MINI FLOAT
So, you think you’ve seen it all? Well, hold onto your Mardi Gras beads, because his hobby takes the king cake.
Since his arrival in New Orleans, Alon has built tiny floats that rival the ones in even the most elaborate Bacchus parades. Just toddler-sized, remote controlled, with puppies behind the wheel, so his dogs can experience the joys of throwing Mardi Gras beads to drunken Jersey frat boys? Maybe.
But the truth is that it’s also part of his philanthropic work where he gives back to the city he loves. Cleveland. Wait, no, not Cleveland. Cleveland sucks. He works closely with the New Orleans Police Department's community outreach, right alongside their miniature horse cop, Patch. Yes, you read that right - Patch, the pint-sized law enforcer. (Seriously, we couldn’t make this stuff up if we tried.)
Last year, he traded the beaches of Malibu for the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans and hit the ground running—or should say, parading. His claim to fame?
Winning a Howl-O-Weenie dog costume contest at Dat Dog hot dog restaurant in 2023. The prize? A $15 hot dog and a spot in the local paper. (His mother was prouder of that win than his graduate degree.)
PROJECTS
Barbie-Q
Marshall and Peavey stole the spotlight at last year's Barbie-themed Barkus parade. Alon pushed them around on a "Ken you believe it's not Barbie-Q?" stovetop replica and a giant "Twin Tail Paw Lickin’" gumbo pot. The dogs, dressed as crawfish, lounged alongside stuffed shrimp and Barbie legs in pink bedroom slipper pumps diving in headfirst. Because, apparently, nothing says "Mardi Gras" like crustacean canines and disembodied doll legs.
Green Street Car
His works of art range from a spot-on 5-foot-long Saint Charles Ave. streetcar to a tiny streetcar rolling down Saint Charles, packed with VIPs (Very Important Pooches). Stella would be proud.
Pope Mobile
A Pope-mobile (AKA the “Poop Mobile”), Encased in their glass-walled chariot, they bless the crowds like tiny pontiffs, waving to their adoring fans, living their best, most blessed lives.
Cafe du Monde
Michelangelo had David. Dave Thomas had the Frosty. Alon Barzilay has the 36-inch Café Du Monde coffee shop replica sitting atop an 18-wheeler tractor trailer, complete with mini tourists, flashing lights, working ceiling fans, and a fully functioning espresso machine. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: our pups dressed up as beignets. Because "Sip Happens" and who doesn’t love a little caffeine and canine cuteness on parade?
Horse Carriage
The pups will be the ultimate tourist attraction on this mini float decked out in Mardi Gras beaded necklaces, Hawaiian shirts, tiny cameras, and even sipping on little hand grenades. Think of them as furry tourists with a taste for the local flavor, minus the sad eyes you see on those horse-and-buggies in Jackson Square.
Coming Soon
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Another puppy float in our lineup features a slingshot – a three-wheeled wonder decked out with neon lights and blasting rap music. Picture our pups cruising in style with lights underneath that scream "party mode activated." It's like Fast and Furious, but furrier and way cuter.
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"The Beast" Presidential Limo with a pint-sized president inside! So, when you spot a tiny motorcade with a furry commander-in-chief inside, know that the mini armored limo has them waving like the tiny heads of state they are. The other puppy, playing the First Lady, will be decked out in a Chanel outfit, hat, big sunglasses, and a tiny Birkin bag. They’ll be featured with a full police escort at the Bacchus, Endymion, and Orpheus Balls.
Meet Marshall and Peavey. Check out their epic adventures on Instagram at #2minigreyhounds.