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Virtually Pets
Pet Projects’ adoption section has been featuring Long Beach-area cat adoptions and the people who work through the night and day trapping and fixing, bottle feeding, and both to increase the number of positive outcomes for homeless and unwanted felines and decrease shelter overpopulation and euthanasia rates—particularly now as kitten season is coming into full bloom. And part of the good work of these people comprises finding homes for them, which is where we all come in.
The most whimsically named organization is Making Biscuits, a 501 (c)(3) founded by a tough little softie named Kristie Brewer.
Making Biscuits was founded by Kristie Brewer nearly seven years ago.
“I started Making Biscuits Cat Rescue in June of 2009, having seen five little kitten faces under a car in a nearby Long Beach hotel parking lot,” she said. “I reached out to other rescue groups for help and advice. I became aware of just how enormous the cat overpopulation issue is. Once you’re involved in rescue, there always seems to be kitties in crisis somewhere.”
Like all rescues, Making Biscuits is a staunch advocate of spay and neuter. They also help Long Beach-area residents become part of the solution by lending out traps and cages, humanely trapping community cats, defleaing and deworming when necessary, teaching how to bottle-feed orphaned newborns, providing information about veterinary clinics and behaviorists, and educating, educating, educating about all aspects of cat parenting. Brewer also said that she spares no expense when it comes to feeding her charges.
If you’ve been around enough cats, you know why Brewer named her organization Making Biscuits, but in case you’ve never known a “kneady” cat who alternately moved its paws on bedding, a pillow, another cat or you as if working on a ball of dough—that’s why. “I know when I see cats ‘making biscuits,’ they look so content and happy, and they’re usually purring,” Brewer said. “I hope this is what the name evokes when people hear it—content, happy, purring kitties.”
Brewer takes in only adults, some of which have been in her rescue for years, because adopting out adult cats is more difficult than it is to find homes for the adorable kittens that everyone wants. Passing a grown cat by is a missed opportunity—there’s your cat along with the personality that he or she will always have, the animal is more settled, your breakables are safer, and you can find the cat more easily (the latter is arguable, of course). Some of Brewer’s Biscuit Makers have some quirks or health issues, but they need homes, too. And Brewer is set to find each of them a place.
And that’s where we come in. Here are a few rescues available to go home—more can be seen on Making Biscuits’ website as well as in person every Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4:00PM, at Unleashed by Petco at 6331 East Spring Street in Long Beach. Each cat has been microchipped, vaccinated, tested for FIV/FeLV, deflead, dewormed, and, of course, spayed or neutered. Unless a potential adopter has a companion cat or works from home a great deal of the day to keep the cat company, Brewer prefers to adopt them in pairs. Cats can get lonely, too, you know.
A description of the adoption process is available here. If you’re not quite ready for (yet another) cat, donations are welcome here. Making Biscuits is also registered through Amazon Smile.
Piper, Hailey and Emma, 2 ½ years old
Piper is the one who looks as if she’s just been busted eavesdropping, and her sisters Hailey and Emma are identified in photo from left. Making Biscuits took them in when their owner abandoned them. All three are sweet, gentle and affectionate—Emma “tolerates” being held. All three of them like the indoors, without any surrounding stress. Sort of like Emily Dickinson, particularly since they’ll bring poetry into someone’s life.
Cormac, 1 year old
Cormac was found hiding in a house after Animal Control picked up a considerable number of cats that were living in it in unsanitary conditions. He’s making up for lost time—he’s now your classic lap cat with a motor to match, as Brewer describes him. On the one hand, he loves being petted with either hand and touching noses. On the other hand, he’s playful and enjoys toys and chasing around the house with his kitty friends at the rescue. You can tell by that deer-in-the-headlights look.
Declan and Calum, 6 years old
Declan and Calum are two big boys who would love to get out—they’ve been around for a while. They have those expressive tabby faces that seem to hold on to your every word. They love to rub, have their chops scratched, and chat with you. They are a bonded pair and need to be adopted together, but how could you have it any other way?
Molly, 2 ½ years old
Molly was found at a Buddhist temple in Long Beach and as a result, she doesn’t allow her ego to run her. She doesn’t seek out socialization, although she will give a few little licks and nibbles and accepts kisses and petting in return. Don’t even mention dogs to her, though—that’ll knock her right out of whichever koan she’s contemplating.
Mark Your Calendars (the People Way)
Fix Long Beach (FLB) Spay/Neuter Clinic, dogs only for spay/neuter; cats and dogs welcome for shots and microchips. This month’s clinic is generously sponsored by the Second and Third districts
Saturday, April 23, 7:30AM–4:00PM, Bixby Park, E. Ocean Boulevard (between Cherry and Junipero), Long Beach
Free to qualifying residents
The grassroots free spay/neuter organization Fix Long Beach invites you to make an appointment for your unfixed dog, or get vouchers for free procedures for them! These clinics are generously sponsored through Hope for Paws and Eldad Hagar.
