Gayle Benson cuddles her Yorkie, Petey, who is king of the Barkus parade this year.
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus rolls through the French Quarter on Sunday, starting at 2 p.m. with a pre-party at 10:30 a.m. Dogs and owners will line up in Armstrong Park ahead of the parade. To register your dog, go to www.kreweofbarkus.org. All proceeds benefit animal organizations in New Orleans and the Gulf South area.
When the Mystic Krewe of Barkus rolls through the French Quarter on Sunday, the pampered pooch reigning over the Mardi Gras dog parade as His Majesty XXXII will be none other than Petey Benson, canine companion of New Orleans businesswoman and philanthropist Gayle Benson and the late Tom Benson.
King Petey, a Yorkshire terrier who is 12 years old, found his forever home with the Bensons when he was just 2. The Bensons were looking for a dog at the time, and Tom had a large pooch in mind. Gayle had other ideas.
"I've always had Yorkies, so it was the breed I was familiar with," Gayle Benson said. "A breeder I was introduced to had two wonderful Yorkies, a brother and sister who she didn't want to separate, so I bought both dogs. Ironically, Lucy, the female, was a show dog, and Petey was keeping her company. Who knew what lay ahead?"
Tragedy strikes
Two years ago, while Mrs. Benson was walking the adorable siblings in her Uptown neighborhood, they were attacked by a large unleashed dog. Lucy was killed, and Petey was seriously injured. Once he recovered, he had to learn to live without his sister, which took its toll. His vet suggested that Petey not be left alone.
"I made sure that Petey always had constant care," Benson said. A full-time assistant who is at home all day keeps him company, often literally carrying Petey around with her in a carrier, Benson said.
"Because I am quite often out of town on business, I also have a sitter, Aellen, who comes at 8 p.m. and is Petey's companion overnight in the guesthouse," Benson added. "Petey is never alone."
King Petey, who weighs in at 7 pounds, will now have his day in the sun, a testament to his resilience.
A flurry of festivities leads up to the Barkus parade. On Thursday, a news conference to present King Petey takes place at the Saints facility on Airline Drive. Friday morning is a brunch at Galatoire's in the French Quarter, and Friday evening is a ball at the Windsor Court in the CBD.
Petey will look his best
The procession of dogs and friends will wind through the Vieux Carre over a 15-block route, with a reviewing stand at Good Friends Bar at the corner of Dauphine and St. Ann, where VIPs will toast the Royal Court.
As anyone who is a part of a human Mardi Gras krewe knows, a lot of preparation goes into riding in any parade, and Barkus is no different.
"It entails a lot of activities," Benson said. "There are parties to attend, cakes to be made and a crown to be designed. And, let's not forget the beads, doubloons and throws for the paradegoers. Petey's groomer will come the day before to make sure he's looking his absolute best."
Expect the canine couture on display at Barkus to be over-the-top with year's theme, "Vanity Fur: Barkus Rules the Runway."
King Petey will be channeling Karl Lagerfeld, the designer who revitalized the Chanel brand, because Benson is herself a fan of the line.
The monarch's cart will be pulled by four people, and a handler, who Benson affectionately calls Petey's au pair, will be in the cart holding Petey for everyone to admire.
King Petey is looking forward to seeing all of his canine compadres at the parade.
Email Leslie Cardé at [email protected]