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?

With a 10-foot yellow snake draped over his shoulders, Scott Beaver told the crowd of small children that he wasn't in danger. Constricting a human wasn't in this 80-pound creature's nature. But when it wants to, the Burmese python can exert about 100 pounds per square inch of force on its prey. "That's like getting run over by a semi if you're a rabbit," Beaver said. He'd brought the python to the Orange County Market Place, a weekend swap meet at the OC Fair & Event Center, which on Saturday dedicated a corner to pets.

So many animals in municipal shelters can't find their way back home, but a tiny life-saving microchip brought a white long-haired kitty named Charlotte to Community Animal Network. Since 2004, all Community Animal Network animals have been microchipped and protected by the organization if it can't locate the registered owner. The little girl was just a kitten when we knew her. She's made herself comfortable with the family that originally rescued her mom while she waits for a new home.

With a 10-foot yellow snake draped over his shoulders, Scott Beaver told the crowd of small children that he wasn't in danger. Constricting a human wasn't in this 80-pound creature's nature. But when it wants to, the Burmese python can exert about 100 pounds per square inch of force on its prey. "That's like getting run over by a semi if you're a rabbit," Beaver said. He'd brought the python to the Orange County Market Place, a weekend swap meet at the OC Fair & Event Center, which on Saturday dedicated a corner to pets.

Baby goats haven't exactly made a name for themselves as household pets, but for a group of local students, the fluffy little kids are better than any of their friends' dogs or cats. Twelve students from Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach have been raising dairy goats in Santa Ana Heights, an annexed area of Newport that allows residents to house farm animals as part of a 4H project. 4H is a national youth development organization that encourages students to complete a variety of projects, achieve goals with confidence and obtain skills that will help them become active citizens, said project leader and parent Gibran Stout.

Since my dog lost his vision, I've listened to experts and consulted websites for advice about coping with a sightless pet. But aside from all the practical tips, I've learned that living with a blind dog is a lesson in patience, commitment and letting go of anxiety over carpet stains. It is, most of all, a lesson in love. I have no doubt that all you pet owners instantly recognize this kind of unconditional, unrestrained love. We cherish our animal friends, and take our responsibilities for their well-being as sacred and unshakable.