A doggy day care recreated the Nativity scene with a twist - with a dozen impeccably behaved pooches posing for a snap wearing tinsel, paper crowns and tea towels on their heads. Staff at Daycare 4 Dogs got the obedient dogs to pose 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. 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 in Sharston, Greater Manchester.
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 nativity scene is in addition to a Santa and reindeer shoot they enjoyed, along with photos of the dogs wearing festive fancy dress.
Emma 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.
"The facility's huge and there's loads to do but sometimes you just want them to stop and focus. It's quite a big challenge for them to have things on them like headsets or towels and then stay. 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. 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. The 44-year-old said: "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.
"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 day care is a success because of the staff, it's absolutely down to the people.
"There's nothing more joyous than spending that day with the dogs and seeing them do their different things. It's just about seeing them being happy. Our motto is 'make dogs' lives better' and that's what we strive for every day.
"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."
