Having landed in Houston less than a year ago as Saks Fifth Avenue GM, Bobby Dees made his official mark in Houston Saturday night when he and his pooch, Tony, took top honors at Citizens for Animal Protection's annual "Celebrity Paws Gala," held at the Hilton-Americas Houston.
Dees and Tony were one of nine entries in the competition that features pets and their owners in striking vignettes. Each year, the top dog award goes to the canine receiving the most "votes," as in dollars raised.
Entering their pooches in the Celebrity Pet of the Year race and presented as honorees were Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Frank Billingsley and Kevin Gilliard, Dominic Cellitti, Patricia Cornelius, Lauren Haize, Michelle Maresh, Shelley Reeves and Dr. Angela Sturm. Adding a youthful note to the proceedings were junior honorees Dylan Michelle Milam, Brooks Andrew Milam and Nikhil Shah.
Chair Diane Mattly and co-chair Kim Padgett welcomed the pet-loving throng of 600 while CAP executive director Kappy Muenzer offered her appreciation for the support.
There were plenty of awards on this evening beginning with the Melcher Humanitarian of the Year Award going toLeslie Alexander and the Houston Rockets. Beverly Wren, Gary Miller and Greg Miller were honored as CAP Cherished Companions. Carol and Bill Simmons received Celebrity Pet Hall of Fame honors.
Pet lovers applauding the contestants and honorees included Weezy Dees, Linda Schmuck and Todd Zucker, Andrew Cordes and Brian Teichman, Franelle Rogers, Francie and Mike Willis, Veronica and Mike Curran, Vicki and Jack Rizzo, Susan and Dan Boggio and Melena and Mike Moriarty.
Weezy and Bobby Dees at the Citizens for Animal Protection Gala.
