No matter how good a shelter is, it’s no place for a dog, especially a big and bighearted one like Peanut.Peanut, an American pit bull terrier, came to Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) over a year ago, which makes him one of the shelter’s longest-stay residents. When he first came, he was overwhelmed by the noise and strange smells and was terribly shy. But the staff and volunteers were determined to get Peanut out of his shell! They taught him commands like sit and stay, motivated him with treats, and took him on a recent photo shoot to Dogma Portraits. You can see his inner goo’ boi in the photo! Peanut also took a Fido Field Trip in a car driven by his friend volunteer Ellen — he had a wonderful time rolling in the grass and reveled in the quiet of an actual backyard! Life in a shelter kennel, said volunteer Nici, can make even the best dogs feel invisible, and Peanut has been overlooked too many times. It’s starting to weigh on his spirit. Please come in and meet Peanut—you’ll find that he’s not at all a tough nut to crack! The shelter’s way over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Peanut or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A728674).

Hey, how’s the Webber out there? To be perfectly honest, not so good. This beautiful chow/terrier mix is great in the outdoors where he has something to do and can play with his human budds. But Webber’s playful nature gives way to anxiety in the kennels. This fella has to be where it’s natural for a 5-year-old doggie to be—in a home with humans who’ll love him. Can you adopt him or foster him for a while? We need to see a change in the Webber! The shelter’s way over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Webber or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A741540.

Wanna play Frisbee? Or, more accurately, wanna play, Frisbee? Yes, punctuation can save lives, and Frisbee’s life needs saving. The handsome 2-year-old panda shepherd was brought to Long Beach Animal Care Services almost six months ago. He gets along great with other dogs in the play yard and romps happily with the volunteers when he’s out of the kennel. Sadly, Frisbee is riddled with shelter anxiety, and he needs out, and soon—he’s deteriorating and may not make it another month. Even a few weeks of fostering would be great for him. We guarantee that if you fall for Frisbee, it won’t be only for his good looks. Speed the process to adopt Frisbee or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A738612.

Irene’s beautiful orange eyes against her glossy midnight fur are like twin moons at night. They hold enough kitty mystery and misery to write a sad story, and she could do that if she had opposable thumbs. Irene belonged to an unhoused person whom shelter staff and spcaLA were trying to assist. The person was later found dying on the street. Irene was with the person, on a dirty leash but well groomed and fed. She had obviously been loved very much. Irene’s human would want to know that she’ll be likewise cherished by another person. To adopt Irene, ask for ID# or any pet in the shelter, visit Long Beach Animal Care Services and talk to a volunteer, or call (562) 673-5050. Please check out more pets who need to go home by accessing https://www.longbeach.gov/acs/our-animals/adoptions/. Shelter hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). You can email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process for adopting or fostering any pet!

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)