Santa was kept busy last week as he spent some time in Mission to meet with some four-legged friends.
The annual Me and My Pet Pictures with Santa took place to benefit the Fraser Valley Humane Society.
In all, 41 families attended and brought a variety of pets including all types of dogs from tiny Pomeranians to bull mastiffs. There were also six cats and two ferrets.
The event raised $900.
Kevin Smith was at the event “helping” Santa. He has been involved for the past 10 years.
Smith’s mother was one of the founding members of the Fraser Valley Humane Society and his father used to assist Santa, until Smith took over.
“I’ve always helped the animals. It’s a family thing. All of our family has been involved, one way are another. It’s just been part of my life since I can remember,” said Smith.
In the past decade he has seen all kinds of animals brought in for pictures, including tarantulas, snakes, birds, mini ponies, donkeys and geese.
“It’s always exciting.”
He noted that the bigger the dog, the more scared they are of Santa.
“Little dogs are no problem.”
One funny story Smith recalled involves a kind act by a young boy.
Smith was attending a summer fundraising barbecue when he saw a man drop a $20 bill on the floor. A little boy saw the man and told him he dropped the money.
Six months later and that same little boy was waiting to get his cat’s picture taken with Santa. Smith remembered him.
“I said Santa saw you be a good boy this summer when you saw that man drop his money. He was like, ‘Oh my gosh. Santa does see everything.’ ”