{"id":5349,"date":"2010-11-12T17:22:00","date_gmt":"2010-11-12T17:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lbpost.com\/articles\/life\/pets\/students-look-into-animal-care-careers-plus-adoptions-more\/"},"modified":"2010-11-12T17:22:00","modified_gmt":"2010-11-12T17:22:00","slug":"students-look-into-animal-care-careers-plus-adoptions-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/hi-lo\/pets\/students-look-into-animal-care-careers-plus-adoptions-more","title":{"rendered":"Students Look Into Animal Care Careers, Plus Adoptions & More!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

1:20pm |<\/strong> Over thirty Long Beach high school students interested in pursuing a career that combines law enforcement with animal welfare and humane treatment attended the kickoff meeting of the Animal Care Exploring Post on Nov. 9 from 7:00-8:00pm, in the conference room at Animal Care Services<\/a>. The Post, which is open to young people who possess appropriate qualifications, is part of Learning for Life Explorers<\/a>, a worksite-based career-education program whose objective is to provide experiences that help young people become responsible and caring adults while taking an active part in exploring and learning about specific career interests.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we offer is the resources, tools and training to do an effective program with youth,\u201d said Brian Morrissey, district executive for Learning for Life. \u201cACS has come up with its own specific program.
Prospective Explorers must be at least 15 and not yet 19 years old by the start of the academy training, have clean police and good citizenship records, maintain at least a C grade average at school, be physically fit, and have plenty of stamina, courage and the willingness to devote necessary time to meetings and emergencies. Explorers will participate in an academy setting and will earn academic credit for their work. They will have to have trained for four monthly meetings before going out in the field.”<\/p>\n

The academy will be run by present and past Animal Care Services (ACS) staff, including lead officer Sgt. Louise DuBois, ACS leadership officer David Linn, LB Department of Health and Human Services and Boy Scout liaison Michael Johnson, and retired officers Mark Carey and Friends of Long Beach Animals president John Gonzales, both of whom have over three decades of experience in animal welfare. ACS manager John Keisler said that he looks forward to reestablishing a Post at ACS.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a Post here in the 1970s\u2014#872, Boy Scouts of America,\u201d Keisler said. \u201cMichael [Johnson] wanted to get it going again. That\u2019s over 30 years ago, we\u2019ve got 30 young people attending, and we\u2019ve got people involved in the academy who\u2019ve been with us for 30 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Serendipitous or not, the event was a good start. Keisler told the audience of students, parents and staff of the elements he\u2019s envisioned for making Long Beach the \u201csafest city for animals and people\u201d: public safety, humane treatment of animals and an engaged community.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you notice someone leaving a pet behind or needing to bring a beloved pet in for any reason, you\u2019re the eyes we need,\u201d DuBois told the students as she explained what they\u2019d encounter on ride-alongs with animal control officers (ACO). \u201cOur live release [through adoption or owner reclaiming] has improved, but we strive to improve it every year, and we hope you can be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

ACS Explorers will work hard to earn their uniforms. They will attend monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month, learning about and participating in every aspect of animal welfare from cleaning litter boxes to cruelty investigations. There will be workshops on inoculations, rescue training, adoption and rehoming, legal procedures, microchip scanning, veterinary medicine that specifically applies to shelters, and vehicle-equipment training and knowledge.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something new every day, both stressful and exhilarating,\u201d DuBois said.<\/p>\n

Events are planned and include trips to the Aquarium of the Pacific<\/a> and Shambala<\/a>, the preserve founded by actress Tippi Hedren for abandoned and mistreated tigers and other exotic felines.<\/p>\n

