This week's spotlighted animal from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is Benson, a 9-year-old, male, Flat-Coated Retriever Mix.

Benson doesn’t act his age. Based on his boundless energy and goofy play style, you would never guess that boisterous Benson is actually 9 years old. Benson didn’t plan on being alone in his Golden Years and is really, really hoping to find the perfect home with lots of toys and love. And having a pool would be a dream come true for this wet and wild water dog. Benson also loves visiting dog parks, going for car rides and running laps around the back yard. Because he can be a little rambunctious, the Humane Society recommends that Benson go to a family with older kids. Bring the whole family to the main shelter for an introduction. As a Hidden Gem, Benson spends his time in staff offices at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona but can’t wait for someone special to offer him life's next big adventure! HSSA is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. Call 327-6088 for information.

***Benson has a waived adoption fee through June, so hurry in!

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Taz, a male, 5-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix

Reference no: 753555

Sociable, easy-going and an absolute volunteer favorite! Taz is the talk of the Humane Society for so many reasons. This faithful boy is a tried and true sidekick who makes friends everywhere he goes. After losing his lifelong home through no fault of his own, Taz is hoping to enjoy a fresh start with a forever family. Taz gets along fine with other respectful dogs, but prefers to spend his time with you. And he’s a natural with kids! Just no cats, please. Although Taz has impeccable manners, he will need a little help with house training, since he lived outdoors his entire life. And he could shed a few pounds after indulging in human food a little too often. Other than that, Taz is in great shape. He even had his teeth cleaned this week! If you’re looking for a mellow snuggle buddy with a great smile and a heart of gold, please check out Taz today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. Call 327-6088 for information.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Dewey, a 3-year-old, male, pit bull mix.
Reference no.: 748129

Dewey is a 90-pound goofball who always has a giant smile and a wiggling back end. Found on Oracle with his tiny, identical daughter, Dewey and his pup were brought to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for a second chance. Dewey’s puppy immediately found a wonderful home. Now it’s papa’s turn! Dewey maintains a terrific attitude and is making incredible strides in Canine College, where he’s learning basic manners and valuable obedience skills. Dewey is always happy, ready to learn and grateful for a treat. If you could give this active boy a life full of adventures, fun and unconditional love, please get to know darling Dewey soon. He can’t wait to make a splash with you!

HSSA is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. Call 327-6088 for more information.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents James, a 2-year-old, male, domestic short hair.
Reference no: 752962

Do you have a spare sunny spot in your house? James would love to turn it into his favorite nap station. This stunning sweetheart has good looks, a great personality and endless resilience. Found as a stray with a leg that was injured beyond repair, James underwent amputation surgery and bounced back with poise and gratitude. Now that James is feeling better, he can’t wait to finally find a home. Could you be the one to offer him a chance at the good life? Meet this handsome bundle of joy today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona!

For information, call 327-6088. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Lucas, a 4-year-old, male, Pit Bull mix.
Reference no: 750009

Lucas is a ray of sunshine! This peppy high achiever is learning new tricks and honing his skills in the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Canine College program. We’re so impressed with his progress and know that you will be too! Found as a stray in pretty rough shape, Lucas has transformed over the past few months into a gorgeous, healthy, social love sponge. He gets along great with his dogs pals and delights in going for daily walks. This high energy boy is searching for a special person willing to continue his training and offer regular exercise. If you’re interested in adding a giddy goofball to your loving home, let Lucas win your heart today at the HSSA!

For information, call 327-6088. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd.

I'm not particularly an animal person, but seeing Hope, a Labrador Retriever Mix, online, facing euthanasia if she isn't adopted by 7 pm today at Pima Animal Care Center is heartbreaking, even for me.

Info from Hope's Petfinder page:

Poor Hope hasn't lost hope yet but she has developed "Kennel Cough" and there is NO ROOM in Sick Bay to treat her. She must be rescued by 7 PM on 5/20 or she will be euthanized.

