I took my dogs, Mali and Rainey for instant Santa pictures at Pookie’s last weekend.  We typically go to the mall, but decided we’d try something different this year.  Rainey can be a bit weird around dogs and Mali is typically scared of Santa so I was a bit apprehensive about taking them.  I convinced my husband to go with me so he sat in the car while I went in to assess the situation and pay for the pictures.  There was one dog in with Santa and one other in front of us.  I paid for the picture and told them we’d be int he car when it was my turn. In about 15 minutes someone came out to get us for our pictures.  They had Santa in the back where their bakery was located.  I was able to let my dogs off leash because it is a closed in room.  Being able to run around a bit immediately put them at ease.  They also had wonderful treats which helped Mali feel more relaxed.  You could also tell that Santa was a ‘dog guy’ so that helped a lot as well.

After about 10 – 15 minutes we were able to get Rainey to sit next to Santa and Mali to sit in front of him.  I left with a 4 x 6 printed photo and they emailed me the remaining 10 or so pictures the next day.

They were so patient and it was a wonderful experience.

The cost was $15.95 and the proceeds go either a local rescue or RescueFest so it is a win/win for everyone. The will offer pictures on the following days:

Sunday, 12/16, 12p – 4p

Saturday, 12/22, 11a – 4p

Sunday, 12,23, 12p – 4p

I highly recommend this to anyone wanting their dogs pictures taken with Santa.

For more information, take a look at their Facebook page.

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**UPDATE:  After looking at this event, Orlando Canine Connections has decided NOT to support it.  The name of the event is Celebrate Dogs, but they don’t allow you to bring your own dog.  I guess you are supposed to celebrate all dogs except for your own.  We support events that focus on events that allow you to enjoy the event with your dog in order to strengthen the human, dog relationship.  The other issue is that no rescues are allowed.  I’m not sure how you can ‘Celebrate Dogs’ when you don’t allow rescues.  My guess is that rescues are not allowed because they are in direct conflict with the AKC, the main sponsor of the event. 

Celebrate Dogs is coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on December 15 – 16.

Whether your interest is in the AKC Agility Invitational, AKC National Obedience Invitational, DockDogs®, or the daytime breed judging of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, this family-friendly event offers activities for all ages to enjoy.

Marvel at our Eukanuba SuperDogs® as they entertain in the K-9 Fun Zone and visit 150 AKC Meet the Breed® booths. Also, stop by the Canine Shopping Mall featuring a variety of doggie boutiques to fill your holiday shopping needs.

With more than 800,000 square feet of canine-centric activities to experience, Celebrate Dogs! will be Orlando’s “paw-ty” of the year. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information go to http://www.celebratedogsorlando.com.

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SpayNSave is having a holiday dinner on Saturday, December 1st at Garden Cafe (810 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando) to raise funds for the animals! Awesome prizes, 8 different vegan entrees for dinner and a guest speaker – all the ingredients for a great evening! All proceeds benefit SpayNSave, Central Florida’s choice for affordable, high quality spay/neuter services. Please share and help make this a successful holiday for the animals!

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The 4^th Annual Jingle Bell Dog Jog event will be part of the Orlando Christmas Parade in Orlando on Sunday, December 2nd to benefit the Orlando Christmas Parade and Pet Rescue By Judy.

The Jingle Bell Dog Jog participants will wind their way through the Downtown streets before the start of The Orlando Christmas Parade. Keeping with the parade’s theme, JINGLE ALL THE WAY, the dog jog participants and their canines are encouraged to wear holiday attire and jingle bells.

The Dog Jog will start at the corner of Rosalind and Central Boulevard and travel through the Downtown streets of Thornton Park and officially end on Robinson and Rosalind at The VUE. Judges will be stationed at the Amphitheater to select the Best Dressed pets. Awards will be given out before the Dog Jog on stage at Lake Eola Park. The largest “Team Entry” during registration will get free VIP seating for the Grand Parade on Summerlin Ave. and will be featured on JingleBellDogJog.com

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Pet-A-Palooza will take place December 1st at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, FL. This is a pet friendly event and will feature live music, food trucks, pet adoptions, vendors, a kid zone and much more!

Last year the fest had music by Parachute and Hanson, had 7 different food trucks and over 60 pets were adopted!

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