During live Nativity, donkey, goldendoodle are scene-stealers

"She's so gentle and loving," says Leigh Anne Thrasher, above, of Jasmine, her burro. Jasmine plays a donkey, naturally, in Calvary Chapel Tucson's live Nativity production.

During live Nativity, donkey, goldendoodle are scene-stealers

Baby Jesus was the big draw on the first Christmas, but at tonight's live Nativity the Christ child just might be upstaged by a candy-cane-loving donkey named Jasmine.

Dognapping case ripples through New Mexico town

MORIARTY, N.M. — The cases were often heartbreaking: Families coming home to find their dogs had vanished from inside houses, behind locked fences and outdoor kennels in rural communities east of Albuquerque.

Flagstaff cop who killed injured dog resigns

FLAGSTAFF — A Flagstaff police officer who used his baton, boot and a cable to kill an injured dog after a fellow officer accidentally hit the animal with his car has resigned.

Flagstaff police investigate hanging of puppy

FLAGSTAFF —A Flagstaff woman returned from a short trip this weekend to find her puppy hanged from its own doghouse, police said.

Black-tailed prairie dogs moved to new digs

A colony of black-tailed prairie dogs moved into new digs Monday as part of an Arizona Game and Fish Department program to re-establish the once-native species to its historic range.

Tucson’s Giant George unseated as world’s tallest dog

A Great Dane from Michigan is doggone tall.

Miniature horse in Cochise County killed in dog attack

A miniature horse was killed Wednesday in a dog-attack, Cochise County authorities say.

American Idol's judges and winners

Taylor Hicks performed at the City Stages Festival. He was "American Idol's" season five winner. (SHNS photo by Scott Legato / photorazzi.com)

Arizona woman offers $10K reward for lost dog

PHOENIX — A Phoenix woman is hoping a reward worth thousands of dollars will lead to her dog’s safe return.

Arizona man arrested for machete strike on pit bull

PHOENIX — A Phoenix man is in custody for allegedly hitting a neighbor’s pit bull on the head with a machete after the dog threatened his girlfriend.

Arizona Greyhound Rescue hosts dog wash

Arizona Greyhound Rescue is hosting a dog wash fundraiser today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pantano Animal Clinic, 8333 E. 22nd Street.

Adopt a friend

• Age: 1 year. • Qualities: Ziva is a sweet, friendly girl who loves to be petted and to play with balls, catnip mice, and adults. • Needs: A home where she does not have to compete with children. • Fee: $65. • Contact: The Animal League of Green Valley.

Adopt a friend

• Age: 6 weeks. • Qualities: This curious little boy loves to explore, and comes back for belly rubs. • Fee: $74. • Contact: PAWsitively Cats. • Meet: Petco, 9640 E. 22nd St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

Adopt a friend

• Age: About 6 months. • Qualities: Becky is a beautiful pup. She has the typical energy of a puppy and loves to play (especially with other dogs), but can also be a couch potato. This little girl is full of personality. She does her own version of a bunny hop —and is a spunky girl with her …

Adopt a friend

• Age: 14 years. • Qualities: Percheron cross; has ground training and some training under saddle. • Needs: More training; experienced person; lots of attention; companion animal. • Fee: $1,500. • Contact: Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary at 398-2814 or www.equinevoices.org. • Meet: By a…

Adopt a friend

• Age: 2 years. • Qualities: Lorna has gorgeous almond-shaped eyes. She loves going to the dog park and playing at home with her foster brothers and sisters. She talks to her foster mom, especially about food and treats. She would do best in a home with someone who would take her on walks, h…

Adopt a friend

• Age: 2 1/2 years • Qualities: Zach raced briefly. He is well-mannered, sociable, and likes to be petted. In his foster home, his favorite toy is a stuffed pink monkey. Zach is housebroken and ready to move into your house with his pink monkey. • Needs: No cats. It’s unknown how he reacts t…

Adopt a friend

• Control No.: 719753. • Age: 1 year. • Qualities: Stella is an irresistibly adorable, socially motivated girl who could melt a million hearts. • Needs: A lifetime supply of chin scratches and hugs. • Fee: $80. • Contact: The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 327-6088, Ext. 106, or visit w…

Adopt a friend

• Control No.: 710535. • Age: 9 months. • Qualities: Joe is an enthusiastic go-getter who will pull you around on a skateboard, toss his toys with abandon and curl up in his crate after a long day of fun. • Needs: An active family willing to offer him guidance, consistency and praise. • Fee:…