Remember the 1970s song “Cinnamon”? “Cinnamon, lemme in!” Well, this time, Cinnamon wants you to let her in instead! Cinnamon, as the volunteers say, is a nice girl—a 2-year-old cinnamon-color (of course) pittie. She’s as sweet and spicy as her name suggests—always ready for a toy toss or a walk. She’s been at the shelter for so long, and she needs to go home. Would you let her in? Adoptions are now conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Cinnamon. Ask for ID#A664770.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Lobo is a 5-year-old cattle-dog mix. Whatever DNA from that breed runs through Lobo indicates that he needs purpose and a place to run. Lobo’s been at our shelter since July 1, so you know that he’s more than ready to go. Besides the need of space and activity, he’s struggling with the long-term noise. Lobo loves to play, petting and toys, toys, toys. He’s shown friendliness to other shelter dogs as well. He has a rock-solid response to “sit” and is very smart. If you’re looking for a super-cute, perfect midsize exercise buddy, Lobo’s perfect for you. Note that at his energy level, he’ll be best in a home with no small children. Adoptions are now conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Lobo. Ask for ID#A659678.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Poor Kitty looks so sad, and it’s understandable why. Her human died, and she lost the only person she loved. She’s been very shy at the shelter—the volunteers can tell that she wants to be petted, but she hasn’t gotten over her loss. She’s 7 years old, is a real talker, and will turn out to be a loving companion when she’s in an actual home with someone who has patience and love to give. Shelter adoptions are conducted through appointment, so contact PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Kitty. Ask for ID#A611659.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

They call Bebita a pocket pittie because she’s smaller than the average pit bull. In reality, Bebita won’t fit in your pocket, but she will do just fine in your heart! Sadly, this awesome 4-year-old has been waiting in the shelter for someone to find her since April, smiling that ear-to-ear grin. Bebita does pretty well on leash, but she can pull when she’s excited, especially when new people come to see her. She loves to be loved on! If you’ve got good dog experience and have been searching for your soulmate, come meet this good dog! Adoptions are now conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Bebita. Ask for ID#A656328.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

If you want to experience the joys of owning a dog despite your allergies, here is how you can manage this:

Choose the Right Breed

If you don’t already own a dog, it’s important to choose your breed carefully. While all dogs produce some level of dander, some breeds have reduced levels of shedding. At the top of the list of big dogs that don’t shed, you will find poodles, Giant Schnauzers, Irish Water Poodles, Airedale Terriers, and more. Do your research and find out which breed will affect you the least.

Speak to an Allergist

If you have had allergies your whole life, you may assume that you can manage this issue. However, if you are planning on living with a dog, you should treat your condition more seriously. You will require an allergist to come up with a tailored plan for you. This may need to include over-the-counter medication as well as prescription medication. Consulting with a professional can help you gain a level of relief that you may not have previously thought possible.

Have Dog-Free Zones

Your pup shouldn’t be allowed in certain parts of your home no matter what. In particular, make sure to keep them away from your bedroom and bed. Doing so will ensure that you get a good night’s sleep with minimal stuffiness.

In general, ensure that you train your pup to stay off the furniture. If not, your dog’s fur can get stuck in the fabric and it can be quite difficult to get rid of. When you enter your living room or sit on the couch, you may feel overwhelmed by your symptoms.

Get Rid of Carpeting

Of all the allergy advice that you can follow, getting rid of carpets in your home is one of the best suggestions to abide by. This is because carpets can trap a considerable amount of fur and dust, increasing the level of pollution in your home. To add to this, it is not easy to thoroughly clean the fabric of the fur and dander either. If your home has wall-to-wall carpeting, it is best to switch to bare floors. These will be easier to keep clean as well.

Groom Your Dog Regularly

While you can’t personally brush your dog, you can get someone else to do it several times a week or even daily. The less loose fur there is, the better. Remember to always brush your dog outdoors and then to wipe them down with a damp cloth. If you have to brush your pup yourself, wear a mask.

You can bathe your dog, but be careful of over-bathing them. A bath once or twice a month is a good idea. You can use a deshedding shampoo to cut down on the shedding even further.

These are all the tips you can rely on to ensure that you spend enough time with your pup while keeping your allergies at bay. Make sure to utilize them all for the best results.

Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-pet-dog-getting-embraced-by-its-owner-7788646/

Huskies need space and lots of activity, and Arlo is a typical young husky. He’s 1 year old and very sweet, and he has lots of that energy. He also needs out—he’s been at the shelter since September and is not doing well. He’s very thin. Arlo needs a human with experience with and knowledge about this breed as well as an active lifestyle. Adoptions are now conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Arlo. Ask for A663634.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Rebecca,3 months old,is all dressed up in her tux and looking through her window. She’s all ready to go home for the new year and stay forever! Rebecca came to the shelter with a fractured hind limb, which may need amputation. She can be fostered while the shelter takes care of her medical needs and then adopted once she’s well! Playful Rebecca has no idea she has issues, so she’ll be a perfect one to ring in the year and make the resolution of being friends fur-ever! Shelter adoptions are conducted through appointment, so contact PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Rebecca. Ask for ID# A666365.

(This rescue was encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Reese is a white doggie dreaming of a Christmas of any color in a loving home. Reese, an energetic 3-year-old, will play with toys with you all day long, and in the evening, she’ll climb into your lap and listen to “A Visit from St. Nicholas” or whatever you want to read to her or tell her as she searches for the hidden holiday treats! She’s interested in lizards and has been known to try to climb trees to catch one. After leaping like a lizard with glee when her leash is attached, she’ll settle down nicely and go for a walk. Because of her exuberance, she’d be best in a home without small children, but it would be great for her to hang a stocking with a family that has an active lifestyle! Our shelter’s adoptions are conducted through appointment only, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Reese. Ask for ID#A666042.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)