Once again we were given a press release that we believe to be important, but it was far too late to be included in this issue. Lucky for us, we were forwarded the information by both the City of Signal Hill’s Sue Hughes and our pals at Friends of the Long Beach Animals (FOLBA). Hmmm…..I wonder why we never received the original info from the source— the City of Long Beach. Nevertheless, I now share it with you and will run my regular column next week. Be kind to your pets…
One of the best ways to keep your dog safe and healthy is to license and microchip him or her. More than 12,500 animals pass through the Long Beach Animal Shelter each year, many of them returned quickly to their owners because they have up-to-date licenses and microchip technology. For one day only— Sunday, July 20— the City of Long Beach will waive late fees for licensing at the “spcaLA Vaccination and Microchip Clinic.” This special event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring Street. No appointment is necessary. The late-fee grace period for licensing will be available only for onsite registrations. Three-year registrations will also be available. Vouchers from the Friends of Long Beach Animals for free spaying and neutering (for use at participating veterinarians) will also be available. The mission of Animal Care is public safety and the humane treatment of animals, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The best strategy for keeping animals healthy and safe is responsible pet ownership, which includes licensing, spaying and neutering animals. For more information about waiving late fees for licensing, please contact Susanne Delima, public health associate, at (562) 570-3087 or via email at Susanne_Delima@longbeach.gov. For more information about the spcaLA Vaccination and Microchip Clinic, visit http://spcala.com.
And, speaking of dogs, we received this from Bonnie Jeffers, a member of GreySave— a group that helps rescue retired racing greyhounds:
You may have heard this all before, but it is an important reminder now that we are having some really hot weather. Please do read the following information taken from studies on heat in cars. It could save your [dog’s] life. Dogs are designed to conserve heat. Their sweat glands, which exist on their noses and the pads of their feet, are inadequate for cooling during hot days. Panting and drinking water helps cool them, but if they only have overheated air to breathe, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes. Young dogs, seniors, or pets with weight, respiratory, cardiovascular, or other health problems are especially susceptible to heat-related stress. How often have you dashed into a store to “pick up just one or two items” and been delayed by seeing someone you knew or encountering a slow sales clerk. On these warm days, don’t leave your [dog] in the car— even for a minute.
