LOS ANGELES (AP) — One hundred sheriff’s deputies and 400 part-time deputies were laid off. SWAT officers were ordered back to the streets. Narcotics and gang units were disbanded. Helicopters were grounded. K-9 survived. To absorb more than $30 million in losses, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department had to focus almost exclusively on answering 911 calls, but ...

By LINDA LOMBARDI For The Associated Press Dog agility competitions make great TV, with pooches racing around an obstacle course, jumping through hoops and dashing through tunnels. If you’ve seen it, though, your reaction probably wasn’t, “What about cats?” But that’s exactly the thought that Kim Everett-Hirsch of Portland, Ore., had before launching her first cat agility competition ...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.  While this is an alarming statistic, most of these bites are preventable. “Human behavior is a major factor in dog bites,” explains Dr. Mark Stickney Director of General Surgery Services at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary ...

Today, most people own at least one pet whom they consider to be a part of the family. We are very attached to our pets, and try to provide them with the best nutrition and health care that we can possibly afford. As pet owners, we must remember that some very damaging illnesses can happen ...

By AMY LORENTZEN For The Associated Press Cynthia Frank is one of a growing number of pet owners using social networking sites to show off their animals and connect with other pet lovers. Since she and her husband separated, Frank can’t be with her dog, Scout, every day, but she can share news about her and get updates ...