Santa Paws: Pooches don best Christmas jumpers to raise money for charity

More than 100 pooches have put their best paw forward by donning their best Christmas jumpers for charity.

Dozens of dogs gathered at Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh on Sunday in a bid to break a world record for the most dressed-up dogs in one place.

While it wasn’t quite paw-sible to beat the record of 350, the canine companions still enjoyed games, treats and raised money for charity.

The event raised awareness of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, while a best dressed dog parade saw Winston crowned the winner, with Luigi in second place and Pisco coming in third.

The pooch parade followed the annual Santa Fun Run in the city, which raises funds each year for When You Wish Upon A Star, who grant the wishes of children aged four to 16 living with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

Life Raluy from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said: “Today’s Santa Run and Santa Paws gathering was a fantastic celebration of people and their pets coming together for a great cause.

“We may not have broken a record this time, but the atmosphere was full of joy, kindness and community spirit.

“Every person – and every dog in a festive jumper – helped raise vital funds and awareness for animals who need us. We’re so thankful to everyone who joined us and made today so special.”

Al Thompson from Unique Assembly, added: “We actually have four charities from across the seven weeks of Edinburgh’s Christmas – When You Wish Upon A Star, Age Scotland, One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland.

“We have an opportunity here where we are bringing hundreds and thousands of people to Edinburgh, anything they can donate and help give to local causes is only good for everyone.”