ReadLarryPowell.com

Rescues, searches, lectures and dreams

 
OK, folks, the dilithium crystals I bought second-hand from a former Star Trek tech are running low, so we’re going to make this quick today. And, oh, yeah, this dog family dumped near Terrell still needs to be rescued. We have the report later in this presentation. First, though, a serendipitous action.
THE RESCUE OF NALA AND MALIBU: As we have noted before, the Society for Companion Animals  takes dogs from Dallas Animal Services and spirits them to safe havens in other states.
You may recognize Nala (left) and her Earhound sister Malibu from a report on Readlarrypowell.com earlier in the week.
Socieity for Companion Animals founder Tawana Couch has a rescue system that works. Sometimes it works better than expected. Here’s the story from Tawana:
“Tom Thomas and his wife, Judy, offered to volunteer to pick some dogs up at the shelter to transport to fly out today [Wednesday]. Little did they know they would be taking a dog home for themselves.
“They had driven from Carrollton to Dallas with the idea that they would foster 2 dogs overnight and fly them out for Society for Companion Animals [the next] morning. This was there first time to be at the Dallas shelter. It was a lot to take in.
“Nala and Malibu were sisters who ended up at the shelter when they were 3 months old. Since February they had been at the shelter and sitting in adoption they had grown up half their lives inside the Dallas shelter. For these two girls, their time was running out fast. They were on the VSP list where their time had ran out yesterday [Wednesday] and they were supposed to be put down. 
“Fate had it that they were given an extension time till this Friday. Society for Companion Animals had a place for Nala but Malibu had nowhere to go and time was running out fast.
“I briefly told Tom and Judy that Malibu’s time was running out. Judy had a look on her face that I knew she was thinking hard. She looked at Tom and said this dog looked like a dog that they had that had died 3 years earlier. It did not take them long to decide Malibu was coming with them and that they would give her a home.
“I have rescued lots of dogs but what really touched me was when Malibu was leaving out the front door she kept looking behind her at the shelter entrance. She started barking and wanting to go back in the shelter. It occurred to me that the shelter was the only home that she knew and she did not want to leave her home. It was really touching to see this.
“Good news is she is going to have a real home with great family. YAY.”
So, Malibu is here, Nala gets to go to another home and, Tawana says, the flight also spirited Blue to safety.
You can see more Dallas shelter animals by going to www.dallasanimalservices.org.  Read more about Tawana’s system and how to get involved HERE.
STILL MISSING, BUT THERE MAY BE A CLUE: Last week we told the story of Kelli, the 26-pound Beagle mix who had bolted out the door of a home near Hillcrest and Walnut Hill. (Last week, she was Kellie, this week they’re spelling it “Kelli” – I suspect it doesn’t matter to the dog.)
The latest twist comes from Metroplex Mutts via Trish Todd who says the dog may have been picked up at NorthPark by an older woman with dark hair. She was driving a gray Cadillac and this possible pickup of Kelli was done last Friday morning, suggesting to some that the Good Samaritan was a mallwalker.
(Occasional sightings had indicated the dog was heading toward the shopping center.)
The dog, formerly a resident of the Seagoville Animal Shelter, is microchipped and registered to Metroplex Mutts.
Trish says, “We think the woman is just a Good Samaritan and may be trying to find Kelli’s owners but doesn’t know how.”
If you’ve seen the dog or know the dog’s whereabouts, contact Trish at 972-978-2362 or call the microchip registry at 1-888-466-3242.
ABOUT THE MOMMA AND KIDS: You recall the story from earlier in the week. Linda Templos in Terrell saved a momma dog and her pups who had been dumped on a semi-rural road on the Dallas side (natch) of Terrell.
Efforts to find a rescue group or a shelter to take the animals have failed. But Linda told me this morning she may have foster homes for a couple of the dogs. And, yes, she is continuing to look for a “good” way to place the mom and the pups. And, yes, she is afraid that she may wind up with them on the parking lot of the local Wal-Mart – but she feels that gives the dogs more of a chance than the certain death at the local shelter.
I’ve suggested a couple of places to check and I’ve published this story twice. (If you can help Linda with this situation, call 972- 670-7868 or e-mail lindatemp@yahoo.com.) You may also contact someone who is trying to help her at elkinsdeb@gmail.com.)
Linda would love to get some help neutering the two boys and spaying mom and the four girls, too. Anybody up for that? Your rescue group got a place? A way to help?
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A SOAPBOX MOMENT: Linda has, of course, become the target of nasty e-mails from people who are aghast that she would consider trying to find a home for the animals on the Wal-Mart parking lot.
The question is: If no rescue groups come forth, if nobody is going to help someone who picked up a mom and six puppies off the side of a highway, and if she (a veteran rescuer herself) already has a number of dogs, what is she supposed to do? These days, who has the money to take on seven extra dogs?
So, to those of you who may have let your emotions type your unpleasant, accusatory e-mails to Linda, give us all a break and try get with your rescue pals and put together a rescue package instead of delivering a bloody sermon.
You may feel better if you spew some venom, but you’re not helping the dogs by lecturing the people. Wise up. We’ll all under stress – too many dogs and cats, too many animal-dumping cads in the world. Why don’t I take them? Thanks to the dumpers of Dallas, we’re already at the limit at our house, and so is just about everybody we know. OK, so, seriously, my dear e-mailers, just try to be nice to people who have been nice to animals. And, if the dogs aren’t sitting on your front porch waiting to be fed, knock off the attitude. Feel free to comment by clicking below and remember that kindness is more important than lecturing someone who is in a fix. You want to help? Drive to Terrell and see if you qualify to foster a puppy.
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CONTEMPLATION: Last night I dreamed I was working on a photojournalism story about dogs and cats that live in Kiest Park, where I’ve picked up many, many animals over the years. In this dream, everywhere I looked I saw litters of dogs and cats and I even saw a momma cat tending to a litter of Rottweiler puppies. I was snapping away with my digital camera and when I downloaded the photos, all I got was hundreds of blank frames. There were more facets to the dream, including trying to catch a dog that looked like my late big dog Hammy, who came from that park and, in real life, did not have to be caught – he came up and introduced himself and went home with me. I’m not sure what this dream means, but I think it’s telling me that I need either intense therapy or time off,  perhaps a place where I can “rest” while the doctors discuss how to unravel a brain that looks like a ball of twine that belongs to housecats and was re-rolled by a cocker spaniel with no sense of direction, Dr. Inky The Psychiatric Spaniel, also dumped in Kiest Park when he was a mange-stricken puppy with no hair except on one ear. Naked boy. Whew, I’m tired of all these relentless animal crises – and I haven’t been doing this as long as some of you admirable souls. I’m going to go take some aspirin. Maybe a nap. To sleep, perchance to dream of lotto winnings.
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Found muzzled in Oklahoma; missing in Dallas, etc.

