30seconds with John McChesney – Santa goes to the dogs (and cats)

John McChesney has been president of Cat Haven, an adoption and spay-neuter organization, for four years. But for the seventh year in a row, he’ll don a red suit and false beard to sit for photos not with kids, but with Great Danes, Persian cats, and other PetSmart customers’ pets. We asked him what it’s like to be a Pet Santa.

Whose idea was the Pet Santa approach?

Well, it’s a national program. PetSmart makes the option available to rescue groups, and it’s up to the rescue groups to say yea or nay. PetSmart provides the venue, the rescue group provides the manpower, and 50% of the retail value of each photo goes to the organization—in this case, Cat Haven.

Is it enjoyable?

My reason for doing it is that the proceeds go to help the organization. It’s an interesting experience, definitely, but I enjoy it because I know I’m helping Cat Haven.

How messy is this job?

It’s really not too bad. We’ve actually purchased our own Santa suit, because at the end of the day the suit is really dirty, and no one wants to wear it the next day if it hasn’t been cleaned. The store provides one suit that they’re responsible for, but we have our own that we keep clean as well.

Any unusual animals cross your lap?

I personally have had photos with a duck, a pig, parrots, ferrets—another volunteer had a woman come in with her pet snake. The strangest animal for me was definitely the duck. It came walking in on a leash!

How hazardous is it? Have you ever been bitten or scratched?

Scratched, definitely. Interestingly enough, dogs tend to be more difficult than any of the other animals. They tend to get agitated more. Cats that get brought to these kinds of events are usually very well socialized—noises and lights don’t bother them. Dogs come in, and they see a strange man in a red suit, and they get scared.

What’s the most problematic aspect?

Baton Rouge weather. It can be extremely warm in December, and you’re wearing a Santa suit with padding. It gets really hot, as you can imagine.

Want to get a Santa photo with Fido? McChesney and other volunteers will be at the Siegen and Airline locations of PetSmart every Saturday and Sunday in December until Christmas, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photos are $9.95. Half of all proceeds will go to Cat Haven. For more about Cat Haven, visit cathaven.org.