Story and Photos by Pat Krause

Animal Samaritans held its 15th annual Men of the Desert fundraiser. The theme for this gala was Back to the Future, featuring designer fashions from local businesses. Stylist Susan Stein described the clothing worn by each man. Over 550 guests came to the Palm Springs Air Museum on Sunday, December 8, to support Animal Samaritans with a huge silent auction and a fabulous reception in one of the airport hangars. Guests mingled before heading to the dinner area, where all the hangar walls were draped in black.

Tom Snyder, Carl Judge, Victoria Till and Jarred L Ellis - Photo by Pat Krause

A very long L-shaped runway ran through the dinner area. After dinner was served, there was a lively Raise Your Paddle fundraiser. Much clapping and shouting put the guests in a pleased mood. Much money was raised to help Animal Samaritans continue their work, which is greatly needed in our Valley.

 Opera Singer Maximo Marcuso - Photo by Pat Krause

The fun began when the Dudes and Dogs walked the runway. This year, the Handsome Hounds dressed in designer duds walked the runway with various animals in tow. Gary Albrecht, Philip Chilson, Jack Crosley, Lenny Eber, Dan Foley, Carl Gilmore, Gary Geske, Patrick Jordan, Garry Kief, Andrew Knox, Alexander Longmuir, Maximo Marcuso, Todd McDonald, Allen Monroe, David Renker, John Schleimer, David Schmidt, Beau Stinnette, Robin Stonehill, Brandon Weimer, and John Vaist rounded out the Handsome Hounds.

Gary Kief - Photo by Pat Krause

Each gentleman walked the runway with one or two dogs. The dogs sometimes had to stop and scratch or try to make contact with a person, much to the laughter of the guests. Opera singer Maximo Marcuso broke out in song before his trip down the runway. Animal Samaritans is building a new pet adoption and humane education center adjacent to the Thousand Palms Clinic and Petland Place. The facility will house 40 dogs and 40 cats, have indoor and outdoor space, and include an adoption center, hoping to add even more services.