ReadLarryPowell.com

A COMFORT OF CRITTERS -- WHEN SLEEPING AND NAPPING SUPPORT QUIET MOMENTS...

We dedicate this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap to a "collective." You've heard of a pack of dogs. Perhaps a flock of geese. A herd of cows. A consortium of politicians. An elevator of surprises?  A murder of crows. A clowder of cats? 
What we've got for this edition is a Comfort of Critters.
I'll explain. And our explantory examples will be veteran snoozers Porche Noel, Wendy, Stevie Ray, William Powell and Dudley the Angels.
These snoozers don't have to be piled up together, vis a vis (that correct usage?) a "pile of puppies" or a "cuddle of kittens" or a "snuggle of snakes," Wait, that last one, like a "hill of ants," may not be for everyone.
Here's the deal. On Friday morning I did something frequently done by people labeled "septuagenarian" -- I went to a lab to have blood drawn. Last test showed the Curse of Vegetarians -- low iron. This test showed not low iron. So, moving along with renewed energy (that's an iron joke)....
After the most painless blood draw right outta my left arm, I went home and sat down to watch TV and relax until I could write again -- based on my misguided plotlines, that'll be sometime in the 22nd century if a life-extending sand is found on Mars and my insurance will pay for the treatments.
As I relaxed, I contemplated things, i.e., (a) how to get more iron into my system without eating spinach by the barrel; (b) how to rejuvenate my metabolism without enduring astronaut training in a tight aluminum foil make-believe space suit. I sat in my rockin'spouse Martha's 2nd favorite recliner and watched TV without also reading a book or a newspaper.
As I looked around the room I realized it was very quiet. Except for the TV -- had it on only about "half-loud." 
What I saw in the living room was "A Comfort of Critters." An emotionally pleasing vision of dear friends happily snoozing.
To my left (top photo) there was that big lump of short-haired canine, the formerly wandering dog Porche Noel (found on the porch at Christmas). She owns the leopard-patterned couch cover. 
Immediately in front of me was Wendy, i.e., Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden. As you can tell from that photo, I'd been watching old family reunion videos and Wendy had been looking away when she nodded off while in an impressive sit-up-dog-snooze position. [LARRY ASIDE: Kidding about the family reunion videos -- above Wendy that's a scene from Men in Black -- happened to be on TV when I snapped the shutter. Or snapped the shudder.]
The two cats? The black and white cat is former Apprentice Office Cat Stevie Ray and the other cat is William Powell, my senior office cat. William has been Stevie Ray's guiding force ever since I rescued the little guy from a mimosa tree and handed him over to William in his preferred room at our former 

residence. William taught him well -- one of the earliest lessons was how to claim the back of a couch. Stevie Ray and William continue to bunk together and purr. 
 So, that took care of the calm and purrful atmosphere immediately in front of me
Then, I turned to the left to get my phone off the reading table and there, just on the other side of the doorway, was our big ol' Border Collie/Lab mix Dudley the Angel. He was sleeping in his "waiting place." When Martha leaves for work, Dudley stakes out a spot in the front hallway and decides to sleep and wait until either she's back home or I get up and walk into the kitchen. He loves to hear the icebox open. (I slipped into pre-war lingo there with "icebox." Why? Because "refrigerator" is a long word that slows the pace of presentation. Wait. "Presentation" is a long word, too. I'll figure it out later.
And when you're living in a house blessed with a Comfort of Critters, you don't need words that are longer than a big dog's snore. "Treat" is an appropriate short word for life with dogs and cats.
[DEAR READERS: Please send photos of your slumbering dogs and/or napping cats or any other snoozing beloved critter to dallrp@aol.com and readlarrypowell.com will proudly post the photos and their stories in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You'll be influencing people to consider opening their hearts and homes to an animal who becomes a member of the family. You'll also be helping insomniacs to believe they, too, can get some sleep if they can just stretch out and balance on the back of a modern living room couch.]

--- Offer snooze advice or any rock-solid lotto tips by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and link to your favorite lullaby from the late 1960s. ---

TOUGH EVERMAN CASE; ASSORTED ANIMALS AVAILABLE; CONTEMPLATING SNOW, WOLVES, A ROOSTER

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JAN. 27, 2023 [PetPowellPress] We’re approaching the final weekend of January 2023 — and here’s the confession: I have no chance in the world of re-organizing my office before Groundhog Day next week. In Contemplations we’ll discuss snow, wolves and solve the mystery chicken of “The Indoor Flameless Marshmallow Rooster.”
EVERMAN SHELTER
HAS A TOUGH CASE
The photos are tough enough for a human to look at —how tough it must be for this dog to live with these things. We got the note from our reliable Everman tipster Heather Harrison. It paints a rough picture for this dog — but humans can help.
 We’ll start with the unpleasant photos.
The note reads, “”The Everman shelter is beyond capacity; they have nowhere for a medical needs dog!”
This boy is 2 years old — “breed unknown at this time. Severe mange cracked & bleeding.  Swollen feet. Prolapsed anus.
 Despite his severe discomfort, he is the sweetest boy!  Just wants some love. This li'l fella was found alongside the interstate with a water bowl, as if he had been dumped there.”
To offer to help him call Everman’s ACO at 817-561-5495.
And this final photo shows that the shelter is really trying to help this boy find a good place to live a happy life. You can see his face a little better as the horrid “crust” of a life of neglect has been treated.
[LARRY ASIDE: No idea who let this dog get into this shape. But, Someone knows, not that I’m judging.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR…
Judi Brown, in her mission as volunteer dog biographer at Mesquite Animal Services, asks, “How can you look at this cute face and not fall in love? Lulu‘s personality fits her looks. She’s not only adorable but has the sweetest personality! She’s a 2- to 3-year old chestnut-colored low-rider terrier Pit that arrived on 1/19 as a stray. She weighs 45 pounds and is not spayed. 
“She was brought in by a concerned citizen with what’s most likely her daughter Lola. Heath was found running in the same neighborhood the week before. He is probably her son. All three had been running in the neighborhood for some time. You can see from the photos she has recently had a litter. She is timid.

“When I first met her she was shaking. She flinches when you reach for her but at the same time she’s also very loving. As soon as I sat down she came to me and put her paws on my lap. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She was not interested in playing with toys or balls. She’s attentive and stays close. She definitely wants a human companion for a friend.  She’s calm, well mannered, sweet, and friendly… She walks very well on a leash. She was intimidated by other dogs. She would like nothing better than to be considered a loving member of your family.”

Lulu is #51905856 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. 
That sitting dog is 9-1/2-month old Heath (#51840683) — the aforementioned "probably" son of Lulu. We’re still trying to discover if Lola has been adopted or rescued. You can see more Mesquite animals by clicking on this link.
ON THE EDGE OF DALLAS,
THERE’S A FULL SHELTER
The note from our pals at 4-Legged Helpers opens with “SHELTER FULL!” and refers to the Ferris facility on the southern side of Dallas. It not only take in Ferris animals, but Hutchins animals and others and animals that turn up in the rural and semi-rural area. 
The helpers reports that “at these rural shelters” the animals “are most often not seen by anyone other than the shelter
staff. Please, you truly save a life if you help any dog pictured! The tiny rural shelters have zero walk-ins ... and these postings are often the only chance these sweet pets have to be rescued/saved.” 
The contact points are call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_ girl_ 71@yahoo.com. Remember you can follow 4-Legged Helpers Inc. on FACEBOOK HERE.
That first guy is Brady, who we’ve mentioned before. He’s described as a Lab/Bulldog mix who likes to play with the rope toy. He’s about 1 1/2-years old and “adores people and all other dogs.” He’s the “absolute sweetest, cuddly, marshmallow pup you could meet.” You may remember him from his Christmas photo. And there’s this:
He is silly and sweet and would be the most perfect hiking or running or tv watching companion.  Ready to go anywhere or do anything.  Carries around the rope toy ready for fun.  ADORES RIDING IN THE CAR.”
That brings us to Mason (fawn) and Monroe, a pair of Staffie Terriers “found out and about together and they are absolutely adorable. They seem to love each other as well as every single person they meet and are able to easily be walked by other dogs.  They are precious pups that just want love and affection.  SO VERY CUTE!  They look like short and stout little Hippos. The black dog is female and we named her Monroe.  The fawn dog is male and we named him Mason.   GREAT DOGS!!! Please, help save them!”
AH, THE GREAT LIFE
OF A DALLAS CAT…
We suspect that this cat Pepper has been living a good life lately. May have been living one all along. As you probably know, readlarrypowell.com is a fan of cats. Fan of dogs, too. So we try to help dogs and cats find a home.
We spotted this cat on the Dallas Animal Services adoptables pages Thursday as we checked out the DAS website at https://bedallas90.org. (Go there, click on ADOPT and then VIEW PETS and you can navigate you way through dogs and cats.)
If you go HERE  it’ll take you right to Pepper’s bio where the photo absolutely announces “Relaxed cat!”. The bio surprised me: Pepper (#A11567004) is a 19-year-old, 18-pound cat. [LARRY ASIDE: He looks much younger — makes me vow to take better care of myself and get more naps.]

His bio read, “You haven’t lived until you’ve smelled catnip”, adds, “I hog the bed. I admit it! But honestly, that just means we can snuggle closer, right?” and closes with “I never lose at catch-the-laser-dot. Don’t believe me? Click that ‘Adopt Me’ button and I’ll prove it!” [LARRY ASIDE: No idea how a 19-year-old, 20-pound cat winds up in a city shelter, but the fact that he’s in a foster home suggests that Pepper is a charmer and needs that legendary “forever home.”]
CONTEMPLATIONS
SNOW, THE ‘ROOSTER” AND WOLVES
We have a report from our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief Andy Fisher who almost makes the snowstorm that hit the Indian Lake community in Denville, N.J., seem like a Northeast Texas snowstorm of my own childhood. Here today, gone tomorrow and maybe (rarely) one lousy snow day out of school.
 Andy, the veteran print and broadcast journalist, noting that as he typed the report Denville’s temp was 43 while Fort Worth’s temp was a chilling 34. Andy wrote, “Nature is standing on her head again!”
 Then he added, “Not only that, but here yesterday, there was enough snow to build a little snowman for Waylon -- but this morning, there's none at all! What a difference 18 hours -- and two inches of rain -- can make! On the left, 2PM Wednesday; on the right, 8 this morning. Photos taken from the same spot…” 
The other photo? The taller kid in the winter gear is the CEO of the Eastern Seaboard Bureau Annie Fisher. Hubby Andy says that it was “indeed the the lovely Annie who built the snowman for her granddaughter.” Yes, that is young Waylon who helped celebrate the snowman. And Andy took the “before and after” weather photos, then says, “The good picture is by Waylon’ mom, Celina Meehan.”  (Click on the photos to make 'em larger.)
EARLIER THIS WEEK on a neighborhood bulletin board for North Richland Hills, there was this notice: “WOLVES just ran down Lake Meadows & Lake Side Circle heading towards Ruff Snow then they turned down Lariat Trail. KEEP your PETS inside ASAP!!!” Relax, animalfans. Upon further review a rewrite was issued noting that the “wolves” were really just “coyotes.” The last sentence of the note, “KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE ASAP!!!” holds firm. That common sense in a land where coyotes, bobcats, foxes, hawks and other predators are looking for a quick wintertime snack. We're lucky we don't have bear caves -- that we know of -- yet. …
On Thursday, I opened my inbox and read a subject line this way “The Indoor Flameless Marshmallow Rooster and More…” I thought, “Clever! Someone has designed a marshmallow rooster you can heat-and-eat!” Then I looked again and the line actually read “Flameless Marshmallow Roaster.” One little letter changed the whole meaning. And that, kids, is why you need to learn how to spell, learn where commas go and learn how Mr. Subject and Mr. Verb work together. This little mistakes are why we all have lawyers on retainer. If you don't pay attention to the little details, you'll look as stupid as a guy looking at “roaster” and seeing “Rooster.” Advice from a longtime etidur.… Er, editor. What? Who’s that? Different Rooster.
— Offer brainy remarks by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put READ TRUE GRIT in the subject line. —-

THE ENERGY CHALLENGE IN ANIMAL RESCUE -- A WEARY HEART THING; SPCA'S STRUT YOUR MUTT EVENTS AND SPCA ANIMALS

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2022 [PetPowellPress] One of the great challenges of certain scientific fields has been inventing a “perpetual motion machine.” readlarrypowell.com has a suggestion: Model it after the hearts of animal rescuers and advocates. Those people keep on goin’.
And we've got some "re-runs" to help make the "constant pressure point."

It’s not always easy on the heart. The challenges are many and so are the animals that are dumped, surrendered, ignored, abused, unloved, bark-too-much, don’t-fit-the-apartment, are just for breeding, etc .

So many of these ill-treated animals wind up in taxpayer-supported shelters and that means they’re always on the clock and the needle’s ready. It’s the ol’ Texas animal control philosophy: “Got a problem? Let’s kill it.” 

No city or county government should ever see these dogs and cats as “a problem.” The problem is the people who mistreat them and also expect the city to “git rid uh her. She just keeps having litters.” See? People. That’s the challenge. “He won’t quit barkin’ — ah thank he wants tuh come into the house.” Yeah, that happens, too.
 Small towns rarely put enough money into a shelter budget for a marketing campaign that’ll get animals adopted. Easier to just euthanize them. [God bless the larger towns with strong volunteer programs!]
Volunteer animal rescuers/fosters/transporters, etc. That’s the backbone of these life-saving, animal-protecting organizations.
Ah, yes, I’m preachin’ to the choir again. You worn-to-a-frazzle rescuers and frustrated advocates know this sermon. Pass it on to people who don’t. Remind an elected official to get into the save-the-animals movement.
You see here photos we’ve published recently. These dogs are in the Ferris Animal Shelter, a small facility with a small staff. The 4-Legged Helpers work with it to help animals that get virtually no visits from potential adoptors or even people looking for their lost animals.
Ferris also takes in animals from other small cities — that extends the lifetime of some animals coming from quick-needle cities. 
The challenge is creating enough good human energy to outlast the so-what/don’t care energy of the humans who can only be described as embarrassingly heartless.

The 4Legged Helpers can use some help. Ask about these dogs by calling or texting 214-949-2726 or emailing cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. You can also ask about helping the Helpers by fostering, transporting, etc. Help the Helpers = Helping the Animals. Jayson is that dog with the great eye makeup and Waylon is the other dog. Go to the 4-legged Helpers FACEBOOK page HERE to read about them and other dogs on the clock and needing a human to help them.
COINCIDENTALLY:
ABOUT
 BARKING DOGS

As I was scrolling Facebook Wednesday, looking for something I’d lost, I ran across this post by Jill Vander Velde Fuller. It highlighted a dog from Mesquite Animal Services.
The first few lines got right to me: “Owner Surrender / euthanized request. Reason: too noisy. Urgent rescue help is needed.” I’m hoping that’s already been worked out. The info is Aris is #A0051933727, a 3-year-old male Shepherd/Husky mix who “is up to date on Rabies and has been neutered. His owner surrendered him to a Full Capacity Shelter because he made ‘too much noise.’ Aris will not thrive in the shelter. Aris seems to have little manners, and it is clear that he has yet to be trained. Who will rescue this boy and allow him to grow and thrive as he deserves? Email rescues@cityofmesquite.com." 

This is not an unusual situation in animal shelters. People adopt an animal when they shouldn't have and the animal winds up on death row when patience runs thin. People mistake. Or, sometimes the philosophy, "It's only a dog. I'll get another one."
SPCA’S STRUT YOUR MUTT
APRIL 15 IN FAIR PARK, PLUS
MAY 13 IN WAXAHACHIE
Keep reading. We’ll explain.
But, first, that Dallas date rings a bell, but my brain is so taxed these days…. Moving along, we’re very happy to report that The SPCA of Texas has put its 18th Annual Strut Your Mutt, The Race To End Animal Cruelty, on the calendar for Saturday, April 15, at Fair Park in Dallas.
Registration on Strutday begins at 7 a.m. at Big Tex Circle in Fair Park — there’s a 3K fun walk, a 4K timed race — the 4K begins at 8 a.m., the fun walk at 8:15 a.m. Race registration is $40, the walk is $35, kids 11 and under are free. There’s this, too: “Participants can register individually or as a team at gostrut.org, and will receive a goody bag filled with a Strut T-shirt, pet bandana, dog toy and dog treats. An Early Bird Special—$5 off registration—runs Jan. 23 – 26, 2023.  
BUT WAIT! THERE’S EVEN MORE!!! HELLO, ELLIS COUNTY! The SPCA also announced the 1st Annual Strut Your Mutt… 3K fun walk in Ellis County (where there’s an SPCA facility) will be May 13 at Getzendaner Memorial Park in Waxahachie — registration at 8 a.m., walk at 9 a.m.
At spca.org, you can learn more about these events and, if you don’t have a mutt to strut, you can find a new best friend or an amewsing conversationalist for your home.
The pose-and-roll-in-the-grass dog Apollo is still on the adoptables list at SPCA.
And, we’ve spotted a dog with fascinating eyes who is also available. That is Aster, a nearly year-and-a-half-old Catahoula Leopard Dog mix who weighs in at 54 pounds. He’s said to be “sweet but shy” and needs “a little bit of time to get to know you” but once he does, his bio reads, “I will be your best friend.”
You can also find friends of the feline variety at the SPCA and perhaps there is no better-dressed cat in Dallas County than this guy Oscar, a 6-pound, 2-years & 1 month-old Domestic Shorthair mix currently in SPCA foster care. Clearly, he knows how to dress. And, he sort of has a look that says, “I’m not a Mutt Strutter, I’m a lap-sitter or, if it pleases, a lay-about wearing a bowtie as if I host a retro 1950s TV quiz show called I’ve Got a Cat Secret.” Remember see more animals and more details on Strut Your Mutt at spca.org.
CONTEMPLATIONS

Nothing in particular
As I was typing this I was able to look out the office window on Tuesday and see cold rain falling, My first thought was not “That’ll make me have to get my mower tuned up” but “I’ll never get these layabout dogs to go out today.” I don’t know what people did to get their indoor dogs out in bad weather before the invention of the weather radar! Timing — it’s the key to everything. …
Regarding our opening today: Does any rescuer/advocate/activist have a method of revitalizing when the batteries start wearing down? Serious question. I’ve been writing about animals for a long time and have talked to a lot of animal people who seem to always have “fresh batteries.” But, sometimes the mission can get downright overwhelming and consuming of your lifeforce. …
My dog Porche is out like a light next to my chair. Wendy and Dudley are dog-napping in the living room. What is significant about this? Our letter carrier came to our porch twice today and they didn’t bark their usual “intruder” alarms. He may be wearing the famed USPS Wintertime Sneaky Sneakers.
—- Offer advice and support by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

COPING WITH PASADENA TORNADO; ASSORTED METROPLEX ANIMALS NEEDING HOMES

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY JAN. 24-25, 2023 [PetPowellPress]  Just as we were about to post this edition, we got a report from the Houston area about an animal shelter in Pasadena beings truck by a tornado. 
Our tip came from our Dallas pal and animal advocate Kimberly Jones who linked to a note from Estelle Mack who'd linked to the Facebook page of Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue. The note from Estelle began, "SOS Pasadena Animal shelter was hit by a tornado today... The animals need help now! 150 are impacted and some are injured."
Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue posted this photo and identified the twisted building as the Pasadena Animal Shelter.
We're so early in this crisis (5:45 p.m. our time) that organizing rescues and evacuations of people and animals is in the very challenging stages of discovering where to go and how to get there. The note also reads, "If you can help, please email  foster-rescue@pasadenatx.gov." The note says the rescuers will need kennels and crates, but there's no clear way to deliver them as darkness arrives in the Houston area .  [LARRY SUGGESTION: Get in touch with someone you know in animal rescue in Houston or keep googling Pasasdena Animal Shelter to see what pops up.]
INTRODUCING BEN: TOO

CUTE FOR JUST ONE PHOTO
Goodness gracious, when I saw this dog’s pictures I understood why there were three of them. Too much cute for just one frame.
His name is Ben and he’s a “GSP Pocket Mix,” according to our critter-saving pals at 4 Legged helpers. GSP? German Shepherd Pointer. Read on! Ben’s a Wilmer dog now in the care of the Ferris Animal Shelter, the Helpers report.
Ben is described as “Incredibly cute!” And his bio continues, “Look at the long ears and short little legs.  Beyond cute!! Very sweet loving little guy. Cutest little thing ever. We are serious.  He is precious!  Interestingly he has German Shorthair Pointer markings (and even the long ears) but he is tiny compared to the usual size of these dogs.   Whatever he is you could not find a cuter or sweeter little guy.  Around 25 pounds.” [LARRY ASIDE: Anybody else think those front legs look like there might be a Bassett in the family tree?]

