Did you know that puppies or kittens can become pregnant as early as 4 months of age? Don’t get stuck with accidental litters. You can fix each puppy or kitten for $20 in June at Altered Tails, Barnhart Clinic, 950 W. Hatcher Road in Phoenix. Call (602) 942-SPAY (7729) for more information or visit www.alteredtails.org.

Recently, I’ve had many cases involving dogs that have extremely high prey drives. Dogs have a natural instinct for hunting prey. Smell and motion of other animals will instantly attract a dog to their instinctive prey drive. Of course, with domesticated dogs, we feed them so they don’t have to hunt. To ensure your dog views your family cat as a “pack member” and NOT a “pack prey-toy,” follow the below simple tips:

The Food and Drug Administration will now allow women age 15 and older to buy the emergency contraceptive Plan B over the counter. Unfortunately, there is no “Plan B” for dogs and cats who find themselves in trouble — and that’s why it’s vital to have them spayed or neutered as soon as possible.

Mini and Smokey are a bonded pair of 12-year-old pure bred Pomeranians who were surrendered by their owners who could no longer care for them. Mini is a very outgoing girl who likes to play with toys and do twirls and jump into your arms. Smokey is more reserved and timid and depends on Mini for everything. He follows her wherever she goes, lays where she lays and really needs her. Smokey has alopecia, a skin condition that is common for Poms which causes them to lose their hair, but otherwise he is healthy. Both babies are snuggle bunnies and love to be held. Both are kennel and leash trained. Even though they are approximately 12 they do not act their age. They MUST go to the same home.

Seeking to keep fields accessible and available to some 4,000 kids in and around Ahwatukee, various youth sports leagues met with the Kyrene School District on Monday after add-on costs to the Ahwatukee Foothills Pony Baseball Association caused heated community concern.

Alex Shin, a kindergartner at Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School, placed first in a writing contest for PBS Kids Go! He was invited to a special awards ceremony in downtown Phoenix where local author, Terri Fields, presented Shin with his first place prize, a Kindle Fire.

Mady is an extremely beautiful and sweet, 1-year-old petite Dilute Tortoiseshell cat. She came to Lost Our Home Pet Foundation with six newborn kittens who all found homes.

Brown is a sweet and quiet Sealpoint Siamese. He’s a beautiful and affectionate middle-aged male who loves to be petted, and craves a stress-free household after the passing of his owner. He is fixed, tested, and has all his shots.

Molly and Prince, a brother and sister duo, are two beautiful 3-year-old long-haired white and grey cats who were rescued from a foreclosed home. They are a bit shy at first but love to be petted and groomed.

This beautiful green eyed girl needs home! Meet her with Cactus Cats Saturday at Petco, 5011 E. Ray Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pet rescue groups across the Valley are coming together with a three-year initiative to solve the problem of pet homelessness by fixing, adopting and saving Valley pets.

Kramer needs to find his forever home soon because his foster parents are leaving Arizona. Kramer is a 4-year-old male Beagle who is easy-going, calm, affectionate, doesn’t bark much, house-trained, and gets along well with other dogs.

Cherokee is a 5-year-old parti-colored purebred Pomeranian. He has a stunning long coat and great teeth. Cherokee is very social and playful, he loves children, is great with other dogs but not cats. He is housebroken, although, he needs a refresher course in potty training. He listens well and is a talker in return. He also great on a leash. Cherokee weighs 10 pounds, is neutered, current on vaccinations and has a microchip.

It has been three years since members of the South Mountain Citizens Advisory Team (SMCAT) got together, but on Monday the group will reconvene to discuss air quality before the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS).

Jack is an extremely gentle 8-year-old lap cat with a very sweet demeanor. He seeks affection from anyone who will give it and responds with a little “squeak” and rub. He is very healthy and gets along well with cats, dogs, and kids. He is very adaptable to new situations.

This champagne orange cat named Tang seeks a new life and new home to play in. He’s packed his squeaking toy mouse and is ready for a new adventure. I

Spring is in the air and the desert is entering its cycle of new life. However, for the Ahwatukee community, that could mean more than seasonal allergies.

Figarro is a female short-haired black and white cat, about 10 years old. She is a sweet thing that loves giving “Eskimo kisses” and being super cute. When not doing that she also enjoys spending time with her human friends. Figarro seems to almost always be purring. She knows how to see the brighter side of life and is hoping for a forever home soon. She’d also like her new family to rename her with a more “girly girl” name.

State lawmakers gave final approval Thursday to legislation designed to let Arizonans shop around for the least expensive CAT scan, hip replacement or even routine physical.

Local animal shelters have enough camps to keep any animal lover engaged and learning this summer.

Elliott, a 2-year-old white Tabby male cat, was rescued after being abandoned at an elementary school. Lost Our Home Pet Foundation found him a home, but unfortunately his owner lost her home and was forced to move to another state to live with relatives who are allergic to cats. Elliott is extremely affectionate, playful and is good with other cats, dogs and older kids.

Sweet and playful declawed Liliko is lonely and craves a new home with attention. She’s declawed, fixed, tested, and has all her shots.

Eight years ago, Ahwatukee resident Eleanor Marsh decided to leave the corporate world. On the anniversary of her mother’s death, April 8, she decided to do something she was passionate about — taking care of animals.

Dictionary.com defines “harmony” as: “agreement; accord; harmonious relations.” If your dog counter surfs, jumps on guests, barks incessantly, chases your cat to no end, and chews your couch, your home is in a constant state of tension. Just imagine waking up to your dog bringing you the newspaper and your slippers to start the day? It can happen.

Velvet is a mellow girl looking for her perfect home. This 4-year-old German Shepherd/Chinese Shar-Pei mix is looking for a home that does not have any other dogs or cats. She gets along best with people and can self entertain — toys can keep her occupied for hours.