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Monday, November 06, 2000

By Marylynn Uricchio, Post-Gazette SEEN Editor

Once upon a time, Morris the Cat led a dog's life. Unowned and unloved, he lived in a shelter with hundreds of other animals.

	Pets were people, too, at animal fashion show. Lori Pruni escorted Marlo, a Weimaraner, whose outfit netted $400.. Click to SEEN photo journal. (John Heller/Post-Gazette photos)

Luckily it was a no-kill shelter like the ones run by Animal Friends, so Morris was safe and treated kindly. Still, he longed for a real home, maybe even a career in show business.

The most famous cat in the world flew in from L.A. Saturday to share his stray-to-star story at Black Tie & Tails, the annual benefit for Animal Friends. Cool, confident and clearly excited to be in the hometown of Heinz, Morris is the fourth tabby to serve as spokescat for 9 Lives. He's been on the job since May, and already the philanthropic feline has donated $10,000 to the ASPCA. Trainer Rose Ordile kept Morris away from the fancy feasts that were arrayed on tables throughout the PPG Wintergarden. Rolling in the Dough catered the affair with as much humor as taste -- those bones in the doggie dishes inside the dog houses were made of sausage, and Morris was not the only animal guest to notice.

Animal guests? Of course, and suitably attired. They were either current or former residents of Animal Friends, which was founded 57 years ago to assist the many pets left behind by owners who went off to World Way II. There aren't many galas were you can bring your pet, or watch a Canine and Kitty Couture Show, or bid on hundreds of truly terrific animal-related items during silent and live auctions. Now in its third year, Black Tie & Tails has grown into a big bash as word has spread. The benefit is affordable, fun, loose and young, and this year it attracted more than 500 guests.

But there's a serious side as well. These are people who cherish and protect animals, and awards were given to those who make a difference. County Treasurer John Weinstein was recognized for the dog licensing program he initiated, and other awards were given to county dog warden Jim Brush, Rick Burd, director of enforcement for the Bureau of Dog Law, and to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chris Herr.

	Chuck Cohen and Patti Burns gave cardboard cutout Kevin McClatchy their support as honorary co-chairs. Click to SEEN photo journal

Pirates owner Kevin McClatchy served as chair of the event, but a business trip to Tokyo kept him away. Chuck Cohen and Patti Burns served as honorary chairs, and PNC (as in PNC Park) was the evening's sponsor, represented by PNC president Sy Holzer and his wife, Kathy. Bob Fragasso of the Fragasso Group hosted the VIP reception, and artist Burton Morris (with Julie) donated his talent in many colorful ways (some guests were planning to frame the fabulous invitation he designed). District Attorney Stephen Zappala and his wife, Mary, were honored guests.

As Kenny Blake played in the Cat-A-Tonic cocktail lounge, gorgeously decorated with tiny lights and pretty flowers by Michael Jacobs of Blooms, models with doggie hairdos created by stylists Marshall Leebov and Jay Gibb from hip MCN circulated with their matching pets. By evening's end more than $100,000 was raised, which is something to meow about.

Who was there? Animal Friends executive director David Swisher (with Patty), board chair Marleen Ashton, Mayor Tom Murphy, Tom Flaherty, Steve Greenberg, Earl Bohn, Andy Russell and Cindy Ellis, Bernard Uy, Betsy Teti, Mel Weinstein, Bob and Evelyn Boscia, Sandy Bettor, Ken Leasure, Charles and Susie Franklin, Robin Moorcroft, Connie Bolanis, Ed and Holly Dobkin, Mark and Deb Zappala, Patty and Jeff Kendall, Bill Modrak and Dr. Elliott Kramer, Marlene Cornelius, Mike and Judy Sparlin, Jerry and Michelle Lyons and Marta Minic, Rebecca Dick-Hurwitz, Richard and Raquel Cerilli, Maribeth Hook, Anabell Kinney, Susan Castriota and Joe Mulvihill, Dan Sentz, Jerry Cozewith, Christine McCrady, Ann Cahouet, Dr. Tim Heffner, Jay Green, Barbara Cloud, Bobbie Coney with handsome Buddha, Erik Cantine and Colleen Black, Jack Palladino, Kevin and Chris O'Donnell, Brian and Cheryl Carlin and Dr. Andrew Ku with Diane Bandy in her show-stopping poodle topper.