It was in December 2007. Anticipation filled the air. It was a risky combination: homeless dogs from local shelters, a plush hotel, roasted meat appetizers, other dogs, treats and cats! It could make a dog forget itself and just go wild. But they didn't. It was as if they knew this event was for them and they rose to the occasion!

Black dogs, white dogs, black cats, white cats, black and white dogs, black and white cats. All arrived accompanied by their classy caretakers dressed in style for a wonderful party in their honor at Homewood Suites in Olmsted Village.

Those dogs (and one cat!), who arrived by limo or classic antique car onto the red carpet leading to the hotel, played to the adoring crowd that gasped as each one stepped out of the car with its handler. The crowd waited in anticipation for Marlon Brando to arrive, and they were not disappointed. Out stepped Marlon, a pure white, deaf cat guided on a leash by Barb Shepherd, Director of Animal Advocates of Moore County. He padded up the red carpet and into the hearts of several onlookers. Marlon had a home by the end of the evening.

That was the purpose of the event, to find forever homes for the often overlooked black and white dogs and cats in area shelters. As a result of last year's event, 29 dogs and cats found forever homes and the public was made more aware of the plight of the homeless pets in our area.

Throughout 2008, many people commented, "We sure hope you're going to hold the Top Hat and Tails event again."

And yes, we are.

Dogs and cats in shelters and foster homes throughout the area are being prepared and groomed.

Their biographies are being crafted for recital at their red carpet arrival. Their handlers are trying on outfits. The excitement is building.

This year's event will take place Monday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Once again, Homewood Suites in Olmsted Village, Pinehurst, is opening its doors and facilities for this unique pet adoption event.

The celebrity dogs and cats will arrive at the red carpet in their antique cars at 5:30 p.m. and then again at 7 p.m.

Carolyn Mullen, Miss Moore County, whose community service platform is "Pet Responsibility," will be the first to arrive, accompanying one of the celebrity dogs and dressed in her royal regalia.

Animal Advocates of Moore County, Moore Humane Society and The Animal Center of Moore County, along with several other animal welfare organizations that serve the Sandhills, will present their charges to the public with the sophisticated dignity and respect that they deserve.

Attendees will enjoy appetizers and complimentary drinks against a backdrop of live classy music.

The admission is free. An exclusive raffle will help to cover the cost of the event. One of the items offered in the raffle is a natural Kingsman Mine turquoise and sterling silver pendant offered by Dana Reynolds, a Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter.

An extraordinarily classy Santa will be on hand and has asked to be photographed with newly adopted pets and their families.

There will also be a display of posters by the fourth graders of Vass-Lakeview Elementary School who have recently completed a course in Pet Responsibility conducted by the Citizens' Pet Responsibility Committee.

The event is the result of an unexpected partnership between a hotel (Homewood Suites by Hilton), a retail development (Olmsted Village Company) and an animal welfare committee (the Pet Responsibility Committee of Moore County) and proves that we should all look in unexpected places for partnerships that work for the greater good.

Angela Zumwalt is the co-chairman of the Citizens' Pet Responsibility Committee of Moore County.