PETS

Moto 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.

Maple: Loves to greet people with wiggles and tail wags 

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

Maple is a 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who was brought to the Arizona Humane Society back in May after her owner discovered she was pregnant, and they could not care for her and the puppies. It was clear to AHS' staff that this expectant mother was just days away from giving birth, so to keep her comfortable, Maple was quickly transferred to AHS' Mutternity Suites, a specialized isolation unit that offers a quiet, safe place for mothers to give birth to under medical supervision.  

It wasn’t long before Maple welcomed six adorable puppies into the world – Autumn, Juniper, Fern, Rose, Willow and Rowan. Luckily, one of AHS' Foster Heroes opened their home to this little family, allowing Maple to continue to nurse her little pack until they are ready to find their forever homes.  

Now that her puppies are old enough, it's Maple's turn to find a loving home of her own. At 3 years old, Maple still has plenty of energy. She would love to go on walks and play fetch with her new family. She does need to be the only dog in her new home. She prefers not to have to share the attention of her humans with any other dogs. When it comes to her human friends, she is a social butterfly. Maple wiggles and wags as soon as you approach her and will lean in to greet any human she meets with a big wet kiss.   

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 magnificent Maple, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Moto: A lucky boy who loves to nibble and cuddle 

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

Moto seems a strange name for a cat, but not if he is found under the hood of a car, hiding near the motor. This lucky boy was rescued and brought to Sun Cities 4 Paws. He is six months old and an extremely handsome tabby who is really sweet, playful and a cuddler, as well. He likes to sit on a shoulder where he can give little love nibbles onto a nearby cheek. He is fully vaccinated, neutered and has been found to be FeLV+, which means his immune system isn’t quite up to par. As long as he is kept indoors away from dangers in the wilds, he should live a long and healthy life.

How to adopt: Visit Moto at 11129 Michigan Ave. Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 after 9 a.m.; adoptions are Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Other adoption locations are at 10807 N. 96th Ave., Peoria; 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m., adoptions Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road; and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Ollie Long Legs: A good listener who loves belly rubs 

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

Ollie Long Legs is a 6-year-old male Miniature Pinscher mix that weighs about 20 pounds and has the longest legs that are ready to jump right into your heart and home. He joined Friends for Life Animal Rescue as a stray from Maricopa County Animal Control, and now he's looking for his forever family.  Ollie is easygoing, likes walks and exploring. During a long weekend stayover with a volunteer, he showed that he is housetrained and dog door trained. He loves to be scratched and talked to (he's a very good listener), and he will sit next to you if belly rubs are involved! Ollie Long Legs is currently living at Friends for Life's adoption center and looks forward to showing off his legs and everything else he has to offer his new forever family. Ollie is neutered, licensed, microchipped and vaccinated. His adoption fee is $225.

How to adopt: If you are interested in meeting Ollie Long Legs, visit the adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert, call 480-497-8296, email FFLdogs@azfriends.org, or visit them online at azfriends.org to get started with the consultation form and find hours of operation.

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life

Ruby Roo: Searching for a home of her own after Hurricane Ida 

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

Like so many before her, Ruby Roo headed west for a shot at a better life. This sweet Australian Cattle Dog mix had been patiently waiting for a new home at the Louisiana ASPCA. Then, Mother Nature intervened in her story. Hurricane Ida slammed into Louisiana, leaving the SPCA without power or even clean water to care for their animals. 

With the lives of pets like Ruby Roo in jeopardy, the Arizona Humane Society knew they had to act quickly. AHS deployed a team of six staff members, who drove through the night to reach these pets who had nowhere else to go. Together, they brought 14 cats and 26 dogs, including Ruby Roo, back to Arizona for a second chance at a great life.  

Ruby Roo and the rest of the Hurricane Ida survivors have now recovered from their 22-hour road trip and are adjusting well. With her paws now safely on dry land, Ruby Roo’s sweet personality has begun to blossom. She is very friendly and affectionate. She greets everyone she meets with a big tail wag. Now, she is searching for a home of her own here in Arizona. She would love to find an active family who can take her on hikes and long walks. 

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, Ruby Roo, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society