Cookie Butter 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.

Jude: All smiles and wiggles

Jude always knows you can take a sad song and make it better, which is exactly what the Arizona Humane Society aims to do by helping him find a loving, forever home. This adorable brindle pup is a one-year-old Mastiff mix that was originally rescued as an injured stray back in January of this year.

Upon being transported to AHS’s trauma hospital, Jude was treated for minor wounds and was also found to have allergies. Treatment improved his skin and fur condition dramatically, and while he is not receiving medication for allergies anymore, he will need his future veterinarian to keep an eye out in case a treatment plan is needed in the future.

Once feeling better, Jude was quickly adopted but unfortunately returned recently due to his family being evicted from their home. With nowhere else to go, the smiley boy is now back at the shelter and hoping the second time is the charm. Jude has a lot of energy and would love a family that helps him get his wiggles out with lots of playtime, walks and learning new tricks.

How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet jubilant Jude at AHS’ PetSmart Scottsdale 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 for more information. Additionally, all dogs (including puppies) at AHS’ PetSmart Scottsdale location have $0 adoption fees through Sunday, March 24 in honor of PetSmart National Adoption Week.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Frank & Beans: Double dose of cuteness

There’s not much better than foods that pair well together. However, one thing guaranteed to always be great is pets named after foods. If a cowboy diet is up your alley, then Frank and Beans are sure to be the best (and cutest) cowpokes you ever had.

The five-year-old brothers are littermates who were originally surrendered to the Arizona Humane Society in October 2020 when their family could no longer care for them. Overall healthy, but in need of neuter surgeries, the shelter’s Behavior Team quickly determined that they do best together as they rely on one another for comfort and support.

Now, four years later, the two have found themselves back in the care of AHS yet again through no fault of their own. Frank and Beans love doing everything together, including going on walks and getting some much-needed nap time in (it’s hard work being this cute), and are in the market for a family looking for not just one bundle of charm but two!.

How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet fun Frank and beloved Beans at AHS’ PetSmart Scottsdale location. Their two-for-one adoption fee includes neuter surgeries, current vaccinations, microchip, and a follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. Visit azhumane.org/adopt for more information. Additionally, all dogs (including puppies) at AHS’ PetSmart Scottsdale location have $0 adoption fees through Sunday, March 24, in honor of PetSmart National Adoption Week.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Rafiki: He's ready for a game of hide-and-seek

Rafiki is a mellow and sweet FIV+ 2-year-old male. Neighbors took him in and brought him to 4 Paws when his owners abandoned him. He is very friendly and loves a good petting session. Rafiki loves to play hide and seek (this adorable guy is nicknamed Houdini) and loves to jump on tall perches. This hungry boy has a good appetite. Rafiki would need to be an only cat due to his FIV+ status, but don't let that deter you, as he can have a long life filled with lots of love.

How to adopt: Visit Rafiki and other adoptable cats at our Youngtown Adoption Center at 11129 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 1, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or call for more information at 623-876-8778. Other adoption sites are 10807 N 96th Ave., Peoria, 623-773-2246, with the same hours and days, and Surprise Petsmart, 13764 Bell Road.

— Deb Heise, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Cookie Butter: Shy girl looking for a quiet home

Cookie Butter is a domestic medium-haired female, spayed tortoiseshell cat approximately seven years old. She arrived at Friends for Life Animal Rescue through no fault of her own. She was brought in with another cat and was terribly shy. She is a gentle girl hoping for a soft place to land. Volunteers at the shelter are still learning about her. Since she came to Friends for Life, she seems to enjoy receiving pets and getting brushed. She would do best in a quiet home with a predictable routine.

How to adopt: Her adoption fee is $125.00. Friends for Life Animal Rescue is at 952 W. Melody Lane in Gilbert. To learn more about Cookie Butter and other cats or dogs looking for homes, visit http://www.azfriends.org or call 480-497-8296.

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life