Santa Paws 2009

By Eric Goebelbecker | Published: December 7, 2009

Yesterday I had the privilege of playing Santa Claus for the second Sunday of St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center’s Santa Paws. The Mall at Short Hills allows people into the mall with their dogs for pictures with Santa and the proceeds go to support St. Hubert’s mission.

Playing Santa to a bunch of people and dogs is hot, sweaty, and generally uncomfortable. Just sitting in one place for 3+ hours is difficult, and the addition of the lights, the suit, the wig, the beard and the general pandemonium make it almost unbearable.

I wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Here are some photos. You’ll see the controls to play the slideshow if you “mouse over” the picture. Enjoy!

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Weekend Update Octoboo! 31, 2009

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Wendy

LOL!
I would say that Santa is very lucky that you took this task off of his hands. He should also be happy that some of those dogs might recognize him on Christmas Eve & not take a bite out of him. ;-)

We haven't taken our big guy to see Santa in years, he tends to use strangers like he would a tree. Santa would have a wet spot.

egoebelbecker

I've made it through three years without a wet spot. Don't jinx me! :-)

Mary Haight

Santa's own personal steam bath: leather chair, heavy costume, beard, dogs on lap-woof. You wear it well! A seriously great thing that you contribute your time (and personal discomfort) to. Any hint on the most popular item requested??

egoebelbecker

Most requested was "get me away from this scary guy."

DesperadotheGSD

Oh how cute! Loved the shepherds of course. Did you experience 'scary Santa' syndrome? I love how the dogs they shove on Santa's lap have the exact same expression as the 5 year olds they shove on Santa's lap.

Here's Desperado getting up close and personal with Santa:

http://www.gadzoo.com/tulsaworld/Contest/contes...

egoebelbecker

Yes, a few dogs found Santa scary. A few others were baffled at why this familiar-smelling guy who used to give them treats at school was dressed so funny.

Desperado seems to have done well with Santa!

Mary Hunter

Awesome! How fun. And what cute pictures. I loved the three little pugs and also the big St. Bernard.

What did the dogs ask for for Christmas?! :)

egoebelbecker

Some of them asked if they can leave the man with the scary white beard and go home. Others seemed interested in having their own white beard to play with.