Virtually Pets

Reports of found kittens with or without nursing moms are finding their way into the mailbox and Facebook. That’s enough to know that it’s an example of things to come for kitten season and that there are even more out there in alleys, backyards, under buildings and, sadly, in streets. Because of this, the adoption section of the Pet Projects’ column is featuring local rescues and shelters that specifically take in cats in the hopes that everyone will adopt one or two to make room for the kittens.

This week’s feature is 501 (c)(3) nonprofit Zoey’s Place Rescue Inc. Founder Aurelie Vanderhoek explains its existence as follows:

“Zoey’s Place Rescue was created out of sheer luck when I took my current job in East LA and found my first litter of kittens in the warehouse, with Mom. One litter led to the next, and when I ran out of friends to adopt everyone out, I started reaching out to the rescue community and attending adoption events. One event led to the next, and soon enough, PetSmart in Huntington Beach took notice of my practice and offered me their adoption space.

“From a family of five up to 85 adoptions last year, Zoey’s Place has grown exponentially. My niche is the tough surgical cases—the broken limbs nobody wants to repair or the kittens found half dead…I have a soft spot for the major underdogs.”

Vanderhoek said that high-end nutrition and holistic medicine for the cats also sets them apart from other rescues. “We do not want to rescue big, but we want to rescue well— always wanting to be able to do what is best for the cats we rescue,” she said.

Here are a few of them, all up to date on vaccinations, FIV/FELV tested, and microchipped.

Gael is Zoey’s Place’s biggest case up to now. Zoey’s Place took him in after all options were exhausted and two vets wanted to euthanize him. At 4 months old, he went through two complicated surgeries to repair his internal damages and then his fractures. If it hadn’t been for Zoey’s Place, he wouldn’t be alive today. He’s now 7 months old, thriving and ready for his forever home.

Violet is a spring flower found in a bush. She’s 2 months old and is full of spunk and beans. Certainly not a shy Violet, she runs around the house with her foster siblings, and with her appetite, she’s not a shrinking Violet, either. She cuddles sweetly, too, and would love a home—especially one that would adopt a friend for her as well.

Surely, she was named for me. Kate, 6 months old, was rescued from the street by a very good person when she was about to be kicked by a very horrible one. Her foster mom loves her and says she’s a cuddler, too. There’s another cat and some dogs in the home, and she’s learning how much fun they are, too! She’ll be spayed soon and will be ready to find a good home with someone.

Help Zoey’s Place Rescue Inc. get through the expenses that kitten season brings to shelters by donating here .

Mark Your Calendars (the People Way)

Fix Long Beach 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 near the beach, 2100 E. Ocean Boulevard, 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.

Fix Long Beach also offers the following services from 9AM–4PM:

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!
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.

‘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 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 E.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 here 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.