This week’s featured dog is Violet, a 6-12-month old female American Pit Bull terrier mix with a gorgeous black coat.

Violet ended up at the shelter after wandering the streets of Philadelphia for a while. She was picked up by a nice police officer who was hoping she’d find her family again. No such luck! But surely there is someone out there who would love to bring her home with them.

Violet loves the staff and volunteers at the shelter because they give her attention and treats! She’s relatively easy to walk on the leash and quickly learning new tricks. She did well in her behavior evaluation, but didn’t show much interest in toys or food, she just wanted to explore and get head scratches. She showed a little too much interest in cats so she probably shouldn’t live with them in her new foster or forever home. She did well in her dog meets, they said ‘hi’ and sniffed appropriately. If you have any dogs at home, please bring them in to meet Violet to make sure it’s a good match.

Unfortunately, Violet is currently on treatment for ringworm. Ringworm is a contagious fungal condition that is easily treatable with topical medication, but it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months for a dog with ringworm to fully recover. Ringworm thrives on animals with suppressed immune systems (which can be caused by stress from being in the shelter), and heals more quickly on healthy, non-stressed dogs in home environments.

Violet is currently located at the ACCT shelter at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. Adoption hours are 1 – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends. If you are interested in fostering, please contact nsmith[at]pspca.org or jsweeney[at]pspca.org.

This week’s featured cat is Norton, a beautiful young adult cat (one-two years old).

Norton came to City Kitties after a hard life on the streets. Initially shy and easily scared, he’s now an energetic and fiercely devoted cat who loves attention from his people.  He loves having his coat brushed and playing with toys, and catnip makes him the silliest thing on four legs. All he needs is an owner who likes him hopping on the bed at night.

Norton is neutered, FIV/FeLV negative, and has been tested/treated for fleas/parasites as needed.

If you would like to meet him please fill out an adoption application with City Kitties. The adoption process involves an application, reference check, and a visit to your home at the time of adoption. Adoption fee is $85 to help subsidize the cost of veterinary care. To ask a specific question about Norton please use this contact form.

A reader found an approximately one-year-old female tabby cat (calico because of white paws) at 33rd and Walnut St. She is missing an eye.

If anyone knows whom this cat may belong to please email Erin at: ebuckle2 [at] gmail.com

This week’s featured dog is Sandy, a one-to-two-year-old pit bull terrier mix.

She is pretty much the sweetest girl you’ll ever meet. And she’s not too shabby in the looks department either! She has a brindle coat, white markings on her face, and adorable little spots that her Pen Pal (that’s her special friend at the shelter who comes to hang out with her) refers to as her freckles. She has lively, bright eyes and a really friendly smile.

She already knows “sit,” and her Pen Pal is teaching her “down,” “stay,” and “give paw.” She’s a really smart girl and very treat-motivated, so she should learn those commands in no time! Besides, she really wants to make her people happy.

Sandy would love a nice, warm home where she can sit with you on the couch and give you gentle kisses! If you have a dog, that’s no problem — Sandy is not very picky about her friends. But you should probably bring them down to the shelter to meet her just in case to make sure that they get along. Sandy also loves kids and all people. She just needs someone to love her back.

A few days ago Sandy was featured on NBC 10’s Dog Day Saturday.

Sandy is available for foster or adoption at the Philadelphia Animal Control shelter (ACCT) at 111 W. Hunting Park Ave. For more information email her Pen Pal at: meredithkleiber [at] gmail.com

We received this information from one of our readers.

“We live on the 4700 block of Hazel Ave. For the past few weeks, we have seen a young calico cat (we think female) on our block (see photo). She has a collar, appears in good general health and is friendly; we assumed she belonged to someone on our block. The past few days, we noticed she has an eye infection which is getting progressively worse… Anyone knows anything about this cat? (does she actually belong to anyone? Is she being treated?)”

If you know who this cat may belong to, please email Heather at: heather.simoes.torpey [at] gmail.com

Update (10/12/11): Sashu has been adopted!

This week’s featured cat is Sashu, an 8-month-old calico kitten. Sashu is currently being fostered through the PSPCA by West Philly resident Chris who is trying to find a good home for her.

Sashu is an incredibly affectionate kitten and is very very people oriented. Although she is young, she uses her litter box like a pro. She loves attention and is constantly purring. She would adapt very well to any situation given her outgoing personality. She was just spayed and is up to date on her vaccines.

Please contact Chris at christopher.torre [at] gmail.com if you would like to meet her. He lives at 40th and Pine, and will be happy to meet you somewhere if that is more convenient for you.