ENJOY PIZZA AND “CORG’CUTERIE”: Later in the day, head over to the Seacrest OceanFront Hotel for a ticketed “pawty,” a social scene with noshables, wine tastings, and “Barktails” for the Corgis in attendance. A brunch on Sept. 13 Vespera Resort will cap the canine cuteness, so be sure to book your spot (and buy your ticket) well before going Pismo. While Corgi-focused festivities have become a major California tradition — the beach meet-ups in Huntington Beach draw hundreds of Corgi-cute guests — there is another well-known breed bash up the coast, a fall tradition with adorableness to spare: It’s the Bernese Mountain Dog Day at Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay. Keep a paw pointed at this page for more information about the 2026 get-together, which will again beckon a caboodle of Berners and the humans who adore them.

Pooches have a perfect way of exuding peace, a sweetly serene state that instantly calms a pooch-loving person seeking a few cuddles and furry kisses.

A party with a peace-out theme, and plenty of woofer-inspired Woodstock whimsy, feels like just the right way to raise funds for a venerable Southern California pet rescue.

It’s Dogs Without Borders, a canine-championing organization that is trotting into its first Woodstock-themed party.

The Saturday-sweet celebration is taking its cool cues from the iconic music festival, with a workshop devoted to flower crowns and collars, live tunes, and VW Microbus backdrop made for photo moments.

A colorful line-up of dog-themed vendors will also visit Dog Urban Den Retreat Oct. 10, along with a pet photographer; pet readings will also up the positive vibes.

The vibes will be enhanced by the raffle and auction action, which will support Dogs Without Borders and its countless efforts to place Southern California pups in loving homes.

And will you depart with a dog you feel for, fingers and paws crossed? A pet adoption will be a meaningful centerpiece of the spirited celebration. “Together, We Can Save More Lives” is the heartfelt Dogs Without Borders call to action.

In addition to purchasing your Woofstock ticket, there are several uplifting ways to honor National Dog Day, which is celebrated on Aug. 26.

LA Animal Services shared a special message on the hound-happy holiday, along with a reminder that thousands of animals need a home, and a chance at a new life, around our region.

“Dogs have an incredible way of bringing happiness and comfort into our lives and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their unconditional love,” said Gabrielle Amster, General Manager for LA Animal Services.

“National Dog Day gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these amazing pets and recognize the special bond we share with them.”

Start your fostering or adoption journey at the LA Animal Services site, which has tips on welcoming a new pal home.

Depending on who you ask, tending to the daily barrage of guinea pig needs can be either a fairy tale or a horror show. For Smothermon, it’s often a mix of both.

“If I could figure out how to get out of this at this point, I probably would,” Smothermon joked. “But I do believe that to a certain extent, I probably wouldn’t get out of bed if I didn’t have this.”

Smothermon is the owner of the Guinea Pig Sanctuary, in Salisbury, Massachusetts, roughly 40 miles north of Boston. On any given day, 350 to 400 guinea pigs are housed in a modest workspace, split into cages stacked from the floor to ceiling.

The space is cramped and chaotic as volunteers and visitors squeeze past each other between the rows of cages in a converted office space. People constantly move throughout the space cleaning out cages and checking on any sick animals.

But there’s also joy. The squeals from the little piggies about to eat lettuce and other vegetation often spark laughter, while others cuddle and comfort some of the guinea pigs. Each animal has a name prominently displayed outside their cage, as volunteers tick off their personalities.

Maui is friendly and gives kisses. Gritty is older, but shy. Rio has spunk and likes to run around. They all remember the smell of their caretakers and gravitate toward their favorites.

“They’re very sensitive animals,” said Janet Woodman, a volunteer at the nonprofit. “I personally think they are probably the best therapy animal next to a horse.”

Smothermon’s operation is one of the handful of animal rescues in the U.S. devoted solely to taking in abandoned guinea pigs — filling a need as people become overwhelmed with the responsibilities required to take care of these pets. The sanctuary additionally offers boarding for guinea pigs when their owners are traveling, as well as encouraging rehoming of the animals when they can.

Measuring between 8-10 inches long, these small beasts originally came from South America derived from the Cavia porcellus species, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. After being domesticated in 5,000 B.C., there are now 13 different breeds that are distributed as both pets and for food.

According to Smothermon, guinea pigs often need to be adopted in pairs. They’re social and can’t be kept in cages full time.

Within minutes of opening the sanctuary earlier this year, an older woman walked through the door carrying two cages needing to “surrender” her guinea pigs. The woman’s husband had become sick, she explained to Smothermon, and she couldn’t properly take care of both him and her pets.

Smothermon hugged the woman and waived the usual fee.

“I tell people, just bring them here,” she said. “If that’s what you need to do, I’ll take on the responsibility.”

Other days, Smothermon is fielding calls from across the U.S., asking if she can take 11 piggies from Illinois, seven from Texas, and 97 from New York — where nearly half are expected to have babies.

It’s a constant stress that Smothermon never imagined would consume her life. It initially began when her grandson, Alex, brought home a guinea pig. Alex had fallen into a fire as a child and experienced health problems, causing him to avoid most animals up until he was 12, when he discovered it was safe to interact with guinea pigs.

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From there, Smothermon said, her family became a resource to take in abandoned guinea pigs. The family ran the rescue out of their New Hampshire house until a fatal fire burned it down in 2019. The fire resulted in the loss of Smothermon’s other grandson, two dogs and dozens of guinea pigs.

The tragedy sent Smothermon into a depression, but when her family was living out of a hotel as they looked for a new home, people still kept dropping off guinea pigs that needed help.

Seeing the need gave Smothermon and her family the focus and motivation to continue Alex’s dream, and eventually they relocated to Massachusetts.

Smothermon says the work is hard. She only gets a handful of days off a year, but the constant drumbeat of needing to take care of hundreds, if not thousands, of guinea pigs keeps her grounded.

“If I don’t get up, they don’t eat and they can die. So even though it’s not a choice, I have to,” she said.

As part of an effort to prevent animal cruelty, the Los Angeles Police Department and LA Animal Services will have a permanent partnership, the office of LA Mayor Karen Bass announced. The move finalizes the mayor’s pilot program that provided animal cruelty investigation training to police officers.

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“Our message is clear: if you abuse or neglect an animal, you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Bass said in a statement.

In addition to the crackdown, monthly clinics will be available on Skid Row to provide pet parents the opportunity to spay and neuter their pets, vaccinate them and microchip them.

“Not only are we making our pilot program permanent, we’re bringing regular spay and neuter services to Skid Row and building strong partnerships with non-profit groups to deliver real solutions,” the mayor’s statement continued. “We know there is more work to do – we are committed to doing the work and grateful for our partners in those efforts.”

The pilot that was finalized also partners trained LAPD personnel with a dedicated Animal Control Officer to investigate animal cruelty reports, escalating cases to the city attorney and district attorney if such a crime is found and connecting pet owners to essentials like food and tools. To learn more about the program, click here.

The end of the splashy summer season, and the wistful wrapping up of various summer traditions, always feels a bit poignant.

Time is fleeting, and feeling all of the feelings over this fact is something a summer fan just naturally does, especially when word arrives that several popular pools will close for the season.

Not feeling too sad, however, are some of the shaggy swimmers of Southern California, for when the LA County pools close, canines are invited to take a cooling dip ahead of the draining and cleaning of the popular destinations.

The sweet tradition, dogfully dubbed Pooches in the Pool, is returning in 2026 on Aug. 15, and you can find the form to register your bestie at the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation site.

Some important things to know before telling your tail-wagger the fun news?

Not every seasonal swimming pool in the LA County system will open to animals taking the plunge on Aug. 15; there are five spots on the 2026 list.

The participating parks include:

El Cariso Park at 13100 Hubbard Street in Sylmar

City Terrace Park at 1126 N. Hazard Avenue in Los Angeles

Don Knabe Park at 19700 S. Bloomfield Avenue in Cerritos

George Lane Park at 5520 W. Ave L-8 in Lancaster

Ted Watkins Park at 1335 E. 103rd Street in Los Angeles

Also important to keep in mind? Only pups will be permitted in the pool, no human companions allowed.

Still, people will linger near the edges of each pool, and the social hum is strong. Humans who are devoted to their dogs have a way of making canine-focused connections pretty easily, after all.

The two-hour blocks will run from 5 to 7 p.m., with the 5-6 p.m. swimming slot open solely to small dogs and the 6-7 p.m. stretch available to large dogs.

Pet licensing that is up-to-date, and vaccinations that are current, are also required before you register your furry friend. There’s a form on the site, so be sure to have yours printed and filled out before you arrive at one of the five pools listed above.

Splash: It’s the closing of the swim season at LA County pools, but there’s no need to sniffle or wail: Have your dog take a drenching dip at a participating swim spot before the pools are cleaned and readied for when summer fun returns in 2027.

Mathis said he tried grabbing the cat, but as Toast darted around their fourth floor apartment to evade capture, he received a text message from his fiancée alerting him that their floor was on fire and he need to “leave right now.”

“I had to grit my teeth and put on shoes and leave and hope it didn’t get as bad as this, but it did. That whole day was very long,” Mathis told KVTX in Salt Lake City.

The blaze at the North Union Apartments in the Salt Lake City suburb of Midvale burned for more than 24 hours and displaced hundreds of residents, NBC affiliate KSL-TV reported.

Toast’s family feared they had lost him. Their apartment was near the unit where the fire started and “for the most part, it’s a complete loss.”

As the days passed without any sign of Toast, hope became harder to hold onto.

Toast, however, did hold on. Against all odds, firefighters found him hiding out inside a closet — one of the only spaces left standing in Mathis’ apartment.

“The resilient cat survived days of smoke, hundreds of thousands of gallons of water being sprayed overhead and the destruction all around,” Salt Lake City’s unified fire authority said in a Facebook post.

Mathis said he was “speechless” when he learned that Toast was found alive. Toast was reunited with his grateful owners. The emotional moment was captured on video and shared on the Salt Lake County Animal Service’s Instagram page.

Mathis expressed his gratitude for Salt Lake County Animal Services Sgt. Gerri Cantor, who he credits for going “to war for us to make sure someone went” back to the charred remains of his apartment “just to check.”

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Suddenly, the 2-year-old blue heeler mix wanted nothing to do with Brian’s textured brown skin or furiously rattling tail. Ripley was never in danger because Brian had his venom glands removed years ago.

Dog trainer J.J. Belcher of Sublime Canine in Tucson, Arizona, said the single shock delivered one recent morning from an electronic training collar should be sufficient to keep Ripley away from venomous snakes that can sicken or even kill a dog. Belcher said Ripley can come back in a year for a free training session to make sure the lesson stuck.

Ripley’s owners, Amber Schneider and Wendy Timm, said they opted for the training because the dog regularly hunts small animals.

“We have an acre of natural desert and respect all the snakes, but she’s very curious about wildlife,” said Timm. “We are doing this because we want to keep our dog safe.”

How common are dog-snake interactions?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says as many as 150,000 dogs are bitten by venomous snakes each year in the United States. In the rattlesnake hot spot of Arizona, emergency veterinarian Dr. Sarah Carotenuto says the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson treats four to six dogs daily for rattlesnake bites, along with an occasional cat.

Training programs to protect canines from poisonous snakes are offered around the U.S., especially in the Western deserts, woods and grasslands that are home to western diamondbacks. The snakes can reach over 5 feet long and strike in less than a second when they feel threatened.

There are also classes from Illinois to Florida to guard animals against eastern diamondbacks, timber rattlers and other venomous snakes.

Carotenuto said the snakebite survival rate for pets is 94% with quick treatment, which can cost thousands of dollars depending on how much antivenom and hospitalization is needed.

“Do bring us your dog quickly, but please don’t bring us the snake!” emphasized Carotenuto. Some people have brought in the guilty snake, but it’s unnecessary to identify the exact species before administering antivenom effective against all kinds of rattlers.

Which method is best?

Carotenuto, who teaches at the University of Arizona’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said she’s participating in a research study there into whether rattlesnake-aversion training works, and which method is most effective.

Like Belcher, most trainers insist that the use of the electronic collar is necessary to ensure a dog will avoid poisonous snakes.

“It’s a very fast and effective form of training,” said Belcher, who has traveled around the Western U.S. for more than two decades teaching rattlesnake avoidance to thousands of pet and working dogs, including search-and-rescue animals and the occasional police dog.

He acknowledged the growing debate about the use of electronic training collars, a method that the American Humane Society has opposed as cruel.

The ASPCA doesn’t explicitly oppose electronic collars, but insists they be used correctly.

“This type of training can be highly effective — however, we recommend that such training be conducted only under the guidance of a trainer knowledgeable in the principles of avoidance learning,” said Pamela Reid, vice president of ASPCA’s behavioral sciences team.

“It is imperative to weigh the dog’s risk of a snakebite against the potential fallout from using an electronic collar,” she said.

Training a dog to come reliably when it’s called and to “leave it” when it is interested in something dangerous “can go a long way toward keeping a dog safe,” she said.

Belcher said he has developed an alternative positive-reinforcement program for clients who are squeamish about electronic collars, but nobody has wanted to pay the $2,500 he would charge for the multiple sessions. A single visit with the collar costs $125.

Another trainer, Mike Parmley in Salt Lake City, teaches as many as 500 dogs every year, usually in small classes of four to six. He uses an electronic collar set on a low level, emphasizing, “You don’t have to shock the hell out of the dog.”

He aims to help dogs steer clear of the Salt Lake area’s Great Basin rattlesnakes.

“They are a pretty big problem up here in the foothills,” said Parmley, who owns Barley’s Canine Recreation Center. “They came out a lot earlier this year because of a trend of warmer weather, and we had more than 100 dogs signed up by early June.”

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Other steps to prevent encounters with snakes

Here are some tips from trainers and veterinarians for protecting your dog:

• Learn about snakes in your area. Venomous snakes exist across the U.S., with various rattler species not only in the West but as far east as New York and North Carolina.

• Clear your yard of long grass and other foliage or debris that can attract small rodents hunted by snakes. Trimming back growth can eliminate hiding places.

• Stay on well-worn trails while hiking and keep your dog on a leash.

• Don’t let your guard down even if your dog has had avoidance training. A viper can surprise and attack a person or pet without warning.

• Seek emergency care immediately if your dog is bitten because the venom will move quickly through its body, destroying tissue.

This means many shelters are packed-to-overflowing, and finding homes for animals becomes urgently important. Not only does the home-needing critter trot off into a home-needing future, but the shelter can also make space for the next animal that will be in their temporary care.

Pasadena Humane is heading into Dogust with a good-hearted goal: Help adult animals find families and people to love, and fast.

The Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Promotion is the uplifting answer to this need, and the goal is also full of hope: The campaign hopes to place animals that are six months or older in homes in the coming days.

Adoption fees will be waived on adult cats and dogs from July 31 through Aug. 9, thanks to the support of the Pet Care Foundation and The Georgia B. Ridder Foundation. Vaccinations (according to age, of course), a microchip, and spaying or neutering are all included.

“Summer is an especially important time for our shelter because we’re caring for so many animals at once,” said Marissa Sunny, Senior Director of Placement and Community Programs at Pasadena Humane.

“Events like this help more pets find loving homes while allowing us to welcome and care for the animals still arriving each day.”

“If you’ve been thinking about adopting, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet your new best friend and make a lasting impact.”

There is truly a bounty of beautiful animals to meet at the Raymond Avenue center: Almost 100 adult dogs and cats are currently being housed at the location.

And, of course, how much happiness we humans can bestow upon the tail-wagging, meow-making pals in our worlds.

See’s Candies will be in the sweet swing of things when August 2026 begins, all to show support for the 15/10 Foundation.

“Making shelter dogs with medical needs more adoptable” is the organization’s mission, and the California-founded confection company will support that goal through sales of goodies, all month long.

“In honor of our 105th anniversary, we’re aiming to raise $105,000 to help shelter dogs with medical and behavioral needs find loving home,” shared the company in a statement.

Stop by your local See’s Candies and purchase a brand-new Paw Box, a paw-shaped box filled with chocolates made for people (these are not for pups, of course) or purchase an adorable bandana that’s festooned with the See’s logo and dog-fun symbols.

Purchases of both the box and kerchief will help support the give-back campaign. If you spend $40 in the shop, you’ll snag a bandana for $6, which is half-off the regular price of $12.

You can also donate to the 15/10 Foundation at any See’s shop in August or contribute at See’s online.

And a treat for the pooches who visit a shop at your side? They’ll enjoy a made-for-dogs delectable, all to honor the spunky spirit of Dogust.

Dogust, by the by, is when we celebrate the birthday of all shelter and rescue dogs. It’s a moment to remember the pets we share our homes with, and those canines still in search of their forever people.

TEMPERATURES ARE TOASTY, and the nice notion of whisking your woofer away for a wonderful day out at a spot that isn’t quite as scorching, all told, feels like something of a summer daydream. There are plenty of Golden State getaways that you and your four-footed friend can make, but if you want to be near a scenic lake, at a high elevation, and watch as your buddy engages in all sorts of energetic activities, you’ll want to look to Big Bear on the last Saturday in July. That’s when Puptopia returns, a free festival catering to canines and the humans fully obsessed with them. Over 3,000 dogs are expected to attend the July 25 event, which will set up sunny shop at Veterans Park. A variety of diversions, areas, and offerings will fill the park, with programming on the main stage providing a Fido-fun focal point. Thrilling dog stunts are on the line-up, and agility performances, too. But if you and your pup want to try your hand/paw at the array of animal-centric offerings?

MAKE FOR THE PUPFORMANCE ZONE, where “… dogs can traverse tunnels, ramps, jump-overs, and obstacles in an owner-led obstacle course.” If you have a little tail-wagger, something special is in store: Tiny Dog Races will give wee competitors a chance to show their stuff, adorable. Also? Any panting pups can make for the splash zone to cool down or the on-site “SPAW,” where services like “pet-icures” are on the menu. And a big ball pit? That, too, will festoon the grounds. Also adding flavor to the scene? A host of dog vendors, and the K9 Lounge, which will offer treats and sips for people and pups. Entry is complimentary but be sure to RSVP before wending your way up the mountain.

So, what should you watch for before seeking care?

The Environmental Protection Agency urges pet owners to get in touch with their veterinarian if their pets are showing any of these signs of smoke and heat exposure:

• Excessive coughing or gagging
• Trouble breathing
• Red, watery eyes or nasal discharge
• Excessive panting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Reduced appetite or thirst

According to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, short muzzle dogs such as bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs and geriatric or pediatric animals “are more susceptible to poor air quality.” The organization also noted that dogs with “pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, asthma, or other conditions affecting the heart and lungs are at an increased risk.”

How to prevent harm from wildfire smoke

The EPA recommends mitigating risk of smoke exposure for pets by:

• Keeping pets indoors with windows and doors closed
• Make outdoor bathroom breaks quick
• Move outdoor pets into a utility room, garage or bathroom

Using an air purifier in your home may help both you and your pets breathe easier. When it comes to your HVAC system, change the filter every one to three months.

One important place is the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, an animal center that is honoring Ms. Annenberg’s birthday month in a way that will benefit several humans, dogs, cats, and critters.

Adoption fees have been waived for July, which means that spay and neuter surgeries, as well as microchips, and all required vaccines will be provided at no cost.

You can view the cuties in need of forever homes on the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace site. Note that the center is open Wednesdays through Sundays.

Founded in 2017, the Playa Vista center has a moving central mission: “(T)o promote and strengthen the human-animal bond, enriching the lives of pets across Los Angeles in the process.”

