Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Pups around town had the chance to meet Santa Claus and have their picture taken with him and his reindeer at the Butler County Humane Society’s (BCHS) Pets with Santa event on Dec. 2. Kitty Palooza was also being held during the event at Sonya’s Dance & Fitness downtown. Around 10 kittens played with visitors hoping to find their forever family. 

Festively dressed pups of all shapes and sizes came through the doors, some more wary of the white-bearded Santa than others, while one pup in particular had a fit over her chance to meet Santa and the reindeer. 

Laney the Labradoodle came ready for her photoshoot dressed as a Christmas elf. Her mom Rebecca (Bec) Duncan, owner of Nanny’s restaurant, donated $100 to the BCHS and said the funds were raised by Laney herself as she ventured around town asking for donations in her special elf costume. 

“I have held a fundraiser for Christmas for underprivileged children at Nanny’s,” Duncan said. “Last year I added pets and donated to the shelter. This year I added BCHS because I started thinking about all that Kandys Killough has done for me through the years. Laney is in charge of fundraising this year, so it is only fitting to give back to her fur-friends.”

Duncan said that Laney also “writes” a blog on her personal Facebook page about her daily happenings, and has a loyal following. 

Kimberly Mathews, president of the BCHS, and Cory Rice, full-time volunteer at Kandys Killough’s animal sanctuary, hosted the events, and Travis and Cemira Powell volunteered their time to pose as Santa and his reindeer. Pictures were $20 and all participants received an advent calendar of dog treats. All proceeds go to help feed the animals with the BCHS and animal sanctuary.

Rice said the donations are very important, as it cost $400 per week to feed all of the cats and dogs onsite. 

“We did not have as many attendees as we had hoped for, but we are very grateful for those that did make their way out to be a part of the event and give support to the animals in need,” Rice said. 

Rice said they will continue to host Kitty Paloozas throughout the coming months. For any home looking to add a precious soul to their family, or to help the BCHS with fostering, call Rice at 334-368-8246. To donate to the BCHS send funds through CashApp @savealife3 or search Butler County Humane Society.