Good Dog Gala Part II

Imagine going to a big dog park wearing nice clothes. That was essentially the atmosphere at the PSPCA Big Dog Gala last Saturday night where guests were highly encouraged to bring their four legged friends of the canine variety. My guess is that there were at least 350 people there--the ballroom was sold out and packed and there must have been at least 150 dogs of every size, shape and variety.

Cocktails were a bit challenging since the space was long and narrow. We had to wind our way through lots of people with lots of dogs, but amazingly, there was very little barking or misbehaving. The dogs got it--and it helped that there was food involved. The highlight of the evening for the dogs, no doubt, was the ample "Treat Bar" set up next to a human bar, where the samples were free, abundant and actually pretty appetizing. I have no idea what Amos ate but he ate a lot of cookies that seemed to have some sort of icing on them. In fact, once he discovered the treat bar, he was reluctant to leave the area!

There was also a vast silent auction but with Amos on one arm and a drink in the other, I found it difficult to wander and peruse all the offerings. I did spot lots of dog-inspired gift baskets, pet portraits, training sessions as well as tickets to lots of events, including the Oprah Show and the Martha Stewart Show. There were also lots of restaurant and hotel packages. Next year, I will be better prepared to put my name down for some goodies. I also will wear something with pockets!

Dinner was unbelievably calm, all things considered. You should have seen waiters climbing over various dogs who had sprawled out table side--Amos included, by the way-- with plates of our delicious vegetarian meal. Amos even managed to eat some couscous!

Between dinner and dessert, I handed Amos off to one of the many available "dog valets" who took him for a nice walk. When he got back, however, right before dessert, he announced he was ready to go home--a lot of barking!!--so off we went. So no report on dessert, but we beat the car retrieval line and Amos was the perfect date!!! We did notice that most people with dogs were heading for the elevators about the time we did.

Here's the thing: everybody was totally understanding about everything. Nobody cared if your dog drooled, shed, wagged their tail in their face, or whatever. If you bumped into someone, they just smiled and said how beautiful your dog was. In fact, everybody had a smile on their faces. There was a lot of petting, cooing and generally being nice.

I truly do believe dogs bring out the best in their owners and in people in general. I would spend an evening in a room filled with dogs and their people anytime!! In fact, if people took their dogs more places, the world would probably be a much more friendly and accommodating place.

I had truly forgotten how wonderful dog people are and Amos had the time of his life. I told him NOT to tell Phoebe the evening involved food or there would be no living with her, but I'm afraid he has let the cat out of the bag. Phoebe has informed me, she is ordering her tiara for the event next year...