The world rocks along today and we are all learning our lessons: Don’t trust the Texas Rangers relief pitching, cold pizza may have as many calories as fresh pizza and making money for the future turns out to be important after all.
A HUNTING DOG: Well, here’s a sweet story from our reliable tipster in Burns Flat, Okla., Terry Lynn Fisher.
"Sweet" is used in the sarcastic sense.
Seriously, maybe there’s some reformed hunter who can help bail out this dog.
Terry Lynn says her son called her last week about the sighting of “a dog that was running loose. While that is not unusual here in Burns Flat, what caught his attention was this dog had a strap muzzle around his mouth.”
Naturally Terry Lynn went out to look for the dog. “We looked for days for this poor dog. It has never left my mind.”
Then the Burns Flat Animal Control Officer called and said he’d gotten a complaint about a dog with a muzzle. When he went to check at the site, he discovered that the dog was usually staked out on a chained and “muzzled all the time.” The people who had the dog said they muzzled him because “the dog barks all the time.”
The dog’s muzzle was on so firmly that it was not only unable to bark, but it couldn’t drink, either.
Terry Lynn says, “I went and talked to them. I explained this was beyond cruel and the reason the dog barked was because it was out back on a chain all the time. They said the son got the dog in Arkansas to hunt, then they moved here so the dog has just been tied up all the time. They agreed to give the dog up.”
So, Terry Lynn now has a 13-month-old Treeing Walker Coon Hound but no place to put him. She says, “I want this dog away from this horrible place.”
To offer a place for a purebred dog, call Terry Lynn at 580-330-1459 or e-mail remembering_oddball@yahoo.com.
PIT BROTHERS MISSING IN NORTH DALLAS: Kimberly Jones, helping Sherry Lynn Chilcote, sent this note about Luther (right) and Sampson, a pair of pit brothers who have been missing since May 11 when they left through the front door of a home their master had just moved into.
They were last seen near Beltline and Meandering Way – that’s in the Coit/Hillcrest area of North Dallas.
Sherry writes, “The dogs are beautiful, full blooded Pits, they are brothers. ... They are very friendly.  Tony [the dogs' human] has contacted Dallas Animal Services.  Don’t know if they had on collars and they are not micro-chipped. ... Neither dog is neutered.”
If you know the whereabouts of these two dogs, call 214-762-8883. You can also e-mail sherrylynnc@tx.rr.com. There is a substantial reward for the return of Luther and Sampson.
THE SEARCH FOR FARLEY: On Friday the 13th we posted the story of Farley, an Aussie who took off through an open garage door  May 10 and vanished into the neighborhood south of Preston Road and Beltline. No signs of him since then. None at all.
Louann Smith continues to search for this rescued dog who ran to daylight. She writes, “I am at a loss that no clues have been received nor has Farley been found. Two pet detectives advised me on the telephone that Farley was probably taken in the night he went missing right after the rain and storm started.
“Somehow it seems purebred dogs are more likely to be picked up or kept by people that find them and this is what both detectives’ opinion is regarding Farley.
“I was advised that the person that is keeping him somehow rationalizes that they will be a better pet parent than I since he did not have a collar with identification, was not neutered or was not microchipped. Also advised, that 95% of the ‘lost’ purebreds  are actually with a person and sometimes, finally the person comes forward out of guilt and or all the posters, postings, etc.
“I do not understand that thought process as I would never attempt to keep someone's dog regardless of under what circumstances if found. I would work diligently to find the owner and no doubt the owners that want to find their dogs do.
“I will not stop looking for Farley or ever give up. I love him dearly and he belongs with me.”
If you know Farley’s whereabouts, call Louann at 214-289-5114 or e-mail l.smithplano@rocketmail.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS: It still looks odd to see the formerly green Dallas Mavericks all blue and, of course, once again we’ll point out that the “maverick” is traditionally not a horse [as in team logos] but a wandering, unbranded bovine. ... Speaking of wandering, ex-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is probably learning the tough way that he’s not the only person in the family who can command media attention. ... Dumbest question I’ve ever heard while standing in line at a filling station to buy a lotto ticket: “How much is it this week?” Doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, I need it.
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Dumped dogs, sisters, Earhounds, etc.

It’s Tuesday, the week is picking up steam and we’re moving along like the well-oiled machine we always hoped we’d be. And if that’s not an optimistic outlook on life, then, I’m a ballerina in a red tutu. Ouch, ugly word picture. Moving along:
DUMPED IN THE COUNTRY: Our initial tipster on this was Gail Whelan, the noted friend to animals, who heard about it from Pam Mitchell, the rescuer, who was thanking her for sending Readlarrypowell.com a tip on some other dogs.
Included in that thank-you from Pam to Gail, was a story from Linda Templos, who lives in the country on the northwest side of Terrell and sent this photo of a distressed mom with some pups who are all-too-ready for a big-time weaning.
This morning, Linda told me that she’d just managed to get three kittens she was fostering into a safe haven when she spotted this situation.
“I knew they were either going to get hit by a car or gotten by the coyotes,” she told me.
So, she picked them up and got them to safety.
Now, she needs a place for this mom and her family to go.
To offer to help, e-mail lindatemp@yahoo.com or call 972-670-7868.
The dogs were found on the northwest side of Terrell, which is east of Dallas on I-20.
A reminder: Abandonment of an animal is against the law in Texas, so if you recognize this canine family and know where they used to live, you could make a call to the authorities and, perhaps, there’d be an investigation of an animal dumping case.
SPEAKING OF PUPPIES: The online newspaper, the Texas Tribune, offers this wrap-up on the Puppy Mill Bill as it works its way through the Texas Senate. click HERE.
FOUND AT LAKE TEXOMA: Jennifer Munsell has written to us about a dog at Lake Texoma, on the Oklahoma border north of the Metrosprawl. She say that the dog was dumped a couple of months ago. One of her neighbor sis feeding the dog but needs to find a home for the big pup.
She writes, “I know absolutely nothing about her, except that she is very sweet, likes other dogs and the water. She readily takes biscuits out of your hand and likes being around people. She is a young dog and weighs maybe about 50 pounds (basing this off a comparison to my dog) but could use a few extra pounds. Maybe someone who reads your website will fall in love with her and want to give her a home. I would be willing to get her shots if someone wants her. If anyone is interested they can contact me at my email address.” That’s skyblue141@aol.com.
ON THE LIST AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES: As you know, each week Dallas Animal Services publishes a list of “Very Special Pets” who are urgent because they are on an upcoming euthanasia list. This week, euthanasia – for these animals – is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday.
These animals – one cat and seven dogs this week – have been in the shelter for 45 days and are spayed or neutered and healthy.
The one cat is this one, Angie. She’s 2 and said to love a “quiet environment.
The dogs are sisters – and you can see, perhaps, the freckled resemblance across the muzzle.
Nala is the dog with the floppy ears and her sister, Malibu, is our official Readlarrypowell.com Earhound For The Day.
To adopt, e-mail teresa.cleek@dallascityhall.com or christopher.juarez@dallascityhall.com or call 214-671-0249 or 214-670-8312.To move into Rescue, e-mail contact mark.cooper@dallascityhall.com or 214-670-8298 or janet.henderson@dallascityhall.com or 214-671-0308. 
Stop by the shelter at Westmoreland at I-30 west of Downtown Dallas or see more animals online at www.dallasanimalservices.org.
MAVERICK AT CARROLLTON: Yesterday’s Earhound, Huck, has been adopted from the Carrollton Animal Services Shelter.
That doesn’t mean there are no animals left there.
This guy Maverick (#23814) is awaiting a home. He was picked up as a stray.  He's scheduled for euthanasia on Wednesday.
As it turns out, he’s not all that swell on a leash but “follows closely behind whomever is walking him. He also seems to be house-trained and will sit and shake.” The 85-pounder is around 3 years old.
While Maverick looks somber in this photo, you can see in the vidoe that Maverick is anything but somber. Click HERE.
To ask about adopting any animal in the Carrollton shelter, call 972-466-3420 or e-mail CARE@cityofcarrollton.com.
CONTEMPLATION: Arnold Schwarzenegger, having fathered a child with a staffer and having torpedoed his marriage, sure looks like he was getting ready to run for president. Except for the fact that he wasn’t born in the U.S., he had all the qualifications in the modern era. ... Cynicism is ugly, isn’t it. ... For discussion: Sleep – is it more important than chocolate?
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Take it easy Monday...

