By Clyde Noel

Tonto is the talk of the town. Everybody seems to love Tonto. Even other dogs love him. He’s that golden retriever who follows his owner around town with the leash in his mouth.

“Tonto was 1 year old when I picked him up as a stray at the Salinas Humane Society,” Lisa Powell said. “He is now 14 and has pulled me through a lot of hard times.”

Powell is the owner of Cold Noses, Warm Hearts, a Los Altos business that offers dog-walking and other forms of pet care.

Tonto has initials behind his name. He is a therapy dog with a TDI certification from Therapy Dog International. He helps his owner’s business with individual in-home pet care.

Last Thursday he walked with Jake, Zach, Jamie, Cosmo, Lilly and Mr. A, moseying along the downtown route carrying his leash while all his four-legged friends were on leashes.

The walk down Main Street seems to be their favorite because that’s where they get the most attention. The first stop on last Thursday’s journey was the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce for a drink of water and a taste of goodies from Gayle Carter’s bottom desk drawer.

After a brisk walk down Main Street, it was time to visit Five Paw Bakery and taste some freshly baked goods. Paul Callary was baking new samples, and the dogs got a taste of future items for sale.

Then the dogs took a long walk to the Bank of America, where they lined up for more cookies and water. As well-behaved canines, they know the bank is a place for withdrawals — not deposits.

The final stop was at Baskin-Robbins for a sip of vanilla frozen yogurt, then it was back to the van. Tonto turned over his leash and Powell drove the dogs back home.

“I do overnights (pet sitting) in people’s homes, but I also walk the dogs for other clients,” Powell said. “I have met a lot of good dogs in the 12 years I have been doing this, and I know a tired dog is generally a good dog.”

Powell likes to get a read on a dog.

“I look for other signs. When they are relaxed and panting they are usually friendly,” Powell said. “Los Altos is a dog-friendly town, but always ask before you pet one.”

Tonto may be the best-recognized four-legged resident in town and he is known for his friendliness. He gets attention - including pats on the head - everywhere he goes.

Powell said residents looking for a watchdog shouldn’t get a golden retriever. His size and initial barking might deter an intruder, but they are friendly toward everyone. They would even carry the intruder’s flashlight, she said.

Powell’s business includes work with a variety of animals, from dogs to birds. Types of tasks include feeding, cleaning and of course, walking. Prices vary from $25 for a walk to $65 to spend the night.

For more information, call Powell at 941-6611.