Maximus is such a fun-loving 2-year old! We had the chance to meet him at One Love’s event this past weekend at Go AZ, and I must say that he stole my heart for many reasons.

First, this guy is such a handsome fella… and he knows it. I mean just look at that face. He looks like such a happy dude and who doesn’t love an oversized head haha!! People were drawn to him because of his cuteness but they stayed because of his infectious personality. He is always ready to play and seems to love any and all attention (he’s a ham for sure). Maximus has a lot of energy, but One Love is working on rewarding his calm behavior and has already seen progress!

  

Maximus not only loves to interact with humans, but also pups! One Love says he is a play group SUPERSTAR. He loves playing with other dogs and gets along well with them. Maximus would be perfect in a home where he would have a sibling or two, but a doggy intro is recommended prior to adoption.

Overall, if you’re looking for a dog who will make you smile at the end of a long day, Maximus is your guy. He seems to light up any room he enters and always has a smile on his adorable (oversized ;)) face. We just ❤ him and know you will too!

Maximus is at MCACC East in Mesa and his ID is A3888110. His microchip has already been paid for and you will receive free post-adoption training classes!

 

There is something about this beautiful, sweet, loving, chocolate mama that has our hearts beating out of our chests…

This three-year-old girl came to our attention through a situation that is not typical of our day-to-day efforts.  A concerned citizen called one of our friends at One Love about a mama dog and her puppies that were in need of care.  Although we do not have the resources to support these types of situations, when this one came to our attention we remembered an organization we have been watching, and admiring, Almost There Foster Care.  One of our Project PAL volunteers, Annie, works with ATFC regularly.  This organization specializes in providing care and shelter to mamas and their puppies, and then adopts them all out to loving homes. So, we reached out to Annie to see if Almost There Foster Care might have room to house Belle and her babies. This is one of those instances where the stars literally aligned. It just so happened that they were able to make it work to take this mama and her pups in. The puppies have all since been adopted (within just a couple weeks).  Now, it’s Belle’s turn to find the perfect home.

Belle boasts all the best qualities, she’s stunning, people LOVE her coloring.  She is sweet, affectionate, lives for belly rubs, and just wants to be with her people all the time. We had her out at an event on Saturday and she did really well.  She had a bit of trauma to her back hip before landing at ATFC, but has been checked out by the vet and we have been told it will heal on its own.  Belle will be spayed on March 30 and will be ready to go home forever any time after that.  If you are interested in this perfect lady, email geri@atfcaz.org ! We are all head over heals for her and are eager for her to find her happily ever after!

Introducing this weeks guy….Two Face (I’d be interested to know where his name came from, wouldn’t you?).

This lovable guy is about 1 year old and has been in search of his forever home since JANUARY.  When you first meet Two Face, he won’t come on too strong…he kinda plays the whole hard to get thing.

Eventually his soft, sweet charming side will come out and you will fall in LOVE forever.  Kisses galore coming your way….

The shelter and some new situations are a lot for him to take in, this guy would pretty much do anything for a treat (who wouldn’t)!  When he made his first debut in play groups he kept to himself…second day at playgroups he had a new buddy & was running around enjoying himself. With the right family we think Two Face will continue to come out of his shell and be the playful pittie we know he can be.

Shelters are FULL and Two Face has waited long enough for his new PIC or FIC.  He is currently in building D at the MCACC West Valley shelter in Phoenix (2500 S. 27th Ave.) ID number: A3839982.  He is part of the One Love Shelter Dog Program so he will receive free post-adoption training classes, paid microchip & post-adoption support.

For this week’s PAL we chose Oracle. There’s just something about that cute little black nose that makes you want to boop him so bad!

Im not going to lie, that’s definitely one factor that helped me pick Oracle 😬

This handsome fella is 3 years old, knows how to sit, and takes treats gently. We’ve noticed this adorable guy gets overlooked at the MCACC East Shelter. How you can overlook this face is beyond me!

