Here's an upcoming community event worth howling about: Pet Photos with Santa. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 1, 2007, 1pm to 4pm.

Jerry Taber, a long time Broad Ripple resident, has been invited by the Paw Patch Animal Hospital to be on hand as the jolly old man from the North Pole. Jerry has been the Herff Jones corporate Santa for several years. You will recall that company making news recently as the jewelry manufacturer of the Colts' Super Bowl ring. Jerry retired from the company a year ago, after 34 years. But, of course, Santa never retires, so he will return to them once again to delight the company at their holiday parties and now he will entertain us as well. A more delightful Santa you will never find. He is one of Herff Jones' true jewels (pun intended).

Claire Corbin Photography will be set up to shoot photos of your furry darlings and your children, too. She works from a studio in Broad Ripple behind McNamara Florist. Recently she opened a new gallery above the Paw Patch at the Uptown Business Center at 49th and College. She has been really busy this summer with wedding photography but is now excited to work with your pets and to provide you with some wonderful photos that you can use for Christmas cards and gifts.

Our latest "Gazette Pet," Blue, the Butler Bulldog, will be on hand to meet Gazette readers. He, Jerry and Claire have an upcoming photo session for the purpose of some promotional advertising for this event. You may see their pictures soon in another Gazette issue.

The Paw Patch relocated to 49th and College last March. This will be an event to introduce them to their new neighborhood. There will be treats for pets and refreshments for people along with raffles and give-aways.

Most of us love our pets like we love our kids. I can't think of a better place to get their photos taken. It promises to be a fun time. Pass the word.

Pets make us smile.