Paws, Purrs and Exotics Animal Hospital holds a Grand Opening

On Saturday July 18th, 2009 Paws, Purrs and Exotics Animal Hospital will be holding its Grand Opening. The event will benefit the Washington Humane Society, which will have adoptable animals at the event.

Local dog friendly vendors including Hotel Monaco, Baskin Robbins, Karing by Kristina and Barkley Square Bakery have partnered with the Animal Hospital for a day full of fun, education, and free giveaways!


“We are bringing those whose businesses serve animals in our community together to celebrate our opening and to raise funds for the Washington Humane Society”, said owner Dr. Elton Vyfhuis. I have supported the WHS for years by volunteering performing surgeries for them at their National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center, and am excited that the first event at our new hospital will support the great work that the Washington Humane Society does in our community."

Paws, Purrs and Exotics Animal Hospital is the first African American owned Animal Hospital in the Alexandria area and is one of very few in the DC metro area that specializes in Exotics.

"We want to establish a long-term relationship with our clients, their families and their pets. We will host an open house to showcase our new clinic and look forward to serving the Alexandria community, as well as surrounding area. ” Dr. Nia Perkins said. Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital will offer high-quality, affordable veterinary care for dogs, cats, small mammals and exotics. Their services include general medicine, surgery, digital radiography, grooming, day boarding and daycare services, and professional training. For details, call the hospital at 703-549-PAWS (7297)

Upcoming Events to benefit Cats, K9s and Kids

Join the Washington Humane Society on Wednesday July 1st for a Purrfectly Patriotic Cat Adoption Event at their New York Avenue Shelter.


Dogtopia of Alexandria is hosting a K9 dog wash to support police dogs on Sunday July 19th. A few years ago tragedy struck in Prince William County when a working K9 was accidentally shot by a fellow police officer who did not realize that it was a police K9. To help prevent this from happening in Alexandria, this fund raiser will go towards the purchase of tracking harnesses for all of the Alexandria Police K-9's. These harnesses clearly identify the canines as police K9's and are complete with police badges. The harness also have an infra-red light that can be tracked by a helicopter. The harnesses will let everyone know they are police K9's and will hopefully ensure that a tragic accident will not happen in Alexandria.


On Wednesday, July 29 the city's VIP will be seen at the W hotel for the Wednesday Warm-up for KEENfest. KEEN is a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one exercise and recreational opportunities for children & young adults with developmental and physical disabilities. There are a limited number of tickets, so be sure to buy yours now.

Bark Ball 2009 Coverage

The "Pupperazzi" was out in full force Saturday night, enjoying the area's premier Black Tie event in honor of those with four paws on the floor. About 900 dog-lovers showed up in their tuxes at the Capitol Hilton for The Bark Ball, the highly-woofed-about annual benefit for the Washington Humane Society. The event raised about $250,000. Read more


Check out some other coverage from the event:

Washingtonian: Lacy and I are photographed on page 4

Metromix DC: Lacy and I are photo 6

On Tap

Vithaya Photography

The Scene Bisnow

Adoptable pet of the week

Check out the adorable 10 month old Australian Shepard!
Meet Ju-Ju the Adoptable Pet of the Week!

Meet Howie!

Howie is a super adorable 3y.o. Hound mix who was found wandering in the Carter Barron Morrow Drive area. Howie is a super social little guy who LOVES touch and loves to put his paws on you. Tolerant and friendly with people and a little shy with other dogs, Howie will benefit from additional socialization and confidence-building in his new forever home. He'd also do best in a home without any kitties. Like most Beagles, he does know how to howl and because of this is likely not the ideal pup for apartment dwellers! Howie is full grown at about 45lbs....

Learn more about Howie here.

Fashion for Paws, tickets are almost sold out

Tickets for this year's event are almost sold out! For the full scoop visit my DC Pet Adoption Examiner page!

I am headed to the Catwalk with my dog!

On Tuesday night I hosted Rock and Roll for Fido with Andrea Rodgers. Andrea and I are both raising money for the Washington Humane Society's Fashion for Paws event. We committed to raising $3000 each for the opportunity to walk on the runway during the Fashion for Paws event.

I am happy to announce that both Andrea and I have hit our goal. I was able to raise funds through direct donations, in-kind sponsorships (which are not reflected on my fundraising page) and funds raised at the Rock and Roll for Fido event.

This year I will be rocking the runway with my Maltese, Lacy, by my side. (Remy has opted to sit out of this event, he says he has had enough of the puparazzi and would prefer a quiet evening at home)

Our good friend Jeff Lutton is only $95 from reaching his goal. Jeff is the owner of Dogtopia of Alexandria and can use your help to get to his goal. You can purchase your ticket or contribute to Jeff's fundraising campaign here.

