Being the “animal/pet person” at work usually means that people ask me about what type of cat or dog food I feed my pets, or questions about animal behavior or habits.

Today’s question from a co-worker threw me for a bit of a loop.

“What should I do with a baby opossum I found out back?”

My first reaction was to call Animal Services, but I wasn’t sure what their policy was with rescuing wildlife — then I remembered Pacific Wildlife Care. I looked them up and called their hotline. Their recording was very detailed on which number to call if you have found a marine animal, bat or other injured or abandoned animals. I left a message and within the hour, a volunteer returned my call and was contacting another volunteer to come to The Tribune to pick the little guy up.

The volunteer arrived and said they had a momma opossum that might adopt him and if not, they would try nursing him back to health. And the sneezing noises he was making were actually him calling for his mother. She said he would probably be ok.

I don’t know if the little guy will make it, but I think it’s wonderful that we have an organization dedicated to help lost, sick or injured animals. I know he’ll have a better chance at the care center than he did in our printing press room.

If you find a sick, injured or abandoned animal (or would like to donate or volunteer) remember Pacific Wildlife Care and call them at 543-9453 or visit them online at www.pacificwildlifecare.org.

Consider adopting a pet

Easter is Sunday and some people may be considering purchasing a baby bunny or chick for their children’s Easter basket. While these baby animals are cute and cuddly, they will become full-grown pets that do require care and attention.

Many Easter rabbits and chickens end up in shelters and with kitten and puppy season happening soon, the shelter will fill quickly with animals that need new homes. If you are thinking about purchasing a new pet, please visit the shelter and consider adopting a homeless animal. Also, remember to spay and neuter your pets to help reduce the amount of homeless animals.

Easter dog parade

Westminster Kennel Club’s Best of Breed, Brussels griffon winner Tina Fey will make an appearance at the Cayucos Lioness’ Easter Bonnet Dog Parade on Saturday. Registration begins at 1 p.m. at the Third Street Park in Cayucos. Entry fee is $10.

Proceeds of this event go toward the Cayucos Lioness Mutt Mitts program and donations are made to local shelters in the name of the dogs that win the certificates. For more information, call 235-2289.

PetTales is on Facebook!

Like our page at www.Facebook.com/SLO PetTales and share photos, stories, lost and found pets, as well as posts for animal adoption and animal-related events and groups.

If you have a story or photos of your furry, feathered or scaly friend please email pettales@thetribune news.com or mail to Pet Tales, c/o The Tribune, P.O. Box 112, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406.

Jennifer VanderSmith is The Tribune’s pet columnist.