Virtually pets

There shouldn’t be just one day or weekend to express thanks, but ‘tis the season and, like my cats, I am a creature of habit. So, on the day following Thanksgiving, I’m expressing gratitude for, among other things, the strong animal-welfare community in Long Beach and the ones everywhere else on the planet: the fosters; the trap-neuter-return people; our forward-thinking shelter staff; the pet-supply stores that invite in adoption centers and community events; the organizations that rescue, take in pets, help others spay or neuter and otherwise care for their own animals; and everyone who donates to the organizations and shelters and adopts from them.

Last week, a number of these community members carried out an impromptu rescue of a dog tied up in the bed of a pickup truck, his muzzle bound by white tape. A Long Beach animal-control officer worked quickly to bring the dog and his sister to the shelter and Long Beach’s Live Love Animal Rescue almost immediately was allowed to pull them.

VIDEO: Dog tied up in a truck and his sister bask in a bittersweet rescue

One dog, Ringo, came back from the vet with an expected diagnosis of cancer that had spread to his lungs. His sister, Barbie, had some dental concerns and other issues but was otherwise healthy. The fury expressed by readers in the Long Beach Posts’ public comments was surpassed only by the outpouring of care and generosity.

On Nov. 25, Live Love Founder Emily Ann Peters published the sad news that Ringo’s cancer had worsened to the point of having to send him to his rest at Primary Care Animal Hospital.

“I am monumentally humbled by the time I’ve spent with Ringo, and to be entrusted with Barbie’s care ongoing,” Peters wrote on the Cuddly fundraiser page for the dogs’ medical bills. “[Ringo] knew she was safe here. He knew he could finally lay down the pain and weight he was carrying.”

Peters said that Barbie misses her brother, but she won’t be alone again. Ringo received six good days of home cooking; a comfortable, warm place to sleep; veterinary care; and greatly expressed love. Barbie will continue to recover and thrive in her “chateau,” as Peters calls it. And for that, we’re indeed grateful. Thank you, animal community, for continuing to come through.

To help Live Love with vet bills, donate at the Cuddly link above or on Live Love’s donation page. Long Beach Animal Care Services would also benefit from donations.

And I did mention adoptions, didn’t I? Here’s a bunch of furry people waiting for something to be grateful for.

 Petunia:

Just like her floral namesake, Petunia is beautiful and sweet. She is a versatile medium-to-low-energy dog. She loves to go on walks, but she’s equally happy relaxing and watching television with her humans. Petunia has a calming energy that will make all your troubles disappear. Her other talents include being fully crate trained, playing fetch and tug-of-war with her toys, and being very smart! I mean, she’s pretty perfect, right? Her foster mom also loves her tail because it’s so expressive! You can tell how much Petunia loves spending time with you by how hard she wags her tail when she sees you. Just give her tummy a scratch and look at her wiggly butt go!

https://youtu.be/ZONSYBLih4U

Andi:

Beautiful, smart and independent—Andi is all of that and more. It isn’t hard to see her beauty in her soulful, mesmerizing eyes. There’s no shortage of solid skills where Andi is concerned. She’s crate trained and walks beautifully on a leash. Take her with you while you run your errands or just any old place because Andi loves a good car ride. Oh! Don’t forget the treats—she likes those, too! Andi gets along with the four-legged crowd—all sizes are welcome in her world! Andi’s a little shy and cautious when meeting new humans, but like they say, “Good things come to those who wait.” Love, loyalty and a lifelong companion—who could possibly want more?

https://youtu.be/TdSFpYz0Nm4

Charlie:

This soulful sweetheart is ready to melt hearts and give kisses! Charlie is a special pup who may not be able to see but has a heightened ability to love! As you can imagine, he likes to take in new things at his own pace. He can be a bit shy while he reorients himself in a new environment or around new people, but he will steal your heart (and your couch, if you let him!) in no time. Charlie’s favorite activities include snuggling up to his humans and getting gentle face rubs. He’s a smart boy who has already acclimated to crate training, knows to follow on a leash by listening to where you are, and is ready to keep on learning! Charlie loves to play with toys, and tug of war is his favorite game so far. But give him a blanket, and you might be in for a surprise—he loves to rub his face in it and hop around like an excited little bunny. Charlie’s endearing quirks have won over the hearts of everyone who has met him—shelter staff, his fosters, and of course, his rescue family. If yours would like to be the next heart stolen by Charlie, send in your application to adopt!

https://youtu.be/K_11Vh4p7jk

Hannah:

Beautiful and intelligent, Hannah just wants a family of her own who will “get her.” She’s a mature lady with simple needs and few demands. Content to sit at your feet, or lay by your side, Hannah is grateful for everything she has. Hannah wants to be a part of things. She’s that “ready for anything” kind of girl. As long as she is with her family, all is well in her world. Hannah is as happy watching you do the dishes as she is playing. When she looks at you and smiles, you can’t help but smile, too. Hannah is a senior girl, and while she is relaxed in the home, she has ample energy for adventures outdoors! She is really the best-of-everything shepherd! Hannah likes her toys, especially her rope toy. She will kindly remind you how much she likes it when she brings it over to you for some playtime! Being super-eager to please makes Hannah a fast learner. She would like you to be her leader and tell her what you want, and she’ll handle it from there. Alert, intelligent, loyal, affectionate and humorous, Hannah has an attitude of gratitude and will be your best friend for life.

https://youtu.be/xKdscAUCfYA

 To adopt from Live Love, visit their adoption page and complete an application.

