John Fowler, Sally Mohler, Genie Serrano, Kendall Rumsey,
Cheryl Crowley, Deb Praeg, Jennifer Finnell and Christine DiRocco,
along with some of their ‘pooch advisers’ are working to unleash
the inaugural Pooch Prom on Sept. 24 at Downtown at the Gardens
in Palm Beach Gardens. Photo Tracey Benson
By Arden Moore
Raise your hands if you’ve ever experienced a dog of a date. Yes, we all wish to forget them. But it’s 2011 and now the hot trend is to stage a date night with your dog. Often, these events feature a “paws for a good cause” theme to raise money and awareness.
Earlier this summer, I boldly created a national pet holiday — see nationaldogpartyday.com — and hosted simultaneous parties in New York City and San Diego. I instructed attendees in advance that this was “not your mother’s typical yappy hour,” but rather, a party with a purpose. And during the three hours, your date would be your dog.
I’m happy to report that people reveled in the rare opportunity to live in the moment and well-mannered dogs got to partake in games and healthy treats.
We raised money for two worthy pet charities and plan to expand to four locations in 2012, including one in South Florida.
Cheryl Crowley, a lifelong pet lover, is taking this dog date concept a creative step further. On Sept. 24, she will host the inaugural Pooch Prom at Downtown at the Gardens in Palm Beach Gardens. A pack of clothing-clad canines will strut the runway in their finest attires with two being crowned Prom King and Prom Queen, based on a vote by a panel of celebrity judges.
“Imagine a beagle in a tuxedo or a Yorkie in a frilly gown,” says Crowley, president of ImMEDIAcy Public Relations, based in North Palm Beach. “Well, that’s what you may actually see on Sept. 24.”
Don’t let distance stop any of you living in south Palm Beach County. It’s an easy ride up I-95 and you will have your cool dog as your co-pilot.
In fact, the soiree is limited to 50 well-mannered, well-groomed, party-seeking dogs, and Crowley says the word is spreading fast that this is one of the social events of the season.
Cost is $45 for one dog and human “chaperone,” or $85 for one dog and two human “chaperones,” with the ticket price including food and libations, a band, live auction and door prizes. And the opportunity to witness the historic crowning of Pooch Prom queen and king would be a memory maker that is simply, well, priceless.
Learn more by visiting www.poochprom.org or by contacting Crowley at 561-776-7659.
The benefactor of this tail-waggers-in-tuxedos event is the programs of the Drug Abuse Treatment Association, a nonprofit group that delivers effective programs for children, teens and their families coping with substance abuse and/or juvenile delinquency in five counties: Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River and Okeechobee. Learn more by visiting www.drugabusetreatment.org or by calling 561-743-1034.
The always-clever Crowley also found a way to come up with a canine acronym for DATA that aptly fits this inaugural event: “Dogs are totally awesome.”
A key member on the event committee is Christine DiRocco of Lake Worth, who works at the pet-welcoming Ritz-Carlton in Manalapan. Happy to report that the pre-planning activity inspired her to adopt a sweet-eyed Cavalier King Charles spaniel pup named Mia.
“Yep, I confess. I’m one of those crazy pet owners now,” says DiRocco with a laugh. “Mia is only 3½ months old and she is sooooo cute. She is very friendly, easy going and loves to cuddle. She is a bit young and still getting her puppy [vaccinations], so she won’t be at this year’s prom, but I predict she will be a runaway winner next year.”
OK, the canine challenge has been made. But barking out optimistic predictions is one of the many side benefits of being paired with a pet. Medical studies conclude that dogs, cats and other pets do a body good.
“Since I got Mia, I am happier and I look forward to going home and scooping her up in my arms and loving her,” says DiRocco. “Mia has changed me for the better.”
Crowley agrees. “My mom bought a dog three months before I was born and I have never been without a dog or a cat or both during my entire life. To me, pets make you a happier, more passionate person.”
You won’t get any arguments from me. What are your thoughts on dressing up dogs? Or planning a “date night” once in a while with your canine chum? Email me at Arden@fourleggedlife.com.
Arden Moore, founder of Four Legged Life.com, is an animal behavior consultant, editor, author, professional speaker and certified pet first aid instructor. She happily shares her home with two dogs, two cats and one overworked vacuum cleaner. Tune in to her Oh Behave! show on Pet Life Radio.com and learn more by visiting www.fourleggedlife.com.
Comments