Costumed dogs, fashion and fun made a special day
It’s not every day you see a dog in a tuxedo, but Tails and Tiaras had them in abundance.
This event, hosted by Grapes and Ladders Vineyards and Winery, the Gilmer County Animal Shelter (GCAS) and Ellijay Paws in Need staged a red-carpet competition between dogs from the shelter.
“We want to give people in the community a chance to support our shelter dogs,” Ellijay Paws in Need Team Coordinator Tania Richley said.
During the Sunday, Sept. 21, event, nine dogs walked the red carpet in dazzling outfits. Volunteers escorted them in equally thrilling fashion. The audience got to vote for a winner.
Every dog will appear in a 2026 calendar published by Ellijay Paws in Need, Richley said. Some spaces in the calendar will also go to pets nominated by local owners.
“It’s all about our dogs that we love so much,” she said.
The event’s attendees raised funds for the animal shelter with a silent auction, bought goods from local vendors, enjoyed food and savored wine.
“I’m pleasantly surprised at the huge turnout,” Gilmer County Animal Control Director Kelly Pickering said.
After three stages of the show, the event’s winner was Sally, an 11-year-old rescue dog currently in a foster home.
Tails and Tiaras raised $12,500, she said. Two dogs were adopted, and the shelter is working on getting another adoption today.
“We cannot thank our community enough for how they showed up with kindness and generosity to care for all the dogs in need of rescue within our community,” Richley said.
Funds raised from the event went to caring for GCAS’s dogs.
“We have so many wonderful dogs,” Richley said. “We are just wanting people to fall in love with them and take them home so that we can open up more space in the shelter.”
This weekend was the first annual Tails and Tiaras show. But Grapes and Ladders and other participants plan to host it again.
“I’m happy the dogs are getting more exposure and the shelter’s getting more exposure,” Pickering said. “Ellijay Paws in Need, our partnering volunteer group, continues to highlight and showcase the shelter and the animals.”
Occasions like these serve a fundraising purpose, and they’re also good for the dogs, Pickering said. When they get out of the shelter, it’s a chance to be social, get to know people and decompress.
People interested in giving to the shelter can donate online at ellijaypaws.org. Those interested in adopting one of the event’s featured dogs can call 706-635-2166.