The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Carlton
Reference no. 786396 – 2.5 Years Old – Chihuahua Mix – Male


Carlton is a demure and dapper little gentleman searching for a quiet, stable home. This special champ was transferred to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona from another shelter for a second chance. Before that, Carlton was roaming the streets of Casa Grande with nobody to call his own. Carlton arrived at the HSSA with little understanding of human affection and went into a loving foster home so that he could gain some socialization skills and confidence. Within just a few days he blossomed into a well-adjusted companion. His foster mom brought him to the office every day and couldn't say enough good things about him! Carlton gets along great with other pets and has shared a kennel with a number of dogs. Bring yours for a meet and greet! Carlton will need an all-adult home with dog-savvy caregivers who can help him thrive. Once you earn Carlton’s trust, you’ll have a tremendously loyal sidekick with personality, charisma and intelligence galore. Carlton is back at the Humane Society’s main campus but he is relaxing behind the scenes as a Hidden Gem, so please be sure to ask for him by name! Carlton is waiting for his chance to be someone’s best bud. Do you have what it takes to make his tail wag again? HSSA is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd.

Some of us at Tucson Weekly HQ are a little baby crazy at the moment. We know it's not Dan or Mari, so that leaves Jim and myself. I'm keeping tabs on the Reid Park Zoo Facebook page for up-to-date videos and photos of Tucson's most adorable elephant calf. I'm available for babysitting just incase Semba wants to go out for a date night, or what ever.

I have seen every episode of Babar the Elephant, so I'm highly qualified for the job.

Watch this video and squeal (after the jump): 

Do you remember that elephant baby shower a month ago? The Reid Park announced that Semba finally gave birth to her third calf last night on Tucson's 239th birthday. The calf has yet to be named or weighed yet, according to Reid Park Zoo.

From our friends at Explorer News:

Reid Park Zoo announces that Semba, a 24-year old African Elephant, successfully delivered a female calf at 10:55 p.m. last night Both mother and calf appear to be doing well, but are spending quiet time in the Click Family Elephant Care Center under the watchful eyes of the elephant team. This is Semba’s third calf, but the first elephant ever born at Reid Park Zoo.

Keepers and trained volunteers have been observing Semba’s moves around-the-clock since early July. Throughout the day on August 20, Semba was moving more slowly than usual, but she continued to eat and interact with the rest of the herd. At approximately 10:35pm, in the quiet of her normal evening surroundings and under the watchful eye of her Keepers, she began to exhibit signs of active labor including laying down, walking backwards, and extending her tail. She gave birth very soon after. She progressed quickly and delivered without any intervention from the staff. The calf hit the ground at exactly 10:55pm, took her first breath immediately, stood up within minutes, and began to nurse within the hour. The calf has not been named and has not been weighed yet.

“We are beyond excited,” states Fred Gray, Director of Parks and Recreation. “I could not be more proud of our staff for their hard work and preparation for this important day. Our top priority is the health of Semba and her calf – and I’m pleased to hear they are both doing well. The City is committed to the future of African elephants, and leading the field of elephant care with colleagues. This is a fitting gift to the Tucson community on our 239th birthday.”

The first 48-72 hours following the birth are the most essential for Semba and her calf to form a strong physical and emotional bond. Absolutely no visitors or non-essential staff members are being admitted to the Elephant Care Center at this time. Once the calf is nursing regularly and following Semba instinctually, additional areas of the holding facility will be opened for them to explore. Keepers will also be watching to make sure Semba is eating, drinking, and recovering normally from the physical stresses of labor. As the calf gains strength, she will be introduced to the rest of the herd.

“This birth, literally the largest in the history of the State of Arizona, represents a significant milestone for the Zoo,” states Jason Jacobs, Zoo Administrator. “This birth would not have been possible without the vision and partnership of the City of Tucson, Reid Park Zoo, Reid Park Zoological Society, and San Diego Zoo Global.” This calf’s arrival is living testament to the dedication of so many generous donors and supporters who worked together to build Expedition Tanzania, with a shared goal of housing a breeding herd of elephants in Tucson. Our Zoo staff looks forward to keeping the community updated on the progress of the calf and the rest of the herd.”

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Snoots
9 Years Old – Labrador Retriever – Female
Reference no.: 788331 


Don’t you want to give Snoots a great big, Labalicious hug? This darling people-pleaser is searching for a cozy retirement where she can spend as much time as possible with family. Snoots bonds close to her favorite people and hopes that you’re interested in becoming her best friend forever. Not only is she unwavering loyal - Snoots is also super smart, sweet and pretty peppy for an older gal. She enjoys going for walks, playing in kiddie pools and stretching... followed by plenty of tummy rubs, of course! Want to be on the receiving end of some of Snoots’ world famous kisses? Call the Humane Society of Southern Arizona at (520) 327-6088 and ask to meet this very special Hidden Gem today!

