Monday, June 04, 2012

Woof! Pooch couture....




by contributor Maria Fda Giron R

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Whoever invented the saying "people resemble their dogs," never believed that The Washington Human Society is taking seriously this similarity. 


The stars of the night dressed in elegant suits, drank Evian or St. Pellegrino, enjoyed the buffet of cookies and snacks while interacting with the other guests of the night who went for a photo shoot - barking and wagging their tails along the way.

Yes, The Washington Humane Society's 25rd Annual Bark Ball brought out the best in Pooch couture. 


 


Each year, The Bark Ball brings together many of the area’s most illustrious residents and their four-legged best friends, dressed to impress at the black tie gala. Donors, volunteers and the charitable like-minded gathered in honor of the programs and services that The Washington Human Society provides since 1870.
 
“I am honored to sponsor this Gala, not only for the excellence that the Washington Human Society handles, but for the hard work they have done for many years. This organization is not tainted with political orientations, profit or propaganda.  This organization is here to care for and protect these important friends who for some reason are homeless, but have the hope of finding a new home. 




With a life time commitment to our rescue dogs - Katie, Leia and Michael - it was more than a pleasure to dedicate the resources of EXCEL to this event,” said Donald R. Hoffman, President and Chief Executive Officer of EXCEL  He couldn’t stop saying how proud he was of being the best in show's sponsors of The 25th Annual Bark Ball. 

And who was his date? Well his rescue dog Katie was his companion, wearing a beautiful dress, designed by the mother of Johanna Geber. "My mother wanted to dress Katie like me, so she made this amazing outfit, and I think she did an excellent job”


As the night passed, the guests paraded their beautiful clothes and their human dates. For example, Chilly - the famous dog of Lori Pasternak and icon of the Affordable Pet Surgery Organization - distributed his business cards and carried in his coat the beautiful colors of the rainbow, a masterpiece of children’s that the organization count with.
 
Others like Bosco, the dog of de JP and Gina Moltanvan from The Montalvan Realty Team -winning Top Producer Team at TTR Sotheby's International Realty, dressed a red bow tie that matched with his beautiful coat.



However, the most special guest of the evening were the dogs of WHS, Radish and CocoPoof, who are waiting to be adopted. Scott Thuman (master of ceremonies), Allison Seymour of FOX5, Natasha Barrett from ABC7/News Channel 8 and other local media celebrities, escorted WHS dogs that where up for adoption with the hope of finding them their forever home.
 
Lisa La Fontaine, president and CEO, thanked the participation and contribution of the sponsors as well as all the individuals and corporate champions who contributed largely to the success of the gala.




She also thanked Megan Hilty, actress from the famous television show SMASH; "I love animals, I have two dogs, and they are my most loyal friends. I believe in the vision of this organization and it is not them who should thank me, it’s me who thank them for this invitation and for letting me be part of the 25th Bark Ball” she said.
 
The event took place at the Washington Hilton Hotel on Embassy Row and featured a VIP cocktail reception and doggie bar, followed by a silent and formal sit down dinner, live auction, special surprises and of course a dance, where the owners of the dance floor were the dogs, who showed their best moves!


Watch the show here: