The Valley had seven cities with less than a million, but more than 100,000 residents in the year 2000. These cities were: Chandler, Peoria, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale and Gilbert. That same year, Phoenix boasted a population of over a million people.

Rover also needs a place in the sun. Mesa's dog parks have areas set aside to let your dog off the leash and just run, meeting other dog owners and their pets. If you prefer to jog with your pet, dogs on the leash are welcome to all of Mesa's canal trails.