Author Says Mardi Gras Krewe Welcomes REAL Paw-ty Animals

Animal expert an author Diana L. Guerrero says Mardis Gras attracts some real party animals. When she says animals--the California author is talking about the four legged members of the Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans--mentioned in her new animal lover's book, "Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Ceremonies Celebrating Pets and Other Creatures" (ISBN 140279677).

Big Bear Lake, CA (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- Carnival, most popularly known as Mardi Gras season, started on January 6th (the end of the twelfth day of Christmas). Most of the infamous parades, balls and related festivities take place two weeks before Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) which is February 20th.

According to author Diana L Guerrero--you can see some real animals in New Orleans during this time. When Guerrero says animals, she means the four legged members of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus, a Mardi Paws society whose membership is limited to canines and is headquartered near the "flea market" of New Orleans.

Diana L. Guerrero mentions the group in her new book, "Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Ceremonies Celebrating Pets and Other Creatures" (ISBN 140279677).

Guerrero said, "In the past the group has picked clever themes such a 'Jurassic Bark,' 'Lifestyles of the Bitch & Famous,' and the 'Wizard of Paws.' This year the theme is 'A Street Dog Named Desire.'"

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS is a unique look into timeless traditions of animal blessings, contemporary creature celebrations, and touches on pet pageants, pet parades, and other quirky pet friendly activities. The author discovered the Krewe of Barkus during her research for her newest work due out in April.

Although the Mardi Gras tradition arrived in America in 1699 the Mystic Krewe of Barkus surfaced just 15 years ago.

"Each year the krewe donates the proceeds of the parade registration fees, merchandise sales, and ball profits to worthy animal welfare groups. I think it is great since even if you can't attend, they encourage you to support a dog-gone good cause through the purchase of a membership or the krewe's memorabilia."

Guerrero was sorry to hear that there was no yappy hour at this year's Barkin' Up the Ritz Ball on February 9th since the Windsor Court Hotel event is for humans only--but anyone can join the Krewe of Barkus--and the parade is filled with canine members.

Pet parents who don't parade can join the paw-ty at Armstrong Park in New Orleans beginning at 10:30am. The parade will start at 2:00pm.

Visit www.blessingoftheanimals.com for excerpts of Guerrero's book and for photos and links to the Krewe of Barkus.

Review copies of "Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Ceremonies Celebrating Pets and Other Creatures" (ISBN 140279677) are available to journalists. Contact Sterling Publishing Publicity at (212) 532-7160.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS is available for preorder from Sterling Publishing, Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com and will be available at booksellers throughout the United States in April of 2007.

Diana L Guerrero is available for interviews and online previews of this book are available online at http://www.blessingoftheanimals.com

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