Affectionately playing with their Miniature Dachshunds, Joey, Lisa Stapp and her son, Billy, praised the family pet after he rolled over on command.

Beautiful Bean has a rare Havana brown coat. She is sweet and lovable. Bean will answer to her name, craves attention and petting. Currently a little chubby, Bean should trim down some when in her new home eating light food. She is fixed, tested, and is getting all her shots.


Apache and Cheyenne are believed to be a father and son bonded pair who were found near Ahwatukee on the Gila River Indian Reservation. They were found wandering around, scrounging for food, and being fed by construction workers there at times. These Pomeranians are possibly mixed with Sheltie. They are larger boys, closer to 20 pounds each. They are silly, sweet, and love people. These very friendly boys like to jump and play and run around and act silly. They love toys, puzzle balls and chew bones. Since they were used to running free on the reservation, a home with a big yard would be preferable. They get along well with other high-energy dogs.

Thanks to the Summer Splash Tour, there’s at least one hot day this summer you don’t have to think about how to entertain the kids.

Perkins is an 8-year-old Beagle who was lost and taken in by the Arizona Beagle Rescue last summer. He is much taller than a typical Beagle and will play ball with you, but prefers tug-of-war. He likes walks as well, but pulls quite a bit because he gets so excited to go out, but he settles down after walking a bit. Car rides are one of Perkins’ favorite things.

When most men hit their 30’s, something changes (besides a receding hairline). It is almost as if men are destined to finally obtain that gut that they were meant to have. A gut signifying a real man. One who is now married with kids, works hard, and doesn’t have time to exercise anymore like he did when he was younger. And a healthy diet? A man is hungry and stressed and a salad just isn’t going to cut it. You don’t have to be that guy. Because that guy won’t be very happy when he gets into his 50’s and 60’s, if he makes it there at all. If you are over 30, think about your male friends and family members who are your age. How many of them are in reasonably good shape? How many do you observe following a healthy diet and who are very active? It would be surprising if the answer was over 25 percent. Look at yourself. Have you fallen into this trap and become complacent with it?

Florange was abandoned by his owner and left to find food and water in a local neighborhood. He is an extremely sweet 1-year-old long haired orange tabby with beautiful gold eyes. He is playful and enjoys watching the world from a great perch such as a tall cat tree or windowsill. He could use more exercise as he has gained a bit of weight but with the right diet and playtime should slim down.

Two old friends paid me a visit last week. The first slipped in without a word, freezing my mind for an instant, like the shock of ice cream gulped down too eagerly on a hot day. As we visited for a while, I noticed the familiar voice is edged with a steely insistence, somehow sharpened rather than blunted by a hunger for news of trouble, and the scent of brewing chaos. By God’s grace and through His perfect timing, there, just in nick of time, was another beloved friend knocking on the door of my heart, gently enfolding me in loving arms. This beloved voice speaks quietly, yet perfectly clearly, sharing a different story, at once both old and fresh. The voice carries words brimming with abundant life, like a lush oasis in an otherwise barren and hostile desert. Such is the power of moments of fear to paralyze our senses, and to leave us feeling isolated and lost. Such is the power of the unparalleled peace found through our faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord, in the comforting words of Scripture.

Mango is a sweet love bug. He enjoys giving hugs and relishes his time walking. Mango delights in belly rubs and will reward you with big kisses. He is very intelligent and knows basic commands such as sit and stay. Mango has an abundance of personality and aspires to be the family comedian. His tail never stops wagging and he is a jolly and joyful boy. He will make an excellent addition to a fun-loving, energetic and loving family. Mango is great on a leash and understands basic commands. He is a bit of a clown but is a well-tempered dog. He is going to make a great family member. Mango is looking for an active home with daily walks/jogs, weekend hikes and playtime at the dog park. Another canine friend would be great, too. Of course love for a big lap dog is a must for this love bug.

Summertime is full of fun, freedom and hot dogs and we don’t mean the kind you get at the ballpark! Although an exact number is difficult to find it is estimated that thousands of dogs die every year from heat-related causes. A little information and common sense can save lives.

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.

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.

Life is peachy-keen at Schnepf Farms where this annual festival fills the orchards with smiling children and families in search of $2 a pound fresh, ripe peaches, family friendly entertainment and hot-off-the-griddle peach pancakes, served from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. The festival begins May 18 and runs through Memorial Day and includes hay rides, peach pit spitting contests, live music May 18 and 19, roller coaster and other fair-type rides, as well as a “Peachy Sampling Tent,” where you can purchase a panorama of peach-related products. Other food options, including burgers and hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwhices, salads and kettle corn are also available.

Popular downtown Gilbert Postino East WineCafe is set to welcome a new neighbor with some south of the border flair. Joyride Taco House is set to open June 3 on the north side of Postino’s Grainbelt building, and it will share some outdoor space with the wine bar.

On May 5, 1862, a rag-tag force of vastly outnumbered Mexican soldiers held off well-provisioned French troops backed by heavy artillery in a battle to defend Mexican sovereignty.

On Sunday, the popular PBS restaurant review show, “Check, Please! Arizona,” hosts its first food festival at CityScape in Phoenix. While attendees enjoy a plethora of food and wine samples and live demonstrations from award-winning chefs like Robert McGrath and Chris Bianco, one humble festival booth — Pittsburgh Willy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs — takes the next step in its Cinderella story.

Before the weather gets any hotter, take your pooch out for a stroll at some of Ahwatukee’s dog-friendly restaurants.

Arizona State University’s Project Humanities is presenting “An Evening with Riva Yares” April 24 as part of the Project Humanities spring kick-off series, “Heroes, Superheroes, and Superhumans.”

Ganache is a 3-year-old Lhasa Apso mix. This shy boy needs slow introductions to other dogs. After he gets comfortable he can be playful, gentle, and very sweet. He has become friends with some of the other dogs at AAWL so other dogs would have to meet him first to see if they are compatible.

Homeowners associations are tasked with the unenviable responsibility of maintaining community standards. Personal property appearances, landscape maintenance and dog refuse in common areas fall within their purview; apparently so do banners advertising local businesses.

Regular spraying of your home and some professional advice could save homeowners a lot of trouble this year as experts are predicting crickets, scorpions and ants to be a big problem this spring.

If your goal is to lose weight, look and feel your best and live a healthy, vibrant life, be aware of the damaging additives and synthetic chemicals in the foods you buy and eat. Seventy-five percent of the average American diet is from processed and packaged foods, which equates to approximately 10 pounds of additives eaten annually.

Food trucks have been popular for some time now in the Valley, but on April 13 a new class of diner will get to partake of the trend.