“People” pup Milla is happy to whelp by dressing up in support of kids with autism, epilepsy and anxiety, according to human companion Georgia Sutcliffe
“She loves anything that’s fun and different,” the Armstrong Creek psychology student said.
“She’s such a people dog, she just loves people and playing with other dogs.”
The six-month-old golden retriever looked paws-itively adorable this week as she tried on a bandana in practice for Variety’s Petember dress-up competition.
Entries close on September 30, so Georgia is waiting a few weeks for Milla’s latest growth spurt to finish before putting together her costume.
“She’s just growing so quickly,” she said.
After months of searching, the 24-year-old fetched her puppy in a four-hour drive to Sale in March just before the first stage 3 restrictions took force.
“I grew up with a golden retriever and I always wanted one,” she said.
“They’re so hard to get – I had to go on waiting lists and everything.
“I was really lucky – if I’d waited another week, I wouldn’t have been able to pick her up.
“I wanted to cuddle her the whole way home but I couldn’t because I was driving.
“It was so worth it! I got to spend lockdown with her.”
About 200 Victorian pooches have entered Variety’s Petember dress-up competition so far, to raise money for assistance dogs for eight children on the waiting list.
“When a specially-trained seizure-alert dog pull a child into the recovery position or a highly-skilled autism assistance dog keeps a child from running on the street it’s lifesaving,” said Variety chief executive officer Mandy Burns.
Details: www.petember.com.au
