Delivering toys around the globe overnight has got to be easier than getting four dogs to sit still for a photograph.

Ernest Leverette Sr. was nevertheless willing to give it a shot.

Leverette, dressed in full Santa Claus regalia, endured lashing tails and doggy kisses to pose for pictures with pets and raise money for the Pender County Humane Society.

For Leverette, it's a much better job than his career as a truck driver.

Humane society treasurer April Farr said the money will be a big help in paying the ,500 weekly cost of operating the organization.

Leverette and photographer Dick Parrot managed to choreograph a moment's stillness by Emma Jean the basset hound, Oscar the Yorkshire terrier, Doogie the poodle and Clementine the English bulldog for the Kivlighan family.

Another pair were a bit more challenging. Patch quietly rested his forelegs on the arm of Santa's chair, but Alyssa Savonen's other dog, Annabelle, couldn't resist licking Leverette's face until Savonen warned her, "Do you want a spanking? Stop it!"

Pets Plus manager Moore said increasingly people are adding beds, toys and treats for their pets to their holiday shopping lists.

Moore herself is a supporter of animal charities. She adopted her dog Ripple last year from the Southport-Oak Island Animal Rescue.

(Agencies)