The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents, Benjamin, a 2-year-old, male, Catahoula mix
Reference no.: 82802

Benjamin is simply the best! This happy, lovable sidekick makes every day wonderful. Benjamin adores people and other dogs. Plus, he has terrific manners and an endless eagerness to please. He’s got the perfect amount of energy for someone who enjoys romping around the yard for a few minutes and then crashing on the couch. Humane Society staff and volunteers can’t say enough good things about this amazing boy! Benjamin will no doubt make a perfect pal for the right lucky person. What he needs is a lifetime of veterinary care and a proper diet to help him manage his allergies. It’s a big commitment but one that’s totally worth the extra effort in exchange for this loyal lad’s love. If you could give Benjamin a life full of joy and health, please check out this remarkable sweetheart today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona!

It's that time of year again, when Tucsonans can see dozens of two-inched metallic midnight-blue or burnt-sienna creatures scampering under our mesquite trees in a methed-out manner, as if perpetually looking for an imaginary missing lighter. They are the Pepsis and Hemipepsis wasps, aka the tarantula hawk, which normally come out of hiding in July, and can be found mid-day just before and after a monsoon rain as they sniff out possible tarantula burrows amongst the mesquite's fallen bean pods.

According to a report by Dawn H. Gouge and Carl Olson of the UA Department of Entomology, the tarantula wasp has the most painful sting in North America, second in the world only to Central and South America’s bullet ant, which earns top ranking on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index. The wasp's sting has been described as something close to sitting in a tub of water and throwing in a toaster oven—blinding and debilitating, leaving the victim a screaming, balled-up hot mess.

After only a few minutes, however, the excruciating pain usually subsides, and the tiny sting resembles that of a fire ant. You pretty much have to purposely pick the wasp up in order to get stung, as they mostly ignore humans. It’s our velvety eight-legged friends that need to beware, for its fate shall be a slow and grisly one as the female tarantula hawk uses the spider as a host for its larvae.

David B. Williams at Desert USA gets into the morbid details:

Once stung, the tarantula becomes paralyzed within seconds. The condition will last for the remainder of its life. The wasp may drink the body fluids oozing from the spider’s wounds or from its mouth to replenish nutrients and water she used during the attack.

If the wasp expelled her victim, she will drag it back into its own burrow, now a burial vault, lay a single egg on the spider’s abdomen, then seal the chamber. If the wasp succeeds in stinging a male tarantula on a mating hunt, she will excavate a burrow, drag the paralyzed spider inside, lay her single egg, and seal the chamber.

Once the egg hatches, the tiny grub, initially connected to the spider by the tip of its tail, bends over, attaches its head and begins to suck. It continues sucking until its final moult. It then rips open the spider's abdomen, thrusts its head and part of the thorax inside, and "feeds ravenously," as one entomologist described it. As one might hope, even for a spider, the tarantula at this point is finally dead.

Gene Hall, who is Museum Manager at the UA Entomology Museum's Insect Collection, said of the tarantula hawk, "They are one of the beautiful gentle giants of the desert fauna. We get a lot of inquiries at the UA Entomology Department and try to convince/teach people these wasps are one of the many benefits of living in the desert."

That said, it's probably best if we civilians just let these spazzy little winged critters be, and according to Tucson's Conquistador Pest & Termite, "Tarantula hawks are not aggressive or prone to stinging and most experts recommend that such wasps simply be left alone and preventive measures be taken to keep the wasps from getting into your home or stinging someone." Don't try this at home, folks—if you must, get a professional. As for the crusty neighborhood tweakers, you're on your own.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Addie, a 5-month-old, female, shepherd mix
Reference no.: 782860 

Meet Addie, a 20-pound precious pup who’s packed with potential. Found as a frightened stray, Addie was scooped up by a kind stranger and offered a second chance at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Addie is still nervous, but she’s coming out of her shell a little more each day. She just needs some patience and stability in her life. Addie enjoys the company of other respectful dogs and would probably benefit from having a canine sibling to help her boost her confidence. Once she’s comfortable, Addie enjoys playing with toys and taking long naps in fluffy beds. If you could show this submissive sweetheart how wonderful it feels to be loved, please ask to meet adorable Addie today at the HSSA! 

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Garfield, a 9-week-old, male, domestic short hair. Reference no. 785753. 



