ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A GOOD HOME! Come by and check out these adorable puppies that are up for adoption. Beauty (DC-03) is a white, female puppy; Lucky (OC-81) is a black & white, female puppy; & Shaggy (OC-82) is a black & white, male puppy. There are many other cats & dogs that are up for adoption. Don't forget about our Low-Income Spay/Neuter Clinic every Wednesday, call for an appointment 863-2616. [Courtesy Photo]

George Ross rinses his car at a self service car wash in Gallup, N.M. The city of Gallup is approaching a water shortage unless the problem is remedied. Ross washes his car after it becomes muddy to remove salts. [Photo by Daniel Zollinger/Independent] Full Story

Grants Pirate Fabian Padilla (20) shows his game face while making a move on St. Michael Cardinal Tywray Hardy (14) during Thursday night's basketball game at Grants High School as part of the Grants Holiday Classic basketball tournament. The Pirates overpowered the Cardinals to win 88-29. [Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent]