Mercer Island High School student, Anna Bennett, planned and hosted a Doggy Fashion Show for her senior culminating project and her Girl Scout Gold Award.

The show was held on July 24 as a benefit to collect food and increase awareness of abused and neglected dogs at the Humane Society and AARF.

The Humane Society helps animals in many different ways, not only is it a shelter that takes in animals and finds them new homes, they also provide food to low income families so that they can afford to keep their pets.

The Animal Aid & Rescue Foundation (AARF) locates dogs at shelters who are on the list to be euthanized and find foster homes and then eventually a forever home.

Bennett’s passions include helping abused dogs, as well as fashion and photography, — the event was a perfect combination of all three interests. Over 60 people came to the show and nearly 400 pounds of dog food was donated to these good causes.  Some of the inspirational runway-worthy outfits included dogs wearing: a Yamaka, a Parisian beret and skirt, a grass hula skirt and an argyle sweater.

One of the goals was to make it fun for people to learn about the real troubles animals face and to promote the good work of these animal rescue organizations.

Thanks to MudBay for hosting the show and donating food, and to MI Printing for helping to underwrite the cost of the flyers and posters.

To learn more about the  work of the Seattle Humane Society and AARF,  contact them at:

• AARF www.myaarf.org/contact.html

• Seattle Humane Society www.seattlehumane.org.