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New Year Sleepers & Meatloaf

We have reached the final throes of 2006 and in honor of the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one, we have selected some genuine sleepers for spotlighting in our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and Napping Cats Nap.

How does a dog become a genuine sleeper? He is a genuine "player" first. He has two gears: "Go" and "Sleep."

These photos have been sent to us by Montez Brown in Clarksville, Texas -- that's in Red River County in Northeast Texas. Montez is a loyal reader whose e-mail address begins "bichonmom." Yep, these two dogs are the Brown Bichons -- Bichon Frise is the official name and you say it "bee-shon free-zay."

What does it mean? In the French "bee-shon" means "lapdog" and "frise" means "curly." So, these dogs are curly lapdogs.

People who are acquainted with the little rascals are totally devoted to them. There are Bichonfans all over the BichonNation. The group Small Paws Rescue, headquartered in Tulsa, proudly describes itself as "the largest Bichon Frise rescue in the country."

Montez writes of the first photo -- the curly lapdog on the pillow -- that it shows "Andy Brown at his best. He is our first rowdy Bichon and we are lucky to catch him in this pose. When he sleeps, he sleeps with the same gusto as when he is playing, eating or getting into anything worth a sniff."

The second photo, Montez writes, is of "Gallant Sam Brown, a Small Paws rescue pup, who answers to 'Sam' and is now playmate to our Andy.

"He sleeps with one eye open so as not to miss a thing in his world. I think I caught him in an 'off-moment' as I was able to grab the camera and shoot while he was hanging off the doggy bed. He never moved."

I know the French say "Bichon Frise" is "curly lapdog" but, maybe, there are times when it means "curly napdog."

(OK, readers, we've reached the end of the year and now we're going into 2007 in need of sleeping dogs, napping cats and slumbering critters, including in-laws left over from Christmas. E-mail their photos and info about them to dallrp@aol.com and we'll find a spot for them in our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Remember, at Readlarrypowell.com, no matter how happy the New Year, we know insomniacs are awake pondering something that won't let them sleep.)`

A NEW YEAR NOTION: And now, in honor of the holiday, we present more work from the master.

*

The Turning of the Year

Experimental Haiku by Inky

Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas

*

The calendar flips

like a startled cat.

Dogs pay no attention.

*

(Aside: In addition to being a working poet, Inky is also a famed and skilled impressionist.

For the New Year we requested that he perform an impression of an extraordinarily hairy New Year's Baby bursting through the door of an office party and spotting, next to a bottle of something sparkly on ice and a dozen Roman candles, a platter of Father Time's Blackeyed Pea Meatloaf. Happy New Year to you all. See you in 2007, the Year of Physical Fitness. Maybe.)

A loving story for Friday

We find ourselves on Friday and sort of gobsmacked, as the Brits say, by the course of things. There's a Pat Seward rescue story, some animal people trying to help some human people and some Boston Terriers in predicaments.

We'll get to all that, and a tax tip from the boxer people, too. Please read on:

ONE MORE PAT SEWARD RESCUE: The spirit of Pat Seward continues on behalf of the usual beneficiaries -- humans and critters..

We got a couple of e-mails to that effect. You may recall that Pat, longtime Straydog Inc. volunteer and veteran rescuer, died week before last leaving behind quite a legacy of rescue and decency. She helped animals and people.

We got this view of things from her fellow Straydogger Consuelo Murray on Thursday:

"It's funny how things happen - or perhaps it is not just coincidence.  There are angels around us always.

"In her years of rescuing dogs, Pat Seward had learned a lot about what they needed; she and her husband Greg had added a mini-sanctuary to his garage workshop annex where a stray could be safe, fed, and cared for until they found a forever home for the stray - or the entire litter of stray pups and their mother.  Pat had named this sanctuary "Barkingham Palace" but said to her friend Sue Knudsen that she was afraid that this sanctuary would never be used for its intended purpose after she died.

"Funny how things happen.

"On Christmas Day, Greg visited Pat's grave, heard a sound, and behind him had appeared a skinny little pup in need. Of course, he scooped her up, and took the little thing to Barkingham Palace where she was fed, bathed, and allowed to sleep as long as she wanted. 

"This little pup is about four months old, and has gotten her vaccinations, and has been pronounced healthy; she weighs about 35 pounds, and looks like a pit mix.  Of course, she has a sweet disposition.

"Pat Seward rescued puppies, and it looks like at least one puppy got to enjoy the luxury of her 'palace.'

"We need to find a foster or a forever home for this little puppy; Greg has his hands (and heart) full right now."

About the time Consuelo's letter arrived, the in-box got another one about this from Holly Elms, also a noted Straydogger.

She wrote, "All of us who loved Pat feel strongly that this was her not-so-subtle way of telling us to dry our tears and get back to work.

" Pat's nephew spoke at her funeral about how God winks at us through different things that happen in our lives. He then said he could feel his Aunt Pat winking at him often, and assured us we, too, would each feel Pat wink at us at some point in the future.

"I would say this little gal showing up like this was more like Pat punching us in the arm!  We're in the process of coming up with a name that suits the puppy and the situation, a name that also sends a wink back up to Pat."

To volunteer to foster adopt or help this special dog in anyway, e-mail Sue Knudsen at billknud@aol.com.

Spay surgery and microchipping expenses are already covered and if there are other incidentals, they'll be covered, too.

Sometimes you see these unusual "winks" and you just have to shake you head and say, "Well, I'll be darned."

AND NOW, A FORMULA NEED: Before we get to this critical need, let me report that Audrey Merritt reports that Ellis County-based Chrystie's Kids, thanks to the donations from many people (including our readers) provided gifts and food baskets to 113 senior citizens and 486 kids and their families at Christmas.

And, as you know, nothing is ever finished. Audrey says that "one of the client's daughters, age 6, that we assisted with Christmas found a 6-month-old puppy on Christmas Day and it had been hit by a car. The pup is going to be fine. They took it to a vet and they got her fixed up with my help. Sarah wants to keep her and is taking great care of her."

Turns out that the pup has heartworms and needs treatment. The vet wants to start next week. So, Chrystie's Kids is taking on this fund-raising project.

In the meantime, some of the animal rescuers have snuck off and helped some humans, specifically Alexander Guzman, a 6-year-old with cerebral palsy.

