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"Leopard dog" rescued from Arizona's extreme heat finds a "furever" home

By and
Updated  July 12, 2025 1:38am MST
Pets and Animals
FOX 10 Phoenix

PHOENIX - July 15, 2025 UPDATE: Rainbow Brite has found her forever home! In a Facebook post, the Arizona Humane Society stated:

"After surviving unimaginable heat while tethered outside nursing 9 tiny pups, our viral leopard dog Rainbow is finally getting the happy ending she deserves. Found on pavement reaching 133°, her journey from rescue to recovery has touched hearts across the country. Thanks to her amazing Foster Hero, Rainbow blossomed into the sweet, snuggly girl we always knew she was. And now — she’s been adopted AND gained a new 4-legged best friend! Rainbow’s story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. We’re so excited for this new chapter in her life & all the love she’ll continue to give (and get!)."

Seven of Rainbow's puppies were adopted. Two are undergoing additional medical care for a puppy cold!

Our previous story is below.

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Rainbow Brite & her pups are up for adoption

Rainbow Brite & her pups are up for adoption

Following an animal cruelty investigation, some very special pups are up for adoption at the Arizona Humane Society.

The Brief

    • Rainbow Brite, a dog found in severe heat distress with nine puppies, is now recovering and up for adoption at the Arizona Humane Society.
    • She was found underweight, tethered, without water or shelter, on pavement that reached 133 degrees.
    • Her adoption fee is waived as part of a "Big Dog Special" at the South Mountain campus, where she awaits a loving home.

"Rainbow Brite," a resilient mother dog, is now recovering at the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) and is available for adoption along with her puppies. She is a survivor of severe heat distress, a common issue the AHS addresses during Arizona's hot summers.

The backstory:

Jennifer, from the Arizona Humane Society, explained Rainbow's ordeal. Rainbow was found in a backyard with her nine puppies. She was underweight, without water or shelter, and tethered on a leash, a particularly dangerous situation in extreme temperatures. When AHS animal investigators found her, the pavement temperature was a scorching 133 degrees.

Upon rescue, AHS staff, with the assistance of Phoenix police and law enforcement, immediately worked to cool Rainbow down with wet towels and provided her with plenty of water. Her puppies were kept in the shade before the entire family was brought to the AHS trauma hospital.

Despite being covered in colorful spots, giving her a "happy exterior," Rainbow's story highlights a very serious issue where "minutes matter in this temperature, in this heat," Jennifer said. The family spent time in maternity suites before being cared for by a foster family for several weeks. Now, Rainbow and all her puppies are available for adoption at the South Mountain campus.

What you can do:

For those interested in adopting Rainbow or one of her puppies, adoptions are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rainbow's adoption fee is waived as part of the AHS's "Big Dog Special" for dogs over 50 pounds.

"She loves a good bed, a good couch, get a good exercise in with a walk," Jennifer said, adding that Rainbow "is going to be your cuddle buddy."

Rainbow is clearly a devoted mother, showering her puppies with affection. Both Rainbow and her puppies are described as "so sweet," and the AHS hopes they all find loving homes, especially given Rainbow's difficult past.

Arizona Humane Society

The Source

  • Arizona Humane Society

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