By Cory McKeown

All Smiley Sadie wants for Christmas is no more shelter sunsets

Researchers tell us that dogs don’t think the same way we do about the passing of time. While we humans can think about the past and project into the future, dogs tend to live in the “here and now”.
If this is true, then the unfortunate dogs that linger week after week, month after month in shelters must just spend each of their many days confined to a cage just noticing that over and over, the sun comes up (for dogs lucky enough to have some outside time every day, like ours) and the sun sets. They notice that after some sunrises, people come and adopt some of the more fortunate dogs around them, and leave them again to face another sunset alone.
This scenario has been played out for Sadie, time after time. If one counts the first time she was rescued from a bad situation in Eastern Oregon to the time she has been in our shelter, Sadie has been in a cage since August.
An unfortunate strike against her is that she is a black lab mix, and black cats and dogs linger notoriously in shelters. But, if you take the time to look past her coat color, you can see what a very nice girl she truly is. And, she smiles! She doesn’t just look happy and goofy like so many labs, she actually smiles! When people are wandering around the runs and most of the dogs are barking like crazy, this sweet dog is quietly circling her cage. She wags her tail non stop,  and smiles her smile,  usually with a toy in her mouth and the hope that  someone will notice her.
Sadie is a large, sturdy, and healthy young to middle aged dog.  She has a very nice energy level, and our dog walkers tell us she is excellent on a leash and a joy to walk- and boy, does she like to go for walks!
Other than her sweet personality, it is obvious that what Sadie loves more than anything is people. When someone takes the time to talk to her, she rolls over on her back, hoping for a belly rub and attention. She loves people of all sizes and ages, and would be a great dog for older kids.
Just like us people, Sadie really likes some of her own kind, but isn’t as fond of some others.  If she likes a dog, she is on her best behavior, and could make a good companion to another dog in your family. Just bring your dog by for a “meet and greet”.
She is, however, not good with cats and should go to a “cat free zone” home.
It is kind of amazing how Sadie can smile through so much time in a cage. But, dogs are like that, aren’t they? If you are looking for a very loyal and sweet canine companion, please take some time out of your busy holiday season to come and look at Sadie. She doesn’t deserve more shelter sunrises and sunsets- she deserves  a place in a loving home of her own, where she can watch the sunset with her new person. She is hoping  that person might be you…
Shelter Wish List
Usually, the holiday season is a time at the shelter where we see just how generous and kind our loyal supporters are- and the homeless animals are hoping the same will be true again this year! We are in need of dry kitty and dog food, as well as canned food.
Of course, monetary donations are also  very much needed and appreciated. Our shelter is largely volunteer-driven, and supporters who donate money can rest assured that a very large percentage of their donations go directly for the care of the animals.
Thank you from our hearts, and the critters thank you, also. Have a wonderful holiday season.

If it’s true that “you can’t herd cats”, why do we have such a large herd of cute cats and kittens?

The first person who coined this now-popular phrase undoubtedly knew cats well, and for some reason was frustrated by the behaviors of his own cats. Yes, cats can be independent, and sometimes stubborn critters, but they can also light up our lives with their winning ways.

We have a higher than average number of cats and kittens at the shelter  right now looking for loving homes, including an unusual number of Siamese mixes and red tabbies as well as  other exotic looking felines. It is wonderful to be able to offer such a variety of adoptable cats and kittens, but of course, we are most anxious to see them find good homes.

So, if you are interested in a great new feline companion, come on down to the shelter! We are almost sure to have just the kitty you want, and we are offering very good adoption rates. Our “two-fer’ offers are the best around, so ask when you come in if you have room in your heart and home for a pair of kitties.

Frightened Lexi needs a patient and loving person to give her a break

Lexi originally came to the Humane Society several years ago, and it soon became obvious that she was going to be one of the “shy ones”. She would head for the back of her cage when anyone approached her and would more or less cower there until the person gave up interest and left.

But one lady came along who didn’t give up on her. The lady came to see Lexi frequently, and would talk softly to her. Over time, she would quietly go into Lexi’s cage and just sit with her- just “hang out” if you will. All the while telling her what a sweet dog she was, and that she had no intention of hurting her.

She eventually gained Lexi’s trust, and then the best thing ever happened- the kind lady took Lexi home! The lady said that Lexi was a wonderful and loyal companion, and gave her several years of unconditional love.

