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:

With the onslaught of Oscar contenders that debuted last November, there’s a good chance that a little-seen indie gem, “Starlet,” managed to fall off your radar during its short, theatrical run. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 2011 SXSW film festival, “Starlet” explores the unlikely friendship between a cheerful, aspiring actress (played by the winsome Dree Hemingway) and a cantankerous, elderly widow (the late Besedka Johnson).

Pippa can be a bit shy when she meets new people but with a little bit of time, this little gal opens up to show her peppy, loving and cuddly personality. She has flourished into a sweet, bubbly dog. She loves to play ball with her foster brother and go on walks. One of her favorite activities is playing with toys. Pippa loves to pull all the toys out of the toy box and hide various ones around the house. She’s looking for a home with another young, active, dog that she can play with. Another canine friend also gives Pippa confidence and makes for a great snuggle buddy. Pippa has become quite the ball chaser in foster care as well. She’s looking forward to continuing to hone her ball skills in her new home. Pippa is looking for a patient home that will understand that she is initially shy with new folks, but that with patience she comes around. Daily walks, plenty of snuggle time and lots of toys are all on this little girl’s wish list.

“Hi, Mike? I am so glad I got a hold of you. My computer is running so slowly that I turn it on, make coffee, take the dog for a walk, and bake a few dozen cookies then maybe; just maybe the website will be fully loaded. This computer is running terrible! Can you help?”

Scooter is a very lively 10-year-old Beagle. Scooter is good with other dogs, but will give a warning growl if another four-legged friend gets too close to his sleeping space. He’s recently been able to show off some of my awesome agility skills, so if that’s something you’d like to work more with him on, you’d be a perfect match. He really enjoys running through tunnels, climbing up ladders, and running down slides, even more so if rewarded with a treat or just a good belly rub. Scooter is extremely affectionate and loves to be loved.

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.

Phaedra is a gentle gal with a laid back, easy going personality. She enjoys hanging out with people and gets along well with other dogs. Although she is not particularly interested in the rough and tumble wrestling games that some other dogs like, she’s happy to watch the show. Phaedra is looking for a home that will take her on daily walks around the neighborhood, weekend hikes could be enjoyable to her too but she might have to work up her stamina for a longer hike. A home with plenty of cuddle time and hanging out with her favorite humans would be perfect for this mellow gal. Belly rubs are also a favorite of hers. She has so much love to give and can’t wait to start her new life.

Phaedra is a gentle gal with a laid back, easy going personality. She enjoys hanging out with people and gets along well with other dogs. Although she is not particularly interested in the rough and tumble wrestling games that some other dogs like, she’s happy to watch the show.

Recently, my family had distant relatives visit from Germany. Over the years there have been many visits between us visiting Germany and them visiting the USA. They are a wonderful family and we thoroughly enjoyed the time together. Upon waking up one morning, my 4-year-old had already asked to visit Germany.

They brought folk back to mainstream radio long before The Lumineers and Of Monsters And Men hit it big, with blissful, down-home tunes popping up in jaunty car commercials and adorable father-daughter YouTube covers. This weekend, you can find the 10-piece Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival in Phoenix, where they’ll be rubbing shoulders with the likes of The Shins, Dr. Dog and The Roots.

Have a long list of home improvement projects? Don’t know where to start?

Have a long list of home improvement projects? Don’t know where to start?