Meet Garfield, a lovable kitten with personality plus! Garfield is searching for his very first home at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. The Humane Society will be closed on Friday in honor of Independence Day, but will re-open on Saturday and Sunday with great adoption specials. Dogs and cats are $15 and puppies and kittens are $50. Find your perfect companion at any of their locations. Hurry in – Garfield is waiting to meet you! HSSA is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd.

Maymo, the internet's favorite Lemon Beagle for the next 15 minutes, received the best Birthday gift a pooch can ask for. His owners gave him 100 balls, and his reaction is priceless. Maymo and his sister Penny will never appreciate all the different colored balls because they are color blind.

If you want to keep up with this adorable canine, follow him on his Facebook, Instagram and Twitter page.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Pickles, a 2-year-old, female, pit bull mix
Reference no. 779723
Pickles was in a pickle when she arrived at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona not a moment too soon. This lethargic stray was gravely ill after eating rat poison. She was weak, anemic and bleeding internally. But swift action on the part of a good samaritan and Humane Society veterinarians saved Pickles’ life. After blood and plasma transfusions and weeks of Vitamin K, Pickles is on the road to recovery. Now Pickles is all wiggles and kisses as she showers everyone in gratitude. What would really make her dreams come true is a forever family. Pickles is patiently waiting in a foster home until her perfect person comes along. She gets along great with absolutely everyone (pets included), has impeccable manners and will make a fantastic addition to any home. To make Pickles your faithful sidekick, please call the HSSA at 327-6088 and arrange a meet and greet.

Today is Bring Your Dog to Work Day, and we wish we knew sooner. Granted, I personally don't own a dog. But my friends and colleagues do, and I would love to spend my Friday playing their pets while on the clock. According to Take Your Dog, the holiday was started in 1999 to highlight how great companions dogs make and encourage their adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies.

Everyday should be "take your dog and cat" to work day, but we would never get any work done. 

Here are some pictures of some pets going to work with their strangely attached owners:

Pets are always welcome in our offices, especially today on @takeyourdog to work day! http://t.co/bV0EgEwqvz #TYDTWD pic.twitter.com/TpVcMVtQ5T

— Cundari (@CundariGroup) June 20, 2014

The Humane Society of  Southern Arizona presents Harley, a 1-year-old, male, Boxer/Great Dane mix
Reference no.: 753068 




When life gave Harley lemons, he made gallons of lemonade! This positive pup came to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in April 2013, after he was shoved out the door and abandoned by his family. From the moment he arrived at the HSSA, it became clear that something was bothering this otherwise happy, healthy youngster. A trip to a veterinary specialist revealed that Harley needed surgery on both of his elbows. He got the expert care he needed and is now thriving. Harley has spent a year in foster care and has been a terrific guest! Harley shares a home with other dogs and has impeccable manners. This perfectly-balanced companion knows how to have a blast during playtime, but is also completely content to nap away the day. If you would like to make this outgoing gentleman your best friend, please call the Humane Society at (520) 327-6088 and ask to arrange a meet and greet with this very special staff and volunteer favorite. What are you waiting for? Harley’s bags are packed and he’s ready to go!

Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward has made the perfect video for pet owners that think it's alright to leave their pet in the car during when it's hot outside. Ward decided to lock himself in his car for 30 minutes while it was 95 degrees outside. Unfortunately, temperatures reached 117 degrees Fahrenheit when it was time to exit the vehicle.

This is a must watch video; especially, if you live in Tucson.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Begger, a 14-year-old domestic short-hair male
Reference no.: 779159

Begger knows that all you need is love. This special sweetheart is discovering just how wonderful life with humans can be. After spending most of his 14 years in an outdoor enclosure with many other cats, Begger is searching for a cozy and calm home with gentle guardians who can help him thrive. When Begger first arrived at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, he wouldn’t let people come near him. Now he gratefully accepts head rubs and will give you an inquisitive smile as soon as he hears a can of cat food crack open. Begger is hoping to find someone who appreciates the sensitive type and can promise to pamper him forever. Won’t you be the center of his universe?

***June is Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month! To celebrate, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is offering $15 adoption fees for all adult cats (6 months & up), 2-for-$100 kittens and $75 kittens. As with all adoptions from the HSSA, each pet will go home microchipped, vaccinated and spayed or neutered. Plus, you’ll receive a free visit to the vet of your choice!