CANINE COUTURE SHOW
In certain circles, an air of secrecy, an undercurrent of excitement and a flurry of activity is rapidly building. It's crunch time for the upcoming contestant owners and handlers who, along with their dogs, will soon be strutting their stuff down the runway at 21 Crooked Lane on August 8 for the 2nd annual Canine Couture Fashion Show.

"We're into hard core training with bits of roast beef," confesses contestant Penny Dey. For Penny and her Norfolk Terrier, Dory, this is the second time around. The veteran fashion show duo placed second at last year's inaugural event.

A realtor and co-owner of Atlantic Real Estate, Dey bubbles with enthusiasm when she talks about this fundraiser. "My office laughs at me, but I am really excited about this. It's so much fun to do; it's so much fun to see what other people do. Dory just loved being in it last year. The idea for this year's theme came to me during last year's event, so I have had the whole year to think about it." Dey has handmade her costume, remanufacturing more than once to perfect design flaws. But when it comes to revealing her theme, her lips are sealed.

Wolfhound retail owner Liz Rocks is also back for another run at first prize with her Goldendoodle, Augie. They placed fourth last year, and Liz is vehement about rising to the challenge this year. "No fourth place for us this year! We're going to be over the top!" She too, is keeping her theme a secret.

Theresa Davis of Tresses and the Day Spa is stepping out of her salon and into the limelight with her dog Chico, an almost 2-year old Havanese. "I've never done this before, and I haven't a clue what I've gotten myself into," she confesses. "The show is on my birthday, so I thought it would be a really fun and different way to celebrate with my special little guy. I haven't had my own dog in almost 20 years and I'm really enjoying him and enjoying doing things together."

Ema Hudson and her Pomeranian, Ginger B. Coyote, are also new to this event. Ema moved to Nantucket in March from Syracuse, N.Y., to be the special events assistant at the Nantucket Historical Association. No stranger to extravaganzas, this time Ema will be a part of, instead of behind the scene. "My costume idea is a play off her name and personality," Ema explains. "I think having this event on the MSPCA grounds is a great way to bring people to their location and it is a wonderful promotion for the dogs and cats now living there, awaiting homes."

At last year's show many of the animals then up for adoption were introduced, but in a surprise announcement, Pam and Finn Murphy adopted Princess, a 9-year old pit bull. "Finn asked me what I wanted for my birthday," Pam laughed, "and I decided Princess was it. We all just fell in love. She is incredibly sweet. Her family had adored her; she was very attached to them and keenly felt their loss." Princess' story is quite tragic and traumatic, protecting her mistress and witnessing her brutal murder, then being separated from the family's children. She was sent to Nantucket for some R&R. Because of her age and breed, her chances of being adopted on the mainland were slim to none.

"Princess is one of our heartwarming adoption success stories," says Jessica Sosebee, Adoption Center Manager, "Now she looks years younger and is so happy." Raising funds to keep animals like Princess from euthanasia is just one of the Shelter's major goals. "Last year's fashion show was our first, so I didn't really know what to expect," she says. "We were absolutely thrilled to net almost $30,000 for the Shelter. So, this year we have high hopes. We have increased the number of tickets, expanded the tent and seating and added some exciting new touches to an evening most attendees said was the best event and the most fun they had all summer."

The monies raised stay on Nantucket to directly benefit Nantucket's stray, rescued and surrendered animal population and Shelter outreach programs. The Shelter is now at critical mass with the largest number of animals ever. "We have almost 100 animals here right now, if you count all the dogs, cats, birds and small animals. It costs a lot of money to house, care for and feed all of them, plus there are expenses for surgeries, medications and testing, spay/neuters, not to mention cleaning supplies." Jessica points out that the length of stay is increasing as well. Some cats have lived at the Shelter over 2 years.

She also is quick to clarify that the Adoption Center and the MSPCA Hospital are separate organizations with separate budgets. "Most people think because we share this same beautiful building that the Shelter also shares the monies collected by and donated to the MSPCA. It's important for people to know the Shelter is responsible for raising its own funds. We pay for the medical care for our animals just like everyone else."

This is why the organizing committee is hoping for a sellout crowd once again for the Second Annual Canine Couture Fashion Show, as everyone Puts Their Best Paw Forward. The event starts at 6:30 p.m., with hors d'oeuvres and pastries provided by Water Street and Two to Tango, an open bar featuring beer, wine and spirits and the specialty drink, the "Muttini." Once again, Gordon McGregor emcees the fashion show and live auction. August 8 is a Wednesday, so this is not a late night event, but it sure packs a wallop for fun, glamour and entertainment. The tickets are $150.00 and are available at the MSPCA, Cold Noses, Sandy Paws and Geronimo's. Contact the Adoption Center, 508-825-2287, for further information.

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Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and three cats. At the shop are cats Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Millie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com.