The release of “Dog,” starring Channing Tatum and three Belgian Malinois playing the part of one dog, already has shelters on edge. The film itself promises a good time, but ever since Lassie first came home, pet lovers have adopted or purchased “celebrity pet” lookalikes and then dumped them in shelters when the animal didn’t behave the way the trained film animal did.

Years ago, Chihuahuas filled shelter kennels after a little pooch named Gracie lip-synched “Yo quiero Taco Bell.” Later, they were crammed into purses a la Paris Hilton until they fell out of, so to speak, fashion. The New York Times reported “sharp increases” in the number of Dalmatians surrendered to shelters following the remake of “101 Dalmatians.”. In 2020, shelters braced themselves for intakes of Great Danes after the release of “Marmaduke.” That film thankfully flopped on its belly before Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) was overrun in both the dogs’ number and stature, not that a couple didn’t enter.

Now, it’s huskies and German shepherds. At this writing, 13 of the 68 shelter dogs are German shepherds and nine are huskies or malamutes.

“I was wondering why huskies had become a big deal again and were in the shelters by the dozens,” an LBACS volunteer said. “Then, I read it was due to ‘Game of Thrones.’”

Huskies and, to some extent, German shepherds, resemble Northern Inuit dogs, crossbreeds of huskies and German shepherds that portrayed the direwolves on “Game of Thrones.” They bear a passing resemblance to German shepherds and a stronger one to huskies. The AKC and other animal-welfare organizations lament the connection between the popularity of the direwolves and the shelters filling with huskies, saying that people are buying them online without doing the research.

When “Marmaduke” opened, Great Dane rescue groups set up tables at film showings to educate filmgoers about the breed before they acquired one. Great Danes and any dog breed require a human who is able afford to feed and care for it, knows how to handle obnoxious behavior, and knows what they’ll do if the adoption doesn’t work out.

The Hollywood Reporter review of “Dog” stated that “if the film is a hit, kennels won’t be able to breed Belgian Malinoises fast enough.” This is a valid point, and legitimate breeders don’t seem to be the target. Unlicensed breeders who put one and one together and get lucrative litters might do the same with Malinois, selling them online for huge profits. If you do decide to get a husky, a shepherd, a Malinois or, of course, a sweet, goony pit bull—our shelter has 33 of them—don’t buy one on Craigslist. Licensed breeders don’t list their animals there. Instead, educate yourself about the whines and whims of a dog breed, and then adopt one from a shelter or rescue, where adoption counselors will further educate you about any specific dog, cat or rabbit you fall in love with.

Virtually pets

Here are a few candidates from Long Beach Animal Care Services. To meet any of these dogs or the ones on the shelter website, call 562-570-PETS or email [email protected]

 

white husky stands on pavement and grass, with a gate behind him, looking outward.
Ambush (IDA669649), 2 years old, has designs on your heart, soul and free time. He’s a busy, curious fellow who likes to pick up bright things in the yard.

 

tan shepherd stands on all fours on grassy expanse and looks at camera.
Estella (ID#A665324), 5 years old, is a lovely shepherd girl who needs a patient human to love and care for her. She’s a bit leash shy, but she’s good once out on a walk. She’s pretty gentle on a leash and is a good walker.

 

tan husky with beige muzzle and chest looks balefully outward.
Eden (ID#A666027) is a 3-year-old Alaskan husky who is permanently vacationing in SoCal. Except it’s no vacation—a kennel and a couple of daily walks aren’t B&B standards. He’d love to live with a human who’ll give him the exercise he’s accustomed to and the understanding and care he needs.

 

tan German shepherd with black saddle smiles on a red floor with fencing behind him
Dexter (ID#A627706) is mighty dexterous with treats, balls, walks—he’d love to be your right-paw man! Dexter is only 4 years old, but he’s spent too many of his months at the shelter—he’s been there since early summer! Thanks to the shelter volunteers, he’s come a long way in socialization. He loves long walks and does so very well on a leash, and he also understands that he’s not a lap dog—you’d need a big lap. If you have a big heart to match Dexter’s, though, he’s ready to go home!

 

Furballs of Fun

Young man plays six white drums as several cats look on.
Sound-healer Santiago Rodriguez plays some pet sounds as the cats try to be cool about it. Courtesy of Feline Good Social Club

Sound Healing with Cats: 5:30–7 p.m., Friday, March 11, Feline Good Social Club, 301 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, $30.

Long Beach’s only kitty club is again prepping to get your entire being purring! Club partner Illuminate Life will use Tibetan bowls and other sound-making instruments to relax you as completely as a cat is. The lounge cats will provide invaluable assistance. and our fabulous Lounge kitties are sure to make your Friday night perfect. Grab your tickets here!

Seal Beach Animal Care Center Kitten Shower and Bake Sale: 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, March 12, Seal Beach Animal Care Center, 1700 Adolfo Lopez Dr., donations gladly accepted.

Spring season brings showers, or it used to. Kitten season brings—that’s right! Kitten showers. Seal Beach Animal Care Center will present a kitten shower and bake sale to support their kitten-foster program that helps all the kittens born during the next few months. Enjoy handmade crafts, cat and dog merch, and freshly baked goodies to lick your whiskers over. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no tours of the grounds, but know that every cent you donate will go to snuggly kitten well-being. More information and the program’s wish list available here.

 

Helping paws

dark-blue, light-blue and white Long Beach Animal Care Services logo, with a large blue dog and a small white cat with ear tip. Both pets have collars
Look closely–Long Beach Animal Care Services’ new logo features an ear-tipped cat!

 

Spay/neuter vouchers available at Long Beach Animal Care Services  

Spaying and neutering dogs, with some exceptions, and cats is mandatory in Long Beach. Fixing your animal prevents unwanted litters, shelter overpopulation, abandoned litters and health problems that your pet might contract. These procedures could be costly, so the shelter is providing vouchers to take a nip out of the price. You can use them at many area veterinarians. Fill out a request for one or more at this link.

Foster for awhile—or furever!

Blonde woman in green volunteer apron with shelter's name on it sits on white bench next to a white pit bull with a heart thought balloon at the top of his head.

If you’ve always wanted a pet but aren’t sure if you’re ready for a lifetime (the animal’s) commitment, or if you’re past the pet-roommate days for any reason, fostering might be a great way to go, especially with one or more of the kittens popping up during kitten season. Every one of the organizations listed below is in desperate need of fosters who’ll social them and help save their little lives. Who knows—maybe one of those lives will change your mind about the not-ready-for-roommate thing!

These nonprofits also regularly feature cat, dog and rabbit adoptions. 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.