Athena 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.
Athena: Ready to play
One look at this regal pup and it is no wonder she is named after a Greek goddess. Athena is a 2-year-old Carolina dog mix who loves playing with her toys, splashing in the water and going for car rides. She has excellent house manners, is house-trained, and is happy to entertain herself or play with her favorite humans. It is important to share that Athena does not walk, she prances, just like the deity she is!
The absolutely adorable pup made her way to the Arizona Humane Society in November her previous owner sadly passed away and their next of kin were unable to care for her. She has been treated for kennel cough while with AHS and has also had a very hard time adjusting to life in a shelter. As one of AHS’ longest residents and after all she has been through, no one can blame her.
Athena is currently staying in a foster home and is in need of extra help finding an adopter due to the fact that those looking in the shelter will not see her on the adoption floor. The lovable pup is part of AHS' Couch Surfer program, which provides pets who are experiencing signs of stress in the shelter with a place to "crash." These pets remain available for adoption as they decompress, and the shelter’s team gets to learn a lot about their behavior in a home environment. Athena is a lucky gal who gets to stay with one of AHS' most dedicated Foster Heroes but of course would much rather be in a forever home to call her own.
How to adopt: In order to help her find the perfect family, Athena’s adoption fee is waived! Interested adopters can meet with adorable Athena by calling 602.997.7585 ext. 1145 or visiting azhumane.org/adopt to set up an appointment to meet her. Her waived adoption fee includes her spay surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Meeko: Ready to steal your heart
Meeko is a sleek black kitty, almost 7 years old, who was rescued when he appeared to be homeless and hanging around an apartment complex.
He’s very friendly with people and loves attention. He seems to get along fine with other felines as well. He doesn’t mind being picked up and appears to be a pretty mellow boy.
Meeko has had all of his shots and necessary tests by a vet and is also now microchipped. He is, of course, neutered.
How to adopt: Visit him at Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, 11129 Michigan Ave. in Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit other adoption locations at the shelter, 10807 N. 96th Avenue, Peoria; 623-773-2246, same hours and days, and the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Rd.
— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws
Buttons: A purrfect coworker
Looking for a work-from-home buddy that is as cute as a button? Or how about a feline friend to give you a little shoulder massage after a long day? If your answer was “yes” to either of those questions, Buttons is sure to be the girl for you!
Sweet and sour is how Arizona Humane Society staff who know and love Buttons would describe her signature “cattitude,” as the 2-year-old kitty truly thinks she is the queen bee. Like many cats, this beautiful girl is an independent spirit who likes to decide for herself when it is time for cuddles and will even knead on her officemate’s shoulder if they have been working too hard.
Buttons was originally brought to AHS in June of last year after a Good Samaritan found her as a sick stray. Treated in the shelter’s trauma hospital for tummy issues, the striped beauty was quickly adopted once medically sound but unfortunately has found herself back at AHS. For this diva, the perfect home would be where she can be the center of attention with a calm, quiet environment where she can adjust at her own pace.
Interested adopters can meet with beautiful Buttons at the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain location. Her adoption fee includes her spay surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. Visit azhumane.org/adopt to choose one of three convenient ways to adopt based on your schedule.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Pops: Looking for a forever playdate
Pops is a 3-year-old, 22-pound Terrier blend. Our suspicions are he may be blended with poodle. Whatever mix he is we know he is darn cute!
Pops is a shy boy and it takes him a little time to warm up. Pops is housetrained, loves to play with toys and other dogs, and uses the dog door, but he is a little wary of men and children. He prefers to sleep in bed with you too! He'll do best in a home with a yard to potty, and if there are kids he'll do best with kids over the age of 12.
Pops lights up around other dogs, so for his quality of life he must go to a home with another dog.
How to adopt: This sweet boy is living at Friends for Life's adoption center and would love to meet you and your dog! Pops is neutered, licensed, microchipped, and current on vaccinations. His adoption fee is $295. Friends for Life Animal Rescue is located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. For more information on other dogs or cats looking for homes, visit azfriends.org, call 480-4978296, or visit the adoption center.
— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Adopt a pet: Athena and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters
