There’s a recently published book that I without doubt won’t read—it’s called The Top Ten Things That Dead People Want to Tell You, by Mike Dooley. I ran into it while trawling for quotes on Goodreads. The only reference to pets that I came across was something to the effect that they’re just as awesome on the other side as they are on this one. I’m not sure how the author knows any of this, but let me tell you—if I had written this book, I would have inserted “Make damn sure that if you’re going to drop dead—and you will—that any pets you’re taking care of are provided for, and I don’t mean by taking the ultimate journey with you.”
Even in Long Beach, which has the biggest concentration of animal nuts per square mile of any city or town (or so it seems in regard to the company I hang with), there’s no guarantee that any cat or dog who’s probably been the most loyal friend you’ll ever have, with the exception of another cat or dog, won’t wind up in the street or shelter, almost guaranteeing that you may meet up with them sooner than you think. If they’ll speak to you.
But you, of course, care enough to make a will or arrangements for your pets after you take the last train home; otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading a pet column. And if you haven’t yet but have every intention of so doing, make sure that whoever’s going to take care of your pets is 100 percent onboard with it. A trust lawyer can help you with this.
The pets featured below in Virtually Pets are luckier than most—they were fortunate enough to have encountered a handful of the aforementioned nuts. Want to claim one of these furry buddies as your own?
Even when there’s no will, there’s bound to be a way.
Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.
~ Mark Twain
Virtually Pets
All of these cats were left to fend for themselves after the person who was caring for them passed away. The heir to the house has been extremely supportive in efforts to help, but he’ll be fixing up the house to sell. He doesn’t want to include the cats in the deal, and they’ll soon have nowhere to live. A neighbor, Sandra, responded to a plea for rescue on Facebook and reached out to a number of animal advocates and rescues (thank you, Patty of Fix Long Beach, the Crazy Cat Lady, Zoey’s Place Rescue, and Stray Cat Alliance rescue group). Sandra and the team are getting all the cats vetted and fixed; Sandra in true pet-hero form is feeding and caring for the neighbor cats daily.
This is still a work in progress, but you may want to claim your kitty now. Ages are approximate; personalities are accurate. Contact [email protected] for information. Click on the links by each organization’s name to donate funds.
Blackie is anywhere from 12 to 14 years old and is FELV- and FIV-negative. He has beautiful yellow eyes and has only one fang, but he’s a heck of a good eater. He is a senior sweetheart who likes to rub on your legs and jump on the counter when it’s feeding time. He loves to be scratched and petted. He needs some serious lovin’ in a nice, mellow home to live out the rest of his years. I am working on getting a better photo.
This is Cali, short for calico. She is super-soft and fluffy, with amazing markings. She is a little shy and just needs a warm, loving home to bring out her fun side.
This is Hope, a fine name for this situation. He Has good energy and will follow you around. He loves to be petted. Can you give him a warm, loving home?
This is Rayne. He has a soft tabby coat. He’s very inquisitive and follows you around. He even talks to you in his own language. He loves to be petted.
And this is Skye—or is it Rayne? It’s Skye, Rayne’s twin brother. He’s equally beautiful and affectionate.
This is Chance, another fine descriptive name! He has beautiful orange-and-white fur. He loves to be scratched on his head. Can you give him a warm, loving home inside where it’s all cuddles?
Sunny was named for his disposition and not his coloring—he has wonderful distinctive markings. He loves to be petted.
Finally, there’s Mama Frankie, who is now Mama in name only. Her kids are grown and off to college, and she’s ready to be a lap cat. Pick her up!
Permanent Foster Urgently Needed
Coco, about 13, and Ladybug, about 12, are two sweet girls who need a permanent foster in the L.A. area. There will be no cost to the foster family; all expenses, including medical, will be paid for by Tails of the City Animal Rescue for the rest of their lives. Coco and Ladybug were two of the Mojave 7, a group of cats and dogs left behind when the caretaker died suddenly before Christmas and they were rescued from the outdoors and freezing temps of the Mojave. They have been living together their entire lives and are looking for a loving, indoor-only home with no other animals to lounge around in and enjoy the rest of their years. No large yard is needed, as they are more interested in cuddling than running around. Please click on the link to donate.
Send requests for larger pictures and video to our Long Beach contact: [email protected].
Pet Projects
Friends of Long Beach Animals Humane Education Program, Free, Ongoing
Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA) stands by its word when it says it actively supports teaching children kindness to and respect for animals. FOLBA has provided several copies of humane books to all of the libraries in the Long Beach Unified School District, all the Public Libraries in Long Beach and Signal Hill, as well as to Raising-a-Reader and to Mary Bethune Transitional Center (assisting homeless children who need reading improvement so they can attend regular LBUSD classes). This interactive humane education program is free to all schools in the Long Beach Unified School District, Girl and Boy Scout Troops, Long Beach Parks and Libraries and Community Groups. Basic elements of the program are as follows:
- Humane treatment of all living creatures
- Basic pet care
- Proper behavior around animals
- Responsibilities and rewards of pet ownership
- Handouts and study materials
- Follow-up activities
For information, contact: FRIENDS’ Office 562-988-7647 or Deborah Turner 562-985-3459
Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinics, Jan. 31, 10:00AM-11: 30AM Arbor Dog Park, 4665 Lampson Ave. Seal Beach
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: Long Beach, Signal Hill, Cerritos, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach. For more service information and pricing please visit Southern California Veterinary Vaccine Clinics.
2015 Haute Dogs Bulldog Beauty Contest and Haute Dogs Pageant, Feb. 7, begins 9:30AM, Marine Stadium, Long Beach, 5225 E. Paoli Way, Long Beach
So many dogs, so many contests! Do you have a beautiful bulldog? a dog with a great smile? a super senior? Does your pooch have fashionistic tendencies? This long-running annual event is one of Haute Dogs’ most successful and promises a great time. Spectators are more than welcome! Don’t have a dog? Adopt one at this event—cats, too! Click here for event information, including registration and contests. Event benefits shelters and rescues.
Haute Dogs Long Beach Shelter Valentine’s Day Card Contest; ongoing up to Feb. 8; judging at noon, Feb. 8; Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach
Awww, who’s yer baby? Haute Dogs, Justin Rudd and Westerly School are sponsoring its annual Valentine’s Day contest for the nearly 200 pets at our shelter at Long Beach Animal Care Services. They deserve affection as much as any animal lucky enough to live in a loving, caring household, and this is an opportunity to not only provide it for pets but also to teach children this valuable lesson. Any interested K–12 student is invited to create a handmade card (with no specified pet) and send or deliver it to the shelter’s address (see headline above) before noon, Feb. 8, specifying the contest on the envelope. Entrants must write their name, grade level, the teacher’s name and school name on the back of the card. Cards will not be returned. Justin Rudd and the Long Beach Beauty Queens will host the event; the winner will receive a pizza party for his or her classmates or group of friends. And what’s Valentine’s Day without a dating service? In addition to the contest, the public is invited to come view the cards and their creators, spend time with the animals and fall in love during the special Yappy Hour from noon to 1 p.m., where punch and cookies will be served to human guests by students at Westerly School! If you’re looking for love, you’ve come to the right place. Click here for more info.