LOS ANGELES — Lily Tomlin's admiration for elephants began when she met Ruby and Billy.

Abby is a sweet, affectionate kitty with soft gray fur and a white stripe down the bridge of her nose.

Our dogs are often as fat as we are, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Family cats can look like furry ottomans. At Tufts University, they've set up an obesity clinic at the vet school.

It’s the season of giving, and Gilbert leaders gave thanks earlier this month for the efforts of someone who — you guessed it — has given plenty to her community.

Her sparkling blue eyes are the first thing you notice about Luna, a 3-year-old Tonkinese cat, but it’s her gentle and affectionate nature that will win your heart. Though she can be a little hesitant at first around strangers, the folks at AZ RESCUE say she’s quite the charmer and very affectionate. In fact, Luna will butt your hand to encourage lots of petting and ear rubs.

Travel for humans during holidays is tough enough: Long lines, crowds everywhere, extra bags full of presents. Throw a pet in the mix, and it’s a recipe for disaster.

One of the nicest things about the holidays is that it’s an excuse to do one of my favorite things – crafts!

Occasionally, when my dog thinks we’re headed out for a walk, I do her a solid and turn it into a trip to the dog park instead. On Thursday, I can really blow her mind.

Luke may be a tripod cat, but that doesn’t stop him from chasing toy mice, batting wands or leaping from one level of his kitty condo to another. The folks at AZ RESCUE say it’s like someone forgot to tell this energetic 2-year-old that he’s missing a front leg.

LOS ANGELES — Travel for humans during holidays is tough enough: Long lines, crowds everywhere, extra bags full of presents. Throw a pet in the mix, and it's a recipe for disaster.

DALLAS — President George H.W. Bush had a problem so important he sent a memo to White House staff asking them to take a pledge. His dog, Ranger, was packing on the pounds.

The love of Goldens will be celebrated 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Golden Harvest Anniversary. The event will be hosted by AZ Bread Co., 315 W. Elliot Road in Tempe. The 3,000th Golden Retriever rescued by Rescue a Golden of Arizona this summer will shake paws with visitors.

In addition to the many art shows taking place in the Apache Junction/Gold Canyon area this fall and spring - evtnow.com/48i - other circumstances are conjoining to set the area up as a major arts center in Arizona for years to come.

Planning to pay out good money to see "Taken 2"? To paraphrase Liam Neeson, you're about to be taken.

“Maybe I’m cold or mean but I totally understand and even sympathize with the cat killing suspect. Even though I own no animals, I spend valuable time each week cleaning dog poop from my front yard, cat poop from my back yard, paw prints off my cars, and God forbid, I leave my car window down enough for a cat to get in. I’m ready to get a trap of my own.”

LOS ANGELES- Karen Nichols wanted a life unchained to the monotony of twice-daily dog walks, so she got herself three cats. But she still strolls the neighborhood on nice days - with her cat Skeezix.

Once again, the shelters at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control are overcrowded with cats and dogs who need new homes.

A cat with a mustache? That’s the distinctive Nico, a 4-year-old black and white feline that AZ RESCUE says is “full of mystery, intrigue, and a whole lot of mischief!” But that mischief can sometimes work to your advantage for Nico is a skilled bug hunter who can catch a fly faster than the stickiest spider web.

Instead of banishing their furry friends to the yard, many pet owners are decorating and remodeling their living spaces with their pets' needs in mind.

LOS ANGELES — Could your dog or cat be a southpaw?