And there are things that few may have the courage to handle: badly abused or incurable animals, creatures left to starve or die of thirst, animals who have bitten people and may need to be euthanized. These things require a combination of heart, strength and realism in anyone seeking a career in animal welfare and is the difference between a volunteer project and career preparedness. The staff made certain that the attendees and their families were aware of this.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe feel obligated to parents not to put [the kids] in a situation where they don\u2019t know what\u2019s going on,\u201d firmly stated Gonzales, who has worked in various shelters in the southern part of the state and has seen the good and the ugly. \u201cThe reality is, if you\u2019re going to be around the animals, you\u2019re going to get attached, and then it has to be put down. If you want to be a puppy patter, come in on Saturdays during our special events\u2014that\u2019s when we need them\u2014but our volunteers are going to be expected to do the dirty work as well. Puppy patters won\u2019t last, because although they have the devotion we want, there\u2019s heartbreak, too. You have to deal with geriatric animals, animals with terrible diseases, like brain cancer. I\u2019ve had an extensive career working at animal shelters\u2014I\u2019ve seen injuries, cruelty. We try to be pro-humane, and every shelter should be pro-humane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis could be very difficult, but I could still do it,\u201d said student Tyler Jocelyn, who wants to follow a career that combines his two passions: law enforcement and animals. \u201cI\u2019d feel bad seeing an animal suffer, but I\u2019d be able to do whatever they needed. I think that the shelter officials also feel emotional pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event followed up with a tour of the shelter, where students visited the dog kennels, the cat cottage, the exercise area, and the vehicles, including an ambulance that had been converted into a mobile unit. As if on cue, while Keisler was explaining how a lost animal with proper ID could be reunited with an owner, an ACO officer appeared with a carrier that had trapped a frightened unneutered male cat with no identification. The officer had already inoculated the cat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe shelter\u2019s really nice,\u201d Jocelyn said. \u201cI expected it to be a little bit smaller\u2014I couldn\u2019t believe that it was so big. I also thought it would be a little more smelly!\u201d<\/p>\n

The next meeting will be held Dec. 14 at the shelter at 7700 East Spring St. and will focus on rescue training and safe operation of vehicle equipment. Anyone interested in applying before the first meeting may contact Sgt. DuBois at (562) 570-3054 or louise.dubois@longbeach.gov<\/a>. There is a $10 application fee, but the Wesley Moore and Wayne Besenty Memorial Fund can help if there is financial hardship. The fund is named for a former ACS (then Animal Control) manager and a senior officer who passed away in recent years and who were heavily involved with the first Post.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a terrific memorial for them, because this is where we\u2019ll get the AC officers of tomorrow,\u201d DuBois said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a challenge that I\u2019m willing to take,\u201d said Ivana Escobedo, an eloquent and self-confident student who hopes to go into zoology studies. \u201cDeep down inside, it\u2019s going to hurt, but I can handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n

If Escobedo and Jocelyn are representative of the Explorers Post, the animals will be in good, loving hands.<\/p>\n

Virtually Pets<\/span>

Port of Long Beach Employees Club Pet Adoption Event, Nov. 13<\/strong>
We\u2019re combining our adoption feature with an event and a neat profile. The Port employees will feature its first pet adoption event, featuring animals from several rescue groups. The event also features a silent auction with great prizes, and all proceeds will benefit participating rescue groups. Representatives from ACS and SPCLA will also be present. The event takes place from 10 a.m.\u20132 p.m. at the Port of Long Beach Headquarters, 925 Harbor Plaza, Long Beach. Below are only a few animals you may see; they all need loving homes.<\/p>\n

From For the Love of Animals<\/a><\/strong>
 
\"\"
Goose, a 4-month-old male kitty with an apparent taste for life and everything on the table, was born in June. He and his three sisters are in search of their forever home! His mom, Momma Kitty, is also available for adoption and can be viewed on the For Love of Animals Web site.
 
\"\"
Grumbel Peg is such a unique-looking dog that Max or Benjie just didn\u2019t seem to fit. He\u2019s a 2-year-old cairn terrier and has such a great little personality that we knew he needed a name to match. Grumbel Peg is a great dog. He loves playing with other dogs and people, but his favorite thing is to be held. He adores attention and catches it from everyone with his big, brown eyes looking up through tufts of charcoal-gray fur. This little guy is so sweet and deserves the very best. Contact FLA to schedule a meet-and-greet.<\/p>\n

\"\"
And there are bunnies, too, and plenty of them. Here\u2019s lookin\u2019 at them!
 
From Fast Friends Greyhounds<\/a><\/strong>
It\u2019s safe to say that all the gentle, sweet-faced greyhounds you see strolling with their new humans are rescued retired racing dogs who would most likely be euthanized if this and other greyhound groups hadn\u2019t rescued them. They make excellent companions. Here are a few from this group.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Burke, black-and white male<\/p>\n

\"\"
Oracle, dark brindle male
 
\"\"
Skittles, white-and-fawn female

Pumpkin\u2019s Understudy Hopeful for Curtain Call<\/strong>
In our last article, we featured Pumpkin, who had a cameo part in Musical Theater West\u2019s Annie. Pumpkin was actually auditioning for a forever home, and ACS\u2019s CEO Michelle Quigley notified us the day after our article was posted that Pumpkin was going home with a theater patron! Not to be daunted, Pumpkin\u2019s understudy, Cookie, wants a star role in a never-ending live family sitcom! No drama here! Call ACS at (562) 570-PETS to feature this sweetheart!<\/p>\n

