Santa Paws
for a Cause
Dog photos with Santa Dave, benefiting Underdog Rescue, the rescue that brought our sweet Ellie into our lives.
Reserve Your SessionA very special Christmas event
This Christmas, we're doing something a little different.
Santa Dave is generously donating his time, Elm Street Wholesale is donating the space, and I am donating my photography and editing so we can raise money for Underdog Rescue, the rescue that brought our sweet Ellie into our lives.
Every Santa Paws appointment helps support dogs who are still waiting for the kind of second chance Ellie was given.
Fur babies only
Santa Paws is a dog only event. No human babies or children will be photographed during these sessions.
Meet Ellie
Santa Paws is about more than Christmas pictures. It exists because of one tiny rescue dog who found her way into our family.
This was Ellie when we first saw her.
At the time, we didn't know much about her story. She had come into rescue without a microchip, and there were so many things about her life before us that we would probably never know.
But there was something about that tiny little face.
And soon, she became ours.
This was Ellie on her first day with us.
I wanted her to know what it felt like to be safe, warm, spoiled and completely loved.
Since then, she has slowly discovered all of the little things we probably take for granted.
Cozy blankets. Her own bed. Treats. Little outfits. Going on adventures with her family. Having someone there when she's scared. And having a home where she never has to wonder if she belongs.
And this is our girl now.
Ellie has changed so much since the day she came home. She has also changed us.
She is a reminder that behind every dog waiting in rescue is a whole life still waiting to happen.
Somewhere there is another Ellie waiting for someone to notice them, choose them, and show them just how good life can be.
Santa Paws is our way of giving something back to the people who helped Ellie get that chance.
Short, sweet and full of Christmas magic
These sessions are designed specifically for dogs.
5 minute session
Your dog will have a scheduled visit with Santa Dave.
Up to 2 dogs
Your appointment may include up to two dogs from the same household.
Up to 2 images
You'll receive up to two professionally edited digital images through an online gallery.
Meet Santa Dave
We are so grateful to Santa Dave for generously donating his time for Santa Paws for a Cause.
He'll be spending the day at Elm Street Wholesale creating a little Christmas magic with our four legged guests while helping us raise money for Underdog Rescue.
Your dog does not need to sit on Santa's lap. They can sit beside him, in front of him, or wherever they feel most comfortable.
Shy or nervous pups are welcome too. We want this experience to feel comfortable for every dog who comes to see Santa.
How it works
Reserve
Choose an available 5 minute appointment time through our online booking calendar.
Hold your spot
A $5 nonrefundable reservation fee is required when booking. This helps us keep the event organized and limits no shows.
Meet Santa Dave
Arrive just a few minutes before your appointment and we'll take care of the rest.
Give back
Your Santa Paws session is donation based, with proceeds benefiting Underdog Rescue.
Donation based sessions
There is no traditional session price for Santa Paws.
After reserving your appointment, you may choose the amount you'd like to donate toward Underdog Rescue.
or any amount you choose
Santa Dave is donating his time, Elm Street Wholesale is donating the location, and Mirage Photography is donating the photography and editing.
Why we're doing it this way
We want this event to be accessible while raising as much as possible for the rescue.
Every donation, big or small, helps support animals who are still waiting to find their own family.
After Santa Paws, we'll share the total amount raised so everyone can see what we accomplished together.
Buy One. Give One.
While you're visiting Santa Paws, stop by and check out Elm Street Wholesale's selection of dog toys.
Your pup gets a little Christmas treat, and a rescue dog gets one too.
Your dog doesn't have to love Santa
Not every dog wants to sit next to a stranger in a red suit. We completely understand.
Shy, nervous and rescue dogs are welcome.
Your dog may sit beside Santa, in front of Santa, or have you nearby if they need reassurance.
We will never force a dog to interact with Santa.
A few important details
- Please keep dogs leashed unless instructed otherwise.
- Please arrive approximately 5 minutes before your appointment.
- Please avoid arriving very early so we don't have multiple unfamiliar dogs waiting together.
- If your dog is reactive or needs extra space, let us know when booking.
- Please do not bring dogs showing signs of contagious illness.
- Owners remain responsible for supervising and handling their dogs.
- If you have more than two dogs, please reserve two consecutive time slots.
Santa Paws at Elm Street Wholesale
TIME TBD
Elm Street Wholesale
7374 Hayner Rd.
Fowlerville, MI
Advance reservations are required.
Give your pup a little Christmas magic and help another dog find their way home.
5 minute dog only sessions
Up to 2 dogs from the same household
Up to 2 professionally edited digital images
Donation based
$5 nonrefundable reservation fee
Reserve Your Santa Paws Session