Fetching attire adorns dogs at show

Southeast Missourian

Dogs of all shapes, sizes and colors strutted down the runway wearing the latest canine designs Sunday during the Fido Fashion Show during the annual Women's Show held in the Show Me Center.

From denim to plaid, straw hats to tutus, man's best friends never looked so good as they pranced down the cat, err, dogwalk to the tune of Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy."

"Our whole purpose here is to promote adoption awareness. That's what we're all about, and hopefully the fashion show will inspire someone to adopt a dog," said Donna Ernest, executive director of Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, the organization that sponsored the fashion show.

Sheri, a 1-year-old rottweiler mix, looked stunning in her red plaid ensemble, while Rex, a black Great Dane, sported a very masculine corduroy vest and hat.

Lucky, a 6-month-old lab mix, came dressed in a petite, red-and-white polka-dot dress complete with bow and braided wig.

All of the canine models have ties to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. Some are former Humane Society adoptees who have found homes with area residents. Others, like Sheri, are currently up for adoption.

"I wanted to help the dogs get adopted, because if they aren't adopted, they get put to sleep," said 13-year-old Brian Davis of Cape Girardeau, one of the dog handlers.

Audience members were asked to cast monetary votes for their favorite dog costume. Ernest said the show only raised around $40, but they were successful in adopting out two of the dogs.

"The show was very good publicity for us," Ernest said.

The canine costumes, all hand-crafted by Ginny Cates of Cape Girardeau, will be available to purchase at a Human Society silent auction planned this spring.