All wrapped and ready to adopt!

About 10 years ago, Helen Sanders CatPAWS cofounder Deborah Felin-Magaldi gifted a jazzy vehicle to Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS). The new Adoption Waggin’, as the city dubbed it, was equipped with kennels, windows, sinks and fridge, storage, air conditioning and a little curtained-off meet-and-greet area for visitors to get acquainted with a cat or a shy dog they were considering taking home. You’ve probably seen the Waggin’ rolling into parks, events and the Long Beach City Hall.

The Adoption Waggin’ “was a personal donation from me to the city of Long Beach in honor of Helen Sanders, who changed the face of cat rescue in the area,” Felin-Magaldi said. “This vehicle is an important tool for the shelter to get out into the community and encourage more adoptions. When the shelter gets more animals adopted, it frees up space and resources to save more."

Ten years of road trips wreaked considerable wear to the vehicle’s design. Felin-Magaldi wanted the Waggin’ to continue to represent LBACS and Long Beach itself in the best way, so she offered to refresh the wrap.

“I proposed that offer to LBACS — the design was up to them,” she said.

LBACS happily accepted the gift. According to shelter volunteer coordinator Matt Yniguez, LBACS director Dr. Melanie Wagner called in a few staff members and discussed the new wrap’s design.

“She wanted to have a beach vibe about everything — she got our input on how we should be picking the colors and everything else,” Yniguez said. “We all agreed that this design worked really well. We were all kind of stunned by how amazing it looks! It has our QR code, it has everything we need. It's great promotion. The front is great, for when we're driving in.”

YOURS DROOLY

Best gift idea ever! Bring a family member or a friend who wants a pet for the holidays and to either or both these adoption events. Bring along the coupon above, and let your loved one pick a new friend! Then, you pay the adoption fee! More info here.

Several other rescues besides LBACS appeared at the Jolly Jubilee. They included Sunny Saints, the only St. Bernard rescue in California; Saving Shelter Souls from Buena Park; and of course, Helen Sanders CatPAWS!

Cats that had been born of community moms waited inside Pet Supplies Plus, lovingly cuddled by CatPAWS volunteers. Bottom, from left: Rosie, with Ken; Brooke, with Amanda; Molly, with Deborah; top, from left: Bean, with Brian; Holly, with Kimberly; Honey, with Julie; Spuds, with Kris. Photo by Kate Karp

Bean got what he wanted for the holidays that day — a forever home — and so did another kitten named Tot (not pictured). But these three, as well as all the cats at CatPAWS, have the same thing on their holiday lists that Bean and Tot did. Can you make their visions of laps and catnip come true? If so, access this link to see all the cats and kittens and complete the adoption application.

Here are three of the little guys who came to the Jolly Jubilee:

Molly is a striking model of a cat! She has a black coat shot all over with streaks of silver. She’d turn heads at the New Year’s Eve party. But Molly isn’t all looks — she’s a delightful mix of sweetness and silliness, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. She loves to zoom around the room chasing her favorite toys, but once she’s had her fun, this affectionate gal transforms into a world-class lap cat, happy to cuddle up and soak in all the love and attention she can get. Molly’s charming personality makes her the perfect companion for anyone looking for both entertainment and affection. With her big heart and goofy antics, she’s sure to be a treasured member of her forever family.

What rhymes with Molly? Well, Holly, and what’s Christmas without that? Holly’s a lovely little lady with a gentle heart and a curious spirit. She may be shy when you first meet her, but give her a bit of time and patience, and you'll discover just how affectionate and loyal she can be. Once she feels safe, Holly’s playful and adventurous side shines, whether she’s exploring new corners, chasing toys, or showing off her graceful pounces. With her quiet sweetness and budding confidence, Holly will blossom in a home that appreciates her tender nature and joyful personality. She’s a true hidden gem just waiting for the right halls to deck and the right humans to sparkle with.

Honey is as sweet as her name suggests — a gentle girl who may start off a little shy, but once she feels safe, she turns into a total cuddle bug. She adores snuggling up close and soaking in affection, making her the perfect companion for cozy evenings. Don’t let her soft demeanor fool you — Honey has a playful side, too! She loves spending time with her feline friends and can often be found scaling her way to the top of the cat tree like the brave little adventurer she is. (The Christmas tree is off limits.) With her loving nature, playful spirit, and irresistible charm, Honey is sure to bring warmth and joy to any home lucky enough to call her family.

TAIL-WAGGIN' AND NOSE-BOOPIN' EVENTS

Stop by for affordable vaccines, microchips, deworming, nail trims and flea/tick prevention. No appointments are needed for the clinics; they serve furry patients on a first come, first served basis. You don’t have to be from Long Beach or any of the cities serviced by the shelter, but you must do the following:

• Arrive early.
• Bring vaccine records if you have them.
• Put the cats into carriers.
• Leash your large or medium dog. Small dogs may be carried.

Please note: mobile vaccine clinics are for pet vaccines only — spay/neuter services are not available at the mobile clinics.

Access this link for more information about details, dates and locations for CAMP clinics in the Los Angeles area.

Clinics take place at Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach. Use the entrance to El Dorado Park; no parking fees for shelter visitors.

Feline Good Social Club’s end-of-the-year fundraiser

This year, Feline Good Social Club (FGSC) has encountered 55 door drops, that is, cats and kittens left on their doorstep, and helping the abandoned pets has been a challenge. FGSC’s rescue partner, the nonprofit Long Beach Felines, has also suffered financial setbacks while striving to rescue and care for these abandoned cats, many of whom are frequently sick or injured. Support this wonderful place and help the cats and kittens. Every donation, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and makes a difference. See details here.

Drag Bingo fundraiser for The Little Lion Foundation

Caring for homeless, newborn or sick kittens can be a drag, but you can make it so in the best way by attending The Little Lion Foundation’s Drag Bingo event and raise funds for caring for these kitties! The purr-fectly entertaining evening features local icon hosts Mia Anastasia Farrow and Robbie Osa, who’ll keep the energy as high as an orange cat with zoomies! You’ll enjoy singing, sipping on cocktails, munching goodies, shopping the vendors and, of course, shouting “Bingo!” All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to support Little Lion’s local cat rescue programs.

Drag Bingo will take place Friday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m.–10 p.m. at the Altar Society Brewing Co. in Downtown Long Beach, 228 Pine Ave. Tickets from $33.85, available here. Early bird discount through Dec. 31; bar and food available but not included.

Need a low-cost veterinarian, information about trapping community cats, places to volunteer, pet food, veterinary assistance, rescues and shelters to adopt from — anything pet related? Follow this link for resources. Please add your own ideas in the Comments section.