Sumo the big kitty and more up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters this week

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.

Sumo: Big kitty wrestles for head pats

If you have a big love for kitties, there is no need to look any further than Sumo. As one might imagine, this adorable 4-year-old gray domestic longhair has rightly earned his name weighing in at just under 21 pounds! No need to worry, this cute face will only wrestle some head pats out of you.

In Arizona Humane Society's care, Sumo needed a tooth extracted and his ears cleaned but luckily was healthy otherwise. Those who know him best say he is a big boy with a little mustache and a huge heart. A few of his favorite activities include hanging out with his human friends while relaxing with a few head scratches.

How to adopt: Sumo is available for adoption at the Arizona Humane Society’s Sunnyslope Campus off of 13th Avenue and Hatcher Road in Phoenix. His adoption fee includes his neuter surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. For more information, visit azhumane.org/adopt.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Mr. Tosh: The best snuggler

Mr. Tosh was rescued from Maricopa Animal Care and Control. He had been diagnosed with heartworm and went through four months of treatment in a foster home. He is now fully recovered and is ready to move on to find his forever family.

Tosh is a Chihuahua mix about 4 years old. He is a funny little guy who loves to snuggle up to his foster mom. He’ll probably share those snuggles with his new family as well. He also loves to burrow under blankets and pillows and sleep in the bed with his humans.

Tosh likes going on a walk, however, he’s just as happy being a couch potato. His ideal home is one with children over 12.

How to adopt: Tosh is available for adoption at Friends for Life Animal Rescue’s adoption center on Saturdays or by appointment during the week. He is up to date on vaccinations, licensed with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, neutered, and is microchipped. His adoption fee is $195. If you are interested in adopting Tosh, contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296, email FFLdogs@azfriends.org, or visit azfriends.org.

— Jannelle Cosgriff, Friends for Life

Leo: A lovable 'pocket lab'

Leo is a handsome pup who, true to the astrological sign he’s named after, is known for his loyalty and big heart. The sweet Labrador retriever mix is 6 years old and weighs just shy of 36 pounds, the perfect “pocket lab” for anyone who is looking for an adorable companion.

Slowly but surely Leo has started to not only look better on the outside but truly feel better on the inside. At Arizona Humane Society, Leo received treatment for hair loss and ear infections while steadily gaining weight.

This cutie pie’s shining brighter than ever. Initially very shy and scared of people, Leo has also burst out of his shell in a major way and now loves spending time with his two-legged friends while playing in the yard. According to those who know him best, Leo’s tail never stops wagging when on a walk. Due to his past, Leo would do best meeting the whole family.

How to adopt: Leo is available for adoption on Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Arizona Humane Society's Campus for Compassion at 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix. His adoption fee includes his neuter surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip and a free follow-up wellness exam with a VCA Animal Hospital. For more information, call 602-997-7585 and ask for animal number 613267.

— Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society

Molly May: A sweet and talkative kitty

It seems her owner loved cats a little too much!  The apartment home Molly May lived in had more cats than rules provided for; as a result, she sadly had to be given up. This black kitty is 6½ years old.

According to her owner, she is sweet and gentle, loves massages (don’t we all?), likes to be combed and brushed, enjoys a good two-way conversation, and gets along well with other cat companions. She is short-haired, so no worry about snarls and tangles with her.

How to adopt: Molly May is available for adoption at Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, 11129 Michigan Avenue in Youngtown. For more information, call 623-876-8778 after 10 a.m.

— Beverly Bormann, Sun Cities 4 Paws