Poncho (Chihuahua) with owner Michelle Ducasse wins for best in show. Photo: Liz
- Miss Evie Irene, a black pug, wears a tweed top and pearls, with Eric Lungren. Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle
Lox (french bulldog) celebrates his fourth birthday wearing his birthday suit and custom made tie from Lee Jofa in Galleria #490 as he walks the runway with owner Lillian Phan at the SF Design Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, February 8, 2013. They are part of the second annual "Haute Dog", a doggie costume contest and benefit for Canine Companions. Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle
Left to right--Lola (maltese pomeranianan) shows off her dark side in a custom designed "Black Swan" tutu and headpiece made of feathers and tulle with owner Melanie Coddington, Miss Evie Irene (black pug) is wearing a chanel tweed top and pearls with owner Eric Lungren, Ube (creme and black pug) sports a dapper jacket and tie ensemble in his signature purple hues with owner Spencer Moore, as they wait in line at the SF Design Center in San Francisco, Calif., for the second annual "Haute Dog" on Friday, February 8, 2013. Ube won best of show in the small dog category at "Haute Dog", a doggie costume contest and benefit for Canine Companions. Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle
Surveys show that Americans own more pet cats than dogs - but that didn't keep more than 700 guests from turning out to show their love for four dozen pampered pooches parading in a fashion show benefit for Canine Companions for Independence, a Santa Rosa nonprofit that trains assistance dogs for the disabled.
The second annual "Haute Dog" competition, created by clothier Wilkes Bashford and held at the Design Center on Feb. 8, netted about $40,000 for the cause, through ticket purchases ($25 to $50 a person) and a silent auction. Schoolteacher Jeanette Kaliska, who has spinal muscular atrophy and uses a wheelchair, spoke movingly to the crowd about the way her service dog, trained in 40 commands, helps turn on lights, retrieves her cell phone and opens doors.
The benefit drew dog owners such as cabaret singer Paula West with her French bulldog, Satchmo, who channeled Louis Armstrong in a tux, gold saxophone pin and derby hat created by Mr. David; Kelly Carter, founder of TheJetSetPets.com, with her long-haired Chihuahua, Lucy, wearing a crocheted bamboo sweater by Fifi & Romeo of Los Angeles; and restaurant public relations man Andrew Freeman, with his Yorkies, Daisy and Tulip, dressed as carrots and mushrooms, sitting in a coaster wagon filled with organic produce.
Dogs this year were divided into four size categories, and outfits were judged on creativity and materials. Poncho, an 11-year-old long-haired Chihuahua rescue won two categories - best toy and best in show - in a Valentine's Day-inspired outfit. Ube, a 2-year-old fawn pug, won in the small-dog category, while Luigi, a Decker rat terrier dressed as an English gent on a hunt, and Coco, a cocker spaniel, clad in a wedding coat inspired by TV's "Downton Abbey," tied in the best medium dog category. Lola, an 80-pound pit bull rescue in a chartreuse sweater, won the award for best large dog.
The award for most humorous went to Bo, an 11-year-old Jack Russell terrier who, of the 49 dogs competing, was the only one to wear a San Francisco 49ers jersey and matching gold breeches. The team's loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl was not something to cheer about, but Bo earned the crowd's loudest roar of approval as he strutted onstage as a "49er Faithful."
Try to get a tabby to do that on the catwalk.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/style/article/Haute-Dog-contest-for-Canine-Companions-4282584.php#ixzz2LEO157sp
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