Sally Jewett washed, clipped and coated her 4-year-old boxer Caesar in preparation for his trot down a fashion runway Thursday night at the Avalon Events Center in downtown Fargo.
Fifteen minutes before the show started, Caesar was lying on the back-stage floor with his jaw between his front paws.
The bustle and excitement of a high-pressure fashion show wore Caesar out.
"The excitement of being here has worn off," Jewett said. "He's asking, 'Where's the couch?' "
But when his name was called, the rookie dog fashion model bounced down the spotlight-covered runway with his head held high, showcasing a well-fitted gray cable sweater.
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Caesar was among 16 dogs who strutted - sometimes stumbled, strayed or stopped - down the runway to help raise money for the Humane Society of the U.S. Disaster Relief Fund.
"Holiday Fashion Unleashed" was the second fundraising event coordinated by Bone Appetit, a family owned dog bakery and boutique in downtown Fargo. The event featured a silent auction, models wearing fashions from Lena K of Fargo and, of course, lots of canines modeling outfits.
Jewett was one of three women from Fargo's Precision Pet Styling who groomed every dog at the show. The company tapped its client base to volunteer dogs for the show.
Olivieri's Beauty Salon and O'Day Cache jewelry also supported the event.
More than 60 people attended the one-hour runway show, which ended with seven Lena K models ushering dogs wearing the latest Christmas attire.
"The show was a success," said Lindsay Franke, part owner of Bone Appetit.
The event raised about $800 at its first dog fashion show in April. Proceeds were donated to Adopt-A-Pet of Moorhead. That event featured a bachelorette auction, which helped draw a larger crowd than Thursday's event.
Another benefit is tentatively scheduled for April.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Joe Whetham at (701) 241-5557
