Monday, December 16, 2013
Pine Buff, Arkansas

One of the Christmas traditions in my fair city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is the annual Jefferson County Humane Society photo shoot with Santa Claus.  Held at Margland Bed and Breakfast, this filled-with-smiles photo session offers dog (and cat) families the opportunity to have their pets photographed with the Jolly Old Elf — or even in his lap, size permitting.  There are no hard and fast rules, so if family members want to join their pets in front of the lens, have at it.

Ears Up!

The dog’s name is José.  He initially eyed me with great suspicion.  Just for grins, I looked at him and in a friendly but firm voice, I said, “José ears up!”  You never know until you ask.

For the last three years, I have had the pleasure to be behind the lens at this event.  One hundred per cent of the event proceeds benefit our local humane society.  This dedicated group of volunteers sees that hundreds of abandoned, discarded, mistreated, and otherwise not-so-well-treated critters get a second chance at finding a “forever” home.

One Beard Deserves Another

St. Nick and this pooch can compare proportional facial hair length.  Hair color is out of the question.

Family Strong!

Three generations and their friendly local boxer share the merry moment in a spirit of familial strength and good cheer.

No Explanation Needed.

Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!

The Humane Society Christmas photo shoot is one of fun, laughter, and no small measure of comic relief, which is to be expected when families and their dogs co-mingle.  Underlying the boisterous merriment is the fact that many of the furry participants are there only because the Jefferson County Humane Society intervened and diverted a less desirable destiny.