Who said couture shouldn’t include dog hair? On Saturday, Oct. 10, furry fashionistas will strut across the stage of Plant City’s National Guard Armory in their best threads.
No, it isn’t New York Fashion Week. The animals in the show are part of the fifth annual Fashion, Feathers & Fur fundraiser, hosted by Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort. The event raises money for local animal rescue groups, and features adoptable dogs, cats and birds.
The event has been successful in the past, said Dr. Christy Layton, of Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort. The fashion show developed out of a brainstorming session with her practice manager, Adrienne Swisher, over five years ago.
The event has raised more than $100,000 for the charities, and this year has more sponsors than ever before.
Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort also sold $25 bracelets to raise money for the event. Ninety-five bracelets were sold in three weeks.
“We’ve had some tremendous support from the community over the last five years,” said Layton. “It’s grown tremendously.”
This year, all of the proceeds raised from the event will be donated to Dogma, Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation, Florida Parrot Rescue, Pennies for Pockets and Second Chance Boxer Rescue & Friends. All of the rescue efforts are based in Hillsborough County. Layton and Swisher typically pick different charities every year.
“We’ve vetted them, and we know their rescues personally,” Layton said.
Twenty-five animals, about five from each of the charities showcased, will walk in the fashion show. Now healthy or on the way to recovery, many of the animals were once sick, abandoned or both, such as Kota, a pit bull with a heart of gold.
Kota was found two weeks ago and rescued by Second Chance Boxer Rescue. She was 25 pounds underweight, could barely walk and was afraid to pass through door frames. She also was anemic and had a heavy intestinal parasite.
Kota has already gained 4 pounds and will be one of the stars at the Oct. 10 event.
“Most all come in need of being spayed and neutered,” Layton said. “Many have dental diseases. All are fairly expensive, even with heavy discounts.”
Kota’s recovery alone may cost anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000.
“(The rescues) give you dogs that are healthy,” Layton said. “They do all of this medical stuff before you adopt them. It comes at a cost.”
The thousands of dollars that the rescue groups put in to each animal are part of the reason why Layton and Swisher continue to host the fundraiser every year. It’s also why they are still looking for more sponsors for this year’s event, as well as businesses or individuals to donate in the form of auction items, food or beverages.
Layton and Swisher are also hoping some animals will find their forever homes. Adoptions are not finalized at the event because rescues want to make sure the animals are matched with a good fit.
After an individual or a family takes interest in an adoptable animal at the fashion show, they must fill out an online application and complete a phone interview. Then they will be paid a home visit. Upon the approval of the home visit, the animal’s adoption will either be finalized or the potential owner will begin fostering the animal. In previous years, between two to eight animals featured in the fashion show get adopted by audience members.
For Plant City residents that already have a home full of furry companions, attendance is still encouraged. Besides 100% of ticket sales and other proceeds going toward the rescues, event attendees will enjoy auctions, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and drinks.
Tickets for the event are available online until Thursday, Oct. 1, and can be purchased through Paypal. Those who are interested in donating items to the auction can either call Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort or drop off items at the vet hospital.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
Fifth Annual Fashion, Feathers & Fur
When: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10
Where: National Guard Armory, 4004 Airport Road
Tickets: $50 per person; timberlanevet.com/fff
RSVP: Call (813) 754-7387 by Thursday, Oct. 1.