To offer to help Ben, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
You can see more animals 4-Legged Helpers is trying to get out of small, low-traffic Dallas-area shelters by going to the non- profit’s Facebook page HERE.
That is where you’ll find all the info about these two faces — two very distinct and loveable faces, also in the Ferris Animal Shelter. 
That pup with the great artistic highlights on his face is young Retriever mix Jayson. He came into the shelter as a stray. 
The Bulldog-type with the great eyes is Waylon, a middle-aged, 56-pound pup who was found as a stray, then released to the shelter by the owner who couldn’t take care of him. He came in with a bad laceration under his ear. His bio reads, “ Unknown how it occurred but despite having this bad injury that required stitches, you could not meet a sweater, more gentle, or more loving dog. CUDDLY. Honestly the perfect dog for any home. Everyone that works at the shelter and vet office ADORES him.”
A COUPLE OF BIG DOGS
WAITING IN MESQUITE
Oh, my, if you’ve ever lived with a big ol’ dog, the urge to reach into these pictures and magically hug these babies is intense. Or, you could just go to the Mesquite Animal Services Shelter and adopt one or two of ‘em. I can’t — we’re at the limit — but I can sure daydream and preach the gospel of Big Ol’ Dawgs.
Our tipster Debra Chisholm, volunteer dog biographer at Mesquite’s shelter, says Lucille is a “Terrier/Dogo Argentino mix that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter.  Lucille was adopted from the shelter as a 4-month-old pup on 10/7/22 and returned on 1/19/23, now 7 months old.  Reason given for the surrender is that the owner is moving.  
“Lucille weighs 53 pounds and is spayed.  She appears to have been well-cared for.  She is one spunky, happy-go-lucky, tail-wagging youngster.  Lucille is playful, ran and played in the yard, loves chasing balls and will return them and climbed on our play equipment.  She is confident and outgoing.  … She takes treats gently and will sit for them. Lucille has lots of energy and will require an active person or family that will provide daily playtime, exercise and some obedience training would be great in helping her fit in better with her new people.  She is friendly and welcomes loving attention from human companions. …  Please help precious pup on the way out of the front door by networking or tagging at rescues@cityofmesquite.com, typing in the subject line TAG, ID 51234724.  Questions?  They can be directed to 972-216-6283 or rescues@cityofmesquite.com."

Debra explained the system perfectly: Use the ID when you call or write.
Same thing goes for this girl Sasha — we’re opening with a photo we’ll call “Sasha & Her Shadow.” 
She’s a German Shepherd who came in as a stray on the 19th. She’s about 7 years old, is spayed and weighs 65 pounds. Debra writes, “She has a sweet and pleasant personality and has a moderate activity level. While she is well-behaved, she will occasionally jump on you so that will need to be addressed.  She is a calm and gentle girl.  She likes treats, will sit for them and takes them gently.  She is amiable and is a-ok with being lovingly handled and petted.  Sasha walks quite well on a leash and did not display aggression toward the other dogs she walked past, even those barking at her. …  She was quite fascinated with all the interesting smells in the yard and spent a fair amount of time with her nose to the ground.” Sasha is #51902773. Remember use that ID for her when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Remember, you can see more Mesquite dogs and cats by clicking on this SHELTER LINK,
CONTEMPLATIONS
LOTTO AND OTHER THINGS
In Monday’s edition, readlarrypowell.com asked if we’d have any “Stock Show Weather” this year. The answer arrived Tuesday in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Let’s try this question and see if I get a Lotto answer that is as positive and swift as the answer as I got on the weather: Will I win Lotto Texas Wednesday night? That is our cat Esme, a formerly feral kitten (born 2012), explaining, as she lounged in my lap, that if either I or my born-to-be-richspouse Martha wins Lotto Texas, it will turn Esme’s life upside down in a good way! Great eyes, aren’t they! Yeah, she’s watching ERCOT, too. Cats don’t like power failures. That may be noted in the White House Energy Top Secret Feline Survey Folder. Not sure where that folder was left — it’s not in the glovebox in my ’99 Ford pickup.
So, the questions on the floor are “Will I win Lotto Texas Wednesday night”? and will Fate answer that question as quickly as it answered “Will we have any ‘Stock Show Weather’ this week?” 
I’ll let you know what happens with my "lucky numbers" — either a discreet note declaring “Rats! State got my five bucks again” on this website or you’ll look up to see a lighted blimp with the message “SEE YA!” sailing from the I-20/I-30 merge west of Fort Wroth east on I-30 to Royce City east of the metro sprawl. The blimp pilots like the restrooms at Buc-ees where, I think there’s a mooring faciliity. Oh, I’m kidding. If I win Lotto Texas this week, the next sentence you read will end as abruptly as a Cowboys’ seas …
i hope you smiled at that abrubt ending to the word “season.”.
I have no ideas for a song noting cold and wet weather in January. And I don’t want to link to any Christmas music. So, how about this song —forgive me for any commercial that precedes the performance. Surf’s up HERE.
—- Offer surf tips or novel ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put PULL UP YOUR BAGGIES, SURFER SLIM in the subject line. —-

 

WORLD OF ANIMALS TO COPE WITH -- NO NEED TO MENTION THE COWBOYS...

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23-24, 2024 [PetPowellPress] As the world turns and we move on to worrying about Texas Rangers pitching rather than Dallas Cowboys passing, we consider individuals who can actually be helped!
We ran across some of these via email and others by scrolling Facebook. There are more animals in need around here than there are moping Cowboys fans — so, yes, there are a LOT of animals in need.
SO WE SPOTTED THIS CAT
ON THE ‘DALLAS CAT LADY’ SITE
That’s the photo of HamHands that was posted with this text.
“HamHands is one in a million! DOB 08/01/21 - HamHands is a one-eyed, polydactyl, Flame Point Siamese mix! He's a good boy, but the boss of you! He LOVES a window perch. He's the nosey neighbor you didn't know you needed or wanted. He can be aloof at first to keep you on your toes, but secretly loves to be held and have his chin scratched. He likes his crunchy food in a glass or metal bowl...no plastic for Mr. Fancy Pants - LOL! He is not a fan of young kids or other animals. He just wants a home where he is the center of your universe!” To ask about adopting him, email DallasCatLadyInfo@gmail.com. There are rules: “You must be over 25 to adopt with proof of ID. Adoption fee is $150 and helps cover care and vetting done.” Link up to the Dallas Cat Lady HERE.
THEN THERE ARE PUPS
IN NEED OF FOSTERS
This notice we found on the DFW’s FurGotten Friends Facebook page HERE.
We’ve been writing about this organization for years — consistently keeps its eye on the mission of saving the animals. In this case, spotted over the weekend, DFW’s FurGotten Friends is looking for fosters for puppies. And that is Puppy #6.
The appeal read, “We still want to help this litter of puppies but we can’t without fosters. Please consider fostering. It’s so rewarding! This family is not in a safe place. They are able to go in and out of their fence. They could be hurt or hit by a car! Please consider 2 or 3. Message us if you can help.” Here’s the email address: dfwfgf@gmail.com The website is HERE.
https://dfwfgf.org/
HELPERS DETERMINED TO SAVE
ANIMALS IN SMALL SHELTERS…
That’s the mission and Laura Macias and her colleagues at 4-Legged Helpers keep hustling to make sure the animals in low-traffic facilities have advocates whose mission is to save ‘em all.
This handsome dog with the golden eyes is Milo, a Retriever/Shepherd Mix who is in the Ferris Animal Shelter on the southern edge of Dallas. He is described as “only about 1 1/2 years old and weighs 54 pounds so he is a great ‘medium’ size.” 
And the “sweetest most lovable guy was found out and about with two other dogs in Hutchins.”
He is, his bio reads, “very sweet and loving!”

Milo joins the parade of roaming or unwanted dogs on the Helpers’ list we cited last week: Sloane the Belgian Malinois, Jayson the Retriever Mix, Waylon the Bulldog who was “released to the shelter” after being found as a stray, J.J. the Shepherd mix and Thomas, also a Shepherd mix.
To ask about helping any of them, call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. You can see their stories and read about other animals by going to the 4-Legged Helpers Facebook page HERE.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
BRUCE, HEATH & ABBY
Volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown provided the stories of her visits with three Mesquite Animal Shelter dogs who are available for the right homes.
She began Bruce’s biography this way: “If Bruce looks sad it’s probably because he is. When he first came in he had a nasal discharge and has been in isolation on medication. He is now done with his medication and is waiting for you to come and give him a loving home! Bruce is a 3-year-old, 51-pound Apricot and white terrier Pit who arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/2 as a stray. He is not fixed. 
“Bruce is a real sweetheart!!!. I think you can tell by looking at him that he is a good boy! He’s not quite sure of what to make of the loud noises at the shelter and is a little timid. He wants to please. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He was not interested in playing with balls or toys but you could teach him that. He’s very curious and explored the laundry room. He stayed close looking up at me with adoring eyes. He’s gentle, calm and laid-back.  When I sat down he came to me. He walks very well on the leash. He was not interested in meeting other dogs. … Since he is not rambunctious and is on the quiet side, he would most likely do best with a laid-back family that is willing to shower him with love. In return you will be loved back tenfold!”
 Bruce is #51796290 — use that ID number when you ask about him by calling the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Same ID system for these other Mesquite animals.
Of this fellow Heath, Judi writes that he “needs a patient, loving adopter that will understand it takes time for some dogs like Heath to build trust. But he is worth it!! He is a 9-month-old, 39-pound hound mix (Harehound?) with beautiful coloring.” He’s #51840683 at the shelter.
Since Heath’s arrival on Jan. 9, a Heath sibling and his mom have been brought in, Judi reports. “They had all been wandering a neighborhood for some time. It was a scary experience for them! Heath is a work in progress and has been a volunteer project. When he first came into the shelter he stayed at the back of his kennel with his head down. He also did not understand what the leash was all about. Now he comes out of his kennel willingly...even wagging his tail. … With time and TLC he has even come to me! When he does so I scratch his ears. He seems to like that. There’s no doubt he wants to trust. He will need an adopter that is patient and understanding. In return you will get a very loyal devoted companion. Do you have time to come up and work with him? That would be greatly appreciated. In doing so you will probably fall in love with him.” Heath is #51840683.
About Abby (#51890311), Judi writes, “ ‘To know her is to love her’ is an expression that can be applied to Abby.” She’s a 2-year-old, 43-pound Pittie who arrived on the 17th as a un-spayed stray. “She is Hershey-colored and just as sweet as the chocolate. She is truly one of the sweetest dogs at our shelter! She sat patiently while I tied the scarf around her neck. Then she continued to stay so close that it was difficult to get photos of her. She obviously craves human interaction. She is very affectionate. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She was not interested in playing with toys or balls. She has recently had a litter. When I sat down she came to me trying to crawl on my lap. She’s definitely a lapdog wannabe. … She’s calm, obedient, loving, well-mannered, easy-going, and a people-pleaser. As gentle as she is she would most likely do well with a family with children. Look into her eyes and you can see that she is pleading with you to come and adopt her! She would like nothing better than to be sprawled out on the couch next to her new family!”
You can see more Mesquite animals — dogs and cats — by clicking on THIS LINK to the shelter’s adorable adoptables.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A BRAIN LOST IN SPACE
We’re having to cold-turkey off the Dallas Cowboys bandwagon. Can you cold-turkey off a wagon? Well, not really a problem for some of us. If the team isn’t going to change coaching philosophies and offensive personnel, well, I hope they enjoy moving north and playing in the Canadian Football League — only two teams with a slightly cowboy theme: the Calgary Stampeders and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The small town of Nocatchbutaflag, Ontario, might have a warm environment for the NFL franchise. No telling how much you’d pay to park to watch the Nocatchbutaflag Cowboys could play football or hockey …

COMMENTARY: Borrowing from Sir Mix-a-Lot, “I like gas stoves and I cannot lie.” OK, I also like electric stoves. But I think gravy is made better when you’re cookin’ with gas, as the old-timers used to say. What about gas clothes dryers? Are they in the future? …. 

Too cold for ya? Maybe this song from sixty-six will help you cope. Click HERE.
— Offer warming tips or chill advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put LIVING IN THE PAST, ARE WE? in the subject line. —

TWO PIGS, SOME DOGS AND CATS AND PONDERING OUR TOP SECRET PAPERS...

EDITION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2023 [PetPowellPress] This is a Monday morning edition and if you have any interest in stories regarding, as they on the gridiron, the “pigskin,” we’re featuring two players from the porcine community -- neither is a Razorback. Neither is feral. Neither is running for office. Read on.
SHAMMIE, TUSKERTON:

TWO PIGS IN COWTOWN
And in an effort to help members of the porcine population, we’re citing a pair of pigs who arrived at Fort Worth Animal Care and Control on different paths. We learned of them via longtime Fort Worth animal advocate and tipster Ginger Leach on her Facebook page.
First fellow is Shammie (#51909571). He came into the shelter as a stray. He is available “for pet only” —- that means nobody with a hunger for fresh pork should get in line to adopt Shammie. [LARRY DIET ADVICE: As a dedicated vegetarian, I urge you to change your ways -- save them all.] 
In fact, one person who posted a comment on the Shammie item wrote, “He is too friendly not to have belonged to someone. He came right up to the kennel door and let me rub his snout!”
 Shammie is at the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control’s Silcox Campus, 4900 Martin St., on the southeastern edge of the city.
This guy Tuskerton? Not a stray. Tuskerton (#5189088) is “in need of a new home,” the note reads. “He was surrendered for being ‘too much responsibility’.” [LARRY ASIDE: You hope this pig-dumper doesn’t have kids — One kid can prove to be more responsibility than a passel of pigs.]

Tuskerton is also a “pet-only pig” and he’s at the FWACC’s North Campus at 351 Hillshire Drive.
Don’t call about these or any other FW animals. Email FWACCtag@fortworthtexas.gov.

[LARRY ASIDE: I never write about pigs without remember the time I interviewed Terry DeGaw, the late founder of the now-closed Serenity Springs Animal Sanctuary in Forestburg. I was doing a story about people dumping “little pigs” and “pocket pigs.” For the benefit of people who thought little pigs would always be little, Terry politely sighed and patiently declared, “It’s a PIG! THEY GROW!” Bless, Terry — she worked hard to save animals and enlighten people. May Shammie and Tuskerton find homes with people who understand pigs!]
AS LONG AS WE’RE OUT WEST:

SUZIE Q, CHEETO DUST, DOLLY PURRTON
This dog is one of those “longest resident” babies — a 4-year-old Hound mix named Suzie Q. She and these cats are in the care of the Humane Society of North Texas, headquartered in Fort Worth and operating at assorted sites around Tarrant County.

The story on Suzie Q begins with this comment directed to supporters of HSNT: “Y’all helped us find our previous longest resident Boe a home (he was with us over 600 days) and now Suzie Q wants the spotlight! 

“Suzie Q came into our care in October of 2021 (yes, that's over 400 days!!!) after her owner suddenly passed away. This 4-year-old Hound mix LOVES people and kids, but what's held her back from finding a home is that she is just not a fan of other animals (dogs or cats). If you can get past that, you'll find that this girl would be an AMAZING addition to your family! She's house-trained, she knows basic commands like sit and lay down. She loves to chase the ball and is a staff favorite for her lovable, goofy nature.

“An amazing supporter heard about how long Suzie Q has been here and donated the cost of her adoption fee, so currently Suzie Q is FREE to adopt! Bring her home today from our Hurst Adoption Center. If you can’t adopt, help us spread the word by sharing this post with your friends! Susie Q is #48864687...” 
[HSNT CONTACT INFO: See the list of adoptable dogs and cats and, also, locations of HSNT adoption sites at www.hsnt.org.]
LARRY FYI: There are also cats in the care of the Fort Worth-based Humane Society of North Texas. And this first one (above) is #51901280, a 3-year-old male Domestic Shorthair —large fellow who goes by the name "Cheeto Dust.” He’s at the HSNT location inside the PetSmart at 4465 Bryant Irving Road in Fort Worth.

The black cat with the great eyes is #51893518, a year-and-a-half old Domestic Shorthair mix of medium size known as Dolly Purrton. She’s in the Keller Regional Adoption Center’s Cat Room at 330 Rufe Snow Dr. in Keller. [LARRY ASIDE: Maybe you can help her learn to purr I Will Always Love You.]
A HANDSOME CLOUD
WAITS IN MESQUITE
[LARRY ASIDE: It has, since my earliest days of writing about animals, always amazed me and distressed me to realize that some of the most beautiful dogs and cats in the world wind up in a fix because their humans just don’t take proper care of them. This guy is an example. Of course, I've never met a dog or cat that wasn't beautiful. It's in the eyes and the soul.]
Thanks to volunteer Mesquite Animal Shelter dog biographer Judi Brown we have the appeal on behalf of Cloud, a year-old, 57-pound mix of fantastic breeds who came into the shelter on Friday the 13th as a stray. His family tree includes Golden Retriever, Lab and Pyrenees. [LARRY ASIDE: Three great loving, warm and adorable breeds in one dog. Stop the presses! How about that combo!!!]
Fortunately Judi has spent time with this guy and can tell us about him. She writes, “He is a delightful boy that will fit in well with an active family. When he got out into the yard he literally romped and frolicked back and forth. A good-size yard would be in order for this active boy. He was not interested in chasing a ball but he found toys on his own and entertained himself with them. It was fun to watch! He sits for treats when he wants to.
“He spent time exploring the yard but also spent a lot of time close to me. I admit part of it was because he liked having his ears scratched and wanted attention but also he’s highly motivated by treats and he knew that I had some in my pocket. This was an incentive for him to stay close. He’s a happy, outgoing, friendly guy. He’s also very alert. He wanted to know what was going on outside the shelter yard.
“He’s very affectionate. When I sat down he came to me wanting his ears scratched. He occasionally jumps on you when he gets excited so that would be something to keep in mind if you have young children. He has a semi-strong pull on a leash. … We always suggest you ask the shelter for a dog test if you have another dog. If you’re an active family that wants a fun-loving active dog, come meet Cloud. If you adopt him and he becomes a member of your family he will be on Cloud Nine and so will you!! 
Cloud is #51869629 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmes quite.com.

Remember, you can see more Mesquite adorable adoptables —canines and felines — by clicking HERE
And inexplicably in a civilization full of really smart people, this guy Duncan (#51688916) still hasn’t been adoped. He’s 9 months old, smallish, orange and white, spayed and came into the shelter on December 12 — he’s in the Conference Room at the shelter. Conpurring, you may recall from our previous item announcing that he is available to any loving home.
CONTEMPLATIONS
IDLE THOUGHTS FOR MONDAY AM
Will North Texas have any “Stock Show Weather” this year? That’s a reference to cold or wet or windy weather that arrives during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo — it runs through Feb. 4 so we have plenty of time for a renegade cold front to lay down a coating of ice and snow though it might be nicer this year to just have a few days in the unexpected low-80s. Perhaps you’ll recall that the 2022 Stock Show began with cancellation of the opening downtown parade because of high winds, then drew to a close with genuinely wintry weather. At least nobody with the weather bureau is predicting more than a 87.6 percent chance of volcanic activity on any recently completed Dallas freeway resconstruction projects. …
Anybody else spend part of your weekend carefully checking packing boxes in your garage and closets for classified papers you forgot you had? I always clean out my old boxes when I begin to think I may have packed money and gift cards that I forgot I had. It’s the American Paranoia at work: If somebody’s not out to get me, I may be out to get my ownself! …

We celebrated my funspouse Martha’s birthday all weekend. I tell ya, teenagers can be a blast! She’s a hoot! 