Ms. Annenberg passed away in July 2025. Her give-back, community-enhancing work continues at the center, at the Wildlife Crossing, and through numerous charities.

The waived adoption fees aren’t the only highlight at PetSpace in July. Training sessions for puppies, summer camp fun, and the “Paws & Punchlines” comedy night on July 22 are upping the adorable atmosphere at the center in the coming days.

The parasite reappeared in cattle in the U.S. in June, more than 50 years after it had been largely eradicated from the country. The pest is actually the larvae of the New World screwworm fly. It eats live flesh and fluids rather than dead material, as the larvae of most fly species do.

Here is what to know about the parasite, the threat it poses to pets and how to protect them:

Screwworm fly larvae can infest any mammal

The fly’s migration north from Panama starting in 2024, and through Mexico in 2025, has agriculture officials warning that it poses a threat to the $113 billion U.S. cattle industry, but the larvae can hatch and breed in any mammal, including wildlife, dogs, cats and occasionally humans.

The problem develops when a female fly lays its eggs in open wounds and mucus. After the eggs hatch, the larvae feed for about a week before maturing, dropping to the ground and continuing to develop into an adult fly.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says newborn animals and animals with open wounds or who have undergone surgery or other medical procedures recently are especially vulnerable. Even a tick bite can host an infestation, Aaron Grady, executive director of the Houston Humane Society shelter, said during a webinar on the screwworm.

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Infestation signs include restlessness and bad smell

Animal health experts say pet owners in areas where the screwworm is present — southern and southwestern Texas and southeastern New Mexico so far — should watch their animals closely and examine them for wounds, cuts and bites regularly.

Pet owners should look for any maggots or movement in a wound. Other signs include a foul smell and restlessness or anxiety in an animal, or an animal “hyper-fixating on looking or chewing in a certain area of the body,” said Melissa Stansell, a veterinarian at the shelter Austin Pets Alive!

Any one of those is reason enough to go to a veterinarian. The affected animal is likely in a great deal of pain, and that can cause death from shock. The larvae also can cause death if they move into vital organs or by causing infections that turn deadly.

Flea, tick medications can stop an infestation

Humane society officials and veterinarians said shelters across Texas are trying to prevent infestations in animals by giving them prescription flea and tick medications. They recommend that pet owners do the same.

“It will kill the larvae as they ingest the blood and tissue,” Stansell said. “The chemical compositions of those products are what kill the actual larval stages of these flies.”

Veterinarians also can treat infestations and animals can recover if pet owners contact them quickly. Stansell said the treatment could include antibiotics.

“It is only fatal if left untreated,” she said.

An effort to eradicate the fly again is underway

The New World screwworm fly is a tropical species and decades ago would disappear each year when colder weather arrived with the fall or winter.

But state and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials aren’t waiting for the weather to turn. They’ve returned to an eradication method that worked decades ago, breeding sterile male flies and releasing them into the wild. The female New World screwworm fly mates once in her monthslong life, and if her partner is sterile, her eggs won’t hatch — causing the population in an area to drop and then disappear.

For years, the only factory breeding sterile flies in the Western Hemisphere was in Panama, but the USDA invested $21 million to convert a site in southern Mexico from breeding fruit flies to recently start breeding screwworm flies. The agency also plans to spend $750 million on a new fly factory in Texas, set to open next year.

FREE ENTRY: There’s no cost to attend the adorable meet-up but be sure to book your spot in advance. If you do want to enter your costume-fab Fido, the cost of entry is $20 before the gathering or $30 once you’re there. Characters seen in games, charismatic villains, and iconic do-gooders are all up for grabs, so think big when dreaming up the most eye-catching ensemble for your pooch. The categories including Flying Solo, Dynamic Duos, and Trios; find out all of the ways to enter, and gather inspiration, at the Helen Woodward Animal Center site. Oh yes: Colorful backdrops, trivia sessions, art vendors, and a spirited scene have long been part of this heart-filled event, so be sure to stop by even if you and your special guy/gal are taking part. Oh yes: Group costumes are very much in fashion at the festivity, so think how you and your pup might best coordinate your looks.

NBC Los Angeles reached out to Southern California county and city governments to get the latest data on Monday with a few of them responding with the newest statistics.

LA County

Los Angeles County said it’s received a total of 189 stray animals to its care centers. One hundred eighteen of them were dogs, 36 were cats while 35 were other types of animals, county officials said.

“We are already seeing owners come forward to reclaim their pets, and our teams are working to help reunite as many animals as possible with their families,” LA County Department of Animal Care and Control told NBCLA.

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Riverside County

In Riverside County, a shocking number of animals were admitted to the shelters between July 1 and July 5: With some 360 pets already being entered into the Riverside County shelters, officials expect to have more stray cats to come in.

Among the 360 animals that were turned in, 40 of them were picked up by their owners.

During the two-week period around the Fourth of July holiday last year, Riverside County received over 1,200 dogs and cats.

Ventura County

Ventura County shelters 66 animals following the Fourth of July weekend, with more than half being dogs. Among them, only eight of them were returned to the owes.

Pasadena

Pasadena Humane, which has played a critical role in saving animals’ lives during the Eaton Fire, said it took in about 30 animals, including 16 dogs. Officials with the shelter said they believe most of the lost animals were probably related to fireworks.

Mission Viejo

In the city of Mission Viejo, a total of six dogs were impounded, officials said. Luckily, four of them have been picked up by their owners, while two of them are still in the shelter. One stray Shih Tzu was said to be still missing in the Orange County town.

San Diego

The San Diego Humane Society said it’s taken in 127 lost pets as of Monday morning. Just 22 of those have been reclaimed by their owners.

Here’s what pet owners should do if their animals are lost

• Check everywhere as quickly as possible, including local shelters.
• Check lost animal database, such as Petco’s Love Lost.
• Check social media groups, such as Facebook community pages, and NextDoor.

Although fireworks are fun and celebratory, the sound of the explosives often triggers animals to seek safety by running away or looking for a place to hide, prompting many pets to escape their homes and get lost. In Riverside County alone, over 1,200 dogs and cats were admitted to shelters during last year’s Fourth of July weekend.

“It’s just a traumatic time for them,” Kevin McManus with Pasadena Humane said. “With fireworks and just the chaos that entails, a lot of animals go missing.”

After an overwhelming number of pets arrive at shelters during the Fourth of July holiday, only about 20% of them were returned to their owner, according to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

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Here’s what pet owners should do during the holiday:

• Do make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag with a visual phone number.
• Do update the contact information if your pet is microchipped.
• Do stay home with pets during fireworks.
• Do comfort them with their favorite toys, blanket.
• Do play music, white noise or podcasts to distract them
• Do close the windows to reduce the impact of fireworks’ thundering sound.

Here’s what pet owners should not do during the holiday:

• Do not take your pets to fireworks shows.
• Do not leave pets unattended outside.
• Do not leave anxious animals home alone.

What to do if animals are lost:

• Check everywhere as quickly as possible
• Check lost animal database, such as Petco’s Love Lost.
• Check social media groups, such as Facebook community pages, and NextDoor.

Dogs and cats can escape from small openings in houses and fenced yards in search of a safe place and may be injured in traffic or wind up in a crowded local shelter, officials warned.

Animal-care experts offered a series of tips aimed at protecting pets:

• Make sure pets have up-to-date identification tags and, if possible, a microchip registered with owner contact information.
• Keep pets inside in an enclosed, comfortable place with some “white noise” for distraction.
• If pets must go outside, make sure gates and fences are very secure.
• Create a safe space for pets at home, off limits to guests, with windows closed and covered, and plenty of water and food.
• Be sure to leave animals with a responsible party if leaving town for the holiday.

Extra helpful tips

Owners who do lose their pets, despite all precautions, are urged to quickly post signs in the neighborhood and go to the city or county animal shelter nearest to where the animal was last seen with a photo and detailed information about the dog or cat. 

It is important to consider that fireworks oftentimes kick off days before the actual holiday. Starting your routine several nights before July 4 can be a helpful trick so your pet knows where their safe space is and what to expect.

It’s not just cats and dogs that react to fireworks; horses, livestock, rabbits, birds and other pets can be easily startled by sudden booms and flashes.

Large animals like horses are safest in familiar stalls or paddocks with secure fencing, since panic can lead to bolting or injury. Smaller pets, including rabbits and birds, should be moved to interior rooms and kept away from windows, with cages partially covered to dim the light and soften the noise.

No matter the species, creating a calm, enclosed environment and checking on them periodically can help prevent stress‑related accidents.

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in 2022.

Planning on welcoming a pal over the Fourth of July weekend?

You may put out colorful cookies, the kind of sweets that boast the Stars & Stripes, and including a few toiletries near their bedside is always a classy move.

But if you stop by Pasadena Humane to meet a new pal on July 2, a fur-covered houseguest who doesn’t require cookies nor the human-type creature comforts found at a bedside, you may be in for a different sort of holiday: Less busywork and hosting duties, more snuggling and adventure-filled hikes.

The Raymond Avenue animal center has become known for its holiday foster sleepover programs in recent years, and the adorable effort is revving up again for Fourth of July 2026.

How can you help? Offer to foster an adoptable dog over the fireworks-filled holiday, and keep the canine close for cuddles if the nighttime noises beyond your window get too intense.

“Made possible by the generous support of the Trisha & Heidi Muse Hug Fund, this special short-term getaway is designed to give our large dogs a much-needed break from the shelter over the holiday weekend, with all supplies and support provided by our dedicated Foster team,” is the good word from Pasadena Humane.

You’ll need to pre-register for the 4th of July Foster Sleepover — sign-ups are open through June 30 — and do make plans to pick up your houseguest on July 2.

Also important to know: Pasadena Humane is closed July 4. That said, if you need help in a pinch, emergency assistance will be provided over the holiday.

The big and happy question, though, is this: What is there is a love match?

