Dogs claim catwalk in "Paws for Style" fashion event

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Move over kitties! Dog fashionistas will be parading on the catwalk in New York Tuesday evening for this year's "Paws for Style" fashion charity event.

Coiffed canines will be escorted by their celebrity owners during Animal Fair Media's 9th annual event to benefit the Humane Society of New York.

Actor Richard Belzar of the television program "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" will escort his pet pooch BeBe, dressed in DDC Lab, while Nikki Blonsky of the film "Hairspray" is set to come down the catwalk with her dog Rocky sporting fabulous Tory Burc.

Wendy Diamond, Animal Fair's chief pet officer and creator of "Paws for Style", said the event was created as a way to raise money and awareness for animal rescue.

"We don't promote dogs dress up every day and be toted around as accessories, but we do, on occasion, dress up dogs for charity!" said Diamond. All dog and celebrity outfits from the evenings fashion show are to be auctioned on EBay with the proceeds going to the Humane Society.

(Reporting by Nancy Leinfuss, editing by Leslie Gevirtz)