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.

King: A gentle, senior dog

Any great royal pup needs a great and loving castle to look over but all this sweet King simply wants is a loving and caring home to call his own. The kind-faced 10-year-old American pit bull terrier found his way to the Arizona Humane Society more than a month ago when his previous owner came into some personal problems and could no longer care for him or the other pup in the home.

King arrived at the Arizona Humane Society after he was picked up by an Emergency Animal Medical Technician and then transferred to the shelter’s animal trauma hospital to see what kind of shape he was in health-wise. Once there, this sweet boy was given a thorough examination by AHS veterinarians who determined he had a few ailments common in older pets including worn-down teeth and a mass. King was treated and got his teeth in majestic shape and then underwent surgery to remove the growth and is now feeling back to his noble self.

Although not much is known about his past, this gentle pup is a great example of a wonderful senior pet who is hoping to spend his golden years with a family that can help him live life to the fullest and enjoy all that his “royal subjects” have to offer such as belly rubs and yummy treats! Additionally, King also lived with other dogs before but it would be best for him to meet the whole family to ensure a perfect fit for this noble doggo.

How to adopt: The Arizona Humane Society’s adoption locations remain closed as the shelter continues to heal and rehabilitate pets coming in but its Virtual Matchmaking Adoptions by appointment is available to place pets with their forever families. Interested adopters can view available pets, like King, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Willie: A cat with beautiful blue eyes 

Willie, an 8-year-old Tonkinese with beautiful blue eyes, had lived with his brother all his life. But when his brother died he missed him terribly and couldn’t stop crying for him. So, his owner brought him to Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue where he would have plenty of feline companions.

When Willie was put into the kitten room, he calmed down, and with lots of TLC from his caretakers, who fell in love with him, he is now back to his old self. He is playful and sociable, likes to be brushed and picked up, but most important is that he be adopted with another cat or go into a home with a cat who will welcome his company.

How to adopt: Willie can be seen by appointment only at 10807 N. 96th Avenue, Peoria. Call 623-773-2246 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 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

Pickle: The real ‘dill’

Named after one of the most beloved and versatile foods for many, Pickle certainly knows that he is the real “dill” and definitely no side to any meal but rather the main course of cuteness! The handsome 4-year-old domestic shorthair kitty was surrendered to the Arizona Humane Society in February after his owner sadly passed away and he had no one else to care for him.

Luckily, AHS’ Pet Resource Center was able to schedule an appointment through the shelter’s Admissions department to help get him on his journey to finding another loving forever home. Upon medical evaluation, it was found Pickle has some gingivitis and was in need of a dental to help get some rotten teeth out but he is now feeling much better.

While in the care of AHS, it has been found that Pickle was quite scared and frightened while in the shelter. However, with daily care and interactions from AHS’ Behavior Team, he has slowly but surely continued to come out of his shell more and more. Originally, Pickle would not even come out from under his bed but now will even seek out his human friends for a few pets. However, because he can be a bit shy it is recommended he meet any children he will be living with and for him to go to a patient, quiet home where he can take her time while acclimating to his new surroundings.

How to adopt: The Arizona Humane Society’s adoption locations remain closed as the shelter continues to heal and rehabilitate pets coming in but its Virtual Matchmaking Adoptions by appointment is available to place pets with their forever families. Interested adopters can view available pets, like Pickle, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Austin: Knows how to work a crowd 

Austin is a 1-year-old Chi blend, about 13 pounds of playful fun! He joined Friends for Life Animal Rescue recently by way of Maricopa County Animal Control, where he was found as a stray.  

Austin does this adorable trick where he flips on his back and puts his front paws up by his head — we dare you not to say “aww” when you see him do it! He knows how to work a crowd!  

Austin recently went to a home with younger kids but didn’t enjoy their company, so we feel he’ll do best with older kids (15+). He will love going on walks and will love being your only canine companion — he doesn’t want to share his food with other dogs, either.

Austin will need a family that is willing to give him a little bit of time to decompress from the shelter environment. 

How to adopt: Austin is neutered, licensed, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $350. If you are interested in Austin, please go to azfriends.org to fill out a consultation form, then head to the adoption center at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. If Austin has already been adopted by the time you get there, there are many others looking for homes. If you’d like more information about Austin you can email [email protected], or call 480-497-8296

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life

Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/pets/2021/03/19/adopt-pet-king-and-more-pets-up-adoption-phoenix-area-shelters/4722743001/