BELPRE - A group of people wanting to help keep pets healthy will hold the fifth annual Paws with Claus for a Cause on Nov. 17.
"Last year we had between 45 and 50 pets have their photos taken with Santa," said Terri Taylor of Belpre, who helps organize the event.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department's bingo hall with photos costing $10 for one pet and $15 for two or more pets or people. The cost will include two four-by-six-inch prints.
"We welcome pets of all kinds and sizes," Taylor said. "We do recommend that people bringing cats bring them early or late, especially if the cats don't really like dogs."
She said the cost is increased for more than one pet because "it takes more time to get everyone to cooperate when there are two or more to work with."
All proceeds from the photos will go to The Max Fund, which is a Belpre-based animal rescue and aid organization that supports people who cannot afford vaccinations, spay and neuter and other health issues with their pets. The organization and rescue also cares for abused and unwanted animals.
Sharon Davidson of Belpre started the rescue and aid organization eight years ago when her 18-year-old pomeranian Max died.
Taylor became involved in the organization five years ago when her cat died.
"This is a way for me to honor his life and help animals in need," Taylor said.
The organization works with the area humane societies and has fostered and rehomed more than 50 dogs. It costs roughly $500 to get a dog in bad health back in good health, Davidson said.
"We work with the humane societies in the area to help those who cannot help themselves," Taylor said. "We are all doing similar work."
Last year's Paws with Claus for a Cause raised about $1,200 for the organization. The 2010 event raised roughly $1,400.
Taylor said she would like to see more than 50 pets at this year's Paws with Claus for a Cause.
"The number of pets has increased every year and I would love to see 75 or more there this year," she said. "Of course, the first year we had only nine."
Many people who attend use the photos for their holiday cards and include not only pets with Santa, but also the human family.
"Last year we had one family that had five dogs and two people," Taylor said. "It was crazy and I have no idea how we were able to get all of them to look in the same direction at the same time."
