While pictures with Santa aren’t unusual this time of year, pictures with Santa and assorted pets is. As noted by Rachel Bearbower, Kitsap Humane Society’s special events coordinator, “Anytime you can wrangle a cat on a trip is unique.”

The Kitsap Humane Society hosted their 20th annual Holiday Pet Pix fundraiser in two of three locations. On Sat., Nov. 23 at Petsmart in Silverdale and Sun., Nov. 24 at the Kitsap Humane Society, local pet owners were invited to get their pictures taken with their pets and, of course, Santa Claus.

According Bearbower, the event started out quite small but has grown into a large annual gathering. This year, over 50 people brought their pets for a special photo session with Santa.

“The animals were very well behaved at the first two events,” Bearbower noted. “The best picture by far was where a family had a picture of their toddler and their puppy with Santa. The toddler was flailing around and the puppy was just cute and calm as can be.”

“Not only is it a fun and festive day to celebrate the holidays and our animals, but it is also a great opportunity to raise money and build awareness about the shelter and our mission,” Bearbower said. “We’ve had all sorts of animals such as chickens and horses, but we’ve even seen llamas come through.”

If you missed the first two events but want to participate, don’t fret: one final picture event is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 7 at Bay Hay & Feed on Bainbridge Island from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All photos are printed on the spot by Hudson Photography and packages start at $12.

Along with a list of adoptable pets, the Kitsap Humane Society has a wish list of items the shelter currently needs. You can view it online at www.kitsap-humane.org/wish-list.