Lola and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters
Table of Contents Lola: A very special ChihuahuaIsabell: A long, brown-haired girlArtem: A loving and affectionate cat …

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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.
Lola: A very special Chihuahua
Cute little Lola is hoping there is a Chihuahua lover who will fall in love with her on her journey to finding a special forever home! This 9-year-old senior pup has been in the care of the Arizona Humane Society since July after her previous owner fell ill and was no longer able to care for her. An important reminder to talk with friends and family about a plan for your furry friends should something arise that does not allow you to be their caretaker.
Once in AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital, it was discovered that Lola has a Grade 4 out of 6 heart murmur that will require follow-up medical care with her future veterinarian or veterinary cardiologist. Lola’s quality of life is still great and she has a lot of love to give! Due to her potential ongoing care, AHS is hoping a special family will fall in love with this older lady and will be willing to not only give her the love and care she deserves, but also take on her potential medical needs.
As is evidenced by everyone’s adoration of this little girl, Lola has shown to be a bit shy at first but absolutely loves attention from her human friends. One of her favorite activities is to roll over when she is getting pet so that she can get her fair share of belly rubs in.
How to adopt: In order to help her find her forever home, Lola’s adoption fee is waived for the person or family dedicated to giving her the love and care she deserves during her golden years. Those interested in learning more about adopting Lola are encouraged to fill out an application at azhumane.org/Lola.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Isabell: A long, brown-haired girl
Isabell is a beautiful brown-haired kitty who has a sad story to tell. This 14 year old was the beloved pet of a Sun Cities 4 Paws volunteer who has recently moved and was unable to keep her. She has been front declawed so naturally has always lived indoors and must continue to do so. Her coat of long hair will need brushing often, which she enjoys. Isabell doesn’t mind being picked up and is friendly and enjoys a lot of attention. She doesn’t care for other cats so will do best as the only pet in a new home. As a senior, her adoption fee is only $30.
How to adopt: Visit this sweet girl at 11129 Michigan Avenue, Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 after 9 a.m. Adoptions are Tuesdays-Saturdays from 9-3 p.m. There are other adoptable cats at 10807 N. 96th Avenue, Peoria. Call 623-773-2246 after 10 a.m. Adoptions are Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10-3 p.m. and Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road. Also at the Lake Pleasant Towne Center PetSmart, 25372 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria.
— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws
Artem: A loving and affectionate cat
One look at Artem and it is no wonder she has art in her name. This 5-year-old is a domestic shorthair that was found as a sick stray in mid-July and brought to a local emergency animal clinic when she was found to be underweight and slightly wobbly when walking.
After ensuring she was stable, Artem was picked up by an Arizona Humane Society Emergency Animal Medical Technician and transferred to the shelter’s animal trauma hospital where she was evaluated to see what was causing her gait to be off. Initially thinking she may have ruptured something in her ear, Artem was given a few weeks’ worth of medicine which cleared up her balance issues.
Although not a lot is known about her past, anyone who has worked with this cute kitty has made it a point to note how loving and affectionate she is. Even when she was not feeling well or was undergoing treatment, Artem greets everyone with a sweet demeanor and never says no to pets.
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 stunning Artem, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt.
— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society
Papa Pesto: An attention loving tabby
Papa Pesto is a domestic short-haired tabby cat. It is estimated he is about 7 years old. Volunteers that know the Spectacular Papa Pesto (his full name) say he is sweet, friendly and curious. Papa Pesto has gotten along well with other cats and loves attention. Papa Pesto calls Friends for Life Animal Rescue’s adoption center home at 952 W. Melody Avenue in Gilbert. Papa Pesto’s 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 Papa Pesto, please go to http://www.azfriends.org, fill out a consultation form and head to the adoption center. If Papa Pesto is adopted by the time you get there, many other cats are looking for homes as well … dogs too. If you’d like more information on Papa Pesto you can e-mail [email protected]
— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life