Tapioca is a very sweet dog, but takes some time to warm up to people. However, once she does she is very personable and loves to follow you around as well as curl up right next to you on a couch or bed. She is very smart and seems to understand the concept of potty training and just could use some further reinforcement. She also loves toys, especially Kongs or anything involving chewing. Tapioca is looking for a loving home with a family who will treat her right. She needs a family who doesn’t mind her taking time building confidence and trust. If you give Tapioca a chance, she’ll be the best companion you’ve ever had. She is a very sweet and playful dog.

In the galaxy of big-screen superheros — a rather glum lot — Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man is the snappy one.

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.

Longtime guests on “A Prairie Home Companion,” this roots band revives an old-fashioned genre in a new era. They are touring in support of their latest album, “Carry Me Back,” along with special guests, Dale Watson and the Texas Two.

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

Rory is 21 pounds of pure goodness, happiness and love. Resisting his charms is pointless. One look into those precious light-colored eyes and you will be hooked. Rory is one handsome boy with such a wonderful and joyful personality. He loves everyone he meets — dog and human alike. He always appears to have a smile on his face and a wagging tail.

Cavemen — they're just like us! — or so "The Croods" seems to be saying with its familiar mix of generational clashes, coming-of-age milestones and generally relatable laughs.

Beautiful Moto has been an indoor cat living with one owner for more than eight years. She is extremely gentle and would make a wonderful companion to a special home. Moto is a lap cat who is very calm and friendly and has beautiful long gray fur and green eyes. She has been around other cats and a dog and should do fine with older children.

When Jay Mesinger heard about a study seeking Golden Retrievers to help fight canine cancer, he immediately signed up 2-year-old Louie.

Few recent documentaries have stirred audiences quite like “How to Survive a Plague,” with its harrowing yet inspiring look into an oft-forgotten period of American history: the early years of the AIDS epidemic that rocked the nation in the 1980s and '90s. In his powerful filmmaking debut, journalist David France explores the ACT UP and TAG movements as they fought for change against an indifferent government and health care system, primarily told through activist-shot footage from those years.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, some individuals reflect on the questions: “Why am I alone?” “Why can’t I make a relationship work?”

Amadeus is one of those dogs that if his striking color, scruffy hairdo, or very cute under bite doesn’t capture your heart his wonderful demeanor will. He has a gentle soul that is full of life and he is happy to spend the time with you no matter what it entails. Walks are a favorite thing to do, but he also can be very happy sitting in your lap soaking up love and attention. He is a great riding companion, sitting in the seat beside you just watching the world go by. Amadeus enjoys playing fetch and has become quite good at it. He has been a perfect house guest in foster care. He’s house trained, doesn’t bark, is a pretty low maintenance guy that enjoys hanging out with his human friends. He is looking for a home with daily walks, games of fetch, snuggle time, and of course a life of love. He promises to be your best friend and love you for all the days of his life in return.

Director Kief Davidson’s journey through Rwanda and Sudan was not only a filmmaking venture, but a life-or-death trek for eight Rwandan children afflicted with rheumatic heart disease. A firsthand look into their lives and the high-risk surgical procedures they must endure, “Open Heart” is a powerful documentary bringing much-needed attention to a disease that affects nearly 18 million people worldwide.

As we consider New Year’s resolutions, I gladly share a story of Violet Jerome, a family friend who knew the secrets of keeping the Christmas spirit alive, year-round. Come to think of it, with our nation trapped in moral chaos, her story needs to be shared across the land.

Hospice of the Valley volunteer Gregg Smith was the runner up for the 2012 Arizona Cardinals Community Quarterback grand prize award. Smith, who has given more than 500 hours of volunteer service, will receive a $3,000 donation benefitting the nonprofit agency.

"The Beautiful Ruins” started off as a little frivolous and fun — a nice break from a serious novel. How wrong could I be.

Triscuit is a big personality in a little body. He gets along great with our resident dog playing and following each other during play time. During rest time, it is not unusual to find Triscuit and the resident dog sleeping with their heads on each other. Triscuit is also cat friendly.

I want to talk about a sometimes uncomfortable topic for many of us but a very important subject; which is the passing of our pets. In the majority of cases we will out live our beloved four-legged companions, and unfortunately in most cases we are the ones to make the decision when that time is.

Duke is absolutely wonderful and still learning that humans can be a good thing. He is still nervous around quick movements. Love and patience from the wonderful volunteers will help him overcome this. Even though Duke has not had the best start at life he still has a smile on his face that is very contagious. Spend any amount of time with this mellow fellow and you too will be sporting a smile on your face. You can tell that Duke is just happy to be alive and would love nothing more than a person to be a companion to. Long walks or sitting just watching the world go by would make this boy happy as long as he is with you.

Members of the Senior Advocacy Group of Ahwatukee (SAGA) would like to extend our gratitude to the Ahwatukee Foothills community for making our Inaugural Symposium on Nov. 3 a tremendous success. Over 175 seniors, caregivers, industry experts, vendors and volunteers attended SAGA Symposium 2012, a first-time educational forum on important local resources hosted by the Pecos Community Center.

“All people are born alike — except Republicans and Democrats,” Groucho Marx

Duke is one handsome fellow. Absolutely wonderful is how the volunteers describe him. Duke is still learning that humans can be a good thing and is still nervous around quick movements. Love and patience from the wonderful AZ RESCUE volunteers will help him overcome this. Even though Duke has not had the best start at life he still has a smile on his face that is very contagious. Spend any amount of time with this mellow fellow and you too will be sporting a smile on your face. You can tell that Duke is just happy to be alive and would love nothing more then a person to be a companion, too. Long walks or sitting just watching the world go by would make this boy happy as long as he is with you.