When Santa travels all the way to Huntington from the North Pole, he leaves no stone unturned. For the past six years he has visited with four-legged friends, courtesy of Len Marks, a Huntington-based photographer.
Marks and Santa will be at the Community Pet Shop on Nov. 28 from 11am to 5pm, where for a $10 donation to Little Shelter pets can have their photographs taken with Santa. The donation comes with a free 4×6 print that is made for pet owners on the spot and the opportunity to order holiday cards and unique gifts featuring furry friends.
image: len marks
Santa’s visit to Community Pet Shop has been so successful in past years that Marks scheduled two visits this season. The first boasted a packed house on Nov. 21.
image: len marks
“The event was wonderful,” Marks said of last weekend. “We had almost 50 dogs. It’s a great event, and this Saturday is going to be even busier because it’s small business Saturday. We hope to see lots of people come down!”
While, visiting with Santa is a fun experience for pet owners it also helps an organization that is special to the area. One of Long Island’s oldest no-kill shelters, Little Shelter rescues from kill facilities, rehabilitates sick and un-socialized pets, and aims to end pet overpopulation and place all dogs and cats in loving homes.
image: len marks
Marks says he started the charity event because of his love for animals, as well as his love for Huntington. “[Little Shelter] is a Huntington charity, and I’m a Huntington business and I like to keep it all at home.” The photographer of more than 27 years also takes holiday photos of pets by themselves and with their owners, which have been a big hit in the past. People have become such fans that he has even branched out in his philanthropic effort and held similar events for pets on Halloween and Valentine’s Day. “It’s a fun time to share with the family and your pets,” said Marks. “Plus, you get to take home a souvenir while being charitable.”
image: len marks
Community Pet Shop is located at 347 New York Avenue in Huntington. Len Marks Photography is located at 376 New York Avenue in Huntington. To contact Len you may call 631-367-1219 or visit www.lenmarksphoto.com. Little Shelter is located at 33 Warner Road in Huntington. You may visit their Web site at www.littleshelter.com.