Houston’s animal-loving and chic wildlings saddled up in their finest rodeo-inspired attire for the 12th Annual Wags and Whiskers Luncheon. The February 8 affair at Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, themed “Lassos and Leashes,” supported Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s (IM) Animeals program.

Co-chairs Kristin Guthrie and Roberta Konicki welcomed attendees, while honorary chair Ernie Manouse of Houston Public Media and emcee Casey Curry — joined by her daughter, Winnie — kept the energy high. Furry cowpokes strutted down the catwalk in the always popular celebrity pet fashion show, produced by Todd Ramos, with glam touches courtesy of Edward Sanchez. Top honors went to Brittanny Diller with Buttercup, followed by Ava Khademi Deljou with Moose, and Molly and Schatzi alongside their humans Susan Vaughan and Karl Winter.

The luncheon honored animal advocate and Houston media personality Frank Billingsley, recently named executive producer and co-Host of Hello Houston. IM board chair Saied Alavi and past chair Dr. Kathy C. Flanagan spoke on the lasting impact of the Animeals program, which ensures more than 1,300 pets of homebound seniors receive essential supplies. Lending a paw, Animeals spokesdog Moose, escorted by IM board vice chair Nadia Tajalli — made a heart-tugging appeal that had wallets opening.

The afternoon’s fundraising tally was bolstered by sponsors, including Linh Nguyen, Fred G. Marshall, Susan and Dan Boggio, and Marek. In total, the more than 225 guests raised over $130,000.

Spotted were Sheroo Mukhtiar, Ann and Ron Kaesermann, Susanne and Randall Evans, Charlene Chuang, Karen Jankowski and Ed Donahue, Paula Sutton and Bill Gross, Dr. Loren Blanchard, Nadia Tajalli and Shahin Tavackoli, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Aliza Dutt, CC and Duke Ensell, Karen and Jay Harberg, Angela Hernandez, Eileen Lawal, Sonia Soto, Gregg Harrison, Paul-David Van Atta, Walt Zipprian, Miya Shay, and Brandy and Chris Laakso.

  

Photo by Dalton DeHart

Casey Curry, Frank Billingsley, and Ernie Manouse.