LOS ANGELES — Watching as a beloved dog is swept out to sea is heart-wrenching. Doing nothing seems unthinkable.

Have you ever said “thank you” through clenched teeth? The gift in that nicely wrapped box was so not what you wanted: comfy clothes instead of designer duds, or a kitchen gadget instead of a shiny piece of jewelry.

More owners are reporting lost or stolen pets, but the online nation is coming to the rescue.

LOS ANGELES (AP)  More owners are reporting lost or stolen pets, but the online nation is coming to the rescue.

While all dogs want a “forever home,” sometimes they must wait for that to happen. Until then, several rescue organizations in the East Valley need foster homes to help care for the animals.

Let’s face it — Phoenix is hot. And according to recent studies, Phoenix tops the list of America’s hottest cities with temps averaging between 89 and 99 degrees year-round, which is why it’s so important to keep pets safe from the scorching Arizona sun.

They say every dog has his day. This year, that day is Friday, June 22, the 14th national Take Your Dog to Work Day. The event is promoted by Pet Sitters International (see www.takeyourdog.com if you think I’m pulling your paw).

I always knew that at some point in my children’s lives, we would have to say goodbye to our family dog.

There's a moment early on in "Men in Black 3" when Will Smith's Agent J sits down next to his longtime partner, Tommy Lee Jones' Agent K, and bemoans the fact that he's too old for this sort of thing — for running around New York in matching dark suits, chasing down aliens and zapping them with their shiny metal weapony doo-hickeys.

The original “Men in Black” was a proper example of how to make a special effects comedy. With a knowing sense of humor, smartly written characters, and creatures that were gross, creepy, and funny all at once, “Men in Black” solidified itself as the “Ghostbusters” of the 1990s. “Men in Black II” had its moments. Much like “Ghostbusters II” though, that sequel basically just repeated its predecessor. “Men in Black III” is a fortunate return to form for this franchise mainly thanks to its inventive time travel plot. If “Ghostbusters III” ever gets made, one can only hope it’s as much fun as “Men in Black III.”

Yes, there is life on Mars in "John Carter," and it's deadly dull.

SAN FRANCISCO - Jossie and Laser, 10-week-old Labrador puppies, jumped eagerly out of their cage and swarmed over the nearby humans. The pair was bred to be guide dogs for the blind and was on their way to Seoul, South Korea.

With its big sad eyes and crinkly boo boo face, a pug always has a look that seems to beg for love. This weekend, a number of homeless pugs hope you'll show them the love - and give them a new home. Bark Avenue Pet Supply, 3109 E. McKellips Road, will host Adopt a Pug Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Penny Williams was looking for a dog to adopt and on Saturday the Sun City West woman was in the right place to find a new friend. Hundreds of animals of all shapes and sizes sniffed and barked the day away at the Phoenix Pet Expo at the University of Phoenix Stadium. “My husband and I are looking for a small dog to adopt,” Williams said. “I thought this might be a great place to come to visit with some shelters.”

Penny Williams was looking for a dog to adopt and on Saturday the Sun City West woman was in the right place to find a new friend. Hundreds of animals of all shapes and sizes sniffed and barked the day away at the Phoenix Pet Expo at the University of Phoenix Stadium. “My husband and I are looking for a small dog to adopt,” Williams said. “I thought this might be a great place to come to visit with some shelters.”

When it's as hot as the devil's toenails outside, the thrill of the garden is somewhat diminished. Which doesn't mean that I'm not thinking about the garden or about what I want to do to the garden, I'm just not "doing" it as rapidly as when temperatures were cooler.

Summer is right around the corner and warm temperatures have already reared their head. With the increase in temperature, it’s important to increase your awareness and remember to take a few extra precautions to keep your canine companions healthy and safe this time of year.