—- Offer national secrets or movie tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “ANYBODY CHECK NIXON’S D.C. STORAGE UNIT YET?” in the subject line. —-

A QUESTION IN THE LAND OF INSOMNIA -- OVER OR UNDER? ASK OUR PAL LARRY

Our question for this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap is this: 
Over the covers or under the covers?
And that brings us to our featured canine, a fellow we’ve known for nearly a decade, Diane Combs’ miniature Dachshund, Larry.
[LARRY THE TYPIST ASIDE: Yes, he and I share a name — Diane wanted it that way. Also, she named a dog “Martha” in honor of my funspouse. We once named a freshly-found kitten Diane but one vet visit later the kitten was quickly renamed Simon. Seriously, who but a pro can Gender ID a freshly born kitten?]

Back to that photograph of the “blankie” with pawprints.
We have, at our house, only animals who sleep atop the covers. But at Diane’s, well, we need to discuss Larry, the Public Relations King of wherever he goes — you oughta see him working a dog park! You’d think he was up for election somewhere.
Now, look carefully at that photo of the “blankie.”  Here’s how Diane explains it: “He rarely sleeps when he's NOT under the covers, so one of these photos shows ‘Larry the Lump’ under the blankie on the couch.

“The other one is of him sleeping in his toy box -- so at least your readers can see what he looks like.”

[LARRY THE TYPIST ASIDE II: We’ve included a photo of Larry The PR King as he poses happily for the camera. Yes, he IS irresistible. Too handsome out from under the covers to be regarded as “Larry The Lump!]
[DEAR READERS: Please send us photos of your slumbering dogs and cats or any other critter that dozes off at your house. Tell us how you got ‘em and why you love ‘em and why they love you, too. Email photos and info to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll feature them in our weekend edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be helping someone decide to open their home to an animal. And you’ll be helping insomniacs wonder if they actually could sleep if they put a blanket OVER their heads. Tried it. Doesn’t work for me. Makes me think I’ve won the “victim” role in a pirate kidnap movie.]
—- Offer sleeping tips or tips for life when awake by clicking on ‘comment below’ or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘YOU SNORE WHEN YOU’RE AWAKE!' in the subject line. —-

AS THE WEEK ENDS, THE WEEKEND HAS OPPORTUNITIES -- DOGS, CATS, KICKERS?

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to Friday and remember this: We’re approaching a weekend that is merely TWO days long. So, show up for work on Monday, Unless you’ve had the foresight to schedule a day off to get over Sunday night’s Dallas Cowboys/San Francisco game. May Brett Maher have the opportunities to kick a dozen extra points and nail every one of them….
OK, we’re starting in East Texas, then moseying back into Dallas/Fort Worth in this edition — we’ll mention the “small shelter frustrations” that are tough to take on the southern edge of Dallas. Here goes.
THE STRAYDOG PEOPLE
AND A WEEKEND EVENT
Ok, we’re referring to the angels who run and support Straydog Inc. as “the Straydog People” because we see it as kind of a label of honor. Straydog Inc., the no-kill shelter and sanctuary in East Texas, has a legacy of love and triumph on behalf of animals. 
And there are many people who have adopted animals from this organization. You can see many to adopt on the shelter’s website at straydog.org. Or, you can see some of the adorable adoptables in person from 11 .m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the PetSmart West Plano, Willow Bend, at 6204 W. Park Blvd. in Plano.
This big guy with all the personality in his face and tail and ear is Leonardo, a “brown/ chocolate” Lab/Mastiff Mix — he was “born in 2014 and he weighs 55 pounds,” his bio reads on the Straydog site. And, it adds, “He gets along well with other dogs. He would make a great dog for anyone who has the time and heart to give him the love he deserves.) Email straydogshelter@gmail.com.
This genuine Earhound is Ren, a Shepherd fellow born on in April 2019. He’s friendly, house-trained and, his bio reads, “a very energetic boy who loves to play ball and absolutely loves the water.  He gets along with other dogs.  He is a little anxious around new people, but once he gets to know you he is a big love bug.  His looks are very endearing with his unique ears.  He would make a great companion for long walks or runs.” Same email as the one for Leonardo (straydogshelter@gmail.com) and this next adorable adoptable.
Yes, you might find a stray cat now and then at the stray dog shelter. This one is Krissy. Her colors are gray, blue and silver — might be some black in that great coat if the light hits everything right. This girl, the Straydog bio says, “was feral when we found her with 2 babies after her owner passed away.” Krissy isn’t much more than a kitten — her birthday is guessed at sometime in November 2021.
Since Straydog took her in, she’s weaned the babies “and has become more loveable,” the bio reads. “She has been getting used to people handling her.  She is very sweet but still needs more love.  She is looking for a loving home.  If you would like to adopt her please go to our website and fill out an application.” And, of course, email straydogshelter@gmail.com. 
[LARRY RECOMMENDATION: Take some time to visit this link and learn about the founding of Straydog Inc. and the people who have built it and guided its evolution since founding in 1994. If you’re not moved by the 2003 entry and the “last words” of Pat Arnold, have yourself checked for tear ducts and a heartbeat.]
BIG CHALLENGE FOR SMALL SHELTERS?
MORE PAW TRAFFIC THAN FOOT TRAFFIC
In bright red leaders across the top of the latest email from 4-Legged Helpers, there was this message: NOW VERY URGENT!!! DALLAS-FORT WORTH TX RURAL SHELTERS URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP!  It’s not a new message, but is from the heart. As it happens, the good folks at the Ferris Animal Shelter are loaded with animals. And the good folks with the 4-Legged Helpers are trying to get these dogs into a rescue, a foster or a home. Empty the shelter without using a needle, you know?
Any of you Dear Readers old enough to remember the TV show A Family Affair with Brian Keith, Sebastian Cabot. big sister Cissy (Kathy Garver) and 6-year-old twins Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnny Whitaker)?
Why do I ask that? Well, it’s because the first two pups — both in the Ferris Animal Shelter — listed on this desperate plea from 4-Legged Helpers are a brother and sister, Buffy and Jody, a couple of 6- to 8-week-old Heeler mixes. [LARRY ASIDE: I’m not sure which is the boy or which is Buffy, so, while we wait for a response from the puppies, my advice is you’d improve your life by giving a great home to a pair of siblings. Teach ‘em together. Love ‘em together. Show them that humans are better than our reputation for rotten behavior in the animal kingdom. We’ve never had sibling dogs, but we have had sibling cats and cats who were distant cousins, we’re pretty sure. Here’s an irrefutable fact: Human love makes the difference in animal lives.]
Also waiting a way into a good home is this dog Sloane, a Belgian Malinois, maybe a year-and-a-half old and in the Ferris shelter because she was “found out and about” in Hutchins. She’s a “not large” 41 pounds right now. and “what a sweetie,” her bio reads. 

Still waiting, also, are dogs previously mentioned: Jayson, Waylon, JJ and Thomas. You can see these pups (that’s Jayson with the great eye make up) on the 4-Legged Friends FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
SOME OF THE ‘WAITING’
Our tipster, volunteer dog-biographer Debra Chisholm, began with, “This happy-go-lucky fellow is Balto” and when i saw this photo I immediately recognized him as an Earhound — Happy Go Lucky Division of the Breed.
Debra says Balto is a mixed breed and the Dog Scanner app “suggests Husky, Kelpie and Terrier in the mix).” He came in on the 14th as a stray picked up by a police officer. He’s about 2 (could be “somewhat younger” and weighs 65 pounds. Also, Debra writes, “He is a handsome boy with the one blue/one brown eye distinction. He knows the sit command. He has lots of spunk and energy.  He is athletic and enjoys romping and running in the yard. …  He will need a secure and high fence as he is a bit of a jumper.  He saw a dog in the parking lot and apparently wanted to make friends, so jumped up on the wall ledge to get a better look!  He is a friendly boy and is happy to receive petting and attention from a human friend (when he manages to slow down!).  Balto would seem best suited for an active person or family who would spend time daily with him providing plenty of enrichment, exercise and playtime.
Balto is #51873061 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 927-216-6283 or email rescues@cityoifmesquite.com. Same system for these other Mesquite animals.
Bulma (#51840990), possibly 6 or 7 years old, is 57-pound, not-spayed mixed breed — yep, arrived as a stray on Jan. 9. And then what happened? Debra reports, “Owners were contacted but have opted not to reclaim. This is very puzzling because she has such a sweet and fun personality.  She walks nicely on a leash and did not show any aggression toward the dogs she was led past who were barking at her.  Of course it is always a good idea to ask for a dog test from the shelter staff if interested in sweet girl.  She pottied in the yard so is possibly house trained.  Bulma knows the sit command.  She is a tail-wagging girl with a moderate energy level.  … Has a rather submissive personality.  She rolled over on her back for belly rubs.  Bulma is friendly and perfectly OK with receiving loving attention from a human companion.”
“Adorable and cutesy girl” Melo is, Debra reports, a Terrier mix who came into the shelter on January 6. Why? “She was abandoned by her owner and he has failed to reclaim her.  Melo [ID #51822147] weighs approx 35-40 pounds, is about 2 years old and is spayed.  She appears to be healthy and well-cared for. She's spunky and frisky without being hyperactive.  Melo is athletic and enjoyed climbing on our play equipment in the yard. She had such fun exploring all the smells of the yard and stretching her legs.  … Melo loved the attention I paid to her, especially scratching her on her hind quarters.  This pleasant-natured girl needs a new home and she would probably do best with an active person or family who would spend daily time playing, exercising and providing some training.  She is a nice compact size and would be perfect for someone looking for a smaller-sized dog to live inside.” (Remember, use her ID 51822147 when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
[LARRY FYI FROM SHELTER NOTES: This came with the Melo story: “Our shelter is very over-crowded and a number of our dogs are having to be housed in crates rather than regulation-sized kennels, Melo being one of them.” Adopting, fostering, rescuing can help resolve that situation. So can taking care of your own dogs in a safe and proper manner. But no need to preach that gospel in the Metroplex, right?]
This girl with the elegant appearance is Trudi (#51868126) who, Debra writes, is a Lab “youngster that was picked up by one of our officers and brought to the shelter on 1/13 as a stray.  Trudi weighs 58 pounds, is approx 1 year old and is not spayed.  This is a gentle soul, calm and a bit shy and timid.  I felt instantly drawn to her. 

“Trudi has a mellow and laid back personality and demeanor.  She is uneasy and nervous and has not acclimated to the new environment in which she finds herself. Trudi walks on a leash but is somewhat hesitant in doing so.  She did not have a negative reaction to any other dog she was walked past.  She likes treats and takes them gently.  Trudi is friendly and more than happy to receive loving attention.  Doubtless in a quiet home setting and with tender loving care she would blossom to her full potential.”
Remember, for any animal in Mesquite’s care, use the ID number when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or by emailing rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Mesquite has plenty of dogs for good homes, plenty of cats, too. See them at THIS LINK.  Among the cats is this year-old girl Evelyn (#51801339). [LARRY ASIDE: She’s a very rare Domestic Shorthair Mix — I’m kidding about that. In fact, I’m almost certain Dallas/Fort Worth has more Domestic Shorthair mixes than any other geographical location in the known universe. We have always had great experiences with these cats (and other cats, too).] Evelyn came into the shelter on January 17, her size is listed as “medium” and her location when you get ready to visit her at the Mesquite shelter is in the Conference Room. (See Conferring Contemplation next.)
CONTEMPLATIONS
CAT CONFERRING AND OTHER NOTES
Regarding Evelyn in the Conference Room: It has been my experience that cats like to confer when given the opportunity and invitation from a loving human. Here’s one now — as I was writing the passage about Mesquite’s cat Evelyn, my own great feline, William Powell The Office Cat, stepped quietly onto my desk and went to sleep sitting up as I typed. He wasn’t conferring at the time, he was conpurring. I took it as a compliment. The same way I take it when my funspouse Martha falls asleep in the middle of one of my monologues about what’s wrong with journalism today or how computers give me more trouble than the curse of carbon paper ever did. …

LARRY FYI: We checked our records and when we moved 3 years ago, we left NO top secret documents behind or in storage. We also were way ahead of the federal government, hitting our debt ceiling years ago.
Friday morning I heard a radio newscaster report, “An extremely toxic site is Dallas is being demolished.” Immediately I wondered, “How did they narrow it down to just one?” Come on, Dallas, I’m just kiddin’ ya, Big Ol' D. When I was at The Big Paper Downtown, reporters did a lot of stories about toxic sites in Dallas. Some stories even mentioned city hall. (I hope you laughed at that line.)
—- Offer advice and admonitions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put READ THIS, KNUCKLEHEAD, in the subject line. —-

AN OL' DOG GETS A NEW DEAL; SPCA'S VACCINATION SPECIAL; BIG TEX WINS ANOTHER CROWN; AH, TEXAS HISTORY ......

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022 [PetPowellPress] State Fair of Texas wins again! [I snapped that shot of Big Tex on the Midway at the 2022 State Fair — in October, though it seems like only a week or so ago.]
Moving along on today’s topics: The SPCA of Texas has a great deal on vaccinations for dogs and cats.
And a shelter dog named Brewsky gets a late-in-life break.
We’ll start with Brewsky, then ease through the other news all the way to a Contemplation about Big Tex’s showplace.
And, in honor of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (running through Feb 4), “Giddyup, y’all!”
AN OLD DOG GETS A CHANCE
AS A SHELTER WORKS FOR HIM
On January 11, we posted the story of Brewsky thanks to a report on his situation by Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog bio-writer Debra Chisholm and now, thanks to Debra, we can tell you the follow up.

The original story from Debra read, “This precious senior is Brewsky, a Rottweiler mix that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/9.  Reason for the surrender is that the son of the owner is moving out of state and that the owner is elderly and not able to provide proper care for Brewsky.  The backstory is a sad one.  Brewsky was adopted from the shelter in 2013 as a pup, owned for 9 years and now is back at the shelter as a surrender.  He weighs 60 pounds, is approx 10 years old and is neutered.”

Debra sent a note this morning that reads, “The following was posted for him with the result being a tag by one of our finest rescues, Dallas Pets Alive, due to a kind, foster stepping up to the plate. He left with this sweet girl yesterday. His quality of life may not be the best, and there may be no fixing his medical issues but at least he is with a caring, loving person who is willing to see him through whatever the future holds.”

Debra’s followup on Brewsky's health read, “Sadly, MAS staff noticed that Brewsky struggled to urinate and had not been eating well.  He was sent for a vet check and senior panel … His prognosis is poor. He is suffering with an enlarged bladder, which the vet suspects is related to some neurological concerns causing him to not urinate properly.  He also has muscular dystrophy and not eating well in the shelter.” 
[LARRY ASIDE: Mercifully — and those of us who have had older dogs know that “mercifully” is the right word — Brewsky has a human now who’ll help him through whatever he’s going to face. Perhaps, he’ll recover. Perhaps not. But what he’ll have now is someone who can make him feel loved and adored in good and bad times. Visit dallaspetsalive.org to learn about helping that non-profit. And see more Mesquite Animal Shelter adorable adoptables HERE. 

SPCA OF TEXAS DEAL
ON CAT, DOG VACCINATIONS
This is quite a handy opportunity at the SPCA of Texas for dogs and cats needing “combo” vaccinations.
We got the story on this from SPCA of Texas Manager of Public Relations Becky Adamietz-Deo. The opportunity runs through January 31 at the SPCA’s Myron K. Martin Spay/Neuter & Veterinary Clinic, 2400 Lone Star Drive, on the western side of downtown Dallas. 
When you purchase the $20 rabies vaccinations for your dogs and cats, you get the “free combination vaccines —DHPPC for dogs and FVRCP for cats.”
And, according to SPCA of Texas Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amber Alu. “Vaccinations are considered so important to pet health that they are regarded as a cornerstone of preventive care.”
And the SPCA release says, “The DHPP canine vaccine is a ‘5 in 1’ vaccination that prevents two types of hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza and parvovirus. It is recommended that dogs receive the DHPP vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, one year later, and then one to three years after that.
“FVRCP is a combination vaccine that protects cats from feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus which both cause upper respiratory tract disease. It is recommended for both indoor and outdoor cats as a core vaccine.”

[LARRY ASIDE: If you are reading this on our website, you probably already know all of that — your animals are properly vaccinated. But you may have friends with animals who aren’t “up-to-date,” so feel free to copy that info and send it to them on behalf of their animals. Of course, if you don’t have a dog or cat, the SPCA of Texas can happily help you add an adorable adoptable to your household. We featured this 8-year-old guy Apollo earlier in the week — I post this photo because it makes me smile whenever I think of Apollo, a rescued from a bad situation dog, who loves to roll on the lawn! And, as readlarrypowell.com loves feline friends with the stripes, we feature this cat Joyce as an adorable adoptable at the SPCA of Texas.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
BIG TEX, COWTOWN'S SHOW & TEXAS

BIg Tex swaps hat for crown -- again. Yep, we got this news release from Karissa Condoianis, Senior Vice President of Public Relations at the Fair. Maybe you attended in 2022 — we were there. And the story from the State Fair reads, “For back-to-back years, the State Fair of Texas has recorded the highest attendance amongst the fairs and festivals industry, leading Carnival Warehouse’s Top 50 List with more than 2.5 million people in attendance for the 2022 exposition. It’s true: Everything really is bigger in Texas — and not just in Dallas. Our neighbors and friends at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo joined us atop the list at #2 with more than 2.4 million people in attendance for their 2022 event.”
 The release continues, “As a nonprofit organization, the State Fair of Texas’ mission is to celebrate all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. A Big Tex-sized thank you to all 2,547,289 folks who visited us during the 24-day run of the 2022 State Fair of Texas, allowing us to focus on our mission-giving the other 341 days of the year. To learn more about the Fair’s contributions in the community, please visit BigTex.com/AnnualReport. Mark your calendars for the 2023 State Fair of Texas, opening Friday, September 29, and running through Sunday, October 22.” [LARRY ASIDE: Corny dog craving?]
CAN THIS BE COINCIDENCE IN THE CARNIVAL INDUSTRY? This great State Fair of Texas news has been announced during the opening week of the 2023 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, the winter festival that captures the attention of cowboys and exhibition fans from all over the state. (It’s marketing line is “This Thing Is Legendary.”). Took my toddler twins to it when they were just over 2 years old — a half-century ago when I was a reporter at The Fort Worth Press (gone since 1975.) … I do recall that when I first attended the Cowtown extravaganza, it was known as The Fort Worth Fat Stock Show — I was a little self-conscious when I ordered a giant ice cream cone. I got over it. And in 1987, the board changed the name to Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. [LARRY ASIDE: Hmmm, dumping “Fat Stock Show” may have been the first “cancellation” of an accepted cultural term — though it referred to big cows and bulls, in general. I was big, but not show-quality stock.]
One of my favorite “historical tales” from my days as a young reporter was hearing about Fort Worth’s reaction to Dallas winning the right to host the 1936 Texas independence Centennial at Fair Park during the State Fair. Lots of cultural stuff. Fort Worth’s leadership (legendary businessman Amon Carter), countered with a more exotic celebration featuring famed fan dancer Sally Rand. The slogan, I was told, quickly became “Go to Dallas for culture. Come to Fort Worth for fun.” I’ve lived around here since 1972 — watched Dallas become known as “New York’s sixth borough” and enjoyed Fort Worth lovingly, wisely preserve itself as “Where the west begins” and “Cowtown.” We’ll turn to Little Texas to explain it all in a song. Enjoy THIS LITTLE TEXAS SONG FOR A BIG BLESSING.Yank your boots on and turn up your speakers. Can I get an “Amen” from all 254 counties — surely this is something Dallas and Fort Worth and their counties can agree on.
—- Praise Texas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put DON’T WEAR SPURS WHEN YOU DRIVE IN DALLAS in the subject line. —-

THE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP DOGS ABOUND; IT'S ALL PART OF THIS CRAZY, SLEEPY WORLD....RIGHT?

