By Business Journal Staff

May 22, 2012 - One of this issue’s feature stories is about how dogs have proven to offer health benefits to their owners, such as reducing blood pressure and anxiety. To read the story, click here: Man’s Best Friend.

The section also includes photos of eight local leaders and their dogs. It was prepared by Editorial Assistant Katie Musso, with photographs by Thomas McConville:

Justin Rudd with Riley and Blair Cohn with Annie

Justin Rudd, left, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Community Action Team, with his 6-year-old English Bulldog, Riley, and Blair Cohn, executive director, Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association with his English Bulldog, Annie, who turns 4 next month. Photographed at Rosie’s Dog Beach, at the water between Roycroft and Argonne avenues.

Robert Garcia with Anakin

First District Councilmember Robert Garcia with his 4-year-old Pomeranian, Anakin. Photographed at the K-9 Corner Dog Park at 9th Street and Pacific Avenue.

F. King Alexander with Bailey

California State University, Long Beach President F. King Alexander with his Labrador Retriever, Bailey, who turns 2 on May 30.

Paul Buchanan with Ziggy and Dasher

Chef Paul Buchanan, owner of Primal Alchemy Catering, with Ziggy, a 14-year-old Dachshund, left, and Dasher, a 2 1/2-year-old Dachshund mix.

Janice Maize with Maximus, Remus and Romulus

Janice Maize, vice president of wealth management and senior investment management consultant at The Maize Tuebner Maize Group of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, with her three Pugs, from left: 7-year-old Maximus; 5-year-old Remus; and 5-year-old Romulus.

Jim Eaton with Lucky and Cami

Jim Eaton, founder and CEO of Long Beach-based Kingdom Partner Solutions, with Lucky, a 7-year-old German Shepherd mix, left, and Cami, a 4-year-old Rottweiler mix.

Ryan Choura with Chance

Ryan Choura, owner of Choura Events, with his 1-year-old Havanese, Chance.

Lisa Ramelow with Kyle

Lisa Ramelow, owner of La Strada Italiano in Belmont Shore, with her 13-year-old shepherd mix, Kyle.