Pampered pooches parade for PTSD

Fashionistas at A Dogs Life expo.

The must do event on every dog-lover’s social calendar, A Dog’s Life: Pet Expo is back, bigger and better on Saturday 30 July.

The event, which has attracted dog and pet-related stallholders from Hervey Bay to the Gold Coast, is set to provide a fun day out for dog-lovers and their pampered pooches and is also aimed at raising funds for PTSD Dogs Australia.

Find everything you need to keep your furry friends happy and healthy, including nutrition advice, grooming advice, training tips, treats, doggy portraits, all your favourite accessories and more.

There will also be prizes for the best dressed pooch, judged by fashionista Carly Wacker, who said: “This will be the canine fashion event of the year”.

She will be judging dogs on the following criteria: Attention to deTAIL, PAWfect posture, dogs who are taking the LEAD in fur-kid fashion, DOGgone cuteness, and PAWsonality. Be in the running to win a prize valued at $1000.

There will be educational guest speakers and panel discussions, demonstrations of working dogs, a doggie play zone and Doggy Picasso activity.

The expo will be officially opened by Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart with live music by Emcee Andrea Kirwin.

Event organiser Lea Bye said when she heard PTSD Dogs Australia provided assistance dogs at no cost to veterans and first responders, organising the fundraising expo was a no-brainer.

Lea’s father is a Vietnam war veteran who served two tours and was affected by PTSD and night terrors.

“I believe the calming presence of dogs helped save my dad,“ she said.

PTSD founder Angie Weeks said an assistance dog could be life-changing and in some cases, life-saving.

A Dog’s Life: Pet Expo will be on from 8am to 2pm on Saturday 30 July at Tewantin Noosa Lion’s Park, Gympie Terrace, Noosaville.

Entry $5 or $15 per family.

Get your tickets online at adogslifepetexpo.com.au or at the gate. For more information visit ptsddogs.org.au