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.
Tulsi: Easygoing, affectionate and ready for a permanent home
Pregnant and homeless, a very sad situation. Tulsi was one of the lucky ones who was rescued and taken to Sun Cities 4 Paws and placed in a foster home where she gave birth to her five kittens. This pretty black and white 2-year-old is now more than ready to settle into a permanent home. She is easygoing and affectionate, loves to rub against heads when she is held and enjoys brushing. Tulsi is not fond of other cats, but maybe she hasn’t met just the right one yet. Being a typical Arizona girl, she has an allergy that has caused itching and some fur loss, but the diet she is now on seems to be taking care of the problem.
How to adopt: She would welcome you at 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 after 9 a.m.; adoptions are Tuesdays-Saturdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Other locations are 10807 N. 96th Ave., Peoria; call 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m.; adoptions are Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10-3 p.m. Also visit the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road, and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.
— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws
Corneal: Loves to chirp with joy
Whether you are a critter lover or not, it is hard to argue that this cute boy’s hairdo isn’t the best around town and that he makes the messy bedhead come back in style! Absolutely adorable Corneal is a 1-year-old guinea pig who is just one of eight pets that were rescued by AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technicians week when their owner fell on hard times and were overwhelmed with caring for them.
Having lived with dogs, cats and other guinea pigs, it is no wonder that this fluff ball is as sociable as he is. As with most of his species, Corneal is a very sociable creature who loves to make little chirpy noises to show how happy he is or when things get really interesting around him!
Corneal loves hay, guinea pig pellets, romaine lettuce, lots of veggies and of course plenty of stuff with vitamin C in it. This is because guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C naturally, so it is important to feed them items such as veggies that have it in them.
While guineas are very fun pets, it is important to make sure to have the proper setup and know how to care for them which includes lots of space and proper bedding and giving them time outside of their cage to exercise (with supervision). Additionally, guinea pigs like Corneal do not have a good depth perception so it is important to keep them safe when on elevated surfaces.
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 cuddly Corneal, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.
Nox: Loves to be treated like royalty
Nox is a very handsome domestic, long-haired black cat. He is about four years old. Nox is a sweet boy. He does seek affection and will roll around on his back for “pets”. He loves when his humans dote on him by brushing him to keep him gorgeous. Nox resides at the Friends for Life Animal Rescue’s adoption center located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. His adoption fee is $175. At Friends for Life, animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and dewormed, and cats are tested for FELV/FIV.
How to adopt: If you are interested in adopting Nox, please go to azfriends.org, fill out a consultation form, and head to the adoption center. If Nox is adopted by the time you get there, many others are looking for homes as well! If you’d like more information on Nox you can also email FFLcats@azfriends.org.
Cora: A cutie with a special wink
One look at Cora’s signature wink and you are sure to fall head over heels for this flirtatious little girl! At just five years old, this smiley Chihuahua mix sure has a lot to be grateful for.
Cora was originally rescued by the Arizona Humane Society all the way back in 2016 when she was found to have the deadly and contagious Parvovirus. After treatment, she was quickly adopted and has now found her way back to AHS half a decade later due to not getting along with the other pets in the home and being in need of medical care. Once in the shelter, she was treated in AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital where the medical team had to remove her eye due to the severity of the injury she sustained prior to coming in.
Now, Cora is feeling much better and is looking for a home of her very own where she is the only pup in the home, as she likes to be the center of attention. Cora can be a little bit shy when meeting new people but once she gets to know you, you’ve got a friend for life! She loves to curl up with her favorite human and get lots of pets and snuggles (once she warms up to her new BFF, of course). House trained, walks great on a leash and playful at times, Cora knows there’s a special home out there just waiting to meet her.
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 cute Cora, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.
