Seeing that Lakewood is generally a conscientious community on all things family, kid, and pet related, I must admit I was taken aback when I received an unexpected visit from animal control recently.

My family and I have lived in the area for more than 10 years. Our street consists of a tight group of neighbors, and we usually serve as our own "first responders" to anything silly, festive, important, or unfortunate — be it people, pets, or otherwise. So when Dallas Animal Services arrived, I thought something terrible had happened to justify their involvement.

You see, Hollywood-Santa Monica hasn't had the best support from animal control. I suspect we are not alone, but nonetheless, we have been dealing with a slue of cat-killings, which hits its peak each spring and early summer.

In fact, several neighbors have lost their kitties to a pack of dogs that for some time ran wild and eluded traps and patrols in our neighborhood. We generally post signs and warnings, distribute e-mail alerts and advisories encouraging neighbors to keep their small cats, dogs, turtles, iguana, snakes, and other adored animals indoors.

We are a neighborhood that cares a great deal about our little space, which remains quiet and quaint most of the time.