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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Canines on the catwalk

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Dogs and their human companions strutted down the runway during the fourth annual Canines and Couture Fashion Show to spread awareness about the dangers of puppy mills. The event was held Thursday, May 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Lumina Station. Admission was one bag of dog food, which was donated to Coastal Animal Rescue Efforts and three additional animal rescue groups.

“It’s a local charity that takes in homeless animals and rehabilitates them mentally and physically,” said Bridgett Rowley, founder of Canines and Couture.

Rowley founded Canines and Couture in 2013.

“North Carolina does not have any laws in place to stop puppy mills. One night, I met friends for dinner and told them, ‘Let’s have a fashion show,’” she said. “Our first one was three years ago. We had 30-50 people attend. It started as a grassroots movement and it’s just gotten huge.”

This year’s event hosted more than 500 attendees. Rowley addressed the crowd about House Bill 159. If passed, the bill will require dog breeders to provide sanitary bedding, sufficient amounts of food and water and protection from excessive cold and heat — among other needs — for their animals.

“Until the Senate approves this bill, puppies are going to continue to suffer,” Rowley said.

Ashley Miller, the show’s co-organizer, encouraged people to reach out to North Carolina senators.

“What we need you to do is call and email them and tell them you are in support of House Bill 159 that sets simple standards for good healthcare for breeding dogs. … We have more puppy mills here in North Carolina than any other state,” Miller said.

Children also demonstrated their support for rescuing dogs. Eleven-year-old Sophie Mitchell walked the runway with her aunt’s rescued standard poodle, Cici. The duo wore matching University of North Carolina Chapel Hill cheerleader costumes.

Mitchell was eager to share Cici’s story.

“She was hit by a car when she was younger. My aunt rescued her with her broken leg,” Mitchell said.

Cici was among the 35 rescued dogs that modeled during the show. Five dogs that are currently up for adoption also participated. Amber, a small, mixed-breed dog, opened the show.

Dogs and people trotted down the runway to upbeat pop songs, such as the Baja Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out?” and Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy.”

The event also featured a raffle that raised more than $2,000. Included were items from local stores, such as Oliver Boutique and Soul Shoetique.

“We had so much stuff,” Rowley said.

T-shirt sales also helped raise funds. Spectators purchased shirts printed with animal-activist slogans, such as “Stop Puppy Mills,” “Adopt,” and “Save the Pups.”

Rowley said the 2016 fashion show is already in the planning stages, and the event’s popularity may move it to a larger location.

“We will have it again next May,” she said. “It’s a great event for kids and families.”

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