Ray Charles is as gifted in the cat world as his namesake was as a musician. Like the famed artist, our Ray Charles is completely blind, too—we don’t know if he was born blind or lost his sight later, as his human counterpart did. Whoever his human caregivers were decided to hit the road, Jack, and our Ray wound up at LBACS at 5 years old. But he gets around fine and welcomes affection! Any loving human willing to take Ray Charles home will be shouting, “Hallelujah I love him so!” And if he could sing, it would be meowtual! 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 Ray Charles. Ask for ID#A698202).

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Obe-Wan Kenobi has one of the best curly tails ever, and he can’t wait to show it off to his forever family! He’s only 2 years old and is a medium-size white pit bull mix. Look at that smile! He’ll win your heart with it! Obe’s a spunky little guy and gets excited to see other pups. He has to get to know humans, though, and he’ll need someone who has the time and patience to win his trust. He’s happy to get hugs from his two-legged friends at the shelter, so there is a bright future for anyone who wants to be Obe’s forever buddy! You can speed the process to adopt or foster Obe or 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#A692261 to meet Obe. We’re at capacity, and everyone needs homes

It’s kitten season, and Long Beach Animal Care Services admitted 16 cats and kittens in a single day last week. The community cat coordinator referred to it as a “kitten tsunami,” an apt description because the waves of felines flooding in are about as easy to surf as a tsunami would be. Our shelter now has as many cats as dogs, and good people need to take these furry creatures home—not just the babies but also the adults. 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 kittens and cats.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Benedict Cumbermutt (ID#A677214), 5 years old, has been in our shelter nearly a year—since June, in fact. He came as a stray last year, and he turned out to be deaf. Hard to imagine how he kept out of the way of cars or other dangers. But the staff and volunteers fell in love with Benedict not just for his bravery and happy-go-lucky nature but also because of his playfulness, affection and the adorable big, black spot on his rump. Benedict means “blessed,” and our fella needs to live up to his name. We hope he can be blessed with a special person willing to research how to communicate with a big guy with special needs and then foster or adopt Benedict right away. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Benedict Cumbermutt 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 hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. 

The 14 cats removed from a hoarding situation and brought to our shelter were each given the name of a fruit to put some sweetness into an otherwise doleful, pun intended, situation. Melon is one of the picks from the basket, and you musk—er, must meet him! This 3-year-old orange guy likes to hang out with his upstairs littermate, Apple, and is as sweet as his name implies. He be shy at first but comes out of his shell quickly when pets are liberally applied. He’s a great favorite of the volunteers, who call him Melonhead out of silliness. He’ll be a pawsome playmate for another cat or a great solo cat for you. Meet Melon, and you’ll say, “Honey, dew be mine!” 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 Melon. Ask for ID#A695636).

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)