If you and your newly met buddy both find you have stars in your eyes over the Stars & Stripes-filled festivity, here’s something sweet: Pasadena Humane will give you a discount, to the tune of 50% off, when it comes time to pay the adoption fee.

Kwong Chun Sit, 54, of Irvine killed 11 dogs by keeping them in small crates in a hot van, causing fatal heatstroke, according to the prosecutors. Sit was also convicted of attempting to destroy evidence after he allegedly tried to have the dead dogs cremated to conceal their deaths.

Sit’s girlfriend, Tingfeng Liu, was convicted of accessory to a felony.

Although the trainer’s defense attorney told NBC Los Angeles the deaths were unintentional, his victims expressed unshakable grief for losing their four-legged family members.

Maryann Berkovich, one of the victims, said she left her Pomeranian Cody for a weeks-long training with Sit at his Happy K9 Academy last year. Cody’s training appeared to be going along smoothly until Berkovich received a text message that said the dog died in his sleep.

“I was shocked. I was in disbelief. I was devastated,” Berkovich said.

Aimee Gutierrez received the almost identical message that said her dog Saint had died, then “lovingly cremated.”

“I thought it was a joke,” Gutierrez said, recalling Sit’s message.

Gutierrez said she never got her dog’s ashes nor the $3,000 refund she said Sit had promised her.

“We have the guilty verdict we prayed for, but it came at a cost,” she said. “Eleven dogs lost their lives because God knows why.”

Investigators recovered the cremated remains of one dog, nine bodies and the remains of two other canines, according to Irvine police. Additional dogs were also recovered at separate crematoriums.

Sit, who faces a maximum of nearly 14 years in prison, was scheduled to be sentenced on July 10.

Quizzing your dog about some of the most poignant and powerful pooch-themed books found within the celebrated stacks of Los Angeles Central Library?

Chances are high that your fluffy friend has never read “Lassie Come Home,” “Where the Red Fern Grows,” or all of the books that famously feature a plucky pup having adventures, helping their families, or leading their best, most bark-tastic lives.

But you can tell your canine about a cute to-do coming together just beyond the walls of the august book repository, a party that is very much about pooches, the start of summer, and celebrating a sweet Thursday afternoon as a community.

It’s DTLA Dog Day, presented by DTLA Alliance, and it is making for Maguire Gardens, which are located just outside the 5th Street library, on Thursday, June 25.

Entry is free, and you’ll want to register your dog ahead of time at this site.

The party begins at 4 p.m., with wrap-up at 8 o’clock. Reverend Doctor is providing the live music, a selection of vendors catering to the canine contingent will dot the pretty outdoor area, and treats will be available for both the four-footed guests and their humans.

If your Fido is a fan of the pack walk, be sure to join one of the two struts led by FitPals LA.

Or if your lil’ guy is a celeb hound, keep your peepers open for Westin, The Westin Hotel ambassador. The handsome French bulldog is making an appearance on behalf of the hotel, which is a sponsor of the event.

Funsicle, another sponsor, will host a splash pad, meaning dogs can take a cool-down break while having fun.

NOON IS THE START TIME… for the buoyant barker bash, and there are a few adorable components. Shopping at local dog-themed vendors is one draw (for the humans), while water play for the pooches is the splashiest offering. And if your cutie is chosen as the “Face of Pup Fest 2026,” you could score a complimentary overnight at the hotel. Think your lil’ one has the showy stuff? The theme is beach costumes. For all of the details on the mid-day affair, which will also have gourmet goodies for the canines, live tunes, and more, trot by the Paséa site for information. And if you go with a VIP ticket? You and your bestie are departing with a swag bag. The Dog Days of Summer don’t have to be a sweat fest; they can also mean a frolicsome festivity that focuses on Fidos and the people who obsess over them (yes, that is 100% us).

If your calendar hangs in the kitchen, the colorful day-tracker that is filled with pictures of sailboats or flowers or unicorns or lighthouses, there’s a good chance that your pooch strolls by it multiple times a day.

More than multiple, probably: A diligent dog will return to her food bowl a few times, just to make sure she didn’t miss any kibble.

Which prompts a person to wonder: Do dogs and cats and birds and bunnies ever wish that they, too, could be super-cute calendar stars?

That charming opportunity is happening at Pasadena Humane, the historic Raymond Avenue animal center that helps furry and feathery critters find homes and get the assistance they need.

The 2027 Calendar Contest has begun, and voting is open on the Pasadena Humane site.

The top vote-getter will enjoy some most excellent accolades, including a custom illustration and appearances on the center’s merchandise.

The front and back cover are also up for grabs, as well as full-page spreads.

And so sweet: Every pet that receives five or more votes will be included in a collage.

There are a few things to know before submitting your pet’s snapshot — judges will also select three entries, a good-to-know detail — so peruse the info-filled tips here.

Entry is $15 and a vote is $1 (five donations at $5 is the minimum donation required). All funds raised from the contest will help support Pasadena Humane.

Voting concludes June 30th at 11 p.m. local time, so you have a moment or two to find that fabulous photo, but don’t wait too long.

Will your precious little one finally see themselves on your kitchen calendar? Here’s hoping 2027 is the happy year.

Tail Town Cat Cafe is always swishing its tail and twitching its nose and fluttering its whiskers and dreaming up delightful new ways to connect people with the catly contingent, particularly those furry friends that are up for adoption.

The “cafe” in the name of the Pasadena nonprofit is a major hint that is sure to set feline-obsessed people into a happy tizzy: This is a place to pause and play with a colorful cadre of cats, and, just maybe, fall in love with one or two.

And there are few better moments to get acquainted with the cafe than at the annual Carnival of Cats, an event that has cat-inspired activities — Meow & Paint is on the line-up — and adorable opportunities to hobnob with a few dozen adoption-ready cats, around 30 to 40 in all.

Admission to the event, which is purring June 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., is free, but do consider leveling up to the VIP option for $25. That money helps the rescue, of course, and you’ll snag a swag bag, as well quicker entry into the realm of adoptable cats.

Tarot readings, carnival games, and refreshments are also part of the festive scene.

“We open our doors to allow the community to visit our lounge for free and get a glimpse at the amazing and loving work we do with cats,” said Gwendolyn Mathers, the executive director of Tail Town.

Over 500 cats from the cafe have found their fur-ever homes, and part of the glad-hearted goal of the Carnival of Cats is to share the work the nonprofit does with a wider, feline-championing audience.

RSVP for free for the uplifting open house, or purchase your VIP ticket, at the Tail Town site.

Talk about a summer-starting celebration with pure pooch power and adorable get-up-and-go: The Summer Corgi Nationals is ready to put paws to grass at a world-famous track and charm cheering crowds.

If you’re still not over the intense emotions you experienced at Corgi Beach Day, which took place in Huntington Beach in April, here is how you keep the happy feelings in peak and puply form: By trotting by Santa Anita Track on May 24.

That’s when a ready-to-race coterie of super-speedy Corgis show off their record-breaking stuff, and by “stuff” we do mean moving along a short but considerable distance with lively low-to-the-ground energy.

The Summer Corgi Nationals aren’t simply about the multiple showdowns that take exciting place throughout the day; visitors also stroll the dog-inspired vendor market while there and nosh at various food trucks.

If you choose the VIP experience, you’ll be able to savor the in-field scene, which boasts “the best view of the races,” as well as shade tents and other perks.

T-shirts exclusively for VIP ticket holders are also one of the nice things, and the illustration is as colorful and Corgi-ful as you might hope.

Horse racing is also part of the big day out at the Arcadia landmark; check out the details Summer Corgi Nationals now, how to get your ticket, and what to expect at the Sunday Funday Runday festivity for Fidos and their fans.

SOMETHING EXTRA SWEET? You don’t need to have adopted a pooch from Helen Woodward to attend; the event is open “… to all who support animal rescue, no matter what shelter they hail from.” A King and Queen will be chosen, oh goodness, and there is a cute-cute-cute category devoted to “Floats,” should your pup choose to roll in while riding at the center of a decorate wagon. Another charming category will festively focus on “Dogs & Their Dates,” with humans and hounds wearing matching or complementary attire. And “Going Stag” puts the spotlight solely on dressy dogs and their elegant outfits. Good to know? Contest entry is $20 (per competition) and you are welcome to enter your prom star in one or all of the lighthearted competitions.

WELCOME BACK, CANINE CUTIES: “Puppy Prom is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoptions Services Director Kendall Schulz. “We love to see pets experience their happily ever after, and there’s nothing cuter than seeing them return for Puppy Prom looking like a million bucks.” While entry is indeed free, the May 17 party is a fundraiser for the center: “100% of proceeds from contest fees and opportunity drawings go directly to supporting orphan pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center.” Also nice: McGregor’s Bar & Grill will also donate 30% of the money made on eats and sips during the 11 a.m. to 1 o’clock event. Find out how to attend this once-a-year revelry or gather more information on meeting your next forever bestie at the Rancho Santa Fe center.

Police said someone has been calling pet owners by phone and telling them that their pet was hit by a car. The scammer, posing as an employee of Newport Beach Animal Control, demanded money for the animal’s medical care, the Newport Beach Police Department said.

Those who received the call from the scammer confirmed that the calls did not come from the Animal Control department, police explained.

“Please note that the Newport Beach Police Department (including Animal Control) will not contact you to request money and does not accept any kind of payment for legitimate services over the phone,” police said in a statement.

If somehow a pet is involved in a crash and taken to a veterinarian, animal control officers would inform the pet owners so they can go to or call the veterinary hospital.

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Scammers target pet owners, posing as officials from sheriff's department

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Similar attempts were reported in Mission Viejo last December as scammers threatened pet owners that their animals won’t be released until medical costs are paid for.

The scammers would typically ask people to pay through Zelle or Venmo, according to Mission Viejo officials.

