Dog Day Afternoon in the Castro

Where? The First Annual Canine Film Festival at the Castro Theatre.

Worley said she’d been to San Francisco thousands of times but never been on stage at the Castro. And, most certainly, never on stage with the collection of crossdressers, canines, and Cruellas de Vil that occupied the theater last weekend.

The two-day festival was sponsored by Wag Pet Hotels with all proceeds going to P.A.W.S. (Pet Are Wonderful Support). Although dogs were not allowed in the theater, they were represented by their celluloid versions in an eclectic series of short films and features from around the world.

Photo by Laura Irvine

The opening night event featured KRON-TV’s Jan Wahl hosting a gala evening reception and program featuring Fred Willard, star of the hit movie “Best in Show.” Closing night festivities featured comedian JoAnne Worley emceeing a doggie-themed drag queen contest.

Photo by Laura Irvine

Jake Wolpert and his partner Jeff Belding were having brunch with their 12 week-old Dalmatian puppy, Jake Junior, when they discovered the nearby event. “We decided to drop by and see JoAnne Worley arrive” Jake Sr. said (pictured above with Worley).

Photo by Laura Irvine

When a stretch limo pulled up in front the Castro Theater festival-goers assumed that Ms. Worley had arrived but instead it was local Arleen Mose who had organized a dog themed birthday celebration for six animal-loving friends. “I made Dalmatian costumes for all of us, hired a limo, made everyone eat dinner out of doggie bowls, and bought tickets to the Canine Film Festival.”

Photo by Laura Irvine

Although Junior was not officially part of the event, he was more than happy to entertain many passersby and filmgoers by chewing on their toes, nipping their ears, playing tug-of-war with their camera bags, and giving puppy kisses.

Photo by Laura Irvine

Upstairs in the mezzanine of the Castro Theater drag queens Anita Fix as Cruella De Vil, Ms. Garza, and emcee Donna Sachet discuss the mechanics of their upcoming stage show and drag contest with JoAnne Worley.

Photo by Laura Irvine

For their doggy-themed act, Anna Nicole Smith look-a-like and her dog sing “Inseparable” to one another.

Photo by Laura Irvine

Audience favorite Ms. Garza twirled to a Yma Sumac number. No one was quite sure how this performance was dog-related, but it was so fabulous that it didn’t matter.