Pictured with Andrea Rodgers and with my husband Steve

Rock and Roll for Fido and Val Kilmer

The Washington Humane Society has just announced Actor, Val Kilmer, will now be an Honorary Chair of Fashion for Paws, joining Honorary Chairs NBC’s Luke Russert, Animal Planet’s Victoria Stilwell and DC Council member, Jack Evans. The Mistress of Cermonies will be Pamela Sorenson.

Tickets to the event are still available through my fundraising campaign here. A donation of $75 or more will purchase your ticket.

As a kick off to the Fashion for Paws event I am hosting a fundraiser with fellow fundraising model Andrea Rodgers. Please join us for Rock and Roll for Fido on Tuesday, March 10 from 7-11pm at Tattoo Bar.

We are asking for a $10 donation at the door. There will be drink specials throughout the evening and free champagne for the ladies starting at 10pm.

(pictured above Jack Daniels, the ultimate Rock and Roll Pomeranian, on his recent camping trip)

Remy and Lacy need your Help!

Remy and Lacy asked me to remind everyone to purchase their tickets or donate to Fashion For Paws. Fashion for Paws® (F4P) benefits the Washington Humane Society and infuses the nation’s capital with cutting edge high fashion, drawing an extraordinary crowd of VIP’s, fashion and animals lovers alike. The event is being held March 28th at the Italian Embassy. In order for Remy and Lacy to walk on the Catwalk we need to raise $3000. We can raise the money through donations on our sponsorship page as well as through tickets purchased on our sponsorship page. Remember every dollar helps! To purchase tickets, donate and make a difference click here.

Fashion for Paws- The Fundraising Begins

Fashion for Paws- We need your help

What is Fashion for Paws?

Fashion for Paws infuses the nation’s capital with cutting edge high fashion, drawing an extraordinary crowd of VIP’s, fashion and animals lovers alike. The fashion show and fund raising event features sixty of Washington, DC’s most notable personalities as the models on the runway. Models on two-legs will be dressed in ready-to-wear spring ‘09, while those on four-legs will model ready-to-wag spring ’09.

When is Fashion for Paws?

On March 28, 2009 from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. the 3^rd annual Fashion for Paws® event will take place at the Embassy of Italy to benefit the Washington Humane Society (WHS). Tickets will be $75 per person (standing), VIP $150 per person (seated), and VIP tables will be $2000. This year’s Honorary Chair will be Luke Russert, and the Emcee will be Pamela Sorensen. Teatro Goldoni will be the VIP section sponsor, providing lavish Italian fare for VIP guests.

How can you help?

I. Make a donation

Support Karing by Kristina and Barkley Square’s Michelle D’Ettorre

email Michelle@karingbykristina.com or donate directly at http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=587354&LangPref=en-CA

II. Purchase a Fleur de Lis Dog Treat

These custom made cookies are available for $2 at www.barkleysquarebakery.com or at the store located at 2006 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria VA 22301

$1 from each cookie will go towards our fundraising goal

III. Purchase an ad in the Fashion for Paws Program

To help us reach our goal please email Michelle@karingbykristina.com to purchase an ad

□ Full-Page Ad $ 2,500

Live area - 5.5 wide x 7 high (non-bleed)

□ Half-Page Ad $ 1,500

Live area - 5.5 wide x 3.5 high (non-bleed)

□ 1/4 Page Ad $ 750

Live area - 2.75 wide x 3.5 High (non-bleed)

□ Business Card Ad $ 300

Live area – 1.37 wide x 1.75 High (non-bleed)

IV. Purchase a Ticket to the Fashion for Paws Event

To help us reach our goal please email Michelle@karingbykristina.com to purchase a ticket

□Tickets will be $75 per person (standing)

□VIP $150 per person (seated)

□VIP tables will be $2000

Media for Sugar and Champagne

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.

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

Sugar and Champagne

Join Barkley Square and Karing by Kristina at the 7th Annual Sugar and Champagne Affair. Barkley Square has the honor of providing dog treats for the Bark Bar for all of the 4-legged attendees. We will also be providing the gift bags and a few goodies for the VIP guests. Don't forget to stop by our table on vendor row for the latest in Canine Couture and Cuisine.

I will be making an official appearance at the event as Mrs. Alexandria!

To purchase tickets and for more details visit the Humane Society Website.

Fashion for Paws Event

Recently, I attended an event hosted by Capitol File Magazine at the Tommy Hilfiger store in Georgetown. A portion of the evening's purchases went to support the Washington Humane Society's Fashion for Paws Event. Fashion for Paws will be held this year Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Embassy of Italy 3000 Whitehaven St NW Washington, DC 20008.

Last year my company Barkley Square outfitted all of the doggie models at the Fashion for Paws event.

At Tommy Hilfiger I noticed some very cute Argyle sweaters which are a perfect match for the doggie argyle sweater we have at Barkley Square.

The event was a great success and we ran into several old friends as well as made some new ones, including Advisory Chair for Fashion for Paws, Tara DeNicolas; Miss DC, Kate Marie Grinold; Miss Teen DC, Jasmine Alexis; Katherine Kennedy and Andy Baldwin.