He doesn’t do too well being in the shelter environment (honestly who would?!) BUT… once you get him outside he’s a completely different pup! He did beautifully on his day foster trip and we found out that he loves a good puppaccino  no whipped cream left behind! ☕️

Oracle also behaves well on a leash and in the car which makes him a great travel companion for hiking or camping! So if you are an active person or love some doggie playing time, Oracle is a great fit for you.

He is non-reactive  towards other dogs but please, if you have another furry friend at home we highly encourage a doggie intro prior to adoption! We just want the transition to be smooth as possible for everyone.

Oh did we mention that Oracle is part of the Shelter Dog Program with One Love?!! That means he goes home with a microchip AND post adoption training… for free! Oracle can see the future.. and his future is in his forever home with you!

Miracle is located at the MCACC East Shelter– 2630 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201 his ID is A3766403 go and Adopt Oracle today!

You know that boyfriend checklist you have even though no guy you’ve met meets all of the criteria points?

1. Cute √
2. Listens to you √
3. Gets along with your friends and family √
4. Confident √
5. Affectionate √
6. Willing to experience new things together √
7. Helps with the chores √

Well guess what… Lukas meets ALL of them!!

He is a dream dog and we cannot believe that he is still available for adoption! This guy is 9-years old, but with the way this guy acts, you wouldn’t know it! Lukas has great energy and LOVES to be around other people and dogs. He enjoys being the center of attention (quite the ring leader ;)) and loves to show off for you. He is treat motivated (like all of us) and he loves to play and run around the yard. Lukas gets along great with other dogs. He regularly attends playgroups and loves being social!  This handsome fella is also super confident. Some of our friends at One Love Pit Bull Foundation told us that when Lukas was helping clean up the volunteer room, he weaved through every person and confidently introduced himself. You don’t have to worry about this guy not wanting to go to dinner at your parents and make small talk LOL.

Concerned about the added chores another dog might bring you? Don’t be. Lukas even helps with cleaning up! Just ask the MCACC volunteers. This guy single-handedly cleaned the volunteer room floor #NoKibbleLeftBehind. Oh, also… Lukas is the kind of guy who pays attention to you. He is affectionate and is ALL about the kisses and cuddles <3. If you are new to Project PAL, you know that ALL we ever want is a dog we can smother #Goals.

This handsome guy is all that and more. He truly is the total package. We just adore him and know that this is his week to find his forever home! If you are interested in meeting Lukas, he is at MCACC West  (2500 S. 27th Ave., Phoenix). As we mentioned before, he gets along great with other dogs, but a doggy intro is recommended. Lukas’ adoption fee is $20, but includes neuter, rabies certificate and County license. His ID is A3869139.

YOU GUYS, I do not know how it has taken us this long to select Delilah as our featured dog of the week. JUST LOOK AT HER.

We are going to let you in on a little secret that any girl who has an Instagram account knows all too well.  (This isn’t really a secret, but whatever!) When being photographed, always have the photographer hold the camera above where you are posing….you look skinnier.  Delilah has nailed this concept. Mostly because when you don’t follow this rule you get this:

WHICH for all of us here swooning over her extra padding, is totally amazing. I mean, look at that bod. So much belly to rub! Delilah has a sassy, bigger than life, confident attitude, much like a  model. So, when being photographed, she prefers to put her best self forward.  When not being professionally photographed, she is totally fine letting it all hang out.. literally……

Delilah has had the pleasure of participating in a few playgroups at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control East, and it turns out this precious chunk is the Mama of the Gentle and Dainty group!  Let’s just say Delilah is not about to let the party playgroup attendees get too rowdy, she has unofficially deemed herself the Fun Police and is going to keep things under control. Literally, she runs around the play yard and corrects other dogs if they get to hyped up.

Delilah is a little on the bossy side (Obviously. When you look like Delilah you are entitled to be a Queen), so a dog intro is definitely required.

Because Delilah weaseled bulldozed her way in to so many hearts, she has landed herself a $200 pledge for either medical use or food/supplies from Blazevich Real Estate!  SO, whoever adopts Delilah not only gets FREE post-adoption training and support, and a microchip for Delilah they also get $200 towards Delilah’s needs. Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

Delilah is 10 years old and adoptable through MCACC East shelter and her ID is A3865664.

Go meet her today!

Playgroups have truly changed the game when it comes to learning about dogs at the Shelter. You might be wondering what we mean by this….let us explain using this week’s featured pup, Crystal, as an example.

Prior to playgroups, we may not have known how Crystal would be with other dogs. BUT, thanks to this amazing program we know that she gets along with everyone and is actually being used as a helper dog!

OK, so this isn’t exactly what I mean by helper dog….what I REALLY mean is that since Crystal is happy & friendly while interacting with other dogs, the playgroup team trusts her to help smooth out and socialize dogs who are maybe a little unsure. Do you know how valuable this information is about a dog? Prior to playgroups, when someone would inevitably ask us “Is she good with other dogs?” We’d be like:

JK. We would kind of know, but only based off of dog intros where the dogs are on leashes and everyone is tense, holding their breath and praying for a positive outcome.  NOW, we know that in a natural dog park-esque environment, Crystal does WELL!

Also, when we were doing our research on Crystal (our research basically consists of asking One Love’s Emily to recap every experience she has ever had with said-dog) we found out that Crystal has a kind of hilarious little quirk.

During her first playgroup, after being released into the yard, she ran around a little, dug a hole, and then rolled around in it. On a different occasion, she ran around, dug a hole, and then went #2 in it. There are two ways to look at this…..you might think she enjoys digging and will require a sandbox. OR, if you are like us, you have decided Crystal may be a bit of a germaphobe and prefers to roll on fresh ground, and needs a clean space for her commode.

Crystal could use a little work on her leash manners but so could my dog and I think she’s perfect. A little consistent training and not being stuck in a kennel will do wonders for her! This lady is literally bursting with love for people. Crystal does this endearing move where she pushes into you to be close.

Overall, Crystal just has a great attitude about life. Her pleasant disposition leads us to believe that if Crystal was human, and had to work in a corporate office, she would be the token office therapist.  Everyone would go to her and share their life struggles because she seems like the best listener ever….and well, she would probably also give great hugs, even if the person didn’t really want to be touched.

The shelters are FULL you guys, and we need to come together and find homes for these pups ASAP. So, let’s start with Crystal…she is young, listed as only a year old. Good with kids, good with dogs, good with adults, likes to get down and dirty (but also a clean freak–it’s a delicate balance). Basically a dream.

She is at MCACC East and her ID is A3854018.  Peep this bouncy little beauty:

Let’s chat about Elvis…the handsome, gentle, laid back, guy that is making his way into the hearts of everyone who meets him. For us, the most endearing trait he has is that he is KIND OF a little lazy, because well…maybe we are too! This is Elvis:

Regal AF, right? You may have heard that MCACC has been implementing the Dog’s Playing for Life programs at their shelters, which is making a world of a difference for ALL the dogs, but especially for shy guys like Elvis.  In his first play group he was a little unsure, so his pal, and kennel mate, Bertha sat with him during the play group.

This picture, captured by AZ Shelter Pets, actually made my heart stop. It is so freaking cute. And, yes, this is real life. And pretty much makes you fall in love with the adorable duo. But, it is important to note that while Elvis and Bertha LOVE each other (exhibit A-spooning in their kennel):

They do not necessarily need to be adopted together. In fact, thanks to the play groups (ANOTHER reason Dogs Playing for Life is such a BIG freaking deal) we know that Elvis is actually more social without Bertha around…and vice versa.

This past weekend, while at the shelter, we had Elvis out in the play yard for quite some time. We played, we loved on him, and then he just wanted to lay down….

in multiple positions:

Elvis is truly great you guys. And, the time has come for him to land a fam of his own.  Let’s not let good dogs like Elvis go unnoticed for yet another week. Even though Elvis has been enjoying his play groups…he’s ready. He’s ready to walk out those shelter doors forever (by the way, he walks great on a leash).

Elvis does great with all dogs both male and female!  He does seem to enjoy dogs with a similar energy level as him more than those who are bouncing off the walls, but if necessary, he will run around. #playswellwithothers #preferswalkingoverrunning

If a low-key (kind of lazy) best friend to spend your days with is what you dream of, we’ve got the dog for you. Interested? Elvis is at MCACC West and his ID is A3870961.

Diamond shines like, well, a diamond ;). This cutie is ALL about the love, and we all know the world could use more of it! This girl gives out hugs, kisses, and attention and she sure doesn’t shy away when someone is returning the favor! She seems to have a magnetic personality. Even just through photos we found ourselves already falling in love with her contagious smile <3. Diamond is an older dog (about 9 years), but she still seems to have that energy and zest for life. Age is nothing but a number!!

Diamond is blind in one eye, but that doesn’t slow her down from doing anything that other dogs do. She walks great on a leash and seems to be very well-behaved! Oh, and she also likes to be close to you… sounds like the perfect snuggler to me!!!

This gem (haha! get it?!?) is part of the Shelter Dog Program with One Love Pit Bull Foundation, which means that her adopters will receive free post-production training and One Love will cover the cost of her microchip. Diamond requires a dog intro as she was found to be a little untrusting of dogs. One Love thinks that she would thrive in a home with low energy dogs or in a single dog home.

Let’s dedicate this week to finding Diamond her forever home. We know there is someone out there who is her perfect match… someone who will shower her with love and affection for the rest of her life <3. Diamond is at MCACC East and her ID is A3857567.

 

Every once in a while, a dog emerges from within the shelter walls for her walk and instantly steals the hearts of everyone who lays eyes on her.  This is exactly what happened on Saturday at the #walkforhades at MCACC.

One Love volunteer, Emily, spotted Simone and her adorable pout face while we were setting up for the walk. She knew she had to pull Simone as one of the dogs she walked that morning. Boy, are we glad she did.  This girl is a full on ham. JUST LOOK:

Simone may be a smaller package, but her personality is BIG. We are honestly feeling a little jealous of whoever ends up adopting Simone.  Why? Because Simone is a natural entertainer. Her face itself just screams “look at me”…

But also, she literally actually screams “look at me” on her own, with her unique voice. Let us explain….The other day she was out in the play yard with three volunteers, just hamming it up, being as charming as K9-ly possible. Two of the volunteers left the play yard and one stayed behind with Simone.  This was apparently not acceptable for Simone and she proceeded to call out after them with the most ridiculously absurd/cute noise you will ever hear.  It is truly impossible NOT to laugh when you hear this noise.  I imagine the two volunteers felt obligated to promptly turned around and rejoin Simone in the play yard.

Here’s the thing, at the walk on Saturday, after Simone went back to her kennel….she sat in the outside portion staring at us calling for us using that same chatter. That was the moment every volunteer present fell in love. Simone was truly born to be a star.

We also know that Simone LOVES treats….(pictured here taking ALL the treats in exchange for kind of looking in the direction of the camera twice).

Simone is full of affection, and after she has a moment to adjust to a change in surroundings she will shower you with love. Here, you see Simone bum-rushing the treat station, dragging Emily behind her….

Also, your eyes are not deceiving you…Simone has a shortened tail. The tail adds even more character to her (as if this bug-eyed, mean-mugging, snorting, talking, bossy little lady needs more character). Anyways, you are looking at a fan-favorite here so if you are interested in meeting Simone, head over to MCACC EAST and meet her. We have a feeling she isn’t going to let you leave the play yard without her!! Her ID is A3871082. If you have a pup at home, bring him/her in to meet Simone to make sure everyone gets along prior to adoption.