Pawsome charity challenge

Jax and Lulu are ready for the competition. (Supplied)

Tate Papworth

Taylors Lakes own Jax and Lulu have joined Australia’s first-ever charity doggie dress-up competition and they’re barking out for more entrants.

The event calls for all canine fashionistas and their humans to get dressed for a good cause – raising funds and awareness for assistance dogs for kids in need.

Entrants from across the country will take on weekly costume challenges over the month of September in a bid to win prizes and score themselves special treats along the way. A new dress-up theme will be announced each week.

Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, humour and charisma.

Money raised goes to Assistance Dogs, a lifeline for children in need.

Last financial year, Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria funded nine assistance dogs to help improve the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety and Epilepsy.

This year alone, the charity has received applications for dogs totalling over $195,000, with eight children currently on their waiting list.

Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria chief executive Mandy Burns said it was a great cause.

“We know how much pets are loved, but for our children in need, an assistance dog will change their life and that of their family.

When specially trained seizure-alert dogs pull a child into the recovery position or a highly skilled Autism assistance dog keeps a child from running on the street, it is life-saving and gives a gift of independence and safety that has been missing.”

For more information visit: www.petember.com.au

Tate Papworth