Dogs Receive Gift of Love

Justin Rudd and community canine enthusiast organization Haute Dogs will sponsor the upcoming 3rd annual handmade Valentine's Card Contest for Long Beach-area students grades K-12.

The contest is centered on creating Valentine's cards for over 120 dogs and over 50 cats currently being housed at the Long Beach Animal Care Services Shelter, and the student who creates the winning card will win a pizza party for their classmates or friends, any group up to 30 people.

"There are hundreds of dogs and cats in our city who are looking for love and affection while waiting for forever homes," Rudd said. "Let's show them our love this season. We encourage classrooms, scout groups, church youth groups, and other organizations to create cards for the animals."

Judges will take into account the grade level of the student, and judges will based their decision on creativity, originality, and first impression. Folded cards should not exceed 5x7, and should not include any particular animal’s name.

Volunteers will randomly assign a card to an animal’s kennel, with the goal being to get at least one card per animal that will be attached to each pet's kennel through the Valentine's Day week. 

Last year, hundreds of cards were submitted, and all cards should be received at Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90808, on or before noon on Sunday, Feb. 12. Students should place their name, grade level, teacher's name and school name on the very back of the card. Cards will not be returned. 

In addition to the regular shelter hours, members of the community areinvited to come view the cards and their creators, spend time with the animals and "fall in love" during a special Yappy Hour from noon to 1 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 12.

Punch and homemade cookies will be served to human guests by students at Westerly School, music will be in effect, the shelter animals will receive special Valentine's goodies, and awards will be announced for the best Valentine's cards.