Imagine that -- animal people helping humans. These volunteers built a ramp for, as Audrey says, "a severely handicapable child" last week. That helps with access. But in talking to the family, they discovered that the child also needs "a special formula that the family just can not afford all the time," says Audrey. "The cost of the formula is $55 a case of 24 bottles. He is supposed to drink 2 a day and he has only been able to have one a day due to cost." The product, in case any of you know a way to get it to the family of this youngster, is Resource Just for Kids 1.5 Cal. (French Vanilla).

You can read the story of Alexander and the volunteers by my reporter pal Randy Bryan Bigham of the Ennis Daily News by clicking HERE.

And to help, e-mail ChrystiesKids@aol.com or call Audrey at 972-875-1597.

BOSTON NUMBER ONE: We don't have a photo yet, but you can imagine what a Boston Terrier looks like. Wanda Jewell of American Boston Terrier Rescue says the call came in on Wednesday from a shelter on the east side of Dallas. "They'd picked up a little Boston with his leg almost chewed/mangled off," she said. Indeed, the leg had to be amputated at the Trinity Pet Hospital in Carrollton.

Wanda says they're calling the little dog "George Clooney" -- he was an ER case. "Poor little guy," Wanda says. "He got a new name -- George Clooney -- 'cause I couldn't think of any of the other ER actors in a pinch."

George will likely recover and be a very adoptable three-legged dog. But he's running up a bill. to help American Boston Terrier Rescue, you can donate to the George Clooney Fund at the Trinity Pet Hospital, 2523 Josey Lane, Carrollton, Tx., 75006. Or you can donate to the ABTR, P.O. Box 525, Sanger, Tx. Just note that it's for the medical fund or for George Clooney. George isn't the only Boston who has been running up unexpected medical bills lately.

You can also get more info or get in line to adopt George Clooney by e-mailing bostonrescue@wanderz.net.

BOSTON NUMBER TWO: Regina Karhunen of the Dallas Boston Terrier Society is helping her friend Robin, a rescuer, hunt for a Boston Terrier named Jester. He's been missing since about 9 p.m. on Dec. 27 from the Frankford/Midway area in Far North Dallas. He's microchipped, but not wearing a collar. There have been door-to-door walk-throughs in the neighborhood, flyers have been posted and lost dog notes sent to many websites.

If you know of Jester's whereabouts, e-mail forensicbio@yahoo.com or call 214-403-3051 or 469-241-5151.

Regina writes, "We are in a group of friends who happen to have dogs instead of children - and as you can imagine our dogs are like "our children".  We're all anxious to have a happy reunion story to share. Jester is  such a great dog! We would appreciate it if you could help spread the word."

GINGER IS FOUND: You can get all the details Ginger's disappearance by scrolling down to our Dec. 20 entry. But here's what's happened, thanks to a late-night note from Julie Maupin, our tipster in Corsicana. And it shows the value of doing the routine things when your dog or cat goes missing. Julie's note:

"Happy News today!  Ginger, the Beagle /Corgi mix, is safe at home with Sandy and Maxine. We had not given up!  In fact, yesterday, Wendy Huffman made up wonderful fliers for Sandy to distribute.  Sandy started distributing them yesterday [Wednesday].  A caring lady who lives on Elmwood saw the flier this morning [Thursday] and spotted Ginger on Bowie Drive this afternoon about 2:30, not 3 blocks from Sandy's home. Carolyn put Ginger in her car and came to our house.  We immediately called Sandy and within minutes - Sandy, Maxine, Jon Ed and Donna were all here to pick up their wanderer! After 10 days on her own, Ginger could have wound up in Timbuktu, but fortunately she stayed close by.

"Carolyn came to my house this morning to tell me about the death of a sweet neighbor.  Had Carolyn not come to my home this morning and asked about the dog and then taken a flier with her, Ginger might still be on the loose.  We are all so thankful!"

LOOKING FOR FOSTERS: The folks at Companion Animal Network have plenty of dogs, what they need is foster homes to hold onto these rescued animals until the real homes can be found.

These two dogs are Faith (left) and Hope (right). Gail Whelan says they are six-months old and "have been boarded almost their entire lives. Very sweet. Fully vetted. These girls MUST stay together."

To volunteer to help these two or any of the other dogs (Cedric, India, Alex, Gretchen, etc.), e-mail gailwhelan@companionanimalnetwork.org or call 214-808-3228.

Cedric is a lab/terrier mix (we featured him yesterday), India is a 3-year-old flat-coated retriever whose owner died and Alex and Gretchen are puppies in need of attention.

Here's their common thread: They are all black dogs with size working against them. Some people think a big dog is like having a horse around. Not so. Big dogs are careful where they step, careful where they sit, careful where they sleep and usually very vulnerable to affection.

NOT TO SCARE YOU, BUT TAXES...:  Those folks at Legacy Boxer Rescue are always thinking. This time they're thinking about how you can help them and help yourself at the same time.

They've sent out a note reminding people that they can still donate to non-profit Legacy Boxer Rescue and "get a tax deduction. Help a boxer-in-need and help yourself at tax time! But hurry -- the last day to take advantage of 2006 tax deduction is Dec. 31." Conveniently, they've set up a donation system at this SITE.

And, just fyi, that white boxer is Ida Claire, a 2- or 3-year-old rescued boxer who is looking for a home that understands the value of a tax break.

One more thing: According to the Legacy website, Ida Claire is accustomed to sharing the bed with whatever human is taking care of her at the moment. And she snores.

In some households that would be just one more instrument contributing to the nocturnal snoring symphony.

TRADITIONAL: Happy new year to all of you if we don't meet up again before the calendar clicks over to 2007. Hard to believe, isn't it? Headed toward 2007 and so few of us have won Lotto Texas.

On Thursday, an assortment...

Ah, it's the last Thursday of 2006. Can that be? Goodness. And there's no way I can lose 40 pounds by the end of the year.

Not unless the doc says, "Take off the ugly fat" and then where would my eyeglasses rest?

OK, let's nose the implications aside and move on to the animal world:

A PLEA FOR CEDRIC: We've mentioned this rascal before. But for some reason he seems to be avoiding the right person or the right person is avoiding him.

