Cops, robbers, cats and canines crawled over the ballroom of the Hilton Americas Houston Saturday night when Citizens for Animal Protection threw a rollicking police-themed fundraiser — "Mr. Magoo and His Canine Cops Take a Bite Out of Crime."
Inspiration for the men-in-blue-themed evening was the night's honoree, Alpos, a retired Houston Police Department canine officer. This brave pup, now in good health, was stabbed twice while on duty. He was accompanied by his handler Officer Greg Smith. The benefit was dedicated to the memory of long-time CAP supporter Ellen Kogen, who died earlier this year. Those were the serious points of the evening that was more playful than anything, though supporters did wrangle $200,000 for CAP.
Practically all of the 300 guests dressed in some form of jail or prisoner attire or donned police costumes. In fact, the night included a fashion contest. Walking away with honors as the Best of Show for her interpertation of the Jail or Police Costume Contest was Monica Myska, accompanied by Chewbaca, a huge rescue dog of the Leonberger line.
Rounding up the room full of supporters were benefit chairs Karan and James Robinson, co-chairs Hershey Grace and John Moritz and honorary chairs Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux. Receiving special recognition was Andy Cordes of Gittings, who received the Mr. Magoo Elite Presentation Award.
