The Arizona Republic

Regal, playful Athena is up for adoption

- The Republic — Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

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.

Athena: Ready to play

One look at this regal pup and it is no wonder she is named after a Greek goddess. Athena is a 2-year-old Carolina dog mix who loves playing with her toys, splashing in the water and going for car rides. She has excellent house manners, is house-trained, and is happy to entertain herself or play with her favorite humans. It is important to share that Athena does not walk, she prances, just like the deity she is!

The absolutely adorable pup made her way to the Arizona Humane Society in November her previous owner sadly passed away and their next of kin were unable to care for her. She has been treated for kennel cough while with AHS and has also had a very hard time adjusting to life in a shelter. As one of AHS’ longest residents and after all she has been through, no one can blame her.

Athena is currently staying in a foster home and is in need of extra help finding an adopter due to the fact that those looking in the shelter will not see her on the adoption floor. The lovable pup is part of AHS’ Couch Surfer program, which provides pets who are experienci­ng signs of stress in the shelter with a place to “crash.” These pets remain available for adoption as they decompress, and the shelter’s team gets to learn a lot about their behavior in a home environmen­t. Athena is a lucky gal who gets to stay with one of AHS’ most dedicated Foster Heroes but of course would much rather be in a forever home to call her own.

How to adopt: In order to help her find the perfect family, Athena’s adoption fee is waived! Interested adopters can meet with adorable Athena by calling 602.997.7585 ext. 1145 or visiting azhumane.org/adopt to set up an appointmen­t to meet her. Her waived adoption fee includes her spay surgery, current vaccinatio­ns, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital.

 ?? ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY ?? Athena is a 2-year-old Carolina dog mix who loves playing. Interested in adopting her? Please visit azhumane.org/adopt.
ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY Athena is a 2-year-old Carolina dog mix who loves playing. Interested in adopting her? Please visit azhumane.org/adopt.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States