Koda means “friend” in a few Native American dialects. What better name for a beautiful, petite shepherd mix who’s a bit reserved and who sorely needs her own “koda”? Koda was found as a stray—she’s 4 years old and has been spayed. She’d do great in a quiet home as the only dog, with a patient and experienced owner who will provide her with the love and care she deserves. Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Koda. Ask for ID# A653194.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Roses may be the traditional flower for Valentine’s Day, but have you considered a Lily? Our beautiful tan-and-white blossom has been blooming for five years, and she has shown our staff and volunteers so much love! She’ll thrive in a loving home, garden or not! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Lily. Ask for ID#A653598.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Isn’t Boomer a contented, happy-looking little dog? Alas, it wasn’t always thus for him. Boomer is a 2-year-old neutered tan terrier who came to our shelter as a stray with nothing but fear in his eyes and fright in his entire demeanor. The poor little fellow had been left to fend for himself and did what he could to survive. Shelter staff and volunteers gave him constant love and attention, and soon all that fear was replaced by incredible warmth and love. Shelter staff says that he may not be the talk of the town but he sure is the main chat at our shelter village! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Boomer. Ask for ID#A653419.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Penelope—the name just rolls off the tongue the way her tongue will roll up your hand as she kisses you! She’s as sweet as they come! Penelope’s a fuzzy-wuzzy little girl, 2 years old, who’s a unique blend of Korean Jindo and Siberian husky. Penelope does have a couple of special needs in the form of skin issues and allergies, but she’s not contagious—only her outpouring of love is! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Penelope. Ask for IDA652531.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Who says only bunnies have floppy ears? Well, go ask Alice! Alice is a sweet 4-year-old pitty who loves nothing more than to lean on a human for love—and boy, do a lot of us need that these days! Alice is up for any type of fun and will gladly follow you down any rabbit hole. Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Alice. Ask for ID#A653043.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

As soon as you add a new four-legged friend to your family, you will find that it has a special attraction for your bed. Even if you don’t let your dog into bed, you can often find that your pet was lying in it while you were gone to work. So, anyway, whether you let your dog lie in bed or not – the pet still jumps on it to chill. But should you let it do it? That’s the question. While this may seem like a trivial and even funny topic, it needs to be discussed if you just want your dog to be healthy and happy.

Your dog can get injured. This is the first reason you should not let your dog jump on the bed. Whether the dog is jumping from a lower surface to a higher one or vice versa, there remains a risk to twist or strain. Although a dog that underestimates its capabilities can be injured by jumping from one surface to another anywhere, the bed is a particularly dangerous object due to its soft surface. Jumping from a soft to a hard surface, or vice versa, sooner or later ends in injury.

Jumping is not good for a pet’s joints. Although jumping is a natural move for a dog, their joins definitely get an increased load for this action. How high the load on the joints also depends on the size of the dog breed. Jumping on your bed for a big dog can be a laugh. Meanwhile, for a dog of a small breed, it can be a height that requires special muscle and joint strength to overcome.

Greater risk of developing arthritis. Researchers also note that dog jumping is directly linked to the development of arthritis. Sad statistics show that 60 % of dogs develop arthritis – a painful illness that get worse with age – in their lifetime. Although it is a disease that is more common in old dogs, it can be hazardous for younger ones as well. Especially if their joints are under heavy load due to frequent jumping.

Who is the boss? You have to remember that you are responsible for your dog and knowing that it is detrimental to his health, you can shape the rules accordingly. Jumping is a natural instinct, so your dog will jump out of joy when you see or play. You don’t need to forbid your dog from doing so. Still, unnecessary jumping such as jumping on the bed or couch can be avoided for sure. But how to do that?

Possible solutions. Not letting your dog jump on the bed is not the same as letting him lie on the bed. Therefore, the easiest way to both protect your dog’s health and make life easier for him is to just get a dog ramp. They come in a variety of types, sizes as well as designs. Therefore a dog ramps manufacturer will be happy to help you to find the perfect one for your home.

Everyone needs a cat like Ollie in their life! “Curious,” “affectionate” and “happy” best describe this 2-year-old Creamsicle, and we can also add “eager.” He loves human companionship, and if he so much senses someone approaching, he’s up on his hind legs to rub against a hand, have some playtime, or gently accept a treat. Ready to take him home? Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through email, so contact PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Ollie. Ask for ID A653056.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

The French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was a shrewd military personage who built an empire with his skills. Unlike Bonaparte, though, our Napoleon resembles the sweet, custardy dessert of the same name, and he’ll delight you just as much as that gooey goody does. No calories to worry about—this 1-year-old pitty mix is energetic and playful and will lead you through the routines, only to settle down later for some love. Want your heart blown apart (heh heh)? Take a Napoleon home! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov  to meet Napoleon. Ask for ID#652588.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)