A very canine Christmas

Even though Santa has been real busy in Sisters this holiday season, he couldn't go back to the North Pole without a visit with Sisters' furry kids - it's an annual Sisters tradition.

Loads of super-excited dogs stopped by Sisters Art Works on Saturday to get their Pet Photos with Santa taken with the jolly bearded man in the red suit.

For the second year, Sisters Art Works hosted a Holiday Open House Celebration with Furry Friends Foundation. Various artists showcased their handiwork; wooden boxes by Laurence Dyer, wreathes by Janet Zuelke, knit hats and garlands by Erin Borla, and creations by Kit Stafford, Tonye Phillips, Kathy Deggendorfer and other artistic friends. Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank also benefitted from the open house with the Entry Gallery full of hand-painted platters and textiles for sale by various artists.

"I'm always amazed how many dogs we can usher through the door in three hours, over 60 this year!" said Furry Friends Foundation founder and director, Kiki Dolson. "It's such a fun day, the Sisters community really supports us and for that I am so thankful.

"So many of the dogs come in all energized, with owners very much in tow. It seems impossible they could ever get settled down, but Santa (Sam Hernandez of Central Bark) works his magic on them and you look over and there they are all posed and ready for their photo shoot."

Santa "Sam" has volunteered his lap every December for eight years, to raise funds for Furry Friends Foundation.

"With our team of volunteers, including photographer extraordinaire Jodi Schneider, and Santa's helpers Monica, Vern, Valerie, Gregg, Dechen, Jeannie and Kelly, it made for a very successful day for Furry Friends," said Dolson.

It was a community effort.

"Kathy Deggendorfer of Sisters Art Works donated the space again this year, Sisters Chamber let us borrow the big chair again, and Sisters ReStore loaned us the Christmas tree," Dolson said.

Furry Friends has 286 pets to feed this holiday, with applications still being accepted.

"Funds raised from this event go directly back to those pets and their families. Thank you to all who helped, donated, and participated, two- and four-legged alike," Dolson said.

Much-needed cash donations are being accepted at The Nugget office, online at www.furryfriendsfoundation.org or by mail to P.O. Box 1175, Sisters, OR 97759. Individuals can also purchase pet food directly from Sisters Feed & Supply and they'll deliver.