Bathe your beagle and comb your cat: It's time for CB Photo's 13th annual pet portrait event, a fundraiser for the Humane Society of the Black Hills.

This year's pet portrait benefit will be Sept. 7-9 at the 725 Main St. studio. Photographer Chris Benson will shoot pictures of people and their pets - "anything you can fit in a car" - from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

The $35 cost includes the sitting fee and one 8-by-10 photo. That money goes directly to the Humane Society. Christmas cards and additional photos can be ordered at special prices, Benson said.

Reservations are required and appointment times go fast. You can make an appointment by calling 341-3010.

Benson asks that people bring their dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.

Most portrait subjects are well-behaved, but it's best not to arrive more than five minutes before your scheduled appointment time in order to minimize contact with other pets.

The annual pet portrait benefit has raised more than $25,000 for the Humane Society since it began. Benson said the Humane Society uses the money wherever it is needed.

Most of her subjects are dogs and cats, but over the years, Benson has shot photos of people with ferrets, turtles, guinea pigs, snakes, birds, and even a cougar.

This year Benson plans to take her show on the road. She's organizing similar pet portrait benefit shoots across South Dakota in the next few months. For more information call 341-3010.

Contact Heidi Bell Gease at 394-8419 or heidi.bell@rapidcityjournal.com