For Thanksgiving, I visited my sister and her family in Riverside, Calif. Besides two children, she has two dogs: an elderly Labrador and a feisty little Chihuahua named Kahuna.

They live on a large acre of land with plenty of fruit trees. They frequently see squirrels, skunks, raccoons and, now, predators such as coyotes and bobcats. Wild animals are being forced into developed areas because their hunting grounds are getting smaller. A coyote was seen earlier this year entering a Southern California supermarket. In my sister's neighborhood, these predators have killed cats and small dogs, making everyone uneasy.

And now, this tragedy has happened to my family. The week before, Kahuna was let out to do his business at night. My nephew heard horrible snarling and screams. He ran outside and Kahuna was gone. Initially they thought a coyote took him, but neighbors spotted bobcats that same day.

I'd like to reminisce about Kahuna. Last year, my 11-year-old niece saw a cute little Chihuahua puppy for sale on the Web. She had saved up all year for a dog, a total of $300. She promised the breeder that she knew all about caring for Chihuahuas. Would the breeder consider giving him to her for $300? The answer was yes and Kahuna came home.

Animal lover Leslie Kawamoto has been with the Advertiser for 18 years, or 126 in dog years.

ADOPTABLES

KOA LUA

TAG NO. 08-25643

This 3-year-old Australian cattle dog is high-energy and wired to herd. He'll be sure to have you off the couch and out of the house — getting the exercise you need for the new year.

VALENTINO

TAG NO. 08-25617

Valentino is blonde with dark dream eyes and a tender touch. He's hoping someone will be his Valentine this holiday season.

ELVIS

TAG NO. 08-23361

Love me tender, says sleepy-eyed Elvis. He's one cool rock star in the Cat House.