Calling all party animals! DOG CLARK'S NEW YEAR'S BARKIN' EVE vacation packages are still available for all Day Camp Dogs. This event is open to all dogs who have passed The Barkley's Day Camp evaluation and who are certified to party and potty in style! The gathering will begin around 10 PM on December 31st with special Muttinis served in a Yappy Hour setting. Guests will socialize while listening to popular songs such as Hound Dog and Atomic Dog, plus crowd favorites such as Snoop Dog and Lil Bow Wow. Watchdogs will be on hand, keeping a close eye on the clock so that at midnight all guests can watch DOG CLARK drop the (tennis) ball drop from the rafters! Of course, you can tune in to watch your dog(s) party live on our webcams. Lastly, before retiring, all guests will receive a special 2009 Dogsert treat. And, best of all, there will be no need for driving, allowing guests to make it safely back to their suites. Cost is $20 per guest. Guest must check-in prior to closing time of 3 pm on 12/31/09. The front desk is closed on 1/1/10, therefore, guests must stay a minimum of two nights over this time period. Subject to availability.

On Saturday, December 19, bring your dog to Polar Point at Legacy Village for a photo with Santa Paws! Photos begin at 10 am and go until 12 noon in the space previously occupied by Z Gallerie. Make a $5 donation to GRIN (Golden Retrievers in Need) and receive a take home photo and a special treat from The Barkley for your pet! Afterwards, from 12pm to 4 pm stay with Santa and get pictures for the humans in your family.

According to MSNBC, a Tibetan Mastiff has broken the record as the world's most expensive dog - sold to a young Chinese millionaire for $582,000. The owner, known only as Ms. Wang, traveled to northwest China to purchase the 18-month old puppy. Tibetan Mastiffs, a fairly rare breed, typically cost about $2,000 in the West. However, they are supposedly more expensive in China where they are valued for their skills as guard dogs. She was quoted saying, "Gold has a price, but this Tibetan Mastiff doesn't." A family in Florida previously held the record, paying $155,000 for a Labrador Retriever.

Triton Jeric is The Barkley's Pet of the Month! Triton, a Great Dane, finds The Barkley as his second home. Triton regularly attends Day Camp to see all of his friends and play catch. During his stays, he loves relaxing on his leather sofa, continuous tummy rubs and receiving love and affection from The Barkley caregivers. His sweet personality and gentle nature has made him a favorite amongst the staff. He always enjoys a spa treatment - especially around the holidays. Although he is a giant, his size doesn't stop his friends from laughing at his red and green nail pawlish.

First aid training is very important in emergency situations, and your pets are no exception! Join The Barkley staff members in the American Red Cross "Pet First Aid" class on Saturday, December 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Park Operations Administration Building in Rocky River Reservation. The "Pet First Aid" class teaches participants emergency care procedures for cats and dogs and provides tips for keeping pets happy and healthy. Participants will learn how to protect themselves and the animal from further harm, injury or suffering during emergencies by learning prompt, effective first aid actions and care. Training will be conducted on canine and feline manikins to give participants a more realistic experience in providing care. Registration is required, and space is limited. Cost is $30, and includes either a Dog or Cat First Aid Book/DVD, or $50 for both Dog and Cat First Aid Books/DVDs. Park Operations Administration Building is located at 4500 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation just off the Hilliard Road hill in Fairview Park. For more information and to register, call 440-331- 8111.

I grew up on the west side of Cleveland and, until joining The Barkley team, I was afraid this town would never have a pet care facility that would meet my standards. Ever since I was a kid, I have had an amazing love for animals. In high school, I took animal care classes, learned about different breeds and temperaments, and even won first place in a statewide animal care competition. I then moved on to work at the Cleveland APL and Petland before joining The Barkley in 2007. Since then, I have witnessed the day camp grow to new heights and have had the opportunity to become very close with my day campers. I have worked hard to become a Certified Pet Care Technician and the Day Camp Manager. I am the proud mother of my son Stephon, my dog Tango and my cat Smokie. I love my life!!