Santa CAAWS Is Coming to Town – Capital Area Animal Welfare Society hosts its 19th Annual Santa CAAWS pet photo event Sunday, Nov. 10.

Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS) hosts its 19th Annual Santa CAAWS pet photo event Sunday, Nov. 10.

Santa CAAWS’ is the organization’s second largest fundraiser, eclipsed only by the Mystic Krewe of Mutts Mardi Gras parade. Proceeds from both events are dedicated to providing operating revenue for the shelter, food, vet care, low cost spay/neuter, trap-neuter-release (TNR) feral cat programs, disaster assistance and humane education.

Each year, Mari Presedo and her volunteer krewe of Santa CAAWS elves create more than 300 custom photo packages, featuring an estimated 900 Capital City critters and their owners.

“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. When families e-mail 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, rats, a Serval (really big African wildcat) a baby squirrel and even a tarantula.

The various packages range in price. The average cost of a photo package runs around $30. The most popular package includes 25 4-x-8-inch holiday cards.

The shoot is scheduled in early November, so the portraits can be mailed two weeks later.

“The majority of people have their packages in their hands by Thanksgiving, just in time to address cards while watching football after eating too much,” she says.

This year’s Santa CAAWS kicks off at 9 a.m. at Cortana Mall Entrance 3. No appointment is necessary.

Consider how many people and pets can fit in single sitting.
The backdrop, which changes every year, is 10’x10′. Presedo says she’s photographed “12 extremely well behaved dogs with two humans in one sitting,” and she estimates “six to eight humans each holding a pet is probably the comfortable limit the background allows.”

Prepare for a successful shoot before leaving home. It’s best if owners water—but not feed—and walk their dogs immediately before coming to Cortana. In case of an accident, CAAWS stocks products, so owners can pick up after their pets. Exercise calms pets and tires them a little, which helps maintaining a calm submissive energy at the event.

To costume…“Some of my repeat families have themes every year,” Presedo says. LSU Tigers, Southern Jaguars and Saints are always popular attire. Some families all wear antlers and other seasonal clothing. Generally speaking, people tolerate costumes—especially the uncomfortable ones that fall out position unpredictably—better than pets.

…or not to costume? CAAWS actually has loaner dog holiday accessories for the shoot. However, as tempting as those seem, Presedo cautions: “most dogs hate wearing hats and antlers. It’s hard to get them to ‘smile’ when they feel they are being ‘punished.’ So if this is your intent, have them wear [a costume] a little around the house first and reward them heavily for tolerating it before picture day.”

Remember: To a pet, Santa appears to be a big furry, smelly stranger. Just like a human child who gets passed off to a huge red-suited, bearded stranger for the first time in an unfamiliar place, pets may be frightened, leery or super excited to see Santa. Some animals might not be intimidated by the person as much as the suit. It doesn’t take long for the Santa suit to smell like really big dog pack with maybe a wisp of cat, rodent or lizard. “For some dogs, it’s like going to a virtual dog park and hearing all the gossip,” says Presedo. Some sniff Santa and begin wagging crazily Santa smells like a dog or human they know. Some pets enjoy the social outing. To others, it’s unbearable sensory overload. “Give your pets a few seconds to settle, and we will get a beautiful picture. I promise,” she says. She can also shoot a fun, family photo even if that means St. Nick is nixed.

Believe in the magic of the season. Presedo and her team are determined to get great pics of everybody—even the most high-strung and temperamental animals. “It’s amazing how many of the dogs know exactly what’s expected of them,” she says. “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.”

Get in the spirit. “The best pictures are the ones where everyone is comfortable and happy to be there,” Presedo says. One year, Santa was holding a toddler in one arm and dog in the other. As Presedo snapped, both “kissed” Santa at the same time. “Santa’s eyes were closed, and he had a blissful, surprised smile on his face, as both lab and child showered him with affection,” she says. “You just can’t plan that.”

Among the pets who will benefit from this year’s Santa CAAWS are:

Lalia is a one-and-a-half-year-old dilute tabby. She came into rescue when her previous owners abandoned her furry family in a laundry basket. Lalia is interested in playing with anything that dangles, wiggles or squirms. When she’s not in pounce mode, she is very affectionate and loves attention.

Emma is an eight-year-old golden retriever mix, who loves to cuddle. She is a lovely girl, who is eager to be around people and just soaks up attention. Emma is a little shy and a bit timid around other dogs. While she has a severe thunderstorm fear that requires a lot of understanding and patience, she is a perfect and grateful companion for someone seeking a fairly low-key dog.

Sol is elegant buff tabby boy, who is about one-and-half-years-old.

Pimento is an absolute spitfire. This one-and-a-half-year-old Chihuahua mix loves people, tennis balls, rawhides and cats. She does however acquire a little “big dog attitude in a little dog body” around smaller dogs and can become nippy. Pim loves cuddling and always wants to sit on your lap or sleep next to you in the bed. She likes to play fetch and run around off the leash at the dog park.

Cassie is a beautiful one-year-old longhaired orange tabby with buttery soft fur.

Ginger came to CAAWS as a stray. For a brief time, after being found and before coming to the shelter, she lived with a family. In their home, she discovered a penchant for chasing and eating flavored bubbles, sitting on a swing and riding in a car. A bit shy, this five-year-old is easily startled by noises; other dogs and cats are also cause for anxiety. Ginger is probably best suited to a home with older children. Nonetheless, her quiet demeanor, obedient nature and sweet temperament will make her a great canine companion for the right owner.