Robin Hawn Rhea, of PetSafe, and her adorable Buckley.
This is one of the cutest ideas for a fundraiser ever! PetSafe recently teamed up with the Morris Animal Foundation to sponsor the Black Tie and Tails Gala. The tails are not tuxedo tails, as you might assume — they are dog tails! Yep, the first dog-friendly gala in Knoxville!
This unusual soiree was held earlier this month at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Knoxville. Many guests brought their dogs who mingled with everyone during the cocktails and silent auction. During dinner, a special room was set up to accommodate the dogs who didn’t want to stay quietly under a ballroom table. They had their own special treats and playthings in there.
Here’s the problem. Cancer affects one of every three dogs. And, of those affected, only 50 percent will survive. So, it’s a serious issue. Since Knoxville is blessed to have one of the best veterinary schools in the country at the University of Tennessee, PetSafe and Morris Animal Foundation opted to use this event to raise money to fund research at UT into canine cancer.
Mike Witcher, a meteorologist at WBIR-TV, was master of ceremonies, along with his dog, Bandit. There were all kinds of animal-related items in the silent and live auctions, as well as some more generic things. (Alan and I bought a home-cooked Moroccan dinner courtesy of John and Mary Evers Goans. Can’t wait!)
Since this was a first-time event, I’m sure some of the glitches will be worked out (the talk during dinner was way too heavy and technical for a Saturday night party), but I think we have a winner here. So get your dog ready to go next year.
The next chance to support PetSafe and the Morris Animal Foundation in their fight against canine cancer will be Sunday, Sept. 23, at the PetSafe K9 Cancer Walk at the Cove at Concord Park. Registration starts at 11, with the welcome and walk to follow at 1. Click here for pictures from last year’s walk. Click here to go to the website for more info or to register.
Jim Clayton and his dog, Laddie, who has cancer that is in remission.
Janet Testerman, of Scripps, with Riley.
Leigh White, of WBIR-TV, with her sweet sheepdog, Nannah.
WBIR's Erin Donovan with Grady
People and dogs mingling during the silent auction.
WBIR's Brittany Bailey, left, with her friend Amy Dunaway
Tim Williams, left, with Jenny and Randy Boyd, the founder and CEO of PetSafe.
Amy Williams and a very relaxed Biscuit. Hahaha!
So cute!
Awww!
Mary Evers Goans, left, with Gay Lyons
Dick and Ann Goldstine
Janelle and Mike Witcher with Bandit
These greyhounds, Evie and Roxy, were very elegant. They were accompanied by Laurie Macnair and Blake Valentine.
John Miller and Lauren Christ. She's with Moxley Carmichael and works with our client PetSafe.
Christine and Dr. Michael Blackwell, the administrator of Young-Williams Animal Center.
WBIR General Manager Jeff Lee and his wife, Christy
Mark and Kristin Williams. She's chair of the Young-Williams Animal Center board.
Adam and Misty Snyder with Beau and Dusty
Neville Lawson holding Violet, a long-haired chihuahua.
We had a blast at the Black Tie and Tails gala. I was so impressed by all the well-behaved dogs! I’ve got 12 months or so to work more on training Chloe and Pez so they can come along next year. Pez already has a bow tie he’d like to get more use out of!
You’re right, Cynthia: We’re very blessed to have the UT vet school here in Knoxville. Thanks to PetSafe and Morris Animal Foundation for supporting their canine cancer research.
Hmm. I think I would suggest that they change the attire to “A Walk in the Park.” Seems odd to be all dressed up and dogs in tow. Go casual, but not too casual. I would love to take my Molly to something like that.
Annette: It was fun seeing all the dogs dressed up — as well as the people. They were very well-behaved, thank goodness. And just adorable. You should come next year and bring Molly!
Lauren: Yep, now you have a stretch goal. Get Pez and Chloe ready for the ball!
Looks like great fun! Love the well-attired dogs and people. I hope my dog, Tails, is still here next year to go with us! She already has the right name! Great idea and great cause!
Oh, Allyn, that would be awesome if a dog named Tails could come! What kind of dog is Tails?
Cynthia,
Thanks for the posting! Good to see you at the Urban League event last evening!
Gene
It was a barking good time! though there was actually very little barking. The dogs were amazingly well behaved.
A fun evening with, and for, our furry friends.
Personal goal is to have my golden, Crumpet well-mannered by next year!
Thanks for the posting Cynthia.
That last picture of violet looks like a papillion not a chihuahua.
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