Colorful old-timer tells a story about a mule

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers

HIS FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS AREN'T DOGS OR CATS--Dale Rickards, a longtime resident of the area, tells about his little mule that he had to put down in the Community section. Rickards, a retired LAPD peace officer, provides animals and props for western movies. He's a member of the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club.