Spuds 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.

Spuds: Hot dog connoisseur

Basset Hound legs with a Golden Retriever head and body…this pup isn’t sure anyone could put together a more perfect combination than that but he is a little biased, of course. At the Arizona Humane Society, one thing is clear: all breeds — and a combination of breeds — are the cutest in our eyes!

Spuds is an absolutely adorable gentleman who found himself at AHS earlier this month after he was rescued as an injured stray by a Good Samaritan who took him to a local emergency animal clinic. From there, an AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technician transferred him to the shelter’s trauma hospital for an evaluation. It was found that Spuds had wounds around his neck that were extremely painful, some tummy issues, and was in need of a dental.

Now that it has been a few weeks, this cute senior dog is a bit stressed in the kennels and would love a forever home to call his own. Spuds is an absolute angel on a leash, loves seeking attention from his human friends and is a self-proclaimed hot dog connoisseur. Although he is older, Spuds loves a great play session and is a puzzle toy master.

How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet with super Spuds at the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain 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

Beck: An attention seeker

It’s not often that the perfect feline comes along for adoption, but Beck fits the bill.

This handsome 2-year-old orange tabby was found as a friendly stray and was taken for neutering, thus the clipped ear. He was then brought to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue in order to find a permanent home.

Beck really does have it all. While he might appear shy at the first meeting, he quickly warms up and becomes the perfect boy he is — a loving lap cat who quickly lets you know how much he is enjoying the attention with his easy-to-hear purring.

Beck is just fine with other cats and doesn’t mind being picked up and brushed. Being a 2-year-old, he loves to play with kitty toys.

How to adopt: Pay him a visit at 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown; call 623-876-8778 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, also adoption days. Other sites for adoptable cats are the shelter at 10807 N. 96th Ave., Peoria, 623-773-2246, same hours and days, and the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Rd.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Tyler: A happy walker

Senior pets are truly such a gem. Loyal and loving beyond compare. At 8 years old, Tyler is an adorable senior pup who has been waiting for his forever home for much too long.

This adorable senior dog was brought to the Arizona Humane Society as a confiscate in December with wounds on his head and throughout his body, ear infections and dental disease. Although he was confiscated due to his owner being evicted, it was clear Tyler needed additional help. After being treated in the shelter’s trauma hospital, he has been patiently waiting for a family to fall in love with him.

Thanks to a few absolutely amazing AHS volunteers, Tyler got out of the shelter for a little bit on a very fun field trip! Tyler went on a hike, got a pup cup from Starbucks and even took a little nap after a long day of fun. Through this fun outing, it was discovered that Tyler rides great in the car, is a happy walker, loves meeting strangers and is a huge lovebug who loves to give kisses and cuddles – all this sweet boy wants is affection and attention from his people! With more than 70 days at AHS, AHS hopes someone reading his story falls in love with him as much as everyone at the shelter has.

How to adopt: In order to help her find the perfect family, Tyler’s adoption fee is waived! Interested adopters can meet with terrific Tyler at the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain location. His waived 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

Whimsy: A playful cat

Whimsy is a domestic, long-haired, silver and white tabby cat about 6 years old. She is a gorgeous girl who is very loving. Though recently diagnosed with diabetes, this condition is fairly easy to manage. Whimsy has a special diet and receives insulin twice a day.

Whimsy is playful and enjoys being pet and loves to give head bunts. She also enjoys being brushed and playing with her laser toy, cat nip toys, and the wand bird toy.

How to adopt: Whimsy resides at Friends for Life Animal Rescue's adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. Her adoption fee is $125. At Friends for Life, animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and dewormed. Cats are tested for FELV/FIV. For more information on Friends for Life Animal Rescue, Whimsy, or other cats or dogs looking for homes, visit azfriends.org, call 480-497-8296, or visit their adoption center.

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life

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