Canine cocktail parties give owners chance to socialize and spend

[Cannikin]

Minnie slurps water in style at SkyBark,
a fundraising event for animal-rescue organizations in Boston.

BOSTON - At Mickey’s first evening at a nightclub he listened to loud music, scarfed down appetizers and lapped up cocktails of chicken soup and beet juice instead of gin or vodka.

A 13-year-old Boston terrier, Mickey was among 50 dogs — and 250 humans — at a party in Boston by SkyBark, which began in Los Angeles. The gathering was aimed at marketing canine products while raising money for charity and is part of a new trend toward nightlife where humans are encouraged to bring their dogs.

Such parties are sponsored by companies marketing extravagant dog products, including all-natural, wheat-free dog treats at $11 a pound, synthetic-grass covered indoor porta-potties for $280 and leather jackets for $540.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14736548/

[taterguy]

1. I must be a trend setter

Nine years ago I threw myself a birthday party and encouraged people to bring their dogs, since most of my friends were from the dog park. It worked quite well, but no money was raised for charity and no extravagant dog products were pushed.

[flvegan]

2. Funny, so did I!

It was maybe 5 years ago, and it was at a friends doggie-daycare place. It was me and a few friends (with their dogs), but the highlight was a number of the dogs we rescued/adopted into new homes also came (with their people).

Damn, I gotta do that again.