Published: November 05, 2009 08:51 pm      

Humane Society event Sunday

The Henderson County Humane Society is putting on its annual “Paws for Holidays” at the East Texas Arboretum in Athens Sunday.

You may remember it as Santa Paws for Holidays, but the time and name have changed this year.

Professional photographers will take holiday photos of your pets, or of your pets with your family.

The pictures will be taken until 4 p.m.

“We’re hoping for a good turnout with people bringing their pets to walk them outdoors, and at the same time look at some of the gifts,” said Shelter Advisor Norma Lambert.

Some of those gift items that will be available including a tote bag, personal IDs and key chains.

The photography work is will be done by Stephanie Lewis of Dallas www.stephanielewisphotography.com

The pictures, she said, will be taken in one of the rooms at the Wofford House on the Arboretum grounds. The old house has been restored and moved to the site, and it offers the look of an old family place.

“There are several rooms with fireplaces, and they’ll use one of the rooms to take your pet’s picture in front of the fireplace, with holiday decorations,” Lambert said.

The basic packages can be ordered and paid for at the Arboretum, with prices ranging from $15 to $35 per package.

“Those bringing their pets to the Arboretum need to have them on a leash,” she said. “Cats may be carried in carriers.”

All proceeds will go to benefit the Henderson County Humane Society.

“We ordinarily buy medication, heart-worm tests, and we generally take care of the animals,” Lambert said. “This is not for salaries. It’s to get the pets taken care of.”

In recent years, the organization has been doing computer printouts, but Lambert said they’ve decided to go with the professional photographer this year.

Lambert said people who want to find out more about the Henderson County Humane Society can go to their blog called hchumanesocietypets/spot.com.

“People can find out about our basic goings-on, and they can be referred to our website, hchstx.com.”

She said the weather forecast is promising, and it should be a perfect day to bring the pets, and walk them around on their leashes.