I’ve never taken a cruise before, and I may never again if they can’t promise me a boat that doesn’t shake like the Big One that’s in our future and is equipped with a staff that actually treats passengers like guests. But I was trapped for a week and determined to enjoy myself, so I brought lots of work, lolled in a steam room to get rid of a head cold I got the second day onboard, went on a glass-bottomed boat tour of Nassau where everyone ooh’d and ah’d over the coral reefs while I got all bazorkt about how badly they were bleached out, and frolicked with a new animal buddy. Of course, this was heaven for me only until the nice young trainer, who’s a veterinarian on the island, told me that all five of the tame sea lions had been brought in from Venezuela and had been raised up from pups. This, he averred, is easily accomplished, and they’re as tame as dogs when they grow up and love people and herring. They seemed healthy and happy, but I found myself thinking sea lions in bondage and pictured them sitting sad-eyed in child’s wading pools on their off time. Hence, the hug.
The hell with shipboard romance. Photo by Cayo Levantado, Samana
To his credit, the trainer did warn us not to try anything like this with the wild sea lions we see off the Long Beach coast. Wild animals, he told me later, are dangerous. Hmm.
Humanely,
Kate
March 16, Animal Care Services Workshop, Neighborhood Resource Center
Join ACS Bureau Manager John Keisler and Chief of Operations Michelle Quigley at 6–7:30 p.m. for an open discussion on such topics and strategies as the human treatment of animals, public safety, responsible pet ownership, community engagement and improvements to investigations and enforcement.
There will also be a pet food drive. Residents are encouraged to donate pet food to benefit the Multi-Service Center to help low-income pet owners in Long Beach who need assistance. This free workshop will be presented in English with Spanish and Khmer translation.
If you’re bothered by barking dogs, have concerns about stray animals and illegal breeding, or wildlife, or if you’ve stepped in dog poop once too often, join this workshop. Make Long Beach California’s safest large city for people and animals.
The Neighborhood Resource Center is located at 425 Atlantic Ave. To reserve your space or for more information, please call (562) 570-1010 or e-mail Scottie Hinkey at [email protected].
March 15, Vigil for Karley, Huntington Beach
Join Last Chance for Animals (LCA) and the Toole Family on March 15 at 1 p.m. for a special vigil and dog walk at the Huntington Beach Pier as we continue the fight for Justice 4 Karley!
In November 2008, 6-month old German shepherd puppy Karley was fatally beaten by her neighbor, LA Fire Department officer Glynn Johnson. In December, he was charged with one count of felony animal cruelty with two enhancements of using a deadly weapon to commit a felony. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Monday, April 13 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept 41.
Please bring your friendly dogs and join LCA and Karley’s family as we continue to fight for justice to be served. We will be walking to the dog beach and back. The Toole Family will have a drawing for some great gifts.
Meet at the grassy area one block north of the pier) at 315 PCH, Huntington Beach at 1 p.m. Parking area located at PCH and Main Street.
April 16, Friends of Long Beach Animals ‘Benefit for the Animals, Long Beach Playhouse’
Join Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA) for a delightful April evening at the Long Beach Playhouse and help get out the word about spay/neuter and humane education at the same time. Enjoy a 7:30 performance of Sabrina Fair, a romantic love-triangle comedy set in the bon-vivant atmosphere of 1950s Long Island, New York. The event also includes a reception at 6:30, with an hors d’oeuvres spread and chocolate goodies of all sorts (including pretzels) for intermission dessert; a reception bar; piano entertainment by Ralph Brunson; and door prizes, including FOLBA’s famous Dine-out Package, with a value of $369. Dr. Loren Eslinger, the veterinarian for Long Beach Animal Care Services, will be honored as the 2009 Hero to Animals. Tickets $25 on a donation basis; available at the following locations:
– Belmont Pets and LaunderPet, 3429 E. Broadway, (562) 433-3605
– Bixby Knolls LaunderPet, 4102 Orange Ave. # 113, (562) 427-2551
– Go Dogs Go, 3440 N. Los Coyotes Diagonal, (562) 421-9797
– Seal Beach LaunderPet, 318 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 430-7196
– Wiskers, 4818 E. 2nd St., (562) 433-0707
Or call FOLBA at (562) 988-SNIP (7647)
Email: [email protected]
The Playhouse is located at 5021. E. Anaheim St. in Long Beach.
March 29
Free Spay/Neuter Clinic, L.A. Area (location to be announced)
Free spay / neuter clinic for feral / undomesticated cats to being held in the Los Angeles area. Reservations required. All feral cats over 4 months welcome. All cats will be sterilized, vaccinated, treated for fleas, dewormed and ear-tipped. All cats must be in humane traps—no exceptions. Microchips available to caregivers/trappers at cost $11. For reservations (required), please e-mail [email protected].