Ashley Paige’s dream of starting an animal protection organization first transitioned into a serious goal nearly a decade ago, when she launched her lifestyle apparel brand, “ Ashley Paige.” As the label has now gained a successful following of fans and media, Ashley felt it was time to shift the publicity from her high fashion clothing to her love of animals; hence, Ruff Houzen Animal Rescue was born.
Ruff Houzen’s mission is “to rescue, rehabilitate and replace injured and abused animals into permanent, loving homes.” So far, Ashley has rescued and provided foster parents for nearly 600 animals, many of which she personally rescued off the street herself. In order to better accommodate these heroic efforts without ultimately having to send animals to local pounds, Ruff Houzen plans to build its first “ No-Kill” animal shelter in Los Angeles.
A Barking Boutiquer dolled her pooch up for the special event
Instead of raising money the aforementioned boring Hollywood way, Ashley Paige teamed up with Luxury Pet Pavilion and drew on her vibrant style and diva personality to host the “ Barking Boutique Bid-N-Buy” at the trendy 944 Magazine Headquarters on Sunset Blvd.
At the Barking Boutique, guests and their pets were given an exclusive preview and opportunity to bid on over 50 new pet fashions, home accessories and innovative products in a luxurious silent auction. Some of my favorite items are pictured below:
Aren't these pretty fairy costumes the most precious things ever?!
Canvas and leather pet carrier so you can travel in style
Basket of Bowser Beer and other party necessities
These wigs and costumes will make any pet look like a diva
Any pet will feel at home in this cozy tent and luxury comfort items
Guests were also treated to a complimentary open bar, which included Cabana rum, Marani vodka, Domaine Martin wine and various other cocktails by Mint Julep.
Complimentary cocktails were provided, as well as Vitamin Water for re-fueling throughout the night
Chex La Rue, personal chef services, whipped up the most delicious “kibbles” that continued throughout the entire evening (an especially beneficial idea since drinks remained complimentary throughout the entire evening as well). Servers started with light hors d'oeuvres – roasted shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs and petite crab cakes with fiery aioli sauce – and progressed to slightly heavier appetizers as we delved deeper into the event – Greek orzo and shrimp salad, Caesar salad, pickled asparagus spears , stuffed potato skins with beef brisket and, finally, mini pizzas loaded with mushrooms, pepperoni and shrimp. Apparently, Ashley Paige had requested that the menu be strictly vegan since this was an “animal-friendly” affair, but clearly Chex La Rue didn’t get the memo…. I think it worked out better this way!
Owners of Baked Goods Unlimited, Veronica and Eduardo Mera, stand proudly with their delicious treats (left) as does my excited Ma (right)
A vegan menu also would have meant missing out on the delectable desserts by Baked Goods Unlimited, a new “Ma & Pa” organic bakery with all personalized and gourmet products (order via email: [email protected]). Owners and bakers of Baked Goods Unlimited, Veronica and Eduardo Mera, were completely set up as guests made their entrances, so I actually ate dessert before even finding the bar or touching hor d’oeuvres… which I do not regret by any means! Baked Goods Unlimited offered an adorable assortment of handcrafted “doggie & kitty” shortbread cookies that were deliciously moist (not those icky ones that crumble when you take a bite) and the sweetest apple tarts with caramel sauce that were devoured into oblivion before the clock stroke ten.
The evening culminated with an exciting live auction of luxury items, such as pet diamond jewelry, matching Ashley Paige owner / pet swimwear, one-of-a-kind animal artwork, including a canvas painted portrait of the pooch that inspired Ashley Paige’s creation of Ruff Houzen, and the spotlight prize: an all-expense paid getaway for owner and best friend (by which I mean pet) to New York, where the duo will indulge in First Class airfare, spa treatments and a hotel experience fit for royalty.
One lucky bidder in the live auction won this Ashley Paige swimsuit with a matching set for her pet
Even if Barking Boutiquers didn’t win any bidding wars, Ashley Paige made sure that nobody left empty handed. Each guest received a huge bag of SWAG with enough fun goodies to do major pet pampering with the following items:
Cattoids and Dogtoids Breath Mints, Wysong Daily Dream Treats, Dogs in the Hood “A Holiday Extravaganza”, DogsWell “Weight Management” Kibbles and “Healthy Joints” Glucosamine Chicken Jerky, Miracles on Earth Dog Collar Sleeves, OdoBall Pet Odor Eliminating Spray, Pegetables Vitamin Chew Treat, Pet Head Fur Ball Detangular, PetSafe Micro ID Rescue Collar, Sexy Beast “Canine Style Unleashed” Eau de Parfum, Want a Cookie? Treat, and catalogues from other fundraiser participants, including Animal Rescue Media Education “ARME” (production company), Art Glass Tags (pet ID jewelry), Cat Livin (modern cat furniture), Frank Bruynbroek (pet photographer), Let’s Go Design (dog walking utility jacket), Paper Russells (greeting cards), Total Diva Pets (wigs) and Weizhi (luxury collars and leashes).
Each guest received this bag of fabulous SWAG
As you can see, Ashley Paige ensured that guests and their pets were well cared for, so hopefully others will do the same for Ruff Houzen. In fact, one of the best ways to help out does NOT involve reaching into your pockets for money, but instead, reaching into your hearts for love and providing a home to one of the millions of animals that need rescuing.
To promote her cause in the media among broader audiences, Ashley said, “I send homeless dogs up for adoption down the runway with super models at my fashion shows and participate in numerous fundraisers including the Humane Society Fashion Shows and The Best Friends' annual "Lint Roller Benefit'.”
Ashley Paige auctions off this portrait of the dog that helped inspire her work
However, you don’t have to attend a fashion show to become a foster parent, as the Ashley Paige Studio transforms into a pet store every Sunday. Ashley opens the doors from 10am to 2pm and serves hors d'oeuvres to about a hundred or so people that attend in search of the pet of their dreams, cute bikinis or even the hopeful celebrity sighting. According to Ashley, “on a great day…five [dogs or cats] get new homes.”
Open Adoptions: every Sunday 10am – 2pm
Ashley Paige Studio: 1616 Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood CA
www.ruffhouzen.org
