In This Issue

Editorial – Valentines Day – BooBoo Barkley      
Sugar and Champagne Affair! – Suzzee Sniffee
Chuckles – Seeing Eye Dog and Pilot

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Dearest Pet Parent,

Ruff!  Ruff! Oh I am so excited … Valentine’s Day is just a mere two weeks away and that means treats, and yummies and special outings! I am sure that you want to make this as special a day for your furry friend as for the love of your life …. Oh, the love of your life is your “furry friend!”  But of course!

I had my sleuthhounds visit doggie parks throughout the country to report what is top of mind for doggies this Valentine’s Day.

TREATS! 
Every dog wants treats and my sleuthhounds came back with so many
different requests … we thought we would just put them all together
and plan the ideal Pooch’s Valentina Day.

Start with a special walk.  You know we doggies
just love smells of all sorts.  A walk in the park or the woods is
so much fun.  If you have snow everything smells so fresh and
we just love to roll around in the snow, so a trail in the
backwoods would be fun and invigorating.    Of course if your
precious pet is a petite chien it is probably best to stay away
from deep snow --- she might just disappear into the all that
soft fluff. 

After the walk --- ohh, I know!  A visit to the spa!  After all
we pooches just love to be pampered.  Nothing like a nice shampoo.
maybe a swim in the pool, and a massage.  We love to get those
knots smoothed out … but you know what I mean. 

Next a visit to the local doggie café.  Book a spot early as
from my experience these places are getting more and more popular
all the time --- but oh what fun!  Decadent treats made in the shape
of cats (my favorite), and bones and … why, hearts!  Of course!

And, oh, but… while noshing at the doggie café we want to be properly
attired…something red, yes, of course, maybe even some bling. 
Whaaaat?  You think we doggies don’t pay attention?  We like to
show off and be at the top of the posh pooch parade. And you
will be so proud as all attention goes to your precious Pooksie!

And just before you leave, pick up a bag of treats to keep on hand.
Better yet, visit my Barkery and stock up on some yummy all
natural treats … they are so good for us and you will see that we
have both crunchy style which is good for  the teeth and softies for
your mature canines!  These are good to take along as house gifts
when you go visiting other pet parents.  You can bet that the resident
doggie will welcome you time and time again!

Washington Does Fundraising in Style

This in from our Washington correspondent, Suzzee Sniffee.  Here in
her words ---

Oh the decadence of it all!  The best sparkling wines and champagne
flowed freely as Washington’s distinguished  Pet Parents pulled
out their wallets and generously gave at the 6th  Annual
Sugar and Champagne Affair!.

This annual event is in honor of the Washington Humane Society
Officers who work 24-hours a day, saving the homeless, lost,
neglected and abused animals and the Humane Education
program that teaches elementary school children compassion
and respect for animals.  Todd and Ellen Gray of the exquisite
Equinox Restaurant  were the hosts.
 
Now this has got to be the toniest fund raising event that
I have been to yet … and dahling, I have been to a few!  I mean,
this is Washington DC after all!  There was Pugsie all dressed
to the nines in a fine tux looking so Churchillian, and Scottie
looking mighty handsome in a tartan coat.   Lady Minnie Pin
wore pink and a string of pearls around her elegant neck.  The
pawpawrazzi practically mobbed her and all those flashes!  I’m
surprised she could still see!

Shelties and Poodles and Terriers and oh yes, the Labradors ...(they’re
everywhere, bless their souls), and bulldogs which are once again
up there amongst the top ten most popular breeds all dressed to
the nines in their fine Fendi and Burberry collars and leads.  Many of
the gents were in black tie and the ladies in frilly mini gowns
and accessories of swarovski crystal. 

Pastry Chefs from some of Washington’s finest restaurants outdid
themselves … there were treats for people yes, but the yummies that
that we had were to dance for!    Of course all the guests of honor ---
and there were some one hundred and fifty of us pooches --- were
on their best behavior.  This being the Humane Society there were
Pets available for adoption on the spot.  They were well groomed and
easily identifiable in their hot orange outfits.  They were truly so special
I am sure many found welcoming homes. 

Some of the top pet boutiques had displays  ...Oh BooBoo … I was
really impressed with the Barkley Square Gourmet
Dog Bakery and Pet Boutique … of course I immediately thought
of you BooBoo…

And guess what … the Italian Embassy no less is throwing another
Gala Fundraising event Fashion for Paws – save the date, April 02. 
Those Italians --- now they know a thing or two about style and
throwing parties!  No way I’m going to miss that one!

Back at cha!

Suzzee Sniffee

Chuckles – Seeing Eye Dog and Pilot

A woman was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the
pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, "Kathy, we are
in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and
stretch your legs?" The blind lady replied, "No thanks, but maybe
Buddy would like to stretch his legs."

Picture this:

All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when
they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog!

The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not
only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!
I am told that is a true story! It even had me rolling on the
carpet in stitches of woofing!

I mean … here, take a look for yourself

Happy Valentines!

Barkfully Yours!

BooBoo Barkley
Chief Barker – BooBoo Speaks!
Top Dog – Sit BooBoo Sit