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.)

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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.

Winter needs a place to chill with some cool people during the dog days of summer and forever after. You can’t tell by the black-and-white photo, but Winter has these remarkable odd-color eyes—one blue and one amber—that set her apart from other pets. She’s small, too, for a husky. She has, as volunteer Susan put it, a two-speed setting: 100 mph when she’s playing, and zero mph when she’s worn out from it all and conks out. Winter responds well to commands, especially if followed by a treat or a toy, and also has “husky intelligence,” which manifests in such ways as sensing your mood. You can imagine hers, though—Winter’s been at the shelter since—well, winter. She came in December as a stray and has been here ever since. She needs a home with humans who understand this breed’s needs and will take her on long walks, provide training and lavish affection, which she’ll return hundredfold. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Winter 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#A689118 to meet Winter. We’re over capacity, and everyone needs homes!

This is a plea to save a good dog. Graham, a 2-year-old neutered pittie, came to Long Beach Animal Care Services in November last year. He plays well with other dogs, is treat motivated, loves walks, and loves people, too. Trouble is, our shelter is over capacity, and while our team works tirelessly to save every dog possible, there may come a day when we have to say goodbye in the worst way. With someone we love as much as we do Graham, it’s heartbreaking. If you or someone you know would like to adopt this fellow and give him a reason for that big smile, please come get him. You can foster Graham, too, for a couple of weeks. You don’t have to keep him forever, but you may want to, and we won’t say no. Our 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 Graham. Ask for ID#A688535.