{"id":429,"date":"2018-10-26T13:38:33","date_gmt":"2018-10-26T20:38:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/?p=999923604"},"modified":"2018-10-26T13:38:33","modified_gmt":"2018-10-26T20:38:33","slug":"pet-projects-why-some-shelters-wont-adopt-out-black-cats-near-halloween","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/hi-lo\/pets\/pet-projects-why-some-shelters-wont-adopt-out-black-cats-near-halloween","title":{"rendered":"Why some shelters take care in adopting out black cats near Halloween"},"content":{"rendered":"

Please send any Long Beach or Seal Beach pet-related events or projects to\u00a0pets@lbpost.com<\/a>. Posting subject to approval.<\/em><\/p>\n

If a black cat crosses your path, expect bad luck. If you\u2019re on a boat and a black cat comes aboard, expect smooth sailing. Kiss the black cat, \u2019<\/em>twill make you fat; kiss the white one, \u2019<\/em>twill make you lean.<\/em><\/p>\n

For better or worse, black cats have been grist for the superstition mill, particularly around Halloween. They\u2019re on cards, cookies, costumes and any kitschy stuff associated with the holiday. A lot of us in the cat-rescue field hold to the superstition, but for quite another reason: even as organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States<\/a> and Best Friends<\/a> have sought to debunk the myth and even Snopes<\/a> published an article years ago stating that it was overblown, there\u2019s still a lot of caution regarding black cat’s welfare and safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s that likely, but I have just enough of a healthy fear for me to personally not adopt out a black cat immediately before Halloween,\u201d cat rescuer Kelly Lopes said. Lopes,\u00a0in fact, did have a black cat up for adoption on Halloween\u2014she wound up keeping it. Likely, it had nothing to do with Halloween\u2014happens to the best of us.<\/p>\n

Many animal shelters and even some private rescues do process black cat adoptions around Halloween. At most shelters, black cats are the last to be adopted, so saddling them with the additional baggage of taking them off the adoption roles for up to a month or more before Halloween makes no sense, Francis Battista wrote in an article posted on the Best Friends website<\/a>. \u201cBlack cats and all cats in shelters have much more to fear when it comes to not getting out of shelters at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Long Beach Animal Care Services<\/a> (ACS) has this policy as well. Jill Prout, ACS\u2019s adoption coordinator, said that adopters for black cats are thoroughly vetted around this time of year.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s interesting because I just encountered this,\u201d Prout said. \u201cStudies have indicated that there isn\u2019t the risk we thought, but it\u2019s still really good to cover all your bases and be sure that the candidates are good for adoption. We have applications and verbal interviews with anyone applying to adopt any animal during any time, however, around Halloween, specific focus is put on applications for black cats.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ve been in shelters 10 years this year and in that time, I\u2019ve come across only one application for a black cat that could not be approved. A lot of shelters reject applicants, and I don\u2019t think it\u2019s good for the cat.\u00a0We do our due diligence to protect the cats in our care and assure they find loving homes. If anyone is going to find an animal for nefarious purposes, they aren\u2019t going to find it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

On that note, please keep your cats inside. There are dangers out there, be they human, nonhuman or inhuman.<\/p>\n

On another note, it\u2019s Halloween, so here are some treats, all doggies not because I\u2019m superstitious about cats (I am), but you<\/em> try getting a bunch of cats in costumes and keeping them intact as they\u2019re being videotaped. Visit ACS at 7700 E. Spring St. in Long Beach at the entrance to El Dorado Park. No parking fee for shelter visitors. #LBadoptapet<\/a><\/p>\n

Muffin <\/strong>(ID#A615975<\/a>)\u00a0is all dressed up and ready to trick-or-treat herself into your heart! This little 8-year-old shih tzu mix has always wanted to be taller, so she got into her giraffe costume and is ready to celebrate Halloween!<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LongBeachAnimalCare\/videos\/1962949020410430\/?t=0<\/p>\n

What would Halloween be without the Great Pumpkin! Dexter<\/strong>\u00a0(ID#A614064<\/span><\/a>)\u00a0is not only a great pumpkin but also a great dog, as you can see! He has his jack-o’-lantern costume on and is ready to trick-or-treat with you this Halloween. He\u2019s an 8-year-old English bull and absolutely adorable!<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LongBeachAnimalCare\/videos\/1886206948101378\/?t=0<\/p>\n

And we have not only the Great Pumpkin but also the Great Dane\u2014in name and personality, anyway.\u00a0Dane<\/strong>\u00a0(ID#A613752<\/span><\/a>) is all dressed up for Halloween and ready to go trick-or-treating! This handsome little 3-year-old has come a long way, thanks to the loving care of ACS volunteers, and is looking for a home.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LongBeachAnimalCare\/videos\/1894579957294619\/?t=4<\/p>\n

King<\/strong> (ID#A551949) is a Dodger fanboy! This 7-year-old sweetheart of a pit bull terrier has hopes of joining the major league in a home of his own. He\u2019s a kind, obedient boy, and he takes commands well. He\u2019ll be on your team, for sure. Take him out to the ballgame, and watch him play!<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LongBeachAnimalCare\/videos\/435318310205763\/?t=22<\/p>\n

Things to do, pets to support<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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Find Some Bunny to Love Adoption:\u00a0<\/strong>To Oct. 31,\u00a0shelter hours<\/a>, P. D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach. $30 adoption fee.<\/p>\n

October may not be the month when you typically think of rabbits, but no matter, all animals need homes and there\u2019s no special day for that. Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS)<\/a> and spcaLA<\/a> will be offering a special adoption rate of $30 per set of long ears for the entire month of October.<\/p>\n