“Scams target people to create emotion and stir up feelings to get a quick response, as seen in this scam, as well as the grandparent scam, outstanding warrant scam, and others that appear to necessitate quick payment and response,” said Crime Prevention Specialist Lisa Lebron Flores.

Dog people know that the word “up” plays a daily role in their lives; you’re likely saying it in some form to your Fido each and every day.

Pooches frequently ask for “uppies” when they can’t jump onto the couch unassisted, while asking your pup to wake up for a walk or come upstairs for bedtime is a frequent request.

But “down” is about to take a delightful role in the lives of those animal fans looking for a new forever friend, as in “come on down,” the energetic and oft-said phrase heard on “The Price Is Right.”

The upbeat reason? Pasadena Humane is inviting people in search of a rescue buddy to “come on down” to the Raymond Avenue animal center from April 27 through May 1, where plucky games of Plinko, a well-known game that is synonymous with “The Price Is Right” in many minds, is going on now.

How will it work? Find a cat, dog, or other critter you like, fall a little in love as you visit, and determine that you are ready to make room in your home, and heart, for the sweetheart.

Then step up to a Plinko board, drop the chip, and watch where it lands.

The numbers on the bottom? They’ll indicate what your adoption fee will be, and, for sure, $0 is one enticing possibility.

“Animals of all shapes, sizes, and personalities are available for adoption at Pasadena Humane, each ready to go home with a loving family,” shared the animal center’s team.

“This promotion makes it easier — and more fun — than ever to adopt, especially as the shelter prepares for the influx of animals that typically arrive during the busy spring and summer seasons.”

Soon, you’ll be back to “uppies” and “wake up, sleepyhead,” and other “up”-centric suggestions for your pup or new pet friends.

But for now, “come on down” is the theme as Pasadena Humane sets up the Plinko board and encourages potential pet adopters to find a new-and-always pal this spring.

Robert Dominguez said he brought his dog, Lexi, to his sister’s house in Montclair on April 1, so that someone can take care of the dog while he was at work. But when his mom went outside to throw out trash, Lexi was accidentally let out and has been missing since.

Dominguez, who relies on Lexi for his depression and anxiety symptoms, said the pup is more than his emotional support dog; she’s family.

“She’s everything I have, and that I always look forward to seeing whenever I get home from work,” Dominguez said. “She helps me a lot to regulate my emotions.”

As emotional support or therapy dogs help people with depression and motivate them to engage in daily activity, Dominguez said Lexi is the reason he gets out of the bed everyday.

“Lexi just helps me to be active,” he explained. “She helps me get out and just see the world.”

The owner said he’s been distraught for the last three weeks as he desperately looked for her. Dominguez said he’s posted flyers all over the Montclair area.

“I just want to ask that if anybody knows where she’s at or if anybody knows, if someone has her, please let me know or share the information so that I could bring her back because I miss her a lot,” Dominguez pleaded.

Lexi, a blonde haired pup with the pink nose, is described to have small bump on the lower left side of her and a loose bottom tooth. Anyone who recognizes and spots Lexi was urged to call 323-696-0406.

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A dog named Fillmore is being hailed as a hero after warning his family about a fire ripping through the garage of their home in Orange County.

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) shared the canine’s lionhearted tale in a social media post Wednesday, complete with adorable photos of Fillmore.

According to the OCFA, at around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, Fillmore began “barking urgently” from his bed inside his family’s home on Skyway Drive in Unincorporated Tustin.

The German short-haired pointer wouldn’t stop.

Sensing something wasn’t quite right, Fillmore’s humans looked out the back window of their home and saw a flickering light.

The OCFA said the homeowners initially thought a neighbor’s house was on fire. When they walked outside, they found their own home’s garage engulfed in flames.

Fillmore had been trying to warn them.

The family sprang into action.

“The family grabbed garden hoses and did what they could to slow the fire’s spread until firefighters arrived and quickly contained the flames to the garage — saving the house,” the OCFA said.

A video posted by officials showed the blaze tearing through the garage as firefighters doused the flames.

Once the fire was mostly extinguished, another clip showed OCFA Heavy Equipment Operators hauling the homeowners’ cars out of the garage so that firefighters could have better access to the space to safely put out the remaining hotspots.

“Give this dog an award!” the OCFA’s post read.

Before firefighters left the scene, the OCFA said Fillmore got some “well-deserved attention” with some pats and snuggles.

No one was injured and no other structures were damaged. The fire remains under investigation; officials believe it was an electrical fire.

The family’s three cars and everything inside their garage was destroyed.

A visit with Fillmore and his family

NBCLA visited Fillmore and his owner, Tom Dalis, at their OC home on Thursday.

Dalis said everyone in their house — his wife, his 90-year-old mother-in-law, himself, and Fillmore — was asleep when the fire sparked inside their garage in the early morning hours.

Because the fire was in the garage located on the other side of their home, Dalis said the smoke alarms inside their house did not go off.

But Fillmore — described by his family as a hunter by nature — sure did.

Dalis said there’s no doubt their protective pooch saved their lives.

“I think we know it was because of Fillmore,” Dalis told NBCLA. “Because Fillmore was barking at about 4:15 a.m. He normally doesn’t bark. He kept barking. We kept telling him, ‘Fillmore, quiet, quiet.’ He just kept barking and I said, ‘Maybe there’s something out there.'”

Dalis used a garden hose to fight the flames until firefighters arrived and took over. He suffered minor burns on his face, but thankfully, nothing more.

And, while their garage and cars were destroyed, Dalis’ family is grateful.

“They’re only things. They can be replaced,” he said. “Everybody is safe.”

Dalis said Fillmore is always on the hunt.

And his dog’s keen sense of smell and quick thinking saved their house and the family.

For his brave efforts, Fillmore was handsomely rewarded.

“We got him plenty of treats,” Dalis added.

There are a lot of apps in this world, but an in-depth map that leads us to the greatest concentration of wiggling and waggling in our city hasn’t yet been invented.

But does it need to be?

Because if you head to a certain celebrated animal center on Raymond Avenue, a critter-assisting organization that has been need-addressing nexus around the Pasadena community for over a century, the wiggle-tude and waggle-o-sity will be off the charts.

We are, of course, barking most enthusiastically about Pasadena Humane, which helps animals of all stripes and the people who adore them, all year long.

But on April 19 the beastie-championing crew is heading over to Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl for a major morning of fundraising, Fido-fun activities, and oodles of wiggle and/or waggling. (Mostly from the dogs in attendance, though humans should also wiggle and waggle if they’re feeling it.)

It’s the Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run, and sign-ups are still open for you and your wiggling and waggling pal to join. In fact, you can sign up at the event, if you like, for $65 (register before noon on April 17 for $50).

No pup? No worries: Everyone can take part, whether they have a tail-wagger at their side or not.

A costume contest for the puply participants, K9 demos presented by the Pasadena Police Department, and food trucks are part of the sunny-of-spirit scene.

Joining in? Sweet: You’ll get a t-shirt touting your participation in the heartwarming event, and if your pup is with you, your cutie will score a bandanna.

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“The Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run is our opportunity to connect with the animal-loving community,” says Julie Nakahara, Director of Partnerships and Events.

“Pasadena Humane is a family, and there’s a place in it for everyone. Whether you adopt, volunteer, attend an event, or simply show up to support, you’re part of something bigger — and that connection is what makes our community so special.”

The money raised from the wigglers and wagglers will benefit several Pasadena Humane programs and causes, including the pet food pantry and the Helping Paws pet owner assistance effort.

“The need for these essential programs has expanded greatly since the Eaton Fire,” shared Pasadena Humane.

Call it a joyful way to help an organization that has helped so many people and pets over the decades. It’s also a hound-happy way to hobnob with other humans who adore their pooches, and are eager to help pooches, and other animals, and people, too, that they may never meet.

Puppies are some of the limberest, stretchiest, bendiest lovebugs around, with or without a yoga mat in the vicinity.

That’s just the way these canine youngsters are, after all: They’re roly, they’re poly, and they want to energetically romp the day away, and some of the night, too.

It’s quite fitting and fun, then, to pair these fresh-to-the-world Fidos with a yoga session for humans.

That’s when people busy feeling loose and limber, of course. So perhaps spying a pup performing his own adorable downward dog is the stretch-it-out inspiration needed for the non-canines in attendance.

The Annenberg PetSpace is the sweet spot for Puppy Yoga, and you can sign up for a few different sessions that are just ahead: Two classes will grace the April 18 calendar, and two more sessions will return in early May.

All of the yoga classes will feature “soon-to-be-adoptable” animals roaming the room, so heartwarming.

The Puppy Yoga class price is $30 plus a fee, and participants should arrive with their own yoga mat but not any of their own animals (do keep those cuties snug at home).

The beneficiary of the sessions is extremely bark-worthy: It’s the Wallis Anneberg PetSpace Extraordinary Care Fund, an important effort that “… supports our work on behalf of the animals in our community who are most at risk and face barriers to adoption.”

If a yoga sesh with precious pooches doing their roly-poly-est best to catch your eye isn’t quite your thing, but you want to support the center and find some smiles, look to April 29. That’s when “Paws & Punchlines” with Johnny Pemberton brings the comedic stylings to Playa Vista animal center.

Guests who are 21-and over should anticipate an evening of grins, eats for sale at the Yalla Truck, beer and wine for purchase, and plenty of glad-hearted pet support. Oh yes: Your furry friend is invited to the ha-ha happening, too.

A New York-based pet food company is posing that question with a pair of highly unusual job postings to sniff dog breath and kiss dogs.

“Are you obsessed with dogs? Do you have a nose that can detect even the faintest hint of funk?” the posting for a dog breath sniffer reads.

It sounds simple enough: sniff out the best and worst smelling dog breath according to a “funk-o-meter” evaluation. The job description includes performing close-up breath assessments, keeping meticulous notes and collaborating with canine focus groups.

Must have a strong sense of smell and love of dogs.

The second job post is looking for a real good kisser. Seriously.

