The cover of the Tucson Magazine has been graced with many a beautiful face over the years- big dogs, small dogs, short hair and long, black dogs, white dogs, gray and fawn- without completely derailing into a Doctor Seuss story, let us suffice to say that we are proud to have presented such a diverse range of dogs at whose resplendance the public can marvel. Our latest cover dog does not disappoint, with his unique pattern of polka dots and face full of the sweetest sincerity. He may not have endless digits, but Pi truly is transcendental.
Before we celebrate this wonderful pup, we must, of course, give our fabulous runners up their flowers. First off, husky mix Sasha’s eyes are as icy blue as the great frozen north, although she hails from slightly warmer climes. She was adopted in June of 2025 from Maricopa County Animal Care Center. After the recent heartbreak of euthanizing their previous husky, her people dropped into the shelter.
When they saw Sasha, they knew she was the one. Despite her initial timidity, she quickly warmed to her new family, and now she even has a sister, Stella, adopted through AZ Husky Rescue. Sasha loves playing with Stella and going on family adventures, as well as napping and eating anything she can get her paws on, earning her the nickname of Pac-Man. It sounds like Sasha is doing life right!
Next up we have Shelby, a two-year-old Yorkie. For anyone who might be wondering, Scorpio is her sign, and she exhibits trademark Scorpio passion, especially when it comes to local dog ice cream shop, Bark ‘N Berry, Camp Bow Wow, parks, and also just going literally anywhere else in the car. She still gets to see her bio mom and siblings, and really likes spending time with her BFF, Ms. Cow (a dog), her kitty sister, Daphney, and her growing collection of Lamb Chop toys. She enjoys getting dolled up with a bow in her curls, and is just an all around fun loving gal. Keep the good times rolling, Shelby!
Most people like pasta, but you’d be out of your mind not to fall in love with Eddie Spaghetti. Currently around 5 or 6, this well traveled Chihuahua pug mix has, like Johnny Cash, seemingly been everywhere. Rescued in Texas, he then headed to New Jersey where he was adopted in July of 2023. He and his person, Meg, split their time between Pennsylvania and Delaware before finally ending up in Tucson. Now dwelling in the Garden District, he enjoys outings but also staying in for snuggles and slurps of his favorite snack, peanut butter. He likes to spend time with his foster sister, Bailey (who is currently available for adoption!), walks, sniffing new scents, and playing fetch with his beloved squeaky pickle. Basically, this guy loves life and it loves him back. Keep sharing those good vibrations, Eddie!
Last but not least, we have TicaRoja, a lovely red-headed AussiePoo. While her name means “red lady” in Costa Rican slang, some call her Chewy for the obvious reason of their respective luxurious auburn locks. In addition to her good looks, this happy-go-lucky 2 year old is playful, loving, intelligent and she he always has a favorite toy on hand…paw? Whoever said blondes have more fun clearly hasn’t met TicaRoja.
Finally, we must become acquainted with our amazing cover dog, the one and only Pi! Why the name Pi? Well, suffice to say, a number of factors went into the decision. He came from PACC with the name, Payaso, but despite his flamboyant makeup, Pi is no clown. Add to this the fact that his people both have backgrounds in math and that they were able to estimate his birthday to around March 14, AKA Pi Day, arriving at the name Pi seemed a foregone conclusion. His breed was a little more mysterious. Many guessed he was part Dalmation, and while his family didn’t think so, a DNA test finally revealed that he is indeed 55 percent! German shepherd came in at 15, and perhaps the most wonderful dog “breed” of them all, supermutt, came in at 30.
As with so many of Tucson’s beloved dogs, he began as a foster from PACC. Though this was a lucky break for Pi, the road was not an easy one to travel. When he was rescued and admitted to PACC’s Ajo substation in 2016 the then 3-year-old was very ill. Once transferred to the Tucson campus for care, Pi was diagnosed with a number of serious medical conditions including tick fever, valley fever, and a rare form of cancer known as Transmissible Venereal Tumor or TVT. Despite these challenging diagnoses, Pi was able to receive care for all three conditions while in foster. His health soon stabilized in that calm and loving environment, and unsurprisingly, he became a foster fail.
The three cats already living in the home were used to dogs, assuring that Pi knew who ruled the roost. Despite some curiosity, however, Pi was a perfect gentleman around them, as well as around everyone else he met. He has helped care for several other medical dogs and cats his family has fostered through PACC. Perhaps because of his own struggles and the care he received, Pi seems to be particularly compassionate toward these guests in his home. In the early days with his family, he could not be around other dogs due to his immunosuppression. He could, however, enjoy the company of cats, and already having established a relationship with the family’s elderly cats, he was ready to welcome other senior and hospice kitties such as Tiki after they passed away. Pi’s people even muse that he is part cat, given his predilection for curling up in cat beds rather than those his own size.
Despite a little social awkwardness owing to his previous need for isolation from other dogs, Pi has come to enjoy hosting senior medical dog fosters as well, building his confidence and social skills, while helping other shelter dogs to find the second chance in life that he did.
All of these aspects add up to one amazing and resilient dog. Throughout chemotherapy, various medications, and all of the fear and discomfort he endured, Pi maintained his strength, sweetness, and zest for life. At the age of three years, his prognosis was concerning, but this inspiring soul will celebrate his 13th birthday this Pi Day! In his golden years, Pi continues to win hearts wherever he goes, regardless of species. He has taken two road trips across the country, leaving a legion of adoring fans in his wake. He enjoys lounging on dog friendly patios and loves to eat his veggies, especially baby carrots. Pi has even taken up barking, despite not doing so until recently, other than in his sleep. Now the doorbell sets him off, just like it would any other self respecting dog.
Pi’s story should be an inspiration to us all, a study in resilience, empathy, and compassion. Happy birthday, dear Pi, and may you enjoy many more.
