Brinley 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.

Brinley: A spirited companion

Meet Brinley, the exuberant 6-month-old black Labrador retriever mix who is a bundle of energy and charm. With her sleek coat and twinkling eyes, she is a playful puppy who is always up for an adventure. Brinley's joy for life is infectious as she finds sheer delight in running circles around a backyard but what truly sets her apart is her expressive nature. Brinley has a lot to say and is not afraid to voice her opinions, whether it is with excited barks, playful woofs, or soulful howls. Her vibrant personality is a constant source of amusement, and she is sure to keep her future family forging a lasting bond filled with laughter and love.

Brinley's journey to finding her forever home started when the Arizona Humane Society’s dedicated Field Team discovered her as a stray. She was visibly ill, but with the expert care of the shelter’s compassionate veterinarian team, Brinley was nurtured back to health. Her health was fully restored and her heart is ready to find a loving home. Having experienced life alongside other dogs, Brinley understands the language of companionship, making her an ideal addition to a household with furry friends. If you are ready to open your heart to a playful, expressive, and incredibly spirited companion, Brinley is more than ready to embark on the next chapter of her journey – one that leads to the embrace of a forever family that will cherish her for the exceptional dog she is.

How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet the amazing Brinley 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. Additionally, all AHS adoptable pets have completely free adoption fees through Sunday, August 13!

— Erin Jackson, Arizona Humane Society

Kruger: Looking for a cuddle partner

Kruger is a 2-year-old gray and white tabby. He and another kitty were adopted as kittens, but now that their owner is traveling overseas extensively they were brought back to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue to find new homes where they would have the loving attention they were used to. They may be adopted together or as singles.

Kruger is extremely friendly and a lap cat. He really preferred to sit on the photographer’s lap rather than pose! He gets along well with other cats and doesn’t mind being picked up for a bit of a snuggle.

He will make a wonderful addition to any household.

How to adopt: Kruger is at the shelter at 10807 N. 96th Ave., Peoria. Call 623-773-2246 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, which are adoption days. Other locations for adoptions are 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown, 623-876-8778, same days and hours, and the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Barnicle: Will stick with you

Meet Barnicle, the irresistible 2-year-old brown and white domestic shorthair tabby cat with a heart as warm as his fur. His sweet and gentle personality is a magnet for anyone seeking a feline companion to brighten their days. Barnicle has an enchanting way of worming his way into your heart. Whether he is lounging in a sunny spot by the window or playfully chasing after a feather toy, Barnicle's endearing presence is sure to bring joy and comfort to anyone lucky enough to cross his path. With his trusting and affectionate nature, he's the perfect addition to a loving home that's ready to embrace his boundless affection.

Barnicle's journey began in the most unexpected way when a Good Samaritan discovered him nestled inside a car engine, overheated, and in need of rescue. Rescued just in the nick of time, he was taken to the caring hands of the Arizona Humane Society trauma hospital’s veterinarian staff, who worked tirelessly to nurse him back to health. Through their dedication and expertise, Barnicle triumphed over his ordeal and emerged as the resilient and lovable feline he is today. Now, this survivor with a heart full of gratitude is seeking his forever home, a place where he can find the warmth and security he deserves.

How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet the amazing Barnicle at the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain location. His adoption fee 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. Additionally, all AHS adoptable pets have completely free adoption fees starting Saturday, August 12 through Sunday, August 13!

— Erin Jackson, Arizona Humane Society

Opal: Ready to join your family

Opal is a 1-year-old, female, spayed domestic short-haired tortoiseshell cat.

Opal was rescued with a litter of kittens. She was a great mom and now is ready to find a home of her very own. She is very loving and social. She will help you with any projects you are working on.

Opal loves playtime with the laser pointer, her feather toys, and the crinkle tunnel.

How to adopt: Opal is waiting to find a home at Friends for Life Animal Rescue's adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. Her adoption fee is $175. At Friends for Life Animal Rescue, animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and dewormed. Cats are tested for FELV/FIV. For more information on Friends for Life or other cats and dogs looking for homes, please visit azfriends.org, or call 480-497-8296.

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life

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