There's a whiff of anarchy in the air. The small storefront is filled with dogs yipping and panting as they strain at their leashes. It's like a canine version of Noah's Ark: shelties, huskies, corgis, mutts, cocker spaniels, golden retrievers and even a miniature schnauzer whose owner admits, in a hushed voice, that the dog drinks only bottled water. This is the heartfelt but slightly zany world of doggie pictures with Santa

"C'mon, Moosie. C'mon," croons one pet parent, wiggling her fingers in a failed attempt to get the dog to look lively. Looking lively is not widely regarded as a dominant basset trait. "Oh, c'mon, Moose -- are you going to be a good girl?" Short answer? No. But there's no baying, no biting, no bolting. Moose just refuses to look up and smile.

The beagle's family has him decked out in candy cane and holly antlers. But the things keep falling off, so Paws is spared the indignity of a photo in them. They call this event a fund-raiser, but the real goal is animal adoptions. The Santa thing got added to the mix three years ago. There are few challenges for this 'pet' Santa, who has had to contend with rats, ferrets, iguanas and even a horse in past years. Still, he prefers this to dealing with kids. "Animals don't ask questions, so I don't have to promise them presents," he says. "They don't intentionally pull on the beard. And they don't get upset if you take off the beard between pictures."

HOLIDAYS ARE GOING TO THE DOGS TOO!
Santa will be stuffing Fido and Fifi's stocking on Christmas Eve
Detroit Free Press, December, 2001

The holidays are going to the dogs. Or at least plenty of spending dollars are. Economic times may be tough, but no one neglecting their four-legged friends at home.

Just about everywhere shoppers look this year, there are gift ideas for Spot and Fluffy. A survey of 263 pet owners conducted by a major pet retailer found that the chain's average customer will spend $53.49 on gifts for his or her dog or cat.

People just love lavishing attention on their pets at holiday time," said one boutique owner. At stores inside a local mall, it's pure kitty and doggie decadence. How about a $220 Burberry canine trench coat, complete with straps, belt and wool collar? Or maybe your favorite dog would like its own $195 grooming and travel supply basket from J. Peterman. The store expects a three-CD set to arrive soon that contains music to please your pet while you're away. It retails for less than $30.

If all this is too much for your budget, not to worry. There is always the old standby, such as a long walk, a good brush, a $2.50 can of tennis balls or an 85-cent play mouse that are sure to please.