New York Pet Fashion Show Puts On the Dog with Benefit for the Alliance

Alliance spokesperson, Stephanie Mattera, escorted rescue Yorkie, Asiago, down the catwalk at the New York Pet Fashion Show on February 11, 2016. Asiago is available for adoption from Eve’s Sanctuary Animal Rescue. (Photo by PawPrintsByDave)

Held on February 11, 2016, the New York Pet Fashion Show, presented by TropiClean, celebrated its 12th year in style. And, this year, that style was from the 1980s. Pooches and people, a few pussycats, and even some poultry paraded in the Hotel Pennsylvania ballroom in their 80s best to the booming sounds of punk, funk, disco, and rock. Big hair, bright colors, gold chains, and sweatbands were front and center. But so was the goal of the event: to throw a spotlight on the thousands of shelter animals who are still waiting for their forever homes. As in previous years, a portion of the event’s proceeds were donated to the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals.

The evening, co-chaired by pet fashion designer Ada Nieves and publisher and public relations professional Gregg Oehler, included three runway shows emceed by Maria Milito of Q104.3 that featured dogs from Alliance Participating Organizations (APOs). As the dogs strutted down the catwalk, wearing their most fetching outfits designed by Nieves and others, they had their eyes on the crowd, searching for prospective pet parents.

One such pup, 10-year-old Asiago, currently with APO Eve’s Sanctuary Animal Rescue, was escorted down the runway by Alliance spokesperson Stephanie Mattera.

Mattera was also on hand for the presentation of a $500 check to the Alliance from PupScouts, a “scouting” organization for dogs and their parents co-founded by Susan Godwin and Jennifer-Jo Moyer.

Alliance volunteer, Amrita Nandakumar, accepted the Spirit of Volunteer Award at the 2016 New York Pet Fashion show on behalf of all of those who generously give their time to support pet rescue.

The evening also included the presentation of the 2016 New York Pet Fashion Show Golden Paw Awards to honor those who make a difference helping animals. A special “Spirit of Volunteer Award” was given this year. According to Nieves, the award was created to “represent all of the tireless volunteers that day to day give their all to help save animals.” Amrita Nandakumar, an Alliance volunteer, accepted the award on behalf of all volunteers.

Commenting on the event, Mattera said, “It brings the community together and is a reminder of the loyal supporters that help make the Alliance’s life-saving work possible.”