“What A Paw-Some Day!” the Tail Waggers Task Force group declared about their first “Bark A Pose Fashion Show” at the Rockaway Freeway Dog Run on Saturday, May 30. Featuring everything from “creative costumes and adorable pups to the laughter, smiles, and community spirit,” they noted, “the event was a tremendous success. It was wonderful seeing so many dogs and their humans having fun together and making memories that will last a lifetime.”
Postponed the previous weekend due to monsoon-like rain, the event still faced heavy spring winds. Still some 30 pups of all ages and sizes came out for their moment to walk, run or be carried up the red carpet. Cameras and phones snapped away as nearly 50 humans attended.
The dogs themselves came in a variety of costumes. The runway was graced with tuxedos and top hats, team jerseys, prom dresses, denim outfits and Hawaiian shirts, a Wonder Woman outfit, tutus, pearls, pinstripes with matching hats, ties and shoes and more.
With music playing, each dog was individually announced as they took the red-carpet spotlight. In true fashion show form, they each got a rousing introduction, colorful costume and personality commentary, including favorite foods and activities.
The youngest pup participant, a foster now looking for a forever home, was four-months-old, while the oldest was 13. Each model received a goody bag, a pup cup and certificate of appreciation suitable for framing. Those interested in the foster dog can contact Tail Waggers Task Force via Facebook or www.tailwaggerstaskforce.org.
The Tail Waggers shared, “Some (people) came with dogs,” a spokesperson noted, others “just came for the show. We had a few from Sheepshead Bay, one from Howard Beach. And a contingent…from the Forest Park Dog Run who wanted to check the event out as a possibility” for their area.
But most were Rockaway residents. One woman driving by decided to stop and see what was going on. She had such a great time watching all the Fashionistas get dressed up and strut their stuff, that she forgot about her brunch date and decided to stay and help distribute pup cups “because these pups really deserved them.”
Tail Waggers noted the inspiration for the event was the “Mutt Gala,” a play on the Met Gala, held in Central Park. “We watched as the Manhattan dogs, dressed to the nines, strutted their stuff and decided it was time to let Rockaway dogs have their red-carpet moments as well,” they said.
The event itself was about a month in the making. Later, Tail Waggers gave thanks for their team’s “countless hours of planning, preparation, and hard work” that went into making the Bark A Pose event such a success. They offered special thanks to Jocelyn Matos and Latanya Hall, who took the lead in organizing the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly and “turning the Freeway Dog Run into the ‘Freeway Dog Runway.’”
Joining in the fun, Matos’ little dog, Barbie, got to model three different outfits. Highlighting the variety of the event, Tail Waggers’ Tjamal Noni and Orisha Jordan’s dog Roxy started out in a pink quinceañera dress and later transformed to a biker chick, complete with leather jacket and shades.
“Thank you all,” Tail Waggers noted, “for helping us celebrate our community, our dogs, and the joy they bring into our lives every day.”
The non-profit group serves as stewards in maintaining the Rockaway Freeway Dog Run, one of the largest in NYC.
Their next event, “Adoption Day” on Saturday June 27, from 12 to 3 p.m. will have the North Shore Animal League bringing dogs and cats of all ages hoping to find their forever home. Starting at 1 p.m. a professional dog trainer will also be providing a lesson on basic dog training and dog park etiquette.
Saturday, July 18, will feature the group’s Doggie Pool Party and Ice Cream Social. Tails are already wagging in anticipation.
Photos by Dan Guarino.