Becky Delgado of the Companion Animal Network is working hard to place this guy. To refresh, she writes, " Cedric is a puppy that was found by a Good Samaritan wandering the streets of Oak Cliff, near starvation.  Cedric was literally a skeleton with skin attached.  I could see every rib, every vertebra, his hip bones, his shoulders, everything, and he was loaded with internal parasites.  Despite all of this, Cedric was the sweetest, friendliest, most loving puppy you could possibly imagine.  All of Cedric's medical, up to and including neutering and micro chipping was sponsored by the Good Samaritan."

Cedric has since been housed at Camp Bow Wow and thrives while romping with the other dogs, Becky says.

Still, he needs a good home. That would give him a boost and take a load off the Team Cedric Pocketbook. To ask about adopting him or to foster or to chip in on expenses, e-mail adoptions@companionanimalnetwork.org. The details are: Cedric is 5 months old, weighs about 28 pounds and is an American Staffordshire Terrier/Lab mix.

Becky says, " There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that whoever adopts Cedric, will be getting the best dog ever."

HANDSOME CAT NEEDS HOME: This cat is described as a "stray adult male." I'm not sure he knows that. But there's a move afoot to remove him from the "available list." We get the info from our pal Cary Birdwell of Adopt-a-Dallas Pet.

He forwards a note from a woman who writes, "My husband and I took in a stray adult male cat in September. He was so hungry and we just could not let him go without food. But, my husband and oldest son are allergic to cats so we can’t keep him.

"Even though we have brought him in the house during the cold weather and would love to keep him, we just can’t. He’s very loving and calm – just sleeps and eats . He will play once in a while but he just loves to curl up against you and sleep. We thought he would be a great pet for an elderly person and I didn’t know if any of the people through the Elder Care program might want him.
"We have a huge bucket of food, food dish and litter box that will go with him. My husband said that if he went to an elder participant, he would even pay for his shots. If you know of anyone that might want him please let me know as soon as possible as we just can’t keep him – as much as we would like to."

If you can help this cat, e-mail adoptadallaspet@yahoo.com.

REBA: Somehow it just strikes me as perfect that this Rottweiller is named "Reba." Kind of amusing, don't you think?

Pam Silva reports that Reba was picked up off an East Texas highway about a week ago. She was physically OK, but a little rattled. Probably a dumped dog.

And her really big problem is she's "a Houdini," Pam writes. She's escaped and now is chained in a backyard to a dog house Pam writes, "the poor dog is so miserable; she howls and cries constantly. I have contacted all the groups I know and no one has offered any help. I feel so badly for her. If you could post her picture, I would really appreciate it."

She appears to be a purebred rottie, about two and with a docked tail. (To asked about adopting or helping Reba, call Rhonda at 903-275-3616.)

SHORT STORIES: The Buddy Rescue Effort continues on that fenced corporate property in Garland. Our contact tells us attempts to lure the dog into a big animal services cage have failed, so she's resorting to trying to use personal charm to get the big dog to quit playing hard-to-get. As you know, dogs are often too clever for their own good. We'll keep monitoring this situation. Our tipster has even crawled inside the big dog trap in an effort to show him that it's safe. Relax, humans can exit without help. Attempts to persuade Buddy to come in from the cold have been going on since around Thanksgiving. ... The Fort Worth Star-Telegram had the most complete story on the guy in Dallas who was caught staging dogfights at his house. Here is the LINK. The Star-Telegram story says the guy who was arrested couildn't be jailed until he was taken to a hospital for undisclosed medical care. I know what I hope it was. If there is any justice in the world, one of those dogs managed to deliver an irreparable bite in a place usually only accessible by zipper. Pardon my frankness.

Trees, seniors and skills...

OK, folks, we're closing in on the end of the year. Nothing to do but promise ourselves we'll do better next year.

We'll focus on some animal issues, then reveal a career truth.

RECYCLE THAT ARTIFICIAL TREE: We were wondering just how the Companions For Life Tribute Trees project has been going -- the trees are on display through New Year's Day.

Rebecca Poling sends us a note saying that the Tribute Trees were "wildly popular" at the two Starbucks locations (Arapaho/Shiloh and Preston/Beltline), so, "they've invited us to expand the program for 2007."

Here's how you can help. Donate your "gently used green artificial tree" for the 2007 program. Reach the Companions for Life people and arrange your donation at info@companionsforlife.org. A volunteer will pick up the tree and store it until next year when it'll join the original trees in collecting "tribute" ornaments and raising money to support the CFL projects. (Visit www.companionsforlife.org to see the educational projects you're supporting.)

SENIOR MOMENTS: Well, my goodness, here's an opportunity to put a good spin on the term "senior moment" Get a senior animal. You'll have plenty of happy moments.

And, as it turns out, the folks at the Humane Society of Dallas, who run the Dog and Kitty City shelter, will be conducting their first "Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month" in January.

Say, that's just a few days away. They're going to be focusing on older animals that may have been at the no-kill shelter for a while. (That wide-eyed cat is Momo, who doesn't mind her chin being chucked but gets upset if you touch her tail. Go figure. She's a tuxedo cat -- they're almost always nuts, but enjoyably dear.)

Among the dogs and cats available is this fellow, Jake, a German Shepherd, who has been at the shelter for several years. According to his story, he was adopted for a short while, but "his caretaker was involved in a near-fatal car accident" so Jake came back to the shelter.

See if you can relate to this: He'd like a soft bed to sleep in. His joints ache a little bit and some days he walks with a slight limp. (Aside: I swear, Jake sounds like me. I can relate.)

Moving on, Jake is described as loyal and intelligent and in need of a person who understands working with German Shepherds.

Among the animals who fall into this "senior" category are cats Momo, Gata, Willimina, Zoe, Dillon, Dallas, Nomad, Wilbur and Goldenrod. And Jake is joined on the dog side by big dogs and little dogs including Sophie, Mack, Rosie and a great looking "Staffordshire Terrier mix" named Jazzmine.

Jazzmine's history is summerized in this note (from the Dog and Kitty City site): "She was born some time in 1999. She was found on the side of the road on a hot June afternoon. She gladly jumped into an air conditioned car. When asked to step out of the car, as she had reached her destination, she refused with a look saying, 'It's cool in here. I am not going back out into this heat!' "

What's the benefit of having an animal (dog or cat) with a story? Gives you something to talk about at parties.

