Jackson and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters
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.
Jackson: A gentle giant
With a quick glance at handsome Jackson, one might think a Direwolf had wandered off the set of the infamous HBO series, "Game of Thrones," and made its way to the Arizona Humane Society. Although not a very distant relative of his wild cousins, the 9year-old Alaskan Malamute mix, unfortunately, found his way to the shelter after he and a few other pets were abandoned at their residence. Luckily, neighbors quickly alerted AHS Cruelty Investigators to this situation and they were found to be in good health.
Jackson is a stunning boy who weighs in at a whopping 110 pounds and is in need of a family dedicated to helping him lose weight through diet and exercise, as he is considered to be obese by AHS Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital veterinarians. It was also found that he has arthritis and losing weight will help alleviate some of the pressure put on his joints, as well as help his energy levels and overall health.
Already an instant favorite of staff at AHS, Jackson is the definition of a gentle giant. Always right by his two-legged friend’s side, this big teddy bear loves to shadow his people and would much rather have company versus playing into the “lone wolf” stereotype. Absolutely amazing on a leash, a fan of air conditioning, belly rubs and getting his fur brushed, this sweet boy would love to have a big yard he can roam in and an even bigger bed he can snuggle with his family on.
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 Jackson, and schedule an appointment online at azhumane.org/adopt. debate on the issue.
“What I don’t want to do is criminalize my neighbors or create a situation where people are calling my police department reporting on people,” Chandler Councilman Mark Stewart said in a meeting on Thursday.
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke issued a city mandate on Friday as did Glendale and others after similar discussions of individual liberty, personal responsibility and the growing public health concerns.
Conservative Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane issued a mask mandate on Thursday.
“I recognize completely the intrusive nature of this directive. I understand the resistance that many have to the loss of your personal freedom to choose how you respond and react during this health crisis,” Lane said in a released statement.
He went on to say that the mounting number of COVID-19 cases cannot be ignored.
“We have a civic responsibility to act and sometimes accept actions that are important for recovery. As hospitalization utilization continues to rise and trend toward threatening levels it becomes imperative to slow the contagion rate — and wearing masks is a simple step recommended by public health experts.”