Did you know that you can foster a cat or a dog from Long Beach Animal Care Services? Fostering does so much good for our shelter pets. It gives them personal attention inside a loving home and a break from kennel confinement — even with the love that volunteers give shelter animals, there are still those lonely nights. They get accustomed to a home situation and learn trust. And in emergency situations like the Long Beach fireworks season or the wildfires, fostering a shelter pet makes room in a kennel for someone else’s displaced best friend. Paris, 4 years old,is one of the lucky dogs who’s spending some time in a home. Her family said that she’s easy to care for, is laid-back and calm, and loves belly rubs, hanging out, going for walks and just bonding. Paris was surrendered by her previous owner, so she knows what a home is like. Make an appointment to meet her, and give her forever! Speed the process to adopt Paris 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 IDA724668.

Thor desperately needs a loving, forever home. He came to our shelter at Long Beach Animal Care Services in mid-December when his owners were reported for possible abuse. Thor was observed to have discomfort and pain in his hindquarters and tail, and his owners had been shouting at him to stop whining. They told animal control officers that they didn’t seek veterinary help for Thor because they couldn’t afford it, and so they surrendered the senior dog to the shelter. Volunteers and staff are making up for lost time with Thor, but he so needs a permanent or at least a foster situation for his golden years. Can you help, or do you know someone who can? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Thor 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#A734281.

Add this to your New Year’s resolutions, or make a solo one: adopt or foster at least one cat in 2025! May we suggest Luke, a handsome gray-and-white tabby with expressive, large green eyes. Luke was recently surrendered to the shelter because the other adult cats in the house didn’t get along with him, although their kitten did. He’s 2 years old and loves cuddling, attention and humans in general. He’s healthy, and so is his appetite! He resolves to find a home where he’s the only cat. He’s currently holding court at the Paw Shoppe Pet Center, 6416 E Spring St., Long Beach. To adopt or foster Luke, email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process, or call (562) 570-7387. Ask for ID#A731854.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Gabe (left) and Gabi are exchanging notes about what they asked Santa for. Not surprisingly, they both asked for a forever home with loving, responsible humans. They’ve never known one, although they say plenty good about the shelter volunteers. The two were picked up by animal control officers from Long Beach Animal Care Services after multiple reports of a pair of dogs tied up in front of a public storage warehouse. Gabi, 3 years old, obviously birthed multiple litters before she was abandoned, and Gabe, at 10 months, might be her son. They love people and other dogs. Do you have room in front of the fireplace or wall heater for one or two good doggies? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Gabe and Gabi 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#A728907 for Gabe and ID#A728906 for Gabi.

Any guesses about what Lucas is asking Santy Claus to bring him? It’s nothing as grandiose as replacing Rudolph to guide the sleigh — it’s to wind up under the tree of some patient humans who understand the needs of this active breed. Lucas was picked up as a stray — or so his finders said — near a freeway exit; he had some broken teeth, moderate alopecia on his back, and dirty ears. His health is now great, and his ears are clean, thanks to the veterinary staff, but he’s 5 years old and deserves better. Lucas has spent a year lingering in a kennel, and even though the volunteers and staff take Lucas out to walk and play, it’s not enough — his spirit is diminishing. Someone, please grant Lucas’ holiday wish! Speed the process to adopt or foster Lucas 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#A713619.

Rip Wheeler famously said, “I look at every day with you as a gift,” on the hit TV series, Yellowstone. Dog parents can relate. Now, pet parents and fans of the show can spread the love with Dutton Ranch Ranch Dog Treats this holiday season. As pet parents, we want to spoil ALL our children during the holidays, and beyond.

LFG Product Solutions teamed up with Paramount Consumer Products to launch Dutton Ranch Dog Treat Co., inspired by Yellowstone. The brand aims to provide a “wild and authentic” experience to canines through a variety of premium, certified organic beef treats sourced from humanely raised cattle. They feature limited or single ingredients, ensuring that each bite encapsulates the true spirit of the ranch, with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. The line features 12 treat varieties. Products are currently available on Amazon and in stores, just in time for the continuation of the hit series in November. 

My pup had the opportunity to try out these treats and he loves them! His favorite..so far…seems to be the Beef Crunch (pictured).

If you are shopping for your fur babies (dogs) this holiday season, these treats are sure to be a hit!

*Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday gift suggestion. Images were also provided.

Hardy is one of the many pets who fled in terror from holiday fireworks and was lucky enough to find shelter at Long Beach Animal Care Services. He came in on July 5 and has been there ever since, because unlike other lost pets, his owners never came in to claim him. He’s just a year old! Hardy has begun to run in circles in his kennel—it’s called spinning—because huskies need to be out and about. When he goes for walks or plays in the yard, he’s delighted and ready to make friends with humans and other dogs. He’s even passed his “driving test,” meaning that he’s shown himself to be comfortable riding as a passenger in a vehicle. Now, a lucky adopter will have no problem getting Hardy home! Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Hardy 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#A723920.