“If your friends describe you as ‘the one who always ends up with a dog on their lap,’ this role was made for you,” the posting for dog kisser reads. 

The official pooch smoocher will rate and document their dog kisses “with a professional rigor and personal enthusiasm.”

Both positions are in service of PupGum, the company’s breath-freshening dental chews.

Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire opens: The weather looks about right for us to slip into our full-on metal knight costume, but we may go with gossamer fairy wings or something a bit lighter for this light-as-air lark. Ren Faire is impishly frolicking in Irwindale over several spring weekends, with a May 17 conclusion, and special doings dot the schedule, from the popular, separately ticketed Pub Crawls to a line-up of fanciful Theme Weekends. Opening date? What ho: It’s April 4.

PaleyFest opens: A great TV show can visit your thoughts hours after you’ve finished an episode, with character dynamics, thorny situations, and plots twists lingering in your daydreams. Celebrating some of the newest of these thought-visiting series is part of the magic of this celebrated television festival, with stars and creators appearing on stage at the Dolby Theatre for in-depth chats and occasional surprises. It opens April 4 and “The Pitt,” “Shrinking,” “Pluribus,” and other gems are on the roster.

Spring Corgi Beach Day: If you happily reside in the dogverse, that furry realm full of pup-focused festivities, you totally know about the Huntington Beach party where hundreds of Corgis gather in one rollicking and sandy wigglefest. The next one is up on April 4, “honorary” Corgis are invited, and a host of smile-summoning happenings, including a pie-eating contest for the canine contingent, are part of the happy high jinks; there’s a giant Corgi inflatable this time around, too, woof woof, so prep for super-cute pics.

Blessing of the Animals: Purring, oinking, honking, and whinnying? You might hear these delightful and distinctive calls while visiting a barnyard or reading a fairytale full of cute critters, but you might also savor some sweet sounds by joining a venerable and meaningful tradition at Olvera Street. This annual, decades-old event will feature Archbishop Jose Gomez delivering benedictions to a host of animals, large and little, on April 4; festivities are happening throughout the afternoon, too, in the historic quarter.

Tending to a titan of a tail-wagger would like take all of our time, money, attention, love, and effort.

Which makes the prospect of encountering an enormous Corgi, a colossal canine that stands as tall as a full-on tower of Corgis, delightfully daunting.

After all, how many treats per day would this sizable snarfler demand?

Cue the “phew”: The giant Corgi inflatable headed to the “Tiki Beach Pawty” romping at Huntington Beach on the first Saturday of April is just that: A doggone cute decoration and not a real and massive Corgi of great stature.

Of course, the hundreds of pooches that attend Spring Corgi Beach Day each year do have stature, and spirit, and plenty of spunk, too, as do their people. The bash has become one of the biggest dog-themed festivities on the West Coast, with both Corgis and “honorary” Corgis in attendance, as well as humans eager to connect with a canine-cool community.

The schedule, as always, is uplifting, offbeat, bacon-flavored, and full of pep: A Corgonut Pie-Eating Contest should be a messy, messy showdown, while quirky contests, from Best Trick to Best Corgi Butt, will bring out the Corgis’ competitive can-do.

Corgi Limbo is always a popular draw, too, as is the opportunity for pups to display their creative costumes in a snazzy showdown.

As for the inflatable making its debut at the April 4 Corg-vention?

It’s “(b)asically giraffe-level tall,” is the word from the party planners, or “70 tennis balls stacked on top of each other” if you prefer.

The organizers behind Spring Corgi Beach Day bill the eye-catching attraction as “the BIGGEST corgi inflatable in the WORLD,” so be sure to get your lil’ guys to pose in front of it before the sunny day is done.

Well, paws-crossed for a sunny day: We’re now in Graypril, when June Gloom mornings can dominate.

But every day is a sunny day with a squat sweetheart at your side, whatever the weather, as the hundreds (and hundreds) of Corgi-adoring people in attendance definitely know.

While Easter Day may frequently feature bunnies and chicks, specifically the little stuffed toys that festively fill the baskets awaiting eager kids, the day before Easter at Olvera Street is very much about bunnies and chicks and dogs and snakes and cows and parakeets and lizards and an energetic assortment of colorful critters.

For that is when the Blessing of the Animals ebulliently occurs, a community-sweet celebration that will mark its centennial in four short years.

The day-before-Easter tradition has a few touchstones that returning participants and observers can look forward to: Animals in attendance will be dressed for the occasion, or at least several will, with flowers, bonnets, and other eye-catching accessories adding to the spring spirit.

Some smaller attendees arrive by a classic wagon, pet bag, or even toy cars; other critters are carefully carried by the humans who love them or stroll at their sides (this side-by-side entrance has been the case with the cows, horses, sheep, and llamas).

“While the blessing is rooted in Catholic tradition, you do not have to be Catholic to participate,” vows a message on the event site. Further: “ALL PETS AND HUMANS ARE WELCOME!” is another positive message.

Each critter’s blessing will be bestowed by Archbishop Jose Gomez; the animal’s human also gets to bask in the meaningful moment, making this enduring event wonderfully filled with emotion.

The benedictions are brief and sweet, if you have a fidgety Fido, though the line may take some time.

Participating is free, no ticket is required, and the queue does begin to form early, around 1 o’clock, at the Pico House.

In short? If you and your canary or gerbil or Pekingese or chinchilla or goat are hoping to join one of our city’s most joyful spring rites, be sure to arrive early.

But when March 23 lopes into our world, with ears flopping and tails wagging, the enchanting realm of pure Puppydom grows just a little bigger and more boisterous.

That’s National Puppy Day, oh yes, and while puppies don’t gather together for a giant street party — or if they do, we haven’t received our invite — but animal-bolstering organizations do spend the holiday spotlighting puppy adoption, training, and care.

Best Friends Animal Society is one such puppy-championing group, and some of the furry facts shared by Best Friends are heartening. “(M)ost puppies are fortunate to leave shelters quickly,” the organization shared, with adoptions taking place for around 88% of puppies within their first month in a shelter.

But almost 4% of puppies are classified as “long-term residents,” meaning their stays stretch to 60 days or longer.

“While Best Friends Animal Society’s date showing that puppies get adopted quickly is encouraged, that also makes it easy to forget about the puppies who end up waiting longer or get returned to the shelter because people don’t realized the steps it takes to set puppies up for success,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society.

“National Puppy Day is both a celebration of progress and a reminder that we won’t stop until every puppy, dog, kitten, and cat has a loving home.”

To meet some of the puppies available for adoption at the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in West LA, swing by, chat with a volunteer or staff member, and meet a few precious tykes.

You’ll also want to gather information on socializing your new family member, giving instruction about “appropriate play” and what is expected, and how to “build independence gradually,” providing the much-needed skills your young canine requires.

“Expose puppies to a variety of sounds, surfaces, people, and experiences to build confidence,” suggests the Best Friends team.

“Pay attention to body language and let them move at their own pace. Keep interactions positive and avoid high-traffic dog areas until vaccinations are complete.”

Puppies should also discover that “alone time is normal” and be given appropriate toys to “gently redirect biting or mouthing.”

What sweet sprouts and frolicsome bundles of pure joy are up for adoption right now? Start here to connect with Best Friends Animal Society or visit your local shelter or rescue group and get acquainted with some of the charming rascals awaiting that one special person, family, or household.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department posted a video of the incredible rescue on its Instagram feed on Tuesday.

The video shows firefighters and a Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy working together to rescue and resuscitate the cats on the grass in front of the apartment.

Officials said a fire ripped through the apartment building on Emma Street on Monday. As firefighters were conducting search operations, they found four cats inside a fire-damaged apartment.

The pets were fighting for their lives.

Three of the cats were unconscious and not breathing.

The Riverside County Fire Department said firefighters and a deputy quickly moved the animals outside and “began rescue breathing.”

Additional first responders jumped in to help; officials used three oxygen tanks in the resuscitation efforts.

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The team effort was swift, but calm.

In the video, one firefighter can be heard gently speaking to the cats.

“Want some oxygen?” he asked them.

Other firefighters can be seen kneeling next to the cats on the grass, giving the cats chest compressions, and cradling their heads while trying to get them to breathe.

“That’s it,” a firefighter reassuringly tells the cats. “There we go.”

As they’re giving the cats oxygen from the tanks, one firefighter directs the crew.

“Squeeze on it to see what he does,” he explains. “Any breath he takes, he gets 100% oxygen.”

As the cats start to regain consciousness, one firefighter can be seen giving them sips of water from a plastic bottle.

All four cats survived.

“Four cats are alive today because firefighters and a deputy refused to give up,” the fire department’s Instagram post read.

The fire department said the cats were soon “up and walking around,” thanks to the teamwork and determination of the crew.

“Great work by our firefighters and law enforcement partners who went above and beyond to save lives — no matter how small,” the post added.

As of 2:30 p.m. Friday, the Instagram post had more than 263,000 likes and nearly 10,000 comments, many of them hailing the firefighters as the cat’s pajamas.

“Sobbing in gratitude. What compassionate heroes,” one person commented.

“Thank you for caring so much!” another person wrote.

“I’m not crying, you’re crying,” read another comment.

On Wednesday, March 18, Brandi Munden, vice president of communications and public relations at the American Kennel Club, stopped by TODAY to exclusively reveal the five breeds.

A furry friend from each breed then joined the show to strut their stuff and show off some of their best attributes, from their shiny coats to their outgoing personalities.

Without further ado, here are the top breeds based on the AKC’s 2025 annual registration numbers.

5. Dachshund

The dachshunds, represented on TODAY by the intelligent Pretzel, cracked the top five after just missing the cutoff last year. The dogs, which were initially bred to be independent hunters of badgers, are small but mighty and great problem solvers.

Dachshunds come in two sizes (standard and miniature) and three coat types (smooth, wirehaired and longhaired).

