Spring turned to summer, and summer will soon step aside for autumn, and Cooper is still waiting for his home for all seasons. Cooper came to Long Beach Animal Care Services in May, and the volunteers and staff cannot believe that this sweet, playful 2-year-old lovebug hasn’t been adopted yet. Cooper loves to be with people, especially if they’re the belly-rubbing types. He knows several commands and is treat- and toy-motivated—he takes them so gently! But Cooper is struggling with the confinement and stress that go with living in a shelter for a long time. He’s currently at risk of exiting in the worst way possible. Please come meet him. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Cooper and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our new open walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#A698011 to meet Cooper.

Missy is a pretty girl with a big grin. She seems to be around 6 years old and a mix of pit bull and cattle dog. She walks well on a leash and balances her energy between zoomies and settling down for a nap. Missy has never lived indoors, to the staff and volunteers’ knowledge, so she’s learning what to do with toys. Treats she understands, though! She doesn’t care much for other dogs, but does she love people! You can speed the process to adopt or foster Missy and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#693982 to meet Missy. We’re at capacity, everyone needs homes, and Missy needs to get out in the best way possible!

Some of our shelter kitties get real lucky—they get treated to a showcase at Pet Food Express’ Cat Adoption Center, located at 4220 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach. The Center also helps with overcrowding in the shelter. Luca, about 3 months old,is one of three fortunate little fellows who have condos in this great playroom! They were trapped along with their mom, were neutered and vaxxed, and are happy and healthy and ready to play with you! Stop in to meet Luca and his brothers. To adopt him or any other cat there, ask a volunteer or call (562) 673-5050. Please check out more pets who need to go home at our shelter at Long Beach Animal Care Services. 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.)

You probably know lots of people who are extremely smart and motivated by food, but will they sit, lie down, and shake on command? Maybe, but they won’t look as impressive as Ranger does! Ranger is his own dog—he’s independent and isn’t a cuddle bunny, but once he knows you, he’ll watch you intently and wait for direction. He’s everyone’s image of a loyal, job-oriented dog. Ranger, sadly, needs out right away—by Aug. 11, or he may not make it out of the shelter in the best way. He’s only 2 years old and deserves a life. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Ranger and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#A695739 to meet Ranger. We’re at capacity, everyone needs homes, and Ranger needs to get out in the best way possible!

He’s listed as a Staffie terrier at Long Beach Animal Care Services, but frankly, a couple of volunteers don’t think that’s what Franky (ID#A695989) is. We’ll just call him a handsome cow-spotted pittie something, wearing a Phantom of the Opera mask and bearing a little red streak across his back. Franky’s just 2 years old and is focused on pleasing humans—he’s not distracted by other dogs. He knows a couple of commands but prefers to perform them with an audience, likely a factor of that theater mask. He’s a moderate leash puller and loves to smell everything, flowers included, and once he’s tuckered out, he splats down on the grass and asks for pets. Think Ferdinand the Bull. Franky has a tendency to jump on people, and while his jumps are friendly, he weighs 80 pounds, so he needs an experienced human. He needs to be out of here by Aug. 11, and you know what that could mean. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Frank and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our new open walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID#A689065 to meet Franky.

No matter the day of the week or even the time of day, Brunch will always be an excellent suggestion! Brunch (IDA#698458) is a 2-year-old brown tabby who came in with her three kittens, named Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner! They’ve all gone to their own homes, with kitchens and their very own dishes, and Brunch is now left on the table. Volunteer Janet said that she’s a good egg and is as sweet as a cinnamon roll—no salsa came with this petite cutie-pie! Take Brunch home and break out the bubbly to celebrate! 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 Brunch, or call (562) 570-7387.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Heading out for a hike with your furry sidekick? Bring along The Duty Mitt, a single-use pet grooming product offering a gentle, cleansing formula and mild deodorizer. The non-toxic ingredients control pet odors and reduce allergy-causing pollen that may occur on spring outdoor excursions. I like these because my dog hates baths and these are easy and safe to use! He also doesn’t seem to mind them!

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Price: $11.94 for a 6-pack

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Keep those pets cool this Summer!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images and information were also provided.