Spangle 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.

Spangle: A spry and bouncy pup

With the Arizona Humane Society on pace to intake more than 20,000 sick, injured and abused pets this year, the shelter continues to see an inpouring of pets who need help each and every day. Pets like Spangle, who truly is a testament to not only the lifesaving work AHS does each day but his will to live.

Spangle is a 1-year-old Chihuahua that was rescued by an AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technician in June after he was found as a stray with severe injuries. Upon evaluation in the shelter’s trauma hospital, it was found that Spangle suffered from a proptosed eye, fractured skull and broken ribs. While undergoing treatment, the 5-pound pup also came down with a puppy cold and was treated for that, as well.

Fast forward a little over a month later and Spangle is a whole new puppy that is now ready for his forever home. From being in unimaginable pain with a depressed spirit to a spry, bouncy and excitable doggo, his transformation is just one of thousands seen at AHS every year.

How to adopt: Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation, ALL adoptable AHS pets have adoption fees of just $20 through July 31. Interested adopters can meet the starry Spangle 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.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Oak: As mighty as the tree with the same name

This is Oak.

This 1-year-old tabby and his two brothers, Pine and Cypress, were rescued from living on the streets in Glendale and brought to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue. The other two have been adopted and now it’s Oak’s turn to get a forever home.

Oak is a little shy, just at first, but enjoys being petted and especially being around other cats. He is ready to make best friends with any and all who will have him. He would not be happy in a home where he is the only kitty.

Because of a bad case of gingivitis, he has had most of his teeth pulled, but he still loves to eat — even crunchy dry food and especially treats and canned food.

How to adopt: Pay him a visit at 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Call 623-876-8776 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., also adoption days. Other locations are 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

Boris: Gentle and sweet

A saying at the Arizona Humane Society goes a little like, “We aren’t able to save more pets unless we have the room to bring more in.” And while that may be a rather poor paraphrase, the sentiment still sticks for why both fostering and adopting is so important to saving the lives of homeless pets.

By expanding the walls of its shelter and creating much-needed kennel space in these ways, thousands of pets with nowhere else to go are saved each and every year. Pets like Boris, a 3-year-old domestic shorthair tabby, who made his way to AHS as an injured stray in June. Picked up from a local veterinary clinic in Queen Creek by an AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technician, he was found to have an infected wound on his face.

This injury needed several procedures in the shelter’s trauma hospital to clip and clean it including an initial surgery and sutures to close the wound. Although he can be a bit nervous at first, Boris is a gentle and sweet boy who would love a patient home and a perfect example of a pet who otherwise may not have made it if left to fend for himself on the streets.

How to adopt: Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation, ALL adoptable AHS pets have adoption fees of just $20 through July 31. Interested adopters can meet the starry Spangle 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.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Wiggles: Full of energy

Wiggles is a handsome, 1-year-old lab that weighs about 59 lbs.

Wiggles is a people-pleaser who loves to be praised! He likes to be close to his humans and he knows basic commands such as sit, down and stay. Wiggles has a lot of puppy energy, but once he's had an opportunity to burn it off, he's ready for snuggle time! He is house-trained and will settle after a few minutes if crated. He is working on his leash manners and is very curious while on his walks.

Wiggles has a rough play style and not all dogs appreciate that, so he'll do best as your only canine companion and any kids should be kids 14+. He can be "barky" when he sees other dogs while out on walks. He is looking for a home that is willing to put in the time to work with him, as he has not had much training prior to making his way to Friends for Life Animal Rescue. He is excelling in Friends for Life's volunteer foster home — and is excelling at becoming a part-time couch potato!

Wiggles is very treat motivated and learns quickly. He is your typical lab that loves to hold something in his mouth, such as a toy or perhaps your water bottle!

How to adopt: To schedule an appointment to meet him, please email Debbie@AzFriends.org. Wiggles is neutered, microchipped, licensed, and current on vaccinations, and his adoption fee is $250. For information on other cats and dogs looking for homes at Friends for Life Animal Rescue call 480-497-8296, visit azfriends.org, or their adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert.

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life

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