Everyone won at Partners of Parks Long Beach's Favorite Pets
Plus, Long Beach Animal Control Services gets a $10,000 donation from pet competition!
On Saturday, May 30, a bunch of dogs, a far smaller group of cats (cats, y’know) and one sulcata tortoise came to the Bandshell at Recreation Park to see how they fared in Partners of Parks’ (POP) Long Beach’s Favorite Pet. No one left disappointed — nearly everyone won an award, and all of them got treats from Long Beach-based Redbarn Pet Products’ sampling bar.
The event was the brainpup of Ashley Jones, POP’s executive director. Jones got the idea after adopting Gumbo from Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) a few months ago. Gumbo was the dog with the longest stay at the shelter than anyone can remember — over two years. His name is now Gumbo Lee Jones, and he’s his mom Ashley’s inspiration for the event.
The sponsors, vendors and rescues present included title sponsor Redbarn; Councilwoman Megan Kerr; Long Beach public radio station KLBP; Raising Cane’s; the Water Replenishment District; YogaSix; Wet Nose Photo 4 You, which actually had a dog, Bruno, in the race; Helen Sanders CatPAWS with information about TNVR and their spay/neuter clinics; and Downtown Long Beach Alliance.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson was scheduled to make an appearance, but the event took place two days before Election Day and he had stuff to do. But his wife, Dr. Nina Richardson, and their daughters, Alina and Mila, were delighted to fill in. Especially Alina and Mila.
Here’s just a handful of winners:
Diego, an LBACS alumnus, won top honors as Long Beach’s Favorite Dog! Here he is with his dad, Arash Baboo, taking the stage like the superstars they are. Video by Kate Karp
Benny, a legend in his own right, won the Long Beach’s Favorite Cat first place award! He also came to the shelter nearly eight years ago as a severely abused cat. Video by Kate Karp
Bronco Schultz took third place in the dog category. Bronco has a neurological issue, which gives him a wonky walk. The Schultzes adopted Bronco from a high-euthanasia shelter because of his common link with Pam Schultz, who also has a health issue. They’re each other’s support buddies! Bronco accompanies dad Jon to work as well. Video by Kate Karp
Here comes Reginald Mortimer Happenstance in a Naples-style gondola powered by mom Teresa Galloway. Reg won honorable mention. The Galloways found Reg running in the street. “My husband said I could keep him only if he got to name him,” Galloway said. Video by Kate Karp
“Let me tell you — the last 24 hours, there were so many donations and lots of things happening,” Jones said. “It was incredible how you all rallied, not just for your pets but the pets at Long Beach Animal Care Services. The real winner was LBACS.”
Jones said that she’d expected only a couple of thousand raised for the shelter. She’s already thinking about next year.
“We’re hoping to make it bigger and better!” she said.
See a neat photo recap of the event on LBACS’ Facebook page
YOURS DROOLY
“Adopt from us!” said LBACS’ Dr. Melanie Wagner, aka Dr. Wags, at the Long Beach’s Favorite Pet celebration. “If adoption isn’t your thing, then foster!”
Meet the adoptables who were guest stars at the celebration last week. Dr. Wags will give you the scoop on these great pets. Maybe one or all of them will contend in next year’s Long Beach’s Favorite Pet competition.
To make this happen, email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call 562-570-4925. Better yet, visit them all at LBACS — click this link for a preview of who’s there! Shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors).
“Swayze (ID#A758539) — an absolute love!” Dr. Wags said. “He works for treats. He loves Redbarn — a little shameless plug for Redbarn! He came in as a stray.” He does well around other dogs and likes everyone he meets.” Here’s Swayze onstage with volunteer Patti, who said that he’s very playful.
Here’s a better photo of Rosco (ID#A755802), thanks to LBACS. Dr. Wags says, “Rosco is 3 years old. He also came to us as a stray, so we don’t know a lot about his history. We do know that he does really well on pack walks — he seems to do really well around other dogs. He’s a volunteer favorite — and he loves Redbarn, too! We hope that someone comes and adopts either one of them – they’ll make a lovely addition to your home.”
“If you are more of a cat person, we have some cats over there, who are all named after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — or artists, depending on which pop culture you prefer,” Wagner said. You can see them peeping out the window of the Adoption Waggin.’
The Turtles have been whiskered off to homes and rescues in less than a week. But this girl showed up. Her name’s Munchkin (ID# A752923). She’s 3 years old and had quite an ordeal. She was found with damage to her spinal cord after what LBACS thinks was a car-engine accident. She’s fine now, but because of her injuries, she has a wobbly walk that’s quite adorable. She needs a little extra help when going to pee, but she can still use her litter box on her own. LBACS staff and volunteers say that Munchkin is playful, speedy, curious, and always ready for attention. She’s been working hard in physical therapy and continues getting stronger every day. Munchkin’s ready to find a loving home that will give her the care, patience and love she deserves.
TAIL-WAGGIN' AND NOSE-BOOPIN' EVENTS
Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) Adopt-a-Pet Day
June 6 marks the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day! On this day, shelters across the state will waive adoption fees, thanks to ASPCA grants covering the costs. LBACS, of course, will participate, which means that you won’t have to reach in your wallet — all you’ll have to do is fill out the application! Check out all the pets here.
The rabbit-care class takes place Saturday, June 6, noon–1 p.m. at Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach. No charge for parking for shelter visitors.
Meet the Sunshine Rabbits at Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS)
Bunnies are delicate little animals and need special care. This Saturday, rabbits from LBACS and Sunshine Rabbit Center will help teach about rabbit care and answer any questions that potential adopters may have. Your new best buddy might be just a hop, skip and jump away!
Long Beach Animal Care Services is located at 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach. No charge for parking for shelter visitors. Saturday shelter hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Pet Loss and Illness Support Group
The worst day in the life you share with a pet is the day you have to say goodbye forever. Grief is personal on the one hand, and on the other hand, you have a lot of company who get what you’re going through. Helen Sanders CatPAWS rescue gets it, too, and offers a space for anyone who also gets it, who’ll never say to you, “But it was just a cat.” Or a dog, or a rabbit, or a horse, or a goldfish. The members of this group will listen, connect, and support you, and you’ll do the same for them.
The Pet Loss and Illness Support Group takes place Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. at the Bay Shore Church, 5100 E. The Toledo, Long Beach. No cost for the meeting, but let the leads know that you’re coming here.
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.
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