4. German shepherd

The German shepherd, represented by Eamonn on TODAY, has held onto its fourth place spot. The versatile breed can help perform police work and search and rescue missions in addition to acting as a friendly companion or a service dog.

3. Golden retriever

Also maintaining its spot on the list, in third place is the golden retriever, represented by Griswold. Golden retrievers are known for being great with children and easy to train due to their energetic personalities and their strong bond with their owners.

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2. Labrador retriever

The Labrador retriever has, again, placed second on the list. Represented by Hola on TODAY, the breed is known for being family friendly and outgoing with an even temperament. They love to be included in family activities, are eager to please and enjoy having room to play.

1. French bulldog

Taking the crown for the fourth year in a row is the French bulldog, represented by Auggie. While the breed is affectionate and playful, French bulldogs are also protective, which makes them the perfect watchdogs. French bulldogs are great companions for all ages.

Each year, the AKC compiles its list using its annual registration numbers of the breeds it recognizes. For 2025, the dachshund replaced the poodle, which was previously in the top five. Rounding out the top 10 for 2024 were the beagle, Rottweiler, bulldog and German shorthaired pointer.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Autoship for pet parents promised to solve everything, but pets don’t fit into one box
• Animal Trainer Shares How to Properly Prepare for Pet Adoption
• Pet Loss Grief is Real: Here’s How to Cope With Losing Your Best Friend

There are a few glad-hearted go-to hubs for holiday fun each March 17 around Los Angeles, with the Original Farmers Market standing as a popular spot for revelry.

Look to Magee’s Kitchen, an eatery that is synonymous with corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes, as a focal point of the flavorful fun. Lines can get a little lengthy on St. Patrick’s Day, but the cheer is high and the queues move along at a clip, so swing by the market’s East Patio area for your corned beef and sides.

And if you’re calling upon the Third & Fairfax landmark from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 in the afternoon? Glen the Bagpiper will be providing the stirring songs to enjoy your potatoes and cabbage by.

Start your day even earlier, and just down Fairfax Avenue from the famous public market, at Tom Bergin’s, where breakfast on March 17 starts at 6 in the morning. A reservation for the early-in-the-day and high-spirited meal is a must; find out more here.

In Atwater Village, the Tam O’Shanter will be in full sláinte swing with an alfresco bar, green brews, and music starting in the mid-afternoon. Oh yes: There are Tullamore Dew giveaways, too. Be sure to book your ticket before you go, because the party can rollick, majorly, especially as the sun begins to set.

For revelers who are 21 and over, The Obscure, the low-lit and atmospheric destination in the Arts District, will offer fiddle music and shamrock slushies March 17, as well as Irish coffees (they’re frozen, which fits the weather we’ve been having).

You’ll need to book your spot for $10 via the site, so be sure to do that before donning something green and something a touch glam.

Perhaps the idea of staying in with a snuggle buddy tempts you the most on St. Patrick’s Day, this year and every year.

Pasadena Humane has got you: The Raymond Avenue animal center’s Pot of Gold adoption promotion gives potential adoptees the chance to “draw their lucky adoption fee from the Pot of Gold”; the real treasure, of course, is finding a furry friend you adore.

The Pot of Gold adoption promotion is happening from March 16 through 22.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival opens: Stroll through Disney California Adventure Park from March 6 through April 27 and you’ll spy guests dining on unusual and tempting delights, from Ramen Mac & Cheese to Pandan Latte Churros. The annual springtime snack-around spotlights several dishes that boast global inspirations, and a host of one-of-a-kind libations, some made for the grown-up set and others for anyone seeking something fruity and spirits-free. Admission to the Anaheim theme park and a reservation are required.

Dana Point’s mighty Whale Festival: The handsome harbor town is known for its sublime and splashy whale-watching trips, but for a couple of days each March the splashy sights are seen on land, thanks to this long-running cetacean spectacular. The Magical Migration Parade is returning March 7, yay — roadwork meant it didn’t roll in 2025 — and educational talks, kid stuff, and other sealife-sweet activities and events will pop up around the water. It’s no fluke why this fest is venerable: Landlubbers adore it.

Oscar Nominee Spotlights: The 98th Annual Academy Awards will roll out the red carpets in just over a week, but the Academy Museum is getting the glittering goings-on rolling pronto. In-depth discussions focused on animated shorts and feature films, make-up and hairstyling, and other cinematic callings will be considered, celebrated, and basked in by film lovers in the days just ahead. The Oscar-themed goodness is happening through March 14, so be sure to check the schedule.

Barks & Brews: It’s a rompful and rollicking day when a pup gets the cheerful chance to call upon the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, and one such ebullient opportunity is on the hound-loving horizon. A yearly event dedicated to craft sips and cool canines will frolic at the Arcadia garden March 7, and your (leashed) buddy is invited. There will be vendors, a place for your lil’ guy to sit for a complimentary portrait, and ready-to-adopt pooches from Pasadena Humane, too, to make it all the more meaningful.

We’re standing at the threshold of Kitten Season, the time of year when many, many young felines, some newly born, begin to arrive at animal shelters.

During this hectic stretch, which runs from around the start of spring through October, a shelter may temporarily run out of space or resources, meaning the center can no longer adequately house all of the animals needing care.

To help during this busy and full-to-bursting period, and to give some love to the little litters of mewing sweetness that are the poignant hallmark of Kitten Season, there are the awesome fosters in our community, the people who commit to caring for kittens for a few days, weeks, or even months as kind, kitten-seeking adopters are sought.

Have you wanted to know more about helping out a little puffball of fine fur, all to help make room at a local shelter or with a rescue group?

Pasadena Humane is ready to share everything we need to know about opening our homes, and hearts, to a brand-new feline or two.

The Raymond Avenue animal center hosts an uplifting and information-filled Kitten Shower each year, usually around the start of springtime, all to share information with potential fosters through educational talks and opportunities to chat with kitten-knowing pros.

The March 14 event, which begins at 11 a.m., will also feature a vendor marketplace, so stop by to shop for “cat toys, art, handmade goods, and other unique treasures.”

Signing up for the free event isn’t a commitment to caring for a purring youngster; you’ll simply be attending to gather information and meet a few of the meow-velous volunteers and staff members who care for the animals of Pasadena Humane.

But once there, you may decide this is the year that you help out during Kitten Season, when can-do cat fans lend some time and love to the tiniest purrers.

Paco, a 12-year-old Reindeer Chihuahua, went missing after somehow getting through a broken fence at U.S. Army veteran John Parke’s home on Oakhurst Drive.

A couple days ago, Parke said he let his dogs out for some fresh air. When he went to let his pets back inside, his dogs Tiki and Zina came back in, but Parke noticed Paco was nowhere in sight.

“I went looking for Paco, and I didn’t find him,” he told NBC Los Angeles on Friday. “[He] wasn’t in the yard. I looked over at the northeast corner of the house, and I saw the fence had been broken; there was really a hole in the fence, and evidently, he got out that way.”

According to Parke, Paco was adopted by Parke’s wife in 2020. The moment she met Paco, the pooch put his paw up on her shoulder.

“She turned around and looked at him, and he reached up and have her a kiss,” Parke recalled. “And that was love at first sight, so that was how we got Paco.”

Parke’s wife has since passed away. Parke said Paco mourned her when she died.

“Animals mourn, and he mourned,” the widower said. “He was very upset. In fact, I took him and the girls out to where she’s buried at Montecito, and he knew exactly where she was. He laid down on her grave.”

“He was very attached to her,” he added. “But after she passed away, [Paco] kind of just really got attached to me.”

For Parke, Paco is truly a member of his family. He told NBCLA that Paco has never left home.

Unfortunately, Paco doesn’t have a microchip.

“He’s a very good, very good boy,” Parke said. “I miss him an awful lot.”

Parke said he would like whoever finds Paco to bring him home, no questions asked.

“All I want is Paco,” he said.

Parke said Paco loves children and Mexican music. If he’s with someone else, Parke said he hopes that whoever has his pup treats him with kindness and respect.

Anyone who has seen Paco or knows his whereabouts was urged to call (840) 255-5538 or contact the San Bernardino Police Department.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story spelled John Parke’s name as John Parker.

The day after Valentine’s Day, the Burbank Police Department posted a photo of one of its officers, Officer Parks, after he was happily greeted by two Frenchies during a call for service.

In the photo, the smiling young officer is gently holding one of the pooches, who appears to be glancing right at him, perhaps even a bit mesmerized. The other Frenchie is standing on the grass near the officer.

“He could not resist petting, holding & snapping a photo with them!” the post read. “Police officers love dogs.”

Well, a dashing man in uniform cradling a pup was enough for the Instagram post to quickly take off.

As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the post had more than 375,000 likes and nearly 6,000 comments, many swooning over the smiling officer. The internet did its thing.

“This cop out here servin’ the people AND servin’ looks,” one comment read.

“I don’t have a dog, but I lost my dog too,” one commenter joked.

“That dog owner knew what she was doing,” noted another.

“Nah, y’all wrong for dropping his name but not his number,” another person wrote.

“My dog passed away a few years ago. Can he come help me find him?” read another comment.

“I need to move to Burbank ASAP,” wrote another.

Even another law enforcement agency got in on the fun.

“Well, that escalated quickly,” wrote the Chino Police Department.

On Tuesday, the Burbank Police Department addressed the viral post.

“We’ve enjoyed seeing the positive response to the recent Instagram post featuring Officer Parks,” the department said. “While the photo certainly caught people’s attention, moments like this highlight the human side of the badge.”

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Leptospirosis, commonly referred to as lepto, can lead to a range of symptoms, including muscles aches, organ damage. In rare areas, it can be spread to humans.

“We had a bad outbreak in 2001 and since then, continue to see sporadic cases in the area,” Dr. Julio Lopez with the Village Vet said.

There was a relatively smaller outbreak among dogs in LA County in July 2021 through early 2022 when hundreds of dogs became sick, and at least a dozen died.

