Virtually pets

Last week’s The Scratching Post adoption section featured three pet videos instead of the usual four. A shelter cat named Panda was slated to be one of the stars—he’s an orange kitty with a mass on the bridge of his nose that squashed his big face, particularly the eyes, into an odd but endearing configuration. Here’s the video starring this singular fellow that Long Beach Animal Care Services volunteer Susan and I had made.

Panda shows his cuddle to volunteer Susan. Video by Kate Karp

There was something about Panda that got to everyone at the shelter. If I had another room in my house, I’d have taken him home—we figured that there were tender hearts that would beat the same way, and someone would come for him. On the day before the article was posted, the results of a biopsy on his nose revealed that Panda has a malignant tumor that shelter veterinarians said was too large and too advanced for a good prognosis.

I thought about posting the video anyway with the admonition that either Panda would be a hospice cat and might not live out his nine lives or that there’d be considerable expense for treatment that might not be effective anyway. But animal control officer Heidi Poe had also fallen in love, and now Panda is nestled all snug in his bed at her home.

huge orange cat with white paws and chest and a growth on nasal bridge stretches out on hardwood floor
“I love him already! As of right now, he’s staying with me! He’s not going anywhere! I just can’t stand to give him up now!” Long Beach animal control officer Heidi Poe continually waxed effusive the first day she took Panda home. Photo courtesy of Heidi Poe.

 

I immediately had visions of sugarplums dancing in my head—hey, Panda’s adoption is a Christmas miracle! Then, I thought of other miracles that happened at various times in the past couple of years: Benny, an abused, traumatized cat, whose case never made it to court but wound up in animal advocate Beverly Leifer’s loving home after she fell madly in love with him at the shelter and reached out to Helen Sanders CatPAWS to help with medical bills; Chloe, the little dog that a Fix Long Beach volunteer pulled from a trash can, tied up in a plastic bag and covered in human urine and food scraps, her bones and spirits broken, and then after making international news and 800 people applying to adopt her, now lives comfortably in the care of Maryanne and Tiny James; and most recently, a pack of alpha-dog advocates coming to the rescue of Ringo, who was tied to the bed of a pickup truck traveling down the highway, his mouth taped shut. He and his sister, Barbie, ultimately went to Live Love Animal Rescue. Ringo died a peaceful death at the rescue after suffering from cancer, and Barbie will live out her years at the rescue.

The three little rabbits who were burned nearly to death in an arson fire found sanctuary at The Bunny Bunch rescue and finally found homes despite their scars. And House of Broken Cookies–they taste as sweet–performs miracles daily. They rescue cats and kittens with special needs, rehabilitate them and find either adoptive homes or permanent fosters.

Miracles come daily from the hearts, souls, spirits, generosity and very tired bodies of cat trappers, dog rescuers, bottle feeders. The playful, happy pets that are the results of these labors of love go on to homes that are, we hope, as happy as they are. If they’re fortunate, the ones with visible injuries, disabilities or irregular features will connect with the special people who will love them not in spite of but because of how special they themselves are.

Before I dissolve in weeping, I’ll introduce this week’s Four:

mediumhair gray cat sits tall on brown table, with a floral painting behind him

Helen Sanders CatPAWS pulled Triton from Long Beach Animal Care Services when he was a tiny kitten. He was born with severely deformed back legs—they’re missing entire bones. He has no functional use of his back legs but gets around well, even up and down stairs! He can use a litter box by himself—he just needs a little help “wiping” sometimes! “Disability is not inability!” his rescuers assert. “This special boy needs a special person!” To meet Triton, fill out an application here.

two cats with closed eyes lie on dark bedspread. One cat is white with brown tabby patches; the other is orange tabby with white mask, chest and legs
The Little Lion Foundation has a bonded pair of cats who were found in a box in a parking lot when they were 4 months old. Anza and Mojave had badly infected eyes, and both lost their sight. However, they do just fine! Anza has what her foster mom calls a “third eye”— she likes to climb and practice kitty parkour. She is extremely affectionate and will snuggle at any opportunity. Despite being blind, she finds her way in and out of the most random places. Mojave lives the life of a “normal” cat. He’s very affectionate and loves making biscuits in his favorite bed for hours on end. He prefers snuggling with humans, however. Despite being blind, he is quite the hunter. He will track down his favorite crunchy ball like a pro and carry it around to show off his prize. Mojave and Anza’s ideal adoptive home would be a quiet, loving home together. When they’re separated, they call out for each other until they are reunited. They have limited exposure to dogs and are great with other cats. If you’re interested in adopting these cuties, apply here, and specify that you want to take both of them home.

