A doggy daycare centre in Greater Manchester has melted hearts nationwide by staging and sharing pictures of an utterly adorable canine Nativity scene.
Paws in the Manger: The Cast of Furry Stars
Pooches Playhouse in Failsworth transformed its playful residents into the iconic Christmas figures, using treats and patience to capture the magical moment. The charming photos, released to the public, show the dogs happily posing in their festive get-up.
The central roles were taken by two cocker spaniels, with Maeve portraying Mary and Reggie as Joseph. The pivotal role of baby Jesus went to tiny Yorkshire Terrier Toby, who nestled snugly in a basket. The supporting cast was equally impressive, featuring CJ the cockapoo as the angel and Betty the English Bulldog as the steadfast donkey.
Snoop, another cockapoo, took on the part of the shepherd. The three wise men were portrayed in regal style by Rottweiler Axel, Labrador Red, and Doberman Lilo, each sporting a crown for the occasion.
Behind the Scenes: Treats, Training and Tail Wags
Niamh Knowles, a spokesperson for Pooches Playhouse, explained the fun yet challenging process. "We are always looking for fun ideas for our dogs to get involved in," she said. "First, we had to get them in costumes, which, as you can imagine, was hard work!"
The team then used positive reinforcement to get the perfect shot. "Once they were ready, we did some training exercises to get them to sit and stay for the photos, of course with lots of treats," Niamh added. She was keen to stress that all the dogs were happy and comfortable throughout the festive photoshoot.
Spreading Festive Joy in the Community
The initiative was driven by more than just a bit of festive fun. The daycare team wanted their canine Nativity to serve a wider purpose during the Christmas period. Niamh Knowles shared the heartfelt motivation behind the project.
"At this time of year, we know Christmas can be tough for some people, so we wanted this Nativity to bring a little joy and happiness to someone’s day," she said. The delightful images have since spread across social media, achieving exactly that goal and bringing smiles to countless faces.
By combining community spirit with undeniable cuteness, Pooches Playhouse has created a uniquely British festive moment that celebrates both our beloved pets and the timeless story of Christmas.