EDITION OF TUESDAYPM-WEDNESDAYAM, JAN. 17-18-2022 [PetPowellPress] Slept until nearly 6 a.m., slept OK after the Dallas Cowboys game, but that nighttime game on a Monday holiday makes Tuesday morning feel like Monday morning and who needs two of those in one week? We may have solutions in Contemplations. In the meantime, read on.

AND, IMAGINE THIS:
A PREGNANT DOG!
IN DALLAS COUNTY!
What are the odds, right? A pregnant dog in Dallas County. "Well, ah swan," as the faux astonished East Texan might say.
Well, this dog is special and, if all goes well, someone will have rescued her by the time you are reading this.
Overnight we got a note from Debra Chisholm, dog bio-writer at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Debra reports that Honey is a 4-year-old German Shepherd who was picked up as a stray on January 11 and because she’s pregnant, she is “rescue only.” 
Debra also wrote, “The back story on Honey is that she had been running around an area for a month or more and kept eluding capture while people fed her until she was caught and brought to the shelter. This is the sweetest girl imaginable and she quickly captured my heart. 

“She walks very nicely on a leash and did not have any reactions to dogs when she walked past them--even those barking at her.  She knows the sit command and will gladly do so for treats.  She has a calm and gentle disposition and yet is active and alert.  Honey is well-behaved and does not jump on you.  She seems to have acclimated well to the shelter for having been a dog ‘on the run’ for some time.”
And Debra adds this, “She is so friendly and very willing to receive loving attention.  You can just tell from her photos that she is a happy girl. She and her pups are worth the save!”

Honey is #51857770 in the shelter — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. 
And there’s this advisory on the Mesquite note: “Our shelter is so overcrowded and we simply do not have adequate room for all the strays and surrenders that enter our shelter.  Please help.” [LARRY ASIDE: Getting an expectant mom out would be a giant help, based on our experience with mommy dogs and busy little puppies.]
THE STORY ON JERRY LEE,
A POUND PALS SWEET BOY
We got the tip on Jerry Lee’s latest adventure from Karen Lee (no kin) of barkleyworld.com, the non-profit that helps people with animal medical expenses.
Karen has been working with Kerri Thorn, president of Pound Pals Rescue, to make sure Jerry Lee gets the best of treatment for a medical condition that has a link to a tumor he had removed from the area of his right eye. 
That was last March. Jerry Lee has been in a foster home since having a “squamous cell carcinoma” tumor removed. 
The story now is that Jerry Lee recently developed some kind of sensitivity in the area of the surgery and is rubbing his face on the grass and with his paw and there may be something going on that needs additional treatment. So, according to Kerri, Jerry Lee’s medical advisors need a CT scan to see just what’s vexing this otherwise happy and adorable dog.
The scan will cost abut $2,000. And Pound Pals is raising the funds now via a donation link at www.poundpals.com or via the U.S. Mail at Pound Pals 314A West Lennon Drive, Suite 121, Emory, Texas 75440. 
To ask about helping Jerry Lee or Pound Pals, email pound_pals@yahoo.com. You can read more about Jerry Lee’s medical history by going to the Pound Pals Facebook page HERE. 
IT REALLY IS THE FACES:
ADORING JAYSON & WAYLON!
Yep, a couple of genuinely interesting dog faces are awaiting rescue, adoption or whatever and 4-Legged Helpers is trying to make sure Jayson and Waylon avoid the “whatever.” 
In fact, if you’re a 501c3 rescue, transport can be arranged. To ask about helping these two dogs, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. Both of these dogs are currently in the care of the Ferris Animal Shelter on the southern side of Dallas.
Jayson, the fellow with the circus clown eyeliner, is a “young male” Retriever mix who, the Helpers bio reads, “is such a cutie pie!   Only about a year old. He was found out and about with some buddies and he is SUPER SWEET. His big chocolate brown eyes and that beautiful cream colored fur would melt anyone’s heart.  Such a sweetie!!!!”
And that brings us to this Bulldog fellow Waylon. He “was found out and about,” the Helpers note reads and follows with this: “But sadly he came from a home where he could not be cared for so he was released to the shelter… When he came in he had to be rushed to the vet with a very large cut under his ear.   Unknown how it occurred but despite having this bad injury that required stitches, you could not meet a sweeter, more gentle or more loving dog. CUDDLY. Honestly the perfect dog for any home.  Everyone that works at the shelter and vet office ADORES him. He grew up around cats and other dogs and he LOVES everyone and everything.  SUCH AN ADORABLE SWEETIE. About 56 pounds and appears to be middle-age, so he’s over the puppy stuff. 
CONTEMPLATIONS
One Sleepy Morn’ in 2023
Let’s get right into the sleepiness of a morning. If elected to any highly influential political office in America, I’m going to propose that whenever there is a Monday holiday, the subsequentTuesday should be conjoined also as a day off. It would be good for the American work ethic. I don’t know how, exactly, but I’ll declare that and let people who hold office argue the points. But, a 3-day weekend followed by “Recovery Tuesday” is a darned good American idea. …

How can we move past the sleepiness of a winter morning? Remember this: Spring forward at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 12. Time to start re-training your carefully regulated dogs for their outdoor visits. No hope exists for retraining human sleepers. We’re just in the loving grip of a government that is constantly awake and working non-stop for the advancement of American values and … wait. Who am I kiddin’?…
Here’s the reality. My internal clock has my thought processes in need of a nap. And I’m an insomniac. Yes, a person in conflict with his own soul. Maybe I’m living in the wrong time zone. I should be operating on Central Snoring Time. Works for my dog, Porche Noel. Though she will glare if I'm too loud when I sing along with a Chicks record from the old days -- still learning new songs. My soprano is not quite in tune with their voices, but Im working on it. Stevie Ray The Cat also would prefer that I not try to sing myself to sleep...
—- Offer pillow tips or alarm clock advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “PRETEND YOU’RE STILL IN COLLEGE AND NOD OFF SLOBBERING ON YOUR BIOLOGY BOOK” in the subject line. —-

ON TUESDAY, OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP ANIMALS AND LOOKING BACK AT A HAPPY DAY IN 1971....

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to Tuesday the 17th of January. Here we go with assorted notes involving animals, people, a birthday tale and opportunities to do good things. First, someone please send me the winning numbers for Lotto Texas…Wait. If anyone reading this had winning numbers, I’d be writing a story headlined “LOTTO WINNER LET DOG PICK LUCKY NUMBERS.” OK, daydreaming aside, let’s move on. And we’ll talk dogs and cats and a litter, er, multiple-birth with which I am familiar in Contemplations….
A PUP NAMED APOLLO;
A STAR AT SPCA OF TEXAS
The entertaining roll-in-the-grass photo of Apollo may be the second one we posted of this handsome entertaining boy a few years ago. The first one? This great mugshot of the flat-on-his-back-fellow with the great set of ears. I was working on another story (we’ll post it later) when I ran across Apollo’s listing at the SPCA website. 
Apollo the Earhound is #41469749 and he’s 5 years and 5 months old. His bio at the SPCA reads that he is “unique from the tip of his tail to his floppy, expressive ears. Apollo is a goofy pup with a huge personality. Apollo came to SPCA of Texas via a hoarding case back in Feb 2019. Due to his past, Apollo can be a bit fearful in new situations and with new people. But once you get to know him, Apollo loosens up and lets his personality shine. Quirky doesn’t begin to describe him – Apollo is the definition of a class clown! This bouncy pup is always making the SPCA of Texas staff, and his foster dad, throw their heads back and laugh at his antics.”
Also, his profile on the spca.org site says he is “a very charismatic guy and never forgets his friends. Once he's your bud, he loves you and is even willing to share his snacks or toys with you. … Apollo loves treats (even vegetables!), sunbathing, belly rubs, chasing squirrels, entertaining himself with toys, watching sports on TV, sleeping in all kinds of silly positions, and cuddling for nap time!|
He’s house-trained, non-destructive and is “a generally quiet and chill dude.” He also would prefer to be an “only pet.” He’s currently in foster care, the SPCA website says.
While researching Apollo, I clicked on cats and found this beautiful fellow.
ASIA (#50882495) is almost 7 1/2 years old and he’s an 8-pound Domestic Shorthair Mix at the Jan Rees- Jones Animal Care Center just west of downtown Dallas at the SPCA of Texas. His bio reads, “I didn’t have the best start in life and was rescued by the SPCA. I will need a calm quiet home and owners that understand I require time and patience to acclimate to my new environment and surroundings.” Will work best as an only cat in a home with older kids, perhaps mid-teens. [LARRY ASIDE: Asia and you might qualify for the Seniors for Seniors Program — human’s age starts at 65 and the dog or cat at 7. Personally, readlarrypowell.com doesn’t see 65 years as a “senior” level human being. You people are just kids, by cracky.]
Go to spca.org to see how to adopt animals or how to foster animals.
MEANWHILE, THE SOUTHERN RIM
OF DALLAS HAS SOME DOGS…
Yep, more animals falling into the save-‘em-all attention of 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit devoted helping animals in small, low-to- no human traffic shelters.

To ask about any of these animals, call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
We’ll start with Skyler of Wilmer. She’s a Belgian Malinois found “out and about on her own” in the small town just south of Dallas. Her bio reads, “Skyler is a really beautiful girl!!! The sweetest most precious girl you could met. Loving and completely adorable. She LOVES everyone she meets.”
If nobody rescues her or adopts her, the theory is she’ll sit lonely in the small shelter until it’s “time for her to go.” 

This next fellow is JJ, a Shepherd mix currently in the Ferris Animal Shelter, also on the southern brink of Dallas. His bio reads, “LOVES all dogs, all people.  He is so incredibly sweet!! Only about a year-and-a-half to two years old. Found out and about on his own and is already fixed. Very cute teddy bear of a dog. Please, help save him!!!!!  So lovable.”

And we've posted the Shepherd mix Thomas before — he’s in the Ferris shelter. And he’s described as “the most friendly playful lovable Shepherd.  He adores female dogs.  Loves, loves, loves them. Even small female dogs. Tom is probably short for tomfoolery since this cutie loves to play and have fun.  He is such a fun sweetie pie. He is a gorgeous dog that absolutely adores people.   He was brought to the shelter by someone no longer able to care for him.|
Remember follow 4-Legged Helpers on Facebook HERE and keep up with the animals that need to find a good human fast!.
LOOKING FOR ANIMAL OUTFIT
TO DO AN ADOPTION EVENT…
We got the info on this from our longtime pal and tipster Tomi Ortiz. She says one of her animal pals “knows the manager” at a PetSmart in the Las Colinas area and that manager “is looking to for anyone who would like to set-up an adoption event at his store.” Non-profit, of course. To ask about participating in this animal-helping event, email Tomi at tortiz@darlingii.com or her friend at toniodaat@yahoo.com. [LARRY ASIDE: Might turn out to be a long-running event good for animals, rescuers and the store, too.]
A HALF DOZEN DOGS
& A MESQUITE CAT, TOO….
Is this not a happy face on a dog!???! This is Denver and we learned of him from Mesquite dog biographer Judi Brown. He’s described as a “friendly outgoing boy that loves people and would most likely fit in well with almost any family.” She says the “gentle and easy-going” boy would “probably do well with young children.” 
Denver’s a year-old, 40-pound Fox Terrier/Smooth Border Collie mix — came in on Jan 10 with his “running buddy Dallas.”
The bio reads, “A concerned citizen found them running together and dropped them off at the shelter.” They share a kennel now.
 Judi says that, during Denver's evaluation session, “When I sat down he came to me to have his ears scratched. He appears to love people. He’s sweet, friendly, loving, happy, and perky. He did his business immediately upon entering the yard. … He walked right alongside me on the leash. I imagine he would love going for walks and you could be proud of how well behaved he is on a leash! Please come and meet Denver. You will be amazed at what a good boy he is! He would love to be an integral part of your family going for rides with you in the car, going for walks, and sleeping beside you on the couch!”

To ask about Denver, use his ID #51845973 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
And this is running buddy Dallas (#51846009) who, yes, has the same happy-looking face as Denver. Judi says Dallas is “a delightful, sweet, easy-going boy that would be a nice addition to your family. He is a 1-year-old, 40-pound Shepherd mix … He’s a well-behaved boy that wants to please. First he dances for treats and then sits down and takes them gently. He chased a ball a couple times but didn’t retrieve and soon lost interest. When I sat down he came to me for ear scratches. He’s sweet, well-behaved, friendly, affectionate, happy, playful and lively. … He walked right beside me in the heeling position. My guess is this is something he has been taught. So if you adopt Dallas you will have an excuse to get out and walk. He would probably fit in nicely with a family with children since he’s so gentle.”

Judi also met Alizee (#51842545)  She wrote, "How could you not fall in love with Alizee’s cute face, stocky body and winning personality? I fell in love with him! Alizee is a 6-year-old, 66-pound Mallorquin/Boxer mix that arrived …on 1/9 as a stray. He was found at the Mesquite Golf Course and has a microchip. The owners were called and chose not to reclaim him. That makes this your lucky day. …To add to his cute face he has a snaggle tooth which gives him character! When he first got out in the yard he explored but soon came back to spend time with me. …He chases and retrieves balls. He’s a lot of fun to play with! When I sat down he came to me and put his head on my lap...all the time wagging his tail. He’s happy, friendly, energetic, playful, and definitely wants to please. … He has a small wart like growth on the back of his left ear. It doesn’t seem to bother him. The bonus is that he’s already fixed! He told me he wants to be an integral part of the family and spend most the time inside with you.”
Dog bio writer Debra Chisholm begins, “This little charmer is Niecy, a mixed breed girl (Dog Scanner app suggests Black Mouth Cur and Carolina Dog in the mix) that arrived on 1/10 as a stray.  Niecy weighs 45 pounds, is approx 3 years old and is not spayed.  She is friendly, affectionate and is more than happy to receive loving attention from a human friend.  When I sat on the bench she tried to climb into my lap.  She loves treats and takes them gently though doesn't know to sit for them.  She has a moderate activity level, is calm, well behaved, doesn't jump on you and has a sweet personality.  She chases balls but doesn't return them.  Niecy appears to have been well cared for and yet no one has come looking for her. … I can't say enough about how wonderful this girl is.  I'm in love!”
Niecy is #51850228 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Judi provides this bio of Mimi (#51834831), a year-old, 47-pound black/brindle Dutch Shepherd/Catahoula Leopard mix.” She came in on January 8 as an un-spayed stray. “When she first got into the yard her tail was tucked. She is skittish and shy. She would benefit from lots of TLC. She would sit for treats but was not interested in toys or balls. She explored the yard. With time she came to me and let me pet her. However she wasn’t completely relaxed. She will need time to build trust. … She walks very well on a leash. She wanted to make friends with other dogs. There’s no doubt that Mimi is very sweet and has a lot of potential and will be a very loving, loyal companion.”
Judi also provides the bio of “this handsome dog Brock.” He’s a 2-year-old, 67-pound, not neutered Belgium Shepherd/Black Mouth Cur mix who came to the (shelter) on 1/7 as a stray. 
And Judi says, “ When I first got him out into the yard he was shaking. At some point I raised my hand and apparently he thought I had a treat and he sat. Naturally I gave him a treat. After that we were BFFs! He stayed close pleading with his eyes for a treat. He’s highly motivated by treats so should be very easy to train. Occasionally he would jump up begging for a treat. He did not jump on me, he would just jump up into the air. When told to get down he did so immediately. … He’s well behaved, gentle and loving. When I sat down he came to me. I’m not so sure if it was for the companionship or for a treat!!  He walked OK on a leash. He went nose to nose with some dogs and backed off from the ones that were barking at him. He’s very soft and I can just imagine what a wonderful snuggle bug he will be!”

Brock is #51832700 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
See more dogs and cats in the Mesquite Animal Shelter by clicking on this LINK.
Plenty of cats, including Celeste. She’s #51874982. This Domestic Shorthair mix with a basic brown and black highlights coat came into the shelter on January 14. She’s just over 6 months old and, based on that photo, might just enjoy a little cuddling with a cuddle-prone human. You can find her the Mesquite Animal services Cat Room.
CONTEMPLATIONS
LOOKING BACK 52 YEARS …
On the morning of January 17. 1971, practically the entire pro football-loving world (it was smaller back then) was looking forward to the Dallas Cowboys playing the Baltimore Colts later that afternoon in Super Bowl V. And, about 4 a.m. I was awakened when someone said to me, “I think it’s time” and we raced to the hospital. 
Later in the afternoon, Bret, the lefthander, arrived at 2:06 p.m. and Bart, the righthander, at 2:08 p.m. Carolyn Bowlin Powell gave birth to not the confident doctor-predicted “one large baby” but to a set of unexpected twins.
[Appropriately, Texarkana is a twin city — the west side is in Texas, the east side in Arkansas. The boys were born in Texas. “Hallelujah,” typed their native-Texan daddy.]

This was not only the date the boys were born, it was also the date of the Dallas Cowboys' first-ever appearance in the Super Bowl. 
Kickoff for that game was 2 p.m. Eastern time — 1 p.m. Wadley Hospital Labor Room time. Basically, I missed the entire game, and ever since then, on his birthday, the “unexpected twin” Bart has gleefully asked me, “You still miffed about missing that game?”
 Not so much these days. I’ve mellowed over the past half-century.

But, in typical Dallas Cowboys fashion, the record will reflect that on that Jan. 17, 1971, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, the then-Baltimore Colts were not winning the game as the clock ticked through the final minute. I didn’t see a single play in that Super Bowl. Thus, I have to depend on the “record” because I was busy in the fathers’ waiting room and the labor room that day — daddies didn’t go to "delivery" in those days. 
Back to the game: I didn’t see this, but I’ve later read that during the final minutes of the game, a pass by Cowboys QB Craig Morton bounced off famous Dallas Cowboy Danny Reeves’ hands into the arms of Colts linebacker Mike Curtis who returned it to the Dallas 28. The Colts ran a couple of plays and then with either 5 or 9 seconds left in the game (depending on your source in the ancient sportswriter documents) Colts placekicker kicker Jim O’Brien, in the first NFL Super Bowl played on artificial turf, kicked a 32-yard winning field goal and the Cowboys lost,16–13.
The next season, the Cowboys beat Miami, 24-3, in Super Bowl VI on January 16, 1972. Too late. But I’d have watched that game if I hadn’t had to work the Sunday evening shift to put out the Monday morning edition at The Texarkana Gazette. In those days, no newsrooms had a big screen TV — pretty sure big screens for offices hadn’t been invented yet. You see here photos of the boys from the day of their birth through assorted moments in their young lives. In two photos they are with their youngish father, as of his most recent birthday, only about 48 years old. I'll have to check the records. On the right, that's when two out of three of us were in college.
—- Offer parental advice or lotto tips by clicking on ‘comment below’ or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

A CAT AT WORK AND OTHER BRUSHES WITH FICTION....IT'S THE WEEKEND....

Here is a brief demonstration of a cat at work. We’ve paid William Powell an extra posing fee for this weekend’s edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
 And he demonstrated three poses: Drowsy, out-like-a-light and suddenly awake.
I shot those as he went drifting off to sleep in my lap Friday afternoon.
 As you may recall, William has been helping to nurse me through the annoying Covid challenge I’ve been enduring with only mild griping. My funspouse Martha may wish to describe my attitude by using different words. “Whining,” comes to mind. 
A
t any rate, on Friday afternoon, William and I had moved our operations out of the office and into the living room where we were watching Psych, one of our favorite TV mysteries. It is now in reruns on the Hallmark Channel where, for months, there had been a day-after-day load of Christmas stories.
William likes Christmas, but frequently asks, “Dickens couldn’t come up with one legit cat character in London?” Ah, but he did love at least two cats, according to assorted educational reports. 

