Photo:
Allee Barr with her dog Meow and Santa (More photos on Photo Essay page)

Pets and people young and old, posed for pictures with Santa on Saturday, December 3rd as Puppy Dog Ranch presented "Photos with Santa Paws" at the old Elks Lodge Building in Silver City as a fundraiser for the NO KILL Rescue and Sanctuary located in Arenas Valley.

Despite the weather, pets, adults and children got into the Christmas spirit as they posed with Santa and it was all for a good cause, to benefit Grant County's only No-Kill dog rescue. Photos were sold at affordable prices of $5 and $10 and 100% of the proceeds raised go directly to the costs of ongoing care, housing, feeding, and medical care for the 36 current furry residents at Puppy Dog Ranch.
 
"I would like to thank our sponsors, David Mulvenna, for donating the use of the Ballroom, Vicki's Eatery, Yankie Creek Coffee and the Document Center. I would also like to thank our jolly-filled, loyal volunteers who helped us organize this event: Alyssa, Judy, Amanda, Ronnie, Esperanza, Robert, Deanna, Elissa, Irene, Henry, A.C., Anita, Patrick, and Debra. A special “thank you” goes to Kevin Rodriguez, our Vice President, for bringing so much joy to the attendees, as Santa,” brags Laurie West, Founder and President. She adds, ”This was our first year holding this event and we had a wonderful time! We are really happy with the turnout, despite the weather. We received so many complements and have been asked to hold it again next year.”
 
Among the decorations, wagging tails, and delicious posole and menudo for sale, Puppy Dog Ranch also presented a Holiday Bazaar, with tables and booths selling dog supplies, gifts for dog lovers, including their tastefully tasteless line of tee-shirts, and many booths filled with affordably priced gifts for the holidays, and also offering free gift wrapping services.
Adds A.C. Rodriguez, a full time volunteer at the Ranch, “The fundraising events we hold throughout the year are crucial to keeping the Rescue and Sanctuary open. We all work very hard not only caring for these unwanted dogs every day, building adequate dog housing to protect them from the elements, but also preparing, organizing and holding each fundraising event.”
Puppy Dog Ranch Rescue and Sanctuary is a 501