PETS

Linus and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters this week

The Republic

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.

Linus: The perfect security blanket 

Interested adopters can view available pets, like Linus, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.

Named after a character from the beloved cartoon series Peanuts, Linus is sure to be the cutest furry version of a security blanket with his loving and relaxed demeanor. The 10-year-old Boxer mix found his way to the Arizona Humane Society in February after his owner, unfortunately, passed away and he had nowhere else to go. A stark reminder to always have a plan in place for your furry family members should an emergency or something unexpected occur.

Once in AHS’ care, this sweet older pup was found to have a few medical conditions that come with age including cataracts and worn teeth. Additionally, adorable Linus underwent surgery in the shelter’s animal trauma hospital to have a few masses removed then spent some time being pampered in a loving Foster Hero home until he recovered.

Now that he is feeling much better, Linus is hoping to find the perfect forever home that enjoys his lovable, friendly and easygoing self. Having lived with other pets before, including cats, this cute senior is sure to be a great addition to any household but would appreciate meeting any pups or kids in the home to ensure a perfect fit. Linus also is a very wise doggo and knows all of his commands!

How to adopt: The Arizona Humane Society’s adoption locations remain closed as the shelter continues to heal and rehabilitate pets coming in but its Virtual Matchmaking Adoptions by appointment is available to place pets with their forever families. Interested adopters can view available pets, like Linus, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Houdini: A handsome fellow in a tuxedo  

If you are interested in meeting Houdini, please call Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, 623-876-8778 or 623-773-2246 after 9 a.m.

Houdini is a mighty handsome 2-year-old in a black and white tuxedo. He was a stray who may have been living with feral cats, which may account for the fact that he is very shy around people and cautious in his dealings with them. He gets along great with other cats and is very playful. He’s not very fond of being picked up yet. 

Houdini will need a person who is patient and willing to give him a chance to come around at his own pace. Once he learns that his person only wants the very best for him, good things will happen!

How to adopt: Pay Houdini a visit at Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 after 9 a.m., or 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m. Adoptions are Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Other locations are the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road, and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Crimson: Shy with a goofy personality 

Interested adopters can view available pets, like Crimson, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.

With his perky ears, cute furry freckles and sweet face, Crimson is sure to be your favorite color once you get to know this pup! The adorable 4-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix was brought to the Arizona Humane Society in February through its Project Reachout program from Maricopa County Animal Care and Control when it was overrun with pets and AHS had space.

Once in AHS’ care, it has been found that Crimson can be quite a shy pup and he would benefit from a patient, loving home where he can adjust at his own pace. Because of his mysterious past as a stray, AHS’ Behavior Team has been working with this cute pup to help him learn to trust humans.

For Crimson, he would greatly benefit from a family that understands positive reinforcement and works with him by using reward-based methods including treats – lots of treats! This cute boy values his personal space and also loves to have toys around to help bring out his cute, goofy personality. Because of his tendency to be a bit shy, Crimson needs to meet all family members in the home and should live with older children.

How to adopt: The Arizona Humane Society’s adoption locations remain closed as the shelter continues to heal and rehabilitate pets coming in but its Virtual Matchmaking Adoptions by appointment is available to place pets with their forever families. Interested adopters can view available pets, like Crimson, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Huckleberry: A gem of a dog 

If you're interested in Huckleberry, please go to azfriends.org to fill out a consultation form and then head to the adoption center at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert.

Huckleberry is a gem of a dog! He hopes to find a home to call his own very soon. Huckleberry is about 9 years old. He weighs in at about 99 lbs. His new family should know he needs to go on a weight loss plan. Huckleberry made his way to Friends for Life by way of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control where he originally was found as a stray. Huckleberry is fun and sometimes a bit of a "bad boy". He loves his toys, but if you leave the TV remote where he can get it, he also thinks that is his toy. Huckleberry resides in a foster home where his foster mom says "I can't believe this guy is 9 years old. He is so much fun to have around".

How to adopt: Huckleberry is available for adoption every Saturday (until he finds his forever home) at the Friends for Life adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. Huckleberry does need to be the only animal in the home as he doesn't like to share his toys. He enjoyed chasing kitties in his foster home. Huckleberry's adoption fee is $95.00. He is neutered, vaccinated, licensed and microchipped. Email FFLdogs@azfriends.org or call 480-497-8296 to schedule a meeting with him! Please visit Friends for Life's website at http://www.azfriends.org, to fill out a consultation form then head to the adoption center. If Huckleberry has already been adopted by the time you contact us, there are many others looking for homes. 

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life