Author Archive | Nicki D

It’s hard to say who got more whistles and applause on the runway this past Sunday night (Aug. 30) at Agape Animal Rescue‘s seventh annual Glitter and Glam event. Both dogs and models strutted their stuff like pros for this original fashion show, which was held at Nashville’s Hutton Hotel.

This year’s theme was Old Hollywood, and participating celebrities included NFL Pro Bowl Player Brad Hopkins, WKRN‘s Dawn Davenport and Cherish Lombard, recording artists Brian Fuente and Jordan Pruitt, and many more. The Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders kicked off the night with an energetic dance to get the crowd pumped, and the rest is history.

CMT‘s Katie Cook served as the emcee for Glitter & Glam 2015. “I just love what Agape does for these animals. I love that they have over 50 foster families and that they make it so easy for them. That’s just such a blessing. The medical care, the food, any rehabilitation, any training that needs to be done, Agape provides that… I’m just all across-the-board impressed with the way they handle their organization, and I’m an animal lover.”

When asked if there were any canine prima donnas throwing fits backstage, Cook reveals, “I have worked with several human models over the years, and these dogs are by far the biggest divas! I’m kidding of course. They’re getting along really well.”

Reality star and country artist Brooke Hogan explains, “I’ve always been into anything that helps animals… A lot of people have this weird stigma about shelter pets. It’s like they’re going to be a used toy or something like that. These dogs are perfect.”

Ray from the nationally-syndicated Bobby Bones Show was partnered with a little dog named Chai and shares, “I carry the thing and it’s just giving me kisses. I’m just rockin’ it back and forth. The owner wants it back, and I’m like, ‘This dog’s attached to me already.'”

“We are celebrating tonight the fact that almost 1,000 dogs have been saved because of our program. That is a huge accomplishment,” notes Stephanie Willis of Agape. “There’s an unheard of – less than 1% return rate – because in so many shelters, the screening process just isn’t as thorough as it needs to be. But because of our awesome volunteers and the program we have in place, we make sure that those dogs have the perfect fit. So it’s right for the dog, right for the family.”

Willis dishes, “We have quite a few that we have just recently witnessed being adopted that are now on our runway. And it’s so cool to think of where they were just a few months ago versus now at this star-studded event. We’re celebrating them really.”

Don Murry Grubbs of Absolute Publicity jokes, “This is really weird because I’m a PR guy, and I need a publicist. A publicist should be escorting me right now, what is the deal?! You’re not legit unless you have a PR guy representing you.” On a serious note, “To be a part of this and raise awareness for the animals, dogs specifically, is great because I have a rescue dog.”

The dapper publicist admits that his canine partners and Glitter & Glam veterans – French Fry and Tator Tot – almost jerked him off the runway, “That’s ok. I can handle it. I like a little bit of excitement, and they definitely brought that because I almost went flying off with them.”

Local designers Glitz Nashville and Platinum Jewelers styled the human models, and doggie models wore pieces by Yvette Ruta in partnership with Winston Dog Boutique. Harlow: A Salon on Music Row provided hair and makeup.

The annual fundraising event also included both a silent and live auction, wine, cocktails, and food.

All proceeds from Glitter & Glam benefit Agape Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to finding forever homes for abandoned and displaced dogs while educating the public to be more responsible pet owners.

We can’t wait for next year!