Sadly, the lady suffered some health problems, and recently had to bring the shy girl back. Of course, this made the lady very unhappy and made us all very sad. Needless to say, Lexi is suffering the most from this loss.

So, here she is, after thinking she had found her forever home, back at the shelter, hiding at the back of her cage. She is not aggressive with visitors; she just retreats. We are very much hoping that there is a patient and kind person out there for Lexi who will take the time to give her a chance. Surely there is someone who will come and sit quietly with this frightened but very sweet dog?

Shelter Wish List

We are very pleased by the donations of shelter supplies we have received the past few weeks, but find we are still in need of canned dog food. Thank everyone for your wonderful support!

Maybe the shelter should be renamed “Smallville”?

We recently received six new dogs- all young, wonderfully small in size and with very sweet dispositions. This group of tiny canines includes “Puddles” and “Victoria”, miniature poodle mixes; “Bailey” a 4 year old female Lhasa Apso mix; “Danny” a Jack Russell Terrier combination; “Snoopy” a charming beagle/Chihuahua mix, and “Rusty” a darling Cairn terrier mix that weighs in at a whopping 9.8 pounds.

All of these little guys seem to be very outgoing and delighted to be with people. It is somewhat unusual for shelters to have smaller dogs, so if you have been looking for a little canine companion, come on down! These little guys are all “tens” on the “cuteness scale” and will go quickly to loving homes.

Big Boy and Big Girl- the beautiful kitty duo with the sad green eyes

These sweet 3-year-old kitties had a nice life with their lady owner until she became sick and could no longer care for them. Their nice lives came unraveled, and they ended up in the shelter in May- frightened and bewildered and wondering what they did to lose their home.

Both these kitties are aptly named- they are indeed very large cats with hearts to match their size and gorgeous green eyes. They have tried very hard to settle in and make the best of their new situation, but it is obvious that they are sad and desperately want to belong again to loving owners.

They came to us already declawed, so will need to be indoors only pets, or allowed in a safe fenced area only. Our policy is not to allow our cats to be declawed, as we feel it is an unnecessary and cruel procedure. But, the “Big Guys” being previously declawed might be a bonus to someone concerned about having cats with claws around furniture, etc.

We are hoping that these sweet kitties can go to a home together- they have had enough losses already and are ready to be loved.

Raffle tickets available at OAC

Oceanside Animal Clinic staff has kindly agreed to have tickets for our great annual raffle available at the clinic. What a deal!  While your pet is getting cared for by the very capable and kind staff at the clinic, you could buy a winning ticket for only $2 and be the new owner of a beautiful 60-inch TV or one of the other great prizes. This raffle is our most important fundraiser for the shelter.

Shelter wish list

We have received some kind donations of needed shelter supplies the past few weeks, but find that we are still lacking canned and dry kitty food, 13-gallon garbage bags, paper towels, and toilet paper. No, obviously the toilet paper isn’t a pet supply, but our visitors and staff do find it essential!

We are very grateful for the kindness of our loyal supporters. We truly couldn’t do it without you.

Dedicated shoppers know that you can often get some great buys at clearance sales, and our cat and kitten sale this month is no exception! We have a wonderful selection of felines- all sizes, ages, and colors, all at great prices.
The kitties that we are especially hoping will find loving homes are our “longer-timers” residents like Tristan, that was surrendered by his owner last October, and “Dad Cat” George that has been lingering since last September. George is an exceptionally sweet boy, and spends his time grooming the kittens and sleeping in the cuddle beds with his paws around other lonely cats. Needless to say, he would make a wonderful companion in a multi-cat household.
Cat adopters during August not only will receive a great new addition to the family, but will also get a handy combination kitty carrier/play bed absolutely free! So, please come and see the kitties who are so hoping to be adopted- they are “sure to bring some purr” into your life, and you to theirs… It’s hard to purr when you are spending your life confined, and have no one to love you and to call your own.

Shelter wish list

Right now, we are finding ourselves running very low on almost all the crucial supplies we need everyday to take care of the shelter animals. We would be very grateful to receive donations of canned dog and cat food, dry dog and cat food, paper towels, and 13-gallon trash bags. Thank you for your generosity and for caring.