 

gray cat with colorful "diaper" lies on a white bedspread
Sasha came to Zoey’s Place Rescue after being pulled by another from a crowded shelter. Sasha had a “pull-tail injury”—generally a result of having been hit and dragged by a car, leaving the animal with spinal displacement around the tailbone. Her tail was amputated, and the rescue was about to send her to a sanctuary because of the resulting mobility and incontinence issues. Zoey’s Place took her in and have given her all the care possible to help her overcome her injuries. The rescue said that she’s healed beautifully but still has special needs because of a weak bladder. She reportedly does wonderfully with her Fancy Pants, which are incontinence diapers for pets. Sasha’s about a year old now and enjoys scampering about the house with her foster buddies. She does well with mild-mannered cats and a home with lots of stimuli, but don’t mention d-o-g-s to her. She needs a special family who’ll love and care for her just the way she is. Meet Sasha by contacting Zoey’s Place Rescue at [email protected].

 

brown pit bull mix with squinting eyes stands on a stage with a blue curtain behind him and U.S. flag decorations
Charlie may not be able to see, but he has a heightened ability to love! Charlie’s favorite activities include snuggling up next to his humans and getting gentle face rubs. He’s a smart boy who knows to follow on a leash by listening to where you are. He loves to play with toys, and tug-of-war is his favorite game so far.

 

white spaniel sits on brown rug next to yawning brown dog with white chest, who's lying on the rug. The tan front door is behind them.
Charlie has a blind doggie foster sibling named Fergie—sorry, she’s a forever foster, like Panda, so she’s not up for grabs—and they’ve been known to crack a joke or two about navigating the world without sight. They were also elected president and vice president in Live Love Animal Rescue’s 2020 rescue dog election, so join the winning ticket and adopt Charlie! Fill out your application here.

 

Just fur fun

Cats & Mats Yoga, presented by Feline Good Social Club: Dec. 19, 10:30–11:45 a.m., free event, livestreaming here.

Wouldn’t you love to stretch like a cat? If so, join Feline Good Social Club for a free relaxing and restorative session with supurr-special yoga instructor Melissa. The lounge’s cats—all of whom are adoptable, by the way—will wander in and out to show off their own skills. As a thanks to the lounge, you can make donations in cash or objects on their wish list on this page.

Sparky and the Gang’s Puppy and Product holiday shopping, by appointment only: 1749 Magnolia Ave., by appointment only, prices vary.

Sparky et al cancelled its holiday- fundraiser, but savvy shoppers can support a small rescue until the goodies go. Whimsical handmade wreaths, beautifully crafted antique and rescue-themed jewelry, succulents and all manner of stuff to make things merry are on display at Sparky’s location. Prime among the goodies are the barbecue and hot sauces and gift sets from The Spicy Kitchen in Long Beach. Visit Sparky and the Gang’s Facebook page to see video presentations of all the neat things, and send a message to make an appointment or text Sparky at 310-809-6374.

Bulldog-themed safety-mask preorder: Southern California Bulldog Rescue, $11 each.

What better way to protect yourself and others from those coronavirus cooties than with a faithful bulldog guardian at the gate! They’re 2-ply non-medical grade protection that feel good and comfy. They’re also hand-washable. Best of all, these whimsical wearables support Southern California Bulldog Rescue! Order them here.

