Sisters canines meet Santa

Santa has been really busy in Sisters this holiday season. First he put in an appearance in the Christmas parade and then visited all afternoon with boys and girls - but he couldn't go back to the North Pole without a visit with Sisters' furry kids; it's an annual tradition.

Since many people consider their dogs and cats as cherished members of the family, it's no wonder that folks want photos not just of their children with Santa, but their pets as well.

Loads of folks brought their beloved pets inside the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday to get a portrait with St. Nick.

"Pet photos with Santa are always so fun. The dogs come in super-excited," said Furry Friends founder, Kiki Dolson. "Its high-energy sprinkled with a little chaos. Everyone is so proud to show off their four-legged family member."

Pet Photos with Santa benefits Furry Friends Foundation's Pet Food Drive, held in conjunction with the Kiwanis Holiday Food Share program and Sisters-Camp Sherman fire department's annual toy drive.

"It's been a successful fundraiser for several years. We missed Jan Gould and her son Cooper this year. They began the event, but moved from the area last summer," Dolson said.

One heartwarming highlight at the event was the delivery of "Buddy," a rescue dog from the Three Rivers Humane Society, to Nan Daschel, his new pet parent.

"Vern Rendon, a volunteer at Three Rivers Humane Society, was there to help, and deliver Buddy from the shelter," said Dolson.

The little 8-year-old shih tzu was posted on The Nugget Facebook page Friday, and it was love at first sight for Nan, Buddy's new owner, when she first saw him in person at the chamber.

Donations are still being taken for the Furry Friends Pet Food Drive at The Nugget office at 442 E. Main Ave. Cash donations are greatly appreciated, as they allow targeted purchases of pet food for pets other than dogs and cats and for animals with specific dietary requirements. You can also purchase pet food at Sisters Feed & Supply, and they'll deliver it for you.

"I am so appreciative of everyone who helped, including Patti Risley, Vern Rendon, Marsha Marr, Hogan Warner, Wally Hathaway and especially Sam Hernandez from Central Bark, who plays Santa Paws every year, and to Jodi Schneider McNamee who was our photographer this year," said Dolson. "I also want to say thank you to everyone who came out with their pups (and one kitty) to support Furry Friends."

If your photos weren't requested to be emailed, the prints can be picked up at The Nugget office beginning Thursday, December 11.