Deck the howls with bow-wows of holly...
Santa makes a special stop in Bradford West Gwillimbury each year. Sometime between the Santa Claus Parade and Christmas Eve, he drops in to Pet Valu, for the annual Pet Photos with Santa event.
Pet Valu provides the space, treats and Santa’s throne, Vicky Zanatta of Zwoman Graphics & Photography donates her time to take the professional photos, and the whole event is a fundraiser for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program, providing dog guides for Canadians with disabilities.
It’s a howliday tradition.
Any pet can pose with Santa. Most people bring in their cats and dogs, some dressed for the occasion - but Santa has also seen gerbils, hamsters, birds, bunnies and, this year, guinea pigs, and a metre-long ball python.
“I kept my distance, but we were fine,” said Zanatta. “The most difficult shots are when there is a combination of canine, feline and children in one shot, and poor Santa is trying to hold the animals… Very seldom will they all look at me at the same time!”
She relied on the owners – and a helper, who was squeaking and jiggling toys – to catch the attention of her subjects.
“Often times it is very easy to get the ‘money shot’ simply because the animals are looking at their human with complete adoration. Other times, we have dodged bites and claws. We stay calm and always let the animal smell Santa, and ask the owner what will work best with their pet.”
She photographed 66 pets on Nov. 25, raising a total of $830 for charity.
Pet Valu owners Liz and Bob Pegg are both members of the Bradford Lions Club, and the dog guide program is near and dear to their hearts.
“Dog Guides is special to us as we have a granddaughter who has an eye disease,” said Liz Pegg. “We realize how truly important independence and freedom are. This is what this program can help provide.”
The Lions Foundation of Canada trains and provides canine vision, hearing, seizure response, autism assistance, diabetic alert and service dog guides, at no charge. For more information, see dogguides.com.
“These dogs are provided at no cost to eligible Canadians from coast to coast,” said Liz. “The foundation relies solely on donations, as it does not receive any government funding.”
This was the seventh year for Pet Photos with Santa. “It is always a little magical!” said Zanatta.
Did you get your own, your kids', or your pets' photos taken with Santa? We'd love to see the pictures for a future gallery on BradfordToday. Email them to [email protected].