Help wanted, help given

Operation Santa Paws goes virtual

Haute Dogs’ beloved sleigh ride to the animal shelters is, like everything else, going virtual this holiday. Santa Paws (who bears a striking resemblance to both Justin Rudd and Peter Krause) is asking us animal lovers to collect items—toys, food, treats, shelter cleaning supplies—and taking them in your own sleigh directly to the shelters and rescues. Don’t want to venture outdoors? No prob—make your list and check it twice or more in the Links to loveables section at the end of The Scratching Post. Each of the shelters and rescues listed has a donation button, and many have wish lists for food, toys, supplies and other needs. Visit Santa Paws for more information.

DIY Kitten Care Kits available free at Long Beach Animal Care Services

Kitten season is just about up, but kittens still enter shelters. It isn’t unusual to find nests of young, seemingly abandoned kittens during kitten season. If you are interested in obtaining a Kitten Care Kit made possible by Helen Sanders CatPAWS, please email [email protected].

Spay/neuter vouchers available at shelter

Long Beach Animal Care Services has spay/neuter vouchers available. They’ll take a healthy nip out of the cost of a procedure. Residents of any of the five cities served by the shelter can telephone the general number at 562-570–7387 to request a voucher.

The Spay/Neuter Project of Los Angeles (SNP/LA) is back in business for free and low-cost spay/neuter services, and they’re extending the hours of their vaccination clinics. The San Pedro clinic, located at 957 N. Gaffey St., will give shots every third Thursday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Call 310-574–5555 to see if you qualify for services.

If you can see the bottom of the kibble bag:

Helen Sanders CatPAWS offers, through specific private donors, e-gift cards for people struggling during the crisis to buy food for their pets. The CatPAWS Spay/Neuter Fund, also privately funded, has vouchers available for anyone not able to go to the shelter for them. They also accept donations.

Pets of the Homeless‘ home page gives a self-description as the only organization focusing only on providing food and care for pets belonging to homeless people. Businesses and other organizations across the country receive in-kind donations of food and other needs that the dogs and cats’ human families can pick up at outreach locations. The following Long Beach businesses will accept your donations:

Trendi Pawz, 3726 E. Seventh St.

Belmont Heights Animal Hospital, 255 Redondo Ave.

Paw Shoppe Pet Center, Inc., 6416 E. Spring St.

Food and supplies are available at Beacon for Him Ministries, 1535 Gundry Ave. Long Beach, Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m.; and at Christian Outreach in Action, 515 E. Third St., Long Beach, Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. Donations will be gratefully accepted at these locations as well.

Animal-advocacy nonprofit will sponsor shelter adoption fees through December.

Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA) is the longest-running local animal nonprofit in Long Beach. Over the years, FOLBA has done a lot of great work in the community, especially by supporting pet owners to get their pets spayed and neutered. The nonprofit has offered to sponsor adoption fees for pets adopted from Long Beach Animal Care Services until the end of December as part of the shelter’s Home for the Pawlidays event. All adopters will continue to be screened as usual. To schedule an appointment to meet one of the shelter’s cats, dogs or bunnies, check out the pets on their adoption page and then email [email protected].

Pet Food Express Cat Adoption Center: weekdays and Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Pet Food Express, 4220 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, adoption fees apply.

This adoption center is a much-needed satellite operation of Long Beach Animal Care Services. Julie and her team pull adoptable cats—”adoptable,” to these guys, means any cat in a shelter kennel! The team socializes the kitties until they’re adopted, which takes less time than you could imagine!

 Helen Sanders CatPAWS adoption center: viewable daily during store hours, PetSmart, 12341 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach, adoption fees apply.

Window-shopping’s a neat pastime and likely has become more common during the pandemic. Helen Sanders CatPAWS has applied window-shopping to cat adoption; you can peer at several of the fine felines through the windows of the PetSmart adoption center in Seal Beach. Sadly, no ear scratching or chin rubs at this time, but volunteers can answer questions and provide you with adoption information! Be sure to wear a mask. You can find adoption applications and all the kitties here.

Links to loveables

The following pet-related businesses regularly feature cat, dog and rabbit adoptions, but as of now, adoptions are mainly by appointment. Click on the links for each rescue in case of updates or changes. These organizations operate through donations and grants, and anything you can give would be welcome. Please suggest any Long Beach-area rescues to add to the list.