Bark! The Herald Angels Sing! Doggy daycare recreates the Nativity
Bark! The Herald Angels Sing! Doggy daycare recreates the Nativity with a dozen well-behaved dogs wearing tinsel, crowns and tea towels
- Daycare 4 Dogs in South Manchester had its pooches pose for a special photo
- The 12 dogs recreated the Nativity scene for their annual Christmas picture
- Owner Emma Billington, 44, shared how impressed she was with the dogs
A doggy daycare recreated the Nativity scene with a dozen impeccably behaved pooches.
Daycare 4 Dogs in South Manchester had their canine clients practice posing for photos daily, so the dogs were prepared for their end-of-year group pictures.
The picture had the daycare dogs pose for the snap wearing tinsel, paper crowns and tea towels on their heads, in a row in front of a custom-built stable, complete with a baby Jesus pup shyly peeping out of the manger.
The 12 dogs, including three cockapoos, three cavapoos, a cocker spaniel, a beagle, a schnauzer, a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and two cross-breeds, posed patiently for the camera on Friday 9th December.
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Daycare 4 Dogs in South Manchester had their canine clients pose for the annual end-of-year pictured as characters from the Nativity
Daycare 4 Dogs owner Emma Billington said the ‘iconic’ snap proved how incredible her staff and the dogs are – and hopes it spreads some much-needed festive cheer.
The marvellous mutts took on the roles of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the three wise men, shepherds and angels in the sandpit at the 15,000-sq-ft centre.
Emma, 44, said: ‘We challenge the dogs to do different things, we do this every year but this one is by far the best.
‘They’re used to doing different things like “sits and waits” and we do lots of “place and stay” [as] it gives the dogs a mental challenge.’
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The nativity scene is in addition to a Santa and reindeer shoot they enjoyed, along with photos of the dogs wearing festive fancy dress
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Emma Billington, the owner of the doggy daycare, said that they practice all year around and challenge the dogs to do different things
The nativity scene is in addition to a Santa and reindeer shoot they enjoyed, along with photos of the dogs wearing festive fancy dress.
Emma explained that it was a big challenge for the pooches to have things on them like headsets or towels and remain still.
She said: ‘We practice all-year round, it’s not a fluke. They’re used to it and it’s part of their daily routine.
‘We just thought to make the customers laugh and bring a smile to people’s faces, which is what we’re always about.
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Emma (pictured with some of the dogs) said that the dogs at the daycare centre ‘amaze’ her everyday
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A well-behaved Jack Russell Terrier wearing a festive knitted vest while posing for their pictured to be taken
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Emma explained that it was a big challenge for the pooches to have things on them like headsets or towels and remain still
‘We try and do everything with a reflection on the time of year or the day, this is one of our most iconic ones, it’s been the most talked about [picture on social media].’
Emma said dogs at the centre, which funds independent dog rescue facility Dogs 4 Rescue, ‘amaze’ her every day at what they’re capable of.
She explained: ‘It didn’t take the dogs long to do, they’re used to doing it. They amaze me every day with the pictures they get, it’s a really feel-good thing.
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A German Shepherd pictured wearing a sequin Santa Claus hat headband complete with a sprig of holly
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A bulldog wearing reindeer antlers posing with their toy Rudolf at Daycare 4 Dogs in South Manchester
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A Spaniel pictured in a special Christmas outfit at Daycare 4 Dogs in South Manchester. The owner explained how the dogs practice all year round for their end-of-year picture
‘I’m so proud of the staff, they always exceed my expectations and I set the bar high, we want to be the best.’
The daycare’s motto is ‘make dogs’ lives better’ and that’s what they strive for every day.
Emma said: ‘The dogs exceed our expectations every time, people just don’t give them the credit for what they’re able to do and understand.
‘They’re so clever and capable, they teach us every day.’
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