It is a Monday and we’ll be brief.
Not enough sleep over the weekend. So, here goes:
AN EARHOUND FOR MONDAY: This guy is Huck, a terrier mix – possibly mixed with a kangaroo. He’s one of several animals scheduled for euthanasia on Wednesday at the Carrollton Animal Shelter.
Huck is about 16 pounds of playfulness and was found wandering the streets.
To ask about adopting him, call the Carrollton shelter at 972-466-3420 or e-mail CARE@cityofcarrollton.com. You can see more Carrollton animals HERE.
You can see video of Huck romping HERE.
GARLAND PROTEST: Michelle Ferrer sends word that the Citizens for the Reform of the Animal Shelter have scheduled a demonstration for 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Garland Chamber of Commerce, 520 N. Glenbrook Dr at Walnut St. The occasion is the Garland Chamber’s Second Annual Business-to-Business Expo. The aim of the protests is to bring attention to policies and personnel at the shelter. CRASH info is available from jjpippin@sbcglobal.net.
LAKE DALLAS: Over the weekend we got several forwardings of a note about the Lake Dallas Animal Shelter being too full of pets and not having enough foot traffic. So, in an attempt to help build at least some computer traffic to the shelter’s site, click HERE to see the available animals.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Is there a way to measure the nuttiness in this world? Other than the old "three bricks shy of a load" description? ... Took a nice drive into East Texas on Saturday along I-20. It is remarkably green and lush. Big, tall trees. If you are reading this in another state, yes, there is a big difference between North Texas and East Texas. Gasoline was 5 to 8 cents cheaper, for one thing. ... Was the world better organized when there were just three national TV networks? Discuss. Or don’t. Or change channels repeatedly looking for something to watch.
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Three cats napping: Cookie Dough, Chaz and Coco (Eddie the Turtle was busy elsewhere)

What is it about a hefty-looking cat that makes people smile?
Who knows?
And if you see a hefty cat napping, why that’s two reasons to smile. And when you find out that one of those cats has been through a journey of shotguns and despair, why, you’ll find yourself smiling at the outcome.
So, that’s why these cats are in the spotlight for our regular Readlarrypowell.com weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
Lisa Whiteman nominated her cats and when she sent the nomination, she mentioned her husband but didn’t identify him. His name is Judd and Lisa explains, “The humans get left out, I think, when we talk about the ‘kids’.” [Aside:  Yep, happens at our house, too. You can ask what’s-her-name.]
So, Lisa sends a note nominating her cat Cookie Dough for the spotlight. She included the other cats in the house and explained, “It’s rare to get them all together, but I thought you might want to see our fur family (minus Eddie the Turtle.)”
Here’s the breakdown on the cats. “Cookie is right at 10 pounds now. Chaz (the orange one) is 22 pounds and Coco (the Siamese Mix) is around 12 pounds.”
(FYI: Cookie Dough photographs "bigger" than she is.  That's her on her left side and, then, that's her with her Christmas mouse in another photo below left.)
And there’s the cat story from Lisa. She writes:
“I started volunteering at Dog & Kitty City years ago when I moved to Dallas. I volunteer there as a cat socializer and spend most of my time up on a ladder spending time with the less-socialized cats. During this time, I found myself spending a lot of time with one special girl, Oreo. While she was very shy and liked to hide in a cubby hole or under something, she was extremely affectionate when approached.  It was always my dream to one day adopt her, but I already had two other cats, Chaz and Coca, and my turtle, Eddie, at home.
“About six years ago, someone else fell in love with Oreo and put in an application to adopt her. Although I was sorry to see her go, her new mom insisted she was ready to take her time with Oreo’s shy, timid nature and give her a good home. 
“Sadly, six months later, Oreo was returned to the shelter. I was horrified at her condition when I saw her again. She had lost weight, and her coat was filthy and full of dander. We cleaned her up and tucked her into her safe cubby hole, but her image haunted me. I felt I had let Oreo down, and I couldn’t live with myself if I had left her at the shelter.  So, the next week, I went to the shelter, scooped her up, and took her home.
“I took her to the vet right away to get her thoroughly checked out.  We had to treat all of her fleas and flea bites, and her gums were horribly swollen and bleeding.  (She eventually had to have all her teeth removed.)  Worst of all, we found a shotgun pellet underneath the skin of her abdomen. During her first dental, the vet removed the shotgun pellet and was shocked to find many others.  How could anyone shoot something so sweet and innocent?
“As time went on and Oreo healed from her physical wounds, she slowly began healing from her emotional wounds, as well.
“When Oreo first came to my home, she literally lived in a closet off our bathroom. I sat with her every night in the closet petting her and talking to her, and it was during that time, she morphed into a new name to fit her new personality: Cookie.
“Cookie eventually got the courage to curl up in my lap and lay on my chest. From there, she became even bolder, venturing out from the closet to the bathroom, to the bedroom and now she’s become a fixture in our living room. She’s also learning to trust other people.  She’ll now occasionally stay in the living room when visitors come over, and the lucky ones are even able to pet her!
“”The ‘wild cat’, as my husband first called her, has become “the angel” in our household. Although we’re still dealing with some medical issues (she has had some tumors removed), the vet says she’s doing extremely well. Her weight is healthy, and she has a beautiful, shiny coat. When I look at her now, I get this intense feeling of happiness seeing her so peaceful and happy.  I hope sharing her story makes other people realize that with a little patience, kindness, and love to a homeless pet, love and happiness will be returned to them ten-fold.”
And, so, Dear Readers, you have the story of Oreo became Cookie Dough and evolved into a household angel. It took a key ingredient: understanding, patient people. And that’s why Cookie Dough can nap without fear.
[To nominate your slumbering critter for the spotlight in our feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send the photo and info to dallrp@aol.com. We’re proud to show the World Wide Web just what grand snoozers you have. The fact that animals can sleep on this wacky planet gives hope to us insomniacs that maybe there really isn’t any reason to lay awake at night worrying about the future of mankind and the National Football League.]

