Many of the dogs were dressed in their Sunday best, such as Lily, a Yorkshire terrier, with a pink bonnet and a frilly pink outfit to match. If selected, Lily would be returning to the runway a second time, said her owner, Joan Ruhl, 66, of Spencerport.

Enya Garcia adopted Buzo, an English bulldog, from an animal rescue a few years ago when she was having issues with her nerve disease. The registered nurse needed a dog to motivate her to take walks even when she was in pain.

Rochester residents Chris McCarthy, 47, and Tanya Cuda, 54, showed up to the audition with a freshly groomed pair of standard poodles named Pom Pom and Pinky.

“They’re very friendly,” Cuda said, adding that the dogs would be great on the runway

Mother and daughter team Anne Peacock Jacobs of Honeoye Falls and Cheryl Peacock of Pittsford brought their Shih Tzu dogs Jade and Lo-Ki, whose hair was tied in streaming ribbons. Shih Tzus are extremely loyal and served emperors in China, Jacobs said.

“He helps balance me and he motivates me,” said Garcia, 48, of Rochester.

At first, Buzo was wild and untameable, and rescue workers thought he might have been a bait dog for dog fights.

“I did it last year and I had such a great time,” Ruhl said.

The doggie runway show on Oct. 14 will be held in the tents at 275 E. Main St. across from The Sibley Building. Proceeds will benefit The Center for Youth’s runaway and homeless youth shelters and programs.

Joan Ruhl with Lily(Photo: Mary Chao)

“They really change your life,” Garcia said of dogs.

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As for Buzo, the once skittish dog is now calm, sitting obediently next to his pet parent Garcia. Buzo is the official mascot for the Marine Corps League in Raleigh, N.C., where Garcia has a second home.

Buzo was among the dozens of dogs auditioning for a spot on the runway during the dog casting call for Fashion Week of Rochester. Those selected will walk the runway during Fashion Week’s Oct. 14 show called “Puppy Love.”

Over the years, Garcia and Buzo became the best of friends, with both of them helping each other through their darkest days.

Dogs of all breeds and sizes showed up for the audition. From pugs to poodles to Pomeranians and mixed-breed dogs, Culver Road Armory was buzzing with Fido and friends during the auditions.

Mona the Pug at Fashion Week audition. (Photo: Mary Chao/staff photographer)

“It was such a huge success last year,” Mundy said. “It opened up an entire segment of the community. Everyone is a dog lover.”