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.)

What was that, Mavis? Did you hear footsteps? Maybe it’s someone walking in to finally take you home! Mavis is a little, sleek 5-year-old girl. She had been housed in the foster coordinator’s office at Long Beach Animal Care Services, where she crouched in her kennel at first and gradually slinked out to explore the domain and meet the people in it. She’s morphed into a typical home-office cat—she likes to sit on the keyboard, of course, and situate herself behind the computer monitor where it’s warm and vocalize her need for attention. Mavis had a hard time in a previous home—she doesn’t appreciate dogs and small children. But if you have a quiet home and need a work companion who gets in your way in the most charming, catlike manner, Mavis is your girl! She’s presently housed at an offsite location, so to adopt or foster her, call Julie at (562) 673-5050 if you want to give Mavis A haven.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Bruce has a sad history. He was found, tied up and abandoned, behind an apartment complex. His owners were found, but redeeming Bruce from the shelter wasn’t an option for them because they were facing homelessness and were not in a position to keep their friend. But they told the shelter staff and volunteers that Bruce is an overall gentle softie who loves being with people and is comfy with other respectful dogs. One of the volunteers said that he has the head the size of Alaska! Bruce needs out right away with someone who wants to save his life—the shelter is overcrowded and for the first time, euthanasia may be done. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Caesar 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#A685202 to meet Bruce.

You might be thinking, “Why is Linda surrounded by pumpkins when it’s almost Easter?” Answer: to show that she’s been in the shelter at least since October—in fact, she entered in the middle of an August night when a couple of Long Beach Animal Care Services officers found her and another dog tied up at the main entrance gate! Linda’s been at the shelter for the better part of a year, and this is no fate for such an adorable, friendly girl. As you may have heard, our shelter is literally overflowing with dogs, and some of them may not make it out of there at all. So please, consider this girl! She deserves you! 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 Linda. Ask for ID#A682262.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)