Paws with Claws raises cash for food pantry, pet rescue

Not every member of the family is human.

That was evident Saturday at Animal House Veterinary Hospital in North Aurora when veterinarian Patrick Sage donned his Santa suit and offered "Paws with Santa Claws."

For $10, pet owners could get a framed picture and the digital image of their beloved pet with Santa-suitable for holiday cards. Proceeds go to the St. Peter Food Pantry in Geneva and Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets, or HELP, an animal rescue organization.

A steady stream of people came in with dogs large and small. Receptionist Gina Rapacki of St. Charles, dressed as Mrs. Claus in a red dress, white apron and wire-rimmed glasses, fetched a festive bandanna for each pooch.

Judy Devoe and her grandson Zach Duncan, 14, of Geneva, brought in Buddy, a 25-pound rag doll cat, and Dakota and Mariah, both Persian cats from North Dakota. Last year Buddy misbehaved.

"He attacked Santa," Devoe said. "I think we'll have to have their pictures taken separately this year."

Cindy and Doug Guilboard of St. Charles were there with Frost, 9, and Flurry, 1, both Siberian huskies.

"They're our kids, we don't have children," Cindy said. "We sign all our cards with their names on them."

Liz Lerch of North Aurora and Justin Kline of St. Charles brought in Travis, a 9-month-old pug/beagle/sheltie mix adopted from a Wisconsin shelter. All three wore red fleece sweaters for the photo.

Violet Petone of Geneva brought in Holly, 4, a golden retriever who took up every inch of Santa's lap.

"I got her on Dec. 20," Petone said, relating how Holly got her name.

It's the third year that veterinarian Sage has offered the service.

"You can see how the pets and the families change from year to year," Sage said from behind his white beard. "It's a good way to celebrate the season."