BELPRE - About 100 pets had their photos taken for the holidays on Saturday during the fifth annual Paws with Claus for a Cause.
"Today was awesome," said Sharon Davidson, organizer of the event and The Max Fund. "It was just wonderful with all of the pets people brought in."
The proceeds from the event went 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.
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JOLENE CRAIG Special to the Tiems
Terri Taylor, of Belpre, calms Wennie, a 5-year-old shih tzu, as the dog poses with Santa Claus in the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department bingo hall on Saturday during the fifth annual Paws with Claus for a Cause. All proceeds will go to The Max Fund, an animal rescue and aid organization in Belpre.
"I started the organization when my 18-year-old pomeranian Max died," Davidson said. "He was so special and I wanted to do something that would help other animals."
Pet lovers from around the Mid-Ohio Valley, including Parkersburg, Williamstown, Marietta and Belpre, brought their dogs, cats and other animals to be photographed Saturday.
"We had one family with parents and a child bring in a dog, a cat and a guinea pig," Davidson said. "And all of them were perfectly behaved."
Kathy Brant, of Belpre, brought her shih tzu Wennie, 5, to the event after seeing advertisements for it.
"I thought that it is a really good cause that I wanted to help, so I brought her," Brant said. "I will definitely bring her next year."
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," said Terri Taylor with The Max Fund. "We are all doing similar work."
Last year's event saw about 50 pets, so this year saw participation nearly double.
"It's just something we can do for the owners that helps our cause," Davidson said.
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's Paws with Claus for a Cause raised about $1,200 for the organization while the 2010 event raised roughly $1,400. It is unknown how much this year's event raised.