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Leptospira, the bacteria that causes leptospirosis, is found in wet soil and standing water. Dogs can be exposed at dog parks, day care or while hiking.

“With all the wildife that we have in the area, (there are) rats and other dogs that may have lepto and carriers that we are not aware of,” Lopez said. “Ff there’s infected urine mixed with water, your pup is going to sniff and lick a little bit of it. It just take a little bit of it to cause an infection.”

The Bay Area outbreak also involves homeless encampments where the housed have companion dogs. The scenario is possible in Los Angeles, according to Jane Sykes of UC Davis Veterinary Medicine.

“That’s the main problem that occurs in dogs when they develop the disease and same in people who get sick with leptospirosis, their kidneys can fail,” Skyes warned.

Leptospirosis is preventable by vaccinating your dogs and making sure canine companions avoid contact with floodwater, standing water or muddy run-off.

Mardi Gras is glittering in the not-so-far-off distance, with all of its Bourbon Street songs and energy-filled, super-exuberant displays of “laissez les bon temps rouler” spirit.

For Southern Californias who won’t be able to “let the good times roll” in New Orleans at the Feb. 17 festivity, there is the Original Farmers Market, a celebratory spot that breaks out the brassy sounds and super-toothsome beignets, each year.

And while there shall be reveling on Fat Tuesday proper, the party begins at the historic public market, which has held warm and welcoming court at the corner of Third & Fairfax for almost 92 years, early.

And by “early” we do mean you can dance by the clocktower’d landmark starting on Saturday, Feb. 14 for live New Orleans-style zydeco, the tasty NOLA stylings of the Gumbo Pot, and the rollicking noon o’clock Mutti Gras Pet Parade.

There are awards for the pups named King and Queen, woof woof, as well as the Jester’s Pick “(f)or the wildest, most creative costumes and floats — anything goes!”

For sure, some of the Fidos arrive in wagons festooned with royal decorations, and plenty of beads to add French Quarter flair.

Entering is free, and you’ll want to sign up ahead of time, so your cutie struts away with a goodie bag.

The meet-up spot for this plucky pooch procession? Head to the clocktower before noon, and definitely by 11:45 to queue up.

For all of the music, beignet-riffic temptations, and Mutti-moxie parade info, kick up your heels and head by the Original Farmers Market site for all of the Mardi Gras must-dos and must-knows.

And good to know? While woofable royalty will be in the spotlight at noon on Feb. 14, merry Mardi Gras goings-on will take place at the market on Feb. 14, 15, and 17.

Smooshy, squishy, fold-filled, kissy, mushy, marvelous: There are many ways to describe the magnificent mug of a bulldog, and probably half of them involve some spin on how darn marshmallow-like their faces truly are.

If you’re besotted with these marshmallow-y superstars, and you’d like to watch your own bulldog strut down a red carpet as onlookers admire the extreme smoosh-ability on display, you’ll want to trot for Long Beach on the day after Valentine’s.

For the famous Bulldog Beauty Contest will strut Feb. 15, inviting bulldogs, French bulldogs, and an assortment of adorable animals of all breeds to show off in front of an appreciative crowd.

Presented by Haute Dog Beauty Contests, the lighthearted event is about getting pup people together, along with their pooches, for a playful, easygoing celebration.

There are, in fact, a dozen contests on the schedule, including one highlighting mixed breeds, another that pays tribute to Best Siblings, and a category for Best Seniors.

Small dogs and large dogs also have their special sections, and the entrants have a history of being memorable, spunky, and applause-worthy.

As for the bulldogs competing for the central honor?

Some are squishier than others, but each possesses presence, pomp, and a splendidly squatty poise.

As these dogs definitely should: They are, after all, competing near Rosie’s Dog Beach, an area that takes its poignant name from contest founder Justin Rudd’s dearly missed bulldog Rosie.

Puppy Bowl Tailgate: There are a few satellite celebrations raising a Bowl-ready bark around LA, including a Feb. 7 adoption gathering at Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in West LA. Perhaps you’ll meet a new buddy ahead of Puppy Bowl XXII, which romps Feb. 8? Here’s something sweet: Puppy Bowl and Best Friends have teamed up this week to place pups by waiving adoption fees.

Tulip Garden Experience opens: Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark is well-known for presenting pumpkin-inspired activities in the fall and Santa-centered sweetness at the holidays. But in February, flowers are the focus, specifically thousands of tulips ready for picking. There is a fee to enter, and to pick your blossoms, too, and some spring-like diversions to enjoy while visiting. The bud-sweet fun begins Feb. 7.

First Fridays begin: The Natural History Museum is always a powerful place of science-centric splendor, but the lovely landmark’s smart charms only grow, and glow, when this made-for-grown-ups series returns. Engaging talks with scientists, live music, DJ tunes, adult beverages, and the chance to stroll through galleries at nighttime await, starting Feb. 6. There are a few more First Fridays to come, all in the first half of 2026.

San Marino Lunar New Year Festival: Year of the Horse gatherings are flowering around Southern California over the next few weeks, with this free festivity ready to shimmer at Lacy Park Feb. 7. The five-hour festivity begins at 10 a.m., and dance performances, holiday-ready foods for sale, and other exuberant touchstones of the forward-looking occasion are on the schedule.

But there are plenty of “ahhhs” delivered, and a few “soooo cutes” squealed during the duration of Puppy Bowl, which makes sweet sense: The annual scruffy showdown is all about precious pups “scrimmaging” with each other while romping around a petite field packed with toys.

Puppy Bowl XXII raises a happy howl Feb. 8, but before the televised Animal Planet showdown adorably arf-arfs, pooch people will have a few opportunities to hobnob with Fidos at Bowl-themed bashes.

A Puppy Bowl Tailgate Party will tug heartstrings at Best Friends Animal Society’s Pet Adoption Center in West LA Feb. 7.

The afternoon happening is all about giving visitors the chance to maybe “meet your future MVP” and get to know some of the sweethearts currently being cared for by shelter staff and volunteers.

And the good feelings are going even further: The people at Puppy Bowl XXII are taking care of Best Friends adoption fees, at centers in LA and beyond, from Feb. 2-9.

If you are going further afield Feb. 7, you may have the opportunity to meet two paw-some Puppy Bowl players.

The Helen Woodward Animal Center will stop by Raising Cane’s in Mira Mesa with a pupful purpose: To spotlight Remy and Leo, two Puppy Bowl players who hail from the San Diego area.

(The pups’ full names, because you should know ahead of time, are Sir Remington Fluffypoo Esquire II and Leonardo de Barky.)

If you want to meet Remy & Leo, be sure to stop by the Mira Mesa event Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; you’ll also get to say hello to Petunia, who played in the 2025 Puppy Bowl.

There’s a Feb. 8 tailgate party, too, at McGregor’s Bar & Grill in Mission Valley.

A cornhole competition is also afoot at the Feb. 8 gathering, if you want to display your cornhole-based skills.

While Remy & Leo won’t be in attendance Feb. 8, you’ll be able to cheer them on as they go whisker-to-whisker in Puppy Bowl XXII; the Helen Woodward Animal Center fundraiser is also a watch party.

By the by, this is the seventh Puppy Bowl appearance for Helen Woodward Animal Center animal alumni, making it a true powerhouse for powerhounds bound for this elite and sweet face-off.

Or perhaps we mean staying “meow”-er: It’s the cat video we’re purring over, a short form that continues to engage people decades after first rising through the online ranks.

You don’t need to scroll, however, to find some of the best feline films around; look, instead, to the return of CatVideoFest, the every-so-often event that pops up in various towns and delivers all sorts of furry cinematic sweetness.

The Natural History Museum is the next Los Angeles stop for the on-the-roll happening, and there are several sweet diversions beyond the 75-minute festival.

The choice of the location is cutely clear: “Fierce! The Story of Cats” is still on view at the Exposition Park-based museum for another month or so, and festival goers will have the pawsome opportunity to stroll the exhibits while attending the Jan. 29 festivity.

A few feline-focused groups will be at the science institution, too, including the Stray Cat Alliance, Whisker Watch, and the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. And if you’d like to browse and/or buy cat-inspired items, Whisker Dreams will have your stationery, home goods, and more, with a portion of each sale going “… to help find a cure for Feline Leukemia and diseases like it.”

Eager to see the feline exhibition before it pads away? It’s on view at the Natural History Museum through Feb. 18.

Here’s a celebratory way to find your catly cool: First Fridays, the museum’s after-hours music-and-talks series, returns Feb. 6.

Want to track where CatVideoFest will show up next? Leap for this site, like you’re following the beam of a laser pointer, for more information.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day concerts: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 19, but you can find meaningful ways to pay tribute to the civil rights leader and his great legacy ahead of the holiday: Symphonies, volunteer efforts, and other events will begin to flower in the days leading up to the eminent occasion. One major event takes place in Long Beach Jan. 17: It’s a parade and festival, with music, poetry, and more.

Solar System Encounter: We won’t ever have the ethereal opportunity to stroll among the planets — they’re so very far-off, for starters — but we can call upon Discovery Cube OC where sizable planetary models, and the sun and moon, too, will go on display starting Jan. 17. Don’t delay signing on for this cosmic adventure: It’s only at the Santa Ana museum for just over a month.

Pollypalooza: There’s always a pup that has the designation of “longest resident” at your local shelter, but animal rescue organizations are finding fresh and sweet ways to spotlight these shaggy sweethearts. Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in West LA will host a party in honor of a long-termer named Polly, a cattle dog mix, Jan. 17, with a DJ, craft activities, and treats. Entry? It’s free.

Pop-up Pool Day: The Annenberg Community Beach House pool isn’t open too often in the winter — true, the annual Polar Bear Plunge just wrapped last week, but the splashy spot is usually shuttered when it is cool — but it will observe open hours Jan. 19. There is a fee (adults are $10), and you’ll want to check out details and must-knows before paddling by the Santa Monica gem.