Some dogs had to be coaxed. Some had to be carried. Some wanted to go in the opposite direction. And some simply kept leaping off the runway, possibly deciding — to amend a famous quotation by supermodel Linda Evangelista — that they don’t wake up for less than 10,000 dog biscuits a day.
But plenty of dog-gonegood fun was had at the seventh annual Paws on the Runway (“where Rescue is the New Black”), a benefit for Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals, or CARE. Taking place May 1 in the Grand Hall of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock, the show was hosted by Alyse Eady, news anchor for KTHV-TV, Channel 11.
Ashley Younger served as event chairman, while honorary co-chairmen Ginger and Gov. Mike Beebe made their final Paws appearances as first lady and state commander in chief. Ginger Beebe and “first dog” Viper got the show off to a lively start when Viper, a German shepherd and a veteran of the show, decided he’d rather pal around with Napoleon, a white Great Pyrenees set to stroll the catwalk with the governor. Viper soon shed the fancy, studded french cuffs that had been placed on his forelegs for the occasion.
Other doggie models went on to “escort” humans in a showcase of attire and accessories from clothiers that included Just Dogs! Gourmet, E. Leigh’s, Proposals Boutique, Carolina Cotton Bowties and Kenneth Edwards Fine Jewelers. The canine stars included dogs available for adoption through CARE — Lily Pup, Skipper, Curly and Shemp, Angel Cake and Beatrice. Also among the show-stoppers was Zeus, a harlequin-patterned Great Dane who decided all the excitement was a bit much for him and sat, then briefly lay, on the runway.
The evening also included libations, assorted hors d’oeuvres, a litter of silent-auction items, a live auction conducted by Johnny Mitchum, and a video about CARE and its programs.
The show raised more than $55,000 for the charity, whose mission includes animal rescues and adoptions, and raising awareness of the need for pet sterilization.