Bianca 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.

Bianca: Ready for belly rubs

Bianca is a true rags-to-riches story! This adorable 1-year-old Schnauzer mix has already overcome so much in her young life before being rescued by the Arizona Humane Society in July. When AHS' Emergency Animal Medical Technicians first rescued her from an overcrowded backyard, she and the other dogs were terrified.

While undergoing medical evaluation, she was found to have some minor wounds as well as untreated abscesses. Throughout her treatment, it was clear Bianca had never enjoyed the perks of being a dog as she seemingly had never been walked on a leash, and she was very shy and nervous. But with the help of AHS' dedicated staff and volunteers, Bianca and the rest of the other pups from this case have slowly come out of their shells.

Bianca has already shown just how smart and eager to learn she is as she has been taught several commands like "sit", "spin" and "touch." She even showed off her new tricks on a field trip to Lowe's Home Improvement in the hopes of meeting someone special. AHS' volunteers say she is very curious and enjoyed exploring all the new scents in the store. She even greeted new people with a happy tail wag! Now, Bianca is looking for a home that will spoil her with lots of love and belly rubs!

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 the beautiful Bianca, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt. Additionally, Bianca’s adoption fee is waived to help her find her perfect forever family!

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Missy Ebon: A lovable lap cat

Another beautiful black kitty, and there is a good reason. October is approaching and that is the month that no black cats are offered for adoption — it has to do with Halloween. The more black cats that can find their forever homes now the better it will be — both for them and for you!

Four-year-old Missy Ebon was surrendered to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue because her owners began traveling and was unable to take her with them. Missy is a lap sitter, although she doesn’t like the picking-up part. She also loves to chase laser lights and jump for dangling toys.

She gets along with other cats, if they like her, and dogs. Notice those beautiful eyes!

How to adopt: Check out Missy Ebon at 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 after 10 a.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays, which are also adoption days. Other adoptable cats are at the shelter, 10807 N. 96th Avenue, Peoria. Call 623-773-2246, same hours and days. Even more choices are at the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road, and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Duke of Kensington: Looking for the royal treatment

As with all pets, this canine most certainly is royalty he just happens to also have a name that reflects his noble status. Perhaps the youngest to be named in quite a while, the Duke of Kensington is a 2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix who is sure to be ace in everyone’s books.

For all of the pets in the Arizona Humane Society’s care, it truly takes a village to help the sick, injured and abused animals that are cared for in the shelter each day. Duke of Kensington was found as an injured stray wandering the blistering streets of Phoenix by a Good Samaritan. Upon evaluation in AHS’ trauma hospital, it was found that he was extremely nervous and in need of medical care.

While at AHS, Duke has undergone treatment for a few wounds, a puppy cold and “happy tail” due to injuring his tail from wagging too much while in the kennel. Although he has made great strides while in the shelter, it is clear that this happy-go-lucky pup is in desperate need of being in a loving home as he is quite stressed in a shelter environment.

A lover of walks, getting lots of pets from his favorite humans and any and all playtime, Duke of Kensington would flourish in a home with people who are just as active as he is. If his sweet disposition is not quite enough to help you fall in love, one look at his unique bouncy ears is sure to do the trick.

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 the dashing Duke of Kensington, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt. Additionally, Duke’s adoption fee is waived to help her find her perfect forever family!

P. Hatceher EV

P. Hatcher is a very handsome, domestic short-haired, black and white male cat about seven years old. He is a friendly and affectionate cat and a wonderful boy.

P. Hatcher tested positive for FIV but is, otherwise very healthy. He can go on to live a long, healthy, and happy life. The adoption consultants at Friends for Life Animal Rescue would be happy to elaborate on what this diagnosis means for P. Hatcher and the family that adopts him.

How to adopt: His adoption fee is $50. If you would like to meet P. Hatcher he is living at Friends for Life's adoption center, located at 952 W. Melody Avenue, in Gilbert. At Friends for Life, animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and dewormed. Cats are also tested for FELV/FIV. For more information on Friends for Life, P. Hatcher, or other cats and dogs looking for homes, visit www.azfriends.org.

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Adopt a pet: Bianca and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters