By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Dogs of every size and shape walked the runway at Couture for a Cause, the fashionable fundraiser for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Oak Mountain State Park.

Hosted by K and C Pet Pastries, Couture for a Cause featured vendors selling pet accessories, treats and more, as well as food vendors boasting special pet-friendly recipes and adoptable dogs from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

According to K and C Pet Pastries co-founder Hailey Mason, the company donated more than 100 Thanksgiving meals to the humane society last year. This year, they wanted to shake things up.

“We wanted to do something a little bit different,” Mason said. “We love all things fashion, pink and fun, so we thought we would put a twist on raising money and do a fashion show because we know people love to show off.”

To raise money, the event featured a silent auction with items donated from partners and businesses.

Despite the numerous fun activities, the show stopper of the afternoon was the fashion show. Dogs of all breeds and ages strutted down the pink runway to the delight of the crowd and the judges.

Mason shared that seeing all the dogs and owners at the fashion show was her favorite part of the day.

“I think my favorite part was the dog show and how everybody came together for it,” Mason said. “We had a couple of contestants that actually were just passers-by in the park and they just signed up because they saw what we were doing. That was my favorite part. How the community came together and they saw the pink signs and they just wanted to grab a table and come over and see what we had going on and get involved. I love that.”

For co-founder Kristen Johnson, the best part of the day was gathering the community together to support a great cause.

“I think my favorite part actually probably was today, setting it up,” Johnson said. “We got here really early. We were able to relax and get everything set up. Just watching everybody come in and set up their displays, it just really made me feel really good about the whole thing and everybody seemed like they cared.”

Those interested in learning more about K and C Pet Pastries can visit Kandcpetpastries.square.site/. For more information about the greater Birmingham Humane Society, visit Gbhs.org.