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.

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.

Learning about the difference between wants and needs, students within the Kyrene School District learned the basics of finance and saving in a program through Bank of America.

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to the women of Mesa Arizona Hermosa Vista Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My Sisters’ Place recently received 60 beautiful handbags filled with an assortment of makeup, jewelry, lotion, perfume and notes filled with love and encouragement for the women in our shelter.

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.

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.

In the United States the average kid (age 8-18) spends 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen or on the phone. To counter sedentary living patterns, national physical activity guidelines for youth have been developed. The guidelines call for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day for children and teens. The guidelines are based on the amount of physical activity necessary to promote good fitness, health, and wellness. Only 29 percent of high school students meet the 60-minute daily guideline and 14 percent don’t do any physical activity that causes them to breathe hard or that increases heart rate on any day during the week.

Jodi is estimated to be about 2 years old. She’s a blend of some kind, perhaps a Spitz/Chow. She weighs approximately 35 pounds, so she’s on the smaller side. Word on the street is that someone saw Jodi being pushed from a car.

Newborns in Need will be hosting its annual baby shower on Saturday, May 4 with free knitting, crochet and sewing lessons for anyone who attends.

The road to Florence isn’t long when country music stars are in town. People flock from the East Valley to the Country Thunder music festival, spurring the question: What else is there to see in Florence? It didn’t take long to find an answer — alpacas.

Eddie Castillo said that the South American culture has the empanada, the British have the pasty, and he and his business partner Mike Caliendo are giving Arizona the hand pie.

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

Maricopa County confirmed its first positive mosquito sample for West Nile virus was found last month in the East Valley.

202 Adidas

Although it’s not much, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” really deserves credit where credit’s due. Its 2009 predecessor was one of the dumbest action movies of the past 10 years. In this sequel, director Jon M. Chu of those “Step Up” movies makes an attempt to incorporate some humor, creative action sequences, and impressive visuals. That doesn’t mean “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” is a good movie, but at least it’s an improvement. The film could have gone down the route of the “Transformers” series, which only got worse with every entry.

DreamWorks Animation has always strived to tell stories that can appeal to all ages. Its latest animated comedy, “The Croods,” will surely be enjoyed by anybody who is under 10. Unlike “Shrek” and “Kung-Fu Panda” though, it lacks the wit and innovation for older audiences. Compared to most Saturday morning cartoons, the film won’t passionately annoy parents who get dragged to the theater. But in an era where more and more adults are attending animated features without accompanying children, “The Croods” feels like a step backwards for DreamWorks.

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.

DreamWorks Animation has always strived to tell stories that can appeal to all ages. Their latest animated comedy, “The Croods,” will surely be enjoyed by anybody who is younger than 10. Unlike “Shrek” and “Kung-Fu Panda” though, it lacks the wit and innovation for older audiences. Compared to most Saturday morning cartoons, the film won’t passionately annoy parents that get dragged to the theater. But in an era where more and more adults are attending animated features without accompanying children, “The Croods” feels like a step backwards for DreamWorks.

Here’s a unique opportunity for those without remote control toys: Head out to the 1/8 Air Force model airplane club event and fly someone else’s.

Famous Dave’s barbecue restaurants are teaming up with Arizona law enforcement officers to give some comfort to kids caught in the middle of tragedy.

Meet Parker, a very cute but shy little boy with adorable ears and those big eyes that just beg for you to pick him up and hold him close. It seems that Parker has not been on many car rides and will need a family to take him on short trips to help him with his fear. He is very scared and will try to hide under the car seats. This little snuggle bug wants nothing more than a nice lap to lay in and his own person to cuddle with. He likes his walks but is still a little leery of things around him. Once he gets to know you and feels secure he will be your best friend. He is a pretty mellow guy so the perfect home would be one that is calm with not a lot of activity. Another canine in the house would be a plus. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like anyone has taken the time to show Parker how much fun playing with toys can be, but with some help it won’t take long.

Police in Arizona remain free to use drones -- assuming they have them -- to spy on people.