Mark your calendars: On Tuesday September 17th, there will be a special benefit for Southern Arizona Greyhound Rescue at Feast. Thanks to the generosity of Chef Doug Levy and his team, 20% of all food & beverage purchases will be donated to this most-worthy cause. Doug is unarguably one of Tucson's most creative chefs and the SA Greyhound Adoption folks are thrilled to be working with him.

It should be a fun event for all involved, especially the lovely dogs that will be rescued. The event goes all day (11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.) and you must have a flyer to participate (here's a link to a PDF version).

Feast is located at 3719 E. Speedway Blvd.; call 326-9363 for reservations.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Fluffy, a 4-year-old, domestic, medium-hair, female cat
Reference no: 711933

“Psst, over here!” Fluffy likes to hide but that doesn’t mean she is averse to affection. Once you earn her trust, Fluffy is happy to say hello and let you brush her silky-soft fur. Nervous and sensitive, Fluffy spends time in staff offices at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona while continuing her search for the perfect companion. Can you believe she’s spent more than a year waiting for a forever home? Although she’s slightly independent, Fluffy is hoping that someone will eventually look into her eyes and see a loving, deserving kitty inside of that crouching calico. Could you be her special person? She’s an easy keeper! Please ask to meet this beloved Hidden Gem today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona!

As with almost all dogs and cats at the HSSA, Fluffy has a waived adoption fee through August. Hurry in!
HSSA is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. Call 327-6088 for info.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Romeo, a 6-year-old, domestic, short-hair, male cat.
Reference no.: 754604

Make way for Romeo! This handsome ham always races over for attention and jumps in your lap the moment you invite him. As a bonus, he gives the world's best hugs! Not only does Romeo adore people - He’s a born diplomat among other kitties. When he’s not attracting admirers, Romeo enjoys exploring, collecting toys and relishing the fact that he’s the sweetest bundle of fluff you’ll ever snuggle. Romeo came to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona with all four paws declawed and he arrived pretty stressed. Now that he’s relaxing in staff offices, Romeo is cool as a cucumber and happy as a clam. This easygoing and well-mannered guest is a legendary favorite who charms absolutely everyone. If you would like to meet this special lover boy, please call (520) 327-6088 to schedule a date with this Hidden Gem. HSSA is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd.

Unfortunately, I can't embed the viewer (highlights are above), but the Seattle Zoo has provided the universe a delightful service by pointing a live webcam at the baby giraffe born there on August 6th. The six-foot-tall male calf has access to areas off-camera, but when he's on screen, it's a nice counter-point to the rest of the non-baby-animal world.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Buster, a 9-month-old great dane/lab/pit mix.
Reference no: 753068

No Buster in your life? You don’t know what you’re missing! This goofy love sponge is the world’s greatest sidekick! Buster loves to trot right next to you, collect as many toys as he can in his mouth and visit dog-friendly places around town. This absolute favorite is a special guest in staff offices at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, where he attends meetings and takes naps under everyone’s desks. Still very much a puppy, Buster can be a little mouthy during playtime and needs to go to a family with older children. He’s gotten along beautifully with several dogs but should meet any canine members of your household to make sure they hit it off. Buster is transforming into a total gentleman thanks to Canine College, where he's learned to keep all four on the floor and always flaunt his impeccable manners. If you could give this big, brilliant boy plenty of guidance and attention, please ask to meet bodacious Buster today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

*** As with most dogs at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Buster has a waived adoption fee through August!
HSSA is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. Call 327-6088 for info.

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Lesson learned: When you're in the media business, it's probably a good idea to avoid exposing yourself in anyway. For example, a post that included a photo of my hand yesterday earned four posts from (seemingly) one heckler, including the brilliant "Nice hand, douche."

Not a big deal, but I found that this video, featuring a baby panda and its mother, distracted me momentarily from the total despair of learning I have douche-hands.

This Saturday, July 27, No Kill Pima County will be hosting "Fosters to the Rescue," which will bring together 22 local animal rescues to meet with the public and provide information about their foster care programs.

NKPC, a grassroots organization formed to seek more non-lethal outcomes at the Pima Animal Care Center, notes that only 51% of the dogs and cats that came to the Pima Animal Care Center left alive, while more than 11,000 died. They want to change that, giving Tucsonans the opportunity to learn about what’s involved regarding foster care and find out if volunteering to take care of a dog or cat until adopted is something for them.

Fosters to the Rescue will be held at Windmill Inn Suites at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4250 N. Campbell Avenue from 6 to 8 p.m. They also plan to offer refreshments, raffle prizes and silent auction items, and show pets available for adoption or fostering.

For more information, visit the No Killl Pima County website.

Just this morning, I thought I had a pretty good life. Editor of an acclaimed weekly publication. Husband, father. But then I realized what my life's been missing. I discovered a hole in my heart that I didn't even realize was there.

Oh, Fezkitt, the "realistic ferret sim where you can raise, train, show, breed and interact with other ferrets and more," you came and you gave without taking.

Well, that's not entirely true. Fezkitt, with its 2,272 members and two Facebook likes, is currently invite only, so I'm forced to just dream of my opportunity to "work with original ferret genetics," but someday, I will be allowed into that magical world. And then - and only then - will I understand what it's like to have a dream come true.

• On July 4, the center took in 75 animals alone.

Just days into their new fiscal year, the Pima Animal Care Center has seen an increase of more than 100 adopted or rescued animals.

But with every animal saved, even more are pouring through the door.

As of yesterday, the center had seen an increase of 83 animals who need homes, from 556 last year to 639 this year, according to a press release from the Pima Animal Care Center.

"We don’t know what is driving the increase, but we do know that it’s become a truism that when the monsoon comes, we’re swimming in cats and dogs," the release said. "So if you’re thinking of adding to your household, we have a great selection right now at a great deal."

From the Humane Society of Southern Arizona:

Tigger - #752371 - 9 Years Old - Australian Cattle Dog Mix - Male

Tigger is a roly poly love sponge.

This spry senior still has plenty of pep in his step and loves joining his human friends during outdoor adventures and car rides.

Despite his happy-go-lucky attitude, Tigger is feeling a little blue after losing his lifelong home because the other dogs weren't getting along with him.

However, Tigger has made numerous dog buddies at the HSSA and does fine with anyone who understands and appreciates his rambunctious play style.

As a current student in Canine College, Tigger is honing his skills as a perfect gentleman and will gladly perform a trick in exchange for a treat.

If you could give this big lovable ol' guy the fulfilling feeling of being home, make Tigger a part of your family today!