Fanshawe fashion students go to the dogs for fundraising and Rock ‘n’ Roll

London Community News

For the first time in London, rock-icon fashion will take to the catwalk — with puppies. Fanshawe Fashion Merchandising students are creating their own rock revival with the Hair of the Dog show. The show will take place on Nov. 22, at Forwell Hall, Fanshawe College (1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.) with the doors opening at 7 p.m. The Hair of the Dog show is the project of the second-year fashion merchandising students with supervision from professor Deb Trotechaud. The event will showcase two different fashion elements. First year students will create fashion from different rock artists that have influenced the fashion world and local boutiques will supply today’s latest outfits. According to Trotechaud, students have set and ambitious goal in supporting local dog charity PAWS United Dog Rescue. “Our fundraising goal is to break all previous records in raising money for a local charity and we think we have the magic combination of fashion, fun and love in the Hair of the Dog,” Trotechaud said. Last year, the Fanshawe Fashion Merchandising students raised $6,000. PAWS is a non-profit group whose focus is dog rescue, rehabilitation and adoption with sights set particularly on dogs that end up in high kill centres. PAWS is run entirely by volunteers and generated by an unconditional love for dogs. The group acts as middleman between pets and pet lovers as they take care rehabilitating the dogs and finding them new homes. PAWS provides these canines with much-needed necessities and love, which in turn paves the way for the dog’s rehabilitation. Foster families supply these basic life supports until PAWS is able to find the dog his or her new home. Approximately 200 dogs have been rescued and placed in new homes since 2011. There are 38 dogs currently in the care of PAWS, a number that fluctuates daily as the organization is constantly receiving new animals. The organization is solely run on charitable donations, which helps fund everything from medical treatments to basic necessities. “The most rewarding part of the rescue is seeing dogs who have come from bad situation and are put in a loving home,” said Amanda Wells, who co-founded PAWS with Alicia Pedden. “It brings a smile to my face to see these dogs responding to the kindness and care they deserve. Tickets for Hair of the Dog are $20 and are available at The Biz Booth, Fanshawe College, or in the M-3010 office. For more information, phone 519-452-4227 or email Deb Trotechaud at dtrotechaud@fanshawe.ca. Find us on Facebook: London Community News