Dressed to the nines – for the canines!

Michelle Collins with Satch, who was dressed to the nines in a sparkly tux fit for a cute canine!

Thanks to Lauren Christ of Moxley Carmichael for writing this guest post for the Blue Streak — Cynthia Moxley.

Actress Hermione Gingold may have been talking about many of the guests attending a downtown Knoxville gala when she said, “To call him a dog hardly seems to do him justice, though inasmuch as he had four legs, a tail, and barked, I admit he was, to all outward appearances. But to those who knew him well, he was a perfect gentleman.”

The 2^nd Annual PetSafe Black Tie & Tails Gala was filled with perfect gentlemen and perfect ladies – many of whom also had four legs, a tail and barked. Launched last year, this fun, pet-friendly event is hosted by PetSafe and raises funds for Morris Animal Foundation to support canine cancer research. Sadly, cancer strikes one of every three dogs, and only 50 percent of those affected will survive. That’s why dozens of animal lovers like us attended to support the cause.

Held at the Crowne Plaza on Aug. 10, the event kicked off with a cocktail hour and silent auction that allowed for guests – both human and canine – to mingle. My fiancé and I scored some gift certificates and other goodies from one of our favorite downtown spots, Boyd’s Jig and Reel. Randy Boyd, the founder and CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, which makes the PetSafe brand, and his wife, Jenny, own the Jig and Reel.

When it was time for dinner, the four-legged guests were led to a playroom where volunteers and staff from PetSafe Village entertained them. The two-legged guests enjoyed dinner, fundraising games and a live auction, which included an authentic University of Tennessee football helmet autographed by Peyton Manning and an autographed Taylor Swift guitar with concert tickets.

WBIR-TV anchor John Becker served as Master of Ceremonies. He and his wife, Tricia, have two dogs and are active animal welfare advocates. John promotes adoptable adult dogs available at Young-Williams Animal Center on his 10Pets segment, and Tricia works with Adopt A Golden Knoxville.

John introduced guests to Kevin and Holly Fuller-Young. Kevin and Holly shared the story of their dog Zorro and his battle with cancer. They explained how hard he fought with the help of one of the best veterinary schools in the country right here in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee, and how he eventually, despite his most stubborn efforts, lost that fight.  Zorro put a face – an adorable, furry, mischievous face – to canine cancer, especially for those of us in the room who didn’t want to imagine our own beloved dogs facing such a cruel disease.

Zorro’s story was a message of hope, however, because the advanced treatment he received from UT allowed him to enjoy several extra months with his family. That’s why canine cancer research is so important.

If you missed this year’s gala, you can still support cancer research through Morris Animal Foundation and help dogs like Zorro by attending the PetSafe K9 Cancer Walk on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Cove at Concord Park. Click here to register or donate.

Randy Boyd with his dog, Spankie

Pat Summitt, University of Tennessee women’s basketball Head Coach Emeritus, with her dogs, Sadie and Sally

Travis Vickery of PetSafe and Robbie Arrington of Regal Entertainment Group with Bao the Yorkie

Jessica Medlin and Jim Tedford, both of PetSafe

Blake MacNair with Roxie the Greyhound. Loved the pink tutu!

Teddy modeled a cute bow tie! Teddy’s parents are Annette and Scott Brun.

Amy Buttry with her dog, Red

Roger and Shaun Hyver with me and John Miller. Shaun and I work at Moxley Carmichael. John works for Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley.

Pat Hackett with Layla the Doberman. She was one of the most well behaved dogs I’ve ever seen.

Mark Orr with Amanda Hara of from WVLT Volunteer TV

Lynsay Caylor Russell of Pilot Flying J with her husband, Blake, and Carmella the poodle

Latisha Stubblefield, Meghan Morgan and Samantha Lane

Josh and Sarah Loebner, both of Designsensory

Lindsey Staimey, left, with Prudia the pup and Thomas Boyd

Kara McFarland of WBIR-TV Channel 10, right, and her husband, Ian

Robin Rhea of PetSafe, right, with her husband, Kris

Linda Miller with her dog, Little B

Adoptable dog Vivian from the Humane Society was at the event looking for her forever home.

WBIR-TV anchor and Master of Ceremonies John Becker, left, and Jim Tedford of Radio Systems Corporation, who served as chair of the PetSafe Gala Steering Committee

Photo credit: Lauren Christ and Shaun Fulco. Photo including Shaun and Lauren was taken by event volunteer Taylor Rhea.