Consumers, critters and criminals...

We don't need to tell you that it's the first Monday in December and the pressure is on to bolster the American economy -- the heat emanating from your plastic cards is enough of an indicator.

Still, we do have things to discuss today. Let's move on:

GIVING: We have many opportunities to donate to causes this time of year. Our pal Cary Birdwell at Adopt-a-Dallas-Pet tips us to one of his charities, the Metroplex Animal Coalition. And this LINK http://www.firstgiving.com/metroplexanimalcoalition will take you right to it.

ONE MISSING, ONE FOUND: Kristin Fields of the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas tells us the search is still on for this whippet Rio. The search has been on since the evening of Nov. 24 and the owners, says Kristin, "are just sick about losing him."

Rio made his escape about 8 p.m. on Nov. 24 near Melrose Drive and Custer road in Richardson.

He's neutered, has a very light coat and no body fat. He's an indoor dog, but he made his break when it was raining and in the 30s, we're told.

Now, how did Rio's people wind up in contact with Kristin? "He actually found me through a 'Found Husky' posting I made on PetFinder. com. ... I found a female husky standing in the middle of Wycliff at the Tollway last week. She is with me now -- and the family of the lost whippet has offered to foster her until we find the owner or an adopter."

To report the whereabouts of Rio or to claim or volunteer to adopt the husky, contact Kristin at kristinfields@sbcglobal.net.

COCO NEEDS A HOME: Julie Maupin, our Corsicana contact with the Humane Society of Navarro County, has forwarded a challenge from her contact Charlotte Childers who is trying to help a young couple.

The story is the young folks "are trying to adopt a baby in their care" and "cannot keep Coco. They are sad to have to give up Coco, but they cannot jeopardize their chance to adopt."

While you and I might think a family that has a good home for a dog is a good place to raise a kid, we're not in control of the world and other people have the right to lead their lives. Besides, some dogs are snappy around little kids. Plus, thee folks are doing the responsible thing: trying to find a home for the dog rather than just dumping Coco at the pound.

Whatever you think or whatever I think, crate-trained Coco is needing a new home.  Coco is a Chihuahua/dachshund/Pom mix born on Nov. 20, 2006. She needs a home without little kids, we're told. She's healthy, had one course of PetsMart obedience training and loves to play fetch. She's snappy if you  try to take her toy. But who isn't?

To offer to take Coco or to help her, call Charlotte at 903-654-4874.

PERFORMING FOR THE ANIMALS: As you may recall, Kinky Friedman, the author/performer/would-be governor of Texas is a big-time friend to animals. For your planning purposes, the Kinkster and fellow music legend Steve Fromholz will be doing two-man shows to benefit Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch. The tentative schedule includes Jan. 4 in Dallas, Jan 5 in Winnsboro, Jan. 6 in Tyler, Jan. 11 in San Antonio, Jan. 12 in Houston, Jan. 13, in Galveston. Other days and specifics will appear at www.kinkyfriedman.com.

PRE-TONY: Before The Miracle of Tony Romo came to lead the Dallas Cowboys, the "miracle" quarterback was Quincy Carter. Where is Quincy Carter today? A story over the weekend in The Shreveport Times reports that Mr. Carter is in rehab in Florida and getting help from Hollywood Henderson. Here's the LINK.

CRIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: We're kind of accustomed to hearing stories of murders resulting from drug deals gone bad, domestic disturbances gone worse and nightclub dances gone sour. Heck, people even pull over on the highways to shoot each other.

But lately we've had mean guys beating women for their purses on store parking lots, a bike-riding doctor beaten to a pulp by two punks ambushing her on a bicycle trail and golfers being robbed by two guys who came out of the rough on a Riverside Golf Course in far north Grand Prairie.

This stuff isn't new, but the outrage ought to be new and vigorous each time it happens.

Each time it does happen, some authority reminds the innocent people of the area that they need to be more careful. Wouldn't it be great if there were some way to scare the bad guys?

Apparently the threat of hard-time doesn't scare these punks. In fact, it kind of takes the pressure off -- they know they'll be fed and clothed and someone will come to the Big House on Sundays to pray for their souls.

Is there anything Good People can do to make Bad People behave? Put 'em on the "naughty list?"

It's perplexing. So, I guess, until we figure out a way to distribute Tasers to good people with sound judgment, we'll just vow to be "more careful" -- like they advise.