Kranitz planned for inevitable dog messes by posting volunteer “bark valets” on clean-up duty throughout the venue. (Which raises the question: Why would the Renaissance want to be involved? Kranitz attributed the hotel’s willingness to host the gala for the third straight year to the fact that the event raises money for a good cause.) The bark valets performed double duty, also taking the doggy guests outside while their owners enjoyed the party, which James Carville and Mary Matalin hosted.
The Pup-Peroni-sponsored fund-raiser featured entertainment like dog dancing, a vendor village with pet merchandise for sale, and a silent auction. Other pooch-focused facets included water bowls placed sporadically throughout the venue, and free hot-pink bandanas for dogs who had been adopted from the Humane Society.
This canine-centered approach made for happy owners and happy pets at the event, which drew 600 upright attendees and 400 dogs. While guests had to be careful not to trip over a leash or step on an errant Chihuahua, for a party with that many animals, the event was surprisingly relaxed and organized. Another surprise: The pups were well-behaved, save for the basset hound that scurried by our reporter, sans owner and leash. He was soon apprehended and went back to mingle with the rest of his tuxedo-clad pals.
