PetsMart: Pet Santa takes his licks in holiday photo shoots

By Jennifer Miller, Rocky Mountain News

December 6, 2004

Santa always smiles.

No matter if a 30-foot python is wrapped several times around his neck. No matter if a 350-pound Saint Bernard is sitting on his lap. No matter if he gets peed on.

This isn't just St. Nick. It's Richard Blake, pet Santa.

For the next two weekends he'll be at PetsMart in Northglenn, west of Interstate 25 on 104th Avenue, for pet holiday pictures.

The photo sessions are courtesy of the store and Recycled Critter Rescue, a foster shelter that receives $5 from each $9.95 photo package.

Pet owners get two Polaroid shots. One goes in a plastic frame; the other slides into a cardboard ornament that reads, "Santa's favorite pet."

Blake, who has adopted cats from RCR, sits for five hours with the felines, dogs, ferrets and more.

On Sunday he had to restrain two huskies wearing reindeer antlers, help pick up a bulldog that fell off a big chest they were sitting on and rub countless dog chins. "Santa, you are so brave," one of the volunteers, tossing a squeaky yellow ball to attract the dogs' attention, told Blake.

"There's nothing I won't do," he responded. "But no boa constrictors, please," he joked, remembering one that slithered up his fluffy, red sleeve.

Chandra and Bill Thurston were first in line at 11 a.m. for pictures of Copone, a German shepherd mix, and Tessa, a border collie.

"They're just part of the family," Chandra said. "We'll send a picture to grandma and grandpa. I'm also doing it in part for the donation."

Most of the dogs being photographed came from rescue facilities.

There was Billy Bob, a Yorkshire terrier, who was to be put down. His owner, Dee Borquez, put a red collar with gold bells on his neck as he sat with Santa.

"They're easier than people," Borquez told Blake, after he took a picture with Billy and her other dog, Topaz. "They are, actually," he answered.

"I have to hold on to them like I'm loving them," he said. "Not like I'm holding on for my dear life.

"I'm really hoping someone will bring in a hamster or gerbil. I can just see the shot," he said, putting a hand in front of his chin as if holding a tray. "It would look so cute."

Pet photos

• What: Pet pictures with Santa at PetsMart.
• How much it costs: Two Polaroid pictures for $9.95. Recycled Critter Rescue, a local animal shelter, gets $5 of each sale.
• When: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11-12, and 18-19. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: PetsMart in Northglenn, just west of I-25 on 104th Avenue.