Conrad, 22, was the marquee name at the event, which was sponsored in part by Animal Fair Magazine. Conrad is on that magazine's summer issue her rescue dog Chloe in an outfit that Conrad designed.

According to a press release, Conrad would be among the "celebrity dog walkers" to strut down the catwalk with "dapper celebridogs" wearing "matching one-of-a-kind specially designed outfits." But at the event, emcee Robert Verdi announced to the crowd, "Lauren Conrad ran for The Hills."

Wendy Diamond, founder of Animal Fair magazine, complained to People magazine after the event that, "This is an event to raise money for homeless animals. It is not an event for Lauren Conrad and her assistant to party in New York at the All-Star weekend."

Conrad's publicist later released a statement denying the charges, and a slightly reworked version of the statement later surfaced under Conrad's name on her Celebrity MySpace page:

"I would like to address some of the internet rumors regarding what happened at an event I attended in New York on Tuesday. I was invited by "Animal Fair Magazine" to attend a charity event, "Paws For Style" fashion show. I have always been a supporter of animal causes. I own 2 rescue animals and this sounded like a great event. I agreed to pose for the cover of the magazine, host the event, do press at the event and donate clothing, all of which I did.

I was not aware of any other commitments. I was not paid to attend the event and my hotel room was donated to the charity. I also made a voluntary donation to the Humane Society for more then the cost of my airfare so there would be no expense to the charity. I have always been responsible and keep my word on all commitments. I am extremely hurt and disappointed that Wendy Diamond would go to the press and attack me with untrue statements.

Anyone who knows me, knows this is not the kind of person I am or who my parent's raised me to be. It's just embarrassing that people are saying these things about me. I was trying to do a good thing and help out a charity by doing everything I agreed to do. I continue to support the Humane Society, as it is a wonderful organization."