SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - There was a long line up to see Santa on Sunday afternoon at the 50-50 mini mall but rather than asking for an action figure or a doll, most of the visitors were hoping to get a rawhide bone.

Dogs Cece, left, and Keesha get their moment with Santa Paws at Borealis Kennels and Pet Specialities on Sunday. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

"You take your kids to see Santa, so why wouldn't you take your pet?" said Jo-Ann Cooper, owner of Borealis Kennels and Pet Specialities and organizer of the event.

"Most pets are part of the family."

Owners brought their animals to the store get their picture taken with Santa on Sunday, with the proceeds going to the NWT SPCA.

"As our ad says, Santa speaks many languages," said Cooper. "So I'm sure they can whisper in Santa's ear and say 'I want this big bone' or 'I want that scratching post.'"

Despite many dogs gathering in one room, Cooper said they have never had any messes or fights over the 18 years the store has been holding the event.

She also said the event isn't just limited to dogs.

"This year we got a rabbit," said Cooper. "In the past we've had a hamster and we actually had someone bring in their gecko. That was cute because of course he changed his colour because he was cold."

Wendy Alexander decided to bring her dog Mutter to get her picture taken with Santa Paws.

"I adopted her from the SPCA about two months ago and I decided that she deserved to have her photo taken with Santa," she said.

As for whether Mutter will be on the naughty or nice list, Alexander is confident the dog will get something good for Christmas.

"She and my cat get along wonderfully, which is impressive because they're both from the SPCA," she said.

Alexander said she thought Mutter had something in mind to ask Santa Paws for Christmas.

"Probably to get rid of the cat," she said.

Karlee Bell, an employee at the store, said she thinks the owners get more enjoyment from the photos than the animals.

"I wouldn't say it's the pets, it's more the people who like to use the pictures as a Christmas card," said Bell.

"But I'm sure the pets like it because they get treats."

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