• Effie Craven

A toy poodle named Franklin needs your help.

Arizona Desert Rotti and Pals Rescue found the dog on the street and found that he had a badly infected facial wound, apparently from having rubber bands wrapped tightly around his snout, said John Rorke, one of the dog’s owners.

“It had its snout bound so tight and for so long that it had cut all the way down to the bone,” Rorke said.

Franklin had surgery to remove the bands, but Rorke and his girlfriend, Effie Craven, realized the damage to his snout was worse than expected.

“We noticed that there was a hole into the sinus cavity,” Rorke said.

The hole is exposed to the outside air, Craven wrote in a Facebook post.

“The large gashes on either side of his snout have widened as the dead tissue has worn away, leaving his nose in fragile condition and with limited circulation,” she wrote.

Franklin needs a second operation to finish repairing the damage. A veterinary surgical specialist estimated the surgery would cost about $2,500.

“It was a very expensive surgery for people who are putting themselves through graduate school,” said Rorke, who works part-time at Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ office.

Kayla Boyer of Speedway Veterinary Hospital offered to do the surgery for about half the cost. Rorke said her generosity would reduce the bill to somewhere between $1,200 and $1,500 — still a financial hardship for the couple.

The rescue center suggested that Rorke and Craven turn to the community to raise the money for Franklin’s surgery. The pair set up an account that allows people to donate directly through PayPal. They have raised about $500 so far, mostly through small donations of $10 or $20.

“Anything is appreciated,” Rorke said.

Here’s where you come in: by clicking here, you can make a donation to help Franklin get the surgery he needs. Rorke and Craven would be extraordinarily grateful.

“It’s not easy to rescue a pet, especially a pet that has some problems,” Rorke said. “We appreciate everyone’s support.”

It almost just seems too easy. Basketball players generally don't celebrate when they get a wide open layup, so it's barely even worth making jokes about the Capitol's rat problem.

The House of Representatives, the Senate and the executive tower where the governor works have been magnets for the little (and not-so-little) rodents, who have been reported scurrying across floors and nibbling on food left on office desks.

One of the critters was found outside House Majority Leader Steve Court's office door, heading for the office refrigerator.

Another was afoot, and under foot, in the House clerk's office.

The state Department of Administration said glue traps had ensnared 64 of the vermin recently.

Officials speculate the abundance of rats and mice is due to the disruption caused by storm-sewer construction in the streets surrounding the buildings at 1700 W. Washington St.

Fine, here's one...say what you will about the rats, I think they would have gotten it together and voted to extend unemployment benefits, so maybe we're trapping the wrong pests.

Paulina, an 8-year-old domestic shorthair, lost her owner and could use some comfort.

Meow, meow, meow! Do you speak cat? If so, then you’ll know that Paulina is trying to convince you that she’s the perfect companion for you! This sweet and petite little tabby is a total love sponge in desperate need of some TLC. Brought to the Humane Society after her owner was tragically killed, Paulina has endured her fair share of heartache and now seeks solace in the company of a forever friend. Paulina is very vocal (and has a beautiful voice, we might add!), fully litter box trained, and will tolerate other pets, although she prefers people. If you are looking for a lap cat to lavish in love and attention, please get to know Paulina today. This admirable and affectionate kitty would appreciate the comfort, dignity, and love of a real home again and hopes to see you soon.

Here's a video of Paulina shining in the spotlight.

Come meet Paulina! She's currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

San Francisco, a city named after the patron saint of animals, is discussing a ban on the sale of animals for reasons other than eating, which would end to the sale of animals as pets. The city's Commission of Animal Control and Welfare recommended to the Board of Supervisors the ban to encourage the adoption of animals from local animal shelters, however, there will obviously be widely ranging effects:

Rebecca Katz, director of San Francisco Animal Care and Control, said her agency supports a ban on pet sales — particularly one that includes the so-called smalls, such as hamsters, which are euthanized at her city shelter at a higher percentage than any other domesticated animal. Although she did not advocate for the inclusion of fish, she is not against it.

"We're the agency that receives the old, filthy fish bowl with the goldfish at risk and have to determine whether we can make them healthy and adopt them out or flush them down the toilet," Katz said. "These are the lucky ones. Most people just flush them themselves."

Jennifer Scarlett, a veterinarian and co-president of the San Francisco SPCA, notes that only a handful of stores in San Francisco sell animals of any kind and that the effect of a ban would be largely symbolic. But she said that symbolism, and the conversation that it raises, is critical in improving the lives of millions of helpless creatures.

"For us as an organization, we've identified the larger problem of online purchasing of dogs, and we hope this is an avenue to get to that," she said. Still, when it comes to birds and fish, "there's a lot of cruelty around where they are sourced from. We see the cruelty."

After feeling the glare of national and international media for tragedy and controversy, it's nice to have Tucson linked to something positive in an article about the Origins Society and Global College picked up by MSNBC.

Tommy just adores people and hopes to have one of his very own soon! Sadly, this poor pup was found as a stray back in March and probably never had a real family of his own. As a staff and volunteer favorite at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Tommy gets loads of hugs, walks, and extra encouragement. But he still doesn’t feel complete without the security and comfort of a forever home. Equipped with a great attitude, Tommy keeps his chin up and knows that his day will eventually come. Won’t you make today the best day of his life? This affectionate and intelligent boy would be forever grateful!

And here's a video of Tommy enjoying the sunshine.

Come meet Tommy! He's currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

It's Friday and this bear knows what's up: get into a large tub of water and relax for a bit.

[The Awl]

I should really just go home. Nothing I can post for the rest of the day could possibly be more interesting than the twenty photos of dogs playing in sprinklers on Buzzfeed. You win, internet. You win.

This event appears on Page 26 in the June 9 print issue. Due to forest fires, the event has been postponed to Friday, Aug. 12.

THE LIFE OF A BLACK BEAR
Mount Lemmon Community Center. 12949 N. Sabino Canyon Parkway. 877-6000. An illustrated presentation covers the natural history and habits of black bears in Arizona, and offers suggestions about discouraging theme, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 14. Free. Reservations are required. Call 615-7855, or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Omi has just one thing on her mind and that’s spending time with people. This lovey dovey little girl will wiggle her way over to you and look up longingly in search of a hug. As the perfect companion, Omi is well-mannered, loyal, and gracious with everyone she meets. After being surrendered through no fault of her own, Omi is now in need of a forever family who equally enjoys tennis balls, car rides, and tasty food. With the best grin in town, Omi would love something to smile about for many years to come. Why not get to know this sweetheart soon at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona?

And here's a video of cheerful Miss Omi.

Come meet Omi! She's currently living at the Humane Society of Southern AZ, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088