What's the benefit of having a dog that isn't a puppy? No chewing of shoes or cable remotes. No puppy ailments. Look, they're usually just plain grateful to have a human to love.

CAREER ALTERNATIVE: So, at this time of year, my wittyspouse Martha and I are shooting the breeze, as married people so often do when vigorous use is wearing the numbers off their credit cards.

Mindful of overspending and under-earning, I asked my tenderspouse, "What is the most likley way I have to earn money?"

"Writing," she said.

"OK," I said, "What's second?" and she replied, "Armed robbery."

Little Joe; good news; snacks

Whew, that was some holiday!

OK, let's move along. Just 364 shopping days left until Christmas 2007.

LITTLE JOE: You may recall that earlier this year a little fellow named Little Joe was victim of a do-it-yourself crop-and-lop job out in Jacksboro. He was found running down the street, bleeding and in pain. He wound up being fostered by veteran fosterer/rescuer Keri Lane on behalf of Animal Angels. And now, he's available for adoption through Operation Kindness.

He needs a good home with a solid place to live. And it's hoped, Keri says, that more people will see him and appreciate him at Operation Kindness. At her house, Little Joe, known as Taz these days, wouldn't dig under or jump over their fencing. But the fencing went out into a pond and Mr. Taz would simply go into the pond and swim around the fence. As Keri says, it was "a case of being too smart for his own good."

She says she'd fallen big time for the dog. "I had even been thinking about begging my husband to let us keep him, but his safety trumps even my love for him."

Carole Sanders of Animal Angels negotiated a spot for Taz in Operation Kindness and  he's now on the OK list of adoptables.

His story is one of teamwork. It took a team of people to save him and that team -- Keri, Animal Angels and Operation Kindness -- is working to put him into a good home where his biggest danger will be overaffection. (Click HERE to check on Little Joe/Taz.)

FYI: The guy who did the whittling job on this pup was last seen in custody and on the verge of being deported.
OVER THE WEEKEND: Terry Lynn Fisher of Burns Flat, Okla., sent a note saying that she was working on tightening the tarps and putting new straw in the dog houses at the Burns Flat Animal Shelter. She could do this because, she reported, "as of right now, no dogs in Burns Flat pound! What a great feeling!" Cooperation between the city and the rescuer and hard work combined to keep the pound empty at Christmas. ... Our pal Rainy Johme was shopping in South Grand Prairie at I-20 and Carrier Parkway on Christmas eve when she spotted a "small older tan Pomeranian male dog looking lost" on a Kohl's parking lot. You regular rescuers can sense already what's going to happen -- but, no! There was a miracle. Rainy reported on Christmas Day, "Good News, we have reunited the dog with his owner. It turns out the dog was
probably picked up by someone else then dumped, and the dog was diabetic and
14 years old. We were very happy we could get him back to his family." .... And, we got a note about Joon the Golden Retriever, missing from her Park Cities home since Dec. 18. Family desperate, Joon's canine roomie Sage upset, etc. On Dec. 22, the efforts (signs, on-line postings, etc.) paid off. Keely Rousch reports, "What we know: A construction worker called our number this afternoon and thought he might have Joon. My boyfriend and his father went to check it out. They met the man and it was Joon in the back of his truck! The man told them he had found her that day across Lovers near Hillcrest by SMU. He didn't give specifics, But Joon looks clean and well-fed . We are just elated! So joyful!" ... Yep, ya gotta love the happy endings. We must cling to these and ignore the Dallas Cowboys' performance against Philadelphia.

A CHRISTMAS REPORT: Here's the deal. Up at the top left of this page you'll see a perky dog riding along in a pickup with yours truly. That was about 3 years ago -- my shutterspouse Martha and I were driving the dog (unnamed at the time) to Operation Kindness' Dog Day Afternoon in Plano where we would hand her over to my brother, whose home had become dogless for the first time in 15 years or so. We weren't sure how things would go. After all, it had taken six or seven months to catch this dog. She'd been living in our neighborhood in Oak Cliff, foraging in alleys and eating varmints, we suspect. Trust me, I tried everything to capture her except dressing like a pork roast and laying motionless in the alley.

She simply didn't want to be caught. But, as is often the case of strays in Dallas, she was not "fixed." So she had puppies and that made her vulnerable to capture. The puppies were born under a storage shed and a neighborhood effort one warm June afternoon managed to get her and her puppies into custody.

The puppies all found places to go and this dog did, too.

From a skittish dog carrying a bullet her backside (x-rays would later show), she has become the darling of the household. That's my sister-in-law Brenita in the background while my brother, known to the family kids as "Uncle Garry," shares a treat with the fabulous Calamity, as she is now known. She's a doll, and after she warms up to you, she's affectionate. The best way to get her to warm up to you is to share whatever you're eating at the time though, I must tell you, if you give her a cracker, she won't eat it. She'll drop it to the floor and wait for you to give her some cheese to go on it. Honest truth: In her world, like the TV ad said, "Everything's good when it sits on a Ritz."

In that second picture, you can see that she has little patience for the paparazzi who cannot properly time their flashes with their shutters. (She'll cut her eyes at you like you were a rowdy third-grader and she was a stern teacher!)

We're just proud that she's got a good home. When you see a "street dog," think of Calamity because the dog that's loose might just turn out to be your friend and might just be willing to share a nice liver treat with you at Christmas. Mmmm, mmm!

My brother will eat the cracker without cheese. He's not as picky as the dog. Brenita indulges both of them -- she is a woman of patience.

The family critters...

For this Christmas weekend edition of "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and Napping Cats Nap," we're turning to our own gang here at Readlarrypowell.com.

They've been busy helping with shopping and wrapping and have all collapsed for, as Clement Moore said in "A Visit From Saint Nicholas", "a long winter's nap."

As you may know, our cocker spaniel, Inky, is the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas. As is the style of the day, it is an unpaid position. A renowned scholar, Inky takes the duties seriously and provides commemorative  poetry for significant occasions. (That is his official portrait.)

And here is Inky's tribute to his pals at Yuletide and, especially, the household big guy, Hambone Jack, a lab/Great Dane mix found wandering in Kiest Park in Dallas several years ago. Coincidentally, that is also the park from which both the Cocker Laureate and our Chihuahua mix Rosie came. (That is Rosie approximating antlers on a young deer -- this portrait is called Shadow of The Reindears.)

