Big Momma 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.
Big Momma: Bunny looking for a home
With adorably big eyes, a sweet disposition and a little nose that doesn’t quit, Big Momma is a gorgeous girl who has overcome the odds. As caretakers of more than 17,000 sick, injured and abused pets last year alone, giving pets like this 3-year-old shorthair rabbit a second chance at a good life is what the Arizona Humane Society’s work is all about.
Big Momma is just one of 139 rabbits rescued from a hoarding case in September (which turned into more than 170 after a few bunnies gave birth) and just one of more than 8,100 calls for suspected cruelty AHS’ Cruelty Investigators go on each year. Given an exam in the shelter’s trauma hospital, it was determined the soft girl was healthy enough to keep receiving care in a Foster Hero home.
Little buns like Big Momma and her kin are great examples of how just a few unfixed pets can quickly become unmanageable. AHS not only provides low-cost spay/neuters for the community through its veterinary clinics but also has a 100% spay or neuter policy for its adoptable pets, including rabbits. Although Big Momma has been through so much, she continues to be a loving girl who accepts handling and would love a patient home that helps her live the best life she can.
How to adopt: All rabbits at AHS, including Big Momma, have 100% waived adoption fees throughout the month of November! Interested adopters can meet this cute girl at the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain location. Her adoption fee includes her spay surgery, a microchip and 20% off AHS’ Petique retail. Visit azhumane.org/adopt to choose one of three convenient ways to adopt based on your schedule, including curbside for kittens and critters.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Rylan: A perfect pet
Hurry in! This 1-year-old boy won’t last long on the adoption market!
Rylan sadly had to be returned to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue as his owner was no longer able to care for him. He is a handsome gray and black tabby, who loves attention in the form of brushing, being picked up, chin rubs, and he gets along with other cats. All in all, he is one perfect pet!
How to adopt: Visit Rylan at 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays.
To see other adoptable cats, visit the shelter at 10807 N. 96th Avenue; call and visit the 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
Muffin: Ready for new friends
Always fashionable, even without his bandana, 2-year-old Muffin is such a cute sight to behold. The lovable miniature Poodle mix made his way to the Arizona Humane Society as a sick stray in October after being rescued by one of the shelter’s Emergency Animal Medical Technicians.
Found with missing hair and irritated skin throughout his body including on his legs, under his belly and on his ears, it was clear that the tiny 12-pound pup was not feeling well. Once given a look over in AHS’ trauma hospital, it was found that adorable Muffin was suffering from mange and also needed a dental to help fix some broken teeth.
After just a few weeks of treatment including medication and specialized baths, Muffin has tested negative for his skin condition and is feeling much better without those pesky teeth. Although he is feeling better physically, this button-nosed baby can be a bit shy at first. With a bit of love and patience, the curly-haired pup comes out of his shell and is eager to make new friends (at his pace, of course).
How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet mighty Muffin at the Arizona Humane Society’s PetSmart Scottsdale location. His adoption fee includes his neuter 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
Filemon: Treat lover
Filemon is named after a Latin comic book character. He is a 1-year-old Schnauzer-Yorkie blend and he weighs around 19 pounds.
He was turned in by his previous family when they were no longer able to care for him. He has done well around adults and children. He has been around other dogs.
Filemon knows basic commands, understands Spanish, loves all treats, and really loves chewy treats. He was crate trained when he was younger, but they did not need to crate him recently. He does well walking on a leash and loves walks!
Filemon is staying in one of the wonderful volunteer foster homes of Friends for Life Animal Rescue. His foster family says he's a perfect house guest — sleeps on the floor in the bedroom at night, he's fully housetrained, and he loves his toys!
How to adopt: He will be at the Friends for Life adoption center on Saturdays, or until adopted. The adoption center is located at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert. If you are interested in meeting him you can also contact Debbie@azfriends.org to set up a weekday appointment. Filemon is neutered, licensed, vaccinated, and microchipped. His adoption fee is $325. To find out more about Friends for Life and other cats and dogs looking for homes visit them online at www.azfriends.org.
— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Adopt a pet: Big Momma and others up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters
