Dogs glam up to raise funds for SPCA

A chorus of squeaky toys and the lure of dog treats were used to capture the attention of several pets at a canine glamour shoot to raise funds for the Nelson SPCA.

Dog owners were able to have their pets photographed at the Isel Twilight Markets last week for a gold coin donation to the SPCA.

They could also choose from a range of pet accessories at the photo shoot, including bowties for the boys and pearls for the girls along with some Christmasthemed accessories.

Hooch, a nine-year-old saint bernard mastiff cross who was sporting a red bow tie didn’t need much convincing to sit still for the camera.

He was adopted from the SPCA by his owners Chris and Lauren Phillips, who both also volunteer at the charity.

They were thrilled to have a photo of Hooch they could frame and put up at home.

‘‘It is really nice, it is amazing how people try and take pictures of their animals but I don’t think you get the same effect because they don’t sit as well,’’ Lauren Phillips said.

Dirty Dog Pet Photography owner Kathy Pantling said she had been ‘‘flat out’’ photographing people’s animals since she started the business a year ago.

‘‘People just love their animals and they want canvases of them.’’

She had bought some dog treats from Jude Tarr of Barking Brilliant and the two had got to talking about what they could do to support the SPCA.

They joined forces to hold the event at the Barking Brilliant prints and stand at the Isel Twilight Market last Thursday.

‘‘I never imagined it would be as busy as it has been,’’ Pantling said.

She photographed 41 dogs in four hours while raising $279.10 for the Nelson SPCA.

All different kinds of dogs had showed up for the event.

‘‘You name it, we’ve had it from malti-poos, to boxers, pomeranians, schnauzers and labradoodles.’’

Tarr said they were both aware that the SPCA were extremely busy at this time of year.

‘‘As dog owners we all want to do something to help them in any way and we just figured a little donation from everybody.’’

Tarr said she also made an additional donation for each dog treat sold at the market.

‘‘We are having a ball seeing all the dogs, they are an absolute hoot.’’

PHOTO: BRADEN FASTIER/ FAIRFAX NZ Chris Phillips with his SPCA dog Hooch have their photo taken by Kathy Pantling of Dirty Dog pet photography at Isel Park during the twilight Christmas Markets on Thursday in Stoke.