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Oddie, a 5-year-old, male, Shar Pei Mix 
Reference no.: 787395 

Oddie is so excited about life – and eager to start a new one in a forever home! This fantastic boy was left behind in an apartment when his guardian moved out. Thankfully, the roommate made sure Oddie would have the second chance he deserved and brought him to the HSSA. This adaptable dog has a wonderful attitude and doesn’t let life’s curve balls get him down. With the perfect amount of energy, Oddie is equally happy going for a hike or relaxing on the couch with friends. Oddie is house trained and very well mannered. Plus, he gets along great with everyone he meets. When Oddie first arrived at the HSSA, he had a bit of a limp that was later discovered to be caused by Valley Fever. This means that Oddie will need medication to manage his Valley Fever and appropriate vet care to monitor his progress. It’s a small price to pay for the devotion of such a loyal and loving companion. Could you offer Oddie the care and commitment he needs? You’ll be rewarded every day with a wagging tail of gratitude!

If you haven't noticed by now it's Monday, and we have a case of the Mondays. For those of you looking for a small distraction from the Monday grind, here's a video that has surfaced on Reddit. Matt Stanley and Andrew Flounders were surfing in Northumberland and made a new friend. This curious seal decided to join them and try to ride the waves because he thought he was people. All the footage was captured on Stanley's GoPro.

From Daily Mirror:

This one nudged Andrew's foot in the water and started getting curious."

The seal climbed on their boards but struggled to stay on for long.

"It kept sliding off, but every time you caught a wave it would surf in on the white water," said Stanley.

"I admit we lost interest in the surfing for a bit. I've never seen a seal that close up, never mind one sitting on board.

The Human Society of Southern Arizona presents Winnie, a 6-year-old, female, domestic short hair
Reference no. 60638 

Meet Winnie, a very special kitty who is marking a full year of searching for a home at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. This staff and volunteer favorite has come so far during those 365 days. When Winnie first arrived at the HSSA, she was unapproachable and unsocialized. She would hiss, swat and hide when strangers introduced themselves. Now she’s the official welcome committee in one of the offices at the Humane Society. Winnie presides over meetings, makes the rounds rubbing up against everyone’s leg and goes a little bonkers for cat nip. From recluse to rockstar, Winnie is a whole new cat. Now all she needs to complete her happily-ever-after tale is a forever home. Ask to meet this very special Hidden Gem today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to make sure that she doesn’t spend another day without a family. HSSA is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. 

***Winnie’s adoption fee has been sponsored!

I'm a fan of the idea that people aren't made cool, but it's in their genes. The dog you're about to adore for the next 37 seconds is cool for an usual reason. It's not because of his breed, or his facial expression. This UK dog has an unorthodox brake method for a seemingly healthy looking pup. You have thank Reddit for these unusual video finds.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Jackson, a 5-year-old, male, domestic short hair
Reference No. 782799 
Jackson had a rough beginning after he was abandoned on the streets. A feral cat caregiver trapped him for TNR but immediately realized that he wasn’t wild at all. In fact, he’s 100 percent lap cat material! Thankfully, Jackson was brought to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for a second chance at domestic bliss. Now Jackson is soaking up attention and making new friends everywhere he goes. It’s easy to see why he’s a staff and volunteer favorite, with his warm personality and calm demeanor. This soulful gentleman will sit and cuddle for hours and hours. Jackson is FIV-positive, which means that he will need to live exclusively indoors and be an only cat or live with other cats who share his status. If you could give this special needs kitty the happy home of his dreams, please visit Jackson at the HSSA. He can't wait to greet you with open arms! HSSA is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. 

Meet Gus. Gus is a puggle. What is a puggle, you ask? A puggle is a crossbreed dog where one parent is a beagle and the other parent is a pug. As of the writing of this post, Gus is available for adoption at Arizona Puggle Rescue, the only puggle rescue organization in the state. APR is a no-kill, all-volunteer organization that rescues and re-homes puggles throughout Arizona. The rescue is based in Tucson. 

Arizona Puggle Rescue is holding a fundraising event on Saturday, July 19, at Golden Pin Lanes, 1010 W. Miracle Mile. Registration starts at 2:30 p.m.; bowling is from 3 to 5 p.m. Bowling is $20 per person, or $100 for a team of five to six players. The fee includes bowling, shoe rental and two raffle tickets. A silent auction will also take place. All proceeds will go to the rescue, to help with food, shelter, medical expenses and other needs. Volunteers will be on hand to talk about the rescue and available dogs in foster care. For more information, visit azpuggle.org. 
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