MOOSIC - Santa Claus stretched out his arms, and Oliver jumped to his lap.
After a sniff of Santa's beard, the 2-year-old Chihuahua-miniature pinscher mix was ready for pictures.
On Saturday afternoon, both children and dogs posed for photos outside the Big Lots on Birney Avenue as part of a fundraiser for Tracey's Hope Hospice Care & Rescue.
Passers-by stopped to check out the group's bake sale, raffles and information about pet adoption.
Money raised will go toward the group's pet hospice care and rescue programs, said Denise Kumor, the group's founder.
The event was also sponsored by Holiday Hair, which is next to Big Lots.
The hair salon is collecting pet food through the end of the year. For each bag donated, a customer receives a $3 coupon to be used on a haircut.
Stylist Jennifer Bartrige started the effort as a way to give back to Tracey's Hope, after adopting two dogs from the group.
Oliver is available for adoption. For more information, contact Ms. Kumor at 457-1625.
Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter