Citizens for Animal Protection's 28th annual Celebrity Paws Gala took a western spin around the Royal Sonesta Hotel ballroom with its "Paws Across Texas" theme. So-called Western Cuties (a la Kilgore Rangerettes in pink), a trick roper and a living statue cowboy delivered the necessary ambiance.
Who better to chair this animal-friendly event, complete with a Celebrity Pet of the Year competition, than Wezy and Bobby Dees, Saks Fifth Avenue GM? They own 11 dogs. The couple welcomed more than 600 animal enthusiasts to the event that featured pet honorees in a western town setting complete with a general store and a saloon.
Kudos were flowing for A Memorable Event, led by Linda McIngvale who did the decor that included massive floral centerpieces in the shape of cats and dogs. In an odd bit of serendipity, Liz McIngvale won the raffle of the Subaru, donated by West Houston Subaru's Gloria and Frank Meszaros, who were winners of the Melcher Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Taking home top honors as Celebrity Pet of Year for bringing the most votes and money for CAP was Talullah, belonging to Penny and Paul Loyd.
Also competing for honors were Tony Bradfield and Kevin Black, Irma Brindis represented by Alexis Brindis and Regina Gutierrez, Cheryl and Sam Byington, Robert Federowicz, Laura McIngvale Brown, Cyndy Garza Roberts and Rini Ziegler.
Emcee Deborah Duncan kept the energy flowing and introducing additional honorees — Liz and Pete Carragher named CAP Cherished Companions and Elizabeth Stein, Laura Stein, Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux named to the Celebrity Paws Hall of Fame.
The western-clad party crowd included honorary chairs Donna and Bob Bruni, Linda Schmuck and Todd Zucker, Linda and Jim McIngvale, Francie and Mike Willis, Sylvia Forsythe, Andy Cordes and Brian Teichman, Patricia and Sig Cornelius and CAP executive director Kappy Muenzer.
Regina Valdes with Luna, from left, and Alexa Biendis with Fendi.
