Find some peace by checking out the winners of our third annual pet photo contest. They’re cute! Really cute. Readers from San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties submitted hundreds of images of their fur, feather, and scale babies as part of this year’s competition. A panel of in-house judges narrowed them down to the top three in each of five categories—including Best Dressed! Winners get a gift card from issue sponsor Lemos Feed and Pet Supply, and proceeds from entrants’ contest fees were donated to the Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo, which has a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and give lifetime homes to abused, abandoned, and neglected donkeys and mules. Flip through the images to feel the love that only an animal can bring!
—Camillia Lanham
But there’s more: Be sure to check out Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood’s story about a bird sanctuary that specializes in parrots and New Times intern Bella Cox’s piece about C.A.R.E.4Paws’ plans for a temporary pet shelter.
Blessed are the beaks: Central Coast-based parrot rescue provides adoption and sponsorship opportunities for local bird lovers
By Caleb Wiseblood
Temporary refuge: C.A.R.E.4Paws will offer boarding for pets living with struggling families
By Bella Cox
This article appears in Oct 23 – Oct 30, 2025.
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