DC has gone to the dogs…

… in formal attire that is.  Saturday evening marked the Washington Humane Society’s 21st Annual Bark Ball.  Yes, that’s right folks, Bark Ball is the city’s one and only "four to the floor" black-tie affair where you bring your wagging companion.  Amazingly enough, it wasn’t as chaotic as I had anticipated, in fact, it was just a very fun and cool event (although, one did have to watch for stepping on paws, tails, sometimes full bodies, and well … you know - but luckily, I saw nor got a whiff of any of that).  Six hundred Washingtonians came out to play and support the programs of the WHS and about 400 of them brought Lady and the Tramp, all of whom were, if not decked out, very clean and very fluffy.

The reception with the extensive Silent Auction items and vegetarian appetizers also held activities to keep the canines busy in between sniffing other dogs ummm… tails.  There was a spot to "vote" for their favorite political party (in donkey or elephant doggie treat form) in DC’s first ever Canine Primary.  There was a gourmet dog treat bar provided by Doggie Style Bakery.  There was a section to get your picture taken with your pup on a chair (think Santa Claus/Easter Bunny).  And of course, there was just the plain old people/dog watching, which was fascinating, especially if you subscribe to the "People look like their pets" theory. Fascinating.

The WHS is not just about caring for the welfare of our four-legged friends.  They are about the programs that teach us "compassion" and bring us companionship whether it be with inner city kids, the sick, the elderly, the abused, the neglected, the underprivileged, those in law enforcement or our wounded veterans. 

Please continue to learn more about the good works this non-profit does by going to www.washhumane.org.  There are many events coming up, so keep checking back.  Don’t forget this summer, please keep your pets inside and well hydrated … and well loved.  Congrats to the WHS for raising $250,000 at the 21st Annual Bark Ball! 

(**Pictured from top to bottom: Event Chair David Gregory, NBC News Chief White House Correspondent and me in the Ballroom; Board member Andrew Weinstein with WHS staff Peter Larson and Tara deNicolas in the reception before the dogs came in; the DC Canine Primary in what appears to be a close race)