Pets

Times are still tough for local animals; a man named David can't enter the homeless shelter with his two cats and is living in his car. Neighbors are feeding Sebastian, a Bombay cat, and Charlie, a Siamese (pictured.). The pair of 10-month-old siblings will be at the Russo's Pet Experience at Fashion Island this weekend hoping to find shelter with someone who would volunteer to take them indoors and foster or adopt them. Donate to help local animals, or call (949) 759-3646 to provide shelter for local pets in need.

Recently, I celebrated 15 years of answering your questions. Here are some favorites among the thousands I've received: Q: My cat got into my wine glass while I was away from the table. I caught him red-handed with the red wine. I noticed he enjoyed it. I don't think he got drunk but he sure did sleep well that night. I know that because he's so small even a few licks could be damaging. I don't think this will happen again, but I'm curious. Are there any alcoholic dogs or cats?

Q: My husband lost his corporate job six months ago, and his prospects have not improved. I was a stay-at-home mom who went back to work part time. We have three kids (ages 5 to 11) and three dogs (two Labs and a Lab/golden retriever-mix). We've always taught the kids that our pets are members of the family, and in past years we've given each a holiday gift. We can't afford to do that this year. Is this fair to our pets, and should I worry about the message we're sending our kids?

The pretty black-and-white cat Scarlett is still looking to settle down, and she fancies living with one of her sisters, Darling or Jordon, or maybe even a charming cat fellow like Rhett Butler. She is one of three sisters that has "cat attitude" and is most demanding of attention, as was Scarlett O'Hara in the movie "Gone with the Wind. " The cat family's current caregiver is leaving for a vacation in Africa, and we need help with new housing. We will be observing the Memorial Day holiday this weekend, so please call (949)

Question: I once lived in Highland Park, Ill., with a cat named Poco. We were inseparable. When he was diagnosed with kidney stones, I had to give him up. I just couldn't afford treatment in 1987. I still miss Poco very much. How do I ask for forgiveness when he depended on me for everything? I feel like I let him down big time. — C.H., Bloomington, Ind. Answer: How I wish we had the power to change the past, but so far, that can't be done. And I don't have the power to exonerate you. Besides, who am I?

A homeless encampment in Costa Mesa adorned with animal rights posters and graffiti could have been shelter to suspects connected to a recent rash of burglaries, police said Thursday. Costa Mesa police discovered the elaborate encampment beneath a San Diego (405) Freeway underpass where the Santa Ana River meets Moon Park, 3377 California St. Officers believe six to eight men have been living in the encampment for about two years, said Sgt. Vic Bakkila. The camp was discovered after an officer saw a suspicious-looking man go under the overpass, according to Bakkila.

If there ever was a Hollywood kingpin — Lawrence Kasdan fills the bill. He's participated in writing and directing so many great movies, including "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi," "The Bodyguard," "Body Heat," "Silverado" and "The Big Chill," to name a few. Often, his writing and production partner has been his wife, Meg. You'd figure the studios would clamor for any script hot off their computer....

DENVER - The Conference of the American Animal Hospital Assn., held March 15 to 18, was attended by more than 1,200 veterinary professionals. AAHA Executive Director Dr. Michael Cavanaugh kicked off the event with the State of the Industry 2011 review. While Cavanaugh's message wasn't all sunshine and lollipops, he was noticeably more optimistic than last year. For example, visits to the veterinarian ended their long drought. For the first time in years, dog visits to a vet office increased (just under 2% compared to 2010)

I look forward to reader comments, questions and concerns. Here's a selection I received recently: DEAR STEVE: I'd never read your column until recently, because I don't have any pets. I wish to point out an opposite view on household pets. Whether dogs or cats, pets are not members of anyone's family. They're not human. You and so many people today seem to forget these two simple things. While I don't dislike animals and had both dogs and cats earlier in my life, I don't care to be around anybody's animals these days, especially in my house.