The Arizona Republic

Maya and more pets 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.

Maya: Looking for a friend

With big, beautiful brown eyes and a smiley face, how could anyone say no to this 2-year-old Labrador Retriever mix? Lovely Maya is just one of the hundreds of pups that made their way to the Arizona Humane Society in January as injured strays.

The cute pup was treated in AHS’ trauma hospital for minor wounds and a puppy cold prior to being adopted. Unfortunat­ely, Maya found her way back to the shelter a second time after her adopter’s landlord nixed the idea of having a pet in the residence.

This is a great reminder to ensure to do the proper research surroundin­g adopting a furry friend prior to making the commitment.

Although Maya can be a bit shy at first, she quickly warms up with people when they are patient with her. Like most people, it is important to establish a routine that allows her to become accustomed to her new life and also allows for bonding time between her and her people. While she already knows a few tricks including sit and stay, training is a great way to help boost the human-animal bond between pets and their owners, as well as increase communicat­ion!

How to adopt: Today is the last day for waived adoption fees for all AHS adoptable pets that are at least one year and older, thanks to Bissell Pet Foundation! Interested adopters can meet with mystical Maya at the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain location. Her waived adoption fee includes her spay surgery, current vaccinatio­ns, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. Visit azhumane.org/adopt to choose one of three convenient ways to adopt based on your schedule.

 ?? ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY ?? Maya is one of the pups that made their way to the Humane Society in January. Interested in adopting? Visit azhumane.org/adopt.
ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY Maya is one of the pups that made their way to the Humane Society in January. Interested in adopting? Visit azhumane.org/adopt.

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