We went to the Washington Humane Society’s 27th annual Bark Ball at the Washington Hilton Saturday night.

It’s the only black-tie gala that encourages you to bring pets. We snapped the ‘Skins Cheerleaders.

The dinner was followed by a program and live auction. WHS behavior and training manager Alison Coates, here, with patent examiner Abbie Boyle, gave an inspiring talk about a special dog who had a traumatic past before finding her forever home.

The reception had a silent auction and a bark bar, a special food station for dogs, and a water station for thirsty dogs. Here, GW med student Michael McMullen and commercial real estate-er Nora Dweck McMullen.

Nordstrom Tyson’s Barbara Olumd, Ellen Tsiamis, Daniel Highson, and Rebecca Pisciotta.

A photographer was on hand to take pet portraits. Here, veterinarian Dr. Leanne Kalinsky, engineer Dave Wheary, and Monty.

The most colorful dog of the night was Joy, the mascot of Georgia Ave’s Doggie Washerette, with owner Ethel Taylor.