Long lines of pet owners were seen at Haney Builders Supplies in December, taking part in the pet photos with Santa Claus fundraiser.
Photographer Natalie Zuke, her Santa husband Chad Grant, and their children run the event, and this year it raised $4,000 in donations that will go to animal welfare charities.
In past years, they have seen horses, llamas, and goats, but there was no livestock this time – just a lot of household pets.
“I got no barn animals this year, but was pleasantly surprised with two guinea pigs, two bunnies and a hedgehog,” said Zuke. “Our last day was our busiest day on record raising $2000.
“I was in awe of how many wonderful people I met, and how they waited in such a long line for such a good cause. They are all amazing and I can’t thank them enough for supporting the animals,” she added.
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The money raised will go directly to the medication bill at SAINTS, and shelter building at PEACE.
SAINTS Animal Rescue is a Mission-based society (Senior Animals in Need Today Society) that takes aged animals, and those with special needs, into an end-of-life sanctuary to live out their final days. Zuke volunteers there. PEACE is also an animal charity.
It was the family’s fourth year offering pet photos with Santa, and Zuke said she finds it rewarding.
“It brought tears to my eyes seeing Christmas cheer pour into the owners eyes as I put a tiny little hat on their pup,” said Zuke. “That’s why I do this shoot.”
Zuke is also a dog walker who runs Dirty Dog Adventures.
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