Hamster 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.
Hamster: Looking for love
With a striking resemblance to the cutest potato anyone has ever seen, Hamster sure loves to ham it up. His adorably unique features include forever puppy eyes, a tongue that likes to make random appearances and shorter legs than he most likely should have as a 7-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier.
Although new to the adoption floor this time around, Hamster has a long-running history with the Arizona Humane Society as he was rescued from a cruelty situation by AHS Cruelty Investigators all the way back in 2017. Found to have untreated wounds including a healing fracture in his front right leg, this sweet baby is a true testament to why AHS tirelessly works to help sick, injured and abused pets of the Valley each and every day.
After being treated, adorable Hamster quickly found his forever home and was clearly given lots of love and care in the five years he was with his previous family. Unfortunately, circumstances changed for them and this senior boy found himself back at AHS yet again.
Although Hamster had a tough start in life, he is hoping that his luck of quickly being adopted happens again. Friendly with people (including children) and in need of a bit of a diet, the lovable pup would adore a family where he is the only dog in the home as he prefers all the attention!
How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet this hammy Hamster at the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain Campus at 1520 W. Dobbins Rd. in Phoenix. 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 — by appointment, walk-in or curbside (cats and critters only)!
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Floof: A friendly, furry friend
Floof was adopted as a kitten and is now four years old. Smart girl that she is, maybe a little too smart, she has discovered how to get out the doggie door, which is a no-no. For her own good and safety, she has returned to Sun Cities 4 Paws for adoption into a safer environment.
She’s a beauty, very friendly and loves as much attention as she can get. She doesn’t mind being picked up and enjoys being brushed. If you find a lump in the middle of your bed, don’t sit on it! It’s Floof, who loves to crawl under blankets.
How to adopt: Visit her at 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown; call 623-876-8778 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, which are adoption days. Other locations are 10807 N. 96th Avenue, Peoria, 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
Scoobert: A resilient kitten
As an underaged, orphaned kitten brought to the Arizona Humane Society by a good samaritan in July, the odds were certainly stacked against Scoobert. With swollen, infected eyes in addition to his already fragile state, the now 15-week-old brown tabby is quite a strong being.
While receiving round-the-clock care in AHS’ Bottle Baby ICU, Scoobert was also receiving medical attention in hopes of saving his eyesight. However, once of age for surgery, it was clear that the infection was too much for him to overcome.
As is seen time and time again at the shelter, special needs pets are incredibly resilient and Scoobert is no exception to this! Having spent time in a Foster Hero home to recover from surgery, it was quickly evident just how much this kitten loves kitten things including playing, receiving attention and giving lots of affection to his people with cuddles and kisses.
How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet sweet Scoobert at the Arizona Humane Society’s Old Town PetSmart adoption location at 4380 N. Miller Rd. in Scottsdale. 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 — by appointment, walk-in or curbside (cats and critters only)!
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Sally Carrera and the gang: The kitty bunch
Sally Carrera arrived at Friends for Life Animal Rescue extremely pregnant. She is a 2-year-old domestic, short-haired calico cat. Sally and her kittens, Cruz Ramirez (calico), Chick Hicks (calico), Tow Mater (red tabby), and Mack (red tabby) are now ready to find their forever homes!
Sally has been a wonderful mom and is ready to start a new life in her forever home. She has done a fabulous job raising her babies and everyone is now ready to move on to the next chapter in their lives. She and her family would love to meet you!
How to adopt: Their adoption fee is $225 each. Friends for Life Animal Rescue's adoption center is located at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert. No appointment is needed, just visit the center when they are open! 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, Sally Carrera and her kids, or other cats or dogs looking for homes, visit www.afriends.org or call 480-497-8296.
— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Adopt a pet: Hamster and others up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters
