Real Pet Santa Spreads Joy and Raises Funds for Animal Rescue

Dave Riley, known as the Real Pet Santa, is bringing joy to pets and their owners while supporting animal welfare organizations. Since 2022, he has collaborated with Last Chance Ranch, an animal rescue located in Richland Township, Pennsylvania. At nearly a dozen events, Riley poses for photographs with pets, encouraging donations that benefit the rescue’s vital work.

Jackie Burke, Executive Director of Last Chance Ranch, praised Riley’s dedication. “Dave goes above and beyond,” she stated. “He works with so many animal rescues and makes each and every one of us feel the true spirit of the season of giving.” Riley’s efforts have reportedly raised approximately $3,000 for Last Chance Ranch alone.

Riley takes pride in his role, stating that it allows him to contribute to a cause that has brought him immense joy. In addition to donning the red suit, he also portrays the Mensch on a Bench for Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah.

From Accident to Animal Advocate

Riley’s journey to becoming Santa began nearly 25 years ago after a serious motorcycle accident left him with time to heal and reflect. During this period, he formed a bond with his newly adopted puppy, Rose. This relationship sparked his interest in animal behavior. “I started learning why she was doing the things that she was doing,” Riley explained. “As that knowledge grew, I began to understand dogs better.”

His newfound understanding of animal communication allowed him to foster dogs and volunteer at local shelters. Over time, this passion evolved into the Real Pet Santa initiative, which began nearly a decade ago at farmers’ markets and craft shows. A connection with Last Chance Ranch marked a significant expansion of his outreach efforts.

“It went so very well,” Riley recalled of their first event together. The collaboration has since flourished, with Riley praised for his empathy and patience during photo sessions.

Capturing Unique Moments

Riley’s love for animals extends beyond dogs; he has welcomed various creatures into his photo sessions. He currently shares his home with two Bernese mountain dogs, Zerra and Phoebe, but has interacted with an array of pets, including snakes, skunks, and even an emu named Elmo. “Anyone with any type of pet is our audience,” he emphasized.

Burke shared a particularly touching moment when Riley made an effort for a longtime volunteer wishing to capture memories with her senior horse. “Dave was willing to schedule a visit to her farm to take photos that would be cherished forever,” she said.

One of Riley’s most memorable experiences involved a 120-pound Akita, a breed known for being a guardian. He encouraged the dog’s owners to allow her to explore the area before taking her photo. “I looked up and this couple had tears running down their cheeks,” he recounted. “They said, ‘She’s never had her picture taken with Santa because she’s always been turned away because she’s so big.’ I told them, ‘I will never turn away any animal.’”

Riley’s upcoming appearances as the Real Pet Santa include two events in the Lehigh Valley this November. The first will take place on November 22, 2023, from 10:00 to 14:00 at Art Fusion, located at 2580 MacArthur Road, Whitehall Township. The cost is $10 per family, with proceeds benefiting Last Chance Ranch. The second event, Sangria Sunday with Santa, is set for November 23, 2023, from 12:00 to 16:00 at Black River Farms, 2472 Black River Road, Lower Saucon Township, with funds benefiting Tails of Valor.

As the holiday season approaches, Riley’s commitment to animals and their owners continues to shine, ensuring that every pet has the opportunity to capture a precious moment with Santa.