A roaring “pawty” for your four-legged best friend is now just a bark away.
When huskies Sophie and Oliver moved to Chicago last month, pet party organizer Karla Kangleon set up Bark Voyage, a going-away party for the two handsome pooches.
The two 2-year-old “Filipino” huskies— both were born and bred in the country— partied with furry friends and their pet parents to canine-relaxing Mozart music, dined on gourmet food, and participated in a piñata game activity loaded with treats. There were balloons designed by balloon artists, a specially baked doggie cake and desserts, and homemade “yappetizers” and treats.
Sophie and Oliver wore ponchos, compliments of the organizers, while their guests were given colorful bandanas. There were pet and human games and, at the end of the party, guests went home with doggie-bag giveaways.
“This is really an excellent way to bond with your pets, that one time of the year when your pets don’t have to beg for food or treats,” said events organizer Kangleon, owner of All4Pets Party (www.all4petsparty.com; tel. 0917-5287995, 0926-6238658; e-mail info@all4petsparty.com).
Kangleon, who is also the events and PR officer of Cara Welfare Phils., always had a soft heart for pets. She grew up in a dog-friendly home, such that during her five-year stint abroad, she became a volunteer in animal rescue organizations where she got acquainted not just with canines and felines, but also with turtles, snakes and other animals. Soon she found herself dog-sitting during her spare time.
Today, she buys a sack of dry dog and cat food every week to feed the homeless in her neighborhood. Every stray dog and cat in her neighborhood is spayed/neutered, fed daily, wears bands for ID, and now answers to the names Kangleon christened them with.
All4Pets Party, launched just this year, already has big-named clients, including the Bow & Wow Benefit Dinner last June that saw hundreds of guests with pets in tow.
Party packages can be customized depending on clients’ budget, she said. A budget of P10,000 will cover the standard party package, consisting of invitations, a poncho for the celebrant and bandanas for furry guests, décor, games, pets’ yappetizers and treats, and bag giveaways for three hours. Ten percent of services purchased will be donated to the clients’ preferred welfare organization.
A pizza for dogs
“I’ve been hosting children’s parties for 15 years now. It’s time we celebrate our love for pets. My love for pets and organizing parties inspired me to set up this company,” she said.
Cakes, desserts, treats are all fresh, made from holistic recipes. Kangleon and her mom whip up the doggie sweets and treats themselves. The duo recently created Barkin’ Pizza, a large, pizza-looking dog treat. Clients, however, have the option to go for off-the-rack, branded treats.
Other packages available, that come in addition to the standard party package, are Yappy Barkday/Meowday, with Barkday/Meowday cake and piñata; Spaw Time, where pets and pet parents are pampered with luxurious massage by certified pet-grooming and massage specialists of Aromapet Dog Spa, with options to add Pawdicure and grooming packages; Pet Chef Corner, a cooking lesson for pet parents to learn how to make holistic yappetizers and gourmet meals; Teacher’s Pet Pawty, an activity for children and pets such as coloring, balloon sculpture, meet-and-greet with rescued animals, games and storytelling; and All4Pets Star Challenge, an amazing race challenge for pets and pet parents.
They also offer Pet Sketch, with an artist sketching pets at the party that one can use as a party favor; themed décor; professional pet photographer; and Paw-Lickin’ Treats (gourmet, holistic treats). Doggie plates are provided during the party.
Right now Kangleon is busy whipping up a new concept and food treats—for a hamster party. She had an inquiry a couple of weeks ago, and is now exploring the possibilities of going beyond serving felines and canines.
“I’ve concentrated on animal welfare and rescues. I don’t have 40 cats but I feed the homeless dogs and cats every day. I found my soul doing this. It’s so rewarding,” Kangleon said.