| DECEMBER 13, 2011 -- Some ran up to Santa Claus excitedly and jumped on his lap. Others were shy and sniffed around before going anywhere near him.
Dogs, cats and other pets posed with Santa Sunday afternoon at the Southington Grange's "Have Your Pet's Picture Taken with Santa" event. Visitors and their pets came through the front door, paid $3 and soon their pets were sitting on St. Nick's lap or resting by his side. A photographer snapped a couple of pictures and within minutes visitors were holding their souvenir.
Grange members Adam and Sara Marzi came up with the idea. Sara Marzi said they had worked at a nature camp where they've seen Santa spend an afternoon. Sara Marzi said that, since the Grange is an agricultural club, they thought people might like to bring their pets in and sit with Santa.
"We wanted to focus on the animals," Sara Marzi said.
Dogs on leashes were walked to the stage were Santa was sitting. Many barked and squirmed, but most were well behaved.
"I've been hearing a lot of ‘sit' and ‘stay,' but they're all good," Adam Marzi said.
The majority of pets who visited Santa were dogs, but all pets were welcomed.
"You can't bring your dog to the mall," Adam Marzi said.
Christmas carols were playing in the background while visitors enjoyed refreshments. Dogs were given little bone treats.
"I think this is super," said town resident Irene Zimnaruk, who brought her dog, Blue, to be photographed.
Zimnaruk said the event is a great way to support the community and help the Grange. There's a perfect frame waiting at home for the Santa photo, she said.
Grange member Patty Boissonneault said Santa attracted a steady stream of people and pets all day.
"It's really become a social thing. Everyone's been mingling. It's great," she said.
Members of the Southington High School Key Club sat at a table piled with coloring books, crayons and stamps. They were there to provide entertainment for young children. Freshman Angelika Zajac, 15, said the Key Club was having a good time coloring with children. She and others also enjoyed being with the "cute" dogs.
The first cat of the day was brought in by Southington resident Loretta Putala. Max let Santa pet him and hold him during his photo shoot, but this wasn't his first picture with Santa. Putala said Max, 4, had his photograph taken with St. Nick when he was 1 year old, at PetSmart. |