Guidelines for FLB clinics are as follows:
- Low-income Long Beach residents only unless you have a pit bull! (We offer free spay/neuter for pitties in surrounding cities.) If you don’t qualify (annual salary $30,000 or lower), please Google “low cost spay/neuter” along with your zip code, and have your pet fixed at one of the suggested clinics.
- Book an appointment ASAP. Standbys are welcome. Vouchers will be given to any attendee whose pet cannot be served that day.
- If you have called or made a previous appointment, please check your voice mail for messages (be sure that it’s set up). You must call back to confirm your appointment or your spot will be given away.
- If you are 15 minutes late for your appointment, your spot will be given to someone waiting on standby. If you fail to show up for two consecutive appointments, you will be denied future service
- Low-cost vaccines for dogs and cats $10 per shot, cash only.
- Low-cost flea meds for dog and cats $10 per dose/application, cash only.
- Nail trim $5, cash only.
- Free microchips for pets of Long Beach residents.
- Free supplies for anyone that gets their pets fixed.
Fix Long Beach also offers the following services from 9:00AM–4:00PM:
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 323.413.7729.
When you come, bring proof of income and Long Beach residency (these events are for Long Beach residents only.) Whether you come as standby or with an appointment, do not give your pet anything to eat or drink after 12:01AM. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers that are specifically pet carriers! No paper bags or suitcases, please! There are no walls in the park, and we want you to ensure your pet’s safety! If you don’t own a carrier, pet supply stores like Petco and PetSmart carry inexpensive cardboard ones; they run on the average of $8.
Fix Long Beach also has a wish list for pet items to give to our client as a thank-you for helping to lower our shelter euthanasia rate and prevent the birth of more unwanted kittens and puppies.
Click the link to donate items, or bring them to the event if you find a better deal!
Let’s continue to help make Long Beach no kill, one pet at a time!
Bark for Life of Long Beach
Saturday, April 23; 9:00AM, Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Avenue, Long Beach
No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Bark For Life. Each dollar you raise will help save lives. Your reasons for walking in the Bark For Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. This is your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember people we have lost but also to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. Because of your support, we are creating a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life. For information on signing up and directions to the park, visit this link http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY16National?pg=informational&fr_id=76504&type=fr_informational&sid=204751
‘Bigs and Littles’ Pet Adoption Event
Saturday, April 23; noon–3:00PM, Twig and Willow Bixby Knolls location, 4130 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach
4Life Animal Rescue http://4liferescue.org/ will be outside this stylish boutique to suggest the perfect accessory for your outfit and home! See flyer for details.
BARK Read with the Dogs Pajamarama Storytime
Friday, May 6; 7:00 PM, Barnes & Noble Marina Pacifica location, 6326 East Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach
Free event
BARK (Beach Animals Reading with Kids) is an all-volunteer program that encourages children to increase their reading skills and self-confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. There will be a couple of them wagging their tails as their young human friends read their way through everything from Goodnight, Moon to the Captain Underpants series.
Helen Sanders CatPAWS Bowling Fund-Raiser
Saturday, May 14; 2:00PM–5:00PM, Westminster Lanes, 6471 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster
Donations requested
Hit a strike for the “spare” kitties that Helen Sanders CatPAWS has waiting with their foster humans! You don’t have to be a champion bowler to join in–every ball can go into the gutter as long as you’re there to have a great time, enjoy an opportunity drawing, and fund-raise for these wonderful cats, many of whom were pulled from shelters to find them permanent, loving homes. Check out the information on the flyer.
Ongoing
Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS): Free Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinics, once monthly; Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics, scheduled days Monthly. Locations vary.
See flyer on web page for pricing of services
Beginning this Sunday, February 21, the Society for California Veterinary and Vaccine Care (SCVVC) will offer free spay/neuter procedures and wellness services to residents of the cities served by ACS: Long Beach, Signal Hill, Cerritos, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach. During the remaining weeks of the month, Spay/Neuter Project Los Angeles (SNP/LA) will offer low-cost vaccines, nail trimmings and topical flea treatment for residents of the same areas. Click link for locations and times and click the links next to each event for vaccine pricing and other details.
Pet owners must be 18 years or older. All pets must be on leashes or in carriers. Only healthy and non-pregnant animals will be vaccinated. If you have a prior rabies vaccine certificate, license tag or license renewal notice for your pet, please bring it with you to the clinic. Vaccination and microchip services are provided for pets residing in any city. Licensing service is provided for residents within our jurisdiction:. Microchips, flea treatment and nail trimmings also available.
Reserve a Humane Education Presentation for Your Classroom, Scout Troop or Anywhere That Pets and Kids Come Together
spcaLA Friends for Life Summer Camp
June through August, Monday through Friday; Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring Street, Long Beach
Paws down, it’s the best camp around! spcaLA Friends for Life Summer Camp™ is for kids 8 through 13 years old. At camp, kids learn the basics of pet care and responsibility, respect for all animals, and the beginnings of dog training, all while making new friends on a number of legs! There are several sessions still available, each running Monday through Friday. Registration details and session schedule are available here.