Pet Project: ‘Four-Legged Furry Cowpokes’ Hit the Catwalk for a Cause

Pet Project: ‘Four-Legged Furry Cowpokes’ Hit the Catwalk for a Cause

Deborah Duncan, Nadia Tajalli, Susan Boggio

A DOGGONE GOODTIME — and purr-fectly lovely afternoon — was had by all pet lovers at the 11th annual Wags and Whiskers Brunch, benefiting Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Animeals program.


The sold-out event at the Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, a fashion show of sorts produced by Todd Ramos, raised more than $113,000 “to provide pet food, toys and preventative vet care supplies to over 1,300 pets of homebound seniors,” said a rep for the nonprofit. Supporters of the cause and their pets — duded up in Western theme, nodding to the “Bow Wow West” motif — took to the runway.

“Walking the catwalk for Interfaith Ministries were Roger Applewhite and Keyser Soze, Ivonne Camarena and Don Cheto the cat, Beth Clark and Yeti, Freddy Cruz and Sparrow, Louise Goldberg and Rosie, Karen Jankowsi and Bella Donahue, Kian Tavackoli and Moose, and Beth Wolff and Dandy,” said the rep. Media-personality judges, including the Houston Chronicle’s Joy Sewing and TV host Deborah Duncan, awarded Bella, Rosie and Moose took first, second and third place respectively.

Co-Chair for the ever were Shirin and Saied Alavi and the doctors Vasant Garg and Kim Tran. “Emcee Casey Curry welcomed guests and four-legged furry cowpokes to a rootin’ tootin’ fun and inspiring program,” the Ministries rep gushed. CEO Martin Cominsky and board chair Kathy C. Flanagan were also on hand.

Guests enjoyed a delicious cool-weather menu that began with a sort of roasted cauliflower potpie, follow by herbed chicken, turmeric rice and balsamic Brussel sprouts. Tres leches cake and strawberry shortcake for dessert!

VIPs in the crowd included Cynthia Wolff, Cheryl Byington, Connie Kwan-Wong, Gregg Harrison and Barbara Van Postman.


Beth Wolff and Dandy

Rev. Dr. Tamla Wilson, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Joy Sewing

Ivonne Camareno and Don Cheto

Dr. Vasant Garg, Shirin Alavi, Saied Alavi

Karen and Jay Harberg

Louise Goldberg and Rosie

Nadia Tajalli, Martin B. Cominsky, Rev. Dr. Tamla Wilson, Dr. Kathy Flanagan

Todd Ramos and Deborah Duncan

Beth Clark and Yeti

People + Places
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

EVEN THOUGH WE hope things cool down outside, some folks in Houston are about to get even hotter with the arrival of trendy fitness studio Ritual One next month in Uptown Park. The Dallas-based concept will offer classes like Power Sculpt, Hot Pilates, Power Yoga, Inferno Flow, and Inferno HIIT — all taking place in its infrared-heated studios.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

Evan and Kate Elsenbrook and Elyse and Drew Tolson

SUPPORTERS OF RONALD McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston gathered for a whimsically fun fete at the Hilton Americas hotel. The 2024 Boo Ball was themed "Once Upon a Time," and it raised a true happily-ever-after amount of $1 million — a new record!

Keep Reading Show less
Parties