Everyone displayed their best behavior for Santa as packs of dogs and even some cats brought their owners to the Humane Society Silicon Valley’s first Holiday Animal Arts Craft Faire recently to shop, socialize and sniff out the goodies. Among them were several dogs that were former homeless residents of HSSV themselves, showing off their new families as well as some holiday fashion.

More than 700 vendors made the event a virtual shopping mall of animal-themed art and crafts. Among those selling their wares was young entrepreneur Jesse Figueroa of Barkn Belly Bakery. He developed a hypoallergenic line of animal treats that look good enough for at least one child to ask if they were free cookies. Artist Diane Wat created individualized painted portraits on clothing and shopping totes from a pet’s photograph.

The vendors are donating a portion of their proceeds to HSSV. These funds will enable HSSV to continue serving the animals of the area with adoption, fostering, daycare, veterinary and training services to name but a few of the features this shelter offers. The craft fair was sponsored by KBAY radio, The Milpitas Post, Heavenly Greens and The Wave Magazine.

Santa Paws spent the day posing with pets for photographs. This feature was so popular that there was nearly always a line at the photo booth. Toward the end of the day, the photo printer gave out, so some will have to wait for their Santa photos to arrive in the mail.

More than 1,600 people attended the event and some even found an adoptable furry face that would complement their family. As of 4 p.m. Saturday, there were 8 confirmed adoptions and several others were in the works, pending approvals from other family members including existing pets. Marketing Director for HSSV, Laura Fulda said the adoption numbers were, “about typical for a Saturday.”

“Dog valets” were available to sit outside on the lawn with dogs so that shoppers could see the wares available for sale without disturbing the residents of the cat area of the shelter. Referring to all the day’s action, valet Guy Mayberry said, “Dogs like it—cats, not so much.” Yet, most of the feline area was peaceful. The shelter is set up to accommodate animals who are gregarious as well as those who would prefer to be the only pet in a quiet household.

If you missed this event and want to support HSSV, there are two Christmas trees in the lobby of the shelter, which will remain standing through the holidays. One has animal-themed ornaments for sale and the other is in the style of a “giving tree” where you take a photo ornament of a shelter animal and provide the gift listed on the back to HSSV.

To learn more about the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, click here.