Queen Barbie Steinmetz, Her Majesty XXII
Queen Barbie XXII is the daughter of Samuel Steinmetz of New Orleans, who adopted her from Southern Animal Foundation.
Barbie’s unique name came from the fact that she had multiple surgeries to fix her face after being used as a bait dog, and well, it just fit.
It was almost 11 years ago (2013) that Animal Control for Jefferson Parish was called regarding a dog that appeared to be dead or was dying. When the Animal Control Officer arrived at the scene, he was looking for a dog, but what he saw didn't come close to resembling one. As the dog ran toward him, he prepared to protect himself. When the dog got up to him, she began trying to lick him. Her mouth was completely shredded, and missing in most parts, with what appeared to be chemical burns on her back. Barbie was a bait dog for dog fighting, and because she refused to fight back, let dogs maul her to the point where she didn't even look like a dog anymore.
When she was brought to the Jefferson SPCA, they knew they did not have the ability to take care of her. A text message photo, and a quick call, and Southern Animal Foundation was ready to bring her in. Multiple surgeries later, and this beautiful dog looked how she felt on the inside. Abused, discarded, and left to die, Barbie had no reason to trust humans or dogs. What everyone discovered is that she was the exact opposite.
Barbie is a New Orleans dog through and through. Despite her hardships, she gets back up, and acts as if nothing ever happened to her. She has the scars to show where she's been, and the smile that shows where she's going.
Queen Barbie wears the crown proudly and knows the responsibility that comes with it.
Her role as Queen didn’t end after her ride in 2014. She continues to represent her breed, abused dogs, and the Barkus Foundation wherever she goes.
Barbie was voted Honorary Canine Mayor of New Orleans in 2014. She also performs in the Judith Owen and Harry Shearer produced variety show Christmas Without Tears annually. She has worked alongside John Goodman, Bryan Batt, Kermit Ruffins, Trixie Minx, Samantha Fish amongst many others.
But with all that, Barbie is a dog that loves other dogs and every human she meets. She works with her dad training and rehabbing dogs. There isn’t a dog she can’t help.
Barbie looks forward to the Barkus Parade each year and is excited for her 10th anniversary parade as queen.