Breana 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.
Bella Dozer: A charming dog looking for a home
With an adorable head tilt and some of the cutest ears in town, Bella Dozer sure knows how to turn on the charm. The absolute angel of a pup found her way to the Arizona Humane Society in November her family noticed she became too overwhelmed with the number of pets in the home and was in need of a change.
With nowhere else to go this beautiful 7-year-old American pit bull terrier found her way to the shelter. Extremely friendly with everyone she meets, it was immediately clear to AHS medical staff that Bella was in need of a diet change and exercise to help get her to a better weight. This curvaceous beauty hit the scale at an incredible 93 pounds and is currently on a feeding plan and has received lots of out-of-kennel time to show off how well she walks on a leash and get her booty moving a bit more.
Bella has no problem making friends anywhere she goes and is always so happy to see new people. And although this sweetheart gets along with other pups, she does best with pets that are a bit on the calmer side or when there are not too many trying to interact with her at once. Because of this, Bella Dozer will need to meet any pups in the home and would do best with other furry friends that match her laidback demeanor.
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 beautiful Bella Dozer, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt. Additionally, ALL pets have completely waived fees now through December 20th thanks to Bissell Pet Foundation!
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Breana: Needs a loving home for the holidays, and a good chin rub
This pretty dilute tabby is Breana, a year and a half old and all ready to celebrate Santa’s arrival in the way of a new home for the holiday. The person who had adopted her felt that this affectionate girl needed more time spent with her, so for Breana’s sake, she was returned to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue. Obviously, Breana is a true companion and wants to be close to her family at all times. She is very sweet and is great in all ways, and that means she gets along with other cats, enjoys being groomed and picked up, and she especially loves to have her chin rubbed.
How to adopt: Visit her at 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Adoptions are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; call 623-876-8778 those hours. Other adoption 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
Pippi: An independent lady
Pippi may not have the long stockings that a famous literary character of her same name has but she certainly has some adorable socks on all of her feet that just help enhance this kitty’s cuteness. After four years with her previous owner, this unique Torbie has found her way back to the Arizona Humane Society in September due to her family no longer being able to care for her any longer.
As you may have already guessed, Pippi’s journey with AHS did not start recently. In fact, her life was originally saved all the way back in 2017 when she was brought to the shelter as an underage, orphaned bottle baby kitten. After a few months of care in AHS’ Bottle Baby ICU and a Foster Hero home, this gorgeous girl quickly found her forever home and now is looking to do the same thing again a few short years later.
Although Pippi is tolerant of all handling, this independent lady prefers to have a home that is more relaxed and a family that is not looking for a kitty that will want attention all of the time. After a little bit of adjustment, Pippi eventually loves getting her chin and cheeks rubbed as well as a good back massage from time to time. And although she once was a fiend for feather wands and mouse toys, this cutie pie would much rather spend her time dozing in her kitty castle or bird watching through the window.
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 pretty Pippi, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt. Additionally, ALL pets have completely waived fees now through December 20th thanks to Bissell Pet Foundation!
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Ayla: A former stray who needs a home filled with big hearts
Ayla is a 2-year-old, 12 pound Chihuahua who joined us recently from a county facility, where she was a stray. Ayla will do best in a home with kids aged 8 and up as she is a little sensitive with rough handling. She can be a little shy when she meets new people, so she's looking for a forever home filled with big hearts willing to give her all the time and love she needs to adjust to a new home.
How to adopt: Ayla is living in a foster home so an appointment to meet her would need to be set up by either going to the adoption center in Gilbert located at 952 W. Melody Ave. or email FFLdogs@azfriends.org to set up an appointment. Ayla is spayed, microchipped, licensed and vaccinated. Her adoption fee is $325. For more information please visit www.azfriends.org.
— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Adopt a pet: Breana and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters
