Adopt a pet: Teddy and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix

Jun 15, 2023

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.

Teddy the 10-years-young Pekingese mix has been with the Arizona Humane Society since July after being found as an injured stray. When a Good Samaritan found the adorable little pup bleeding form his mouth, they immediately took him to a local emergency animal clinic that then alerted the Arizona Humane Society.

An AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technician transferred the sweet baby to the shelter's animal trauma hospital where it was found that Teddy had severe dental disease, resulting in multiple dental surgeries. While undergoing treatment, the 13-pound pup also battled a bit of a puppy cold and spent some time in a Foster Hero home to recover.

Now that he is back to feeling like himself, the Oreo-looking pup is hoping there is someone out there who love small, senior dogs. While he can be a bit nervous of higher energy or larger dogs, Teddy has shown that with an appropriate introduction and similar personalities he does well with other canines. A fan of being held, giving kisses and calm environments, Teddy is sure to be the perfect forever addition to any home.

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 tiny Trail Mix, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Olet is two years old, full of energy and very playful. He loves straws and sometimes plays fetch with them. Olet also likes to sneak into closets when doors are opened.

Olet has lived with dogs and gets along with them. He is a little discriminating about other cats. He would be best in a home without small children as he sometimes gets a little nippy.

All in all, Olet is a loving kitty and will make a fun addition to a new home.

How to adopt: Visit him at Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, also on adoption days. Other adoptable cats are at the shelter, 10807 N. 96th Ave., Peoria; 623-773-2246, same hours and days; Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Rd.; and Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Pkwy., Peoria.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws

As an injured stray wandering the streets of Phoenix, this little pup was not sure where to go or who to turn to. Luckily, an Arizona Humane Society Emergency Animal Medical Technician was alerted to the hurt senior pup and immediately set out to bring him to safety.

The 10-year-old shorthair Chihuahua was found with a proptosed eye and in great pain. Upon evaluation in AHS’ animal trauma hospital, Trail Mix was understandably a bit upset but allowed veterinarians to examine him. This revealed that in addition to needing eye surgery, he was also in need of a dental to remove some bad teeth and was found to have a heart murmur. Because of this, Trail Mix would do best on a soft food-only diet and will need to have regular check-ups with his vet.

As with any pet that has been through such a tough journey, Trail Mix has lived up to his name by being a bit salty at first while in pain but revealing his sweeter side once he was treated and feeling better. A perfect example of a senior pet with lots of love and fun moments to still be had, this cute boy would love a family willing to give him the best golden years.

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 tiny Trail Mix, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Bibi and Gordo are an adorable bonded pair that joined Friends for Life Animal Rescue recently from a county facility, where they were surrendered when their family could no longer care for them. They are both about three years old.

Bibi is a 9-pound Chihuahua blend and Gordo is a 16-pound terrier-poodle blend. Bibi is a little bit shy at first, but when she's hanging with her best friend Gordo, she's engaging and enjoys a good lap!

Bibi and Gordo are a bonded pair and do need to go home together, and stay together, a great bonus for whatever lucky family gets to share their lives with them. These two had a rough time lately when they lost their family, so Friends for Life promised them they would find them a home together.

Due to some handling sensitivities and wariness with quick movements, Bibi do best with kids over the age of five.

How to adopt: Both dogs are altered, licensed, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccinations. Typical adoption fees would be about $350 each but to help these two stay together, we have reduced their adoption fee to $200 each. The pair is residing at our adoption center, and their bags are packed and they're ready to go to a new forever home! Friends for Life's adoption center is located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert. At Friends for Life, animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and dewormed. Cats are also tested for FELV/FIV. For more information on Friends for Life, Bibi and Gordo, or other cats and dogs looking for homes, visit www.azfriends.org.

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life