Hoof patrol: This issue features the Central Coast's cutest pets and more

Credit: Cover courtesy photo by Gina Killingsworth

Brighten up your day by flipping through the winners of our second annual pet photo contest. Readers from across the Central Coast submitted more than 400 images of their cats, dogs, lizards, chickens, horses, bunnies, and even fish in this year’s competition. A panel of five judges narrowed them to the top three in each of five categories. First place winners get a little gift bag of pet goodies and a gift card from issue sponsor Lemos Feed and Pet Supply. The Best in Show winner will get a little something extra from Lemos! As part of the contest, entrants donated $2,000 to C.A.R.E.4Paws, a nonprofit that helps low-income families in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties take care of their pets. The organization plans to feature the winning cat and dog on one of its mobile clinics. Enjoy the cuteness!

—Camillia Lanham