Pups On Parade In Woodbury

Pooches and their owners came from all over the metro area to Carver Lake Veterinary Clinic in Woodbury on Thursday to strut their stuff for a chance to be included in the first annual Doggies on the Runway show Sept. 22.

The show, hosted at the Golden Valley Country Club, will feature doggies and their owners modeling fall and winter fashions and accessories, plus appetizers, vendors, and education on the benefits of pet ownership. Event proceeds benefit the .

Kelli Rolvaag drove in rush-hour traffic from Brooklyn Park to bring her 4-year-old Jack Russell mix, Cooper, to parade on the mock runway.

“Cooper was adopted from the Humane Society, so this is a great opportunity for us to show our support,” said Rolvaag.

Show judges said they were looking for the right combination of poise, confidence and basic obedience skills in the dogs. They were also, of course, looking for a strong canine-human relationship as owners will walk with their dogs during the runway show.

Marshal, a 3-and-a-half year old mastiff mix, walked the mock sidewalk runway without a hint of the broken leg that left him abandoned by his original owner years earlier. Current owner Paige Reyes of Roseville said she was a foster parent to Marshal and quickly decided to adopt him as her own.

If your doggy missed his chance to shine at the Woodbury auditions, check out the second wave of auditions from 1-4 p.m. on July 30 at the ADOGO Pet Hotel in Minnetonka. Men, women and children of all ages are welcome to audition with their four-legged friends.

To see which precious pups make the final cut, purchase tickets online at www.doggiesontherunway.com and come out to the show Sept. 22 from 5-9 p.m. (runway show at 7 p.m.) at the Golden Valley Country Club.