Inky, for this special yuletide poem, has selected the title: "A Holiday For The Household Souls."

The poem opens with a tribute to the sleeping countenance of Hambone, a.k.a. Hammy.

You'll notice that I have picked two photos of Hammy. One shows him sleeping in a headfirst droop off the edge of the couch and the other shows him as he prefers to be seen. And now, the poem:

The face of  this dog

would surely bring money

if people would pay to

see sleepers that are funny.

*

His name is Hambone

and he came from the park

Since we brought him home

he's been quite a spark!

*

He sleeps here with ease

no stress on his face

when he's upside down

things fall out of place.

*

One thing is true.

You can write this right down

No matter the angle

His eyes will be brown.

*

His jowl just might droop

his lip might fall up

his ear will flop over

he's a malleable pup.

*

As yuletide approached

he balanced on the cushion

he'd have slid to the floor

with a minimum of pushin'.

*

He's not the only sleeper

in our roster of dwellers

there are dogs and cats,

swell ladies, nice fellers.

*

They sleep here and there

they sleep in our laps

they sleep on our chairs

Nobody just naps.

*

Deep sleeping it is,

that's what they do,

unless they hear a package

being opened, it's true.

*

Then the dogs jump and dash

straight into the kitchen

to see if some treats you

might just be pitchin'

*

And if you are not

they walk through the house

muttering over and over

"That fat guy's a louse."

*

But here we are at Christmas

and they're trying to be good

They don't want ol' Santa

skipping our neighborhood.

+++

About the sleepers, lining up under Hammy's photo are Poirot and Annabelle Bob on a comforter in Martha's lap as all three napped -- note Poirot's little paw reaching out for mom's hand. And the orange cat is Griffin, a giant. That's a box of computer paper next to him -- he's as big as a Christmas turkey, probably big as two of 'em. He's broad enough to saddle. And the final photo is of Annabelle Bob standing behind our needle-free, brightly lit Christmas tree -- she likes to nose the lights. Last year, she liked to try to bite them, but she's grown up and still glows in the dark sometimes -- we think it's static electricity, but, maybe not.

And, now, in honor of Christmas and Christmas traditions I have asked dear Inky, who not only is a poet but also is a master impressionist -- an illusionist supreme -- to use his skills to show us this: A wide-eyed, excited toddler rushing into the room with the Christmas tree and spotting Jolly Ol' Saint Nick placing a hot platter full of Mom's Mistletoe Meatloaf down next to the egg nog. Again, Inky is spot on. He is The Mutt of Many Faces.

So from all of us -- humans, cats, dogs and whatever else wanders in -- Merry Christmas.

(Ah, don't you just love your critters? If you have a photo of a slumbering critter -- including the relatives who came for Thanksgiving and are still hanging around -- send that picture and information about the critters to dallrp@aol.com. Remember, at Readlarrypowell.com we are insomniacs and if we have visions of sugarplums dancing in our heads, it doesn't surprise us. Their tap-dancing is keeping us awake.)

Late Friday notes..

After being out shopping all day, we have returned to find things of note in the inbox, including many, many "merry Christmas" wishes and, of course, we return them to you all with great enthusiasm. Readlarrypowell.com is continually blessed by the good people we meet and get to know.

We're also pleased to know that we have readers around the world and that the "good-natured cult" of animal rescue and care extends far beyond the borders of Dallas County and the mythical monster of commerce we know as The Metroplex.

Now, as Friday draws to a close, we have a news tip. We also have a Prairie dog -- I mean a Grand Prairie dog -- that needs a home. If you know someone who might help this dog or any other human or critter, forward our link, www.readlarrypowell.com, to them -- call it a Christmas gift with fur-bearing tendencies.

IRVING ANIMAL SERVICES NEWS: Several tipsters report that Fred Sanderson, highly regarded animal services professional, will be joining the City of Irving as animal services director in the new year. You may recall that the City of Irving had a kind of tough year regarding animal issues. (Say, there's a use for Texas Stadium -- roof it and air-condition it and you've got the world's biggest animal shelter and dog park.)

Fred used to hold the animal services director position in Grand Prairie, then took the animal services directorship in Lubbock. He resigned that position last week. (Read about it on the KCBD-TV (Channel 11) site. Lubbock is apparently going through the same throes-of-progress that Dallas went through -- citizens vote the money to build a shelter, but then it isn't enough to do the job.

As a veteran observer of the Dallas condition, I like to think that it is the people in animal rescue around here who firmly persuaded Big D to begin setting a good example for the rest of the animal world. In 2007, we should see the result of that hard, frustrating work. To borrow from Tiny Tim, "God bless us everyone." And, of course, Tim, pardon the Christmas goose and find a good home for him.

HERE'S A DOG WITH TRICKS: Debbie Barclay, the noted shelter-walker, sends word that Grand Prairie's Prairie Paws Adoption Center has custody of a most remarkable dog. In fact, Debbie, who has seen a dog or two in her time, calls her "fabulous." This, of course, is the "fabulous female Lab mix named Goldilocks."

Debbie's calling her Goldi for short.

"She can sit, shake hands, lie down, does an excellent fetch with the ball," Debbie says. "Has beautiful brown eyes with the most soulful expression." (Reach Prairie Paws at 972-237-8575. Visit the shelter at 2222 W. Warrior Trail in Grand Prairie.)

Goldi is about a year-and-a-half old. "She has been languishing at the shelter and she is such a great girl, " Debbie writes. "I was there this afternoon and as I walked by her window, she put both paws up on the glass with her ball in her mouth."

That's just nearly heartbreaking to think of, isn't it. Goldi is there, at the window, excited to think that some passerby may want to play. And if no playmate comes soon ...

I know people are busy and broke this time of year. And I know most animal people already have a houseful -- we've got 8 dogs and 4 cats -- but surely somewhere there's a person who can help this dog have a long, happy life.

Again, forward the link, www.readlarrypowell.com, to people who aren't in rescue or who are "thinking about getting a dog."

Word of mouth is the best chance some of these shelter dogs and cats have. There's not a lot of foot traffic through the city shelters en route to the malls. 

The weekend arrives...

Our Christmas is dashing much too quickly. It annually outraces us. Last minute things may be left undone. Shopping is intense. But some of the people who don't procrastinate are enjoying leisurely evenings, possibly watching old Christmas movies, listening to songs or even visiting with friends.

