Canine pooches of all breeds and their owners are invited to take the catwalk Nov. 10, at the Prissy Paws and Fancy Fur Benefit Pet Pageant to be held at the Conway Expo Center.

“This is a perfect event for everyone who thinks their dog is special,” said B.J. Thorn, co-organizer along with Julie Kimbrell. “We want all dog lovers to come out.”

The Thorn’s dog, Oscar Meyer Weiner, dressed in his tuxedo especially tailored to fit his long body and short legs, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

“He’s a special dog,” according to Thorn, “just like having a fourth kid.”

His full-time job is to serve as a companion for her daughter Andrea, who is a special needs child. However, Thorn said trouble tends to follow Oscar on occasion. He’s a dog with nine lives, Thorn added, followed up with “no kidding.”

As a puppy, he defied death falling about 20 feet from an upstairs window. He also survived being ran over by a vehicle.

“He’s a dog that takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’,” she offered. But, at the end of the day, Oscar has it pretty well off at the Thorn house. He sleeps in the bed with his human siblings and has the full run of the house. He is also showered by hugs and kisses many times throughout the day.

“We needed a sweet docile dog and we found it in him,” Thorn explained. “He plays with Andrea. She loves all over him. They are both pretty special.”

During the Paws event, Thorn said, she anticipates hearing many stories about special pooches. Some, she anticipates, will be told from the stage.

While the stories will be important, looks will also play an important part.

She anticipates many of the pooches may opt for natural but, as well, she believes others will be canine chic. She also anticipates you will see lots of glitz and sequins.

There is a variety of categories allowing an opportunity for all sizes to compete.

Doggie vendors will also be on hand allowing the owners to find that perfect puppy present. There will also be a photographer, Thorn said, on hand for pooch glamour shots. As well, there will be a silent auction. The cast of the television show American Stuffers from Romance will be meeting and greeting. Wearing her crown and sash, Miss Angels Pageant Ambassador Andrea Thorn will more than likely also take to the red carpet in her blinged-out wheelchair.

Booth space is available at $50 per booth which includes a table and chairs. Booths registered include: Designer Dog Products, It Works!, Blessing Unlimited, a Grace Adele Vendor, a Scentsy Vendor, a Velata Vendor, a Thirty-one Vendor, Ashley’s K-9 playground, and an Avon vendor. Sponsors include: Vilonia Animal Clinic, Hartman Animal Hospital, DBC Mediation, Conway Animal Clinic, Barkin Dog Clothes, Bob¹s Grill and The Tint Shop.

The entry fee for the canine beauty pageant is $40 per dog and entries as still being accepted. For more information or to register, call 501-472-6323 or 501-499-3906. Or, you may check out the website at prissypawsfancyfur.weebly.com.

The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Arkansas Angels Pageant, an all-inclusive pageant system, for individuals with all categories of special needs. The Thorn family launched the first central Arkansas pageant nearly three years ago. Yearly, about 150 participate in the pageant and it is free to the families.