While the Consular Corps partied in white-tie splendor in the second-floor ballroom of the Hilton Americas-Houston, it was an entirely different scene several floors up, where Citizens for Animal Protection held its 25th anniversary celebration Celebrity Paws Gala. It was glamorous, alright. But there were plenty of pooches and a sprinkling of kitties adding extra life to this gala scene.

In fact, there was a four-legged celebrity guest: Pooka, Donna and Bob Bruni's standard poodle, who took top honors at the gala last year. In a turn on tradition, this year's event honored the 25 past chairs and their pets. Large color portraits of the duos were staged around the ballroom that was fancifully decorated by Darryl Murchison. No pet chateaux and no voting with your pocketbook on the favorite pet as in years past.

The evening honored Jane and Bob Cizik with the Melcher Humanitarian of the Year Award and recognized KTRK Channel 11 Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan with the CAP Cherished Companion Award. The ever-effervescent Duncan doubled her role on this night by serving as emcee.

More than 600 guests arrived to show the love for our four-legged friends by raising $500,000 for the non-profit that provides rescue, shelter and placement for homeless animals.

The live auction generated the excitement of the evening, particularly when it came to Cathy and Jesse Marion's offer of private jet transport for four to Dallas for a regular season Dallas Cowboys game in a private suite. The item was so popular that the Marions agreed to sell it three times, with each buyer ponying up $8,500 for the privilege. Heading to Cowboys Stadium next season are Frank DiMaria and Pat Keller, Liz and Pete Carragher and Lindsey and Mike Fiuzat.

Just to name a few of the past chairs that were present to accept honors — Susan and Dan Boggio, Hershey Grace, Francie Willis, Pamela Wright, Linda Schmuck and Todd Zucker, Beverly Loftis, Melanie Johnson, Judy Nichols, Barbara Van Postman and Rachel Regan.