We all have our favorite Christmas films -- A Christmas Carol (Pick a version!), Christmas Vacation, The Bishop's Wife...long list. We may watch a tape of a stage play, Tuna Christmas, the great JastonWilliams/Joe Sears/Ed Howard tale of Christmas in tiny Tuna, Texas. (It's the middle play of the Tuna Trilogy. And it's playing at the Bass Hall in Fort Worth.) We've seen the play four or five times.

It's funny every time. It's consistent. Like Christmas is consistent. Consistently quicker every year, I think.

We're already making plans to do better next year. But we're going to enjoy what we have this year. I suspect many of our regular readers have shut down their computers and are off on shopping trips. Maybe they're baking or wrapping or plotting road trips. At readlarrypowell.com, we're all for enjoying every bit of holly jolliness you can corral.

PAT AND HER PALS: Perhaps this Christmas will have a bit of an empty spot for you. Someone you love has gone on. We know this is the case with friends and fans of Pat Seward, devoted Straydog Inc. volunteer, who died night before last at home surrounded by loved ones -- humans and animals, we're told. She had been battling cancer for more than a year. She also continued to battle on behalf of animals. Her fellow Straydog supporter Holly Elms says Pat kept working as a volunteer at adoptions right on through October. (You can go to our Prayers & Passages page and comment on Pat's passing. Click on the button on the right of this page.)

Holly says Pat would "take dogs no one else wanted...and turn them into beautiful, wonderful pets." She took in the mange dogs, the pregnant dogs and worked her magic on them.

The funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Deberry Funeral Home, 2025 W. University in Denton.
Holly sent us one of her favorite pictures of Pat. Holly explains, "She's with Ripley, the Big Lug, saved by Angie Manriques [The Fairy Dogmother of West Dallas] when he was a Little Lug. He was an Adoption Day regular until my parents got snookered into adopting him.  He was one of Pat's favorites, although any dog or cat or critter who needed love was one of her favorites.  It's important to note that Pat loved people as much as she loved animals."

Isn't that a great thing to have someone say about you?

NEEDING A HOME: Our reliable tipster Kate Pratt is working on a project. She's helping Tracy Abbott find a home for this dog, Gabby, possibly a Dalmatian/Greyhound mix.

Gabby was found in a North Dallas alley six weeks ago, Kate says. Tracy, with two up-and-running kids and one in her arms, took Gabby to the vet. And Gabby, with heartworms and other problems, ran up a $1,500 bill, we're told.

In the meantime, Gabby has not been mixing well with others (others being three kids and two big dogs.) But when she's alone with her "grown ups," Tracy says she is "so incredibly loving and just wants to curl up in your lap."

Gabby is believed to be about 8 years old. Tracy has attempted to get Gabby into a shelter, but as everyone knows, these days it's easier to get a fat man down a chimney than it is to get a dog into a shelter. They're all pretty full.

To audition to adopt Gabby, call 214-475-1371 or 3-mail ptabbott@sbcglobal.net.

These folks have put out dough for this dog and want to see that Gabby is well-placed.

OUT THERE SOMEWHERE: Apryl Park is keeping the faith that someone has her Pom/Spitz Prince and will be willing to hand him back.

The 12-pound pup went missing Sept. 17 from the Harbor Point subdivision in Gun Barrel City.

If you know of Prince's whereabouts, call 903-887-0755 or 972-768-8756 (cell).

"I know this is a long time," says Apryl, "but I know that someone out there will see this and return him home safely."

FOUND AND FRIENDLY: Ashley Mihle, who toils in my workingspouse Martha's office at the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, has found a local wandering cat.

Do you think cats are local? I tend to think of them as intergalactic.

Anyway, Ashley says this fellow, apparently at home on a pillow, is "precious' and "very friendly and cuddly." And he's very available to go to a home. Allergies prevent the cat from staying put with Ashley, so he's got to move along. (To give this cat a home, call 281-467-1054.)

THE CHRISTMAS KITTY: Last week I wised off about a cat that Cindy Ethridge had found, referring to it as a "Christmas kitty."

Stacy Emberson sent an e-mail yesterday that begins, "I just wanted to say thank you for running the item about City Ethridge's Christmas kitty. I e-mailed Cindy to let her know I would be interested in adopting the kitten if she couldn't find the owners. Needless to say, since we all think she was abandoned, she now has a new home in the 'burbs with two cats and a poodle. I'm trying to avoid all the obvious Christmas-related names but I think she is gong to turn out to be a wonderful Christmas gift in our household!"

Oh, there's some "cat adjusting" going on, but  Stacy says, "Fortunately she doesn't seem to be fazed by their hissing and growling and just wants to hang out with the 'cool cats." She is definitely a people cat and starts purring as soon as we walk into the room or talk to her."

No name yet, but Stacy says her hubby keeps calling the cat "George" -- short for "Curious George, but she isn't answering to it."

"There are stories behind our other cats' names," says Stacy, "so we're waiting for the story to happen. As long as the story doesn't involve the Christmas tree, I think we'll be OK."

You know, at our house, we've just about run out of names for critters. So, I wouldn't even begin to suggest a name for this cat, though, of course, "Flakey" always works with a cat. No offense to our cats.

NOSTALIGA ON THE AIR: Well, not really "on the air," but pretty close. Our friend Debbie Britain of Britain's Photography for Pets has been reading the contemplative notes here recently regarding things from the past. You may recall that Roxanne Wingo of Phoenix mentioned such simple things as TV test patterns and dialing a phone.

Debbie writes, If you want a trip down memory lane, spend some time on this site. I discovered it a few months ago when a commercial from my childhood suddenly turned into an earworm. Actually, only 2 lines remained in my memory bank and they played relentlessly until I HAD to be able to hear the full song or go mad. The ad? The Schlitz beer jingle....There are actually a couple of advertisements on there for Winston cigarettes featuring The Flintstones!"

And Debbie warns that "the site is addictive" and "huge chunks of time may end up missing."

I don't want to set anything off, but that Schlitz commercial goes (in mellow tones), "When you're out of Schlitz, you're out of beer."

A HOLIDAY NOTE: Enjoy your holiday and your holiday travels and your holiday naps. Dream of sugarplums and hum some old jingles. It's the season to be jolly.

