Helping Paws and Santa Claws pet photo shoot Sunday
Marnie Miszewski of Helping Paws is orchestrating a pet photo session fundraiser this holiday season like no other. She said this event began when a cat, named Bunny, got lost after it had been adopted out of the shelter. Miszewski got a call from a vet, who told her the cat had been found and was there after checking the micro-chip.
“I explained that it had been adopted, and tried calling the adopters, but never got a hold of them, so the woman who found her said she was going to keep her,” Miszewski said.
Much to her surprise, Miszewski said, the woman who adopted the cat, who was re-named Sugar, has a yearly tradition of dressing up with her husband as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, so people can take photos with their pets. Since they had now adopted the cat, they offered to come and pose as the Christmas couple for Helping Paws shelter.
The photo shoot will be held Sunday, Dec. 12, from 2-5 p.m., at Pine Island Community Church, 5320 Doug Taylor Circle, St James City, FL 33956.
Miszewski said anyone who would like a Christmas pet photo taken with their own camera, may do so at no charge, however, if anyone would like a glossy photo print, taken for them, there will be a suggested $5 donation.
This unique fundraiser could not have come at a better time, since the pandemic made fundraising very difficult last year, Miszewski said.
If anyone wants to give more than the suggested donation, which covers the cost of photo-paper, any contribution will be welcomed and appreciated. There will be refreshments at the event, she said, as well as items for sale.
Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary is at 10060 Mallory Parkway, E., St James City, FL 33956. Call 239-283-9100 for additional information.
To contact the church, please call 239-283-9944.