Daisy the pit bull was in ‘world of hurt.’ Now she’s healthy and looking for a new home

The witching hour for sunburns is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s the time when parents work very hard — be it slathering on the sunblock or encouraging indoor playtime — to keep their children protected from the sun.

For short-coated dogs, especially those with white or piebald fur, the midday sunlight poses the same risks to their skin as it does for people. Breeds such as Dalmatians, whippets, beagles and pit bulls all run the risk of sunburn.

Unfortunately, many dog owners are not aware of the danger.

When 10-year-old Daisy arrived at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Services shelter, her skin was a disaster. It was red and blistering due to prolonged sun exposure.

This sun-sensitive pit bull senior was in a world of hurt.

Fortunately, with the help of donations to the shelter’s Animals Requesting Friends fund, shelter staffers were able to quickly get Daisy the care she needed.

Since arriving at the shelter in January, the change is impressive. Daisy looks great and, if she’s sporting a doggie T-shirt to protect her skin from the sun, is again able to go for walks.

Currently, Daisy is in foster care. She loves cuddling with her foster mom, is crate-trained and enjoys playing with toys. She’s ideal for someone who wants a loving, low-key solo indoor pet who’ll accompany them on sun-prudent morning and late afternoon walks.

Daisy is a happy house dog who, with a loving, sun-savvy family, will rejoice in having life made in the shade.

If you would like to meet Daisy or any shelter animal, please call 805-781-4400, choose extension “6” and leave a message requesting an appointment.

For more information about Daisy (ID No. 241072), call the volunteer line at the Animal Services shelter at 805-781-4400 or visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/aserv. The shelter is located at 885 Oklahoma Ave., off Highway 1, in San Luis Obispo.

The full-price adoption fee is $81 for cats and $115 for dogs, plus a $28 county license fee for dogs, if the adopters are San Luis Obispo County residents.

The adoption fee includes a new collar, a spay or neuter operation, basic vaccinations, a microchip and eligibility for a free veterinary check within San Luis Obispo County. Cats also are tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and adopters receive a carrier.