“In the summer, with increased owner-surrenders and stray pets, the San Luis Obispo County Animal Services shelter quickly fills, turning each kennel into premium real estate.

“Dogs and cats without immediate kennel appeal — those that are older, an unpopular breed, quirky or lacking good sales skills — are at risk for euthanasia.

“Here are three long-shot dogs:

• “Maya’s not a standard-issue German shepherd. Her ears flop down rather than stand up; perhaps it’s her way of saying she’s not cut out for police work. Maya has longed to connect with people but the wait is wearing her down. Once adopted, Maya will thrive, devoting herself to her new family.

• “Rudy’s owners were in tears because they couldn’t find housing that accepted dogs. Rudy’s a pumpkin-headed pit bull who has lived happily with children and other dogs. Hopefully, a pit bull lover will look past Rudy’s scars and give our longest residing dog the loving, cat-free home he needs.

• “Ariel is the chosen representative for the shelter’s overabundance of short-coated lapdogs. We’re overwhelmed with mixed and full-breed chihuahuas, Jack Russell terriers and doxies. Ariel is cute, great with dogs, loves people and is overlooked because we have so many sporty, little dogs.

“Want to help reduce shelter overcrowding? Alter your pet, make sure he or she has a visible ID or microchip, and find another home for your pet if you can’t keep it. Or adopt, summer’s a great time to fall in love.”

— Ellen Perryess

For more information about Maya, ID No. 184686; Rudy, ID No. 181714; or Ariel, ID No. 184689, call the volunteer line at the San Luis Obispo County animal shelter at 781-4413 or visit www.sloanimalservices.com.

The Animal Services shelter is at 885 Oklahoma Ave., off Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo.

To see more shelter animals available for adoption, visit www.sloanimalservices.com.

The adoption fee is $75 for cats and $100 for dogs, plus a $23 county license fee for dogs if the adopters are San Luis Obispo County residents. The adoption fee includes spay or neuter, basic vaccinations, microchip, eligibility for a free veterinarian check, new collar and ID tag, and a carrier for cats.

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