Santa Claus Fundraiser Aids Dogs in Avoiding Shelters

An event featuring dogs meeting Santa Claus is contributing to efforts to keep animals from entering shelters during the Christmas season. According to Dorset Dogs CIC, an increasing number of individuals are surrendering their pets due to the escalating cost of living, which has led to rescue facilities becoming “overrun.” The organization, which operates 12 pet food banks throughout the county, provides tinned and dry pet food to owners facing financial difficulties, enabling their dogs to remain in their residences. Anticipating increased need this winter, the charity has arranged for numerous dogs to be photographed with Father Christmas in return for a contribution. Nicky Crowe, the founder, noted that while the majority of dogs enjoyed posing with Santa, some were “a bit freaked out” by his beard. The inaugural Santa Paws event, held at Ojo Rojo in Bournemouth on November 24, sold out completely, and a subsequent event at Honky Tonk Collective in Hamworthy on Sunday is also projected to attract significant interest. Ms. Crowe mentioned that some participants display the photographs in their residences or incorporate them into Christmas cards. She stated, “The dogs love it because it’s all about them,” and added, “We don’t have dogs for very long and it’s amazing to be able to give families a moment that you can capture.” The initial pet food bank established by Dorset Dogs, located in Canford Heath, began operations approximately two years prior, following Ms. Crowe’s observation of owners surrendering their dogs due to difficulties affording their food. She explained, “The rescue centres are overrun, the reason is that there’s been a huge spike in the cost of living and the pet food prices have gone up.” She further elaborated, “I thought if we could prevent dogs going into rescues, if we could help ease the pressure at least on the food, then we can keep them in their homes.” She reported that pet owners had informed her of their practice of utilizing meat from human food bank provisions to feed their canine companions. “The love they have for their animals, that really made me cry,” she commented. The charitable organization currently operates pet food banks in Blandford, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorchester, Poole, Portland, West Howe, West Moors, and Weymouth. Following the successful outcome of the initial Santa Paws event in 2023, the charity resolved to establish it as an annual fundraising activity. Ms. Crowe further stated, “There’s more demand at our food banks over the winter because they need more food.” Readers can connect with BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.