Written under the close supervision and

critical eye of Miss Annie McLovable

 

 

Miss Annie, a charming and very well-mannered young Westie lady, was introduced to San Francisco canine haute societe last August at a high-tea charity event to benefit Pets Unlimited at the Ritz Carleton.

 

Annie, dressed in a traditional Scottish black brass-buttoned jacket and red plaid kilt, was escorted up the red-carpeted entrance by her friend, Larry, a very large and handsome Bouvier.

Upon arrival at the Ritz Terrace, they were given elegant brass name tags engraved with the Ritz lion logo.  Then they were greeted by many other canines, all very soigné and (mostly) very well-bred.  Annie was especially intrigued by a courtly black Greyhound and his pal, a suave, diminutive Italian.

Many of the guests were gowned in designer outfits:  an English Bull in pink ruffles, a Pug in polka dots, a Peke in patterned silk to match her Guardian’s dress, a King Charles in tailored black and white checks.

All the guests mingled and chatted politely, voices modulated, exchanging views and opinions without rancor or argument, until tea was announced.  And what a tea!  Exquisite varieties of petit gateaux served in crystal bowls.  Annie’s favorite “biscuit de chien” was shaped like a squirrel which she devoured daintily but with gusto (she has, shall we say, an adversarial relationship with squirrels).

After tea and a trip to the ladies room (pink hydrant on turf enclosed in a white picket fence), Annie enjoyed watching the fashion show which featured many designer clothes worn by several models.  Among those posing on the runway were twin Yorkies primping in Chinese silk, a Terrier cavorting in a multi-striped sweater, a Chihuahua pirouetting in taffeta, a Beagle prancing in peau-de-soie, and, best of all, a Bull Mastiff parading in a red quilted overcoat.

 After the show, the Mistress of Ceremonies interviewed a number of guests including Annie.  The interviewer was pleased to hear that Annie is a rescue Westie girl and that she is adjusting happily to her new life.  She praised Annie’s good manners and affectionate nature and got a big kiss in return.

At last the party began to break up and several people came up to compliment Annie on her handsome attire and her warm and friendly personality.  And so we said goodbye to the Ritz.

It was a great day and Annie plans to return in the future to the felicitous welcome of tea at the Ritz.

Note:  Annie was adopted from the SFBWHWTC Westie Rescue program.