Memorial Tree Planting
A. C. Steere Park
Sunday, February 4, 2007

On Sunday, February 04, 2007 at 3:00 PM, friends, family, pets and animal lovers gathered to celebrate the life of Barbara Ruane, founder of the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux. A tree was planted appropriately at A. C. Steere Park, site of the Krewe’s Mardi Gras Pet Parades from 1999 till 2005. In 2006, the parade was moved to RiverView Park in downtown Shreveport.

The tree dedication memorialized Ms. Ruane’s life and paid tribute to her tireless work for animal causes. Event posters drawn by Barbara were displayed and the Krewe presented Dr. Harry Pinkofsy, her husband, this year’s parade poster.

The vision for the Mardi Gras Pet Parade came after Barbara and Harry visited the Three Dog Bakery in New Orleans. In August of 1999, the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux was officially formed as a non-profit animal organization. The Krewe’s mission is to develop, foster and promote programs to benefit abused, neglected and homeless animals, as well as to promote responsible pet ownership with a spay/neuter program.

The Krewe of Barkus & Meoux, Inc. is an affiliate with CatClaws.com. When shoppers enter the Cat Claws store through this special link and complete a purchase all the way to the "Submit Order" button, the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux receives a 5% commission from the purchase.