Washington politicians are debating bailouts and budgets, but when it comes to animal welfare, the capital city's glitterarti aren't stingy. Saturday's Fashion for Paws, a fundraising event for the Washington Humane Society, is nearly sold out. The models haven't yet strutted down the runway, and already advance tickets sales have exceeded the group's $160,000 goal. The event is sold out except for the $2,000 VIP tables.

"It's wonderful," says Tara de Nicolas, who is handling publicity for the event.

The fashion show is expected to draw national and local celebrities and dozens of models who will parade down the runway wearing selections from the  spring 2009 collections of such designers as 7 for all Mankind, Betsey Johnson, Cache, Cole-Haan, MaxMara, Nicole Miller, Liljenquist & Beckstead, Ermenegildo Zegna, Anthropologie, Cartier, David Yurman, Lacoste, Saks Fifth Avenue and Aram. 

If you can't go, but would still like to donate, you can by clicking here.

 Photo: Style expert Paul Wharton walks with his dog at last year's Fashion for Paws event.  Courtesy of Washington Humane Society.