ADOPTION/FOSTER INFORMATION:
To ADOPT a SPECIAL NEEDS ANIMAL (SNA, LTR, Rescue List or Sick Bay):

** Go to the REAR of PACC (south side) and enter through the INTAKE DOOR.
** Ask for JUSTIN (Animal Advocate at PACC), RACHEL, or ELLIE and let them know you want to do a Special Needs Adoption and give them the number of the animal you are interested in.

Please call Rachel at 243-5932/5987 (does not work Mondays or Tuesdays), Justin at 243-5929 or 248-0301 or Ellie at 243-5962 for further information.
Please visit this GREAT PET at PIMA ANIMAL CARE CENTER, 4000 Silverbell Rd (Silverbell and Sweetwater), Tucson AZ.
PHONE 520-243-5900, option 4, ask to speak with the kennels.

If you happen to be in the market for a dog, maybe consider Hope (and as soon as possible)?

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Benny, a 2-year-old, male, Retriever mix
Reference no. 711571

Beautiful Benny can’t wait to find a home to call his own. This sweet, mellow boy loves attention and accompanying you for walks. Delivered to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona as a stray, Benny now hopes to find himself relaxing comfortably as an indoor dog where he can curl up at your feet during cozy evenings at home. Although he adores people, Benny can get stressed with too much activity and would do best with an all-adult family or one with older children. He just wants to have his space respected and will shower you in appreciation. If you could give this handsome sweetheart all of the little pleasures life has to offer, please get to know Benny soon at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. (3450 N. Kelvin Blvd., 327-6088)

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Castiel, a 1-year-old, male, Shepherd mix
Reference No. 744970

Castiel is a gentleman and a scholar! This ambitious Canine College student is at the top of his class and reaching his potential every day. This brilliant boy has mastered a reliable sit, down, shake, crawl, rollover, leave it and recall. And he walks beautifully on a leash. Plus, Castiel is house trained, crate trained and as loyal and loving as they come. Surrendered to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona when he wasn’t getting along with one of the dogs in his former home, Castiel prefers the company of female dogs and would love to meet your four-legged friends. Castiel would do best with a committed family willing to continue his training. And Castiel can never have enough toys! If you could offer this incredible all-star a forever home, please ask to meet Castiel today at the Humane Society! (3450 N. Kelvin Blvd., 327-6088, www.hssaz.org)

• Sara Gromley, public relations coordinator for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, holds Gabi, a special needs FIV-positive cat who recently found her perfect home.

Tuesday through Friday, the adoption fee will be waived for select animals. Saturday and Sunday, the adoption fee will be half off for the same group of animals. The selected animals that are included are mixed breed dogs that are five months or older and over 25 pounds and all cats that are five months of age or older.

"This time of year, we’re always slammed. It's litter season, so the warmer the temperatures the more dogs and cats are reproducing. It’s a daily occurrence that we get unwanted and abandoned puppies and kittens that are coming to us," said Sara Gromely, the public relations coordinator for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. "We’re just trying to gear up for another busy summer season to make space for the influx of animals coming through our door."

Gromley also noted that this is that this kind of promotion makes it the perfect time to bring home a furry friend to complete your family, even if you may have been unsure in the past.

"If people are on the fence about, 'is it a good time to find a pet?,' this just really is spurring people into action because we just have such a wide variety of really, really terrific companions that are just bursting with potential but have maybe been overlooked for a while," she said. "This kind of helps highlight some of our long term residents that are wonderful animals."

So, if you are thinking about adopting a pet, now's the perfect time! Head out to the Humane Society this week or weekend to add a new companion to your family.

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona introduces Mario, an 11-year-old Siamese cat.
(Reference no. 747416)

Mischievous Mario can always put a smile on your face. This big comical kitty is packed with personality and attitude. As a special guest in staff offices at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Mario insists on being the center of attention and will steal your seat and give you a stare down whenever the opportunity arises. Surrendered when a family member suffered from allergies, Mario is now hoping to find a cozy place to retire in style. This sassy Siamese would do best in a stable home with older children or all adults. He loves accompanying his favorite people around the house but prefers affection on his own terms. If you could be the special person to make Mario’s golden years bright, please ask to visit him at the main shelter of the HSSA, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. One look in those blue eyes and you’ll be smitten!