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National Pit Bull Appreciation Day:\u00a0<\/strong>Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m.\u20133 p.m., Marina Vista Park, East Colorado Street, Long Beach. Free event; adoption and vendor price rates apply.<\/p>\n

Come help these funny, misunderstood doggies and their friends at the inaugural National Pit Bull Appreciation Day.\u00a0Live Love Animal Rescue<\/a>\u00a0is partnering up with\u00a0Blockhead Brigade<\/a>\u00a0for an event featuring local vendors, a \u201cpack walk,\u201d food, yoga with your dog, adoptions and other highlights. All breeds, creeds and loving humans are welcome.<\/p>\n

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Haute Dog\u2019s 18th Annual Howl\u2019oween Parade:\u00a0<\/strong>Sunday, Oct. 28, 12:30\u20134:30 p.m., near Colorado Lagoon, 5355 Eliot St., Long Beach. Free to spectate; entry registration and seat reservation information available\u00a0here<\/a>; a full schedule of information available\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Will you go as the Hound of the Baskervilles? Cujo? Or a poodly princess in a pink petticoat? Justin Rudd and his Community Action Team along with Third District councilmember Suzie Price will present reputedly the biggest Halloween pet event in the world, and the most enjoyable! A vendor and pet-adoption fair takes place from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., and don\u2019t miss (as if you could!) the highlight of the day: more than 500 costumed dogs, parading a few blocks in front of a few thousand gawkers and a panel of judges. It costs $10 in advance for each dog who enters the parade, but there\u2019s no charge for humans to walk in the parade with or without costumes and with or without pets. Free to spectate.<\/p>\n

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Live Love dog adoption event:\u00a0<\/strong>Sunday, Oct. 28, noon\u20134 p.m., Pussy & Pooch, 4818 E. 2nd St., Long Beach. Adoption fees apply.<\/p>\n

The \u201cPooch\u201d part of Pussy & Pooch<\/a> welcomes Live Love Animal Rescue<\/a> and its adoptable doggies. The P&P team is ready to help you and your furry friend get started on the right path to health and wellness\u2014everything from bones to beds to baths!<\/p>\n

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Thai Silk restaurant fund-raiser for <\/strong>Fix Long Beach<\/a>: Friday, Nov. 2, 7\u201310 p.m., Thai Silk, 1506 E. Broadway, Long Beach. Menu prices vary.<\/p>\n

Spice up your evening with a delicious Thai meal and know that 15 percent of the tab will go toward free spay\/neuter procedures at Fix Long Beach Clinics.<\/p>\n

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7th annual Fall Fund-Raiser, to benefit No Stray Left Behind and The Cat Cove:\u00a0<\/strong>Saturday, Nov. 3, 5 p.m., Eat at Joe\u2019s, 7120 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. $25 admission, menu prices vary; see flyer for details.<\/p>\n

Dogs fostered through\u00a0No Stray Left Behind<\/a>\u00a0and cats curled up at\u00a0The Cat Cove<\/a>\u00a0want your attendance at this fund-raiser that includes live music, a menu of food and activities. Eat at Joe\u2019s will also donate a portion of food and drink sales to the rescues.<\/p>\n

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Join <\/strong>Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA)<\/a> at the Long Beach Veterans Day Parade: <\/strong>Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m., Houghton Park, Atlantic Avenue between 55th and South streets, Long Beach. Free event; dogs welcome.<\/p>\n

You are invited to march with or without your dog to help FOLBA honor and appreciate the Veterans and Canines who have served so bravely to give us our freedom. Well-behaved and licensed dogs are welcome to join in\u2014keep in mind that there are loud bands, cheerleaders and horses. Volunteers encouraged to bring shelter dogs up for adoption. For information, text (562) 881-5156.<\/p>\n

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Inaugural Puppers Catsino Turnaround Fund-Raiser: <\/strong>Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m., Green Line Station, 12901 Hoxie Ave., Norwalk. $50 donation per seat.<\/p>\n

Long Beach rescues The Little Lion Foundation<\/a> and Live Love Animal Rescue<\/a> team up with foster-care organization FARSide Journey<\/a> for a fun run to Harrah\u2019s in Rincon. Enjoy raffles and games on the bus and five hours in the casino. Proceeds go to the rescues.<\/p>\n

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Fix Long Beach Free Spay\/Neuter Clinic: Saturday, Nov. 13, 9 a.m.\u20133 p.m., Ramona Park, 3301 E. 65th St.,<\/strong> Long Beach, free spay\/neuter for qualifying Long Beach residents; free microchips; shots, flea-med doses, dewormers and nail trimmings $10 each.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the law to fix your pets in Long Beach and many Southern California cities. To provide this costly service to our Long Beach residents who otherwise couldn\u2019t afford it, Fix Long Beach offers this service free of charge.<\/p>\n

Make<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>an appointment through IM or email at fixlongbeachinfo@gmail.com<\/a>;<\/strong> include (1) your name, (2) address, (3) phone number, (4) pet’s name, (5) age, (6) sex, (7) breed, and (8) weight. Standby available at 8:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

Vouchers are provided through Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS) Spay\/Neuter Assistance Voucher Program for pets without appointments or dogs too large to fit on the vehicle\u2014they may be used at specified veterinary clinics.<\/p>\n

For both spay\/neuter and vaccinations, all dogs must be on sturdy leashes and all cats must be in dedicated carriers<\/p>\n

Ongoing<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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Pet Adoption Locations<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The following pet-related businesses regularly feature cat, dog and rabbit adoptions. If you\u2019re a Long Beach-area rescue and don\u2019t see your adoption event listed here, please email\u00a0pets@lbpost.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Petco Animal Supplies, Marina Shores,\u00a06500 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n