His name is Gumbo Lee Jones, but until recently, it was just Gumbo. Shelter staff gave him the name when he was brought to Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) in August 2023. He had been abandoned in Coolidge Park in Long Beach and entered LBACS with severe skin issues, open sores on his back and a huge “blockhead smile” on his face, according to shelter staff. He was only 3 years old.
Gumbo’s skin cleared up over time, and his demeanor remained sweet and good-natured. He had his special friends among the volunteers and managed to accumulate a wardrobe of cosplay outfits. He loved dressing up for special events like Valentine’s Day photos and pictures with Santa Claus.
Volunteers and staff did everything to show off Gumbo’s good nature and fun-loving personality. He made frequent appearances on social media and at adoption events and starred in videos the volunteers made. Yet despite his sweet disposition and his fashionista flair, no one came to take Gumbo home. Until one day last year.
Ashley Jones had grown up with a dog and had wanted one for a long time. But her career as a professional dancer who traveled frequently made her unable to commit to a pet’s needs. Then, two years ago, she semiretired from dancing and took on the role of executive director of Partners of Parks, an independent nonprofit that supports Long Beach’s parks and the residents that use them. LBACS is part of the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, and it was part of Jones’ duties to work with the bureau. In no time, Jones was perusing pictures of pooches. Freed from her travel obligations, she was ready to adopt, and she was going to adopt from the city’s shelter…