Animal hospital hosts pet photos with Santa

Submitted by Animal Hospital of Lake Villa

Animal Hospital of Lake Villa had a blast recently with its annual Craft and Bake Sale featuring pet pictures with Santa McGinniss.

The staff, clients and community came together for this event, making handcrafted goods and baking desserts. Anything from handcrafted dog toys to jewelry was made and donated by the community.

Two years ago, after a little persuasion, the staff of Animal Hospital of Lake Villa was able to convince primary veterinarian and owner Dr. Edward McGinniss to put on a fake belly and beard for pet pictures with Santa.

Clients and friends already love taking their pets for pictures with Santa, and they love it even more when Santa happens to also be the pet's primary veterinarian, although the event was open to the public.

It also helps that all the volunteers work at the hospital so they all have knowledge in greeting dogs and making them feel at ease for the photos.

"If we can get them to sit still for vaccinations, we can get them to sit still for pictures," said Chris Pomianek, who has worked as a veterinarian assistant for the hospital for nearly 15 years.

The pictures were only $5 for digital copies and the cost of the goods varied. Every year, proceeds from the craft and bake sale go toward a nonprofit organization or society to help humans around the world, while proceeds from pictures with Santa go to a rescue in need.

This year, AHLV was able to raise about $500 for The American Cancer Fund and $150 for Petropolis Rescue.

The hospital's next event is an Easter egg hunt from 2-4 p.m. March 19, which is free for kids younger than 12.

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