CAMDEN — Hector, a huge mastiff who presides over Hector’s Art Gallery, will play “Santa Dog” during Christmas-by-the-Sea weekend, to help the dogs and cats at the Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League.

Midcoast residents and visitors are invited to bring their children to Hector’s Art Gallery to pose with Hector. Well-known photographer Christie Smith will take the pictures of Hector with children and-or families 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at the gallery on Sharp’s Wharf. Pictures are $5 each, and all proceeds will go to help the animals at the shelter.