And here are some friends saved by our dauntless, tireless local rescuers:<\/p>\n

Nicholas<\/strong>
\"\"
Nicholas has a saintlike personality, as sweet as he is beautiful. He\u2019s a neutered male, 2 \u00bd years old, and is presently sharing a foster home with a roommate, seen conked out in the background. E-mail denise4re@verizon.net<\/a> for adoption information.<\/p>\n

Olivia<\/strong>
\"\"
This\u2019ll make you sick. Olivia, only 5 months old, was rescued after a couple of jerks spray-painted her (see her back). Her rescuer took her to the vet and cleaned her up, and she\u2019s ready to regain her faith in humanity. She\u2019s possibly a beagle\/shepherd mix. E-mail hoffmannclaudia@hotmail.com<\/a> for information.<\/p>\n

Pet Projects<\/span><\/p>\n

Wine, Cheese and Chihuahuas, Nov. 12<\/strong>
Yeah, we know what you\u2019re thinking, but when comedienne Lynda Montgomery titles an event, that\u2019s what you get! Anyway, the wine (the info states BYOB) and cheese are for you, and the funds collected will benefit the Chihuahuas and other small dogs at the Hearts for Hounds and AMRT rescues. Enjoy raffles, entertainment, food, doggie trick talent show and, for one night only<\/em>, you can adopt one of these swell little critters if you qualify. 212 Bistro, 2708 E. 4th St., 6\u20139 p.m. $22 donation at door.<\/p>\n

City of Long Beach Low-Cost Pet Clinic Kickoff, Nov. 13<\/strong>
Residents of Long Beach and surrounding communities will be able to receive pet vaccinations and licenses this Saturday 10 a.m.\u20131 p.m. at Lincoln Park Dog Park located at City Hall on Pacific and Broadway in Long Beach. Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal will address the participants, and dog-training specialist Carley Hovis will be available to answer questions and provide training demonstrations. Activities will include education on the humane treatment of animals, coloring for kids, spay and neuter vouchers, and giveaways.<\/p>\n

Spay\/neuter California vehicle license plates<\/strong>
Order your new specialty plates from CASpayPlate.com<\/a>. All proceeds will go toward facilitating low-cost spay\/neuter at state shelters.<\/p>\n

Volunteer Dog Stars needed for Belmont Shore Christmas Parade<\/strong>
Cover Me Green Roofing (formerly Recover Roofing) is sponsoring Hearts for Hounds in the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade again this year. This year\u2019s float theme is \u201cTwinkle with the Stars,\u201d and volunteers are needed to march in the parade and ride on the float with their dogs. All participants must wear their own \u201cmovie star\u201d costumes. Specially designed “star” attire for the dogs is available, so float reps need to hear from all who wish to attend ASAP! Please call (562) 755-7926 or e-mail moodswingsev@aol.com<\/a> before Nov. 1 if you wish to attend.

VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk, Nov. 14<\/strong>
For the third consecutive year, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) is leading the charge in raising awareness of the nation\u2019s number-one disease-related killer of dogs and cats. Join in on a fun-filled 3K (1.8 miles) walk for both people and their pets along a picturesque trail through the Rainbow Harbor boardwalk and Shoreline Village Lighthouse peninsula area in Downtown Long Beach, California. $25 before Nov. 1, $30 after. Registration fees benefit the nonprofit Animal Cancer Foundation<\/a> (ACF). Click here<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Animal Care Services in Long Beach teaches thirty local students about professions in animal care. Also, a littany of cute animals looking for a home and plenty of local events on the horizon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":70129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","inline_featured_image":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_":"","_author_alias":"","cap-aim":"","cap-description":"","cap-display_name":"","cap-first_name":"","cap-jabber":"","cap-last_name":"","cap-linked_account":"","cap-newspack_employer":"","cap-newspack_job_title":"","cap-newspack_phone_number":"","cap-newspack_role":"","cap-user_email":"","cap-user_login":"","cap-website":"","cap-yahooim":"","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_email_html":"","newspack_email_type":"","newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_hide_page_title":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_show_share_buttons":"","newspack_sponsor_byline_prefix":"","newspack_sponsor_disclaimer_override":"","newspack_sponsor_flag_override":"","newspack_sponsor_only_direct":"","newspack_sponsor_url":"","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_show_updated_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-5349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pets","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5349"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5349\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5349"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_spnsrs_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_spnsrs_tax?post=5349"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=5349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}