Whisker Kisses, a food bank for pets decided to get into the Christmas action. For $10, pet owners could have their four-legged, two-legged or slithering friends pose with Santa Claus at the 100 Mile Feed and Supply Store on Dec. 16.
The food bank, founded by Donna Land, has been running since 2014 and has been doing pictures for Santa for almost as long as it has been around.
“I just started my own thing and the good community has been an immense support,” said Land.
This year though, it has become just that more important.
Many pets found themselves displaced by the summer and some are still lost to their owners, says Land. She often has a feline visitor on her property and she has been trying to catch the likely lost cat to help return it to its family.
All the food Whisker Kisses gives to clients is donated and all clients have to do is give her a call and ask, no questions asked. Recently they’ve received two tonnes of pet food and all the money they receive through donations goes right back to the community and is usually used to acquire kitty litter and specialty foods for pets who are overweight or face other disabilities.
“We supply food to anyone who needs food for tomorrow or a whole month, for whatever reason,” said Land, adding she didn’t care about the circumstance. ”I would be devastated if I was in the position of feeding either my dog or my husband because the dog would obviously win.”
Whisker Kisses will also support people from outside 100 Mile House and has been known to drive all the way to Canim Lake and 150 Mile but usually encourages people to meet them closer to town
Land estimates between 30 to 35 pets were photographed including a mini-horse. Unfortunately, no reptiles were reported to have been interested in snuggling with Santa’s beard. Though, Land did have a funny story about three bearded dragons being tossed onto her when she took on the staring role last year.
“When they’re just tossed on you - I didn’t want to drop them,” she said of the experience.
Anyone who needs pet food is encouraged to contact Whisker Kisses at 250-706-7434 or whisker kisses1@gmail.com.