And I especially want to extend best holiday wishes to my former colleagues at the big paper -- several are ending their careers there today as part of the recent buyout maneuver. Bless their hearts and may they find peace and comfort and joy. Maybe a winning lotto ticket, too.

Irving rebounds, other pups at peril

Ah, we're headed toward rush hour at the malls and "power centers," those big sprawling shopper magnets. No doubt the plastic will be heating up from now through Christmas Eve. Oh, my, twinkle lights, carols in the air and fitting rooms packed by shoppers trying to prove that "they're cutting clothes smaller this year but I can still wear that if I take shorter breaths." It's wonder more people aren't blinded by flying buttons after an unfortunate sneeze.

Exciting, isn't it! Commerce gone wild! A celebration. It is America at work. People spending money so people can make money -- it's teamwork. Merry as all get-out, isn't it!

OK, so be kind to the clerks, be kind to the other shoppers and, for crying out loud, don't park like you're wearing a blindfold and just guessing where the lines are.

THE CENTER OF THE STORM: Some of you may remember that earlier in the year there was a big flap in Irving over the way a little, sick dog was being treated in the city shelter. The dust-up led to citizen input over the way the shelter is run.

And, maybe you wonder whatever happened to this little white dog, Irving, not much more than a bag of bones when he was taken to safety and placed in the care of Small Paws Rescue.

All it took to find out was an e-mail to Robin Presnall, executive director of Small Paws Rescue of Tulsa, Okla. The group is recognized as "the largest Bichon Frise rescue effort in the country. And Robin immediately responded and put us in touch with Irving's foster, Jane McDonald.

She writes, "Irving is doing very well, at least for now and hopefully for a long time to come. I just pray every day that he continues to stay as strong as he has become. When I got him he was weighing in at 8.1 pounds. He is now pushing 15 pounds and can jump in the air, race around the house and make my Bichon run for cover when he decides he wants to play."

Jane says that Irving is "a very loving, cuddly little boy (I call him my 'snugglepuss'.)."

Lots of thanks to go around, says Jane, including the Small Paws volunteer 'who recognized the dire situation" the dog was in, Small Paws itself for backing the effort to rescue him, Dr. Caeley Melmed of the Animal Diagnostic Clinic in Dallas for working with the little pup and Don Rorschach who "has been most generous in his support."

(That's Don and the Doc with Irving. In the middle picture, that's a very jaunty Irving at the Tulsa Bichon Bash in late October.)

STILL LOOKING FOR A GOOD DEED TO DO? Ah, yes, it's a good time of year for good deeds. One thing you could do is help the Companions For Life people with their Tribute Trees. There are a couple of Tribute Trees and their on display through New Year's Day at the Preston/Beltline Starbucks in North Dallas and at the Shiloh/Arapaho Starbucks in North Garland. Read the particulars about the tributes at this SITE.

Companions For Life has this theory: Knowledge helps. I know, I know. This is Texas. We don't need brains here -- just a pistol and a six-pack. Oh, OK, that may be harsh, but, perhaps, Santa will bring some brains to people who are needy in that area.

In the meantime, Companions For Life has established these TributeTrees so you can honor your dog or cat or whatever. This ornament honors a cat named Grizzabella and her new home. Kind of a sweet way to contribute to the cause.

The money goes to help fund Companions for Life's animal-related educational projects -- they're very serious about this. And they make a darned good case that people who are enlightened tend to take better care of their animals.  You can read about the various programs on the CFL website. These are animal people who want to help other people understand and appreciate animals.

WAY OUT ON THE PRAIRIE: Well, Grand Prairie's not that far out there. It's just on the western brink of Dallas. And it has this animal shelter called the Prairie Paws Adoption Center.

You can visit it at 2222 W. Warrior Trail -- that's in South Grand Prairie. The phone number is 972-237-8575. Click HERE to see some available animals.

I mention this in case you want to drop by and visit with either Rowdy, the cat, or Puffy, the poodle. Rowdy is 8 months old and looks like he's, indeed, ready to be rowdy. Puffy is a year-and-a-half-old male poodle who doesn't seem to be as "attitudinal" as Rowdy.

There are many others in the shelter who need a home for Christmas. Or the day after Christmas. Or maybe even this week before Christmas.

MEANWHILE, IN NORTHEAST TEXAS: Somebody sent me this link because there's an unfortunate crisis brewing. The "put to sleep" schedule has nearly two dozen animals on it's list in one small shelter, the story goes.

The Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, about 2 hours east of Dallas on I-30, is facing an unfortunate Friday, we're told. These puppies are among more than a dozen animals scheduled to be put to sleep that day. Word is spreading through the rescue community that some "saving" needs to be going on.

I know there are puppies put to sleep in shelters all over our area every day, but there was something about this picture -- all those pups and right in the middle of them a little pitty looking pup with a questioning look. Like, "What's going to happen to me?" It's just almost too much to take.

We have got to move away from the idea that the best solution to an animal problem is "Kill it."

ERIN'S CAT SITUATION: We got this from Erin Arnold Johnson, known by many as the daughter of the "late, beloved founder" of Straydog Inc., Pat Arnold. Erin is trying to save a particular cat. She has issued a plea "to find a good foster home for Missy." Erin's currently full-up on cats and is trying to find a way to save this 13-year-old cat. She's a "friendly, older, lap-cat." And, yes, Missy does have an odd ear -- Erin thinks it's probably the result of untreated ear infections earlier in her life.

Check out things at Erin's Rescued Cat website, www.erinskittycats.com, or call 903-479-3497 or e-mail erinskittycats@yahoo.com.

Not only does Missy need a home, but the other cats Erin is caring for need toys, towels, canned food and the cat helpers need donations of "Latex gloves," says Erin.

Of course, Missy just needs a lap.

SKIPPER'S AVAILABLE IN A HURRY: Regular reader (and adopter of Leo, a dog featured on this site last summer) Joel Fisher is trying to help a neighbor find a home for this fellow Skipper.

The neighbor, Jason says, must move to California and is leaving Dec. 26. "Short notice, I know, but I just learned about this..." Jason explains.

So, we have a bit of a time-squeeze here. (To see about adopting Skipper, call Paul at 214-923-0721 or e-mail paul.otrokov@gmail.com.)

