Haute dog!
Pooch-lovers swarmed Brooklyn Public Library’s central branch for the book lender’s first-ever dog fashion show on Saturday, proving yet again that nothing brings the borough together like canines in costume, according to a library employee.
“It was so busy, we couldn’t even get close to see the dogs,” said Lauren Rochford, who showed up to work on her day off to attend the event with her furry friend Pedro, a corgi–papillon mix.
Twenty-one four-legged models strutted across a green “red carpet” in costumes put together by their masters. Dressing in a literary-themed getup earned extra points in the competition for most stylish mutt, but Where’s Waldo and Clifford the Big Red Dog outfits were in short supply.
Models included Rhodesian ridgeback Penny, in a lion costume, golden retriever Stanley, decked out in star-shaped sunglasses, and Shaggy, a skateboard-riding Maltipoo — and competitor in last month’s dog fashion show at Freddy’s Bar in Park Slope — that rolled into first place with his New York Yankees duds.
The event, which commemorated National Dog Day, also celebrated the installation of two air-conditioned doghouses outside the library branch on Grand Army Plaza, which some pup-owners had mixed feelings about.
“I don’t know if that would be appropriate for my dog, because she has a little separation anxiety,” said Ilene Zeins, who traveled from the distant isle of Manhattan to the fashion show, where her canine companion ZZ won third place.
But not all pooches are spooked by the accommodations that keep them cool and sheltered for a fee, according to the master of a Yorkshire Terrier that tried one out at the event.
“Neyo went in there, and he was happy,” said Ditmas Park resident Mireille Moorer. “He’s always happy.”
