by C. Miriam Yarden, B.Sc., MS
Contributing Editor, LBReport.com
Ms. Yarden is a practicing animal behavior specialist (Aurora Animal Behaviour) with 35 years of experience in the field and is a published author on the subject. Her "Pets & Their People/Perspective" appears exclusively on LBReport.com
(August 7, 2008) -- For the young of all living beings, play is an essential part of growing up. It teaches cooperation, communication, survival, and eliminates mind-bending boredom.
Scientists now provide toys and playthings to animals in laboratories to prevent mental illness. Our canine and feline friends in shelters and pounds suffer the same boredom and unhealthy introversion when kept in cages and runs, with nothing to stimulate them.
Realizing this deep need, please note the following and help us to insure that companions waiting for adoption are enjoying the wait as much as possible."
(Text is from City of LB Animal Care Services webpage [bracketed material by us])
A TOY FOR EVERY ANIMAL: The City of Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) receives many requests for ways to volunteer to help the animals at our shelter. Currently, Animal Care Services is promoting the slogan "A Toy for Every Animal" to improve health and wellness. Chew toys like the Red Kong toys help keep animals' minds and bodies engaged, leading to greater health and a higher rate of adoption.
One of the best ways to keep animals healthy is to keep their minds and bodies active. Animal Care Services is asking residents to buy and donate new red, rubber Classic KONG toys to promote animal health and wellness. More than 12,500 animals pass through the Long Beach Animal Shelter each year, some of them staying for weeks.
HOW YOU CAN HELP The City of Long Beach Animal Care Services recently implemented this program for collecting all sizes of red, rubber Classic KONG toys for shelter dogs in the Animal Village facility. The irresistible chew toy is indestructible and safe. It can be easily cleaned and disinfected after each use. Chew toys such as the Classic KONG help keep animals' minds and bodies engaged, leading to greater health and a higher rate of adoption.
PURCHASING A TOY. Purchase all sizes of Kong Classic toys directly online [click here] or at most pet store. Either drop them off yourself at ACS at the P.D. Pitchford Animal Shelter or have them shipped directly to the following address:
7700 E. Spring Street
Long Beach, CA 90815
Contact: Debra Brubaker, Public Health Associate (562) 570-7387
DONATIONS. We are working closely with our registered rescue organizations, including the Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA ) to obtain toys for the dogs as well as cats housed in the care of ACS. Monetary donations to the Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA) will allow FOLBA to purchase Kittie Woofer balls for cats or the classic Red Kong toys for dogs. Send checks to: Friends of Long Beach Animals, P.O. Box 9273, Long Beach, CA 90809-2736. Specify "Dog Toy" or "Cat Toy" in the memo line.
And thank you.
