INNISFAIL - For many, it just isn't Christmas without a photo with Santa.
Even for the family pet.
Dozens of pets and their families turned out to have their photos taken with Santa Claus Dec. 2 during the annual Pet Pictures with Santa at Poplar Grove Veterinary Services in Innisfail.
The annual event is a fundraiser for the Innisfail and District Food Bank.
"It's been a great turnout again. The weather is nice so I think that really helped us," said Stephanie Coleman, of Poplar Grove Veterinary Services. "It's our ninth year doing this.
"It's always a great thing to see all the families and pets come in and have their photo taken."
Coleman noted a steady number of families and their beloved pets on Saturday, including cats and dogs.
"We've had mostly cats and dogs today. We haven't had any large animals or any exotic pets,” she said. "A lot of people use the photos for Christmas cards. It's a great event."
The three-hour event ran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Every year the vet clinic invites their clients and members of the public to have their pet's photo taken with Santa Claus, and every year sees a number of both new and returning families.
One of them was Taylor Peitzsche with her cat Sailor. "It's fun; we were excited to come here today," said Taylor's mother, Bobbi Hogan. "You get to involve your pet with your Santa photos."
The event raised monetary donations and non-perishable food items for the local food bank.
"We're accepting a $5 donation or a non-perishable food item,” said Coleman. Everything we raise goes to the food bank. At this time of year every little bit definitely helps out.
"It's a great way to give back to the community," Coleman concluded.
Stephanie Coleman, Poplar Grove Veterinary Services
"It's a great way to give back to the community."
