Atlanta pets pose for Christmas photos with Santa Claus

Photo credit: Taylor Croft

Photo credit: Taylor Croft

On a recent Monday afternoon, Santa Claus set aside a three-hour slot just for pets at the Dunwoody Mall, a routine he will follow twice a week through Dec. 10.

Since Gable’s children had outgrown sitting on Santa’s lap, she brought her three-year-old dog instead. The Gables persuaded Koda to sit next to St. Nick, and Ella held out treats to the photographer to get her to look at the camera.

The key to a successful Christmas visit from a dog, Gable said, is getting some exercise beforehand. Koda played fetch for half an hour before her big trip.

Koda says in her comment, “Anywhere we can take them.” “The dog-friendly hometown of Decatur,” Gable said.

“She will go to dinner with us and we can sit outside. The businesses in Decatur let them in. She’s very well behaved,” she said, while Koda listened quietly and curiously to the hustle and bustle of the mall.

One of the next to meet Santa Claus: a gray cat named Ellie, who squirmed a little but still took a nice photo for her owner Tamian Hill’s Christmas card. Ellie is a Scottish Fold cat who also enjoys walking the Atlanta Beltline.

For years, people have taken their pets to take photos with Santa, but the tradition has become increasingly popular in recent years, said Johari Davis, district manager of Cherry Hill Programs, which runs Santa programs at several local malls.

In the 11 years he’s been working with mall Santas, he’s seen mostly dogs and cats, but some unique animals have also visited.

“I had iguanas, snakes and a goat,” Davis said. “It is now more common to have pets in public spaces.”

Photo credit: [email protected]

Photo credit: [email protected]

As public spaces increasingly welcome pets, especially dogs, companies have tapped into the market by creating luxury dog ​​parks and social clubs, often with attached bars and restaurants.

Stacy Pruitt is the executive director of Skiptown, a new all-in-one dog center with grooming, day care, boarding, a park and a soon-to-open food and beverage location in Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood. There is also a space for pet photo shoots to celebrate various holidays throughout the year.

He said demographics show many dog ​​owners in the city are looking for dog-centric spaces.

“It teaches your pup to get along not only with other dogs but with people as well,” Pruitt said. “There are a tremendous number of dog owners in the Atlanta area, and now they have even more reasons to meet other dog owners like them.”

Mitch and Dawn Farber brought their rescue dog Callie to the mall in a festive red and green tutu and collar, ready for their close-up with Santa. It took some fighting to get her to sit still, but she eventually posed well.

Callie dresses up for the family Christmas card every year, Dawn Farber said. And why shouldn’t she? Even strangers appreciate the festive touches: On her way through the mall to see Santa, a woman excitedly came up to pet her, Farber said.

Photo credit: [email protected]

Photo credit: [email protected]

“It makes me feel better to have her there,” Dawn Farber said. “You meet more people because everyone wants to pet your dog.”

The Perimeter Mall Santa said he loves meeting children and pets alike. One rule applies to him: no pets on his lap. He must keep his red suit fur-free in case children have allergies and to avoid unpleasant accidents.

So far, he has a pretty clean track record: First, a pet ruined his suit.