A Holiday Gala in Memory of a Dog, in Honor of Cats, a Fashion Show, an Auction, and the Most Luxurious Pet Pillow on the Planet

Opus Canis, Architects and Accouters of the Finest Canine Appointments , donates one of its haute couture dog pillows to be offered at an auction, whose proceeds will benefit homeless and suffering cats in New York City. The event is hosted by the Restoration and Fashion Committee of the National Arts Club as part of a holiday gala in honor of City Critters, a nonprofit rescue and welfare organization, and in memory of Malcolm, a well loved pug. The auction will be accompanied by an original "Couture Critter Fashion Show", and will be held on December 22, 2004, at the historic Tilden Mansion, home of the National Arts Club, in New York City.

Los Angeles, CA December 14, 2004 -- Opus Canis is the first and only haute couture atelier for dogs. Articles are handmade on a custom and bespoke basis, and assembled of the same materials used in some of the worlds most well-appointed castles and museums. While catering to the pets of an exclusive and wealthy clientele, it believes that all animals deserve to be healthy, happy, and cared for. In addition to donating its products to organizations that help animals in need, protect the environment, and support the arts, Opus Canis contributes 3% of the profits from every sale to an organization that furthers these goals.

One such entity is City Critters, a nonprofit cat rescue and adoption organization located and operating in New York City. It pursues its goal to reduce needless suffering and death of homeless felines in the city by offering rescue and placement services, as well as educating the public about the need to control the pet overpopulation, and responsible pet ownership.

In aid of this worthy pursuit, the National Arts Club has generously organized their holiday gala in memory of the club's mascot, Malcolm, a pug, who died in late 2001, to benefit City Critters. Founded in 1893, the National Arts Club strives to plant and nurture an appreciation of the fine arts in the American public. While it has counted three presidents, and some of the most important artists and arts patrons among its members, it stresses "exclusivity through inclusivity" as one of its core values; proud of admitting women on an equal basis since its inception, and welcoming minority artists. The National Arts Club is located in the Tilden Mansion, which is designated both a New York Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

More information about haute couture items for dogs, and philanthropic organizations can be found at the Opus Canis website (www.OpusCanis.com). For details about the plight of cats in New York City, and to discover how you can help, please visit the City Critters website (www.citycritters.org). The National Arts Club's website (www.nationalartsclub.org) contains useful information about its history, present and future, as well as details of the upcoming holiday gala to be held December 22, 2004, at 8:00 P.M.

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