Pookie the pirate waits her turn at the doggie fashion show during Fur Ball 2009.

Story and photos by Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

Four-legged fashions kicked off Friday evening’s 2nd annual Charity Fur Ball at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

The Fur Ball, a benefit for Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary, also included a Christmas arts & crafts market, silent auction, buffet dinner and dancing.

A portion of the ticket sales went directly to the sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter in Kurtistown.

Treasurer Kathy Skea said the Fur Ball last year raised enough funds to operate the shelter for two months. This year’s goal was to fund operations for three months.

“But,” she said, “we’re always looking for donations. This is just a great way to have some fun and benefit the sanctuary.”

Sanctuary volunteers and a handful of furry residents started the evening with a round-the-world look at doggie fashions.

Highlights included Tiana, a little white puffball who has a whithered front leg. That didn’t stop her from hopping along the model runway (well, a run along the grassy courtyard) and showing off her hula shirt and colorful lei.

Dinner guests also were treated to multiple appearances by Paco, a very agreeable Chihuahua-mix, Pookie in his pirate outfit and a couple of big pooches in their board shorts.

Ginger, a young retriever-like mix with a happy face and boundless energy, also cruised the runway a couple of times. She still needs a family to call her own.

Donations may be sent to: Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary, P. O. Box 1259, Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760

For specific ‘wish list’ items, to volunteer or to adopt Ginger or one of the other 300 animals, call the sanctuary at 982-5110 or visit www.rainbowfriends.org

Noah and one of the sanctuary volunteers are ready to strut their stuff at Fur Ball 2009.

Ginger still needs a 'forever' home.

Olivia sports board shorts at Fur Ball 2009.