FYI: Those are "young" photos from May of 2018 when I first met William Powell who evolved from helping me paint woodwork on the house to being a very dynamic and efficient office cat. He was a cutie. Now, he’s a handsome adult cat, happy to be sitting on my mousepad while I snap his photo.
To demonstrate William's peaceful and adoring relationship in with the canine population, I snapped a photo of William and Porche Noel sharing her office bed one morning this week while I was trying to write something profound but found the frolics of a cat and dog much more entertaining.
As a bit of a footnote to this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, I am citing what is titled “Spinster’s Library: A Christmas Carol With My Cats.” The “spinster” is Claudia Haus in Wales and the cats who perform as the three ghosts are her thespianmeowers (That a word?). . Click HERE to see her vision of A Christmas Carol With Cats.
I know it’s nearly a month after Christmas, but as I was watching this Spinster’s Library production, suddenly on the screen flashed this message that I swear I can now endorse. It read “Spread joy not viruses this season.” I’m interpreting “season” as a reference to winter, spring, summer, fall, et al. Is it Spay and Neuter Season yet? Of course it is -- year-round in the vibrant North Texas Pregnantroplex.
[DEAR READERS, If you have a dog or cat who sleeps or naps, send a photo of that furry friend doing either one of them to dallrp@aol.com and tell us how you got your critter and why you love each other. We’ll post the stories in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be helping a human decide to open heart and house to the grandest experience! And you’ll be helping insomniacs lie awake wondering if they can squeeze one more cat into the household. I’m kidding. I’d never lay awake wondering that. Answer is clear already.]
—- Offer cat advice or dog tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put PAY ATTENTION TO WISE ANIMALS in the subject line. —-

HELPING ANIMALS WITHOUT THEIR HUMANS; BECOMING THE ANIMALS' HUMANS? IT'S ALL CONNECTED

ONE MORE EDITION FOR FRIDAY, JAN. 13, 2022 [PetPowellPress] In lieu of taking the day off to cope with covid, readlarrypowell.com decided to finish off the week with a couple of stories that highlight the good side of humans, i.e., those angels who love and protect animals.
One story is about a handsome Great Dane mix and the other is about a half-dozen dogs just sort of "dropped off" at someone's home. Here goes:
DOZER THE LAB/DANE,
HIS LOSS, HIS NEEDS
We got the story from Mary Sullivan, veteran animal advocate and protector of critters who wind up in tough spots.
That beings us to this quite handsome Great Dane/Lab mix Dozer, 5 years old, 99 pounds and, as you can see from one photo, "rides well in a car."
His story emerged because of a really tough thing that changed his world.
Mary, asking that people share his story with "your friends and loved ones," explained: "This handsome boy is a Great Dane mix (possibly with Lab) whose 33-year-old owner was killed by a drunk driver three days before Christmas.  
 "Horrible for the family, and even more so for Dozer, who’d spent his whole life with his beloved companion and now is grieving a loss that he doesn’t understand. 

"Dozer needs to be re-homed, but unfortunately, he’s HW+, so we’re going to treat him for that first.  We’ve already started him on Doxycycline; the tough part of his treatment will begin in early March.  Dozer’s in a temporary foster home now, but we’re looking for a medical foster to help him through his treatment.  Any foster will have to commit to keeping him at least through mid-May (and hopefully until he’s adopted).
According to his bio, Dozer is house-trained, has "moderate energy,"
is "good with kids (10 and older), knows "a few commands," is "generally mannerly but just so-so on a leash," also good with other dogs, large and small, and tolerant of cats."

Mary's note says Dozer was "recently neutered and chipped and vaccines have been started -- still needs a couple of boosters. We can supply his foster with everything Dozer may need while he's a guest. Please consider opening your heart and home to this sweet fella." 
If you have questions or want to foster or adopt Dozer, text 214-783-2060.
AND THEN SOMEONE LEFT
A HALF-DOZEN DOGS ....
We got the tip on this curious human behavior in Henderson, Texas, from LaDonna Wernersbach who though some of you Dear Readers might be able to help. 
A Facebook post credited to Annie Marie Sammons in Henderson told the story earlier in the week.
 Info is sketchy, but the bottom line is the dogs appear to be in good hands now. These photos came with the initial request for help.
An as-yet unidentified person wrote this appeal: "I am a home-care provider for an elderly woman who is a fall risk and on a fixed income.
"Last night, someone dumped 6 puppies in her trailer park and they have taken over her porch. I called the county because she lives outside city limits and was told they do not pick up strays. I’m waiting to hear back from the animal shelter but they probably won’t be able to help either.
"These puppies will need some medical care.
"I am worried they will knock my client down and hurt her. I’m worried they will get hit by a car since she lives so close to the highway.
"Does anyone know of any rescues that can come pick them up and get them medical care and a safe warm place to stay? Thank you in advance for any help."
Yesterday the Sammons Facebook page posted this update: "The SCPA of East Texas in Tyler was able to take them in and they are now receiving medical care. Thank you all for your advice and offers to help.
If you would like/are able to please donate to the SPCA in Tyler, TX. Hopefully they’ll be up for adoption soon. They are all sweet babies. Again, thank you so much. Y’all are amazing people."
So, here is the LINK to the SPCA of East Texas in Tyler, the big city just south of I-20 and just north of Henderson, all of the area about 2 1/2 hours east of the Metrosprawl. And here is the phone number to the shelter: 903-596-7722.

UPDATES AND MORE FROM
THE MESQUITE SHELTER
On Wednesday, we posted the story of “precious Ginger,” a 2-year-old, 37-pound mixed breed who came in as a stray on January 2. She’s #51795169. Debra Chisholm, the dog biographer who wrote the evaluation for Ginger reports that there’s an update on Ginger’s condition and it makes her “Rescue Only” now. Her visit to the vet revealed this: “There is a dislocation of the left hip (the femur/thigh bone is out of the acetabulum/hip socket.)"  
So, Debra’s note reads, “It is the recommendation that Ginger will need surgery to repair the damage.  It is likely she was hit by a car to sustain this kind of injury.  You can receive the full vet report by contacting the shelter.  Please consider rescuing Ginger.  She is so worth the save!”
Her original bio is still spot-on. It reads, “She knows the sit command, is mild-mannered, well-behaved, calm and gentle.  She loves and takes treats gently. She is friendly, has a sweet nature and is more than willing to receive loving attention.  She does not appear interested in toys or balls.  Her focus seemed mostly to be on receiving treats and staying close by a human friend.  She will look at you with her beautiful brown soulful eyes and you will know you are in love!  Ginger does a fair amount of barking in her crate, but when she is out she is content and happy.”
Remember, use her shelter ID #51795169 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
[LARRY ASIDE: I saw this photo of Blue trotting off the field with his baseball glove and it reminded me that springtime is coming and so is baseball and when I was a kid, our Border Collie Queenie was among the best fielders in the neighborhood. Might be the case for Blue, too. Just needs a happy home in a loving neighborhood.]
Debra did the evaluation of Blue and reports that he’s a “big boy” and “American Staffie mix that arrived last year” at the Mesquite Shelter — last year’s arrival was on September 13. Long time for a big ol’ dog to patiently wait for the right human to show up. He’s about 4 1/2 years old, weighs 72 pounds and is neutered. Debra reports, “He is one energetic fellow with a high energy level.  He loved running in the yard and chasing balls. He enjoyed rolling around on the ground, covering his coat with dried grass!  He is thrilled with toys and will play with and carry them around the yard.  … Blue is a friendly fellow who is more than happy to receive pets and love from a human companion.” Blue’s ID is #51109844 — use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
This guy is Milo (#51803682), described by Debra as a “spunky and enthusiastic fellow. He’s an arrival for the new year — came in as a stray on January 3. 
Debra says Milo is about 4, weighs 64 pounds, isn’t neutered and “has lots of personality! He raced around the yard, chased balls and explored nearly every inch of the yard.  He had his nose to the ground scouting out the interesting smells.  He may be housetrained.  In fact he had a lot of potty stored up and spent a fair amount of time unloading!  He is a happy-go-lucky boy with a zest for living.  He is also a climber and tried to climb up on the ledge in the shelter yard so a tall secure fence would be in order.  He needs a home with an active person or family who will give him the exercise, playtime and training he needs.  He does not seem to know any commands.  He is a friendly boy and A-OK with receiving attention but doesn't seek it out. He does walk well on a leash and did not react to the dogs we went past who were barking at him. However, it is always a good idea to ask the staff for a dog test.  He likes treats and takes them gently.”
Remember, use Milo’s number (#51803682) when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. |
And this girl is Holly (#51832110), about 3 and 46 pounds and a Terrier mix who came in as an un-spayed stray on the 7th. Debra writes, “She has the cutest fold-over ears. I found this girl to be well-mannered and calm.  She does not jump on you.  She has a moderate activity level.  She pottied in the shelter yard.  I could not interest Holly in toys or balls and she does not seem to know any commands. She also was only mildly interested in treats.  She spent much of her time exploring the smells in the yard.  She walked nicely on a leash and when led past dogs in crates who were barking at her, she simply ignored them.  Holly has an amiable disposition.  There is much to like and appreciate about this girl and she would doubtless make a devoted pet.” She’s #51832110 — use that ID when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

Debra also included this note with these bios: “
The Mesquite Shelter is badly overcrowded with dogs continuing to stream in as strays and surrenders.  Adopters and rescues are desperately needed to give our wonderful animals good homes.” And there this, too: “The shelter continues to be overcrowded and so many of our animals are in need of regular kennels rather than crates. Please help if you can.”
You can see many more Mesquite Shelter animals by clicking on this LINK TO THE CATS AND DOGS.
Among the cats waiting for a home or a rescue is this girl — no name, but ask for Cat #51415118. She’s a medium sized Domestic Shorthair Mix with a fantastic striped coat and a face you can stare into for as long as you and the cat adore each other. [LARRY ASIDE: I speak from personal experience with such adorable cats.] This Cat #51415118 came into the shelter on October 27 and you can meet her and listen to her purr — she’s in the Conference Room at the shelter.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED NOTES…
Which city in the Metrosprawl has the longest red lights? Arlington? I’ll happily entertain other nominees, but I can’t imagine that there’ll be one. … 

The rollercoaster temperatures — surely they can affect the lifespan of a lousy virus, right? Too cold to jog in gym shorts this morning and, besides, I don’t have any gym shorts — the Laws of Good Taste forbid me from wearing short pants. And I agree with them. …
Everybody enjoy the weekend. Avoid Covid. Pay your taxes while you still can. And keep an eye on the skies — you never know what’s out there. Cue the spooky music. Click HERE . OK, may not be from beyond, but it is spooky.
—- Offer Covid tips or musical advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put DISCO WE MISS YOU in the subject line if you dare. —-

ON THE EVE OF FRIDAY THE 13TH, A VERY FULL REPORT ON A DOG PUSHED OUT OF A 'MOVING VEHICLE' AND ANOTHER STARVED NEARLY TO DEATH....

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY JANUARY 12-13, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Call me quirky, but I’m writing all this on the 12th because Friday the 13th makes me a little jumpy. Specifically, I’m lucky enough to be dealing with Covid (again), so I don’t need Friday the 13th helping me pick Lotto Texas numbers.
 
STARTING WITH MADOC,
WAITING IN EAST TEXAS…
Consider these words: “Pushed out of a moving vehicle.” 
This dog is Madoc, currently on the clock in the Daingerfield Animal Shelter about 2 1/2 hours east of Dallas in the heart of Morris County.
Immediately you’ll want to know how to adopt or rescue this guy: Call the shelter at 903-645-2120 or email animal shelter@cityof daingerfield.com and if you’re in a car or pickup, drop by the shelter at 1103 Bert St, Daingerfield, TX 75638.

Animal Shelter Director Tabitha Hicks tells us they’re really hopeful of getting an adopter or rescuer quickly for this handsome dog.
Tami Kukla, the animal advocate/rescuer who has taken on promoting Daingerfield’s shelter animals as a personal project, sent us a note that says the hope is to get a rescue or adoptor for Madoc by the MLK Holiday weekend — the actual holiday is Monday the 18th and the shelter is closed on weekends, according to its city website info.

So, Tami’s report is that last week “the Daingerfield team saved Madoc after he was pushed out of a moving vehicle. To do this to any animal is simply heartless. Luckily the team was there to save him and get him started on a TLC path  Madoc is underweight and heartworm positive and has the cough associated with heartworms.
“The shelter doesn't have funding for the medical treatment he needs so they are asking for help from a caring person who wants to change a life and/or a wonderful rescue to do the same.”

Tami says Madoc is about 2 and is a Pointer Mix who “hasn’t known much love in his life but he opens up the minute you show him kindness.. … He is dog friendly and has a playful side that will keep you smiling.  And he is a huge fan of treats. The team has done what they can to reduce his stress in the hope of finding a family for him, but the shelter environment is a bit much for a sensitive pup like Madoc.  He will thrive in a home environment with a loving and patient family.”

[LARRY ASIDE: Same contact points, by the way, for this cat Violet — adopting her sweetness will honor readlarrypowell.com's late Office Cat Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson. We first encountered Violet’s story of being a mom surrendered with kittens as we were doing the initial coping with the loss of Kittie Leigh last year. Violet has gotten the “good cat” opinion from people who meet and cuddle her. We’d get her, but we’re already at our critter limit. So I’m promoting her as a cat who deserves a sensational home. — from the heart, Larry.]

A DOG NAMED LUIS SURVIVES
BEING INTENTIONALLY STARVED
Oh, boy, it’s another story of a human failing an animal. We got the tip on this from our pal Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com. She’s a longtime supporter of the Trinity GAP Rescue organization that evolved from the Euless Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program’s efforts to help animals.
Luis is the dog and he was removed from a home where he was being starved.

So, we asked Trinity GAP Rescue’s Steffenie Vela about this starving dog and the path to being saved. She told us Thursday that the rescue got Luis on January 3. “A neighbor called it in [to Euless Animal Services] that the man had two dogs and one was being starved. We have no idea why because the owner argued with the ACO that nothing was wrong with him.  He further said he had lost the weight overnight!  We are hoping criminal charges are going to be filed,” Steffenie said, adding:
 “In the meantime, he is loving life with four small meals a day!”
As you can see from these photos, Luis was not far from an awful ending when Euless Animal Control “removed” the dog from the home where he was being starved.

Trinity GAP rescue has a Cuddly link HERE to help fund Luis’ recovery and keep him fed and healthy (it lists food you can sponsor, etc.). Also, you can reach Trinity GAP Rescue via it’s website at trinitygaprescue.org.
Here are some excerpts from Luis’ story as told by Trinity GAP Rescue and leader Steffenie:

“Luis’ story is horrible but thank God he is in the care of this group and he will know love and compassion—and food.” 
And, “Poor Luis was skin and bones, and it is a miracle that he survived the intentional starvation and unimaginable cruelty inflicted by his former owner.  … Thankfully, Animal Control Officers immediately removed the dog from the home. Once this pup had been released to the city, our team [at GAP Rescue] was called and Luis was transferred into our care.
“When we first saw Luis, we were appalled at the condition he was in. Luis was like a walking skeleton. He weighed in at only 24 pounds upon intake, even though a dog of his age should be closer to 50 pounds at least.
“Despite the cruelty Luis has experienced, he is an extremely sweet and loving boy. Even after such horrific mistreatment, he is so gentle and holds no grudges. Luis is an extremely special dog who deserves to find a home that will show him the love and affection he has never known until now.”
Here’s a link to a video of Luis as he went into rescue/treatment.
“Luis is now in the care of a very experienced foster. He is on a special diet to help him gain weight, and he will have regular visits with the vet to monitor his progress. Luis is adjusting to his new life extremely well, and we can tell that this sweet boy is so grateful to have been saved. Once Luis is strong enough, we will be looking to find him a forever home. Until Luis is adopted, he and his foster will need our help. Please consider donating any items from his wishlist, or towards covering the cost of his medical care. Thank you so much for supporting Luis!”
And there’s this from Trinity GAP, so, if you’ve never encountered a starving dog, you’ll know what the challenges might be: “Luis was given two accessories to help his healing. There were some pressure sores on his body he was licking so a soft cone was necessary to prevent him from continuing this. He's also so emaciated with no body fat to support him, poor Luis cannot regulate his temperature like a normal pup. We have provided him with a thunder vest to help keep him warm because he's been so cold. Luis' condition is severe and he has a long way to go with his recovery.”
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
WORKING FOR ANIMALS….
We learned of Lola from our pal Judi Brown, veteran dog bio-writer and evaluator. “Lola needs a break,” Judi writes. “Her first nine months have not been as good as they could have been. She is a 9-month-old, 49-pound Belgium Shepherd/German Shepherd mix that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/5.  She is not spayed. 
“The owner did not take time to fill out much of the surrender form but the notation on the kennel card said she was surrendered because she was unwanted and her behavior was incompatible. However in talking with the personnel at the front desk, I was told her owner said he didn’t have time for her. He had had her for 7 of her 9 months..... and now she finds herself at a noisy overcrowded shelter. She is scared. When the kennel tech went to get her she was hiding at the back of her kennel and very hesitant to come out.”
Here’s where the experienced eye of a dog-biographer comes in handy. Judi reports, “For most of the time out in the yard her tail was tucked completely under. She did a lot of nervous pacing. When I first reached for her she flinched. I left the leash on her because she was skittish. We walked back-and-forth in the yard and she began to relax a little. The owner surrender form stated she knew the sit command. And she did sit for me and took a treat gently. With time and TLC she hesitantly came up to me. She did let me pet her but it was obvious she was not completely comfortable. Interestingly enough when a kennel tech took her back she continually looked back for me. He noticed it, too. It was obvious there was some form of bonding between us and she wanted to know that I was coming along also. She is a work in progress and another evaluation will be done when more trust is built.” Lola is #518118374 — use that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email resuces@cityofmesquite.com.
Moving along to handsome Sonic, Judi writes, “Sonic truly is looking for someone to love. He is extremely affectionate.”
 The 3-year-old, 59-pound German Shepherd mix came in as a stray (unfixed!) on January 6. Judi says, “He would explore the yard and then come back to me and then explore the yard and come back to me again. He was curious as to what was going on beyond the gate. Some customers came up to the gate and he gave them a warm welcome. He doesn’t appear to know the sit command. He also was not interested in balls or toys, but that is something you could teach him. He is  friendly, appears to be happy, a people pleaser, very calm, gentle, well mannered, sweet, and very loving. His tail wags constantly.

