Ever wonder where the latest gadgets and technology designed to make the world a better place come from?

PHOENIX — The children buzz in excitement, boisterous and barging in, their little hands covering seemingly every part of the Australian shepherd’s body.

A handsome and charming young man with an extraordinary blue-gray fur coat, 1-year-old Blue loves to snuggle – and is quite the kitten comedian!

A holiday present for Fido or Fluffy used to be an extra table scrap or a new squeeze toy. But as with gifts for their human counterparts, pet presents are becoming increasingly high-tech.

PetSmart Inc. has declared a quarterly common stock cash dividend of 16.5 cents payable before the end of the year, protecting its shareholders from potential tax increases next year.

Alfalpha is a curious and extremely affectionate 6-month-old kitten who was abandoned. From the moment you pick him up, he will purr to tell you he enjoys human companionship. He is a very outgoing kitten who likes other cats, especially his sister Shyloh, who looks almost identical to him. Alfalpha loves to play with toys and enjoys hugs from his human friends.

Fifteen dogs attended Sue Subkow’s first Halloween party in 2005. Half wore costumes, half were naked and all went home in about an hour.

Rosie is a beautiful 2-year-old, orange female tabby, who is looking for her forever home. She is a sweet and gentle cat who can be timid in new environments and situations. She enjoys being groomed and petted and likes to snuggle up to people. In the past, she has lived in a home with two large dogs, seems to get along with other cats, and would do best in a home with older children.

Friends of Animal Care & Control (Friends) of Maricopa County has been awarded the Pets for Life Mentorship and Training Program Grant sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States and PetSmart Charities. Friends won one of five full grants awarded out of over 50 that applied nationwide to provide education and training for pet owners in an effort to reduce pet homelessness in Maricopa County.

Fifteen dogs attended Sue Subkow's first Halloween party in 2005. Half wore costumes, half were naked and all went home in about an hour.

Many of us have attended or at least heard of the popular fall celebration, Octoberfest.

Jake is a big lap cat who likes to sit on a comfortable perch at a distance and observe people and other pets. He is very particular about some other cats, especially kittens, and participating in pet and human activities. When in a lively mood he will play with toys and other feline friends and enjoys sitting on your lap to enjoy a nap. He would love to have all the attention from a human companion and desperately needs a fur-ever home.

Bo is a great little guy, who was very loved and cared for, but reluctantly his owner had to give him up. Bo graduated from PetSmart Obedience Training a few years back, therefore, he is very mannerly and gets along with other dogs. He loves attention, treats, going for walks, and being brushed. He had dental work at some point and is missing a few lower teeth, but that does not hinder him from smiling at everyone he meets. Bo also has a nice, lush coat. He is 8 years old, weighs 10 pounds, is neutered, current on vaccinations and has a microchip.

Ballet Arizona announced the appointment of Alison Johnston as its new executive director Aug. 20.

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

Katie was abandoned young and turned up on a kind soul’s doorstep when she was very pregnant. She had four beautiful kittens that she took great care of and have since found their forever homes.

Littlebit, her brother Tigger, and her mom, Mommy Kitty, were surrendered when their family lost their home to foreclosure. Littlebit is an 8 year old brown tabby with gold eyes, who is very affectionate and likes to be brushed. She is good with other cats, adores humans, but is not too fond of dogs. She would be a great match for someone who would like a true lap cat that loves to purr and hang out with her human companion.

A Queen Creek man was arrested Monday for felony theft on suspicion of embezzling approximately $16,000 from the PetSmart he managed in Gilbert, according to Gilbert Police.

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) recently welcomed a new chair-elect and 11 new members to its Board of Directors. David Bruno of DHR International becomes the 2012-2013 board chair, succeeding Pam Conboy, while Peter Hayes of Salt River Project has been named chair-elect. The 2012-2013 board will focus on critical issues for the chamber membership and the community, including providing valuable resources for the business community, strengthening the quality of life in our community and keeping members informed, connected and prosperous.

A family had been feeding Bunny for several months but can’t no longer keep her. Her owners moved out next door to them and left her behind. Here’s what they said about this beautiful cat: “We have a very friendly cat visitor that seems to have spent time with dogs and I think she actually wants to play with mine. She was very skinny when we started feeding her, but has filled out nicely and is healthy. She just loves to be in your arms and cuddle. Hard to believe she is homeless considering how sweet she is and how much she loves us humans even after her own family deserted her. She would be happy to cuddle and roll around on her back looking up at you all day with her big blue eyes. Bunny is a real sweetheart and will melt your heart.”

Six public Arizona-based companies made this year’s Fortune 500, with a bevy of other national firms with large East Valley presences also on the list.

Love animals? Consider being a foster parent to a cat, kitten, puppy or dog until a permanent loving home can be found for them.