A dog on the run...

BE ON THE LOOKOUT: Just as rush hour arrived on Friday evening, so did this note from veteran rescuer Louann Smith.
You might spot this dog somewhere south of Preston Road at Belt Line Road, maybe even way south of there. His name is now Farley and he has been on the lam since Monday night, according to Louann, who is helping with the search.
Until only a handful of days ago, Farley was named “Charlie” and was living in a rural area of Texas south of the Metroplex – when his owner suffered an economic upheaval, he decided to move and indicated that if nobody took Charley, he’d just shoot him. This stirred the hearts of rescuers and they collected Charley and gave him the new name.
But about 8:30 p.m. Monday,  one of those “impossible” events happened. A garage door was open when the door from the house into the garage was suddenly opened and new dog Farley ran for daylight.
The Aussie was to be neutered and chipped on May 11, but now the 50-pound, year-old, dark red and white dog is on the lam – and he’s not wearing a collar because he’d chewed the old one off.
Louann says she has been walking the neighborhood, talking with merchants, churches, schools and homeowner associations. She’s posted the dog as lost at Richardson Animal Services and has gone to Dallas Animal Services to check for found dogs.
No dice.
She says, “I have cried myself to sleep every night this week worrying about Farley, lost in a big city after living out in the country.”
If you’ve seen this dog, call Louann at 214-289-5114 or e-mail l.smithplano@rocketmail.com.

A black cat on Friday the 13th and other tales of good fortune and flights of fancy...

It’s Friday the 13th. Don’t press your luck.
What better way to start off a Friday the 13th than by writing about a black cat – a black cat named Romeo. You fans of The Immortal Bard know how lucky the world’s best known Romeo turned out to be. Perhaps it is good fortune that puts this 21st Century feline Romeo in front of you today – good for the cat, good for the person who gets the cat.
ROMEO’S TALE: It was 12:15 a.m. when this note about Romeo landed in the in-box of Readlarrypowell.com. Teresa Jennings, who we’ve worked with many times on animal crisis situations in the area, sent the note asking, “Is there any way you could run a story on Romeo? This poor guy has been at the shelter for a while now.”
The shelter is the Arlington Animal Services Shelter. A “while” is 36 days, according to shelter info.
Teresa has spent time with the cat and says “he is a real love bug! He shakes when you first pick him up, but in five minutes he is a real purr baby.”
He’s available to both rescue and just plain ol’ walk in and adopt him folks.
Romeo’s front paws have been declawed (making him a purely indoor cat, of course).
Teresa included info from Mamie Simmons who also has been working to find a place for Romeo. (His shelter ID is “D#12818925, cage CA#28” and he’s been in the shelter since April 5 when he was “surrendered by his owner due to the owner’s health problems.”
No idea how old Romeo is – his kennel card says “adult” – but as we all know, true love is eternal.
You can save this bundle of true love by contacting Arlington Animal Services. The shelter is at 1000 SE Green Oaks – that’s south of I-20 on winding Green Oaks between Matlock on the west and Collins on the East. Call 817-459-5898.
And, you know, you can also e-mail Teresa at bryanandteresa@charter.net to ask about Romeo – she’ll be glad to help you save the rascal.
You can see more Arlington adoptables by clicking HERE. You’ll see that Romeo is not the only black cat – you’ll also note that not all the dogs and cats are happy to be posing.
THE DRUMBEAT OF FRUSTRATION: All week long, veteran shelter walker and rescuer DeDe Whitcombe has been sending out a note about how crowded the Collin County Animal Services Shelter is in McKinney.
This morning she told me, “Yesterday was a day of tears and heartache by all accounts -- if you notice how much shorter today's list was than yesterday's.”
It wasn’t shorter because of adoptions.
We began our work week Monday by citing this dog, #292629, a Border Collie/smaller breed mix. He’s tiny, they say. And, he’s also an official Earhound, as you can tell at a glance. He’s 3 months old, been at the shelter more than two weeks, is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
And waiting on death row, according to a note we got from DeDe this morning. So are a lot of other dogs and cats in the McKinney shelter. To ask about this dog or any animal in the shelter, call  972-547-7292 or 7298 or e-mail animalshelter@co.collin.tx.us or ldrummonds@co.collin.tx.us.
SOME ACTIVITIES FOR ANIMAL FANS AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE HONORABLE AMBITION OF BEING FANS OF AN ANIMAL: How’s that for a sweeping salutation? Here goes:
--SALE UNDERWAY IN FRISCO: Starting at 9 a.m. today, the Frisco Humane Society began its annual yard sale at Advantage Storage, Legacy Drive at Warren in Frisco. The sale runs until 2 p.m. today and then from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Organizers promise “amazing bargains” and, of course, if you want to help further, you can also adopt an animal from the society. Click HERE to see the “inventory.”
--REAL MAN REMINDER: The Metroplex Animal Coalition/Dallas Animal Advocates’ celebration “Real Men Care” is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Sambuca Uptown, 2120 McKinney Ave., in Dallas. Tickets are $75 at the door. Get all the details HERE. The event honors four “real men” involved in animal rescue and welfare.
--THE SEVENTH ANNUAL LUAU: Well, of course, you can easily see from this photo that Boxers have a party side. This model is a girl named Zinnia who, according to Legacy Boxer Rescue founder Sharon Sleighter, is the spokesmodel for the annual Bow Wow Luau because of her personality – big kisser, adores kids, “infinitely patient with her foster mom dressing her up for photo shoots.” The girl was an owner-surrender in January 2010 and in June was “adopted to a wonderful family,” Sharon says.
The Seventh Annual Bow Wow Luau is scheduled for 7 p.m.-10 p.m. on May 21 at Classy  Canine Day Care, Preston at Loyd. Get all the details at the website that so eloquently states Legacy’s mission: savetheboxers.com.
---They’re calling it the “First Annual Garage Sale for Dog & Kitty City” – it’s scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 21st at the Sons of Herman Hall in Dallas’ Deep Ellum. Get details HERE. Dog & Kitty City is a no-kill shelter in Dallas operated by the Humane Society of Dallas County.
-- Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake’s Spay/Neuter Clinic, the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas, is currently selling raffle tickets for an 18 ½ by 16 inch, signed and dated (1956), matted and framed print of a Cheyenne chief by artist Robert Lindneux.  Winner gets not just the chief’s print, but also a print of Lindneux’s drawing of George Washington. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and they’re available at Bluebonnet Emporium in Gun Barrel City or, on Tuesdays, at the Friends of the Animals clinic. Call 903-451-4701 for more info. The art was donated by collector Doc Williams. The drawing is scheduled for June 30. And the proceeds will help the clinic continue to operate, so to speak.
--The annual Euless Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program (GAP) Club Pet Fair and fundraiser is from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday on the high school parking lot at 500 N. Industrial in Euless. As regular visitors to Readlarrypowell.com know, the GAP Club works with the Euless Animal Shelter to save the lives of dogs and cats. The fair includes low-cost micro-chipping, vaccinations, pet portaitrs, vendors, contestes, etc. Proceeds benefit the animals in the Euless shelter. See some of the animals HERE.
--If you’re a fan of chili and critters, perhaps you’ll want to set aside June 4-5 and help the Humane Society of Navarro County celebrate its Dawg Daze of Summer Sooner Chili Cookoff in Corsicana. We heard about this from our reliable Corsicana tipster Julie Maupin. The cook-off is a Chili Appreciation Society International-sanctioned event – the site is the Gander Mountain parking lot just off I-45 in Corsicana. And, of course, the fund-rasising benefits the Humane Socity of Navarro County.  More info on the society and its projects can be seen HERE.
--BIG SHOW FOR CRITTERS: Just as I was about to call a time out and go take my morning blood pressure medicine, I got a note from Melody Hamilton of Animal Allies of Texas about a worthy cause organized by a couple of Girl Scouts. Melody writes, “Just wanted to see if I could sneak in one more Event listing for Saturday....”
The event is called “Sparky’s Pals Present ’Rina and ‘Riah’s Pet Extravaganza” and it’s from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Gym, 451 W. Avenue D. in Garland. Rina and Riah are the organizing scouts, Mariah and Sabrina and the event is designed to help them earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, which Melody says is “even more prestigious than an Eagle Scout Award” --- that’s earned by Boy Scouts and I’m sure members of the BSA will have a differing opinion and present it politely.
The event opens with a pet parade and the theme is “Education” – you can learn about your pet’s health, get low-cost vaccination from Animal Allies of Texas, learn about the Baylor Therapy Dogs, learn how to train your pet, etc. And Animal Allies will have a “fun photo studio.” Melody says, “We always have fun ‘on set’ and I’m sure tomorrow will bring lots of laughs and smiles.”
These two Girl Scouts -- we're hoping to get their complete names and the name of their troop so we can give proper credit -- will be collecting donations of dog and cat food, leashes and pet toys – probably anything that’s helpful for an animal will be a good donation.
HOG WILD: Well, of course, Readlarrypowell.com is against shooting animals unless they’re armed and about to shoot you. But, we recognize that there are people who hunt and have their own excuses, er, reasons, for needing to shoot animals. Lately, the big flap in Texas is over hunting feral hogs -- and coyotes! --from helicopters in flight. The bill got through the Texas Legislature and awaits the signature of our gun-toting, coyote-shooting Gov. Rick Perry.
On the Texas Tribune’s website, reporter Becca Aaronson has an interesting story that points out that interest in shooting feral hogs and coyotes from helicopters has grown over the past few years. It also points out that the hunters don’t have that much success. So, in the interest of public safety, I’d like to suggest that the law be amended to require that feral hogs and coyotes can ONLY be killed by people shooting at them while dangling from the skids on a chopper. You can read the Aaronson report HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS: In case you wondered, the next Friday the 13th falls on Jan. 9, 2012. I'm kidding -- it's on Jan. 13, 2012. We are concentrating on fun things in this portion of today’s report, such as which is your favorite upbeat Walt Disney production? The Love Bug? Cinderella? The Adventures of Spin and Marty? ... Best musical performance you’ve seen in person? Elvis at the Tarrant County Convention Center in 1973? Jerry Lee Lewis at the Louisiana Hayride in 1968 or ’69 (I can’t remember and he probably can’t either. He was on a “caravan of stars” show with, if memory serves, Bobby Bare, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins and the great Bob Luman.) ... If your new cellphone included a teletransporting warp drive app, the city you’d most like to be in within in the next 30 seconds is? Santa Fe? Boulder? Rome? Paris? Texarkana? Terlingua? Alpine? Hit the button and go.
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A Thursday assortment, including trash, planes, politics, poets and hoods...

