Adopt a pet: Calista and more pets up for adoption in Phoenix

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.

Anytime there is a story about a child or pet in a hot car, it is almost unconscionable how it can happen — whether by accident or otherwise. As anyone who spends just one day out in the Arizona summer knows, even on a "mild" day temperatures can quickly become deadly when in a hot car.

Unfortunately, potentially deadly incidents like these still occur. Luckily for Calista, a beautiful 2-year-old German Shepherd, was rescued in time after being locked in a hot car for at least 30 minutes. Confiscated by local police and transferred to a local emergency animal clinic, the lovely pup received care for symptoms of heat distress including respiratory stress, panting and diarrhea.

Alerted to her case, an Arizona Humane Society Emergency Animal Medical Technician picked up and transported Calista to the shelter's trauma hospital where she continued to receive care. While the situation could have ended up much worse, her story of survival serves as a reminder for everyone about what to do if you see a pet or child in a hot car. Immediately call local police, check to see if the doors are open to get them out and follow instructions from authorities. More pet heat safety information can be found at azhumane.org/nohotdogsaz.

How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet the cute-eared Calista at the Arizona Humane Society's South Mountain location. Her adoption fee includes her spay surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip, and a follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. Visit azhumane.org/adopt for more information.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Tio has had a run of bad luck. This handsome 2-year-old gray tabby was returned by an owner who had too many cats to manage. Then he picked up a case of ringworm which takes a long time to clear up. Then, it was determined that he should have dental procedures which caused more delay. But, finally, at long last, he is ready to go to a new and loving home.

Tio is a sweet boy who doesn't mind being picked up. He also gets along well with other cats.

It's time for him to have some good luck.

How to adopt: Pay him a visit at Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Call 623-876-8778 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, also adoption days. Other adoptable cats are at the shelter, 10807 N. 96th Ave., Peoria, 623-773-2246, same hours and days, and at the Surprise PetSmart, 13764 Bell Road.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws

Without a consistent source of food, water or shelter, homeless pets have to get creative to survive. Although just still a puppy, Waffle did just that by eating trash as a means to get some sort of "food" in his body.

Although just nine months old, Waffle found a way to make it until he could be rescued. Found by a Good Samaritan wandering the streets of Surprise and brought to the Arizona Humane Society, it was clear he needed help. While in AHS’ care, he vomited foil and trash for a few days in addition to not having much of an appetite.

With a bit of medical care and x-rays in AHS’ trauma hospital to see if he had any additional gastrointestinal issues, everything cleared up and Waffle started being the happy-go-lucky puppy he was always meant to be. Although a bit shy at first, this adorably spotted pup loves getting pets and dog-approved treats.

How to adopt: Interested adopters can meet the wiggly Waffle at the Arizona Humane Society's South Mountain 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.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Love Bug is a 3-year-old pit blend and about 68 pounds.

She had been previously adopted but recently returned due to family circumstances beyond her control. Her family said she's perfect, active and responds well to training.

Love Bug is very sweet and affectionate and has mistaken herself for a lap dog.

Love Bug knows basic commands, such as sit. She is working on her leash manners and walks best in a front-clip harness to minimize pulling. She enjoys playing with toys and will run around with them in her mouth. She'll do best in a home with kids over the age of five.

How to adopt: Love Bug is living at the Friends for Life Adoption Center located at 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert and is eager to meet you and give you lots of kisses! Love Bug is licensed, microchipped, spayed, and current on vaccinations and her adoption fee is $95. You can't buy love but you can certainly adopt it! For more information on Friends for Life or other dogs or cats looking for homes, visit azfriends.org, or call 480-497-8296.

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life