x
  1. Home
  2.  Home

Dogs and cats talk to Santa too

Goshen. Santa Claus visiting Goshen Humane Society attracted visitors from several towns.

Santa Claus /
| 03 Dec 2022 | 07:25
    For a family photo, “Posey Bee,” a rescue beagle from Goshen, in Santa’s arms, and “Holly,” a springer spaniel, dressed up for the holiday. They posed with Mom and Dad, Joanna and Sal Pitonzo from Goshen. Both pets are 2 1/2 years old.
    For a family photo, “Posey Bee,” a rescue beagle from Goshen, in Santa’s arms, and “Holly,” a springer spaniel, dressed up for the holiday. They posed with Mom and Dad, Joanna and Sal Pitonzo from Goshen. Both pets are 2 1/2 years old. ( Photos by Geri Corey)
    Nine month old “Panda” from Beacon, tried hard to have a talk with Santa. The kitten was brought to the shelter
    Nine month old “Panda” from Beacon, tried hard to have a talk with Santa. The kitten was brought to the shelter
    “That feels so good, Santa. I could sit here all day,” said Edith, a 13-year old rescue found walking along the road in Westtown. Owner Elly Kowalczik said that Edith is exactly what you’d expect: a perfect old lady, a delicate, soft-spoken old lady!”
    “That feels so good, Santa. I could sit here all day,” said Edith, a 13-year old rescue found walking along the road in Westtown. Owner Elly Kowalczik said that Edith is exactly what you’d expect: a perfect old lady, a delicate, soft-spoken old lady!”

Four-legged family members had their chance to chat with Santa Claus at Goshen Humane Society on Saturday. Most dogs and cats that came seemed happy to nestle in Santa’s lap. Although none of the pets hinted at presents, all would likely cherish treats left under the tree for them on Christmas morning or any time.

Pet parents weren’t just from Goshen. Some traveled to this shelter from other towns--Beacon, Nanuet, Westtown, and others.

Santa took some time off from his busy work schedule to give pets lavish attention. Santa, also known as John Sammon, traveled in from New Hampton.

“Christmas is the best time of year. It’s the only time of year for me. It’s a fun thing,” he said, with a twinkle in his eye. Santa, being timeless, didn’t reveal his age; but he did say, “I’m as old as my tongue, and a little older than my teeth.” He admitted to watching the movie, “Miracle on 42nd Street.”

Santa has been coming to the shelter for about 10 years, said Susan Bossley, President of the Humane Society, noting that Sammon has been Santa for the past seven years.

Bossley runs the shelter with her husband Rick, the vice-president. They’ve been at the job for 20-years.

Currently the Goshen Humane Society is having a Holiday Fundraiser, offering over 80-lottery scratch off tickets--$300 worth of tickets. Tickets to enter the lottery are $2.00 each, or 7 tickets for $10.00. Tickets are available at the Goshen Humane Society, located at 44 Police Drive, Goshen. Or mail a check with self-addressed stamped envelope to Post Office Box 37, Goshen, NY. 10924. Or message through Facebook. Drawing is Wed., Dec. 21, 2022. For more information, call 845-294-3984.