Here we are on a Thursday. Hang on a second. It’s trash day in my neighborhood and I’ve got to roll the bin out to the street. ...
OK, I’m back and still wondering why the city went from two-day pickup with a mechanical truck in my neighborhood to once-a-week pickup with city employees running alongside the truck and struggling to heave the containers into the back of the big trash-eating monster.
At least they show up and pick it up. Now, today’s report:
COCKFIGHTING IN TEXAS: The online newspaper, the Texas Tribune, has a story about the Legislature getting closer to strengthening anti-cockfighting laws. Read it HERE (No paywall for news that keeps you informed about your democracy.) Also, keep up with animal issues in the Texas Legislature by going to the Texas Humane Legislation Network website HERE.
MISSING IN DALLAS: This dog is Kellie and she’s a rescued dog who didn’t know she should stay in the home that had adopted her. She bolted. We get her story from Maeleska Fletes, the veteran rescuer.
“Kellie is lost near Hillcrest and Walnut Hill. Lost at Edgemere and Lupton, last seen at Edgemere and Stephani. She was at a new home on Wed and ran out the door around 3 in the afternoon. She has only been with this family 3 days -- adopted through Metroplex Mutts. She is mostly white with tan spots and around 40 pounds. She is scared to death! If you see her call 214-766-3577. She appears to act aggressive if she is scared. Call and someone that knows her will come ASAP!”
A SHELTER’S GOAL: We’ve written about Seagoville Animal Shelter’s Cami before. She’s described as a “Staffordshire/bull terrier mix” which usually puts off people who don’t know much about dogs. As you can see from the photo, Cami has no problem bonding with people.
The note we got late yesterday from Seagoville volunteer Johnna Bigley describes Cami as “truly a wonderful girl and definitely going to make some lucky person or family an incredible loving companion.”
The big problem is the shelter – like all shelters around here – is overloaded. Seagoville, however, is trying to evolve into a no-kill shelter, but 45-pound, year-old Cami is only one of the 25 dogs in the shelter’s 10 pens, Johnna says. Others include much younger dogs – such as this puppy, Jamie, who isn’t quite old enough to mind where her tail goes or control her ears with peak efficiency.
To ask about adopting any animal in the Seagoville shelter, e-mail the shelter’s manager, Police Sgt. Karl Bailey at pets@seagoville.us or call 972-287-6838 or contact Johnna at johnna1228@live.com or 214-673-3844.
THEY’RE NOT ALL IN SHELTERS: This dog Maverick is in a home and he needs another home, according to one of his humans, Alicia DeLario who has been trying to place her dog since March.
She explains, “My husband and I have had major changes in our lifestyle due to work schedules, travel, longer work hours, etc., and Maverick is suffering because of this. 
“Maverick, we feel, is a good dog but not getting the normal walks, love and attention as we are never home anymore.  I do not believe a dog should spend his life alone. We have PetsMart trained him with all commands. He listens and loves to play -- if provided a friend and time to go out.
“Mavs is overall a good dog, just no longer a fit for our family’s lifestyle -- and he is paying the price.  Maverick has had to revert back to being kenneled and I do not believe this is right, It breaks my heart and I know it breaks his, too.”
To offer to give 3 1/2year-old healthy Maverick a home – he comes with leash, harness, toys, blankets, treats, dishes, etc. – e-mail aliciadelario@yahoo.com  or call 817-988-1376.
SAVING DALLAS DOGS: The Dallas-based Society for Companion Animals has a plan to save several dogs on the euthanasia list at Dallas Animal Services and needs help to pull this off.  Society founder Tawana Couch is looking for “a volunteer or volunteers with an SUV, van or truck who can pick up one or more medium-to-large dogs at Dallas Animal Services on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week (day to be determined), keep the dog or dogs at their home for one night and deliver the dog or dogs to DFW Airport at 4 o’clock the next morning.”
This figures out this way, Tawana says: “just 12 hours of your time is all it takes to SAVE A LIFE.”
Get more info about the organization HERE or contact Tawana via 214-941-1014 or tawanacouch@mac.com.
REMINDER: You have until NOON ON FRIDAY to submit your pet-related announcements for inclusion in the Urban Animal magazine summer edition events list. It’s free – just send the info (keep it simple) to dallrp@aol.com and put EVENTS in the subject line so it’ll stand out among the thousands of e-mails in my inbox. Again, IT’S FREE and IT’S READ throughout the North Texas area and beyond.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Not all the big news in our family has to do with dogs and cats. For example, my nephew Lewis Powell has a big triumph today. (He’s the younger son of my brother Barry and his wife Shelley, who are parents also of my nephew Aaron, also a family genius. I’m not kidding about these two handsome kids, er, young men. Manners, brains and charm.) Lewis’s Ph.D. in Philosophy Hooding Ceremony is today at the University of Southern California. Proud of the lad – he does all this work and also manages to have a job lined up.  ... Texas is contemplating allowing students to carry guns on college campuses.  Will alcohol and romance then be banned from campuses? And will the flooding of the Mississippi River affect oil refineries and the transport of gasoline in the United States and are governors working on keeping things rolling smoothly or are we depending on the federal government or will the businesses keep things flowing? ... Controversial (in some eyes) Common’s poetry at the White House? I’m an Ogden Nash fan, myself, but I do remember when the most famous poet connected to the White House was Robert Frost (JFK inauguration, 1961). Mr. Frost was from a different hood. We do have a nomination for the next poet appearance at the White House, Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas. In the parlance of the era, he’s a dog from the streets. Here is what he calls Poem of Nomination 2011, Or the Big News of Spring 2009 Fades:
The power of the nation dines
off White House plates, you know,
and some of us outside the place
fret, “What has become of Bo?”

