Dog Days of Rodeo! 'Wags and Whiskers' Lunch Unites Lassos, Leashes and Animal-Lovers for a Cause

IT DOESN'T GET any cuter than a bulldog in a tiny cowboy hat, does it?! At least that's what supporters of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston sure think after its successful annual Wags and Whiskers bash at Hotel ZaZa.

The 12th annual event — a luncheon and fashion show starring fabulous furry friends — had a theme of "Lassos and Leashes," and attendees dressed in rodeo-chic westernwear for the occasion. Co-chairs Kristin Guthrie and Roberta Konicki welcomed guests, including honoree Frank Billingsley, a famously animal-loving media personality and author.

Emcee Casey Curry, IM Board Chair Saied Alavi, and past Board Chair Kathy Flanagan all spoke, shedding light on IM's missions. Animeals is is program that provides pet food, toys and vet care supplies to more than 1,300 pets of homebound senior Meals on Wheels participants. There was also a silent auction featuring tons of jewelry, trips, spa treatments and other experiences.

Finally, the main event: a pet fashion show, produced by Todd Ramos with hair and makeup by Edward Sanchez. Judges included magazine editors MichelleMantor, Lara Bell, Suzanne Schakett, and CityBook's own Jeff Gremillion. The winner was Buttercup, pictured above, and her owner Brittanny Diller.

In all, more than $130,000 was raised for IM's Animeals program.

Angela Hernandez, Frank Billingsley, Kevin Gilliard, and Kamisha Mickey

Susanne and Randall Evans

Azher Kantawala, Ali Al Sudani, and Sheroo Mukhtiar

Stephanie Gaytor, Susan Boggio, Todd Ramos

Britta Christensen and Stephanie Pancioli

Ava Khademi Deljou

Tonia Whilden

Casey Curry, Roberta Konicki, and Kristin Guthrie

Kathy Flanagan and Philomena Baird

Karen Harberg, Nadia Tajalli, and Jay Harberg

Kevin Gilliard, Nick Batesole, Leonel Limonte, and Frank Billingsley