The 22nd Annual Bark Ball was held on Saturday June 6, 2009 at the Washington Hilton. Upon arrival guests were greeted with smiles and tail wags. The Bark Ball is Washington, DC’s premier Black Tie event for those with four paws on the floor. The Bark Ball is a benefit for the Washington Humane Society. Humane Society President and CEO, Lisa LaFontaine expects “the Humane Society to care for over 12,000 animals in their shelter this year and to respond to an additional 14,000 calls from community members experiencing some kind of distress.”

The Bark Bar was provided by Barkley Square Bakery and Boutique. The canine guests dined on treats like peanut butter buns, garlic knots and royal snaps. By the end of the reception not a crumb was left. Barkley Square owner Kristina Robertson said “It is an honor to be involved with such a great event that brings attention to animal awareness, especially this year which is the inaugural DC week for the animals.”

The evening overall was a success and both the two and four legged guests had an amazing time. The rooms were swirled in color from the beautiful gowns worn by the women and even some of the dogs. The K9 rock star, Scooby was in attendance wearing a formal tuxedo and top hat. He was a pupperazzi favorite as he sat and posed for the camera. His owner stated “Scooby loves to sit for the camera; he is even booked to make an appearance at the upcoming Dog Zone at the Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival!” Also in attendance was Cocoa the Chihuahua, who was recently featured in the Virginia Tourism ads seen at numerous metro stations. Cocoa was wearing a couture green tuxedo made by Barkley Square. There were several diva dogs wearing everything from pearls to pick tutus and by the end of the night with full tummys and sleepy eyes they were where whisked home to dream about their magical night.

Above: Chios Van Parked in front of Barkley

If you were not able to sign up for Tidy Tuesday this past week, I strongly urge you to sign up soon. For those of you who have not heard, Karing by Kristina has partnered with Chios Pet Grooming for Tidy Tuesdays. Every Tuesday from 9-5 Chios will be parked in front of Barkley Square to provide grooming services!

My Maltese, Lacy was long over due for a haircut. She is a bit of a tomboy, so I like to keep her hair short. Lacy is also a bit of, well, lets just say a challenge. She tends to think that the groomers of the world are out to get her and she likes to defend herself. From the moment Nery, the professional groomer, came to get her she seemed more at ease than ever before. I was suprised as I handed her off that she didn’t even growl at him.

When Lacy returned I was amazed at how white her fur was. Her cut was perfect and she smells delicious! Check out the photos below and be sure to sign up for Tidy Tuesday ASAP. Now that the secret is out, spots will fill up fast.

Call 703-329-1043 to schedule your next appointment!

Above: Lacy Before Picture

Above: Lacy Before Picture

Above: Lacy After

Above: Lacy After

Tidy Tuesday’s are back!

Karing by Kristina Complete Pet Care Professionals is happy to announce our partnership with Chios Mobile Pet Grooming. Every Tuesday Chios will be parked in front of Barkley Square for your dogs grooming needs.

The first date will be Tuesday, April 6th. Appointments will be taken from 12-5pm. Call 703-329-1043 to set up your appointment.

Don’t forget Fashion for Paws is March 28, 2009. There are still a few general admission tickets left. You can purchase your tickets here. The website is secure and it will prompt you for the names of those attending.

Barkley Square has the honor of providing the doggie fashion for this wonderful event! Over $100,000 has already been raised by the hard working fundraising models.

We hope to see you there!!!

The adoptable pet of the week is Bo. He is a 1 year old Domestic Short Hair. Bo is one super cat! He’s an outgoing boy who loves meeting new people and looking for new adventures. Bo was brought to the shelter because his previous guardians moved into a new home that didn’t allow pets. He’s now looking for a loving, forever home where he can be the life of the party! Bo enjoys being petted, playing with cat toys (especially stuffed mice), and sharing in some meaningful conversation. He would probably do best in a home with another playful, energetic cat. Bo has a very tolerant personality and also would probably enjoy living with a cat-friendly dog. Come meet this awesome boy today!

Bo is available at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Dedicated to the welfare of both animals and people in our community, the League operates the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter and cares for unwanted and homeless animals, places animals in permanent, loving homes, and also offers many programs and services to help animals and their companions.

If Bo is adopted by someone after reading this article, I would like to offer them a pet goody bag from Barkley Square Bakery and a $50 gift certificate to Karing by Kristina Complete Pet Care Professionals for their next pet sitting service. Please send me an email at Michelle@karingbykristina.com with your adoption story!

For More Information

Call the AWLA Adoptions Department at 703/838-4774 x222

As major pet retailers across the nation pull recalled peanut butter dog treats off of the shelves, your dog can still get their Peanut butter fix at Barkley Square.

Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery and Boutique is dedicated to manufacturing the safest, highest quality products possible. Our primary concern is and will continue to be food safety. Like you, we have been closely monitoring the Peanut Butter Corporation of America peanut butter recall over the past few days.

Our ongoing investigation shows that none of our bakery products or ingredients are involved in the recent national recall that includes peanut butter and peanut-based ingredients. Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery and Boutique does not use peanut butter from Peanut Corporation of America or peanut butter distributed by King Nut under the King Nut label or Parnell’s Pride brand.

To purchase some of our treats visit barkleysquarebakery.com

On Saturday January 31, KBK’s own Michelle D’Ettorre, Mrs. Alexandria attended “Shelter Dogs go to the Movies” to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. The shelter partnered with Regal Cinemas at the Ballston Mall to hold this event in conjunction with the movie “Hotel for Dogs.” Barkley Square Bakery, Karing by Kristina and Dogtopia were on hand to give movie goers dog treats to bring home as well as information on Pet Care.

Pictured above: Michelle with the Barkley Square Mascot

Pictured below: Michelle with Welfare League Volunteers and a few adoptable dogs

As the Sugar and Champagne Affair fast approaches (1.28.09 at the Ritz Carlton), we have had some great opportunities to showcase what we do at Karing by Kristina and Barkley Square.

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On Sunday January 18^th I was a guest on “Dishing It Out” a weekly radio show hosted by Nycci and David Nellis. I was interviewed along with Ellen Gray Of Equinox Restaurant (a new fave of the Obama’s) and Padua Player the Suga Chef. Click here to listen.

Pictured above: Padua, Ellen and me

Pictured below: A view of the studio we were interviewed in

This morning both Kristina Robertson and I were on Fox 5 with Holly Morris. We filmed at Equinox Restaurant and were joined by several of the featured Chef’s that will be at Sugar and Champagne as well as some dogs from the Washington Humane Society. Click here to see Kristina’s segment on Doggie Fashion, and here to see my segment on Doggie Treat Baking

Below are several photos from the filming

The inauguration went to the dogs! Dogs give the 44th President 2 paws up! Here is a photo of  Cocoa and Gigi watching the swearing in and a photo of the Patriotic Dog Treats available at Barkley Square.