The Danville Area Humane Society is inviting the public and their pets to a Pet Photo with Santa event at the city animal shelter. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 10th, from 11 am – 2 pm. The $8 fee includes a 4×6 color picture in a holiday card frame. Children who have their picture taken with Santa will receive a small holiday gift.
During that time, Dr. Mary Betterton will microchip animals for Danville and Pittsylvania County residents for $10; that price includes the registration. The limit is two per household.
Paulette Dean, executive director, said, “We have had this fun event for 22 years. Many dogs have come for years to have their picture taken with Santa and it is so heartwarming to see how their humans have loved them and have taken care of them through the years.”
Although most of the animals that come are dogs, cats, birds, pigs, goats, ferrets, and a hedgehog have also participated in the event.
Police Office Jim Godfrey has been our Santa for ten years. Dean said, “Even when Officer Godfrey left the Danville Police Department for two years to return to Pennsylvania, he made the long drive back to be Santa. The next year, only a snowstorm kept him away. We were so happy when we heard that he was coming back to DPD. Officer Godfrey has transported animals to our adoption partners, and in his responsibilities as a police officer, has rescued many animals. He is a true hero for the animals.”
April Hogan, shelter manager, said, “We hope that this is a very busy event. It is always so fun to see all of the animals, but this year, we urge people to have their pets microchipped. All animals that come to the shelter are scanned for one, and we are always happy when we are able to return an animal home because he had a chip.”