In case you missed it last year, Global Animal Lovers (GALs) are bringing back their Photos with Santa event at Home Hardware for the second year in a row. The event has the added bonus of exposing GALs to people in the community who might not already be aware of them and their cause.

“Obviously it’s a fundraiser for GALs,” said GALs volunteer Jessica de Groot. “We constantly have vet bills to pay. We’re always fundraising to try and pay off our debt at the vet.

“Also, being in a busy public area like Home Hardware gets our name out there, and people learn who we are and what we do.”

On Sunday (December 8) from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Monday, December 9 from 3 to 6 p.m., the GALs will be on hand at the Invermere Home Hardware with a professional photographer and none other than St. Nick himself to take photos of your favourite furry companions with the jolly Papa Noel. De Groot will be taking her own dogs — Choco, Stevie and her foster puppy Dude — to the event, and says it doesn’t matter what kind of pet you have — be it cat, dog or even pet rock.

Children and adults are also more than welcome to get their photo taken with Father Christmas. A minimum $10 donation is required, with photos taken by Shawna and Damien Richards of DNS photography, who have graciously offered to donate their time and expertise for the event. The GALs will also be selling their Christmas postcards during the photo session that double as great gifts.

To add to the fun, by visiting the GALs’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GlobalAnimalLovers, anyone can enter a caption for the featured photo before Thursday (December 6) for a chance to win a free photo session with Santa. Submissions can be emailed to info@globalanimallovers.com and should include name and photo number.