Sisters canines meet Santa

Animal lovers in Sisters didn't have to worry about their pets feeling left out this Christmas, because Santa made a special appearance for a howl-iday celebration on Saturday at the Maida Bailey building behind the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.

The jovial gathering of canines and their pet parents provided Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the "Big Dog" himself.

Many people consider their pets cherished members of the family; it's no wonder that folks want photos not just of their kids with Santa, but their furry kids as well. And loads of folks and families brought their beloved furry friends inside the festive building Saturday to get a portrait with St. Nick.

"Pet Photos with Santa went fantastic on Saturday! I think everyone had a good time, people and four-leggeds alike," said Furry Friends Foundation (FFF) Founder Kiki Dolson. "The new location at the Maida Bailey building behind the Chamber worked wonderfully with an entrance and exit, so the dogs didn't have to cross paths."

Many volunteers manned the FFF table, where there were plenty of pawsitively great gifts for the holidays, such as hand-painted Christmas ornaments that could be personalized with your pet's name. And custom dog coats and sweaters hand-made by Monica Rendon and Valerie Fercho-Tillery.

"I want to thank the Sisters Chamber for allowing us to use that space and the volunteers who help with the event, Valerie Fercho-Tillery, Adrienne Graham, Kelly and Olivia King, Marsha Marr and Monica Rendon. Also big thanks to Sam Hernandez aka Santa, from Central Bark and Jodi Schneider our photographer," Dolson said.

Pet Photos with Santa benefits Furry Friends Foundation Pet Food Drive, held in conjunction with the Kiwanis Holiday Food Share program to help Sisters-area families.

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 needs. You can also purchase pet food at Sisters Feed & Supply, and they'll deliver it for you.