Perhaps it was her portrait in the dazzling pearl necklace that earned her so much praise. Or the elegantly sophisticated stroll she did down the catwalk at the Hilton Americas-Houston. Or the four tables of hooting and hollering fans that supported her. Whatever — it was a sophisticated silver lady from San Antonio that walked away with the top prize at the Celebrity Paws gala on Saturday night.

Congratulations Pooka Bruni, the standard poodle, that took highest honors at the 24th annual benefit for Citizens for Animal Protection. The lovely lady was escorted by owner Donna Bruni, who with her husband Bob Bruni, grace Houston and Santa Fe, N.M., with their presence almost as much as they do their hometown of San Antonio.

Congratulations also to chairs Julie Brown and Patti Murphy, who oversaw the successful black-tie gala that filled the ballroom with close to 700 guests and a score or more of four-legged pets. Among those in the latter category was Juie and Dr. David Brown's border collie, Molly. A true lady throughout the night, this beauty sat at the dinner table in a chair next to Julie and never once misbehaved or begged for food. It was love at first sight for many meeting Molly, including Tim Connolly who has visions of a baby Molly for the home that he shares with wife Jan Carson.

With Channel 11's Deborah Duncan as emcee, the evening honored Susan and Dan Boggio with the Melcher Humanitarian of the Year Award and Pamela Wright as CAP Cherished companion. Brian Teichman took the spotlight when he was entered into the Celebrity Paws Hall of Fame.

And then there were the "Houston Elite" honorees who posed in themed vignettes with their pooches and kitties attempting to win the favor of the judges and the fans. In addition to Donna Bruni with Pooka, there were Russ Allen, Caroline Kenney, Melissa King and FeFe Malton, Susan Krohn, Jared Lang, Lindsey Love, Edward Sanchez and Enid Sanchez and Franco Valobra.

Winning big applause were the junior honorees Katelyn Alo and Quinn Biggio, who set the world on fire when her dad, Craig Biggio, arrived backstage to cheer her own. Mom, Patty Biggio, was in the audience.

Dogs best friends included honorary chairs Kristie and Randy Wade, CAP president Linda Schmuck, CAP executive director Kappy Muenzer, Patty Biggio, Isabel and Danny David, Bod Devlin, Liz Zaruba, Todd Zucker, Francie and Mike Willis, Hershey Grace and John Moritz, gala coordinator Ellie Francisco and auctioneer Vikki Vines.