TUSTIN Axel was a little nervous about his debut as a model. First, he shied away from climbing the steps to the runway. Then he proceeded to have an accident — leaving behind a little memento that was swiftly cleaned up.
Six rescue dogs took the stage in the annual Mother’s Day luncheon and fashion show at the Tustin Area Senior Center on Friday, May 12. No, they did not wear pink sweaters and tutus, Chihuahua-style. But they did sport jaunty bandannas around their necks.
Tustin Police Department officers and senior center volunteers donned the second-hand shirts, jackets and dresses — all $5 or $10 in the thrift shop just outside the recreation room. Meanwhile, audience members dined on cabbage rolls and tiramisu as they enjoyed the show.
The three- and four-legged models — with Axel in the former category — arrived courtesy of Orange County-based Coastal German Shepherd Rescue. The group currently shelters about 120 shepherds and shepherd mixes, half at foster homes and half at kennels, said volunteer Keith Dwen.
“We are getting the word out about our dogs,” Dwen said. “They’re easy to fall in love with.”
Marilyn Buescher, the Senior Center’s recreation supervisor, emceed the event — sharing bios of both the human and the canine models.
Axel came to the rescue organization “with a leg so badly broken that there was absolutely no way to save it,” Buescher narrated.
Other dogs in need of “forever homes” included white shepherd Jax, a “tall glass of milk who is super sweet.” Jax accompanied Officer Charlie Carter, “wearing khaki pants and a blue-and-white long-sleeved plaid shirt — casual elegance.”
Detective Natalie Nguyen, boasting a gold-sequinned top, strolled the runway with Fenway, whose owners never claimed him after he landed in a shelter.
“How could someone not be missing this amazing dog?” Buescher said.
Perhaps Jada’s backstory was most heart-tugging. Escorted by Officer Matt Rogue, Jada “was found tied up in a field, with no food or water, on a 95-degree day,” Buescher said.
Four members of Orange County Fire Department made a brief appearance, amiably greeting diners at their tables — but were called out on an emergency before they themselves could eat a bite.
Dog lover Howard Holden, 95, proclaimed the luncheon the best yet — thanks to the cute pooches. In the past, he celebrated Mother’s Day at the Senior Center with his wife, who died two years ago.
“And then our dog died,” Holden said. “Some friends felt bad for me, so they dropped off their Rottweiler last summer before going on a long trip. Well, it seems they’ve forgotten to come and get him. That’s OK with me. Taurus and I get along just fine.”
Fran Byrd, 82, appreciated that she did not have to cook Friday — as she often does on Mother’s Day.
“My kids call up and say, ‘Hi Mom. We’re coming over for lunch on Sunday,'” Byrd said.
Afterward, Buescher, who had modeled a green duster, declared the fashion show an unqualified success.
“We sold everything immediately,” she said. “Someone bought the sweater right off my back.”
With any luck, the dogs will get snapped up, too.
For more information about Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, see coastalgsr.org or call 714-528-4730.
