The 12 Most Urgent of 2012: Name Your Own Adoption Fee

Meet the 12 PAWS animals who are most in need of loving homes. If one of them is a match for you, you can Name Your Own Adoption Fee to take home your new best friend!

Through no fault of their own, these wonderful pets have made it onto our urgent* list: some need the one-on-one attention they can only find in a home, some are getting stressed by the shelter setting, and others have simply been waiting a very long time. Check back all year: as each animal gets adopted, we’ll use their space to save another life and add someone new to the list.

To adopt, visit www.phillypaws.org/adopt for an application, visit PAWS’ Adoption Center at 2nd and Arch Streets, or contact adoptions@phillypaws.org or 215-238-9901 ext. 30. 

Please help us find homes for these wonderful pets, so that we can save a dozen more in their place (and a dozen more after that, and a dozen more after that. . . ). 

(Updated 2/21/12)

I’m Scrubbs, a big boy with a huge personality! I’m around 1-2 years old and was found as a stray in Port Richmond. I’m confident and friendly, and I’m a sucker for chin scratches. I’d make a great addition to a multi-pet home - I even like to wrestle with dogs my size! Because I’m so playful, I’d probably do best in a home with older children. You can usually find me sneaking around the adoption center, looking for adventure. I’m urgent because: I’ve waited more than 6 months for a home.

I’m Maeve, a spunky strawberry blonde looking for a home. I’m a 3-4 month old pit bull mix puppy who was found as a stray. You wouldn’t believe it now, but when I arrived at PAWS, I was severely underweight and was suffering from a skin condition that made me lose all my fur. I’ve bounced back amazingly and am now in great health - I just need to receive medicine for a few more weeks to be 100% cleared up. I live with kids and other dogs in my foster home and get along well with them. Contact my foster mom at savabull@gmail.com to meet me! I’m urgent because: I’ve been waiting for a home longer than most puppies, since my medical treatment set me back a few weeks in searching.

I’m CeCe, the "queen" of the adoption center and its longest-term resident. I’m very opinionated and will always let you know when I’m in the mood for attention! I’m a gorgeous 4-year-old calico who has never known a stable home: I was born a stray kitten in 2007, adopted, given away as a gift, surrendered to the shelter when I was no longer wanted, adopted again, eventually returned to the shelter infested with fleas, adopted yet again to a home with other pets that I was very afraid of, then sent back to the shelter because I was having stress-related litterbox issues. I just can’t seem to catch a break! For more than a year, I’ve watched as other cats have gone off to loving homes, wondering when my turn will come along. The shelter is no place for royalty like me, so I’d like to be the queen of your home instead! I’m urgent because: I’m a particular lady who needs a particular home: somewhere quiet and calm, with a regular routine, no other pets, and a person who spends a lot of time at home to keep me company. I am four years old and have been waiting my whole life for Mr. or Mrs. Right.

Let’s go! I’m Darla, a spring-loaded bundle of energy who’s ready to bounce on out of here. I’m a 55-pound, 1-2 year old pit bull mix who was found as a stray. I’m always ready to play - I’d also make an excellent running partner! Once I’ve expended my energy, I’m content to chill out until it’s time for our next romp. I get along just fine with other dogs, but I don’t mesh well with cats. I live every moment to the fullest!  I’m urgent because: I need an adopter who can give me exercise and keep up with my energy level.

I’m Dez, a sweet senior boy who’s looking for a place to settle down. I was surrendered by my owners after 10+ years because they no longer wanted me. After spending all my life in a comfortable home, shelter life is confusing and a little scary to me. I’m a true lap cat and would love to cuddle up with you. Come meet me at 2nd and Arch!  I’m urgent because: I’m getting stressed out here at the busy shelter and long to return to a quiet home.

I’m Justice, a mellow lady looking for love. I’m a 2-4 year old female who looks like a shepherd/Rottweiler mix. My owners surrendered me to the city’s animal controlshelter because they could no longer care for me, and I was later rescued by PAWS. I’m an easygoing girl and will be content with just a few short walks per day. I get along with some dogs (I prefer smaller dogs), so I would like to meet any resident dogs before going home. I need a loving human to be my companion. Could it be you?  I’m urgent because: I need a strong leader who can help me work on my leash manners when I meet other dogs.

