Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter
Left: One of the dogs on display at the doggie fashion show hosted by the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Right:
This black poodle takes fashion to a whole new level with this eclectic frock adorned with large feathers. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
SOME MAY consider a doggie fashion show as odd entertainment, but those present at the one hosted by the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) will agree that unusual can sometimes be enjoyable.
The doggie fashion show was the first to be held in the island. It was hosted by radio personality 'Jenny Jenny' at the Guardsman Group Headquarters at 107 Old Hope Road on Saturday night.
The almost twenty dogs, some of which were put up for adoption, strut their stuff with volunteers of the JSPCA for over 250 animal lovers.
The items were designed by Louisa Galloso, and the dogs apparently felt good in them. One, Mini came out looking elegant wearing a tiara and bracelets to match, but the audience who busily sipped wine from the Wine and Cheese festival - another highlight of the fashion show - instantly fell in love with Patches when she emerged in her pink swimsuit and matching cap. Snoopy came out after and tried his best to impress in a Rasta-coloured scarf.
The fashion show didn't last long, but according to Dr. Paul Turner, senior veterinary surgeon at the JSPCA, it was for a good cause. "The volunteers were excited about the idea and the show is in aid of outreach programmes in schools and our public awareness programme which teaches people about animal care and the role of the animal in society," he said.
He says the idea to merge the fashion show and the Wine and Cheese festival was "for there to be some amount of socialisation. The fashion show isn't that long, so we decided that was the way to go, and it had sort of an air about it."
Dr. Turner says there are plans to have the fashion show again next year. "A lot of people were asking about it and the Wine and Cheese party, but because it was postponed, some people didn't get to come out. So next year, it will probably be three times this size," he said.
