Parkside Animal Hospital, 1823 West 10th Street, was the site for the first ever “Sit! with Santa!” event Thursday, which served as a fundraiser for the Animal Rescue League.

Laurel residents LaToria Jones and Carol Jones were among the first to bring their dogs, Mo and Sadie, to visit Ol’ Saint Nick. The small dogs shivered as employees suited them in Christmas hats and other seasonal garb.

Maranda McLaughlin, a volunteer for the Animal Rescue League, said the fundraiser, held Tuesday and Thursday at Parkside, was a success for the organization with food and other donations coming in. Photographer Lacy Sullins, who took the Santa photos, waived her costs and sitting fees, allowing for money spent on packages to go to ARL.

“We’re selling T-shirts and pictures,” McLaughlin said, noting the support of veterinarian Dr. Kevin Cox and his wife, Amy.

Cox said it was his wife who came up with the idea for “Sit! with Santa!”

“We offered to have the location here,” he said. “The Rescue League is a non-profit and has to have a lot of funds to keep operating. We want to give back to them because they help the stray dogs and cats and try to help find homes for them.”

The Animal Rescue League has battled the issue of overcrowding this year. Although the shelter has the capacity to hold about 70 cats and dogs, ARL has kept upwards of 100 continually this year. Nearly 300 animals have also been found dumped on the property since January.

The Animal Rescue League has also offered its 2009 Christmas “Wish” List for the holiday season. The items needed by the shelter include:

• Dog and cat food (Purina or Whiskas - adult and babies)

• Treats

• Toys

• Blankets

• Bleach

• Washing detergent (liquid)

• Dishwashing liquid