Santa Paws returns to Cork for worthy cause

We all remember going to visit Santa when we were little. It was the highlight of the pre-Christmas season and memories were made of this.

Photographs taken with you on Santa’s knee were treasured for years afterwards, and still turn up in old albums that you bring out to show your grandchildren. While your dog sits at your knee, wondering what all the fuss is about...

Well, now there is no need for Beauregard or Belle, Tasha or Rover to feel left out of the preparations for The Big Man’s annual visit.

Yes, you may currently be putting two packs of chews and one box of treats on their shopping list for Christmas Day, but wouldn’t your beloved pet also like to visit Santa himself? Maybe even get dressed up, and have his photo taken with him?

Now he can!

Belrose Boarding Kennels & Cattery out at Upton is bringing back its super-successful SantaPaws event at the end of this month, in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“We started this special fundraiser last year in memory of our dear late friend Tim Kelly, to benefit Marymount Hospice,” explains Catherine Neary.

“We got such amazing support from everybody, and it was all so much fun, we’re bringing it back again this year, to benefit the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, which is such an important charity, and does so much.”

It’s not only a service for her regular clients who bring their dogs (and cats) to stay here when they are going away, but so many other visitors crowd in as well, delighted at the opportunity to have their pets’ pictures taken with Santa, and also to benefit charity.

But is he a friendly Santa, we demanded to know. Does he understand the canine mindset, and will he make his guests feel truly welcome, at ease, and loved?

Catherine peals with laughter.

“Oh he does! Every single doggy guest is a delight to him. They get special pats and cuddles, and feel so safe and happy while getting their picture taken.

“We have so many pictures from last year, you can see them on our Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/belroseboardingkennels/)

“There are some really zany videos to be found on there too, with all the dogs pouring out of the waiting area and into Santa’s den with delight on every face.”

Santa’s den is really the charming living room that has been set up within the boarding area at Belrose so that dogs can feel really at home when they stay.

“Most pets, especially the smaller ones, are used to being in the living room at home, perhaps having an armchair or sofa to sit on, so we thought we would provide all that here for them too, and they love it,” said Catherine.

Take a look at their website, and you will see dogs strolling around, taking a nap on the carpet, hopping up on to an armchair, or sharing a sofa with several new friends.

It’s a really great idea, and would reassure any nervous pet owner that here at Belrose they really understand their guests.

It will be a chaotic couple of days for Catherine and Martin Neary, with more eager owners and their pets arriving every minute, all eager to capture that special moment when they meet Santa, and bring away a lovely photo memento.

They love every minute of it though, despite the hard work it involves, and the occasional crisis when a tiny Chihuahua or Jack Russell decides it doesn’t like a huge Dobermann and is determined to tell him so to his face.

Fortunately, they are both experts in defusing such situations, and are well able to keep things calm.

This year has a poignant touch to it though for Catherine.

“We sadly recently lost our beloved dachshund Lola, and we’ll always cherish the photos we have of her from last year’s SantaPaws,” she said.

“This year’s event feels all the more meaningful as we remember our lovely Lola, who brought so much love and joy to everyone she met.”

Catherine, anybody who has ever lost a pet will sympathise with your feelings. Happily, we believe there is now a very new furry baby in residence who will, in time, fill the empty space left by Lola.

They can’t wait to see everybody at Belrose on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30.

“SantaPaws is such a special event,” said Catherine. “It’s not only a chance to support a great cause like Guide Dogs for the Blind, but also a lovely opportunity to capture memories with your pets that you’ll treasure forever.

“There will be all sorts of other things going on too – exciting raffles, and a special prize for the best-dressed pet!”

Now who could resist bringing their dearest and closest furry friend along for such an experience?

The opening hours are Saturday, November 29 from noon to 6pm, and Sunday, November 30 from 11am to 4pm. No booking required — walk-ins only.

The charity donation: €20 for a digital photo of your pet with SantaPaws (either cash or via the handy link here). https://guidedogsie.enthuse.com/cf/santapaws-at-belrose-boarding-kennels-and-cattery

Catherine and Martin are already busy hanging the silver chains from the ceiling of The Dog House (really, we think that should be The Dog Drawing Room), and fastening the brightly-coloured Christmas stockings along the mantelpiece above the fireplace.

“Thank-you all in advance for your kindness and support!” they laugh. “Here’s hoping we really do some good for Guide Dogs for the Blind this year – and give a lot of pets and their owners some festive cheer!”