Puttin' on the dog: Dinner dance at The Breakers honors 'heroes on both end of the leash'

A slightly slobbery gentle giant took home the title at American Humane's 2023 Hero Dog Awards.

The event took place Nov. 10 at The Breakers and celebrated "Heroes on both ends of the leash."

The evening began with a reception in the Mediterranean Room before moving to the Venetian Ballroom for seating and the introduction of hosts Carson Kressley and Christie Brinkley.

"We are thrilled that Christie Brinkley is co-hosting the 13th Annual Hero Dog Awards," said Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane.

"Christie has spent her entire life advocating for animal welfare and that's exactly what we do here at American Humane. It was an honor to have her join us, and it’s a real pleasure to welcome back fantastic long-time host and animal lover Carson Kressley to our gala in Palm Beach. Carson is a committed ambassador for all animals, and especially our hero dogs.”

The night continued with dinner and a million speeches.

Seriously, a million.

Maverick, a Great Dane therapy dog from St. Robert, Missouri, was named the Hero Dog of the Year.

More: Finalists named for American Humane's 2023 Hero Dog Awards

"Maverick and his handler Kelly Brownfield have worked tirelessly to bring comfort and solace to our nation's military heroes through the United Service Organizations (USO), all while they both were facing their own internal battles against cancer," Ganzert said.

"It's these types of incredible stories about sacrifice, perseverance, and compassion that this award aims to spotlight."

Other finalists were Buda, the 2023 Military Hero Dog from Oceanside, California; Poppy, the 2023 Law Enforcement and First Responder Hero Dog from Columbia, South Carolina.; Moxie, the 2023 Service and Guide/Hearing Hero Dog from Ballwin, Missouri.; and Raina, the 2023 Emerging Shelter and Hero Dog from Perkasie, Pennsylvania.

Raina, who succumbed to old age just weeks before the awards, was honored posthumously.

More than 500 animal lovers attended, including Nicollette Sheridan, Jennie Garth, Donna Mills, Monica Seles, Martina Navratilova, Julia Lemigova and Adriana de Moura of "Real Housewives of Miami," and a bunch more who are know a Pom from a Peke.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Christie Brinkley and Carson Kressley hosts for 2023 Hero Dog Awards