Skipper is an 8-month-old American Foxhound mix, says Paul. He's fixed, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. Paul writes, "An intelligent, obedient and well-trained dog, he is fond of human company and eager to please." Lots of other positives, too, include understanding "No."

And, he writes, "He never barks and doesn't beg."

MORE CONTEMPLATION: A couple of days ago I mentioned such things as "Hot Dr Pepper," the Cold War and other things from the past. This inspired a response from longtime reader Roxanne Wingo of Phoenix.

"You know what I REALLY miss? Service stations!" she wrote. "I recently watched Steven Spielberg’s old made-for-TV movie, Duel. I found myself leaning toward the TV with my mouth hanging open when Dennis Weaver stopped at a gas station in the middle of nowhere and the attendant started filling his gas tank (“Filler up?”  “Regular or ethyl?”), washing his windshield and checking his oil…WOW!  Those were the days, huh? 

"I also miss dialing the phone.  And the TV station signing off at night by playing the National Anthem or High Flight."

Well, my goodness, High Flight. Roxanne, I hope you like this. I Googled 'High Flight' and found a youtube.com link. Click HERE, turn your speakers up and be prepared to listen to William Conrad talk about slipping the surly bonds. It takes a few minutes to watch -- but what is time when you're nostalgic?

Besides, about half the video is a Sacramento TV station sign-off that involves a singer, Nelson Eddy, I think, performing "The Bluebird of Happiness."

And, at this time of year, we all know "gone away is the bluebird" and "here to stay is the new bird." Neither bird takes a high flight.

It occurs to me, now, that there are some kids who may not know that TV stations haven't always operated 24 hours a day. They don't know about sign-offs and test patterns or snow or rabbit ears.

Life in black and white...

Here's the deal. Loving ol' actors and loving ol' dawgs and cats is just about the same emotion.

Find a company of actors putting on a play and you'll find sincere kinship with a houseful of dogs and cats -- EVERYBODY'S hoping to impress the humans.

And, if you think I'm suggesting there's only a slight difference between actors and humans, well, let's not get into that. I've been around both and ... well I'm sure if I could afford therapy, I'd be able to work that out.

OK, what we're talking about now is actors helping animals. Our friends at Pegasus Theatre are about to devote an opening night performance to the benefit of Operation Kindness, the no-kill shelter in Carrollton.

Name of the production is A Critical Case of Murder! and the star is the writer, Kurt Kleinmann, once again taking on the roll of Harry Hunsacker (that's him in character and makeup). And, as you probably know by now, the entire production is done in black and white through a special process developed by the Pegasus folks.

Opening night is January 4. Curtain is at 8 p.m. at the Eisemann Center in Richardson. A portion of each ticket ($25) goes to Operation Kindness. To get tickets call 972-744-4650 or go to www.eisemanncenter.com. To get group discounts, call 972-744-4657.

Hmmm, looking for a nice Christmas gift? You couldn't beat this.

(Previews of the play begin Dec. 29 and it runs through Jan. 28.)

Having seen one of these productions, I can tell you that it is fascinating. It gives the look of an old black-and-white movie playing on late-night TV. You almost expect to se raspy-voiced character actor Eugene Pallette (the father in 1936's My Man Godfrey) walk onto the stage.

But, this "living black-and-white production" is not just a visual thing. Why? Because Playwright Kleinmann also has a way with the stage. In A Critical Case of Murder, as you can tell from the headline in the photo, someone knocks off a theater critic.  Harry Hunsacker is the "aspiring actor turned bumbling detective" who'll crack the case, no doubt.

And, it's possible that there'll be a disclaimer that says, "No critics were harmed in the making of this production." Possibly.                                     

LOOKING FOR GINGER: This pup was adopted from the Corsicana Animal Shelter last week and almost before you could say "Congratulations," she had slipped through an open door at her new home and was gone, romping into the neighborhood. We got the story from our shelter tipster Julie Maupin.

Ginger is a Beagle mix and she has a docked tail.

Her new people, Sandy Lewis and her mom, Maxine Everett, are worried sick about this and are trying to touch as many bases as possible to get Ginger back to safety.

If you know where Ginger is or, perhaps, have managed to charm her into your custody call 903-872-0281 or 903-875-4398 (Sandy's cell) or 903-654-4850 (work) or the Corsicana shelter at 903-654-4928. All these numbers? A demonstration of how badly they'd like to see this little pup walk back in the door.

ALSO LOST: This dog is Zohnna and she's a senior citizen -- with the same family -- Carrie and Eric Roth -- for 15 years. And she's lost in Princeton, somewhere near the Villas of Monte Carlo. Princeton is in Collin County near McKinney.

But Zohnna hasn't lived there all 15 years -- so, her humans say, she's probably disoriented. She's hard of hearing and her eyesight is not the keenest.

She weighs less than 25 pounds -- - she's got a black body with tan or cream socks. She also needs medication and she's lame in both back legs. When last seen she was wearing a blue collar with a rabies tag that had an old address and cell numbers. The numbers to call are 469-371-6418 or 469-766-5255 or 972-736-2320.

Zohnna is said to be "very sweet and gentle." And "very dear to us and has two very sad boys that she has helped raise at home."

SANTA MAKES BAIL: Leading up to last weekend we referred periodically to A Different Breed's fundraising plan: Lock jolly ol' Saint Nick in a cage and hold him people donated $1,500. Caroline Felps of A Different Breed reports that the Bail Santa Out of Jail project raised $1,600. Thanks go to the Girl Scout troop that went through the shopping center collecting donations. Also, we're told, special thanks go to ADB board member Eddie Coyle, the veteran Dallas radio personality, who suited up at the last minute to spend the day as Santa in a cage.

Volunteer Cary Birdwell, our Adopt-a-Dallas-Pet pal and noted canine assessment guru, was to have been Santa but had to bow out at the last minute. Ear surgery that had been expected to be a slam/dunk turned out to be more of a slam and kayoed Cary for the event.

What we want, then, is everybody happy, healthy and home for Christmas. Or sooner if possible.

OZZY: Just a note to tell you that the fabulous Ozzy, the giant schnauzer mix who'd been in the care of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control for far too long, was adopted around noon on Tuesday. Ginger Leach says she went to lunch and when she returned, someone had adopted Ozzy. We're hoping to find out who is responsible for what is apparently a happy ending. Pretty good deal for Ozzy. He'll be home for Christmas.