Intrigue explodes on TV screens,
in news apps for a nation on the go
yet stories remain so sadly bereft
of the White House dog named Bo.

Perhaps young Bo will soon return
to make a public connection.
Every president needs some help
when he’s seeking re-election.
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Rare animals seen at Cedar Creek Lake, red noses and politics...

Good morning, afternoon and evening – whenever you’re getting to this. Life’s good, life’s interesting and if you’re not smilin’, you’re not trying hard enough.
To keep smiling, before you begin reading today’s report, I want you to look into the nearest mirror and say to yourself, “I’d look better with a red clown nose.” And who among us would not? A red nose and discreet devil horns set the human and dog apart from the norm. Some will ask, “Why devil horns on Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas?” Ah, at 4:45 a.m., only a dog with a devilish side would bark at a desperately sleeping fat man until he wakes. He’s so cute. And he’s sleeping right now. Lucky dog.
STOP THE PRESSES! RARE ANIMALS AT THE LAKE Call the National Enquirer or World Weekly News or National Geographic. I think we’ve got something here that’ll pique the interests of scientists and students of mammals in North America, particularly the State of Texas.
See this incredibly beautiful cat? She is currently in captivity at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake Shelter in Tool, Texas. The shelter is currently overloaded with kittens.
But this cat – this cat known as Sassy – is rare. She is what is known as – get a pencil and paper, you may wish to take notes – Sassy is what is known as “spayed.” Yes, she is “spayed.”
For those of you who don’t know, she is one of the rarest cats in the state – she has been surgically altered so that she cannot reproduce.
And, based on the inventory of kittens at the Humane Society Shelter in Tool, at the Dallas Animal Services Shelter in Dallas, at the Denton Animal Shelter, at the Collin County Animal Shelter, etc., she must be the only cat in North Texas that isn’t working on overtime to produce kittens.
Now, there ARE kittens at the Humane Society in Tool – these two little ones are available. And there’s also big ol’ cat named Mr. Hope – 10 years old and suddenly no place to go because his human has gone into a nursing home and the family didn’t want anything to do with Mr. Hope.
Oh, yeah, Mr. Hope is apparently a very rare cat, too – he’s neutered. He cannot go forth and multiply.
You can ask about any of these animals or any other dogs and cats in the shelter by contacting shelter manger Krista Mc Anally at dogshsccl@yahoo.com. See the adoptables the Texas Little Cuties site HERE and see other shelter info at www.hsccl.org. Call the shelter at 903-432.-3422.
Mr. Hope and others will be at the Garland PetSmart, 5401 N. Garland road, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday – if you want to meet the rascal.
THE PROBLEM WITH THIS DOG: Here’s a dog named Bruno. We spoke to his “guardian angel” Amy Terry this morning – our call interrupted her business trip to Washington, D.C., but she is so anxious to help Bruno that, well, she was absolutely happy to get the call.
The deal with Bruno is his mom was a stray who was being held in a local shelter when she gave birth. Bruno charmed shelter personnel and when it came time for him to  ... well, you know...personnel arranged to move him into another shelter. That was about 2 ½ years ago. He has been in shelters ever since, being moved when his “time” came up. People adore him. Nobody wants him at their house.
But Amy has spent time with him and she says  his “big problem is over-exuberance.” He’ll jump up to greet you. He’ll be enthusiastic about saying hello. But with training, this lifelong shelter dog can be a fine, mannerly companion, says Amy.
She’s been with him when he encounters other animals and he responds to the human commands in a safe and sane manner.
For now, Bruno is living in a kennel at K9 Kountry in Burleson, south of Fort Worth. To ask about Bruno, e-mail amyzen@sbcglobal.net or call 817-271-6045 or call K9 Kountry at 817-483-2026.
AT THE COLONY, A MOMMA: The current inventory at The Colony Animal Shelter includes not only Stewie the Pug and Jasmine the Long-haired Dachshund, but a mutt named “Little Momma.”
These are two photos of Little Momma that don’t reflect her mood, but indicate she’d just as soon not have to stare up into the sun to have her photo made. She sweetly went along with these “art shots,” however.
Patricia Barrington, The Colony’s Animal Services Division Manager, describes Little Momma as “intelligent, loyal and friendly. And, my goodness, the obstacles this little girl has overcome – she is so deserving of a chance at the good life. She has successfully raised 9 puppies in a shelter and has touched the heart of everyone she has met. She is a gem of a dog.”
That cute puppy is one of her five remaining pups at the shelter. The others have found homes.
[Aside: Seriously, what are the odds that a puppy born in a shelter will actually survive the experience -- guess it depends on the determination of the shelter workers to give each and every animal the best possible shot at finding a good home and a happy place to live out a long, long and joyous life. That's whether it's this puppy or the lifelong shelter dog Bruno we mentioned above. Someone is watching over these animals for a reason -- maybe that Sokmeone knows that a human somewhere needs a good friend.]
To ask about adopting Little Momma or any dog or cat at the shelter, call 972-370-9250 or e-mail pbarrington@thecolonytx.gov.
A BIG DOG’S CHALLENGE: Stephanie Mosby of the Citizens League for Animal Welfare (CLAW) in East Texas, says, “I think we have a foster home” for this young Great Dane lady.
The hope is that they’ll soon find a permanent home for the ultra-colorful dog.
As many fans of Great Danes will tell you, these dogs are great companions and only as active as they need to be, i.e., if you’re a couch potato, they’re on the couch with you. If you want to walk, they’re on the couch waiting. I’m kidding. The Danes we’ve known are “I’ll go with you dogs.”
This one just doesn’t have a place to go yet.
To offer to help her find a place to go, e-mail smosby_claw@yahoo.com.
[Aside: I don't know what this dog's name is, but if she were mine I'd name her in honor of the rescue group CLAW and the great Roy Orbison and call her "Clawdette." A few rock 'n' roll fans are smiling at that. I hope.]  
THE BIG DANCE: Tickets have gone on sale for Paws In The City’s annual fundraising fancy dance ball, Top Hat And Tails. It’s scheduled for June 18 at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field. Lots of celebrity dancers and, of course, conversation and music all to support rescuing dogs and cats in the area. Go to www.tophatandtails.org for tickets and event info and to www.pawsinthecity.org for information about the rescue group and the animals it is helping.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Some college ought to organize classes called “Contemporary Studies” – sort of an ongoing “current events” class that we grown-ups can take to understand things like Skype, why some people call flash drives “thumb drives,” and where to find the Top 40 records on the charts. You can’t keep up with all this stuff without help from people who have time to interpret the world. I’d pay to learn about the world I’m trying to live in -- heck maybe even $30 a semester if we get 2 classes a week and don't have to take tests. We do still use dollars, right? I mean, I’ve got a check card so I can’t remember the last time I held an actual dollar... My favorite odd story from yesterday was about the guy who was found living on the roof of a Waffle House in Augusta, Ga.  I could see that as a life plan. Close to good coffee and ready food. Eating at a Waffle House can be like dining in the middle of a big performance art presentation – especially if the waitstaff thinks the cook is too slow with the orders. Once we saw a dispute between a waitress and a cook and at the end, the waitress, in tears of anger, stood slapping buttons on the cash register and declaring that she should be treated better because “I am a woman. I am delicate.”  You won’t always find a dramatic presentation. But you will find hot coffee and a fresh waffle – sounds like a political promise doesn’t it? ... The City of Dallas is experiencing a suddenly vibrant mayoral race and Readlarrypowell is not taking sides with any of the candidates but hoping that when the race is over, all four will work to help make this a better city for animals. We also think we’d have a more entertaining campaign if all four wore red clown noses. I’m sure some would slap one on if they thought it would win votes.
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Coffee and critters, challenges and chumps...

