by Alice Doyle
Good Stuff Restaurants owner and Peninsula resident Cris Bennett is participating in the Harbor Animal Shelter’s “Virtual Adoption Program,” in which businesses support the shelter’s animals “virtually” by promoting them for adoption.
The first dog Good Stuff sponsored was adopted in a day, after being in the shelter almost a year.
“We have flyers featuring our sponsored dog in all our restaurants and have promoted them on Instagram. As animal lovers, we’re happy to help get these dogs some much needed exposure,” Bennett said.
The shelter is looking for other businesses to virtually sponsor dogs. It’s in desperate need of people to adopt their dogs, many of which are young and healthy and represent all breeds and sizes. The shelter also is looking for people to foster dogs temporarily, and for volunteers to help with daily operations.
The Harbor Animal Shelter in San Pedro is grappling with an overwhelming number of animals in need of shelter. While the shelter cares for cats and other small animals, the dog crisis is the most pressing.
The shelter is designed to care for 62 dogs. In early April they housed 170. Dogs are living in small crates, barely large enough for them to turn around in. They get two, five-minute potty breaks, one in the morning and one in the evening. Some dogs are doubled and even tripled up in kennels, which leads to increased fighting. On average, these dogs get 20-minute walks every other week.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, leading to a surge in pet relinquishments and a decrease in adoptions and foster placements.
“It’s insane and borderline inhumane,” said one volunteer, speaking anonymously because volunteers are not authorized to speak to the press.
“The staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide for these animals. We love them. But the sheer volume of dogs coming through our doors is overwhelming. It’s impossible to keep up,” the volunteer said.
“We need families to adopt. If you can’t do it, call your friends and family, talk it up. Too many people don’t know these animals are here and struggling. The South Bay has 150,000 people, surely someone out there could help. Our dogs are amazing. Shelter animals know they are being saved, they make the best friends and deserve loving homes. We can’t overcome this crisis alone anymore. We’re drowning. If anyone can lend a hand, please reach out,” the anonymous volunteer said.
The Harbor Animal Shelter is operated by the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services. The shelter provides temporary shelter, medical care, and placement services for thousands of homeless and abandoned animals each year. Its dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of every animal under their care.
The Harbor Animal Shelter is located at 957 North Gaffey Street, San Pedro. (310) 548-2632
For more information on the Virtual Adoption Program contact volunteer Lara Shea at (310) 650-1089
For more information on adoption or fostering contact volunteer Angela Springer at (310) 717-2442
For more information on volunteering go to laanimalservices.com
