Show.This now 3rd annual event is all for a good cause, as animal rescue is at the heart. Inspiration for the event came to Ellly McGuire, Designer of New Yorkie Runway products and founder of the show. McGuire’s multifaceted plan aimed to “Raise money for Angel On A Leash, a foundation that helps train therapy dogs to go into hospitals to bring smiles to those in need, introduce the iconic pet-friendly New Yorker Hotel to new pet loving travelers, and create a fun way to showcase our New Yorkie line of doggie fashions.”McGuire’s husband, Meteorologist Ron Trotta, and their climate forecasting pooch, Schmitty the Weather Dog, helped warm up the audience to view some hot canine and human couture. Schmitty, a Yorkshire Terrier, has a remarkable story chronicling her adventures in life as a working dog, as she “pawcasts” the weather for New York City and is the official weather dog of the Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) dog show. I first met Schmitty in the press room at WKC 2011 where Trotta displayed Schmitty’s well-trained habit of urinating and defecating on command on a fresh New York Times paper. Hilariously, Schmitty reportedly prefers to eliminate on the New York Daily News (only in New York would a dog have a preference for the print media options available for passing poop and pee).This year’s festivities were hosted by the beautiful and witty 2011 Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, who hit last year’s runway with her canine companion and is gracious enough to fit the New Yorkie Runway Show into her other obligations for NY Fashion week (for humans, that is).
Emcees included WKC Director of Communications and USA broadcast co-host, David Frei and McGuire, who provided uproarious commentary to match the sophisticated style of the multi-species show.
The models strutting the runway were unique in their size, hair coat, age, and choice of garment. We saw tall to small, thick to thin, short haired to long haired, novice to experienced, and more among the canine and human models.
This year’s 2-legged and 4-legged models included:
Ron Harper
Five time NBA Champion (three times with the Chicago Bulls and twice with the LA Lakers)
Harper was definitely the tallest model of the night, especially paired with the stunted limbs of his runway companion Martha (a Basset Hound).
Sonja Morgan and Carol Radziwill
From Bravo TV’s “The Real Housewives of New York City”
These ladies brought their own reality TV soaked sense of “catty” glamour.
Peter Yarrow
Singer, Musician & Songwriter from the iconic Peter, Paul & Mary
This brought back my childhood memories of singing “Puff the Magic Dragon” in my elementary school chorus. Good times!
Kenny Santucci
MTV personality from Real World/The Challenge
Santucci looked very sophisticated in his tuxedo accompanied by a gold gowned Viszla.
Sean Olnowich
Executive Chef at “The House” in NYC and on the Food Network’s “Chopped”
Olnowich looked very practice in his walk and got me really thinking about what I was going to have for dinner that night.
Dr. Marty Goldstein
Celebrity Vet to the Stars, Author and Radio Host of “Ask Martha’s Vet”
Goldstein is a very forward thinking veterinarian who’s principles of holistic veterinary medicine are an inspiration to those I use in my veterinary practice.
Nancy Novograd
Founder & CEO of the premiere animal agency, “All Tame Animals”
Celebrity animals need agents too!
Marie Moody
Founder & CEO of Stella & Chewy’s natural dog food & featured on CNBC’s “How I Made My Millions”
My own dog, Cardiff, and many of my patients have done well from a health perspective on the high quality product from Stella & Chewy’s.
Sarah Sarpolis
Celebrity Stylist and Back Stage Manager
Her sparkly platform high heels nearly stole the spotlight from her canine runway partner!
Ella Wilpon
Angel On A Leash’s HALO 2012 Therapy Dog Of The Year
I love a good service dog capable of bringing healing cheer to those in need.
Carmella Rustambekova Papale
Top Dog & CMO of Douglas Elliman Real Estate
I’m sure she’s got a paw up on all the best pet-friendly buildings in the city.
Frank Basile
NYC Opera Singer and former member of the US Armed Forces’ “Singing Sergents”.
Basile belted out a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and didn’t even need a vocal track.
Ruth Taylor
Celebrity Dog Walker
Taylor takes care of some of the most famous celebrities’ dogs, but her client list is top secret.
Beefy the Skateboarding Dog and Patrick Clemens
This stocky and charismatic duo nearly stole the show the display of Beefy’s skateboarding prowess.
Kid Models Samantha Fuss and Antho and Vince Millici
These kids took to the runway with their canine companions like seasoned professionals. Nice job!
Thank you for reading this article. Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).
Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.
Copyright of this article (2013) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.
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