About a month ago my friend Paul noticed a large lump on his dog, Cisco’s, back leg. He kept an eye on it and noticed how much Cisco was licking it and that it was growing. Cisco needed a checkup, so it was off to the vet.

‘Kevin’s a dog we normally could adopt out seven times over at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter—he’s small, housebroken, quiet and likes everyone. His photo doesn’t show it, but Kevin has two expressive ears that perk right up when he sees people coming.

Caity McCardell of Oceano sent me this story about the stray kitty she rescued and found a loving home for.

‘Coal, with jewel-bright eyes, is a beautiful 3-month-old kitten. He is affectionate and has a nice, solid purr, although he has spent more than a third of his life at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter.

Last weekend some friends and I spent a beautiful warm summer day at San Simeon beach. We quickly found a spot and set up our chairs, towels and umbrella because the sand was hot!

‘Summer’s a time of change for many people. At the San Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter, this means we get more owner-surrendered dogs and cats than at any other time of the year. July and August are our most difficult months for over-crowding.

Gizmo has become a nocturnal cat in the last week; 4 a.m. seems to be his new wake-up time.

‘Bryson — a handsome, neutered, 2-year-old Abyssinian — looks like one of the cats depicted in ancient Egyptian bronzes, but rather than regal, Bryson was beyond scared when he came to the shelter. With time, patience and gentle words he is beginning to change from a fearful to a loving cat.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has some tips on how to keep your pets safe during the warm days of summer.

‘Spring is the time of year when kittens abound — cute, fluffy and curious. They’re nearly irresistible, which creates a challenge for our adult cats at the county shelter.