The Fur Ball

Itika Oldwine, NBC Chicago Street Team

Shaun Rajah is the Assistant Manager at the Palm Court at The Drake Hotel. He is one of the most charming and ridiculously resourceful people in the Chicago hotel business, and I know this because I make it my duty to get to know my hotel peeps. Shaun always keeps me updated on what’s going on at the fabulous Drake, and this time he outdid himself by inviting me to their Fur Ball hosted by PAWS Chicago.

Now, I’m a non-pet owner, but as I made my rounds at the Fur Ball I was definitely in awe at the commitment the two legged attendees had to their various pets. And by commitment, I’m talking about Nano, the chihuahua who was dressed in a tuxedo and top hat, or Chloe another chihuahua who wore a diamond choker that could have arguably been snatched from the window of neighboring Bulgari. Of course I have to mention Charlie. He’s a mut with an affinity for velvet jackets with pink fringe. I could go on, but there’s more to talk about.

A red carpet was laid out so our proud and elegantly dressed dog owners could pose for the paparazzi with their fabulous pooches. Also, upstairs there was a doggy spa where pets were dropped of to relax, nap and play amongst themselves. Inside the ballroom guests mingled amongst water bowls strategically placed throughout the room, and there were little tins with doggy biscuits on each table.

The Fur Ball is PAWS Chicago’s biggest event of the year and raises on average about half a million dollars for the animals. And after experiencing it for myself I’ve decided that every dog owner in Chicago should get dolled up and and bring their well groomed furry friend to next year’s Fur Ball (date TBD)…stat!

Nano and owner

Samoyed and party goer

Chloe the chihuahua with furry friend and owner

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