“At one point when I was standing he came up to me and actually pushed his body up against me just to be closer. When I sat down he came to me to have his ears scratched. … As gentle as he is he should do well with a family with children. He deserves to be an integral part of a family…” Sonic is #51824575 — use the ID when you call 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Judi writes that this guy “Wally loves life and is a joy to be around,” She says he’s a mostly black, maybe a year or two old, 52-pound Pittie mix who came in on the 5th as a stray.
“Wally literally galloped, frolicked and romped around the yard. His tail wagged constantly. He’s a very friendly, energetic, fun-loving guy. His joyful attitude is contagious. When not exploring the yard he stayed close. One of the reasons was that he knew I had treats. He’s highly motivated by treats and sits in anticipation of them. He also takes them gently. He chases balls and will even put them in his mouth but does not bring them back. … He wagged his tail when meeting other dogs. It appeared he wanted to make friends. Wally would do well with an active family with a yard to play in. However in the evenings he would love to spend his time curled up on the couch beside you …” Wally is #51818098 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Then there’s Chester, a “happy guy” who is a 4-year-old, 64-pound Staffordshire Terrier — came in as an un-neutered stray on January 2. Judi writes, “Chester will capture your heart with his easy-going, friendly, fun-loving personality. … He explored the yard but for the most part stayed close to me. He was curious and spent some time looking out the gate. He liked rolling in the leaves. It was really cute to see. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He chased balls and retrieved them. He’s very gentle, well- behaved and wants to please. He’s also very alert. He’s affectionate and at the end of the photo shoot I even got some kisses! … He didn’t appear to be interested in meeting other dogs but we always suggest if you have another dog to ask the shelter for a dog test. Because he is so gentle and does not jump on you, he should be really good with children. I can already see him in his dog bed or sprawled out on some blankets on the couch next to you while you’re enjoying family time.”
 Chester is #51785016 — yep, use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
See more Mesquite adorable adoptables by clicking on the Mesquite Shelter link HERE. That’ll take you to the online list of animals that need homes — lots of dogs, lots of cats. Some of ‘em may have “stories” but some of them may be waiting for you to help them write that great story of a happy life with an appreciative, loving human.
Among the cats and kittens and dogs and puppies, there are TNRs (Trap Neuter Returns) such as this lady cat from Ridgefield Circle — she’s #51845361 in the shelter. A small adult with a fantastic clover on her beautiful cat face, she came in on the 10th and is waiting in the Feral Room. Who knows? Maybe she’ll decide she can live with the right human. We have experience with TNRs and Ferals, too, and sometimes they turn out to be absolutely divine housecats. One became a barncat. Their futures were more than a needle and a bag. Save ‘em all, you know? Not their fault some nitwit thought a stern lecture —“I told kitty not to go out there and get pregnant” — was an effective contraceptive.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Covid and stuff….
So, yeah, I’m on my second official case of Covid. Symptoms are mild — except for the isolation booth I used to call an “office” and the bedroom that formerly was reserved for guests. It doesn’t have cable. When I crash, I’m hooked up to more wires than a carnival midway so I can watch TV on my iPad and listen to the radio on an old cellphone that still has some computer connections.
I’m taking off from now until Tuesday the 19th in an attempt to rest enough to get rid of this little bug. I’m being tended to by dogs and cats because Martha’s afraid I’m too contagious for marriage. Besides, she’s already had it. A rougher case than mine, in fact. 
Who knows where this came from? I’ve had all the shots and all the boosters you can get. And I never took an international fact-finding trip to Wuhan with U.S. Rep George Santos. I’m almost certain he’ll confirm that he never took such a trip with me. Almost certain.
—- Offer no medical or financial advice when you click on ‘Comment’ below, simply remind everyone you know to readlarrypowell.com and save all the animals. —-

DOGS AND CATS WAITING IN SHELTERS AND A SNAKE WAITS FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE...

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY JAN. 11/12, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Let’s see what’s in the ol’ mailbox today. Hang on. If you’ve got a heart — and I’m not saying there are people in the Metrosprawl who don’t have one … but — anyway, if you’ve got a heart, you’ll want to give it to a senior Rottie dog named Brewsky in Mesquite. Keep reading. 

Also, I do have a snake story in Contemplations. Yep. Not made up. 
That photo? The felines are veteran Office Cat William Powell (near) and Office Cat Apprentice Stevie Ray on the look-out in my office window for the Wednesday trash truck. If it were not for meals and treats, the trash truck’s rumbling arrival would be the high point of their day.
AND THEN ONE DAY A DOG
SHOWED UP IN THE BACK YARD…
That’s not an uncommon thing in this area of Texas. People have no problem unloading an unwanted dog by slipping it into someone else’s back yard. 
Here’s the story on Meadow from the folks at 4-Legged Helpers.
Meadow is a Labrador Retriever mix, a puppy. The bio reads that she’s in the Ferris Animal Shelter. “Meadow is the sweetest most lovable young girl puppy that ADORES everyone and everything!  Loves other dogs. All people!  Only 30 pounds and about 6-7 months old.   She is such a cuddly sweetie pie so hoping for a home.  She was found in a resident’s back yard but she did not belong to the resident!  So cute.”
To ask about adopting or rescuing Meadow or these other two dogs, Kian and Thomas (AKA Tom), call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. The Helpers, by the way, report that the Ferris Shelter also takes in animals from Hutchins. Smaller shelters frequently have infrequent visitors, so the Helpers are working to draw attention to animals in low-traffic shelters.

Kian, for example, is in the Ferris Shelter. He’s a neutered Staffordshire Terrier who “was brought to the shelter by someone no longer able to care for him. He is only 2 years old and loves other dogs (per release paperwork) and adores all people.  Already housetrained!!  He is extremely friendly and very sweet.  Please, help save him!!!!!  So lovable!  He is such a cute size, too.”
And that brings us to the handsome boy Thomas, also called “Tom.” He’s another of those dogs brought to the Ferris shelter “by someone no longer able to care for him.” The story on Thomas/Tom is he “is the most friendly, playful lovable Shepherd.  Loves girls dogs! Tom is probably short for ‘tomfoolery’ since this cutie loves to play and have fun.  He is such a fun sweetie pie. He is a gorgeous dog who absolutely adores people.”
You can follow 4-Legged Helpers on Facebook HERE
[LARRY ASIDE: Now and then they’ll work on rescuing a cat or two or a litter. You know how spay/neuter isn’t quite scoring 100 percent on the “Support Meter” in North Texas. Pass it on: Spay & Neuter saves lives. Keeps boy dogs/cats from wandering and girl dogs/cats from attracting the Romantics of The Species and delivering litters and litters of puppies and kittens born just to be unwanted and euthanized or bagged and dropped into East Texas creeks. I’m not kidding.]
TWO VANS OF ANIMALS
HEADED FROM TEXAS LAKE
TO SAFETY IN MICHIGAN
Yep, the headline captures the story. We got the tip on it from Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake -- you know this enduring group — it operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. 
Now, Sydney forwarded this appeal on behalf of the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake. And here’s the need, according to the note Sydney sent:
 “On January 17, there will be 2 vans filled with animals going to Michigan (where people actually spay/neuter their pets so there is a shortage of adoptables!!!!) from Humane Society of CCL
“They are in need of a driver/helper to do this - you will help drive the van, spend the night in Michigan, then drive back...YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FOR THESE ANIMALS NOW!!!”
To help or to get more info, email Monika Allen at mmohacsi1@gmail.com. 
Oh, and what about the photos readlarrypowell.com picked to post with this appeal? They are symbols of the need at the shelter run by Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake.
The appeal for a driver included this p.s.: The shelter “also needs fosters for puppy overload here. Can you spare 2 weeks to temporarily house some puppies?  ANOTHER CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!” Yep, email Monicka at mmohacsi1@gemail.com.
Those dogs? Available according to the shelter website. That beautiful black dog is Marlo, a large male Lab demonstrating how to tilt your head curiously. And that little guy is King, an adult Poodle/Chihuahua mix.
The cat? Why that’s Paprika! He's 3 year old and described as a “kitten trapped in an adult cat’s body! He loves his toys that crinkle and are shiny.
"He also must have been a contortionist in a past life because he's got some funky sleeping positions! He's got a fantastic purr!"
See how to adopt these and many other animals by visiting the HSCCL website HERE or call 903-432-3422.
[LARRY NOTE: ABOUT THAT JAN. 17 TRIP…I envy the person who gets to take those animals to new opportunities to have homes where they are loved and respected. These life-saving missions, from walking into a field to save a litter to jumping behind the wheel on a car or in a plane to get them to safety — that, folks, is the work of genuine Angels.]
SNOW AND THE SAD FACE,
PLUS OTHER ANIMALS
WAITING IN MESQUITE
Now and then the fact that I have a soft heart tends to float to the surface of my opaque existence in journalism. All it took today was the photo of Snow looking out of the fence at Mesquite Animal Services.
We got the story from volunteer dog bio-writer Judi Brown. “If Snow appears to be sad in the pictures it probably is because he is. He doesn’t understand why he’s at the shelter. He doesn’t know where his family is. He wandered around the yard and spent most the time exploring. After a while he began hanging around with me.

“One time when I sat down he came to me and put his head on my lap but most the time he just stayed close. I don’t think he’s had much socialization but the fact that he was staying close is indicating he wants to make friends. Do you have the time to teach this sweet boy what love is? He would blossom in a loving home. Snow weighs 53 pounds, is approx 2 years old and is not neutered. He’s calm and gentle! He did his business when he got out into the yard. He had a relatively strong pull on the leash. He sniffed the dogs that were friendly and ignored the ones that were not. Snow is very deserving. I can picture him curled up in his doggy bed at your feet while you’re watching reruns.”

Snow is #51803482 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Same system for the rest of these Mesquite animals.
THEN THERE’S BRIGHT-EYED COCO, a 2-year-old, “stocky” 63-pound Choclate Lab mix who came in as a stray on January 4. Judi writes that the “happy, enthusiastic, energetic girl …wants to be part of your family.” And, “She has a beautiful shiny coat and captivating hazel eyes. She has a very striking appearance! She’s very friendly and outgoing. She doesn’t appear to meet a stranger. Customers came to the gate and she gave them a warm welcome. She seems to be very happy and enjoyed frolicking in the yard. She occasionally jumps on you but gets down with a sharp retort. She was not interested in treats. She didn’t know the sit command but wanted to do what I was asking her to do. That indicates to me she wants to please. She was not interested in chasing balls or toys. She walked OK on a leash. She appeared to be intimidated by other dogs. With her energy level she would do well with an active family with a good-sized yard.|” Coco is #51811443.
THIS GUY IS FINN and Judi describes him as a “stunning 2-year-old Australian Shepherd mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/4 as a stray. He is bi-eyed, very soft, and weighs 42 pounds. He is not fixed. He’s on the timid side. He was cautiously friendly and nervously paced the yard for the first 10 minutes or so. With some TLC, time, and treats he warmed up to me. He then began to relax. At one point when I sat down he came up to me and put his head on my lap. He was not interested in toys or balls. He does sit for treats and takes them gently. He did his business when he got out into the yard. He walks well on a leash. He made friends with the dogs that were friendly with him and avoided the ones that were barking.” And after spending some time with Finn, Judi wrote, “I do believe he’s a happy, contented dog and will be much more so when he finds a loving home. He is sweet, gentle, and well mannered. If I were looking for a medium sized dog right now I would choose Finn. He would probably do really well with children as he is very loving.”
Finn is #51812741 at the shelter.
Dog-bio writer Debra Chisholm provided the info on Brewsky (#19734876), a “precious senior Rottweiler mix” — surrendered to the shelter on Jan. 9. Why? Debra writes, “Reason for the surrender is that the son of the owner is moving out of state and that the owner is elderly and not able to provide proper care for Brewsky. 
“The backstory is a sad one.  Brewsky was adopted from the shelter in 2013 as a pup, owned for 9 years and now is back at the shelter as a surrender.  He weighs 60 pounds, is approx 10 years old and is neutered.  Shelter staff plans to send Brewsky to the vet for a senior panel eval and an update will be sent out with the info.  
“Former owner stated the following about Brewsky--he lived both indoors and outdoors, lived with and was okay with other dogs (smaller ones), is fine with children and that he likes to take walks.  I noted that he walks well on a leash, was very interested in exploring the yard, is well-mannered, calm and gentle, sweet and sweet-natured.  He was not interested in treats, toys or balls.  He was more than happy to receive loving attention.  He spent some time at the shelter yard gate as though looking for his owner to return.”
 Use his ID number (#19734876) when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

ONE MORE HARD-LUCK STORY in Mesquite involves this girl, Nova, a Terrier mix who, Debra writes, “was abandoned by her owner and arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/2 as a stray.  Nova weighs 52 pounds, is approx 4 years old and is not spayed.  Her ribs are showing and she would undoubtedly be healthier with gaining a few more pounds.  Other than that, she appears to have been well-cared for.  
“Nova knows the sit and paw commands.  She is crazy about treats, will sit for them and takes them gently.  She has a low-key manner, is well-behaved, calm and gentle.  She was not interested in toys or balls.  Nova is a friendly girl and more than happy to receive ear rubs and petting.  She walks quite nicely on a leash and did not return the barking aimed at her by the other dogs when I led her past kennels.  Won't you please assist Nova so that her stay at the shelter will be a short one?  We are critically overcrowded and have been for some time.  Adoptions and rescues would be most welcome. We have lots of wonderful dogs--and cats!” 
Nova is #51795772 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

 See more Mesquite Shelter animals — help save ‘em all and empty the cages by clicking on the Mesquite Shelter link HERE. And this guy Duncan (#51688916) is still waiting in the shelter. He came in on December 12 — the orange-and-white Domestic Shorthair Mix with the vibrant cat coat is a smallish boy . You can find him in the Conference Room at the Mesquite Shelter. Looks like he knows how to use a gavel and is a patient listener during “conferences.”
CONTEMPLATIONS
WHAT I SAW AT A RED LIGHT
I have several really lousy photos of this event — none vivid enough to try to reproduce. For that I apologize. 
I’d pulled up to a red light near 820 and I-30 on the east side of Fort Worth. At first glance I thought a guy was throwing some trash out of the driver’s window of the SUV in the lane to my right. But, then, I realized what artfully scaled green and black object had been shoved partially out the window and was trying to go back in. This was NOT TRASH. 
The guy was dangling a yard-long (at least) boa constrictor halfway out the window, letting it flop against the door while trying to either escape or get back into the vehicle with the nitwit at the wheel. The light changed and the guy drove off, slowly pulling the snake almost back into the cab. The poor reptile, dangling and bouncing on the outside of the door, was simply the victim of foolish human behavior. 
I didn’t get a license number. I was too busy shooting six lousy photographs and wondering what the heck was wrong with that guy. I suspect the snake was wondering the same thing.
—- Offer snake safety rules or snake ownership constrictive restrictions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

FOR A WEDNESDAY EDITION, WE LOOK AT DOGS, CATS AND FOG FEET....

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Holy smokin’ hickory nuts! Can we already be rolling wide-open on the highway of double-digit days in January 2023?
Of course, I watched that TCU/Georgia game — that thing slowed down the pace of time in our house — seemed to last an agonizing day and a half. Still, it wasn’t as awful as that last Dallas Cowboys game against Washington. OK, move along and we’ll get to politics in Contemplations.
FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY
STILL WAITING FOR HELP
We checked in with our East Texas connection Gail Whelan of the Companion Animal Network and she reports that these three dogs — Faith (top right), Hope (left)  and Charity — are still waiting for rescue or adoption in Wood County, Texas.
They are, according to the note we posted back at the end of the year, “sitting in an outside pen at the Sheriff’s Office in wood County. There is no shelter here…..”
And the contact to offer to help these dogs is Barbara Wax at bjandk15@gmail.com. And in the words of Gail: “Still trying.”
No idea how they got into this fix, but we do know that humans are the solution to getting out of it!
THIS DOG BRADY
IS A WAITING SYMBOL
(AND SO IS MAX)
Yeah, he’s waiting to be adopted and he’s a symbol of dogs that wind up in small shelters that have very little foot traffic. He could be anybody's, but anybody will have to know that he's available -- and if there's no foot-traffic or nobody clicking on a website, well, the dog sits and waits and, suddenly, one day, it's curtains.
We learned about Brady (and other dogs and cats) from 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on small shelters with more animals than visitors.
 And the photo of this guy Brady is so darned cute that I just couldn’t resist posting it again as I remind rescuers and adoptors that you can see him and many other animals and how to help them by clicking on THIS LINK TO 4-LEGGED HELPERS’ FACEBOOK PAGE.
You probably already knew that but in case you want to ask about Max, the smiling dog who was found roaming around and has had nobody contact the shelter in Ferris to get him back, here's the info: To ask about any animal 4-Legged Helpers is trying to save, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com
[LARRY ASIDE: One of these might be the right dog you’ll need to make your days and nights extraordinarily happy. That’s the way dogs work, you know.]
AND, THEN, MESQUITE HAS
A ‘PRECIOUS GIRL ‘GINGER’
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL, EH?
These bios came to us from Mesquite Volunteer Dog Profiler Debra Chisholm. Remember, use the animals’ numbers to help ID them when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

First up is #51795169 and Debra writes, “I have named this delightfully precious girl Ginger.  She is a mixed breed who arrived on 1/2 at the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray.  Ginger weighs 37 pounds, is approx 2 years old and is not spayed.  She walks nicely on a leash and did not react to the dogs who barked at her as she walked by.  She knows the sit command, is mild-mannered, well-behaved, calm and gentle.  She loves and takes treats gently.  Ginger is friendly, has a sweet nature and is more than willing to receive loving attention.  She does not appear interested in toys or balls.  Her focus seemed mostly to be on receiving treats and staying close by a human friend.  She will look at you with her beautiful brown soulful eyes and you will know you are in love!” [LARRY ASIDE: Thought oughta be enough of a recommendation.]  Back to the bio: “Ginger does a fair amount of barking in her crate, but when she is out she is content and happy.  Please help Ginger out of the shelter by networking or tagging at rescues@cityofmesquite.com." Remember to type in the ID #51795169 in the subject line. Call the shelter at 972-216-6283.
Debra also tells us about Candy, this “Terrier mix pup that was picked up as a stray by a police officer and taken to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/5.  Candy weighs 33 pounds, is approx 10 months old and is not spayed.  She has tons of bright-eyed personality, is charming and playful.  She is a frisky and spunky pup who doesn't jump on you.  She is friendly and especially affectionate. She tried to climb into my lap in order to get closer to her new friend.  She loved leaning against my leg and enjoying ear rubs, pets and cuddles.  She walks quite nicely on a leash and was not unfriendly toward other dogs--even those barking at her.  She knows the sit command.  Candy is crazy about treats, will sit for them and takes them gently.  She would seem the perfect dog for an active person or family who would commit to give her daily enrichment, playtime, walks and the training every puppy needs in order to fit into his or her household nicely.” Remember, use her ID #51814434 when you contact the shelter.
And Gulliver is “a Malinois youngster that was abandoned and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 10/12.”
[LARRY TIME-OUT: Imagine that! In the shelter since October 12. That’s a quarter of the year for a very social dog. How is that good for him? Aside from the fact that Mesquite’s personnel work to help the dogs feel loved.]
Debra writes that Gulliver is about a year-and-a-half old, weighs 59 pounds and is neutered. Also, he “is good on a leash and when led past kennel after kennel of barking dogs, he didn't blink an eye!  He knows the sit command.  Gulliver has an outgoing and confident personality.  Nothing timid, shy, fearful or nervous about Gulliver!  He is athletic and climbed on our yard play equipment.  He will jump on you.  That would be one of the first things to work on with Gulliver.  He is high-spirited and will need a person or family who will be committed to training, play time, exercise and of course allow him to be an inside dog. He is lively, active, playful and likes toys and balls.  He chases and will return tennis balls...sometimes.  He is friendly and is more than delighted to receive loving attention.”
 He’s #51176664. Use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
 You can review these biographies and see many more when you click on the Mesquite Shelter link HERE.
Dogs, cats, puppies & kittens. Among the many animals is #51804267, a 2-month-and-4 days old Domestic Shorthair mix. She’s gray with black highlights and is small right now. She came into the shelter on January 3. [LARRY ASIDE: Based on my experience with cats, this one has everything a human needs to enjoy a warm and loving relationship with a feline whose eyes look right into your soul!] Where is she? At the shelter, she’s in the nursery. Ask for her by number, #51804267.
CONTEMPLATIONS
MODERN CHALLENGES
“Had to change the battery on my fob.” There’s yet another sentence I thought I’d never read or write. Like, “I am wearing a mask as I type this” — I had a decades-long career writing columns for newspapers — it’s not the first time I thought I oughta wear a mask and protect the people. I’ll post this mugshot of Porche Noel, instead. She’s more adorable.
…God bless the TCU Horned Frogs for demonstrating how sportsmanship can survive an awful experience. Politicians could learn from that game. If Political Referees existed in the U.S., the air in our cities would be thick with yellow flags. Every now and then some campaign manager would throw in a red protest flag and demand a review. …
So, yeah, I tested positive again for Covid Tuesday morning — that’s after more than a week without testing positive for the microscopic 21st Century curse. My theory: Let my doctor handle the philosophy and treatment and I’ll concentrate on getting in shape for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. My event is Pole Vaulting, so I’ll need to lose some weight. Always embarrassing when the pole snaps and the crowd applauds. Wait, I may be having fever — I’ve never once considered Pole Vaulting as a sport that matched my athletic talents. In fact, I’m not sure there is a sport that’ll match my athletic talents -- of which, I am not sure I have. The uniforms are always too tight. Musical ribbons maybe — if they’ll let me wear fluffy pajamas and my typing mask. No photos exist of my rehearsal sessions but that is my Ribbon Dance Coach William Powell telling me to be more cat-like with my dance steps. "You don't creep in on little cat  feet," he yowled at me and added, "You know, like poet Carl Sandburg wrote in Fog around 1916." Of course, that was just after I was born and I couldn't read yet. Wait. I need to check that date -- where'd I pack my birth certificate? Is it still on Mars? Some fever, eh? Symptoms annoy me. Make my dance ribbons slimy when I sneeze.
—- Offer tips or doubts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put LAY OFF THE CHOCOLATE, RIBBONDANCER in the subject line. —-

A COWBOYS PLAN; COCOA'S NEEDS; ASH AND BROWNIE AND A CAT; CORINNE CONTEMPLATION?

