Pet Tales

‘Popularity can be a curse. That appears to be the case for the American pit bull terrier.

A couple of weeks ago Joan Ponza of Pismo Beach sent me an e-mail suggesting that I write a column about some of the different activities available in the county for dogs and their owners.

‘Worries about kennel space usually diminish in winter. However this winter, the shelter population looks like July, a notorious time for overcrowding. This is particularly worrisome because we’re headed into kitten and puppy season, which makes it harder for the adult pets to find homes.

‘Shelly, a charming older yellow Labrador retriever mix, has a happy disposition that makes you smile. She’s a pleasure to walk and likes to chase balls and play with tug toys.

’Caroline Franco of Atascadero sent me an amazing story of her family’s patience and dedication to help a large group of abandoned neighborhood cats find new lives.

‘Fenahay was a bit camera shy but found comfort in being held with his head looking over my shoulder. I could feel him purring even as he turned his head, this way and that, to avoid looking into Charlotte’s camera lens.

The American Kennel Club has released its 2009 registration statistics.

‘Dingo is a classic dog — loyal, affectionate, and loves to chase a ball. For most of his five years he lived with — and loved — four kids, another dog and the family cat. Dingo is housebroken, knows some basic commands and takes treats gently from your hand.

As an owner of an older dog who is beginning to have some problems with his hind end and has trouble walking some days, I was touched by Penny Zenglein’s story about her dog, Hannah.

Dogs, cats and even horses sometimes come to the San Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter to receive better care. This is how McTabby came to the shelter.