The deadline is fast approaching to find out which pooch has what it takes to put their best paw forward in a dog show with a difference in aid of Hywel Dda Health Charities.

Mental Health Pharmacist Kate Macnamara has organised a photo dog show to raise money to purchase activity trolleys for adult inpatient mental health wards across Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Staff, patients, visitors and the local community are welcome to submit photos to see if their pet is top dog.

The entries will be judged by a panel of Hywel Dda University Health Board staff including a former winner at Crufts. The top dog in each category will win a special prize with rosettes and certificates for the top three in each category.

The closing date is 5pm January 30 and it costs £2 per photo to enter, or £5 for three entries by one owner.

There are five categories:Best Puppy (0-12months), Gorgeous Grown-up, Fanciest Dress, Cutest Cwtcher, and Dog the judge would most like to take home.

Kate said: “I wanted to do something different to raise money for our mental health services but also raise awareness of mental health problems.

“I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at the end of 2010. Getting a diagnosis was a step in the right direction for me, as I could be properly treated. However, I had been having symptoms for nearly ten years before this. During this time a lot of damage was done to my relationships with other people. I lost a lot of friends due to my behaviour and fell out with family. I also found it very difficult to maintain a meaningful romantic relationship.

“In November 2013, I brought home a tiny ball of fluff – our new puppy, Mustard. Having Mustard around has changed my life. She accepts me no matter what mood I’m in – she always greets me with a happy wagging tail. She doesn’t judge me, or care what mistakes I may have made in the past.

“This competition is not just about raising money, or about appreciating our wonderful pets. It’s about increasing awareness in our community about mental health.

“Everything we raise will be put towards little extras to help improve patient experience.”

“So even if you can’t enter this competition, please start talking about mental health. You don’t have to be an expert, and it is just as normal as having a dog!"

To enter visit www.justgiving.com/photodogshow2015 or text DOGG95 + the amount to 70070 and then email pictures to Fundraising.HywelDda@wales.nhs.uk.

For further information contact Hywel Dda Health Charities on 01267 239815.