Every year, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Of those, about 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats.
Each week, The Arizona Republic highlights a handful of the many pets up for adoption at Valley shelters. To check the status of a specific animal, please contact the shelter directly.
Fern and her Floras: Kelpie mix and pups ready for a foster hero
While a bit shy and scared, Fern can now rest easy as she lovingly tends to her newborn pups. Now undergoing care in the Arizona Humane Society’s Mutternity Suites, this three-year-old Australian Kelpie mix is hoping for a quiet, temporary home where she can continue giving care to her little ones as she receives care from a Foster Hero.
Fern and her Floras were brought to AHS in late February after they were found as strays. Clearly emaciated but doing her best to nourish her babies, this sweet girl has done her best to ensure her nine adorable puppies survive. Thanks to the shelter’s specialized ICU, Fern is also receiving lifesaving care in a space specially designed for nursing and pregnant mama dogs until they are cleared to go to foster.
While in foster, Fern and her pups will need a quiet space where they can continue to grow big and strong until the puppies are old enough to be on their own and mama herself gains weight. Providing support every step of the way, AHS’ foster department will also provide all of the supplies and medical care needed while this sweet little family is on the journey to their forever homes.
How to foster: Being an AHS Foster Hero is a lifesaving venture with cases that fit every family and lifestyle. By bringing in a foster pet(s), you allow AHS to continue caring for even more of our community’s sick, injured and abused pets by opening up much-needed kennel space. For more information on how to become a Foster Hero for Fern and her Floras or any of AHS’ amazing pets in need of fostering, visit azhumane.org/foster to take the online orientation and apply.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Betty: Sweet and resilient
No stranger to pets with special needs, the Arizona Humane Society works to give a second chance to pets who truly have nowhere else to go. Pets like Betty, a 10-year-old Chihuahua mix rescued as an injured stray in early February of this year.
Found with proptosed eyes, this sweet senior girl received life-saving treatment in AHS’ Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital where both of her eyes had to be surgically removed. Despite the challenges she has faced, Betty has shown remarkable resilience and is adjusting well to her new life.
The gorgeous little pup is a delightful companion who walks beautifully on a leash and loves snuggling in laps. Betty is seeking a patient home that will allow her to adapt at her own pace, preferably with someone who has experience with blind pets.
How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet beautiful Betty at AHS’ Sunnyslope Campus location. Homer’s adoption fee includes his neuter surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip, and a follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. To see all of AHS’ adoptable pets, visit azhumane.org/adopt for more information.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Thalia: Needs experienced cat parent
Well, it is about time! My name is Thalia, and I am a female who is almost 4 years old (my birthday is this month). My name means ‘to blossom’ and I am quite the looker! I think they call me a ‘dilute tortie’ and yes, I have an attitude at times! I am very playful and curious. I love boxes and will chew and crawl and hide in them. I also like wand toys, well, I just like toys! I also like bags and purses, so you might see me peeping out of those if you have them out for me! I also love looking out the windows and being in a cat tree. I need that special human. A person who is experienced with cats (but I need to be the only one), as I like to be pet, but if it is too much (I think it is called ‘overstimulated’), I may scratch or bite. But the more I know you, the less it happens. I probably would not be a good fit for children. I would do best with an experienced cat person and I would love to have the run of a home.
How to adopt: Come see me and my friends at Youngtown Adoption Center at 11129 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 1, in Youngtown. Our number is 623-876-8778. We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More cats and kittens are also here waiting for homes, and at our Peoria location at 10807 N. 96th Ave. in Peoria, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or call 623-773-2246 during those hours, and lastly, at Surprise PetSmart located at 13764 W. Bell Road. See you soon!
— Deb Heise, Sun Cities 4 Paws
Gypsy Luna: Friendly lady with excellent manners
Gypsy Luna is a 7 year old, 88 pound Shepherd and Rottweiler blend who joined us recently as a stray. We were able to locate her owner, who was unable to take her back, and asked that we find a forever home for her. She is a calm, friendly lady who is easy to handle. She has excellent leash manners, and enjoys exploring on her walks. She is treat motivated, and knows basic commands. Her ideal home is one where she has access to a fenced yard for quick potty breaks (no apartments or condos).
How to adopt: Gypsy is residing at the adoption center, located at 952 W. Melody Ave in Gilbert, and can’t wait to meet you! Her adoption fee is $50.00; she is altered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life
