Bark! The herald angels sing at Hickling rescue centre’s dog grotto

FAITH Animal Rescue in Hickling are for the first time opening a Santa Paws' grotto, where local dogs can go along and get their gift from Santa, Pictured is Santa Paws with Meg and Honey. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

For the first time, FAITH Animal Rescue in Hickling will be opening its doors from today until December 23, to welcome in dog owners to their seasonal setting.

Animal lovers can take their precious pooches along and get a gift from Santa Paws himself, as well as purchasing items to give to the centre's residents, who will each have their own stocking to fill with goodies.

Each stocking will be accompanied by a story as to how that homeless hound came to be in FAITH's care, so visitors can learn why some of the dogs can't be adopted and what others may have to offer a loving home.

Then, on Christmas Day, FAITH staff will open the stocking with the dogs.

'It's going to be a happy occasion,' said centre manager Claire Simmance. 'But we do want to show people that there are animals who go unwanted at Christmas, we're full of puppies at this time of year so people thinking about getting a puppy for Christmas should consider rehoming instead.'

Staff will be on hand with information about dogs, many of whom have been with the centre for many years.

'One of our longstays is Louie,' said Claire. 'Louie's been here for many years because he has a bit of a jealously problem, once he forms a bond with someone he is just completely in love but has difficulty when another dog is around them. Yet if you take him out ad hoc, without him getting attached, he'd be good as gold.

'Another one of our longstays is Sadie, she lived in a tent in Mile Cross in Norwich which made her a bit neurotic, and she's just too much for a lot of people. But we have a non-destruct policy so we take care of her.'

It's stories like these that the centre wants people to know, because although rehoming services are offered, people can get involved in other ways to help dogs like Louie and Sadie. Such as taking them out for walks, or going to play.

'We're hoping to have lots of new faces and for people to learn more about the rescue,' Claire said. 'It's going to be very festive with lights, and a nativity scene with our donkeys, we'll have mince pies and non-alcoholic mulled wine. We just want people to come along and feel part of it.'

Santa Paws grotto will be open everyday from today to December 23, between 4pm and 7pm. The rescue centre is in Stubb Road.