King Petey Benson, His Majesty XXXII
Mystic Krewe of Barkus, the only officially licensed Mardi Gras Krewe for canines, is pleased to introduce their monarch for 2025: King Petey Benson of New Orleans, His Majesty XXXII.
King Petey, the son of Gayle and Tom Benson, is a striking Yorkshire Terrier (aka Yorkie) with an attitude to match. Like many other Yorkies, his stature is small but his personality is larger than life. Not lacking in confidence and utterly adorable with handsomely coiffed hair, he can seem cranky as he does not suffer fools lightly. Although he does not do eye rolls, he has mastered the stare down to those who take him for just another cute dog donning canine Chanel clothing.
King Petey is much more than his silken strands of hair would lead you to assume. He made news when he endured an assault that took the life of his sister, Lucy, while out on a routine stroll. The experience was harrowing and the memory has been distressing. He was always a tough terrier before the attack, but this forced him to find new depths of his soul. So, in honor of his beloved sibling, he wants to show his subjects that there is life after trauma and hope to hold you up on your journey.
As he considers his upcoming Rex-like reign as the King of Canine Carnival, King Petey wants to be a symbol of strength, grit and sheer determination to not only survive but thrive.
With his message clear as this year’s monarch, the King added that "I am also looking forward to getting new outfits that express my style of regal and push the envelope of canine fashion. While I will not abandon my daily denim wear and business casual Chanel tweed suits, I can see myself in an imperial-style smoking jacket with turned-up cuffs or a velvet cloak re-imagined.”
King Petey expects the French Quarter to become a display of canine couture with this year's theme: "Vanity Fur: Barkus Rules the Runway." While all dogs are born naturally fabulous, it is also true that some are inspired to become works of art by the attire they wear designed by such icons as Christian Digior, Yves Saint La’leash or Guccio Gucchew.
Whether it be dreams of an invitation to the Mutt Gala or attending Vera Wag’s next Fashion Week, all can be possible at this year’s Barkus gathering. Our Krewe members will be striking poses and strutting their Prada paws while displaying their Dogue-Vogue style at the best dog parade on Earth on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. It is certain to be an amazing show of how to “make it work!”
King Petey is calling all dogs, whether high born or low born, to get their humans who possess thumbs to register online at www.kreweofbarkus.org. He invites everyone to the pre-pawty parade and post-pawty parade at Armstrong Park that starts at 10:30 a.m.
The parade follows a 15-block route through the Vieux Carré, stopping at the VIP Reviewing Stand at Good Friends Bar, corner of Dauphine and St. Ann, where VIPs will toast the Royal Court. Curious observers are welcome to come watch the parade.
All proceeds from Barkus, a non-profit organization founded by Wood Enterprises, benefit animal organizations in New Orleans and the Gulf South area. For more information, visit www.kreweofbarkus.org or e-mail info@kreweofbarkus.org.
EQUALITY DISCLAIMER: All dogs are eligible for various levels of membership without regard to their social, educational or family backgrounds. All colors, coat types, tail sizes and body mixes accepted. Cosmetically and non-cosmetically challenged dogs are welcome. Bluebloods and previously homeless dogs encouraged to participate.