Santa Brings Joy to All Pets at Last Chance Ranch Events

This holiday season, Santa is making spirits bright not just for children, but for all pets. Dave Riley, known as the Real Pet Santa, has been spreading joy at animal rescue events, bringing together pets of all kinds—from dogs and horses to more exotic animals like skunks and turtles. His efforts have benefited Last Chance Ranch, an animal rescue in Richland Township, which has collaborated with Riley since 2022.

Creating Lasting Memories for Pets and Owners

Riley’s involvement includes attending nearly a dozen events for Last Chance Ranch, where he poses for photographs with pets and their owners. The donations collected during these sessions have significantly impacted the rescue’s operations. According to Jackie Burke, Executive Director of Last Chance Ranch, Riley has helped raise nearly $3,000 for the organization. She noted, “Dave goes above and beyond. He makes everyone feel the true spirit of the season of giving.”

Riley takes immense pride in his role, stating that it is a joy to help a good cause while creating cherished memories for pet owners. His dedication extends beyond the role of Santa; he also portrays the Mensch on a Bench for Jewish pets and their families during Hanukkah.

A Journey to Becoming the Real Pet Santa

Riley’s path to becoming Santa was unexpected. A serious motorcycle accident nearly 25 years ago left him with months of recovery time. During this period, he adopted a puppy named Rose, which sparked his interest in animal behavior. He began studying her actions and gradually learned to communicate with dogs more effectively. “I started learning why she was doing the things that she was doing,” he explained. This experience deepened his empathy and intuition toward animals, ultimately leading him to foster dogs and volunteer at local shelters.

The concept of the Real Pet Santa emerged almost a decade ago, starting with appearances at farmers’ markets and craft shows. His first collaboration with Last Chance Ranch in 2022 proved to be a great success, propelling him into a regular fixture at animal rescue events.

Burke has praised Riley for his gentle approach with animals. “He is amazing with the animals,” she said. “He is also kind and patient with pets and their owners and works to get the best picture possible.” Riley is often accompanied by his former spouse, Marcy Riley, who plays Mrs. Claus, enhancing the festive atmosphere at these events.

Inclusive Photo Opportunities for All Pets

Riley’s passion for animals is evident; he currently shares his home with two Bernese mountain dogs, named Zerra and Phoebe. However, he welcomes all kinds of pets for photos, stating, “Anyone with any type of pet is our audience. I don’t care what kind of pet it is.” He has welcomed a wide array of animals during his events, including an emu named Elmo, a horse, and even a goose wearing a diaper.

One particularly touching moment involved a volunteer at Last Chance Ranch who wanted to take photos with her senior horse. When the horse refused to get into the trailer, Riley visited her farm to make the photo opportunity happen. “Dave even went above and beyond,” Burke recounted. “Those memories are cherished forever.”

Riley’s commitment to inclusivity extends to all animals, regardless of their size or breed. He recalls a memorable encounter with a large Akita who had never had her picture taken with Santa before. After allowing the dog to acclimate to the environment, she jumped onto the bench beside him, bringing tears of joy to her owners. “I will never turn away any animal,” Riley stated. “Everybody should have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa.”

As the holiday season approaches, Riley is set to make two more appearances in the Lehigh Valley. He will be present from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 22, 2023, at Art Fusion, located at 2580 MacArthur Road, Whitehall Township. The event costs $10 per family, with proceeds benefiting Last Chance Ranch. Additionally, on November 23, 2023, he will participate in a Sangria Sunday with Santa from noon to 4 p.m. at Black River Farms, located at 2472 Black River Road, Lower Saucon Township, with proceeds going to Tails of Valor.

Through his work, Dave Riley is not just a figure of holiday cheer; he is a beacon of hope and compassion for animals in need, making the holiday spirit accessible to every pet and their loving owners.