Cher’s ‘show’ dog fetches top bid

Las Vegas dog lovers went dog wild Sunday.

Fetching the highest bid of the day at The Animal Foundation's 7th Annual Best in Show at the Orleans Arena on Sunday was a plaster cast "show" dog covered with Swarovski crystals and donated by Caesars Palace headliner Cher.

The Cher dog went for $6,100, almost half of the $12,000-plus raised from the "show" dogs donated by local celebrities and productions. The winning "show" dog featured the autographs of Cher and legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie, who helped design it.

Another $10,000 came from a raffle for a black and white diamond brooch.

The "Jersey Boys" dog, which sported a suit and tie and multicolored sequins on the lapel, brought $1,000.

Emcee Terry Fator purchased a special-needs German shepherd named Rebel and bid against himself to raise more money for the shelter.

The Best in Show winner was a 1-year-old boxer named Odie, who went for $350. All of the 40-some dogs were adopted.

Across town at the Coachman Restaurant, 3240 S. Eastern, the Puppies on the Patio brunch attracted 67 diners and 48 dogs. The lucky dogs ate free, wolfing down their choice of filet mignon or chicken served with rice and carrots.

Chip Lightman, co-owner of the restaurant, said he's paws-itively delighted with the turnout for the 4-week-old promotion and plans to continue it indefinitely. Several of the canine clientele showed up dressed to the nines, including birthday boy Sparkle and Star, owned by KVBC-TV, Channel 3, entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

About 700 VIPs, most of them representing the who's who of Las Vegas, attended Saturday's formal opening of the Life Activity Center at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. It was a night of raves for the Frank Gehry-designed facility. The 81-year-old iconic architect was on hand to soak up the praise from Larry Ruvo, the driving force behind the medical center that officially opens today. ...

The windy season that won't end canceled a Sports Illustrated shoot with NBA superstar LeBron James on Friday. He was spotted at the Bellagio pool but left when the pesky winds created problems for the photographer. ...

Correction : "Love Ranch" is not the first time Taylor Hackford directed his wife, Helen Mirren. They teamed up in "White Nights" in 1985.

SIGHTINGS

At the Palms on Saturday: Rocker Dave Navarro, dining at N9NE Steakhouse. At another table: baseball's Pete Rose, with friends. ... At Moon Nightclub: the band Rev Theory. ... At the Playboy Club: actor and comedian Finesse Mitchell and actor and writer J.B. Smoove. ... Rebecca Mader of "Lost," hosting a "Lost" finale party at Lavo (Palazzo) on Saturday. Also at Lavo: "Iron Man 2" star Jasmine Dustin, Ryan Eggold from the CW's "90210." Eggold treated sister Nicole to a 21st birthday celebration.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Fake postcard from Mullah Omar in Las Vegas reading 'This place is awesome, dude!'" -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Ways to get Osama Out of His Cave

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.