Thelma 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.
Thelma: A very special girl
With a heart as kind as her sweet face, Thelma is truly a special girl who deserves a special home full of love and light. After more than six months of care through the Arizona Humane Society, the 7-year-old Australian Kelpie mix cannot wait to find her true forever home.
Thelma is an incredibly kind soul who was found as a sick, injured stray on the San Carlos Reservation in February. Thanks to Banfield Foundation, AHS has hosted a number of mobile veterinary clinics in this community to help provide accessible veterinary care to pets in need, including Thelma. A quick assessment determined she was in need of additional care.
Upon arrival at AHS, it was clear to trauma hospital staff that her bulging eyes were non-seeing but very painful and she was in need of surgery. The lovely pup was also found to have tick fever, which was resolved with medication, and a form of tumor that was resolved with chemotherapy. However, she may need further diagnostics or treatment in the future and would love to have a family that understands her needs.
Although she has adjusted incredibly well with heightened sound and smell skills, Thelma would love time to adjust in her new home so she can learn the route and where everything is — with the help of treats, of course! Safety protocols in her new home would ensure there are baby gates for stairs and a fenced-in pool, if there is one.
How to adopt: In honor of NBCUniversal Local’s Clear the Shelter campaign, presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, AHS is waiving adoption fees for all adoptable pets today. Because Thelma is staying in her Foster Hero home until she finds her forever home, those who have fallen in love with her as much as AHS has and are interested in setting up a meet and greet are encouraged to call 602-997-7585 ext. 1145 or visit azhumane.org/adopt for more information.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Barb and Barrett: A perfect pair
Barb has an unusual coat of gray with reddish highlights and a few touches of white. Barrett has an equally beautiful coat of black and brown with a bit of white.
These 10-month-old close-knit siblings were born in someone’s backyard and ultimately brought to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue. While shy at first, once they know you are a friend, they quickly warm up. Both are very sweet, playful, and don’t object to being picked up for a nice brushing.
Barb likes belly rubs, while Barrett is more outgoing and loves lots of attention. They will make a great pair of fun pets to have around.
How to adopt: Visit them at 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Other adoption sites are the shelter at 10807 96th Ave., Peoria, 623-773-2246, same hours and days, and Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road.
— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws
Casper: The friendly dog
While “Casper the Friendly Ghost” may be a household name, especially with Halloween right around the corner, there is another that shares the same name — Casper the friendly dog! The incredibly cute and loving 3-year-old gray and white American Pit Bull Terrier was originally surrendered to the Arizona Humane Society in June after his previous owner could no longer care for him.
Unfortunately, Casper has found his way back to AHS after being adopted and the other pet not getting along with him. It has been determined that while he loves people, this belly-loving pup may do best in the home as the only doggo so he can get all of the attention and love to himself.
Casper is known as a huge goofball with a great mix of mellow, calm and sweet who loves everyone, including children. As smart as he is handsome, Casper is crate-trained but prefers to spend his days cozying up on the couch next to his favorite two-legged friends.
How to adopt: In honor of NBCUniversal Local’s Clear the Shelter campaign, presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, AHS is waiving adoption fees for all adoptable pets through Sunday, August 27. Interested adopters can meet the cute Casper at AHS’ South Mountain location. His 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.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Whimsy: Ready to play
Whimsy is a domestic, medium-haired silver and white tabby cat about 7 years old. She is a gorgeous conversationalist and lap cat.
Whimsy has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. This condition is fairly easy to manage. Whimsy receives insulin twice a day and is a perfect patient.
She is very playful and enjoys being pet and loves to give soft head bunts. Whimsy also loves chasing the laser toy, cat nip toys, and bird wand toys.
How to adopt: Whimsy lives at Friends for Life Animal Rescue's adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Lane in Gilbert. Her adoption fee is $50. 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: Thelma and more pets in Phoenix-area shelters
