This Sunday, Nov. 8, Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS) hosts its 22th Annual Santa CAAWS Pet photo shoot.
At this year’s event, Rechelle Brooks, DVM, also offers $15 microchipping with lifetime registration for 50 pets.
For the second year, the event will be held from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in BREC’s Forest Community Dog Park at 13900 S. Harrells Ferry Road.
Begun in 1979, CAAWS is the state’s first no-kill shelter, which has been 100% volunteer run since its inception. Besides hosting adoption events around town, CAAWS hosts regular adoption days at its Quinn Drive animal shelter.
Santa CAAWS’ is the organization’s second largest fundraiser—eclipsed only by the Mystic Krewe of Mutts Mardi Gras parade. All proceeds are dedicated to providing shelter, food, vetting and low cost spay/neuters, TNR (trap-neuter-release) feral cat programs, disaster assistance and humane education.
Each year, photographer Mari Presedo and her volunteer krewe create more than 300 custom packages that feature an estimated 900 Capital City critters.
“What I love most about Santa CAAWS is I get to document families’ stories from year to year—the milestones and the losses,” Presedo says.
“Couples come in one Christmas engaged, the next expecting and the next with a new baby and a new dog. And, when families email me to say one [of their pets] died, it breaks my heart, and I cry for them. They are all a part of my Christmas, and I am honored to be part of theirs.”
Besides a bevy of cats and dogs, Presedo has photographed goats, birds, rabbits, a serval (really big African wildcat) a baby squirrel, horses, donkeys and even a tarantula.
Furthermore, she says, “It’s amazing how many of the dogs know exactly what’s expected of them. They walk in tail wagging, sniff Santa, sit, ‘smile’ and walk out all within three or four minutes. The humans aren’t nearly as well behaved.”
The various packages range in price from $20 to $40. The most popular package includes 25 4-by-8-inch holiday cards, which are back in time for December mailing.
Families can receive a discount by bringing five canned goods for donation to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. In addition, they can also order photo packages online before the event and receive a 10% discount.
Even with online registration, no appointment is necessary. Over the years, volunteers have efficiently figured out how to quickly ferry people and pets into position.
Farley is a very curious little fellow. This 9-month-old likes to follow his brother, Felix (a shorter-coated black kitty), around and does as he does. While he is not as quite as rough and tumble as Felix, Farley is still a very playful little boy who loves attention. He is very interested in food and cries for the wet food as soon as his foster arrives with it.
Ludo is a 2-year-old male Brussels griffon mix. This beautiful boy has energy and love to spare.
Sassy is a 1-year-old female Siamese mix.
Randy is a 5-year-old male beagle/dachshund mix. This young, carefree, curious pup loves exploring and playing outside; however, his favorite things to do are give hugs, snuggle and even have his floppy ears rubbed.
Rose is a 2-year-old beautiful black and gray tabby. She’s very affectionate, loves to be held and is happy to nap on a hospitable lap. She also enjoys playing with the other cats and tolerates dogs.
Norma is a 4-year-old Chihuahua mix. She’s a yap-free gal who loves to squiggle into her foster’s arms and cuddle for hours. She is housetrained and responds to “come” and “sit” commands.
All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available through Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.
