‘A puppy doesn’t make sense for most people’s lives. Puppies need seemingly endless amounts of attention and training. They need to be housebroken, learn what can be chewed on (e.g. puppy toys) and what cannot be chewed on (e.g. hands, shoes, furniture, etc). Puppies also need to learn to be a good friend to other dogs as well as meet a wide array of people to ensure they’re good citizens as adults.

‘Being a teen is not easy, regardless of genus or species.

The Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association’s Sage Hill Open Horse Competitive Trail Ride is slated to run from Friday to Sunday at Live Oak Camp off Highway 154 near Lake Cachuma.

‘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.

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

Dogtoberfest and Wiener Dog Races return to Atascadero Lake Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event includes a free pet costume contest with cash prizes, an Elks barbecue, raffle drawings and animal adoption groups.

‘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.

The San Luis Obispo County Animal Services shelter is once again overflowing with animals that need homes, so it’s reminding pet owners to spay or neuter pets, microchip and tag them, and make sure they’re secured in homes and yards.

Dog Splash Days at Templeton Community Park will be Friday through Sunday.

Animal shelter volunteer Ellen Perryess shared the following recently: