Pierce County’s 5th Annual Santa Paws

Five Years of Santa, Fur, and a Whole Lot of Trust

This year marked the 5th annual Pierce County Santa Paws, and somehow—miraculously—we’ve only gotten better at it.

Since 2020, Santa Paws has grown into one of those events people plan for every December. Folks line up early. Dogs arrive in sweaters, antlers, pajamas, and occasionally full existential confusion.

And every year, we’re told the same thing:

“You take the best dog Santa photos around.”

I don’t say that to brag.

I say it because it’s not an accident.

What makes Santa Paws work isn’t just the set, the treats, or even the man in red.

It’s the team.

Behind every photo is a group of pet professionals who understand body language, stress signals, and when a dog needs a moment instead of a command. We don’t force dogs into anything. Ever. No plopping. No restraining smiles. No “just one more” when a pup is clearly done.

We work with them.

Always.

Even if that means photographing an entire family separately and then piecing them together in post processing for that perfect family photo.

And our Santa? He’s not just any Santa.

He’s calm. Grounded. Patient. He knows how to sit quietly and let dogs approach on their own terms. He knows when to soften his voice, when to avert his gaze, when to simply exist nearby until trust settles in.

(And yes—plot twist—Santa is actually my husband and our wall art installer. Which means this whole operation runs on teamwork, mutual respect, and years of practiced nonverbal communication. Honestly, it shows.)

This year, we photographed 50 dogs—each one bringing their own personality to the chair—and even had one brave senior cat come meet Santa.

Some dogs climbed right up like they’d been rehearsing all year.

Some needed time.

Some decided Santa was fascinating but his beard was deeply suspicious.

All of it was welcome.

And at the end of the day, after the last wag and the final shutter click, Santa did what any hardworking holiday professional deserves to do.

He went to Taco Bell. 🌮

Because after a successful Santa Paws… that just feels right.