More than 100 happy pooches met the big man himself at a Santa Paws Grotto at the Raw Pet Food Pantry in Shedfield. 

Whether they'd been naughty or nice, the Christmassy canines got to pose for pictures with Santa and picked up a special treat.

It was a memorable day for staff at the pet food retailer, which has been going strong since 2019. 

The festive event also included a slot from Pocket Rocket Racing, a husky sled dog racing team based near Wickham, and even a doggy deli!

READ MORE: ‘Santa Paws’ grotto for dogs is coming to town

Raw Pet Food Pantry, the brainchild of founder Wayne Collins, was set up to help and advise a growing community of pet owners feeding their dogs and cats a raw diet.

It became apparent early on that although it was possible to buy raw food in other shops in the region, no one was specialising in the raw feeding or able to provide professional advice and support.

Advisors with unrivalled knowledge and experience are now on hand both at the Botley Road site, and a second shop in Lee-on-the-Solent, which also incorporates a grooming salon.

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Co-owner Aimee Cross told the Daily Echo: "The business has quickly become the go to for pet owners looking to ensure they feed the best and most appropriate diet.

"Complemented with a vast range of raw options, over 80 different raw and natural treats and a host of retail accessories and grooming services, Raw Pet Food Pantry has fast become the go-to pet store.

"The raw pet food market is growing at such a fast rate with more and more pet owners realising that in order to kept their pet in optimum health, a diet of raw food, just as nature intended, is the only way forward.

"All staff members are highly trained in raw feeding and pet health and can help customers troubleshoot ailments and concerns and can more often than not help to rid their pet of any issues through the right diet."

Raw Pet Food Pantry is a small family-run business, owned by its founder, Wayne Collins, and partner and business partner, Aimee Cross. Wayne's son and niece work for the business, as does Aimee's daughter.

People and their pets always receive a warm welcome in store, which keeps them coming back.

The pandemic sped up the firm's plans to provide a delivery service. Help and advice was offered over the phone and online and their vet-standard scales were placed outside, which was particularly useful for customers with new puppies.

The growing team is now 12 strong and Raw Pet Food Pantry has ambitious plans to extend both stores and launch an online shop, taking the delivery service nationwide.

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