Great Dog Gone Weekend!

Andrea Rodgers with Brandy, Cheryl Romero, Brenda Keller and Megan Riddle

My social life has gone to the dogs…quite literally! But I couldn’t be happier! Friday night, one of my best friends, Cheryl Romero invited me to watch the movie “Iron Man” in a home theatre at the beautiful home of Mark Rothman, founder of MYTA who sits on the board of the National Capital Area’s chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We all had so much fun playing with his new Golden Retriever puppy, Brandy.

On Saturday, Scarlett and I headed to Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase for the Washington Humane Society’s fundraiser. A little Yorkie in her pink and black doggie stroller wearing a tiara and couture black and white dress “out diva’d” even my little Scarlett who was wearing her Little Lily dress! The Yorkie was too cute. Her tiara and clothing were made by Syndee Cooper at  Pawsitively Uptown Boutique. Scarlett and I will be doing some shopping at their online boutique very soon!

After feeling a bit up staged, Scarlett went to the Karing by Kristina and Barkley Square area where she had some of the delicious homemade dog treats from Barkley Square and was pampered and groomed by our friend Michelle D’Ettorre of Barkley Square. There were lots of hors d’ouevres and drinks, and everyone was getting makeovers. So I decided to get a makeover at the Armani counter with my friend Ty, who is an amazing make up artist and used to do my makeup at M.A.C. in Georgetown years ago. I had a great time catching up with her, and she loved getting to meet Scarlett. Then Scarlett and I were ready for our close up with either a Barack Obama or John McCain cut-out. I think you all know which one I chose!

After being photographed, I ran into Lana Orloff, who is a personal stylist and the Fashion Editor for Washington Life magazine. Lana pulled together all the looks, and managed the runway show for the very first Fashion for Paws event in 2007, and helped insure that the event would be an ongoing success. 

I also ran into a good friend of mine who is seriously considering adopting a puppy from the Washington Humane Society. I had invited him to attend this event, as WHS often brings their mobile adoption unit to events with animals from their shelters. The unit brings the dogs and their handlers to the events, and the unit provides an area for the cats to hang out and be seen by prospective owners.  So if you are more of a “cat person” and are interested in adopting a cat, remember to take a look on the mobile unit next time you see it at an event. Even if you aren’t interested in adopting, I think it’s nice to spend a little time with the cats and give them some much needed attention.

My friend and I took a look at the dogs which were up for adoption, and spoke to the WHS volunteers to get more information on the adoption process. WHS uses the ASPCA’s Meet Your Match program, which is the only method in existence today that evaluates an animal’s behavior and interests and matches them to an adopter’s preferences so that you take home a pet you can really click with. He is interested in a lab or lab mix, and the WHS is now keeping a lookout for a dog which might be a good fit for him. Tara de Nicolas and Stacey Kranitz did an amazing job planning and promoting this event!

On Sunday afternoon, Scarlett put on her Redskins jersey and we headed to Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood for the 12th Annual West Potomac Halloween Parade. Del Ray has such a small town feel. I absolutely love it! It reminds me of my hometown in North Carolina! Everyone seems to know each other, and there are so many great local businesses. It was a beautiful fall day, and this community event created the perfect all-American day!

Moms and Dads had been hard at work transforming baby strollers and radio flyers into pirate ships, the bat mobile, and dump trucks. The kids were all dressed up for Halloween and so were the babies, dogs, and even guinea pigs. Take a look at these adorable photos!

After attending tons of galas and going out a lot in years past, I truly enjoy leading a more simple and wholesome life. This weekends events were so much fun! If you missed out on them this weekend, no worries. There will be similar events coming up, and I’ll keep you informed about them!

- Miss A