Pet Tales: Poodle eases Paso pair’s grief

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• Having a pet can make for healthier living

  Having a pet can make for healthier living

  ‘Longer, healthier lives are half-off this Saturday when you adopt a dog, cat or kitten at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter.

  “Twenty-plus years of research indicates pets lower blood pressure, lessen anxiety and boost immune systems. Additionally, studies show kids growing up with furry pets have lower allergy and asthma risks; infants are less likely to develop pet allergies and eczema.

  “Annie is a delightful prescription for a healthier life. She’s a high-social 4-month-old black and white kitten who’ll brighten your day. Annie’s playful with people and other cats. Annie’s a talker who saunters with her tail held at full mast.

• Betty will bring love into home

  Betty will bring love into home

  ‘Dogs reflect their upbringing. If puppies receive guidance and love from a variety of people, they’re predisposed to be good with people throughout their lives. Additionally, puppies that have the opportunity to play with other pups are predisposed to get along with other dogs once they’re adults.

  “Betty’s unknown owner must have given her such opportunities because Betty has a gentle disposition. She walks well on a leash and is gently affectionate. Betty’s fine with like-minded dogs, easy going and laid-back, but her first love is people.

  “One would have thought Betty’s owner, having trained and encouraged her devoted nature, would have come to the San Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter to look for Betty, but no.

• Cemetery opens plots for pets

  Cemetery opens plots for pets

  Families have been known to skirt cemetery rules in trying to reunite Fido or Patches with their owners, slipping a tiny tub of ashes into a casket or sprinkling their remains at a grave site when no one's looking.

• Letters to the Editor 1/30

  Letters to the Editor 1/30

  Streets not dog-safe

  I read with interest Bill Morem’s Jan. 19 column in The Tribune. Patti Toews’ dog was attacked recently by two dogs off-leash on a trail in Los Osos. Her dog suffered substantial damage (a $1,900 vet bill), but what caught my eye was her comment at the end of the article: She said she’ll “stick to the streets … hopefully it will be more safe for the little guy.”

  I know from personal experience that even the streets are not safe for dogs. In August 2010, a woman in Los Osos was walking her two very large dogs on Bayview Heights and Covey Lane. Her dogs attacked one small dog, which recovered, and shortly thereafter attacked and killed my neighbor’s small dog on his own property.

• Izzy doesn’t let past neglect keep her down

  Izzy doesn’t let past neglect keep her down

  ‘On one side, Izzy looks like a cat on top of the world. She’s a happy 4-month-old tabby in swirls of gray and black with fashionable white socks and a blaze. Izzy likes to play with toys, enjoys the company of other cats, and has charming people-skills whether purring contently as a lap cat or happily seeking affection.

  “On the other side, it’s clear Izzy’s life hasn’t always been easy.

  “A month ago, a good Samaritan contacted San Luis Obispo County Animal Services concerned about a household with many cats in poor condition. An officer investigated and determined it was animal neglect, bordering on cruelty.