Once again, the show, well, went to the dogs.
In the case of Paws on the Runway, the eighth annual fundraiser for Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals, the models don't always cooperate -- which, of course, made Paws that much more entertaining.
Julie Heer was chairman of the May 14 event, held at the Metroplex in Little Rock. The show began with Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge escorting the first featured model: English bulldog Gertie. Among the other human escorts, and canine models, were Alyse Eady and Tom Brannon of KTHV-TV, Channel 11, who walked Curry and Beauregard, respectively; Margy Niel, who escorted Gorgeous George; Susan Altrui of the Little Rock Zoo, who presented Walter; Tammy Toki of One Bank & Trust, who teamed up with Murray; and Kristen Dill of the Little Rock Police Department, who (with a little help) showed off Shelby and Whipple. The "runway spotlight" shone on Faith, a spotted Great Dane adopted and walked by Karen Masching.
Some of the dogs have been delivered from horrendous circumstances, but Jon Garrison, executive director of the charity, had good news to share: Part of the proceeds from Bass Fishing Brown Dogs & Curve Balls: The Adventure of Jerry McKinnis, a book by the outdoor sports pioneer and retired ESPN show host, would be going to the organization.
Interested Paws on the Runway attendees were encouraged to pick up packets to support pets through the organization, which must pay about $400 to care for each rescued pet. That $400 is only partially made up in $150 adoption fees; the rest must be made up by donations.
Central Arkansas Rescue Effort rescued more than 3,000 dogs over the years, according to Garrison.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 05/24/2015