Advanced Animal Medical invited the community to bring their pets on Saturday afternoon for a photo with Santa. Pet and Santa pictures are a beloved tradition that many pet families look forward to each year. It is a ‘purrfect’ way to welcome the holiday season with your furry family members.
“We don’t have children. Our cats are our children and it’s great to have somewhere to take them and have that fun family photo to cherish,” Lisa Meaker said.
Meaker brought all 5 of her rescued cats named Squirtle, Meeka, Jingo, Harper May, and Butterscotch to meet the man in red. She and her husband coordinated in plaid outfits and had a good time attempting to have the cats look at the camera. She relayed that it made for a fun afternoon.
Meaker also shared that she was not a “cat person” until she took a chance on Squirtle, who was in poor health when her mother abandoned her. According to Meaker, Dr. Askounis and her husband nursed Squirtle back to health and placed her for adoption.
“When we first met Squirtle, we were in love,” Meaker said. “It’s wonderful what Dr. Askounis and Dr. Martin do for pets, they are dedicated to rescue animals. They really care about pets as if they were their own.”
Terry LaMastus gladly filled the role of Santa because Pet and Santa Pictures are a highlight of his holidays. He has played Santa for pet photos for over 20 years. LaMastus shared that he enjoys meeting the animals and their families. The pets are typically dogs and cats, but he has had a variety of other visitors, including birds, rabbits, and gerbils.
“A photo lasts for forever, but we don’t,” LaMastus said. “Animals are part of the family and we do this every year so people can capture that moment and have fun.”
Emily Wierzgac, Client Care Representative at Advanced Animal Medical also enjoys the tradition of Pet and Santa pictures. Wierzgac believes that ‘fur babies’ should have an opportunity to be included in holiday festivities.
“My fur babies are my world,” Wierzgac said. “Pets improve people’s lives so much it’s nice to share the holidays with them in some way.”