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.

Not waiting for formal gubernatorial approval, foes of her Medicaid expansion already are moving to undo at the ballot box and in court what they could not block at the Legislature.

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!

I am one of those whose mother invoked starving children in India or China as a way to get me to eat nasty vegetables like eggplant and okra and to otherwise leave nothing on the plate. These days, I like vegetables, I clearly do not often leave anything on the plate, and my mother need not look past our own shores to see starving children.


Ziggy is one of the most polite and happy boys you will ever meet. Unfortunately, he has not had the best start to life, it appears that this precious little boy has been injured (probably hit by a car) and was never given the proper care. Ziggy has only one eye that he can see out of and his little legs are out of whack, but fortunately he is in no pain. Just kinda walks funny. But you would never know it by the way Ziggy moves and shakes. He runs with the rest of the pack in his foster home and has no problem making his way around the house and backyard. His true joy in life is snuggling with his human or other canines in his foster family. He is always wagging his little stub of a tail and has a smile that is contagious and never leaves his face. Ziggy has been the prefect house guest in his foster home and has quickly become a favorite to all that meet him. He is so calm and easy going that he will fit into any home that promises to give him the love and affection that he so deserves. His perfect home would be one with someone around most of the time and another canine friend or two. Your days will be filled with joy and smiles with Ziggy by your side.


Powel is looking for a family willing to put in the time, patience, love, and training it takes to have a puppy. He has puppy-like behaviors (chewing, potty training, and training), but he’s worth all the time and training it will take to watch him grow. He is a Chihuahua mix, 9 months 26 days.

The 2013 legislative session began with a unanimous vote in the House and the Senate to appropriate emergency funding for additional Child Protective Services staff. With that vote, lawmakers affirmed child safety as a top priority.

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.

The decision by the IRS to take a closer look at Tea Party finances apparently did not affect some key organizations in Arizona.

Dillie Nerios is a Florida food stamp recruiter. Her job is to sign up 150 seniors monthly in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Santana is a 1-year-old Boxer/Great Dane mix that is fun, has high energy, and is eager to learn tricks. He likes other large dogs that can keep up with him and tons of exercise. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on his shots and ready to find his forever home.

Molly and Prince, a brother and sister duo, are two beautiful 3-year-old long-haired white and grey cats who were rescued from a foreclosed home. They are a bit shy at first but love to be petted and groomed.

Centennials are normally cause for celebration, a chance to applaud some thing or person standing the test of time. But not so for the income tax. Even the IRS is declining to mention that this year is the 100-year anniversary of the 16th Amendment of the Constitution, which authorized the tax.

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.

While more than 62 percent of households in the U.S. have a pet, and many of the people living with those animals attend church services regularly, only a small percentage of churches serve animals and their caretakers. It was a startling thought for Ahwatukee Foothills residents Kris and Craig Haley.

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.

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.

Spring is in the air and the desert is entering its cycle of new life. However, for the Ahwatukee community, that could mean more than seasonal allergies.

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

According to the Government Accountability Office, the federal government operates 50 different programs for the homeless. There are 23 programs in housing, 26 for food and nutrition, 130 for at-risk youth. They also operate an astounding 342 programs for economic development, which government is notoriously bad at anyway.

Last week was National Poison Prevention Week and the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is reminding pet owners to keep their pets out of harm’s way. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), its Animal Poison Control Center answers more than 200,000 calls for help annually.

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.

This year’s Fore the Dogs Golf Event was the most successful event in Valley Dogs history, raising more than $10,000 and giving away more than 100 prizes.

The state House on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to legislation that will let the state's largest cities publish their legal notices online rather than spending money to buy newspaper ads.