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How Santa is helping dogs stay out of shelters

Seven Springs Studios A greyhound wearing a red balaclava. In the background, Santa Claus is looking at him.Seven Springs Studios
The money raised will go to pet food banks across Dorset

A fundraiser where dogs meet Santa Claus is helping to prevent animals ending up in shelters this Christmas.

Dorset Dogs CIC said more people were giving up their pets because of the rising cost of living, meaning rescue centres were "overrun".

The charity, which runs 12 pet food banks across the county, donates tins and kibble to struggling owners so dogs can stay in their homes.

Expecting a higher demand this winter, it has organised for hundreds of hounds to have their photos taken with Father Christmas in exchange for a donation.

Founder Nicky Crowe said most pooches loved posing with Santa - but some were "a bit freaked out" by his beard.

Seven Springs Studios Nicky Crowe, a woman wearing a pink jumper with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on her lap. They are sitting next to a Christmas tree.Seven Springs Studios
The charity's founder, Nicky Crowe, posed with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Merlin

The first Santa Paws event at Ojo Rojo in Bournemouth on 24 November was a sell-out, with a second at Honky Tonk Collective in Hamworthy on Sunday also expected to be popular.

Ms Crowe said some people hung the photos in their homes or put them on Christmas cards.

"The dogs love it because it's all about them," she said.

"We don't have dogs for very long and it's amazing to be able to give families a moment that you can capture."

Seven Springs Studios Santa, a man with a white beard and glasses, holds a Yorkshire Terrier. The small dog has some of its hair tied on its head with a pink hairband and is wearing a white jumper. Next to them is a Christmas tree.Seven Springs Studios
Dog owners are charged £10 per pooch for the opportunity to meet Santa

Dorset Dogs' first pet food bank, in Canford Heath, was set up about two years ago after Ms Crowe saw owners giving up their dogs because they were struggling to afford food.

"The rescue centres are overrun, the reason is that there's been a huge spike in the cost of living and the pet food prices have gone up," she said.

"I thought if we could prevent dogs going into rescues, if we could help ease the pressure at least on the food, then we can keep them in their homes."

She said pet owners had told her they were using meat from human food bank packages to feed their dogs.

"The love they have for their animals, that really made me cry," she said.

Seven Springs Studios Two brown Spaniels dressed in red Santa Claus costumes sit on a red throne next to a Christmas tree and a teddy bear.Seven Springs Studios
A "best-dressed" award is given to the dog wearing the most festive attire

The charity now runs pet food banks in Blandford, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorchester, Poole, Portland, West Howe, West Moors and Weymouth.

After the success of the first Santa Paws event in 2023, the charity decided to make it an annual fundraiser.

"There's more demand at our food banks over the winter because they need more food," Ms Crowe added.

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