Dexter and more pets are up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters

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 select number of the many pets available for adoption at Valley shelters. To check the status of a specific animal, please contact the shelter directly.

As adorable as he is sweet, Dexter is a true gentle giant weighing in at almost 100 pounds! Although he can stand to lose a bit of weight, the 7-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is incredibly calm on the leash and on car rides!

Dexter was rescued as an injured stray in September after he was found by a Good Samaritan in Phoenix and brought to the Arizona Humane Society. When first rescued, this handsome boy was treated in the shelter’s trauma hospital with a dental and a mass removal, the handsome pup is now feeling great and cannot wait to find his perfect forever home.

Although he loves people, Dexter would prefer not to have smaller pets or cats in the home as he likes being around other pets closer to his size. This smarty pants loves showing off his tricks including "sit" and "shake" but is also content in his unofficial role as certified people watcher – especially when it involves a pup cup!

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