December 22, 2014 at 2:40 p.m.
Santa poses with local pets during weekend visit
Santa poses with local pets during weekend visit
By Kayla Thomason-
Santa was busy - 20 dogs stopped in during the first hour of the event.
Kayla Alsteen's Boston terrier, Chance, had his picture taken with the jolly man. It was his first time meeting Santa.
"I think he did really good, he wasn't nervous at all and he loves having his picture taken," Alsteen said.
She was happy the event was offered and found it to be a good socializing experience for her pet.
"I think it's a really good opportunity to get your pets out and get them interacting with other animals and get them out and about during the wintertime," she said.
Alsteen's mother, Pamela Schwoch, and her dog Isabella were also first-time visitors.
Schwoch thought her dog did really well despite being a little shy.
"I think everybody that can should take their dogs to have their picture taken," she said.
Dogs weren't the only ones who took advantage of the opportunity to sit on the lap of the man in red.
Dale Temple's cat Leo didn't make a fuss.
Temple was so surprised at how well Leo did she said she will probably bring him again next year.
"I think (the event was) awesome and I really like that the photos are emailed because you can just share them on Facebook and email them," Temple said.
The pet photos with Santa went over so well last year that Santa agreed to a return engagement.
"I think it's a nice thing that these guys do and it's just kind of an original idea and it's just kind of fun, you know, come out and get your picture with your dog with Santa," Dan Brekke said. His golden retriever Baxter enjoyed his visit with Santa.
The first time that Baxter met Santa, Brekke didn't know what to expect. He was concerned Baxter would be afraid of the Santa suit, but the dog was just fine.
"For a lot of people that come in they have come in repeatedly and ... the reason for that is their pets are their children," said Amanda Parish of AP Photography. "It's great to (take photos) for them, especially since it's free and it's a great event."
She was pleased and impressed by the pets' behavior.
"I think they've been cooperating pretty well actually," Parish said. "I use a squeaker toy, which gets them to kind of perk their ears up and make them pretty photogenic."
Some dogs came wearing outfits or had their fur dyed red and green for their holiday photos.
"(The photos) are turning out great, the dogs have been cooperating so far, Santa hasn't had any bites yet so, so far so good," said Dan Gallagher, owner of Pawz n' Clawz.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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