Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 30/01) - It's not every day that animals get to pose with Santa Claus for a photo shoot.

However, that was the scene on Saturday at the Inuvik fire hall. The photos were arranged by the Inuvik Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The fire hall donated the space.

Last Saturday the Inuvik SPCA arranged for Santa Claus to drop by the Inuvik fire hall to pose for photos with people and their pets. Shown here is Kim Stockley, as well as her dog, Brutus. - Malcolm Gorrill/NNSL photo

And oh yeah, pet owners were allowed to be in the pictures too.

Inuvik SPCA executive director Linda Eccles said that about 31 pets went before the camera. Most were dogs, but at one point there were two cats and two rabbits.

Fortunately, Eccles said with a laugh, there were no dogs present then.

Eccles said that with the Santa pet photos, and the booth the SPCA had up during the 2001 Christmas Craft and Bake Sale, her organization raised about $1,100.

"I was really pleased," Eccles said.

Eccles helped found the Inuvik SPCA earlier this year and said community support has been strong.

"We're working on quite a few things," Eccles said.

Working with an animal hospital in Yellowknife and the Yellowknife SPCA, Eccles recently flew two puppies down to Yellowknife.

"They're both adopted now," she said. "There'll be a few more being flown out all the time."

Eccles just received an information package and will soon make presentations at both schools.

The society now boasts more than 20 members and will soon put out a newsletter. As well, Eccles said plans are proceeding for the society perhaps taking over the pound for the town, though in a different location.

"Our proposal for the town is just about complete," Eccles said.