Sorry, You're Not on the List

Occasion: Last weekend's Bark Ball, the Washington Humane Society's 20th annual fundraiser for dog lovers and their four-footed dates.

Scene: 950 black-tie guests strolled into the Renaissance Hotel -- 600 people and 350 dogs wearing ball gowns and tuxes. Air-kissing, rear-sniffing, lots of barks but no bites -- pretty much your standard Washington affair.

VIPs: Co-chairs Mary Matalin and James Carville, daughters Emma and Matty, and five of their six dogs; Jan Cousteau and daughter, Alexandra, founders of the EarthEcho International.

Animal Husbandry: "My wife, Mary, is a responsible pet owner and wife," said the Ragin' Cajun. "She neuters her pets and her husband."

Menu: Asian noodles and Moroccan tagine for the patrons in chairs, doggie cupcakes for the moochers on the floor.

Bar: Open for people (Salty Dog, anyone?); Bowser Beer for pooches.

Temptations: Matalin and Carville almost adopted Jordan, a cute beagle mix, but it appears another couple will take home the party's "It" girl.

Quoted: "At every social event you go to in Washington, everybody takes themselves so goddamn seriously," said Carville. "The fact that you can come to an event and have a dog bark in the middle of your remarks, I think that's refreshing."