Grant takes nip out of rescue's expenses
Also, check out the events and adoptables for this weekend!
This Scratch This! will be (perhaps blessedly) brief because I’m also working on another article and don’t have the go-power to write two columns.
Recently, Best Friends Animal Society awarded a pot of money to over 100 animal shelters and rescues across the country — about $300,000 worth — and Helen Sanders CatPAWS got $1,000 of it. Best Friends ran a Pet Lover’s Choice Contest in which shelters and rescues submitted photos and bios of alumni who’d gone on to great things as house cats and canine companions.
The public voted on the pets, and the organizations won awards depending on the number of votes. Sure, it was a popularity contest, but $1,000 will take a nice nip out of CatPAWS’ expenses, which include the spay/neuter clinic and medical care for their little charges.
"We entered several of our rescued cats into the Pet Lover's Choice Contest, all with compelling stories of overcoming medical issues, even in one case severe abuse, but are now cherished members of their families,” said CatPAWS cofounder Deborah Felin-Magaldi. “We are grateful as always to Best Friends Animal Society for its support of our mission and our efforts to save more pet lives!”
YOURS DROOLY
Here are three of those rescued cats, along with their stories written by their fosters. Access this link to adopt any of them and to see the other cats in their foster homes waiting for one that’s purr-fectly forever. You can also have live audiences with them at the Seal Beach PetSmart. Cats will receive complete starter kits that include carrier, litter box, litter, scoop, bowls, fountain, food, toys and blanket to help them feel at home from day one.
Meet Flame, the biggest cuddle-bug around! This sweet, gentle guy has a tiny high‑pitched meow that melts hearts, and he’s absolutely obsessed with wand toys. And gee whiz, look at his eyes! If you love ending your day curled up with a warm, affectionate companion, Flame is your guy. He does have one quirk: he sometimes tries to eat things he shouldn’t. Because of that, he needs a family who can keep his environment safe and tidy. In return, he'll give you endless affection and companionship.
Meredith is a gentle soul. Petite and delicate, she enjoys fuzzy blankets and cozying up in them. Meredith lost her home when her previous adopter had to downsize their living arrangement, and she’s been in a loving foster home for the last few months where she’s healing her broken heart. Meredith is playing with toys again and is learning to trust and accept love again. She has a loving heart and will make her adopter feel very special.
Meet Olive, the 3‑year‑old patrol captain of her cozy kingdom! This attentive, protective sweetheart makes it her mission to keep everything safe and everyone loved. She’ll quietly hang out nearby, politely asking for pets, snuggles and a spot on her beloved heating pad. Olive isn’t bothered by big dogs, and with a proper introduction, she warms up to other cats, too. She’s gorgeous, a natural at posing for photos, and very smart — she crushes puzzle toys, hunts down treats like a pro, and chases wands and soft toys with athletic enthusiasm. While we don’t DNA test, she does resemble a Chartreux beauty queen!
TAIL-WAGGIN' AND NOSE-BOOPIN' EVENTS
Time to vote for Long Beach’s Favorite Pet!
Entries have been submitted for Long Beach’s Favorite Pet, and now it’s time for Long Beach to vote in the semifinals! Access this link and click the graphics for dogs, cats and all other pets, and cast your vote. You have until May 17 to vote. Votes are $1 each.
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, May 16 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.
Kitten Pilates and Play Therapy
Enjoy a gentle workout session and even gentler workout companions! For the first 30 minutes, introduce yourself to adorable, adoptable kittens through wand-toy play. Then, take part in a Pilates session — a full-body flow with a focus on light core work, stretching and breathing as the kittens supervise your workout. After the session, you’ll have 15 minutes to cuddle and play with the cats once more. All ages of well-behaved humans are welcome — a parent or a guardian must accompany participants under 18. Your ticket purchase will help save lives — every dollar will go to The Little Lion Foundation cat rescue to pay the vet bills for cats and kittens in need. Spaces are selling out fast, but there’s a waiting list for cancellations!
Kitten Pilates and Play Therapy takes place Saturday, May 16 at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Level Up Dance Studio, 3202 E. Willow St., Signal Hill. Tickets are available 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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