A little Chihuahua wears a sweater to stay warm during the cold winter months. Last year, donations were requested to help provide sweaters and coats for dogs — and cats that would tolerate wearing them — who come to the Mercer Veterinary Clinic for Pets of the Homeless. That collection continues this year. Courtesy photo

Darla receives a holiday pet basket for her dogs Dodie, in her arms, and Dozier, in a previous year. At left are two UC Davis veterinary students who volunteered at the Mercer Veterinary Clinic for Pets of the Homeless, which offers free vet services each month in Sacramento. Darla has been bringing Dozier to the Mercer clinic for 10 years, ever since he was a puppy. Now Dozier is “old and overweight,” in Darla’s words, and he has issue with arthritis. He comes to Mercer for medication to help his achy bones. Dodie is a 2-year-old dog that Darla rescued from an abusive home.  Courtesy photo