Wheely Willy, the little dog who took his handicap and literally ran with it, will be honored at a service at the Memorial Garden at Long Beach Animal Care Services. Willy passed away Dec. 22 at the venerable age of 22. He and his mom, Deborah Turner, were each other’s guardian and inspiration for nearly 20 years and passed it forward through a collection of fictionalized biographies, public appearances, humane education and therapy.

Deborah Turner asks that in lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations be made to Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA). Willy began his real life as an injured rescued pet, and Turner wants his work to be carried through by an organization that works to improve the lives of animals in need.

The address and time of the service are as follows:

Tuesday, Jan 19, noon to 2 p.m.
The Memorial Garden at Long Beach Animal Care Services
P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village
7700 East Spring Street
Long Beach, CA 90815

For a glimpse into Willy’s life, watch the video at this page.

ACS Town Hall Meetings: Community-based outcomes for shelter-animal issues

There are over 11,000 lost, abandoned or unwanted animals impounded in our shelter every year, and a disturbing number go unclaimed. New approaches are needed to address this situation, and your input is important. Council members Suja Lowenthal and Patrick O’Donnell will be hosting two important town hall meetings this week to discuss changes to the municipal code and strategies to implement the following results:

• reduce animal impounds
• reduce euthanasia of healthy animals
• increase animal redemptions and adoptions
• increase enforcement of the municipal code

Representatives from the City’s Animal Care Services (ACS) bureau will be on hand to present information and answer questions about proposals for expanding the City’s licensing requirements, low-cost spay and neuter, and volunteer and adoption opportunities. If you have any ideas or expect some to pop up after discussion, please attend one of the following meetings:

• 4th District: Monday, Jan. 11, 6–8 p.m. at Stearns Park Community Center
• 2nd District: Wednesday, Jan. 13, 6–8 p.m. at Bixby Park Community Center

No RSVP is necessary.

If you cannot attend in person or wish to add input before or after the meetings, complete the online Animal Welfare Survey online by clicking here. For more information, call (562) 570-7387.

Virtually Pets


Simon
OK, here’s a challenge for anyone ready and willing to take one on. Simon was rescued from an abusive situation—teenagers throwing him about like a ragdoll. He was also attacked by another cat and didn’t fight back. To compound matters further, he is FIV-positive. His kind temporary “landlord” and the Good Samaritan who found him took him to the veterinarian where he had the bite wound cleaned and a drain inserted. He also had to have a tumor on the back of his neck removed (negative biopsy, thank Heaven). What Simon needs is a person who’ll put him in a sailor suit and give him a violin case to carry. He needs to be indoor only and the only cat in the house, not only because of his tendency to be a lover and not a fighter but also because the FIV virus is transmitted through bites, and other cats could be infected even through aggressive play. He’ll also need ongoing veterinary care. If you want to foster or adopt, or donate toward his care, contact [email protected] and mention Simon’s name.


Neyla
Neyla is eager to join a big-dog household and looks as if she’s about to be presented to the queen of England (note the polite smile). She’s a spayed female brown-and-black German shepherd, about 3 years old. You can have an audience with her at ACS, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, (562) 570-7387. Ask for ID#A350759.