion statement. 

Or am I? 

Two weeks ago during New York’s Fashion Week, it was the dog’s that stole the show. The Pet Fashion Show, which kicks off Fashion Week, uses shelter pets to model jaw-dropping canine couture and raises funds for animal welfare organizations. This event draws more excitement than any other that week. Is it the clothing or the dog that draws people’s attention? And an even tougher question: Do the dogs enjoy it?

Vaden

Fashion is often considered an outer reflection of the inner person and often, so is their dog. So naturally the fashion world is going to the dogs.

Such collaborations are a win-win for us shelter dogs. 

Fashion shows give us great exposure to potential adopters. They also help to promote the fact dogs are part of a lifestyle and it is a lifestyle that you miss out on if you don’t have a dog. It also demonstrates that people simply look more fly with a dog at their side.

The reason I am talking fashion is that Second Chance Humane Society’s new fundraiser, Furry Flicks & Fashion, is in just a week – March 10 at the Ouray County Event Center in Ridgway – and I know many pet parents are wondering about entering their dog in the show.

Being a dog model, or a dogel, is not for all dogs. Like people, some are just too shy and introverted to appreciate the pleasure of the spotlight. Others, like myself, love being the center of attention and are very social and outgoing.

Wearing a doggie tux, laced slippers or a tutu???  Well…I am willing to tolerate that too if it means I get to make people happy and have a fun night out on the town. So yes, some dogs would rather stay home, but if your dog is one that feels comfortable in a crowd, is good-mannered with people and other dogs, and enjoys a great adventure – register today.

Not only will your pooch get to sample some yummy treats at the event, but he will also get to watch some incredible short films about dogs and their people. The inspiring films from Bow Wow Film Festival’s selections remind people why we dogs are so important to them. You can also bid on great dog packages and vacation packages and other must-have items during the evening’s silent auction.

Another reason to enter the furry fashion show is that only dogs registered for the fashion show will be admitted to the event. (Dog numbers are limited and homeless dogs looking for love are given priority.)  And who doesn’t like to dress up with their dog right?!?

So jump onto Second Chance Humane Society’s website (adoptmountainpets.org) to register your furry family member for the show and purchase tickets for the event. 

Who needs New York Fashion Week when we have Furry Flicks & Fashion?!?!

When you see a handsome Carolina dog mix strutting his neutered self on the catwalk that will be me, Vaden. 

At three years of age, I have stopped growing and weigh in at about 86 pounds. My sweet and jovial nature and excellent demeanor make me the perfect super dogel for this event as I adore dogs and people. I will be available to meet with other adoptable dogel’s at the end of the night and give out autographed biscuits and sloppy kisses.

Jewel

Or if you want to just fashion your home with a lovely and loving feline, I would recommend you come to the shelter to meet Jewel. 

Jewel is a beautiful longhair black cat, about six years young who enjoys hiding in high places for nice long naps. She also will honor you with her belly to rub to demonstrate that she has learned love and trust. She gets along well with other cats, but prefers doing her own thing. Jewel is a good example of a pet to not bring to a fashion show, but to snuggle with the morning after…

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff with Cabella & Wilbur

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup or get your pup (or adult dog) trained than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org

Vetting the Vet: Dr. Michelle Dally, DVM, J.D. is Medical Director of Second Chance Humane Society. She also has a private practice, Dally Veterinary Medicine, 333 S. Elizabeth Street, Ridgway, Colorado. Her service area is  San Miguel Mesas, Placerville, Ridgway, Ouray, and Montrose. For more on Dr. Dally, go here.

Michelle & Wallowby