Long Beach Animal Care Services

Located at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, at the entrance to El Dorado Park, is closed to the public. You can make an appointment to see any of the pets below or on their adoption page by emailing [email protected].


Bailey (ID#A647957) is the shelter’s superstar chow-husky mix. This playful 2-year-old male is mellow around other dogs, loves his walks, and is very friendly. He’s looking for a human who will further his development with proper training.

tan pit bull sits on grass and looks at camera, pink tongue hanging out
Who doesn’t love Foxy Roxy (ID#A651289)! This 1-year-old super-sweetheart is ready to be your best friend. She’s easy to get along with and is mild tempered and fun.
sad faced tabby-patch cat with green eyes looks into camera
Surf’s up with Moondoggie (ID#A651702)! This 4-month-old tabby grommet is ready for an adventure! He’s playful but also gentle and warm—he loves to be held and lights up like sunshine on the beach whenever a staff member walk in the room. We think he’s Cat-ical!
Just fur fun

Holiday raffle for Southern California Bulldog Rescue: through Saturday, Nov. 28, midnight, $10 each entry

Enter to win one of the three Danbury holiday ornaments in the graphic: a bulldog Christmas tree, a Santa bulldog gnome, and a bulldog ornament. All entries will go toward supporting the rescue and bills for the little stubby snorters they foster. Enter through PayPal at [email protected] or through Venmo at 7146120265. Be sure to type in the entry word, “Danbury.”

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

Sparky et al canceled last Sunday’s holiday fundraiser, but savvy shoppers can support a small rescue on Black Friday and thereafter 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.

Cats & Mats Saturday Morning Yoga Zoom class: Saturday, Nov. 28, 10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m., free event, join up here

Melissa Ann Clark is back for another event that will make you stretchy to the envy of your own cats! Melissa Ann will join the kitties at the Feline Good Social Club for a remote broadcast yoga exercises to facilitate digesting that huge Thanksgiving dinner that you wound up eating by yourself. Your own cats will make this event even more fun. No cat? Feline Good will provide this essential service for you through adoption. Although the event comes at no charge, you can thank the Club by donating to their wish list or to the kitty!

Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp, Home for the Holidays: Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m., register here

The holidays are here, and we’re all sequestered. What do we need to make the season bright? That’s right—cats! “Cat from Hell” and cat-behavior expert Jackson Galaxy, fresh from his virtual Cat Camp with nary scratch on him, will curl up with us under the tree, accompanied by Christina Ha, co-owner of NYC’s first Cat Café, Meow Parlour and president of its affiliated non-profit adoption group, Meow Parlour Cats. You’ll enjoy a virtual event guaranteed to make you roll over and claw the air with glee! Kitten Lady Hannah Shaw will join other guests for a trencher loaded with a feast consisting of creating holiday-themed cat toys and an outdoor winter shelter for community cats, a cat-themed ugly sweater contest and a fireside chat by a yule log. The free event is sponsored by the Petco Foundation.

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 two-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

tiny gray-striped kitten is supported by one hand and is fed with a bottle in another

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. It is a natural reaction to want to help, to save them. But before you jump in, consider these steps outlined here. 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—(see above)—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. 7th St., Long Beach

Belmont Heights Animal Hospital, 255 Redondo Ave., Long Beach

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

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. 3rd St., Long Beach, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Donations will be gratefully accepted at these locations as well.

Adopt, adopt, adopt

 Long Beach Animal Care Services’ Adoption Waggin’: Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Salud Juice, 1944 E. 4th St., Long Beach, adoption fees apply.

Get juiced and adopt a pet—in the best possible way! Long Beach Animal Care Services’ Adoption Waggin’ will roll by Salud Juice for a pet adoption event, with adoptable furry friends as passengers. This is a family-friendly event, and all are welcome. For the health and safety of our community, masks are required.

 Pet Food Express Cat Adoption Center: weekdays and Saturday 10 a.m.–8p.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.

Long Beach Animal Care Services monthly adoptions: Every second Saturday of each month, store hours, Pet Supplies Plus, 2086 N. Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, adoption fees apply.

Long Beach Animal Care Services shows up with its fabulous Adoption Waggin’ equipped with air conditioning, running water and comfy kennels with cats, dogs and bunnies waiting to go home. Masks and social distancing required for visitors.

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.