Every year, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide, according to theAmerican 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 Republichighlights 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.
Elvira: Bouncy, bubbly 3-year-old Lab
For those who are fans of classic TV, this is the pup for you! Elvira is an adorable three-year-old Labrador Retriever mix who is described as a sweet, energetic baby who loves meeting new people no matter where she goes.
Elvira was rescued by Arizona Humane Society Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ in March of this year after her previous owner unfortunately could no longer care for her. As with most shelters, AHS continues to struggle with big dog adoptions resulting in many wonderful pups that are sitting on the adoption floor for much too long.
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At 39 pounds of adorableness, Elvira loves playing in the water, going for car rides and giving every person she sees lots of kisses and cuddles. A huge fan of 'puppacinos' and walks in the park, this cute girl is sure to be the perfect snuggle bug after a long day of adventure and making memories.
How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet the elegant Elvira at AHS’ South Mountain location. Her adoption fee includes her spay surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip, and a follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. Visit azhumane.org/adopt for more information.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Kia: Cattle dog mix ready to be your baby
As with all of the mama pups who come through the Arizona Humane Society and do their very best to raise their little ones, Kia hopes there is a family out there that can treat her as their baby. Having been under treatment at the shelter since January of this year, the sweet one-year-old Cattle Dog mix cannot wait until her forever family finally finds her!
Kia, along with her six nursing pups, came in through AHS’ Project Reachout Program from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in January of this year. A caring and attentive mama, this cute family went to a Foster Hero home where the pups grew to be big and strong prior to going up for adoption. During this time, Kia was also treated for ringworm and an ear infection, both of which have cleared up.
While Kia is available for adoption, she is technically part of AHS’ Almost Adoptable program, which allows the shelter’s medical team to temporarily treat her for Tick Fever and Valley Fever. In several weeks, she will be re-evaluated in the shelter’s trauma hospital to determine if she needs additional medical care.
Extremely friendly, loving and always in need of more cuddles, Kia is sure to be the perfect companion for any family.
How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet the kind Kia at AHS’ Papago Park Campus location. Her adoption fee includes her spay surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip, and a follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. Visit azhumane.org/adopt for more information.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Kyo: Petite tortie ready for a loving home
Kyo is a pretty female dilute tortie who is almost four years old. She is very petite, weighing just 6 lbs., and has beautiful green eyes. She is sweet and loves attention. She needs to be the only cat in the home as she doesn’t get along with other cats. Kyo is waiting for that special person who will provide her with a loving permanent home.
How to adopt: Kyo is available at our Youngtown Adoption Center at 11129 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 1, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or call for more information at 623-876-8778. Other adoption sites are 10807 N 96th Ave., Peoria, 623-773-2246, with the same hours and days, and Surprise Petsmart, 13764 Bell Road.
— Deb Heise, Sun Cities 4 Paws
Sedona: Playful kitten will win your heart
Sedona is a domestic, short-haired spayed female about 12 weeks old. She and her siblings were born to a stray momma cat that a good Samaritan took in due to the condition that it was found. Momma cat gave birth to 4 beautiful kittens. Her kittens are all ready to move on and find forever homes. Sedona is one of those kittens. They are snuggly and playful and fill your heart when you snuggle with them.
How to adopt: Sedona and her siblings will be at the Friends for Life Animal Rescue adoption center on Saturday mornings until adopted, located at 952 W. Melody Ave, in Gilbert. Kittens are altered, combo tested, vaccinated and microchipped. Sedona's adoption fee is $225.00. To find out more about Sedona or other cats or dogs looking for homes, visit www. azfriends.org or call 480-497-8296.
—JannelleCosgriff, Friends for Life
