Aphrodite 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.

Aphrodite: A real goddess

Meet Aphrodite, the sweetest girl who is eagerly looking for her forever home! This American Staffordshire Terrier is a bundle of joy, and has already learned lots of cool tricks! But she is not stopping there, as the lovely pup is always excited to learn more with your help. Aphrodite is potty trained and knows how to sit like a pro. Her favorite pastime is going on long walks along the trail, sniffing out new scents with her curious nose. She cannot wait to meet you and shower you with love and affection.

Sadly, Aphrodite was surrendered to the Arizona Humane Society by her previous owners because she prefers to have all of the attention to herself. Ready for a new forever home, the smiley pup is eager to start anew. When she first came to AHS the cute doggo needed some dental care but thanks to AHS’ dedicated team, she is now in excellent health. Aphrodite is hoping to be the only pet in her new home, so she can be your one and only companion. And here is some great news – her adoption fee is waived! If you're looking for a loving and devoted companion, do not miss out on the chance to meet Aphrodite! Visit her soon and let this delightful girl steal your heart.

How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet the amazing Aphrodite at the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain location. Her adoption fee is waived and includes her spay surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip, and a follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. Visit azhumane.org/adopt to learn more and see all of AHS’ adoptable pets.

— Erin Jackson, Arizona Humane Society

Muffin Top: Your new fluffy buddy

Muffin Top looks very relaxed now, but just a short time ago life wasn’t so easy, living in a backyard drainage pipe with five babies to care for. Fortunately, they were found and brought to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue and her life has turned around.

This beautiful dark gray kitty, with a soft-as-velvet coat, that she loves to have brushed, is about a year old and has been spayed and has had all necessary shots.

Muffin likes to look out windows to check the outside world but is more than happy to be living inside. Although she will tolerate another cat, she seems to prefer to be a loner and dogs are not on her friend list. She doesn’t mind being picked up, either.

How to adopt: Check her out at 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., also adoption days. Other adoptable cats are at the shelter, 10807 N. 96th Ave., Peoria. Call 623-773-2246, same days and hours, and the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Buddy: Wants to steal your heart

Buddy, the resilient brown brindle American Pit Bull Terrier, is on a quest to find his forever family after overcoming adversity. A compassionate Good Samaritan's timely call brought Buddy to the Arizona Humane Society’s attention when he was spotted with numerous abrasions scattered across his body. Rushing into action, AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technicians swiftly brought him into the shelter’s dedicated animal trauma hospital. With unwavering care and expertise, AHS’ team diligently tended to Buddy's wounds, and today, he stands tall as a testament to the power of love and compassion.

At 4 years old, Buddy's charming personality shines through as he exudes playfulness and affection to everyone he meets. He adores spending quality time with his favorite humans, forming unbreakable bonds through long walks and exploratory adventures. Now fully healed and ready for his next chapter, Buddy eagerly awaits the opportunity to steal the hearts of a forever family. If you are searching for a loyal and loving companion, do not miss the chance to meet this remarkable canine at AHS’ South Mountain Campus.

Buddy’s adoption fee is waived and includes his neuter surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip, and a follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. Visit azhumane.org/adopt to learn more and see all of AHS’ adoptable pets.

— Erin Jackson, Arizona Humane Society

Miss Molly: Looking for an active friend

Good golly, Miss Molly is a beautiful 1-year-old, 42-pound Husky blend that joined Friends for Life Animal Rescue recently from the Humane Society of Yuma.

This gorgeous girl has incredible eyes and a lot of energy! She is very excited to get out and go! She will be a great fit with an active family who likes to take her on excursions, such as hiking. If there will be another dog in her home, a dog of similar size and similar play style would be most appropriate, as her play style might seem rough to some dogs.

Because Molly is an active, energetic girl, if there will be children in her home, kids 12 and older would be recommended. She can be "mouthy" and chew on her leash. The amazing volunteers at Friends for Life are working on some basic training with her.

How to adopt: This gorgeous girl is waiting for adoption at Friends for Life's adoption center, located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. Molly is spayed, licensed, microchipped, and current on vaccinations. Molly's adoption fee is $295. For information on other cats and dogs looking for homes at Friends for Life Animal Rescue call 480-497-8296, or visit azfriends.org

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Adopt a pet: Aphrodite and more pets in Phoenix-area shelters