“Long-timer” kitties are lingering and lonely

Some of our very adoptable cats and kittens have been overlooked for months and months, and are literally growing up and growing old in the shelter. If there is a downside to a “no-kill” shelter, it can be the fact that some of the animals can spend precious weeks and months waiting for loving homes. It makes us sad to see them day after day, looking at visitors with the hope that this just might be the one person who might give them a new and better life.

But, we work very hard to make the dogs and cats as happy and comfortable as they can be. The dogs all have soft beds, toys, and get to spend time outside in the covered runs- plus, almost every day our loyal dog walkers come to exercise them. The kitties have toys, also soft beds, and our two cat rooms are very “feline friendly”. Often, volunteers and visitors stop by to pet and brush them.

There are several kitties, both older kittens and adult cats that have been with us for what seems like forever. Handsome and friendly cats like “Smokey” that arrived at the shelter last Christmas along with several of his housemates- they all lost their home when their owner moved. Or “ Angel” a pretty big calico girl that is truly becoming a “lifer” here. She has been hoping for a home since March of 2010!

If you are reading this and have a place in your heart for one of these unfortunate “long timers” kitties, please come in and ask to meet them. Yes, they have been overlooked, but they all have some wonderful qualities- sometimes they just aren’t the “prettiest flower in the bouquet” but can still make very loving companions. . We very much want them to have new lives, and our low adoption fees can help to make this a reality. All they need is you to come in and give them a chance.

Come and see our newly decorated “Beach Cats” kitty playroom!

The past few weeks, our shelter manager Diana and her talented staff and volunteers have been very busy giving our kitty playroom a much-needed facelift- and it looks great!

The room got a fresh coat of designer-color paint, some shiny new vinyl floor covering, and new wall décor and furniture- all in a very fun beach motif.

Of course, to go with the new kitty digs, we have some wonderful cats and kittens for adoption. There are sweet young adults, and playful kittens in a myriad of colors and coat lengths and patterns- all just waiting for you to come and see our newly decorated playroom, with the hope that they will also find loving homes in the deal!

Our great “Grrrrage Sale” is this weekend

This weekend, we will be having our garage sale fund-raiser – our sale is traditionally known as one of the biggest and best sales happening during the community’s World’s Longest Garage Sale event over Memorial Day holiday time.

We still need donations of good items for the sale, and you can go onto our website www.beachpets.com to get further details on needed items and the times and location for the sale. Sale days will be May 27-29. For further information please call our garage sale chairman Mike Litawa at 642-4414.

Shelter Wish List

We are running very low on some essential supplies needed to care for the shelter animals, and are hoping we can call on our wonderful supporters for help. We desperately need canned dog food, paper towels, and 13-gallon plastic garbage sacks. Next time you go shopping, please buy some much-needed goodies for the animals- we are very grateful!

We have bouncy, beautiful kittens looking for loving homes

April showers might just bring May flowers, but it also brings kittens to the shelter! Already we have received some very sweet, playful, and pretty kittens in all colors of the kitty rainbow- feisty little tigers; white with black; black with white, calico, and orange, just to name a few.
Some of our younger guy are in foster care, but will be coming into the shelter over the next few weeks. Our prices for kittens and cats are very low in today’s market place, so not only do adopters get great felines, but also they are very reasonably priced.
So, please come and see our cats and kittens- even if you don’t think you are ready to adopt, the “cuteness factor” might win you over and you could  have a wonderful new family addition!

Shelter Wish List Wanted: donations of good items for our upcoming garage sale

Well, the Humane Society is going to be in the garage sale business again during the World’s Longest Garage Sale over Memorial Day weekend. In the past, these sales have been very important fund raisers for us.
We would be very grateful to receive your donations of saleable items. If you would be able to support the shelter and the critters in our care by donating to the garage sale, please call Mike Litawa at 360-642-0733. Mike has kindly agreed to coordinate the sale again this year, and he would be very glad to take your call.

