(La Porte, IN) - COVID-19 continues to show it's Grinch qualities as it forces the cancellation of another local event that usually brings Christmas Spirit to our community.  

The beloved "Pet Photos with Santa" has been canceled this year.  The popular event, held on back to back Saturdays in December, has been a fund raiser sponsored by the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter for close to 30-years.

Shelter Director Jane Bernard says being able to provide adequate social distancing at a time of surging COVID-19 cases was the issue.  “We agonized over the decision.  Very, very sad,” she said.

Bernard says about 300 people came out to have pictures taken of their pets with Santa last year.