‘It’s counterintuitive that the season of giving is often the hardest time of year for the animals at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Services Shelter.

Hot Licks Benefit Cold Noses holiday event will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Building at 1000 Main St., in Cambria. Event includes performances by Three-Legged Dawg and Cuesta Ridge, a chili dinner with all the fixins" and HARTdogs (hot dogs) for the kids. On-site beer and wine sales will also be available.

‘With the arrival of winter, all unaltered cats should be breathing a sigh of relief, but no. This holiday season seems to swing wildly from winter to summer resulting in unexpected litters of kittens. These youngsters make it harder for those born earlier in the year to find a home.

And now a few words from a recently adopted four-footed friend.

‘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.