Olive is an exceptionally polite and sweet 2-year-old Pit-Bull mix who gets along with everyone. She is great with other dogs, has the patience and love for children and the energy for long walks and hikes, however, cats are not her favorite thing in the world. Olive is the epitome of a lap dog and is always trying to be right beside you and in the middle of all the action. She is also exceptionally smart, already knowing sit and fetch and having a basic understanding of potty training. Olive is spayed, microchipped and up to date on all vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to a frozen berry mix sold at Costco has grown to 87 people with illnesses in eight states.

Pogo is a male “Beagle blend,” about 6 years old. He’s a sweet and loving little guy. Friends for Life rescued Pogo from the Yuma Humane Society where he was turned in several times as a stray. The last time he was turned in, however, his family never came to claim him. His outlook for finding a home was not good. Pogo was adopted from Friends for Life a few months ago, however, the family determined they didn’t have enough time for a dog. He’s hoping this time around for a family that will be dedicated to keeping him safe, sound, and loved. Pogo enjoys a good cuddle, going for walks when it’s cool, and just look at that face!

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.

Sweet Charlotte was found abandoned and was lucky enough to be able to go to Friends for Life in Gilbert. She’s estimated to be about 6 years old.

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.

Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation Thursday to allow foster children to be placed in homes with youngsters who are not immunized.

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.

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.

Bandit is a male terrier mix about 30 pounds and 3 years old. He was rescued from the Yuma Humane Society along with four other dogs he lived with. Their owner died and the remaining family was unable to care for them. When Bandit came to Friends for Life Animal Rescue his fur was in horrible shape. His adoptive family should keep in mind that to keep him adorable looking he’ll need to be regularly groomed. It is believed Bandit is housetrained since he was living in a home, but this has not yet been confirmed as he resides at the shelter vs. in a foster home.

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.

Lily, a 3-year-old Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix, was rescued recently from the e-list. Lily loves going for short walks and gets really excited when she sees her leash by spinning in circles.

Karma is a domestic short-haired buff and white large male kitty. He is approximately 6 years old. Karma’s personality is one of the strong, silent types. He very much enjoys sitting on a human’s lap or sitting next to someone for some love. Getting lovin’ is his favorite thing to do. He bows his head for rubs then “collapses” upside down for some belly rubs. Karma has tested negative for FELV/FIV. He is altered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations and litter-box trained. He currently calls Friends for Life’s adoption center in downtown Gilbert home.

Blaze was originally adopted from Lost Our Home Pet Foundation, but she came back because her adoptive mom could no longer take care of her. Blaze is a wonderfully sweet cat that just wants to be near you. She will steal your heart with her expressive eyes and may even find her way into your handbag.

Surprise is a female Cocker/Poodle blend that weighs in at about 25 pounds. She’s about 10 years old and was severely matted when she was turned in to the Yuma Humane Society ... once she got all cleaned up, had some bad teeth pulled ... Surprise — there was this beautiful girl. She enjoys relaxing with her people. Surprise is housetrained, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

Pets Best Insurance, a U.S. pet insurance agency, has named Dr. Irvin Ingram as the nation’s best veterinarian of 2012. Ingram, who treats animals at the Phoenix-based All Creatures Animal Hospital, took home the top honors of the 2012 My Vet’s The Best contest, which featured more than 20 finalists from across the country. Developed by Pets Best Insurance to recognize outstanding veterinarians who go above and beyond to keep pets healthy, the 2012 contest culminated with a presentation at the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. During the event, Dr. Jack Stephens, president and founder of Pets Best Insurance, announced Ingram as the winner and presented the veterinarian with a check for $1,000 to support his charitable work.

Squirrel is a young adult Border Collie mix. He was found as a stray dodging cars. Squirrel is a fun and active guy. He likes to go for walks, hiking, car rides … he’d like an active family. He’s been meeting lots of people and seems comfortable in those situations. Squirrel is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

A unique partnership between a car dealership and area rescue groups is good news for animals looking for forever homes.

March of Dimes Arizona Chapter announced that Arizona business and community leader Derrick Hall has taken on the role of March for Babies Phoenix chair. Hall, president and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is also a proud father making his commitment to the good health of moms and babies personal and meaningful.

Firebird was rescued from on the expressway. How she got there no one knows, but thankfully she was rescued in time. She demands love and adores being pet by her humans. Firebird seems to acclimate to most situations as far as home environment. She’s tested FELV/FIV negative, is up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. She’s been waiting for a home since December.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix has named Dr. Dean Coonrod, MD, as chair of the executive committee of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the downtown Phoenix medical college.

Carlos is a very handsome short-haired, black and white adult male, about 10 years old. The photographs don’t do him justice. Unfortunately, he was recently returned to the shelter due to circumstances his family couldn’t avoid. Carlos has a way of looking at you that just grabs your heart. He is a quiet guy and likes to be close to his people, but not necessarily a lap cat. When he wants your attention he’ll follow you around and wait for you to sit down so he can have some attention. Carlos does need a patient person to adopt him as it takes him a bit to adjust to new surroundings. He doesn’t ask much from his humans but to love him. Carlos is FELV/FIV tested negative, neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations.

The Phoenix Pet Expo comes to the University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive in Glendale, Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy tons of exhibitors, prize giveaways, live entertainment, obedience demonstrations, author readings, book signings, discounted vaccinations, dozens of rescue groups, a mega-adoption event and so much fun for the two-legged and four-legged. Meet Shorty Rossi and Hercules from Animal Planets’ “Pit Boss.”

Local hospital emergency rooms “exploded” with patients in the last two weeks, health officials reported.

Colby is a very handsome short-haired gray boy, about 8 years old. He became homeless when his family experienced a crisis.