Fashion by Friends!

How exciting is the level of support & enthusiasm that is being generated towards the creation of Friends of Citrus County Animal Services. One of the most interesting aspect of the outreach coming to us, is members being able to offer their support by way of their many and and varied talents. Thus, "Friend of Fashion" has come to being (or whatever we want to call it...FOCCAS Fashion, etc....you be the judge)! Our dear friend and member, Chris Vanerka, has both an industrial strength sewing machine AND the talent to make wonderful dog coats....all she needs is the inspiration! Chris has been walking (and bathing) shelter dogs over the course of the last 6months...a huge contribution and commitment to the shelter. Recognizing the need to raise money for our incorporation and more importantly to fund the monies to help the shelter animal...Chris is making one of a kind dog coats that Friends of Citrus County Animal Services can sell!

I've got a collection of dog coats from Chris' talented hands and have attempted to do justice by shamelessly modeling my own shelter dogs - Lucy & Lefty (check out that lovely underbite on my Lucy) ....but was also able to model them on Adopt A Rescued Pet angel KiKi as well. Obviously these fashions look fabulous on many body types!

BTW - Chris also ended up getting "suckered" into adopting a beautiful dog from the shelter. Formally known as "Rebel", this bully dog is now more appropriately known as "Guinness"...he is a beauty, with a gorgeous brown coat that certainly remind me of a delicious pint!

Chris has reported that she has made additional coats, sweatshirts AND bandanas...while at the same time spreading the word about "Friends of " (aka FOCCAS). She has since been donated a bag of material, velcro and other miscellaneous items to MAKE MORE COATS!!! This is exciting!!!! Being the obsessive compuslive volunteer that she is (like the rest of us), Chris has just ordered 8yards of fleece and Velcro from JoAnn Fabrics....the fashion possibilities for Citrus County Pooches is infinite!!

Lastly, Chris was getting dear Guinness' manicure done at Heather's Dog Spa (on 491) and one thing led to the next and Heather's may very well be willing to put "Friends Fashion" up for sale at their shop...and probably a donation jar too!

Well...this is what its going to take! If you want to get involved...and HELP the SHELTER ANIMALS...bring on your talents. Ask....no....beg...for donations...whatever it takes! Let your passion for animals spur your creativity AND your ability to create our income streams. That's what it takes. Don't think for a second that some army of volunteers is going to do it for your. Get involved!! Use you talents. And don't forget the most important thing - "TO SUGGEST IS TO VOLUNTEER" - if you have some great way to gain funds for our shelter pets...make it happen! You have friends here at Friends Of Citrus County Animal Services...but don't forget for a moment how BUSY we all are. Bring on the great ideas & energy & recruit for our cause.....we need as many hands on deck to GET THIS DONE!!