EXTRA EDITION OF MONDAY, JAN. 9, 2022 [PetPowellPress] I was whining to my funspouse Martha between Christmas and New Year’s Day that I’d never quite gotten involved with the holidays this year.
But this morning — on January 9 — I have awakened with a genuine holiday spirit! Why? Because the Dallas Cowboys showed me, once again, that the “Spirit of Giving” can last longer than the holidays on the calendar, i.e., Washington 26, Dallas 6. We have a solution in Contemplations. But first, get a look at this dog!
COCOA — WHAT A DISTINCT
FACE ’N’ FIGURE!!!
OK, before she left for work this morning I showed this dog’s photos to my animalnutspouse Martha. She fell in love. Then, she chained my ankle to my desk chair and told me not to leave the house. Yeah, if we both hadn’t hit the limit on critters for our casa, we’d have a new dog named Cocoa.
 She really needs a home really now. (Bad sentence construction but you get the point.)
Our pal, the stellar photographer and barkleyworld.com founder Karen Lee (with hubby Dennis), tipped us to the Cocoa situation. She got the appeal from Steffenie Vela at Trinity GAP Rescue which supports the City of Euless Animal Shelter. Here’s the situation via Steffenie’s note:
 “We are begging for a foster for Cocoa!  This baby has been in a holiday foster, and is headed back to the shelter which is full!  
“She is a spayed female who is best as an only dog or with a dog who is older and laid back. 
“She is absolutely adorable and…is around 3 to 4 years old and weighs less than 40 pounds! She is a total sweetheart with all people.”

On the Trinity Gap Rescue site trinitygaprescue.org, you’ll see that Cocoa is described as an American Bully/English Bully mix. 
Steffenie’s note reads, “We have had no luck with this sweet baby within our group, so we all need to share with anyone you know. Will you help us?  She only has a couple of days, and we are running out of time. For more information, please email Wendee@sterlingtile.net."
Wendee told us that Cocoa appears to have “had a few litters in the past. She’s spayed now but unfortunately has heartworms and needs to be treated. She’s in a holiday foster home but they are getting a new dog this week and Cocoa doesn’t like the new dog with all his energy. She’s picky about her dog friends and is currently living with an old dog who doesn’t interact a lot with her. She does well with children and is in a foster home with them. Everyone at Gap loves her and thinks she has a darling personality.”
MEANWHILE, A NOTE
FROM OUT AT THE LAKE
As you may know, the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake non-profit operates (so to speak) the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. 
That’s on Tuesdays.
Coming up at the clinic from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday the 14th? Ah, our reliable Friends source Sidney Busch reports that the clinic will host a no-appointment-necessary session of “affordable vaccinations, heartworm testing, microchipping, more!” Sort of a clinic for people to dot the I’s and cross the t’s on their critters. Critters, by the way, has one i and two t’s. [LARRY ASIDE: And I’ve had two cups of coffee on a Monday morning or I’d never have written those last two sentences.]

If you have questions about the Saturday event, call the Friends at either 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701. Visit friendsoftheanimals.org.
TWO DOGS INSPIRE
FOLLOWUP REPORTS
Ah, here are a couple of dogs who simply need the right humans to click on their stories and get involved.
One of the right persons involved at this point is their biographer, Judi Brown, the volunteer dog-writer at Mesquite Animal Services. 
Ash is this dog (#51509164) — use that ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityof mesquite.com.
Judi wrote, “I’m sending out Ash again. He’s a shelter favorite because of his many, many sterling qualities. He is a 7-year-old, 40-pound Bulldog/Terrier Pit mix that arrived at the Mesquite Shelter 11/10 as a stray. He came in with his father Linus. Fortunately for Linus, he has been rescued. Unfortunately for Ash he has not but deserves to be!!!”
And Judi also notes, “You could tell by the calluses on his elbows that he has spent most of his life on concrete. He’s had a hard life. And now he’s been at the shelter for two months and getting passed by. And yet he’s maintaining an upbeat, positive attitude. He’s obviously forgiven the people that originally did not treat him like he deserved to be treated. I think the main thing I could say about Ash is that he’s extremely affectionate and loving. He gives kisses. His tail wags all the time. He’s a lapdog wannabe…..”

There’s more from Judi based on her evaluation of Ash: “He is sweet, well- mannered, easy-going and just wants to love on you and to be loved on. He would be a snuggle bug.” He’s a sit-for-treats dog who “occasionally chases tennis balls but doesn’t retrieve them. He walks well on a leash. …He wagged his tail when meeting other dogs. He’s one of the sweetest dogs at the shelter.”
Again, cite his ID #51509164 when you call the shelter at 972-216=6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Same system for this other dog Judi is concerned about. This fellow Brownie [51515042]. Brownie’s clearly a cheerful Earhound.
Judi writes that she’s re-posting Brownie “because he’s so so deserving! I don’t understand why he’s being passed over. Not only is he adorable but he’s got a winning personality! Brownie is a 1-year-old, 51-pound terrier Pit with standup ears and captivating hazel eyes. He came in as a stray on 11/11. He is fixed.”

And, she says, “He is a solid athletic guy with a stocky frame. He’s relatively low to the ground. He also has a zest for life. He’s very playful. He thinks the world is his playground. He loves to chase balls and brings them back to you. If you don’t pay attention to him he will either entertain himself or push the balls up against you enticing you to play with him. He’s a lot of fun! While he would choose to spend most of his time cuddling inside with his new family he would do well with a good-sized yard. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He definitely wants to please! … He wanted to play with the other dogs that he passed by. However if you do have another dog we do suggest you ask the shelter staff for a dog test. Please come meet Brownie. You will fall in love with him as I did. He would like to be an integral part of your family. He told me he would even watch the Cowboy games with you.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Now, that is a dog who knows how to comfort a human.]
See more dogs and cats at the Mesquite Animal Shelter by clicking HERE.
Among the animals are many cats and they’re not all cuddly — yet. I don’t know the cuddly nature of this cat, but she does have quite a set of eyes and a dramatic cat coat. She’s listed as “3600 Emerald” and #51824590. She’s a Domestic Shorthair Mix — no idea on her age, but she’s small and black and orange. Plus, she’s fresh to the shelter — came in on January 6 (from a street named Emerald, is my theory). The thing is, she’s currently in the Feral Room at Mesquite. You never know “how feral” feral actually is. As I’m typing this, I have a formerly feral kitten sitting on my desk and serving as office cat, William Powell. He adores being hugged and snuggled. Could be that 3500 Emerald simply needs to understand that humans adore her darling catness.
CONTEMPLATIONS
WEATHER, WASHINGTON, WETC.
Yep, the three Ws of a Wonday, er, Monday. Sorry. I meant ETC. NOT WETC. The weather is beautiful in our part of Texas today. I’m not sure about the traffic. Bless all you drivers and respect the lanes. ….
Holy smoke, how in the name of Tom Landry could the Dallas Cowboys cough up a hairball like that game on Sunday? Let’s look to the future. This team is about to have a playoff game. A SUGGESTION for those of us prepared to “wait ’til next year.” Is it possible that the Cowboys could swap that playoff spot to the Green Bay Packers so the NFL could promote a Legends Playoff game — Tampa Bay & Tom Brady vs. Green Bay & Aaron Rodgers. The Battle of the Bays — and in exchange, the Dallas franchise would get two first-round draft choices and, for the 2023 season, be spotted two victories before the season begins. A 2 and 0 start. Sounds fair, right?
D.C. DISCLOSURE: The marrow of my soul always reacts poorly to a Cowboys loss to Washington even though my hometown, Texarkana, Texas, has a rock-solid link to the (using my Tom Landry accent) “Warshin’tun” franchise. 
FYI: As you may know, the franchise was in Boston until 1937 when founder/owner George Preston Marshall moved it to Warshin’tun and revamped everything from uniforms and team name to songs. 
Marshall’s wife, film star/writer/real estate investor Corinne Griffith wrote the lyrics to the first team fight song, Hail to the …. well, the name has been changed. Corinne, known as “The Orchid Lady of the Screen,” was the granddaughter of an early 3-time mayor of Texarkana, Antonio Ghio. Ever see that Jackie Gleason movie Papa’s Delicate Condition? Yep, that’s Corinne’s story of her grandfather.
One more fight song story? When the NFL was considering expanding to Dallas (before the birth of the Cowboys) — this is documented by many sportswriters and historians — potential Big D franchise owner Clint Murchison bought the rights to “Hail To The Redskins” (apologies for using the whole name) and used owning the rights to the song as a bargaining point to get the Washington owner Marshall to drop opposition to Dallas getting a team. And we all saw the result on Sunday — 26-6, Commanders.
Ah, it’s a Monday. A day for contemplating.
—- Offer clear-minded tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE COWBOYS? in the subject line. —-

DOGS, CATS, PEOPLE, PEACE NOW, FRAYED JEANS, MUSIC FOR THE WORLD...

EDITION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to Monday’s edition and “Go Frogs” — those of you who pay no attention to higher education and football, feel free to ask for help in understanding that opening cheer. 

That’s my cat Stevie Ray lounging in anticipation of quietly snoozing while a Dallas Cowboys football game is broadcast in the house on this lovely Sunday afternoon. He also asks, “Does this rocker make me look wide?” Yes, it does. He’s just like his human -- a young, slim cat. [Oops! Slipped in a fictional description of the human].
Now, let’s help some animals and the people who are trying to help them. Show of hands before we move along: Anybody else miss the early ‘70s and the fresh and lively music? How about this: Look on your bookshelves: Got a paperback copy of Rod McKuen’s Listen to the Warm? And are you still fraying the cuffs on your jeans?
INFORMATION ABOUT A KITTEN WHO
DOESN’T COME WITH THOSE TOES
OK, I’m just kidding about the human toes. I don’t even know whose toes they are. But this cat seemed to find comfort with them.
What I do know is the cat needs not only a name, but a home. “Handsome” might work. Or “Footsie.” 
The info came from our longtime pal and tipster Sidney Busch, the essential voice of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, operators, so to speak, of the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. 
The subject line on Sydney’s e-mail read, “This neutered kitty needs a new forever home, please.” [LARRY ASIDE: If we hadn’t already hit the household limit on cats, the polite “please” would have earned this guy a spot at readlarrypowell.com. Our goal, thus, is to help Sidney find a home for him.]
The appeal reads, “This beautiful 3-year-old kitty is neutered, vaccinated and ready for his new family and adventure. Can you make room for him?” Sydney asked, then added, “I’m the contact, so let me know.”
Ask about this cat by emailing sydney@friendsoftheanimals.org or call 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701.
AN EARHOUND WHO KISSES,
A SHEPHERD MIX WHO HIDES…

Pretty cute photo of Andie the German Shepherd mix peering out from beneath a shelter ramp. Here’s the heartbreak: It was a defensive pose, as you’ll see.
Judi says Andy (#51788146) is a year-old, 49-pound girl who came in as a stray on December 30. Judi writes, “Andie wants so badly to make friends but needs TLC and time to build trust. … There was a notation on the kennel card that she was abandoned. She is spayed. I kept the leash on her because she was skittish. When the kennel tech went to get her she cowered at the back of her cage but did come out willingly. When she first got out in the yard she was literally shaking. She found comfort hiding under a shelter ramp (see the fourth picture). I walked her back-and- forth in the yard and this seemed to help her relax and get comfortable with me. When left on her own she spent time exploring the yard. Given time however she started coming to me for brief periods of time and would even physically bump against me! At the end of the session when I sat down she even came to me! However I still consider her a work in progress. She’s very sweet, gentle, and well mannered. … She did her business as soon as she got out into the yard and she had kept her kennel clean. It was a apparent she had held it for some time. She was intimidated by the other dogs. I did not see any negative reactions to them. When walked through the bay she was hesitant on the leash, but when I walked her out in the yard she walked very well.  If you are patient and willing to spend time with Andie to help her build trust please come meet her.
As is the system at Mesquite, use the animal’s ID to help cite the right critter when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

The official listing for this guy is “Australian Cattle Dog/Retriever” but as you can see, Joey is clearly an Earhound. That is a championship set of ears oin this year old fellow. We got the time on him from Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown. Joey is #517893859. Judi’s report says Joey is a year-old, 48-pound fellow who came in on Jan. 2 as an un-neutered stray. She writes, “He’s a handsome guy with outstanding markings. He has a wonderful easy-going personality. He’s gentle, calm, friendly, sweet-natured and loving. And he occasionally gives kisses!! He sits for treats and takes them gently. He chases balls and retrieves them when he wants to. He does occasionally jump on you but then remember he’s only one year old. … He walks very well a leash. He ignored the other dogs that he went by in the bay, even the ones that were barking at him. I did not notice any aggression. If you’re looking for a loyal companion and a good all-around family dog please come meet Joey.”
That girl Lark is listed at a 3-year-old, 52-pound “white/blue Terrier Pit” at Mesquite. She’s #50951798. And Judi writes, “Lark needs you and she needs you now. She has been so patient. … [she] arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter way back on 8/22. She has had a rough life in that she was abandoned in her home. She had recently had puppies and obviously they took them but left her behind.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Not to get personal, but I’d like to knock the snot out of the person who made the decision to leave this dog behind and alone. I wouldn’t, but I’d really like to. Feel free to remember peacefulness is the right way and by “right” in this case I mean moral.] 

Judi says Lark “wants so much to have a loving home.” Her shelter ID is #50951798.
”She’s got so much love to give you,” Judi says. “She’s a tail-wagging friendly, sweet, loving, playful girl that would make a loyal companion. She likes to chase and play with stuffed toys. She gives kisses. She sits for treats. She walks OK on a leash. She wants to please. … Walking out to the yard she ignored the other dogs. Previously she had also ignored other dogs. However on the way back to her kennel she got aggravated with another dog that was barking at her. For this reason we suggest if you have another dog you ask the shelter staff for a dog test. Lark is spayed. To show how much I love this girl I am pledging $100 in the form of a check to a 501(c)3 that will rescue her. Private message judibrown321@yahoo.com."
Judi is making the same pledge for this girl Sky (#47628853). And Judi, the veteran dog-writer/canine evaluator, writes, “Look at this sweet face. Look into these imploring eyes. If Sky could talk she would say, ‘I’ve been so patient and I don’t understand why I’m being passed over. I try to greet everyone at my window. I try to let everyone know that I’m very loving and would make a very good companion!’
Year-and-a-half-old, 60-pound Pittie mix Sky came to the shelter on August 31. That’s more than 4 months of waiting at the shelter. Judi writes, “She’s already spayed so is ready to go home with you. All she wants in life is a friend and some loving attention and in return she will give you devotion and attention. She stays close. She looks up at you with imploring, loving eyes. She’s overjoyed just to get to spend time with you. She sits for treats. She’s highly motivated by treats and sits in anticipation of them. She walks OK on a leash. She does her business as soon as she gets in the yard. She was not interested in meeting other dogs and did not show any aggression.” And Judi’s offering that pledge to get this girl into a safe, loving home.
Remember, use the ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
And, as you know, Mequite’s shelter also has an abundance of not just dogs but also of cats and kittens. I cite this cat Esme.

[LARRY FYI: I chose to spotlight this wonderful Esme because she has the same name as our readlarrypowell.com cat. Our wonderful Esme is a Tabby/Torbie -- Martha says -- with fantastic colors in her coat — that's her lounging in one of her baskets. We’ve had Esme since 2012 when she arrived as a front porch feral kitten. She loves being petted and held.] 
That may be the case with Mesquite’s Esme [#51780883] if the right loving humans give her the wonderfully loving home all cats should have. This available adorable is a year-old, medium-sized “Black/Red” Domestic Shorthair Mix. She arrived on December 29 and you can find her waiting in the Mesquite Shelter Cat Room. See more Mesquite cats and dogs and puppies and kittens by clicking on this SHELTER LINK.

CONTEMPLATIONS
GRIPES, POETRY AND PEACE?
Which is more irritating? The constant Winston cigarette commercials in the ‘60s, the constant rebuild-your-shower documentary/commercials in 2022-23 or the never-ending all-parts-of-the-body-odor commercials of 2022-23? Those commercials will make you switch to advert-free cable quicker than a rattlesnake on a sidewalk’ll change your direction. … 

Consider this from Rod McKuen in Listen To The Warm: “
I'm not the first man or the last
who had a thirst to leave the past.” …
Sorry, didn’t mean to harsh your mellow. Quick. Somebody pull me out of this time machine and hit the return-to-sender button. Is this the ‘70s and am I jonesin’ for a Tab? Nope, I’m thinking of this song from the early ‘70s and the lost mission of our peaceful brothers and sisters. Not sure if this song was allowed inside the Soviet Union of those days or Russia in these days. Ignore the ads when you hear the great voices of The Seekers WHEN YOU CLICK HERE.
— Offer PEACE AND POETRY tips by clicking on ‘COMMENT’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put IT’S 2023, SILLY GEEZER! in the subject line. —-

LOOK! UP IN THE SKY! DOES THAT LOOK GREEN TO YOU? AND CATS WHO LIVE THE GOOD LIFE

Perhaps you've seen the news stories lately about a green-glowing comet that is making a return visit to the general vicinity of our Solar System this weekend. Go ahead and google it if you need confirmation.
This comet may actually be visible from Texas and, of course, other parts of the planet that are famous throughout the universe.
 Not that Texas is a destination for this space traveler that, the scientists say, has been sailing its own orbit since our planet's Stone Age -- at least. That was right before Dallas lost its joint bid for (a) hosting the first World Cup Soccer Tournament and (b) earning designation as Garden of Eden II -- constant road construction wrecked that idea. I may be making up some of that history.
The whole point of this is to explain the behavior of that black and white cat for this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
Regular readers will recognize Stevie Ray Treeboy, the fellow I plucked off of a flimsy Oak Cliff mimosa limb in 2021. He is our former Apprentice Office Cat. Turns out he's weak on following projects to the end. But, yes, he has grown up from his initial discovery as "yowling kitten." 

That second cat -- the one curled up on my pillow -- is Hastings Streetboy, plucked out of the middle of a Duncanville street on Oct. 4, 2021. His eyes were all yucky, he didn't have much hair, he was starving and, it turns out, an exceptional carrier of ringworm. 

Hastings has become quite the fluffy fellow and he likes to read so he sacks out on my pillow near the built-in bedroom bookcase.

Stevie Ray may have been dreaming when I disturbed his nap, but the TV was on and there was a story about the comet and I could swear I heard Stevie Ray saying, "My people are coming back for me" as his eyes glowed a color known as "intergalactic green." I think you can get that color on some models of the newer Ford Escape.

In lieu of a more rational explanation for their presence in the human sleeping quarters, I can only suggest that these two "felinetellectuals" -- scientific designation, I believe -- enjoy the company of fictional books and volumes of research. They laugh at cartoons in The New Yorker and, sometimes, claim to understand every poem The New Yorker publishes.

