Rocky and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters this week
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.
Rocky: A foster for holiday festivities
While the Arizona Humane Society continues to battle capacity issues, especially for large dogs, the shelter hopes to encourage people to become a Foster Hero for a pet in need! Fostering is a great way to help homeless pets without permanently adding to your family, while still allowing the shelter to continue bringing in even more pets with nowhere else to turn.
Pets like adorable Rocky, who was surrendered to AHS in November after his previous family unfortunately could not afford the treatment needed to ensure the leg healed properly. The 4-year-old German Shepherd mix underwent surgery to fix his fractured leg and is now looking for a foster home for about a month while his leg continues to heal. Throughout this timeframe, Rocky will need a few splint changes and medication to ensure infection does not occur.
While not much is known about this sweet pup, Rocky may also benefit from a patient home that allows him to come out of his shell and encourages him through positive reinforcement. Another benefit of fostering for AHS is that it is completely free as the organization provides everything needed from food, medical care, toys and more – you just need to provide a loving environment!
How to foster: It is easy to become an AHS Foster Hero 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, visit azhumane.org/foster to take the online orientation and apply.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Jaskier and Geralt: Ready for a home
Treat yourself to the best gift of all for Christmas, a living one. These two very bonded brothers could be your gift to yourself.
Jaskier and Geralt are 2 years old and found by their rescuer, apparently abandoned, to fend for themselves. Geralt is a lap cat and one that lets you know when he wants something, mostly attention. He’s a great vocalizer. Jaskier is more independent but not in the least shy or skittish.
Both are just fine with being picked up and love brushing.
How to adopt: Visit them at Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Other adoptable cats are at the shelter at 10807 N. 96th Ave., Peoria. Call 623-773-2246, same days and hours, and at the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road.
— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws
Double Noodle Soup: Wiggling into your heart
With the number of calls for service and abuse investigations up 22% this Fiscal Year for Arizona Humane Society Emergency Animal Medical Technicians and Cruelty Investigators, there continues to be a rise in the number of animals in need. From no water/no shelter to medical non-treatment, AHS assists local law enforcement on a wide array of cases for pets with nowhere else to turn.
One such pet saved from a cruelty situation is Double Noodle Soup, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd who was rescued after being abandoned in a backyard. After his owner was evicted from the home, this adorable pup was discovered to be chained up. With no one to care for him a neighbor turned to AHS for help.
Upon examination in AHS’ trauma hospital, Noodle was discovered to be relatively healthy with some matting of his fur and in need of a neuter. Although he is very social, the smiley doggo can be a bit nervous at times but warms up with petting and treats. As an active boy, he would do great in a home that gives him plenty of opportunities to play and get his wiggles out once he is settled.
How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet the delightful Double Noodle Soup at AHS’ South Mountain location. His adoption fee includes his neuter 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
Alexa: A cuddle bug
Alexa is a 4-year-old, 14-pound Chihuahua blend who works the camera with her "woe is me" look. She joined Friends for Life Animal Rescue recently by way of the Yuma Humane Society.
Alexa can be shy at first, but once she warms up, she is a cuddle bug who is generous with kisses! She enjoys being held and petted and is very curious about humans.
Alexa is not entirely sure if she likes dog treats, but she is a big fan of Vienna Sausages! She enjoyed meeting other dogs during her behavior assessment, and she'd love to meet you!
How to adopt: Alexa is residing at Friends for Life's adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Lane in Gilbert. Alexa is spayed, microchipped, licensed, and current on vaccinations. Her adoption fee is $325. For more information on Alexa, other dogs, or cats, contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296, or visit them online at azfriends.org.
— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life