DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Dogs were the guests of honor at a benefit gala inside the Knoxville Crowne Plaza on Saturday night.

Canines put on their fanciest attire for a dinner and live auction, that was also a benefit for the Morris Animal Foundation and the UT College of Veterinary Medicine.

All proceeds are going toward research for canine cancer.

According to Petsafe, one in three dogs are diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives, and half of those die of the disease.

But Laurie MacNair, whose own dog was treated for cancer at UT, says research doesn't just help canines.

"Everything they discover in the field for canines, they can also use for us, for humans, as a research endeavor it helps all of us. It also helps cats and other animals," said MacNair.

The Morris Animal Foundation is hosting a canine cancer walk at the cove in west Knoxville next month. Last year, the event raised more than $70,000.