M.G., a 2-year-old pug, gives a big smackeroo to Samantha Barker on her fourth birthday. Let’s hope she got a towel for her birthday…

An official ribbon cutting was held in April to officially open the new dog park in Gilroy.

Heide Unger’s dog Billy sported a nifty neckerchief and “Dig It” T-shirt for opening day.

A poodle and a corgi made good friends.

People and their pets all enjoyed opening day at the park.

A happy chocolate lab enjoys walking at the dog park.

This German shepherd had so much fun running with other dogs at the new dog park in Gilroy.

Heide Unger of Gilroy took her dog Billy, left, to the new dog park on opening day. Here, Billy is introduced to another vistor.

If your pooch stirs up a hurricane when he wags his tail, has some crazy trick up his sleeve, or looks fabulous in a tutu, the Hollister Dog Owners Group would like to have a talk with you. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and talents are being sought for the Dog Days of Hollister’s Pooch Parade Costume Contest and Doggie Contests set for May 30.
The event will be held at Dunne Park, located near in the intersection of West and Sixth streets. Doggie competitions and entertainment will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Oreo, W.E.R.C.’s educational California kingsnake, was in a temporary enclosure in front of a window so she could be photographed for her Animal of the Month (January 2009) story. On the other side of the window, Tux the dog, appeared fascinated by this activity – or jealous of the attention.

Tux is a welsh corgi/pitbull/plus-assorted-odds’n’ends-mix, aka “57-variety”, dog who Jeff Howell adopted last year from the San Martin Animal Shelter.

Through-the-glass is the only way these two critters actually meet. After the photo session, Oreo returned to her safe indoor terrarium.

Jese, a red tri Australian shepherd, poses for her glamour shot with owners Michael and Natalie Keaveney of Morgan Hill. Jese hates to be left alone, but doesn’t have to worry about that too much as she loves to hang out at Canine Concepts, a grooming service operated by Natalie, and act as the receptionist!

No need to beware of this sleeping giant. Brutus, an English bulldog owned by Hollisterite Liz Juarez, is just resting, waiting to hear the sound of keys, at which point he will run to the door, ready to hop in the car, stick his head out the window and slobber all over the place. The only thing that gets him cross is when you try to give him a bath.

Donald F. Gage, supervisor, Santa Clara County, District 1, enjoys the company of his chocolate Labrador retriever, Baxter, 6.

By Andi Joseph

OK, I admit it. I hate to admit it, but I’ll stand up and say, “Yes, I humanize my dog, Pumpkin.” Is it good idea? I don’t know. Probably not, since I talk to her like she understands me - even when I’m around other people and get strange looks. But still.
I came across an article recently on people who humanize their pets and I laughed out loud, because it described me.

She’s a child to me. I have no children yet, and I’ve had her for eight years. That’s the longest relationship I’ve ever been involved in, and it’s an important one! However, unlike many, I do not dress her up. Well, that’s a lie. She does have an orange sweater with a pumpkin on it, which I put on her on Halloween – of course – to the delight of children who may stop by. But that’s it. Except for the blue sweater my Mom knitted for her to keep her warm during cold winters when I lived in Washington. But I’m not sure if that says more about me - or more about my Mom …

But when I talk to Pumpkin, I swear she knows exactly what I’m saying. OK, some of the time … well, she definitely knows “You wanna go?” or “You wanna play?” Part of me really wishes I knew what she was thinking when I talked to her. Would she say, “Oh, that’s a great outfit!” or “That guy is soooo not worth your time!”

But the other part of me, the rational, sensible part, doesn’t want to know. Because in my heart of hearts I know when she cocks her head, ears perked, listening intently, she’s just thinking, “Why are you talking to me? I have no idea what you’re saying … Oh, look! A bird!”

This 3-year-old Yorkie named Lil Bear – owned by Hollisterite Rhonna Davis, who runs Doggone Dirty Mobile Pet Wash – loves daily runs and hanging out with his siblings. He hates funny noises, such as those kids make, and quickly darts to hide if he hears them. Nonetheless, as his owner says, “He is a handsome little love bug that could win the heart of any and everybody!”

By Pete Keesling
Did you see the news story the other day talking about insects as pets. Tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes and others were featured at a “pet fair” held in the Bay Area last weekend. I decided to do an internet search for these critters and wow! There are a lot of dealers who sell these insects. Interested?  Well, before you jump into arachnid ownership, do a lot of reading, ask a lot of questions, and prepare yourself for the work required to properly care for one of these as a pet. They’re not for everyone, but they sure are interesting……and different!

Not Missy, that’s who. This puggle, owned by Chad Culp – a certified dog trainer in Gilroy – was just fine with braving the scary night for some midnight snacks. She’s also always ready to go to class with her dad so that she can show off in front of all his students. And if you’re looking to win her heart, you should know: she loves long walks on the beach (with hot dogs) and hates being woken up from naps (unless hot dogs are involved).

The BBC has put together an online collection of five winners from its Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, including a shot of an elusive snow leopard and a fight between eagles over a moose carcass. The monkey portrait might be the most stunning, however. Have a look for yourself and tell us what image you like best.