Santa Claws (Sunday Dec. 1)

The first day of December brought paws, claws and holiday cheer to the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center for the annual Santa Claws event, hosted by Washington Bassett Rescue. Owners brought their dogs while other dogs were up for adoption through local organizations. Read about the event here.

Section:Gallery

Sun., Dec. 1, 2019

Missy Moo, left, and Polk-A-Dottie, sit on Carolyn Smelcer's lap during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. Missy Moo is an AKC champion and Polk-A-Dottie models, and both are wearing creations handmade by Malissa Schmidtz of Pawing Around Pet Boutique.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
From left: Riley, Jovita, Beany Lee the dachsund, Colin, Liam, Duke and Rachel Davis pose for a photo with Santa of Santa And Mrs. C. during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. Both of the Davis's dogs were rescues.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Savory Jones, a 9-month-old pug, obeys the sit command from owner Stevia Alexie during Santa Paws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The annual event is sponsored by Washington Basset Rescue and allows owners to bring their dogs, posed photos with Santa, vendors dogs up for adoption on site.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Cody Reeves, 3, cuddles Arthur the goat as Alex Altiero of Rough Start Horse Rescue supervises during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The annual event is sponsored by Washington Basset Rescue and allows owners to bring their dogs and pose for photos with Santa. Dogs are also up for adoption at the event.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Dogs weren't the only species present at Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. Here Prince Eric the ferret is seen in costume at the Sammy's Clubhouse booth on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The booth represents Spokane Ferret Rescue and Education, with an emphasize on education: None of the eight ferrets in the corral were for adoption, but founder Kathy Patt offered facts and resources on ferret ownership for those interested.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Lulu, a 5-year-old Australian shepherd, is tossed a ball by a volunteer during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. Lulu was up for adoption at the Double J Dog Ranch booth, an organization based out of Hauser Lake.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Christmas collars made by Julie Clem of Spokane-based Alaska Leash Company are seen for sale during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. Clem sells collars, bows, leashes, bandanas and bowties priced $10 to $30.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Happy, an 11-year-old toothless Yorkshire terrier, looks toward a Spokane Humane Society volunteer during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The annual event is sponsored by Washington Basset Rescue and allows owners to bring their dogs and pose for photos with Santa. Dogs are also up for adoption at the event.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Happy, an 11-year-old toothless Yorkshire terrier, accepts a dry treat from a Spokane Humane Society volunteer during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The annual event is sponsored by Washington Basset Rescue and allows owners to bring their dogs and pose for photos with Santa. Dogs are also up for adoption at the event..

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Alison Barr poses with Hunter, her 13-year-old golden retriever and Santa of Santa and Mrs. C. during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The annual event is sponsored by Washington Basset Rescue and allows owners to bring their dogs and pose for photos with Santa. Dogs are also up for adoption at the event.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Visitors examine raffle prizes Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The annual event is sponsored by Washington Basset Rescue and allows owners to bring their dogs and pose for photos with Santa.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
A pig pile of basset hounds owned by Jenny Newburger is seen during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The annual event is sponsored by Washington Basset Rescue, but Newburger's bassets at the event were her own family of dogs, not up for adoption.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Dorothy the Yorkie-poodle mix (left), Rosie the chihuahua- Chinese Crested (right) and Toto the pomeranian mix (back) ride in a stroller during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The annual event is sponsored by Washington Basset Rescue and allows owners to bring their dogs and pose for photos with Santa. Dogs are also up for adoption at the event.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
A trio of basset hounds brought by visitors to the Santa Claws event at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center aquanit themselves on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The annual event is sponsored by Washington Basset Rescue and allows owners to bring their dogs and pose for photos with Santa. Dogs are also up for adoption at the event.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Lili, an 8-month-old mixed breed dog up for adoption on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 1, happily chews a bone during Santa Claws at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. She was up for adoption through Double J Dog Ranch based out of Hauser Lake.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review