The Californian has long reported on the local pet overpopulation problem and the shocking euthanization numbers in Kern. But by partnering with compassionate readers, The Californian's "Tails of Bakersfield" project has been able to raise more than $20,000 over the past two summers.

"Tails" has been so well received we decided to launch "Tails of Bakersfield III." Starting today, local readers are again invited to submit photos of their four-legged friends for publication in The Californian and on TailsofBakersfield.org. In the process, they will help save unwanted pets and help reduce the population of homeless cats and dogs.

Ginger Moorhouse, The Californian's publisher, has been encouraged by response from readers in 2008 and 2009. By paying a small fee to have their photos published, readers helped raise thousands of dollars for the animal shelters and rescue operations, Moorhouse said.

"This community is known for its generosity when the need is there," she said. "If we can help bring additional attention to this problem while offering a fun service to our readers, we can all make a difference."

Readers pay just $10 to showcase their pet photos in the paper.

And for those who want to enter their pet in the 2010 Pet Idol contest, the cost is an additional $5. Winners will be featured in Bakersfield Life magazine.

In years past, many readers included additional dollars to beef up their donor support to local animal rescue and shelter efforts.

Pet photo fees and additional donations will go to The Cat People, Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelter, the Bakersfield SPCA and ALPHA Canine Sanctuary.

Want to help? Here's what you do:

• * Go online to TailsofBakersfield.org and submit your entry and payment. Allow up to three business days for your pet to appear online.
• * Come to The Californian offices at 1707 Eye St. with a photo of your pet. Fill out the Tails of Bakersfield form and pay $10. Your photo will not be returned.
• * E-mail your photo to tails@bakersfield.com. List your name, phonenumber, pet's name, breed and age. Include a one-sentence interesting fact about your pet. Photo will run when payment is received.
• * Mail your photo and the above information, with your $10 check (payable to Bakersfield SPCA, Alpha Canine Sanctuary, The Cat People or The Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelters Foundation) to Shanan Mallard, P.O. Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA, 93302. Your photo will not be returned.