It was a doggone good day to be a canine at White Rock Seniors Village on Sunday (July 28).
With 'pup cups' offered for any four-legged fur friends who might want to pop by, as well as cold drinks for their two-legged human friends, the retirement residence was the location of a two-hour photo shoot for the Dogs of White Rock calendar, a fundraising effort for the BC SPCA first started by resident Harold Zelt in 2020.
Sadly, Zelt died in his sleep at the age of 97 on April 30, but two of Zelt's sons were on hand to help keep his tradition alive, with Mike Zelt behind the lens on Sunday, coaxing the best photos from the bestest doggos.
"This was his baby," said Si Cussen, general manger of WRSV, where Zelt lived.
She remembered how he became a familiar figure to many through his passion for photographing dogs he met while out and about in White Rock on his scooter during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Zelt embarked on the hobby to stay active and boost morale, making a point of sharing his photos with fellow WRSV residents, as well as staff.
The second such photo shoot, Cussen said the previous Sunday (July 21) attracted about 30 canine models; photos from both sessions will be featured in the 2025 Dogs of White Rock calendar.
"We're pretty busy already, so I think we're doing well," she said Sunday (July 28), shortly after noon, when there was a line-up of dogs waiting for their chance on the green carpet.
"(Participants) are so appreciative of raising money for the SPCA, too."
Zelt's first calendar was released in late 2020, and the project became a much-anticipated endeavour. Since its launch, some $6,600 has been generated for the BC SPCA's education and adoption efforts in Surrey.
Since his passing, staff at WRSV and Zelt's children have vowed to carry on the tradition in his memory, and because of his devotion to dogs.
On Sunday, both Mike and brother Barry confirmed as long as everyone involved wants to keep the calendar going, they'll continue helping carry out their father's annual tradition.
Attendees who brought their pooches to pose for the camera were invited to enter a draw that could land their pooch on the 2025 calendar's cover, while WRSV residents will vote on 'Man's Best Friend Pooch of the Year' title; the winning image will be featured with the words "In Memory of Harold Zelt" underneath.
– with files from Tracy Holmes