Lonely India needs a loving person to turn her life around

This young lab mix has spent the last six months with us after her owner had to surrender her. When she first got here, she was very shy and acted out her fear by barking and leaping at anyone who stopped by her cage.
Gradually, we realized that she was “all bark and no bite” and started working with her on her “cage manners”. Over time, she began to realize that she was safe, and her true personality began to emerge.
Now, she is a staff favorite, and volunteers like to go in her run just to cuddle with her- and cuddle she does! She has gone from fearsome barking to a much gentler girl that loves to play and give soft nuzzles and kisses.
India has a short, shiny, easy-care coat, and has a wonderful energy level. She seems to really enjoy some of the “boy” dogs at the shelter, but can be leery of other girls. She is definitely the kind of dog that is very anxious to please, and has quickly picked up on some basic commands.
If she were just given a chance, India would truly be someone’s best friend. She just needs a gentle person who will take the time to get to know her. If you are her special person, please come and meet her and give her the love and attention she so longs for. Spending six months in a cage is breaking her heart…

Shelter Wish List
We are running drastically low on some essential supplies for the shelter and are hoping we can call on our supporters for help. We need 13-gallon garbage bags, paper towels, and canned dog and cat food. Also, it is rapidly coming upon kitten season, and we would very much like to receive donations of Purina Kitten Chow for the little guys soon to come. Thank you so much!

I, can’t tell you how awesome it is to see this pup and child so happy. The boy is Micah, whom Mack growled and barked at. HAVA asked me to transport “Suzy” to your shelter ~ she was in there less than an hour when Micah and his family fell in love with her…I wormed her twice and their vet wormed her twice, she had a real problem with that and a persistent bladder infection. (She was abandoned in Westport) These wonderful people have no issue with taking Suzy to the vet frequently to clear up her problems. I just LOVE these folks and Suzy has the best home ever!!

I cleaned an old suitcase out, so I could take it to Goodwill.  I left it open and before I got back to putting things in it, my little adopted girl, Boo, decided it was a good place for a nap.  My son happened to come in with this smart phone and took the picture.   

I sent this to my friend who volunteers at the Shelter.  She said it is like the little dog is saying, ” Adopt me!!! Adopt me!!!…….I am packed and ready to go!!!”.

Of course this little doggie is not up for adoption as we love her too much.  Thanks again, Diana, for making it possible for us to get Boo, as she is just the sweetest little girl.

We went to the beachpets breakfast this morning and it was really nice.  What a wonderful idea!

Fondly,

Shirley

Young Indy is starting to feel like a “rent-a-dog”

This very friendly chocolate lab mix just can’t seem to catch a break. He has been adopted now twice from the shelter, and returned- through no fault of his own. Both adopters described him as extremely affectionate, and said he loves to be cuddled and have his tummy rubbed.
He is also a great car traveler and a good sleeper; rarely barks; likes kids; plays fetch, and loves to go to the beach and for walks. Indy is a high-energy boy, but is very direct able, and anxious to learn. He has already learned to sit, shake, stay, lay down, and is crate trained
One of his previous owners said he would be a great companion for a jogger or hiker. Both of the owners said that he was a great dog- one owner just didn’t have enough time for him and said that bringing him back was “a very hard decision”. The other man loved him dearly, but had to go overseas with the service.
We are hoping it is time for this good dog to find his permanent home and a best friend who can love him forever.   It is just too hard on him to think he has a wonderful home, only to end up back at the shelter…

Join us this Saturday for a great breakfast and help support the shelter animals

Please join us for our “Beachpets Breakfast” this Saturday, February 19, from 8am to 12 noon at the Long Beach Elks Lodge. Cost is only $5, and all proceeds benefit our no-kill shelter.
You will have your choice of pancakes, eggs, and ham, or biscuits or gravy. Tickets will be available at the door (110 Pacific Ave. N) and at Beachdog.com (1517 Pacific Ave N) in Long Beach.
Hope to see you there!

Sophie’s choice would be to have the love of a kind woman

Sophie’s heart was first broken when her owner left her with a friend and just never returned to get her. Then, the friend didn’t want her, and she ended up at the shelter. Some dogs “take” to the shelter environment fairly quickly, but, sadly, this was not her case.
She is quiet and somewhat shy for a lab, and unfortunately must have had a bad experience with men, as she is afraid of most men. But, she loves women, and adores cuddling with and giving soft kisses to the ladies who volunteer at the shelter.
Sophie loves to go for walks, and is enamored with tennis balls- gee, what a surprise…

