Karen Thompson and Princess, with Freckles in his hutch.
1:45pm | This week, we had a great visit to the Shoestring Ranch in West Long Beach (lots more about that in an upcoming Post). In the midst of communing with goats, horses, a burro and several ground squirrel squatters, the farm’s director and head cowgirl, Karen Thompson, and übervolunteer Kelly Huston showed us the Bunny Center, which features little long-eared Freckles and Princess. Also hutched in there are a library from which children may read to rabbits and a host of materials for teaching children about responsible rabbit care. Also on the ranch is the Poultry Farm, where city children may adopt a little bird and raise it and care for it at the Shoestring Ranch (the chicks do not go home with the kids). Both components, like the entire farm, are there for education, particularly for kids, and a haven for animals like Freckles and Princess, who both were abandoned.
Every Easter season, we ask our readers to spread the word that real bunnies are not plush toys and cute baby chicks aren’t marshmallow and don’t stay fuzzy forever. Like all pets, rabbits need and deserve loving, responsible homes, and chickens prefer to scratch around on a farm. Click here and here to read older Pet Posts on the topic, and thanks go to reader Keith for keeping us on target.
To adopt one of these sweet abandoned bunnies, visit the rabbit rescue at Long Beach City College. Click here for information.
“Does it hurt [to be real]?” asked the Rabbit.
– The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams
Even if the sky falls, these peepers will be safe.
Virtually Pets
Chloe
This is one of the sad, sad stories that have become way too common. Chloe’s family has been forced to move because of financial reasons, and they aren’t permitted to have her live with them. She’s a black lab mix who was rescued crossing a busy street when she was just a few months old. She’s now 2 ½. Because we couldn’t possibly relate the despair of the family, we’ll leave it to them, as follows: “We feel a lot of guilt, especially when people comment that they could never leave their dog behind. This has been the hardest situation we have ever encountered, and I don’t wish this upon anyone. We will do whatever it takes to find a loving home for our girl. She deserves nothing but the best and will continue to search for that perfect family for her. Chloe will be a great addition to the family that takes her in and that loves her as much as we do.” If this sounds like you, e-mail [email protected].
If you plee-uss…
There are breed-specific rescues for cats as well as for dogs. These are three of several beautiful Siamese, all of whom have been spayed/neutered, tested, and vaccinated. They’re all under a year old and very friendly. Contact our cat-rescue buddy at [email protected] for information!
Rusty
Rusty, 4 ½, was dumped by some people at a relatives house. Two other dogs live there already, and one of them doesn’t like Rusty, and tries to fight with him. Rusty has a little spaniel, some shepherd, a bit of chow and a lot of love to give. Can you rescue him? He is sweet, of good disposition, well behaved, crate trained and potty trained. He is neutered and has had his shots. Contact [email protected] for more details.
Pet Projects
Low Cost Pet Clinics Available through ACS, Various Locations, Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Long Beach Department of Animal Care Services is now providing more frequent low-cost clinics to vaccinate and license your pets at a much more manageable price. These clinics take place the second Saturday of each month, rotated at four parks throughout Long Beach.
A state-licensed veterinarian from the Southern California Veterinary Vaccine Clinic (SCVVC) will administer vaccinations. No reservations are needed. Click here for a full list of the available services and pricing, which beats low-cost prices at many area pet stores.
This month’s low-cost clinics will take place at the following times and locations:
9–10:30 a.m.: Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave, 90805
12:30–2 p.m.: Admiral Kidd Park, 2125 Santa Fe Ave, 90805
SpcaLA Pet Adoption
PetSmart, Long Beach Towne Center, 7631 Carson Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90808, Saturday, April 14, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Meet spcaLA’s adorable adoptables and maybe find a new best friend! Can’t make it that day? There’s plenty more at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village and Education Center, 7700 E. Spring St. in Eldorado Park. Click here.
Book signing and Mini-Sessions for Terri Steuben’s Secrets of a Pet Whisperer: Stop Telling Your Pets to Misbehave
Pussy and Pooch, 4818 E. 2nd St., Long Beach, 90803, Saturday, April 28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Want to try out Terri Steuben’s techniques? Terri will be signing copies of Secrets of a Pet Whisperer and will also be doing little readings for your own babies! Pets are always welcome there, or bring photos (the cat would prefer that). Call (562) 434-7700 for information.