I’m Teena, a lovely 2-4 year old pit bull mix with a heart of gold. I love to be held and hugged, and I especially like to lay across people’s laps and get belly rubs. I’m very laid back and mellow, so I’ll adjust easily to home life. I love to play fetch - if it squeaks, I’ll chase it! Before I came to the shelter I was found hiding behind a grocery store, underweight, suffering from fleas and hair loss, and very frightened. Once I was safe at PAWS, I felt like a new dog! Now that I know how nice it is to receive kindness, I can’t get enough - once I get to know you, I’m all wiggles and kisses. I’m urgent because: I need the one-on-one love and attention of an adopter to build on the confidence-building progress I’ve made so far at PAWS.

I’m Scarlet, a stunning tortoiseshell cat who’s just over a year old. I’m gorgeous and I know it! In true diva fashion, I’ll always let you know when I want attention, and I don’t appreciate other pets stealing my limelight. I love to be pet, but I’m not a fan of being held too much. To make sure I get all the attention a true star demands, I would prefer to live in a home without young children or other pets.  I’m urgent because: Most animal lovers out there already have a dog or cat, so I need extra help finding a pet-free home!

I’m Frida, an independent-minded lady looking for a place to go. I was found in the Northeast section of the city with my four kittens, who have all since beenadopted. After being such a good mom, I’m ready for a calm, easygoing home, without any pets or kids, where I can relax. I like to get my exercise by chasing a laser pointer! I’m loving and friendly, but I’m also low-maintenance and not too needy. If you work long hours, I’m perfectly content spending time by myself.  I’m urgent because: Many people come looking for a very playful, attention-seeking cat, but I need someone who appreciates my laid-back, independent personality.

I’m Sammie, a 2-4 year old male tabby with handsome gold eyes. I like to play and chase toys, but I’m also content just to lounge around the house. I’m not a fan of dogs or other cats, so I’d prefer to be an only pet. I would love to be your new best friend!  I’m urgent because: Most animal lovers out there already have a dog or cat, so I need extra help finding a pet-free home!

Hi there, I’m Tink! I’m a cute-as-a-button pit bull mix around 9-12 months old, and I’m ready for a home! I ended up at the shelter because my owners were moving. Once I’m in a stable, loving home who will give me a little practice, I’ll do a great job with obedience training and housetraining. I’m currently residing at PAWS’ Adoption Center at 2nd and Arch Streets, so please come visit me any day of the week.  I’m urgent because: I’m a little puppy in a big dog’s body, so I’m looking for someone who can teach me all the skills I need to be an awesome pet.

My name is Mariella, and I’m a beautiful diva who’d like to add a little spice to your home. I’m a 1-2 year old tabby who was rescued from Philadelphia’s animal control shelter. I’m a sassy lady who’s full of personality, and I like to sneak around and explore my surroundings. I’d love to live in an only-pet home, so thatI can have your attention all to myself! I’m urgent because: I like to keep to myself when it comes to strangers, so I’m frequently overlooked in favor of cats who will run up to adopters and say "pick me!"

*What do we mean by urgent? 

At PAWS, we consider an animal "urgent" if he or she needs a little extra help finding a home and/or has been waiting an unusually long time

to be adopted. Because PAWS is a no-kill shelter, we can only take in as many animals as we have room for, so every adoption enables us to save another life that would otherwise be lost at Philadelphia’s animal control facility. Every day that an "urgent" animal languishes, we lose an opportunity to use their space to save another animal in need.  

At Philadelphia’s animal control shelter (ACCT), animals are marked "urgent" when they are in imminent danger of being euthanized for lack of space. Because ACCT is required to take in every animal that comes to its door -- more than 30,000 per year -- it is forced to euthanize when there is no room. Therefore, virtually every animal at ACCT is considered "urgent," despite the tremendous efforts of staff and volunteers working to secure their rescue. PAWS fills all its available spaces with these vulnerable animals.

Where are they now? Here are some former members of the 12 Most Urgent who have found their way out of the shelter. . . 

**2/21: Adopted!**   I’m Victoria, a beautiful dilute calico who’s sweet, friendly, and quite outgoing. I’m around 4 years old and I ended up at the shelter because my owner was in poor health. I would be happiest in an only-pet home without small children. The more you get to know me, the more I’ll show you what a sweetheart I am. I like to be pet and to snuggle up with my favorite people! I’m urgent because: Being in the shelter setting stresses me out, so it’s harder for me to let my personality shine here.

**2/21: Adopted!**  I’m Shadow, a playful puppy who’s ready for a family! I’m a mixed breed male around six or seven months old. I ended up at the shelter after I was abandoned at a vet’s office by my owners. I get along with other playful dogs, but I’m not quite used to cats. Since I’m such a rambunctious boy, I’d do best with kids over 10. I’m still a puppy and will be looking up to you to teach me  manners and basic obedience training. I’m a fabulous family dog in the making! I’m urgent because: I don’t want to spend mypuppyhood in the shelter! I ought to be in a home setting where I can master the skills I need to be the best dog I can be.

**2/14/12: Adopted! Layla found true love on Valentine’s Day and is now a beloved family dog living on the Main Line. I’m Layla and I love to play, play, play! I’m a pocket-sized pit bull mix around a year old and I’m doing a great job of learning my puppy manners. I even know a few basic commands! For the past three months I’ve been laying low at PAWS’ clinic while I recovered from knee surgery. Now that I’m all better, I don’t want to spend another minute in the shelter. I’d love to show you my bubbly personality. . . come meet me and get some sloppy Layla kisses! I’m urgent because: I was cooped up for weeks on low-activity rest after my surger y, and I wasn’t allowed to run or bounce. Bo-o-o-oring. At last, I’m ready for some fun!

**2/11/12: Adopted!  I’m Baby, a lovable mutt (I look like a husky/pit bull mix) who’s actually around 5 years old and well past the rambunctious puppy phase. I ended up at the shelter when  I’m urgent because: I’ve waited over a year for a home. I was surrendered by my owners. I spent the last year in foster care, and am now back at the shelter until I find a home. Since I’ve spent so much time in a home setting, I’ve learned lots of skills: I’m housetrained, crate trained, I walk well on a leash, I’m not a chewer, and I’m very polite when meeting people and other dogs. (My only vice? I’m an occasional toilet drinker!) I love attention and would do best in a home where I’m not left alone for extended periods of time.

**2/1/12: Adopted! My name is Duncan, and I’m a shy guy around 8 months old. I was very scared when I came to PAWS, but I’ve made tremendous progress since then. For the first four months of my life, I lived outdoors in a feral cat colony without any human contact. Despite my outdoor beginnings, I’m a very friendly boy at heart and will do great in a home. Because I’m still getting used to interacting with people, I’ll need a gentle, patient owner who can help me get accustomed to being held and petted. I would do especially well in a home with an outgoing cat who can teach me the ropes. I’m a perfect companion in the making - please email robin@phillypaws.org to meet me. I’m urgent because: I need a little extra socialization for my personality to shine.

**1/23/12: Adopted along with her brother Sparky to a loving home!* I’m Cola, Sparky’s sister and best buddy. I ended up at the city’s animal control shelter as a kitten in 2007, was adopted, and was recently returned to PAWS when my owners could no longer care for me. I love to be pet and have my head rubbed! I would be lost without my brother Sparky, so wherever he goes, I want to go too. I’m urgent because: Sparky and I come as a set!

**1/23/12: Adopted with his sister Cola!**  I’m Sparky, a sweet cat looking for love. I’m a vocal boy who will always have stories to tell you. I’m very closely bonded with my sister Cola, so we would like to be adopted together. We’d do best in a quiet home without small kids. Would you like to add our fun-loving pair to your home?  I’m urgent because: I need a home that will take two cats at once.