MAGIC WAS IN the air at the Four Seasons hotel Downtown, where Friends for Life hosted its annual fundraiser. The 300-plus guests were greeted not only by a pack of adoptable pups, but also by Caesar the Magician, who entertained the crowd before the seated dinner.

Raising $300,000 for the no-kill shelter, the evening featured an elaborate, three-course vegan meal by Four Seasons exec chef Paul Peddle including a surprising vegan take on beef wellington. Animal lovers also sipped cocktails named after adoptable pets from Friends for Life, such as the Pimm’s Cup and the Lulu Lemon.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the ballroom as a video played telling the story of five-year-old dog Burrito, who six months ago was found abandoned in an apartment in Indiana. The team drove to get Burrito and discovered he was too overweight to even walk. Nursed back to health in Houston, the lights came on in the ballroom and Burrito ran in to shower Friends for Life founder Salise Shuttlesworth with slobbery kisses. (And he’s still looking for a home!)

Located in the Heights, Friends For Life’s mission is to provide medical care, behavior training, food, and safe havens for animals in need.

Sherry Waddell and adoptable dog MoMo

Bonnie Babola and Robert Fisher

Crystal Hernandez and adoptable puppy Peanut

Robin Humphrey and Joe Radzwill

Geoff Marolda, Jennifer Boyd, Payal Thakker, Ashley Lupica, Amanda Jacobs, Sheena Kelly