Our world rolls along on the bumpy road of life and, on Tuesday, it’s still easy to be upbeat if you keep your mind on happy things like a good cup of coffee.
While you perk and sip, we’ll prep a column that includes Chuggles, challenges and chittens – sorry, that’s kittens -- at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake.
I go through cycles on coffee – don’t drink it for months, then some morning I’ll decide it’s time for coffee. Helps jet me through the day when my tasks outnumber my BTUs.  OK, let’s proceed and try together to elevate the world.
LATE AFTERNOON BULLETIN ON THIS COCKER SPANIEL:
We have a happy update on “Dandy,” the blind Cocker Spaniel we wrote about this morning. His real name is “Woo” and he is back at home. How do we know?
Martha Lindsey, our original tipster and his temporary foster, e-mailed a note just after 4 p.m. She writes, “I notified Adrian, the adoption coordinator, at Garland Animal Shelter this morning. When the owner went to the shelter he showed her your article from today and she said, ‘That’s my dog!’ So he called me and I met her at Club Hill Animal Clinic and gave her the dog. His name is ‘Woo’ and he definitely knew her. He was thrilled to be reunited with her. I didn't get any details from her but I did encourage her to get him microchipped! Thank you for your help!”
And thank all of you for working together – the clinic, Martha, the Garland shelter --- and getting Woo back home. (Here's the original post.)
HELPING A DANDY COCKER:Martha Lindsey  is calling this little guy “Dandy.” It’s always a good name for little boy Cocker Spaniels.
Dandy is a “found” fellow and he may have someone who is missing him. Maybe not, also. That’s the way the world goes.
Martha says, “I am fostering him at the request of the staff at Club Hill Animal Clinic. He was found near Duck Creek Estates in Garland. He was bumping into bushes and trees. Because he was wearing a collar and is recently groomed (and well fed) it seems likely that he got out of his backyard rather than being abandoned. He is well-mannered and is getting along well with my other dogs. He is also a gorgeous dog.”
He had no tags and is not microchipped, she says.
“I am hoping that if you post this his owner will see it and claim him by calling the clinic at 972-271-4426.”
As you can see, a Cocker Spaniel – particularly this fellow – has no problem finding the food dish.
A CAT IS MISSING: When we talk to Erin Johnson, she’s usually trying to help someone else with a cat or dog. This time she’s looking for one of her own little cats missing since April 18  – “an adventuresome, wise, skinny, little old lady kitty” who escaped from the outdoor cat run at Erin’s Plano home, near Park and Parker.
Erin put up flyers on poles around the city and that resulted in a bit of advice from the City of Plano that they’re illegal and she’s subject to a $500 fine. “After she was sighted on May 2, I guess I did go a little crazy and put up a lot of them at the major intersections here in Plano near where a lady saw her. The policeman said that if they allowed this that everyone would be putting up signs for their lost turtle and birds.”
Yep, this is Plano, not Mayberry. Keep those poles clean.
But, the point is Jill the Old Lady Kitty is on the lam. Erin says a woman who called on May 2 “is sure that the cat staring in her dining room window was Jill, but Jill wouldn't come to her. She lives 1.5 miles north at the cul-de-sac on Covinton (Cross Bend and Custer). Jill traveled almost due north 1.5 miles in 10 days and was looking healthy! Now it's May 9th, a week later. She's not returned to Covinton even though the lady is putting out food. I've been checking all over these neighborhoods. If she has continued north, she may be at the creek and paths along Spring Creek/Custer.”
The photo is from a few years ago but Jill still looks about the same. If you’ve seen Jill, call Erin at 214-531-9014 or e-mail erinskittycats@yahoo.com.
WHEN THEY COME IN WAVES: Not all the shelters in Texas are full – some of them are WAY FULL -- overloaded, exploding with animals, overwhelmed. They are being inundated by a tsunami of little lives – kittens, puppies, adult animals. And the latest example comes from the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake, which operates a shelter at Tool, about 50 miles southeast of Dallas.
Yesterday, Krista McAnally, the shelter manager, sent out a request for fosters  because the shelter was coping with three litters of kittens – upwards of 20 kittens in the little shelter.
A short time later, Krista sent out a note reading, “On top of the litters I emailed about this morning, HSCCL has received 4 more litters with mothers today.  All need immediate foster or rescue.  HSCCL can help with transport and will take care of vetting for fosters.  Please help if you can.  If you can only take one or two kittens.  This is the only way to save their lives at this point.  We simply have too many.”
Good grief. And, then, came this note from Krista: “HSCCL is expecting to start receiving 23 Chuggles, Pug and Chi, ranging from 6 years to 3 months. They have had no vetting. HSCCL will need fosters or rescue for the majority of these guys.  They have been living indoors but I do not know how well housebroken they are.”
The society is looking for foster homes for those dogs or help from rescue groups and Krista says HSCCL will help with transport and help foster home handle the veterinary expenses.
“Is this a breeder situation?” I asked Krista and she replied, “More hoarder than breeder. It is an 82-year-old woman that now has to go into a nursing home and has to get rid of her dogs.”
To offer to help, call Krista at 903-432-3422 or e-mail dogshsccl@yahoo.com. You can see the shelter’s adoptables at the Texas Little Cuties website HERE or you can donate to the society at www.hsscl.org.
[Aside: Oh, for crying out loud. Spay and neuter, you nitwits. And, geez, there has to be some way of reminding people not to let their 82-year-old mothers, aunts, sisters or friends build up a houseful of dogs or cats so that there’s nothing but pressure and tragedy and anguish when age takes its toll on the human. Sure, she loves the dogs, but you’re smart enough to help her save their lives, right? For crying out loud, be active on behalf of humans and animals. Help me off this soapbox before something caves in.]
IT’S NOT ALWAYS DOGS AND CATS: The latest report from Carrollton Animal Services notes that somebody with too many birds surrendered 4 parakeets to the shelter. They’ve been adopted.
As you keen-eyed observers of nature will note, this is not a parakeet. This is a rabbit. He is named Dink. He and his fellow male bunny Tink were dumped in a city park – no doubt the dumper thought he was “setting them free.”
Idiot.
Domestic rabbits aren’t equipped for life in the wild. They are prey.
Fortunately these two got into a caring shelter. And Tink has been adopted but Dink is still there, waiting with the dogs and cats and puppies and kittens for that final tick of the clock – that’s scheduled for Wednesday if no human steps up.
Of course, there are cats and dogs at Carrollton, including this girl, Sunny, about 68 pounds and quirky in that when outside she prefers to walk and roll in grass rather than just walk, the shelter says. Also, she is a stray. You don’t get to be that chubby when you’re a stray – someone either “lost” this dog or “set her free to run with the rabbits.”
Oh, yeah, Sunny is available to rescue groups only. Why? Pit bull. Roly-poly pit bull.
To ask about saving these lives or the lives of any animals in the Carrollton Animal Shelter, call 972-466-3420 or e-mail care@cityofcarrollton.com.
SPCA OF TEXAS, ROOSTERS AND RABIES: No, no, no, not roosters with rabies. Not sure that’s possible. But the SPCA now has a bunch of fighting roosters but it also has a special offer on rabies shots. The two stories:
--THE CONFISCATION AT GUNTER: The SPCA and the Gunter Police Department seized 55 fighting roosters and two dogs from a property north of Gunter over the weekend. They found bodies of three roosters that appeared to have died from fighting, the SPCA says.
The birds were in “wooden transport crates commonly used by cockfighters” and the dogs ran loose on the property. There’ll be a custody hearing on May 16 at the Gunter Municipal Courthouse.
From the SPCA press release, this explanation of how a tip turned into this seizure: “A task force of several law enforcement groups was involved in the operation, including the Gunter Police Department, the Van Alstyne Police Department, the Grayson County Sheriff's Department, the Grayson County District Attorney's office, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
“An informant alerted law enforcement on April 26 that rooster fighting was occurring on this property. Law enforcement immediately began taking steps to put a stop to the illegal activity. The Gunter Police Department contacted the SPCA of Texas on Friday, May 6 for assistance with the birds. A fight was in progress on the rural property when law enforcement authorities arrived.”
The SPCA reminds us that "cockfighting is a crime in all 50 states, including Texas, where it is a felony, punishable by two years in a state jail and/or a $10,000 fine." (Aside: Print out that last statement and have it tattooed to the forehead of anyone who is involved in cockfighting. Oh, wait, that may be against the law, too. See more of the SPCA rooter photos HERE. You won't like them.)
--RABIES SHOTS FREE WITH FRONTLINE PLUS PURCHASE: The SPCA has a deal working through the end of May. At its Martin Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic in Dallas and the Perry Spay/Neuter Clinic in McKinney, when you purchase six-months of Frontline Plus ($74.98) you get free rabies shots for cats and dogs. You’ve got to make an appointment for the wellness exams. Call the SPCA at 214-742-SPCA (that’s 7722) to make an appointment or to ask for more info about the services the SPCA provides.
CONTEMPLATIONS: How about that Maria Shriver/Arnold Schwarzenegger breakup? Holy smoke. Is nothing permanent in this nutty world? The good news? Arnold is making another Terminator movie. We have to distract ourselves with these things while the Texas Rangers work on rejuvenating the 2011 season. ... You know, Snooki from Jersey Shore is not the world’s first 'Snook.' Anybody else remember Snooky Lanson? ... One reason I miss working in an office: Vending machine coffee. I spent decades drinking vending machine coffee. Two-bits a cup in the old days. Lord knows what else was brewed into those cups in the darkened vending machine hallways at assorted newspapers in Texas. Some of the papers are no longer in business. I often wonder if the health department shut them down. Yep, I spent years drinking vending machine coffee in cheap newspaper offices – I’m spoiled to the good life, you know.
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