DERRY — It was a happy holiday for all the tail waggers out there.
Xena, a golden Lab, kept her own tail wiggling as she waited patiently at the door of the Barking Dog in Derry. It was her day to meet Santa Claus.
"We just had her buffed and her nails done," Xena's owner Nikki Luce said. "I hope they keep her still long enough."
For London native Luce, it was a great day to carry on a holiday tradition.
"It's her first time with Father Christmas," she said.
Pups came out in force last weekend for the Barking Dog's annual pet photos with Santa event to support the Greater Derry Humane Society.
Once through the door, the line continued down a hallway. Some sported festive holiday sweaters in green and gold; others wore felt hats or furry antlers.
Paula Dunlavy held fast to little Penny, a wiry terrier mix, while waiting in line.
Penny was recently adopted by the Dunlavy family in East Derry.
"I promised my granddaughter I would send a photo of the dogs with Santa," Dunlavy said.
Santa took his place of honor inside the Barking Dog facility as pooch after pooch piled into the room to have their photos taken.
Near Santa's chair, a table full of holiday accessories like hats and collars stood available for pet owners to peruse.
Some dogs came already dressed in their holiday attire.
Two beagles, Daisy and Lily, behaved nicely while Santa kept a furry arm over them.
Jackson, a bull terrier, wore a hat and a coat for his turn with Santa.
His owner, Kristina Ackerman, said it was Jackson's first time.
For Santa, sitting for a few hours while dogs cuddle up to him was a rewarding way to spend the day.
"All the dogs are behaving very well," Claus said. "They are all good doggies."
The Barking Dog has hosted pet photos with Santa for several years.This year's efforts brought in more than $1,000 to help support the local humane group.
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