On Monday, Nov. 12, dog rescuer Sherri Stankewitz and her West Coast Animal Rescue were profiled by Press-Telegram columnist Tim Grobaty, a wag himself. In the column, which can be accessed here, Stankiewitz reveals a social disorder called Black Dog Syndrome, which comprises reasons for people not wanting to adopt black dogs, the perception of menace being one.
Of course, there’s the Black Cat Syndrome as well, which buys into the ridiculous superstition of cats being witches’ familiars and turning into demons. I once had a black cat, and were the legends true, my money potions would have worked, and worked extremely well. The only evils that Rockabye committed were no different from the ones done by other cats: shedding and shredding. The only thing that will turn any cat into a demon is provocation, and what form that may take is up to the individual cat.
Less common is the Black Bunny Syndrome, and that’s because there’s no evidence of one. I tried Googling it with both Bunny and Rabbit, and all I came up with was some outlier stuff and an Urban Dictionary definition. But it sure is a great entry for an adoption theme.
Check out these guys at our shelters and rescues. You’ll find that they go with anything—and anyone who can provide a loving forever home.
His name’s Blacky, and he’s a smooth-coated Chihuahua, about 3 years old. Adopt him and give him a name that fits his personality instead of his coat. Ask for ID#A481417 at Animal Care Services (our shelter) at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 East Spring Street Long Beach 90815.
This sweetheart doesn’t even have a name yet, so I stuck her with Zsa, because she halfway resembles the Gabor sister. She’s a female terripoo, about 2 years old. You can find her at ACS. See Blacky’s bio for address.
This is Shane, who seems to need glasses. His eyes are slightly crossed, which his rescuers find an addition to his cuteness. He has silky medium-length fur and is available from Helen Sanders CatPaws. Contact [email protected] to meet him and his mates.
The following rabbits come from the Rabbit Center at Long Beach City College. They’re having a swell event this weekend!
Butch Cassidy
Scout
Domino (OK, he’s black and white, but he’s a knockout and I couldn’t resist.)
Pet Projects
Bunny Adoption Day, Nov. 17 and 18, Rabbit Center at Long Beach City College, 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, 90808, 1–4PM.
As a well-placed segue, the rescuers at the Rabbit Center on the LBCC campus have hares of every color—most of them gray by this time from the effort of trapping all the little domesticated bunnies dumped on the campus and spaying, neutering, doctoring, feeding, loving and otherwise caring for them. If you’re ready to take on the responsibilities of these sweet creatures who make good house pets, visit this event. See map below.
Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic, Dec. 8, Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave 90805, 9AM–10:30 AM; Admiral Kidd Park, 2125 Santa Fe Ave 90805, 12:30PM–2PM.
Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS) sponsors regularly scheduled clinics to help keep your cat or dog health and safe. Vaccinations are provided by Southern California Veterinary Vaccine Clinics. Pricing is available here. This is the final set of clinics for 2012; 2013’s dates TBA.Click here for more information.
Special Adoption Fees to Celebrate spcaLA’s 135th Anniversary, Nov. 17–18, P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach
It’s spcaLA’s birthday! We were founded in 1877, and now we are celebrating 135 years of being the voice for the voiceless in Los Angeles. Adoption fees for all pets will be $18.77 during our anniversary weekend. Potential adopters must fill out a questionnaire and be approved for adoption by an spcaLA Adoption Counselor. For adoption requirements, click here.
Animal Match Rescue Team Fundraiser, Sunday, Nov. 18, 4–8 p.m., Liberty Art Gallery, 435 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach
Get ready to howl like a hound in hysterics and pick up a few canine-themed cards and prints to decorate your doghouse. And help rescue animals while you’re enjoying yourself. This free event features an art exhibit, crafts by local artists, a Chihuahua fashion show, raffles, prizes and much, much more! There will be stand-up comedy by Long Beach’s own Lynda Montgomery and live music by Jill Warren. All proceeds go toward AMRT little rescue dogs.
By performing, Montgomery hopes to spread awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. She will also feature her much-talked-about phone tie. Printmaker and AMRT activist Jillian Clemmons will also address the need for donations by selling her dog-themed block-print stationery and prints to raise money for the rescue group. Her prints can be found here.
This event was sponsored by Paige Bauer and the volunteers of The Animal Match Rescue Team. Every cent raised will go to AMRT. For more information, click here.
Second Annual Holiday Bone-anza and Craft Fair, Saturday, Dec. 1, 10AM–3PM, Good Neighbor Park, 2800 Studebaker Rd. Long, Beach, 90815
This annual fund-raiser presented by the Friends of El Dorado Dog Park will help pay for a place for the doggies to play and also help you with your holiday shopping. Volunteers are needed for this event; click here for information.
Donations Needed for Animal Care Services, Pitchford Animal Companion Village, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, (562) 570-PETS
ACS thanks everyone who provided donations for their wish list! The list has been further winnowed down; if you feel generous or just have any of the following items around your house, bring them to the shelter (and take home a pet, if you are so inclined!).
- wet food for cats and kittens
- wet food for dogs and puppies
- Natural Balance Dog Food Rolls. See examples here.
- Two trash cans for our play yards that open with a foot press. See an example here.