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.
Sophie: A feline diva
Proof that you are only as old as you feel, Sophie is an absolutely gorgeous 12-year-old longhair kitty who was brought to the Arizona Humane Society as an owner surrender. Unfortunately, this was due to her and the other pets in the home not getting along. As it turns out, this diva wants all the attention to herself.
Due to having a few teeth that needed to be fixed, this sweet girl received a dental in AHS ‘Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital and is now looking for the perfect forever home. For Sophie, her idea of a great home is one that will give her lots of chin scratches and brush her luxurious fur. After all, it is not easy keeping up with that long, gorgeous coat.
Although she is a self-proclaimed prima donna, with some patience and love Sophie quickly warms up to her human friends. The gorgeous kitty will even chirp at you when she wants more love and is the queen of head bunting when she is not giving enough attention. With June being National Adopt a Shelter Cat month, Sophie hopes that people who are looking to add a furry friend to their family consider all the many loving and unique felines in need of loving homes.
How to adopt: The Arizona Humane Society’s Virtual Matchmaking Adoptions by appointment is available to place pets with their forever families. Interested adopters can view available pets, like sophisticated Sophie, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.
– Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Galadriel: A shy, playful cat
Galadriel, or Gala for short, is a petite 5-year-old dilute tortie and tips the scales at seven pounds. This pretty girl would love to go to a quiet home and would make an ideal pet for senior cat lovers. She is as sweet as can be, a bit shy. She has one of those silent meows and sometimes she will make a squeaky noise, her idea of talking.
Gala doesn’t mind being picked up and enjoys being brushed. Best of all, she is a lap cat. She looks forward to her canned food, but obviously doesn’t overindulge.
How to adopt: Meet Gala yourself at Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 on Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 am-3pm, also adoption hours. Other locations are 10807 96th Avenue, Peoria, 623-773-2246, same hours and days; Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road; and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.
– Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws
Daisy: A loveable goofball
Adorable Daisy is as cute as her name suggests and an even bigger goofball than her picture shows. The huge love bug was surrendered to the Arizona Humane Society in April after it was found that she prefers to have all eyes on her and not let anyone get an ounce of love from her people that she deserves. Very rightly, of course!
The 3-year-old Boxer is just one of quite a few pets who are adopted from AHS and returned for any number of reasons but a great example of why the shelter has a 100% adoption guarantee. This ensures that there is a perfect fit for not only the family that adopts but also that the pet is given every chance to be able to find the perfect home for them, as well. A win-win for all involved.
Those who have been lucky enough to get to know Daisy say she is a shy but charming pup who would love a home that will allow her to blossom. As a very smart and energetic pup, she also loves to have lots of puzzle toys and slow feeders around to allow her to not only get some tasty treats but also enable her to use her brain with lots of mental stimulation. Additionally, Daisy’s nubby tail really gets going when she gets her favorite type of pets – booty scratches!
How to adopt: The Arizona Humane Society’s Virtual Matchmaking Adoptions by appointment is available to place pets with their forever families. Interested adopters can view available pets, like diligent Daisy, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.
– Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Roxy: Beautiful, sweet cat
Roxy is a 2-year-old domestic, short-haired, female tabby and white cat. She is beautiful and sweet. Roxy arrived at Friends for Life Animal Rescue as a stray. She’d love a home that has no children, adults that will play with her, and love on her.
How to adopt: Roxy’s adoption cost is $ 175. Roxy is currently living at Friends for Life Animal Rescue’s adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert. At Friends for Life Animal Rescue, animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and dewormed. Cats are also tested for FELV / FIV.
If you are interested in adopting Roxy, please go to azfriends.org, fill out a consultation form, and head to the adoption center. If Roxy is adopted by the time you get there, many others are looking for homes. If you’d like more information you can also e-mail FFLcats@azfriends.org, or call 480-497-8296.
– Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life