A festive doggy gathering took an unexpected turn when Nova, a lively six-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, grabbed Santa’s beard and darted off, setting off a comical 10-minute pursuit around a canine daycare centre.
Nova was meant to pose quietly with Santa at The Puppy Dog Palace in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, during a Santa Paws Christmas event. Instead, the spirited pup lunged forward, seized Father Christmas’s beard, and sprinted into a separate play zone, proudly carrying the prize.
Video footage captures Nova strutting away with the beard as Santa and his elf desperately chase after her to retrieve the disheveled accessory.
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The event was organized by Robyn Ellis, 31, owner of the daycare, who enlisted her brother Stevie, 35, to play Santa, and her sister Darla, 29, to dress as an elf.
As Nova escaped with the beard, staff launched a playful 10-minute chase around the centre. Darla, in her elf costume, led the mission to recover Santa’s prized beard.
Robyn shared, “It was absolutely hilarious. We planned the Santa Paws event to get the dogs into the Christmas spirit, but Nova quickly became the Grinch by stealing Santa’s beard.”
She added, “I had warned Santa ahead of time because Nova has a habit of grabbing things and running, but none of us expected such a dramatic showdown. Everyone was laughing so much — Stevie eventually gave up and left it to the elves to handle.”
Though the incident was handled with good humour, Santa’s beard didn’t escape unscathed.
Robyn explained, “Santa laughed it off, but the beard was completely ruined and tangled. Looks like a new beard made the top of Santa’s Christmas wish list.”
Nova’s owner wasn’t surprised by the cheeky caper when picking her up. “He said she’s always getting into mischief and stealing the spotlight at home, so he wasn’t shocked by her antics,” Robyn added.