She likes to romp with other playful, friendly dogs, and seems to just ignore our shelter cats. Kids delight her, as she is probably hoping they have a nice energy level like she does, and can throw a tennis ball!
Sophie is a gentle dog that needs a gentle touch- and a loving home where she doesn’t have to be afraid ever again…

Young Alex gets an “A” for effort, but so far, not much else

This charming orange   stub-tailed Manx mix has been at the shelter in our kitty room for far too much of his young life. He came to us from a bad situation in an Eastern Oregon town, and when he first arrived, he was very frightened.
He spent his days, when other kitties in the room were being chosen by new owners, hiding in the kitty condos- only creeping out at night to eat. Over time, though, he must have yearned for the love and attention he saw the other friendlier cats getting, and decided to come out where people could see how cute he is.
Now, he has done a true “180” and is one of the sweetest and most outgoing young cats in the room. When people come in, he purrs, he plays, he rubs, he kneads- he is doing absolutely everything he can think of to make someone love him.  So far, it hasn’t worked, but he isn’t giving up. In his heart, he knows his special someone is out there and will give him a loving home. Until then, he will just have to keep purring and hoping.

Who is missing this nice yellow lab lady dog?

This sweet, older female yellow lab came to the shelter as a stray on New Year’s Eve day. She was found wandering around on Vernon Ave. in Ocean Park.
“Abby” as we have named her, is very friendly, has good manners, and is quite “pleasingly plump”- all indicators to us that she has to belong to someone and wasn’t lost long.
She seems to love everyone, and thrives on attention and very much enjoys taking walks. Abby is doing all right at the shelter, but you can tell by how intently she scans visitors for “her person” that she wants to go home.
If you know where this sweet dog might belong, please call the shelter or come by- the very best thing Abby could have for the New Year is a trip back to her home.

Haley is setting a shelter record- and not a record of the good kind…

Haley came into the shelter in July of 2009 with her young kittens. No, this unfortunately is not a typo. She came in during the summer of 2009, and she has been lingering her ever since.
She is a young pretty tiger and white kitty, but tends to be a little shy. So, as time has gone on and her days go by, she has more or less retreated into herself, and just crouches down when visitors come in the playroom.
She is the picture of dejection- a kitty that seems to be one that has just simply given up hope of ever finding a loving home.
We are very much hoping that a kind soul might read about her plight, and come and meet Haley and maybe, just maybe, give her a chance at love and a real life.

For those of us who are “weak in the knees” for Siamese, we have a great selection of these oriental beauties at the shelter right now. There are pretty adult Siamese mixes, and a beautiful little flame point kitten.

We got these kitties just by chance, as they were surrendered one-by-one to the shelter, all for different reasons. Siamese are very popular at the shelter, and we anticipate that they will quickly find loving homes.

So, if you have been wanting one of these lovely and very intelligent and personable kitties, come on down!

You are invited to the SPCHS annual meeting

The Humane Society’s annual meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 12,  at 6 p.m., in the meeting room at the Breakers, 210 26th St. NW, in Long Beach.

Come and hear what’s new, learn how you can help, and greet fellow animal lovers. Not a member of the SPCHS yet? Come and join! Refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there.

All the shelter dogs and cats want for Christmas is your love

A lot of us probably remember the old song “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth”. Well, most of our shelter critters have their front teeth, but for a lot of them, the thing they haven’t had for far too long is a home of their own and someone to love them.

Some of them, especially the adult kitties, have lingered at the shelter literally for months. Black cats and tabby cats always have a harder time getting adopted, as do the larger black dogs. In shelters that euthanize, these unfortunate dogs and cats are on the “short list” all too often. In our no kill shelter, they just bide their time, hoping the right person will come along.

We have some wonderful adult cats and kittens available, all at much reduced adoption prices. There is even a little family of nine week old kittens- truly “Christmas kittens”.  Also a great group of dogs, both big and small, also at low adoption prices- including some very cute terrier mixes!

There is still time to bring your family to the shelter and find just the perfect pet- one that will fill your life with love for the holidays and for years to come.

Shelter Wish List

We are very grateful to have received the wonderful donations throughout the past year from our loyal supporters. In a hard economy, you have still faithfully  arrived at the shelter with dog and cat food, and other items to help us care for the critters, and have given much-needed cash donations.

Thank you and happy holidays to everyone- we hope to see you in the year ahead.