Letters to the Editor: On Annie the Dog

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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.

• Some interesting records requests in SLO County

  Some interesting records requests in SLO County

  County Counsel Warren Jensen and Deputy County Counsel Rita Neal have slogged through thousands of requests for information under the California Public Records Act.

  But when you ask them which one is the most memorable, both of them answer swiftly: the David Edge-Gail Wilcox debacle.

  The squalid county management behavior that came to light through Tribune requests for emails under the CPRA in 2009 struck Neal for “the nature, the volume, the amount of emails, the content.”

• Sancho bucks all trends

  Sancho bucks all trends

  ‘It must be a record-breaker — it seems we’ve never had as many small dogs at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter as this year. Currently, over a quarter of our homeless dogs, whether in foster care or at the shelter, weigh less than fifteen pounds.

  “It appears this over-abundance is due to two extremes — popularity due to a fad and discrimination due to preconceived notions about Chihuahuas.

  “Sancho is one such shelter dog — caught between an impulse and a bias. But Sancho is an individual —he’s not just another trendy Chihuahua, Chi-weanie or Chi-whatever. Sancho is his own happy little dude. He loves the opportunity to go for a walk, chase a ball or play with chew toys. After a romp, he’s happy to sit by your side or lie nearby to supervise whatever project you might have. “Sancho’s previous owner says he’s shy around loud people but loves being a lap dog. Sancho loves those who love him and was given up because it was thought he needed more time than they could give him.

• 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.

• County eyes policy on aggressive animals

  County eyes policy on aggressive animals

  If your youngster walks to school past a yard that has a menacing dog on a leash, and you worry about the child’s safety, there is not much you can do about it legally.

  Similarly, if you and your family are in the backyard and the neighbor has an intimidating animal that is on its way to knocking down the fence, there is little legal recourse. All you can do is plead with the neighbor to keep his pet under strict control.

  If the animal in either of these instances — or other similar situations — hurts someone or attacks your pet, the county can take action against it and the owner.