On September 30th, Paws for a Cause will hold its annual Dog Fashion Show, to raise money for LIADV, which is the only domestic violence shelter on Long Island that allows domestic violence victims to bring their pets with them to safety. Attendees of the event who choose to bring their pets will be able to strut their pets’ stuff in their finest doggie attire, and enter their pets into contests in 4 different award categories.
According to statistics, over half of women who are domestic violence victims do not leave their partner because they are afraid of what will happen to their pets. This statistic has barely shrunken over time, because domestic violence shelters that allow people to take their pets with them are few and far between. In fact, a quick Google search “How many domestic violence shelters in NYC allow pets”, comes with this response, from the state of New York: “While DSS-DHS does not allow pets of any type to reside in shelter with clients, DSS-DHS does seek to accommodate requests for Emotional Service Animals (ESAs), on an individual basis based on a client’s unique needs.” In other words, unless you can get your pet registered as an emotional support animal – which typically requires a client to have gone through a long period of counseling, something that is particularly hard for domestic violence victims to consistently do – you can not have a pet in NYC shelters.
This is why this fundraiser is so important: When domestic violence victims are faced with leaving their pets behind, becoming homeless so they can keep their pets safe, or staying with their abusers, at least 50% of the time they choose to stay with their abuser. LIADV is helping alleviate this problem in New York City, an area where domestic violence is particularly high. In a typical year, LIADV helps over 4,000 domestic violence victims with shelter, counseling, advocacy, and job placement.
The Paws for a Cause Annual Dog Fashion Show will feature a fashion show in which cute doggos, great and small, are dressed up and walk down a runway. You can bring your own doggie to the event, all dressed up (if you wish!). Doggie attendees will be entered into four award categories: Best Human/Pet Duo, Best Celebrity Look-a-Like, Best DIY Costume, and Best in Show.
The event will also have vendor tables. If you own a pet-related business and would like to advertise your business, contact Jenn Capezza by email at j.capezza@liadv.org or by phone at 631-666-7181 x305.
The event will be held Patchogue, at 89 North Music Venue, at 89 North Ocean Ave. Click this link to buy tickets for the event.
Can’t attend? You can donate! If you wish to donate to the fundraiser and the cause, simply click on this same link where you would buy tickets, and click on the amount you would like to donate. Want more information? You can email them at info@liadv.org or call them at 631-666-7181.
Here at Fashion 360 Mag, we love supporting women, we love fashion, we love the city of New York, and we love our furry companions, which makes it only natural that we would love supporting causes like this one. We know you all had a blast watching the shows at fashion week. What better way is there to close out the month of September in New York City than a fashion show that, quite literally, has gone to the dogs? We can think of none!
See you there, or see you square!
