As expected, the Loop 202 freeway was a hot topic at Wednesday night’s District 6 candidate forum at the Ahwatukee Country Club, with all four candidates saying they would not support blasting a hole through South Mountain.

A light gray, female cat (she photographs darker) is looking for its home, roaming around the Ahwatukee Foothills retirement area near 48th Street and Warner Road, around Paiute Street and the golf courses, for the past few weeks.

Charlie’s family moved away and left him. When found, he was very skinny, but has since put on weight. Charlie is a sweet, talkative boy and wants nothing more than to be your shadow. He seems to be OK with dogs. He is 10 years old, domestic, neutered, has short hair with striking gray tabby markings and a pink nose. He has an outgoing personality.

It’s that time of year and the kittens are overflowing again at Cactus Cats Rescue of Ahwatukee Foothills.

When 10-year-old Maren Bussey realized that all the children’s books she’s ever read about families adopting dogs always had happy endings, the Horizon Community Learning Center fourth-grader from Ahwatukee Foothills decided to write her own book based on the “reality” as it pertains to dogs and how – or even if – they get adopted.

Odin, a 1-year-old Alaskan Husky/Boxer mix, is a very active and energetic youngster. His motto is “play hard, nap, play some more.” Odin still has a lot of puppy left in him, and loves to interact with people in a playful and jumpy way. He would be a great candidate for some training classes, lots of exercise, and stimulation.

Sweet Coco, approximately 3 years old, is a gorgeous blue-eyed Siamese Lynxpoint mix. She is an affectionate lap kitty who would love to be queen of her own palace, but does get along with others.

Chelsea is a Dachshund mix who is currently in a foster home, but needs a forever home of her own. This affectionate gal with beautiful eyes would like a home with a person who likes to snuggle with her. She likes going on walks, playing with toys and romping with other dogs. Chelsea is house trained and doesn’t shed very much. She is a great companion with so much to offer.

Teedo is a friendly little Pekingese mix, about 3 years old. He gets along great with other dogs and may get along with cats. He loves toys and to be petted. Teedo would love to learn some new tricks from his new family. This playful dude is looking for his forever home.

Ian is sweet and affectionate. He loves to be petted and is great at the groomers. Ian’s a gentle lap cat who gets along well with others. He is a 7-year-old, declawed Maine Coon who has been fixed and tested.

Ian is sweet and affectionate. He loves to be petted and is great at the groomers. Ian’s a gentle lap cat who gets along well with others. He is a 7-year-old, declawed Maine Coon who has been fixed and tested.

Sweet black and white cat Weskers seeks an all cat loving home. He’s a cuddler and talkative with people and other felines, is approximately 3 years old, fixed, tested and has all his shots. Come meet Weskers and other Cactus Cats Rescues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 at the Ahwatukee Foothills PETCO, 5011 E. Ray Road. Visit them online at petfinder.com/cactuscatsrescue.

One-year-old Stevie absolutely loves people, cats and even dogs. She is a sweet cuddler who likes to talk about her day with you when you come home. Stevie is fixed, tested and has all her shots.

Adopt someone to love this holiday season!

Simon is a handsome 8-year-old who loves to cuddle. He gets along with dogs and other cats. He is neutered, tested and has his shots.