Remember - a dog is not just for life, it's for Christmas too.
With that in mind, our friends at Chill Factore opened their doors this week for the UK's first ever pet grotto.
Well behaved dogs and cats arrived at the UK’s longest real snow slope to play on the snow, munch on delicious treats and dress up in festive Christmas outfits. It was really exciting as the pets queued in Santa’s Snow Kingdom ready to meet Santa Paws, a 3-year-old St Bernard and receive an extra special doggy treat.
Not every animal is as lucky as I am. Special guests from Manchester & Cheshire Dogs' Home also paid Chill Factore a visit. It was great to see dogs and staff alike enjoying the sub zero temperatures and unlimited snow.
And what was it all for? For many animals it was their first experience of snow but, by inviting Manchester and Cheshire Dogs' Home to the event, it was hoped to remind people thinking of buying a pet for Christmas that there are plenty of animals in need of families, and that many people rush into buying dogs, only to find they are unable to cope.
But if you can, we'll be your friend for life (all 10 to 12 years of it).
Find out more about Manchester & Cheshire Dogs' Home.
Read Time Out Manchester's resident dog blogger Dusty's most recent blog - Four disgusting dog treats from Pets Own in Prestwich.