HUNDREDS of dogs lined up to get a picture with Father Christmas at Dorset Dogs Christmas Santa Paws Market and Grotto.
Over £1500 was raised for Dorset Dogs through a fun and friendly event for dogs of all shapes and sizes at Rivo’s Hub in Hamworthy.
The four-legged friends could enjoy slurping a snowflake puppaccino, posing for the kissing booths, or quenching their thirst with pawsecco and herbal dog teas.
Dogs also had the chance to meet Father Christmas and snap a photo, thanks to a photoshoot by Billion Clicks Photography
There were 20 wonderful Christmas-themed market stalls from local businesses such as Webster’s Empawrium and Raw Nature dog food.
To get in the Christmas spirit, visitors could enjoy mulled wine and burgers, and be entertained by carols sung by The Quayside Choir and Hamworthy Children’s Community Choir.
Nicky Merlin, one of the organisers was overjoyed with the turnout and said: “It is such a fabulous turnout and it's all about the dogs.
"We've got a dog bar for them. We've got Santa Claus, so all the dogs are getting to sit on Santa's lap and it's important to us to raise the awareness of how important dogs are for your family.
“They're not just pets, they're part of the family.
“We're fun raising to keep families together, especially over Christmas as well.
“All the rescues are really overrun, so our pet food banks are helping to supply food for those and then we're also helping rescue dogs.
“The community of market stalls of all the people, they're not just here because they get money for it.
“They actively support Merlin's Pet Food Bank all the time and they raise awareness through their customers.
“A lot of them have donation centres or help deliver food or they sponsored calendars.
“So they're not just here to make money, they are here because they genuinely care.”
Aysha Sinclair, the event manager, said: “It's all about raising money for the pet food banks and supporting the venue.
“I think today is going really well and the dogs seem to love it all.
“It’s good to support local businesses here too.”
The event took place at Rivo’s Hub in Allens Lane, Hamworthy, on December 3.
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