The glitz, the glamour, the cameras. No it’s not the Oscars, it’s the 12th annual Bark & Whine Ball, where hundreds of dogs and their owners will gather tonight for a night of swank and style. Dogs of all breeds will slobber their way down the red carpet to show off the latest fashion.

“Some dogs have pearls and all sorts of great clothing on,” said Nellie Hufnagel, who has attended for eight years. Her dog, Monique, a Tibetan terrier, will appear for a fourth time. “She has a pink tutu. She looks very good in it. It’s made of tulle and has satin ribbons.”

The ball is organized by CLAW, or Critter Lovers at Work, a volunteer fundraising arm for the San Francisco SPCA’s Cinderella Fund, which provides medical attention for animals in need.

Event organizers expect about 500 people and more than 260 dogs to attend this year’s ball. Dancing, music and bones will be abundant. Volunteers will provide dogs with “bathroom assistance.” And while adults will enjoy an open bar, dogs will slurp “designer water” from bowls.

This story continues below
Advertisement

Miriam Chall, the ball’s chairwoman, said that, since 2000, the event has raised about $550,000 for the Cinderalla Fund. Chall will be dog-less this year because she recently lost her two greyhounds to cancer.

Music will be provided by Dick Bright’s Orchestra, which will perform such cherished hits as “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?”

The Bark & Whine Ball takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. at the San Francisco Gift Center Pavilion, 888 Brannan St. General admission is $125 and $20 for dogs.

» For more information, visit www.barkandwhine.org.

bfoley@examiner.com