Risky Biscuit 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.
Dolly: She will always love you
As a rescuer of more than 15,000 sick, injured and abused pets each year, the Arizona Humane Society has taken care of many differently-abled pets throughout its almost 65 years of existence. While each pet is unique and special in its own way, AHS is celebrating specially-abled pets in honor of their nationally dedicated day that took place last week.
One such pet is Dolly. Dolly, an adorable 4-year-old black Labrador Retriever, has shown how persevering she is after undergoing surgery to remove both of her eyes due to medical complications. Rescued as an injured stray in March of this year by an AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technician, this resilient lady underwent more than a month of medical treatment both in shelter and in a Foster Hero home and has adjusted incredibly well to her new life.
This sweet pup has a huge heart, loves attention, is potty trained and, like most blind pets, has shown that with a little help and patience, she can navigate this world just as well as her seeing counterparts. While not much is known about her past, Dolly can be a little bit shy at first but promises to open up with lots of love and comfort while she learns to navigate her future forever home.
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 delightful Dolly, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt. Additionally, all AHS pets have waived adoption fees now through May 15 thanks to the Bissell Pet Foundation!
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Risky Biscuit: A patient gem
Risky Biscuit is an adorable little 2-year-old, 11-pound Chihuahua with the most gorgeous light brindle coat. Risky Biscuit went out with his fabulous kennel buddy Jane to where else but her favorite store — Home Goods! Jane tells us that this chihuahua is quite the gem. He is a patient boy while getting his harness fitted. He was calm and quiet and helped her pick out some new spring decor. She said he has an even temperament and nothing seemed to phase him. He rides beautifully in the car with a secured leash.
Back at the adoption center, he showed off some of his skills while working on enrichment activities. One of his favorite things to do is to roll in the grass on his back! Risky Biscuit is a sweetheart, but can be a little bossy with other dogs so he'll be happiest as your only canine companion, and is hoping to find a family who will spoil him!
How to adopt: He is currently residing at Friends for Life's adoption center, located at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert, and ready to go home! Risky Biscuit is neutered, licensed, vaccinated, and microchipped and his adoption fee is $375. For more information on Risky Biscuit please contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296, e-mail FFLdogs@azfriends.org, or visit azfriends.org.
— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life
Mr. Thumbs: A case of threes
All pets are deserving of loving, caring homes. While it may take some pets longer to find their forever families, the Arizona Humane Society is dedicated to ensuring all its adoptable pets get the chance of finding their happily ever after. In honor of May 3 being National Specially Abled Pets Day, AHS is highlighting one of its most special babies.
While Mr. Thumbs may only have three limbs, he makes up for it with extra toes as a polydactyl kitty. Rescued as an injured stray in March, the handsome 3-year-old Domestic Shorthair orange tabby who came to AHS with a broken front limb. After medical evaluation in AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital, it was determined that Mr. Thumbs would need surgery to remove his leg as it could not be saved.
Like most pets who undergo this surgery, Mr. Thumbs has quickly grown accustomed to life as a tri-pawed! While he appreciates a nice nap on the couch, this chill cat loves to do all the normal feline things including playing with feather toys, watching the birds out the window and perching on his kitty condo. Mr. Thumbs, and all differently abled pets, are extremely perseverant in their ability to overcome challenges, they just need the chance, love and patience to show it.
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 extra-toed Mr. Thumbs, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt. Additionally, all AHS pets have waived adoption fees now through May 15 thanks to the Bissell Pet Foundation!
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Rylan: High-flying 1-year-old
Rylan is a 1-year-old tabby who loves to view the world from as high up as he can get. He’s a sweet boy who enjoys being picked up and petted and does all of those normal feline activities 1-year-olds indulge in. Not only that, but he’s a very handsome fellow as well.
How to adopt: The Bissell Pet Foundation is sponsoring a nationwide Empty the Shelters promotion in May, so Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue are charging only $25 for adult cats 1-7 years old from May 3-7 at their Peoria and Youngtown locations. They are also waiving all fees for senior cats 8 years and older. Take advantage of this offer, a win-win for both you and your new pet. Rylan is at 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown; call 623-876-8778 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, also the adoption days. The Peoria location is at 10807 N. 96th Avenue, 623-773-2246, same hours and days. Other locations are the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road, and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Adopt a pet: Risky Biscuit and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters
