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.
Keller: Looking for a loving home
At 13 years young, Keller is looking forward to another chance at finding his perfect forever home. Surrendered to the Arizona Humane Society after his owner’s health took an unfortunate turn and they were no longer able to care for him, this handsome boy hopes there is a family who is able to give him the love and care he so deserves.
Although it is not uncommon, this lovely kitty’s story is a great example of ensuring to have a plan in place for your pets should an emergency arise. Both short and long term. As much as we love our pets and think those close to us can easily take them in and care for them, there are often many circumstances in which that is not the case.
Keller underwent a medical evaluation once in AHS’ care and it was found that he may have limited vision due to microphthalmia. Micropthalmia is a condition where the eye is smaller than it should be either due to a birth defect or an injury that happened to it. While it gives him a special look, this does not bother Keller at the moment and does not affect his quality of life.
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 kind Keller, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.
—Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Razzle: A sweet cat
Razzle and Roxie (not pictured), 6-year-old sisters, were adopted as kittens by a cat-loving gentleman who recently passed away. His wife chose to surrender them to Sun Cities 4 Paws. Razzle is a beautiful silky-haired brown tabby who loves attention in the form of petting, brushing, and being picked up.
Razzle and her sister are not very bonded so it was decided they could go to separate homes, where Razzle might prefer to be the only cat. She has a sweet nature and will hopefully find another loving home soon.
How to adopt: Visit her at 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 from 10 am-3 pm Tuesdays-Saturdays, also on adoption days. Other cats hoping for new homes are at the shelter, 10807 N. 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
Rufus: A bright spot in your life
With a smile as bright as his personality, Rufus sure is a bright light even on the dimmest of days. The lovable 4-year-old Bluetick Hound made his way to the Arizona Humane Society when his owner was sadly hospitalized and no longer able to care for him.
With no one able to take him in, a caring neighbor noticed this pup was on his own after this unfortunate situation and alerted AHS’ Field Rescue team. Rufus was transported to the shelter’s Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™ where he was evaluated and seen to be extremely healthy.
Rufus has shown to be extremely sweet and patient, even while getting medical examinations where he allowed all handling during his checkups. Although not much is known about his past, it is clear that Rufus is a loving boy who is as gentle as he is cute. As a hound pup, he would do well with a family that loves to go on long walks, has an affinity for playtime and likes cuddling up to cute four-legged dogs with even cuter spots.
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 ridiculously cute Rufus, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.
—Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Ruby Tuesday: Ready to down settle
Ruby Tuesday is a domestic short-haired female Tabby cat who is about 1-year-old. Ruby Tuesday found herself hanging out on Mill Avenue listening to poetry and Indie bands. She decided to leave that life behind and settle down with a family of her own.
Ruby Tuesday is a sweet and gentle girl who has a lot of stories to share.
How to adopt: Ruby Tuesday is living at the Friends for Life Animal Rescue’s adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert. Her adoption fee is $175. 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 Ruby Tuesday, please contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296, e-mail [email protected], or visit Friends for Life online at www.azfriends.org for more information. Lots of other cats (and dogs) waiting for homes as well so come on by!
— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life