How smart are they? We'll, they watch cable TV free, they sleep in a heated or air-conditioned home, whichever they need at the time, and they have someone who brings their food to them two times or more each day, seven days a week. And, of course, they like to sleep in the company of books and pillows and they'll wake up immediately at the rustle of a cat treat bag.
Plus, these two appear to have adopted me as one of their own. So, if I am not here after that green-glowing comet leaves our space neighborhood, you'll know where I've gone off to, all fed up with failing to win Lotto Texas and heading toward the Andromeda Galaxy with a pocketful of U.S spacecash and a good attitude..
[DEAR SPACE READERS: Please send us photos of your slumbering spacebeasts or household Galacticats or Universidogs to dallrp@aol.com and we'll proudly post them and their fascinating stories in our weekly edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Remember, spay and neuter and save 'em all are two goals throughout the universe, except some Zip Codes in Texas, apparently.]
--- Offer earthtips or peaceful planet ideas by clicking on 'Comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put "SPACE CADET" in the subject line. . ---

FRIDAY MORNING EXTRA EDITION: A Husky Mom & Pups get rescue help; a "tripod" in Mesquite waits; A wandering mind...

EXTRA EDITION OF FRIDAY, JAN. 6, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Our overnight mail reveals some challenging cases in the animal kingdom. Let’s get right into these stories.
ANOTHER MOM DELIVERS
A BIG LITTER FOR 2023
In our earlier edition, we reported on the needs of a Momma Dog who was waiting for help with her 17 puppies — scroll down and check that out (Apollo Support & Rescue for Abandoned Dogs is caring for them now.)

Then, in the overnight mail we got an note about this dog Layla and before we could even get it “in print,” Carrollton Animal Services had managed to find a solution.
The original tip came from our pal Karen Lee, founder of animal/animal people-helping barkleyworld.com and longtime supporter of Trinity GAP Rescue of Euless, one of the groups looking for a great foster to help with Layla.
Karen told us about Layla, a new mommy Husky who was in the Carrollton Animal Shelter with the 9 babies that had been born a week ago. When she and the pups came into the shelter, so did the daddy — like Mommy, he, too, is a Husky.

 Vanessa Johnson, the Senior Animal Care Specialist at Carrollton, had been hunting for a foster to take care of mom and the babies. And this morning Vanessa told us that Mom and the babies are now in the care of Texas Husky Rescue  and that “ they are willing to take Dad if we can’t get him adopted but we will try to get him adopted out.” [LARRY ASIDE: I included the Texas Husky Rescue link in that sentence because, maybe, a reader will want to help with that litter’s vet care and puppy food or, maybe, adopt. On some days, I’m an actual optimist when it comes to human behavior! Other days, not so much.]
The original note from the shelter read that Layla “was recently surrendered to us by her owners with her 9 pups, and dad (who is also a purebred Husky.) She is a sweet girl who allows us to handle her pups. She walks well on leash, is house trained and has never met a stranger. She is around 51 pounds and is taking great care of the pups."
The shelter isn’t empty even though a mom and 9 pups were claimed. There are more available adorables. You can see them and how to adopt them HERE.
There are several Husky mixes listed among the shelter’s “availables” and lots of cats, too, including this 3-year-old orange fellow known as Catserole (#51785513). First cat we’ve ever encountered named “Catserole.” 
He came in on December 30 and is in the “New Arrival” stage in the shelter’s Cat Room. His ear has been tipped, so he clearly has a history. His bio says “Staff are working with me to determine my availability status.” Bless his heart and keep him happy and safe. Everybody root for Catserole!
A DOG NAMED HANSON
LIVING UP TO THE CHALLENGE
This handsome guy is Hanson, #51796122, a Pittie Mix. And our tipster, Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog-writer Debra Chisholm writes that Hanson “was brought to the Mesquite Shelter on January 2 and abandoned.”
He is rescue only. And why is that? Because the year-old, not neutered, 50-pound pup has a “deformity with the right front leg.” 
Debra's report reads, “He moves about by necessity like a tripod and it does not seem to bother or slow him down. He is kenneled in the office of our shelter manager and she reports the following:  He has a medium energy level.  He enjoys walks but tires and stops to rest.  Hanson appears to be in good health overall and seems to have been well cared for.  He is house-trained.  He is friendly and affectionate, loves to cuddle and wants to be on your lap.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Sounds like “good dog” to me.]
The shelter manager also reports that, Debra writes, Hanson “is resource protective.  He was tested with another dog and they both did fine with one another.  I noted that he walks well on a leash, knows the sit command, and when led past dogs in kennels who were barking at him, he was intimidated.  In the yard he was very focused on exploring and interested in all the smells.  He is a tail-wagging friendly fellow and tried to climb in my lap to give me kisses.  He is more than happy to be close and to receive loving attention.” [LARRY ASIDE: Again, sounds like GOOD DOG!]
Remember, use his ID #51796122 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmes- quite.com.
See more Mesquite animals, including cats, at THIS SHELTER LINK. You’ll find not just puppies and dogs, but kittens and grown-up cats, too. For example, this beauty —- look at that great “M” between those beautiful eyes! — is Egypt (#51109503). She’s 3 years and 4 months old, a small grey-and-white Domestic Shorthair mix who came in ages ago — way back on September 13. You can find her waiting for a good cat person in the Cat Room at the shelter.
CONTEMPLATIONS
WANDERING OF THE UNFETTERED MIND
Already the first work-week of 2023 is reaching an end. I’ve got to attend some kind of class that teaches me how to be more productive in two hours of typing and research. But I’ve needed that since the early 1960s when I decided I really enjoyed writing essays and term themes. Do students still write “term themes”? Is there a way to reign-in a wandering mind? The age-old question of a spotty academic career. …
Here’s a George Lucas — you’ve heard of him, right? — quote: “ I’m not much of a math and science guy. I spent most of my time in school daydreaming and managed to turn it into a living.” And there’s this from comic Steven Wright: “I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering.” Yeah, I think a lot of comics are philosophers. …
Got through Christmas and now comes, in order, my twin sons’ birthday, Martha’s birthday and Groundhog Day, then Valentine’s Day. I’ll be buying Hopeful Lotto Texas Tickets as these two months proceed. I’m daydreaming about winning Lotto Texas. If I do, we’re going to have one heckuva Groundhog Day.
—- Offer tips on life by clicking on ‘Comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put CONTAINS LUCKY NUMBERS in the subject line. —-

ODD POLITICAL NOTE; EXTRAORDINARY DELIVERY; ASSORTED CONTEMPLATIONS...

EDITION OF THURSDAY PM/FRIDAY AM JANUARY 5-6, 2023 [PetPowellPress] We are preparing the campaign to run my dog Porche Noel for Speaker of the U.S. House. This is all being readied just in case the House goes through another spell of disagreement on the Speaker vote — as this is being written, the 9th unsuccessful vote is headed into history.
Porche’s campaign slogan is “THIS ONE’S HOUSE- TRAINED.” She’s diplomatic at feeding time and she knows how to work with cats from the other side of the house. 
Also, she believes that what’s good for America is, indeed, a working, thoughtful Legislature. She’s also never seen a unicorn.

Porche is intellectually non-partisan, enjoys revitalizing naps and is spayed — and that puts her at least one step ahead of anyone else in the U.S. Congress -- both Houses. 
She also has no bank account on any continent or island.

As you may suspect, Porche, burning the midnight oil in that photo to the right, studied political responsibility under our late cat, The Senator.
Urge your U.S. Representative to embrace Porche Noel as the next Speaker of the U.S. House. As Porche gleefully barks to the other dogs when dashing out the back door and into the yard: “Let’s start a movement!”
[LARRY ASIDE: If you can submit a more dependable personality for the position of speaker, let us know. If someone should actually win the speakership after this is posted, please continue to support Porche for her next campaign. We’re shopping for that. She’s not interested in Secretary of Airplanes. Pretty sure there isn’t one. Yet. Eleven months ’til Christmas — anything can happen.]
PUPPY SEASON CLEARLY
ARRIVES IN NORTH TEXAS
We got the astonishing news on this amazing multiple-birth story from our tipster Tami Kukla, the veteran rescuer and advocate. She cited the work of Danielle Marni Stewart and Apollo Support & Rescue for Abandoned Dogs. Yep, the photos are hints of what got Apollo involved. 
Tami;s report is the organization “saved a momma Pit out of Tri City Animal Shelter and she delivered ...." Well, read on!
Danielle wrote that there is a wishlist on the organization’s Facebook page HERE.
And the story there reads, “On December 30, Tri-City Shelter reached out to us saying they had a pregnant mom about to give birth, and they were closed with minimum help through New Years. So, we found a foster, and when we picked her up… MAN WAS SHE HUGE!!!
“We joked that there must be 20 puppies, but never did we think there were almost 20 puppies for real! This sweet pittie gave birth yesterday [Jan. 4] to 17 puppies. YES, 17. One puppy passed away soon after it was born. Please help us shower this new little family with the supplies they need!” Here is that LINK
That’ll show you some stuff to help the organization help the animals. 

The contact points for Apollo are phone 817-658-9738, email inquire@apollosiupportandrescue.org or click on apollosupportandrescue.org.
Quite possibly the next big challenge is helping Momma name her babies. Probably no traditional dog name is ruled out. Maybe they’ll go with a theme. Might take use of two or three themes to give monikers to 17 puppies. Momma, I guess, might just keep her name.
[LARRY ASIDE: And while this is a story of staggering success, it also is a vivid lesson in what can happen if people don’t spay and neuter their animals. That Momma dodged total tragedy: She is blessed to have found her way into Tri-City Shelter. This is a multiple-birth family that was fortunate enough to encounter life-savers. These were not the people who’d just dump Mom in the woods or roll her out of the car in the middle of an interstate highway. Some people are a disgusting combination of stupid and mean.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE MOON, THE FAHR, AND HISTORY
Thanks to the folks at The Old Farmers Almanac, we can learn that the big moon overhead about 5:09 p.m. CST Friday is known as the Wolf Moon. The Almanac’s experts write that this is not a “Supermoon” but a “micromoon.” To borrow from a Sesame Street skit I once saw, I’ll report that “it is not NEAR, it is FAR.” This full moon, unlike a giant Supermoon, is at its “farthest point from Earth (not the nearest point),” the Almanac says. My limited astronomical education does not allow me to tell you when you can next view the Fox Moon, Coyote Moon or Batmoon. …

In Wednesday’s edition of my favorite Northeast Texas newspaper, The Texarkana Gazette, I saw a headline about a “Tar fire” at a business and, recalling my childhood familiarity with the pronunciations of the region, I thought, at first, “Tar fire? Oh, tahr fahr!” and imagined a bunch of blazing radials. But, no, it was actually “tar,” the kind that put on a rough. I do like to imagine the firefighters getting a radio instructions about a “tahr fahr” and wondering what they were up against. Texan — sometimes it’s a dad-blamed inexact language. …
I’m always looking for ways to make a buck writing. So, I’m wondering, based on news reports, is there now a robust market in writing fake resumes for corporate positions and Congress? It may not be against the law if your plainly label it “A Personal Work of Fiction & Dreams for America.” Something not quite as fancy as Curriculum Vitae — last time I checked my Curriculum Vitae it was listed as “Expired. Lack of Interest. Do not mail post-grad paperwork.” That’s OK, I’ve got an honorary degree in a frame in a box of beloved paperwork either in the garage or in storage. 2023 is the year I’m organizing. I swear.
— Offer organizational tips or opinions by clicking on ‘Comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com and put ADD ANOTHER WING ON THE HOUSE in the subject line. —-

DOGS AND CATS IN SHELTERS; CONTEMPLATING A STAGE PRESENCE....

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JAN. 5, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to Thursday. May I please see some identification. Just kidding. It’s the 5th of January, another sleepy, dusty delta day — oh, wait. I just stole that from 1967 and Bobbie Gentry’s Ode to Billy Joe. This is the Metrosprawl — it’s not sleepy and if there’s a delta around here, the City of Dallas will get the Corp of Engineers to level it.
We’re in the early weeks of a Texas winter. Nobody knows what’s really going to happen. Maybe you even know someone whose heart will warm up and they’ll commit a life-saving adoption by getting a dog or cat out of the Dallas Animal Services shelter or some other taxpayer-supported facility that buys euthanizing juice by the barrels. Here’s a link to the DAS view-the-pets page.
Click on it and you can see how to adopt that guy Sam (A1106235), listed as a 12- year-old English Cocker Spaniel — he’s in foster care but you can arrange to meet him.
That cat doesn’t have a name but she does have a foster home right now. She does have a number -- she’s A1160775 at DAS. And she’s a 4-year-old Domestic Short Hair with a fascinating face. Weighs 9 pounds.
Contact DAS and see how to meet her and Sam. [LARRY ASIDE: I can testify on behalf of Cockers and Cats. They all make humans better people. Unless the human is a jerk, not that are any jerks in the great Dallas/Fort Worth misbehaving population. Hah.]
MOVING ALONG WITH ANIMALS
REPRESENTING OPPORTUNITIES
The contact points for helping these dogs are these: Call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. Those contacts will get you to the 4-Legged Helpers — the non-profit trying to help these pups find safe homes or safe rescues or safe fosters.
The Siberian Husky is Lacey, currently in the Wilmer Animal Shelter. Her bio reads, “Lacey is the sweetest most lovable young girl that ADORES everyone and everything!  Loves other dogs. All people!  Only about a year old. She is such a cuddly sweetie pie so hoping for a home. Please, help save her!!!!! She is so cute.” [LARRY ASIDE: As rescue and shelter veterans will tell you, Huskies are notorious for their ability to leave home and roam. They are an example of the ol’ readlarrypowell.com explanation: Some dogs are just too clever for their own good. They just need a home where the human knows the challenge is outsmarting the dog.]
This guy is Max, described as “such a lovable cutie pie.” He’s in the Ferris Shelter. And his bio reads that “he was found out and about on his own by a very nice police officer but sadly no one has come for him and he needs someone that will love him and give him the forever home he truly deserves. He is extremely friendly and loves other dogs.”
And we mentioned Brady before, but that’s such a darned cute photo, I couldn’t resist posting him again. He was found roaming in rural Dallas County near Ferris. His bio reads, “Brady is the absolute sweetest cuddly marshmallow pup you could meet.  ADORES people and seems to love other dogs.  He is silly and sweet and would be the most perfect hiking or running or tv watching companion.  He is actually very athletic and tons of fun.  Ready to go anywhere or do anything.  Carries around the rope toy ready for fun.  ADORES RIDING IN THE CAR. Lol. If you are looking for a cuddly sweetie that adores everyone, look no further. … A kind person found him out and about on his own in the rural county area.” [LARRY ASIDE: However he got there, nobody’s been looking for him.]
LET’S CHECK THE STORIES
IN THE MESQUITE SHELTER
Thanks to volunteer shelter dog-writer Debra Chisholm, we have some explanations of these animals in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. We’ll edit the bios and they can be seen in their untouched status on the Mesquite shelter’s website HERE.
Here we go with Penny, described as “a mixed breed (Dog Scanner app suggests Redbone Coonhound and Carolina Dog in the mix) that was picked up on 9/27 by one of our officers and brought to the Shelter as a stray.  Having been at the shelter for over 3 months, she could be considered a LONG-TERMER.”
The year-old, 40-pound Penny is spayed -- and look how vigorously she wags that tail. She is, Debra wrote, “one fun-loving, tail-wagging, high-spirited youngster.  She does walk well on a leash.  For several weeks she was kenneled with another dog, but Patsy has since been adopted and it seems that Penny misses the company.  They had really bonded.  She does not show well in her kennel because she is overactive and jumps.  However when out in the yard she is calmer and better behaved. … She is a friendly girl who likes to be shown loving attention by a human friend.” 

Penny is #51208449. As is the case with all the Mesquite animals, use their ID numbers (not just their names) when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. 

Debra also tells us, “This precious boy is Thanos [#51708725], a Terrier mix that ended up at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 12/14 as a stray. Though he may look a bit intimidating …he is really a sweet and gentle soul!” He’s about 5 years old, weighs 64 pounds and is now neutered.
His bio reads, “He appears to have been well-cared for and yet his people have not come looking for him. He was obsessed with scouting out the smells in the yard when I was doing his eval. He wasn't interested in balls or toys.  Thanos does like treats and will sit for them and take them gently.  He is a friendly boy and was a-ok with receiving loving petting. … Thanos is well-behaved and calm and has a mellow personality. … He walks well on a leash and did not pay attention to the dogs who were barking at him when he walked through the bay and hallways.”
Lovely Lucille is another long-termer. She’s #51041469 — a Terrier mix who arrived as a stray on September 9. She’s about 3 1/2, is spayed and weights 61 pounds. And there’s this description, “She is friendly and is happy to be petted and loved on, that is when she slows down long enough!” Debra also wrote, “Won't you please consider helping Lucille out of our overcrowded shelter by networking or tagging at rescues@cityofmesquite.com, typing in the subject line TAG, ID 51041469.  Questions can be directed to 972-216-6283 or rescues@cityofmesquite.com."
And that brings us to another long-termer, Alfie, described as “this precious boy with the adorable ears.” He’s #51553060. Came in on Sept. 13 as a stray. And Debra says it’s hard to believe no one has come for him “because he is such a sweetheart.” He’s 4 1/2 years old, neutered and weighs 49 pounds. She writes, “ He walks quite nicely on a leash and when I led him past kennel after kennel of dogs barking at him, he did not react in an unfriendly way.  … Alfie knows the sit and shake commands.  His owner had obviously spent some time with him because he knows a couple of commands. Looks as though he has been well-cared for and also because he is sociable and happy to receive pets and loving attention. …  He has such a wonderful sweet personality.  He is lively and active, though not hyperactive.  It's hard to imagine why Alfie is still at the shelter given all these positive things ….” 

Why do the animals need to be out of the shelter? Debra writes, “ We have been critically overcrowded at the shelter with dogs (and cats) continuing to pour into the shelter and with no indication of this trend slowing down.  We have so many incredible dogs as well as cats who would make terrific pets ….”
 You can see those dogs and at by clicking on THIS LINK TO ANIMALS IN MESQUITE’S SHELTER. 
And, yes, indeed, there are plenty of cats in the Mesquite shelter, including this one, #51804082 — no name, just a number. The gender is listed as “Unknown” and we suspect the reason is this: #51804082, a beautiful Domestic Medium Hair/mix, is in the shelter’s Feral Room. Yep, feral. Came in on Jan. 3 — that was Tuesday. The feline is described as “3 years, 1 day” old. [LARRY ASIDE: Not sure how they got that age — the cat wasn’t traveling with luggage. We may find out the cat’s identification is in a suitcase waiting on the tarmac at DFW. I’m kidding. Not sure feral cats fly commercial — probably fly charter or private jets. Sometimes Air Force One -- depends on the politics at the moment.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
IT’S CLEAR IN BLACK & WHITE — PEGASUS THEATRE CONTINUES TO RULE THE STAGE (& WIN THE AUDIENCE!)
William Shakespeare, perhaps the world’s most famous playwright, wrote, “Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a feast.”
And that brings us to the feast that is Pegasus Theatre, the enduring stage company created by a team of actors and theatrical specialists guided and inspired by playwright Kurt Klinemann.
Kurt created the character Harry Hunsacker —-the “world-famous detective and aspiring actor.” Harry is the centerpiece character in Pegasus Theater’s famed productions in “Living Black & White.” Not a spot of color on the set — it’s like watching a 1950s TV detective show only it has both charm and wit. I’ve seen several of these productions — The Dimension of Death!, currently playing at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, is, Pegasus says, “the 22nd Harry Hunsacker Adventure.” Read more about Pegasus and the theatre’s people by clicking on pegasustheatre.org. How’s the new show? A Pegasus promotional release quoted an “Actual Audience Member” this way: "Such a fun show! It’s like a wacky Twilight Zone episode with some Hitchcock and hilarity.”
 The play, making its world premier at the Eisemann, runs through January 22. [Buy tickets and pick your theater seats at this EISEMAN/PEGASUS LINK.]
Not to be a name-dropper, but here are two: Harry Hunsacker (center stage in the photo) and Kurt Kleinmann. Both are key to the production.
 Harry’s the lead character and Kurt puts words in his mouth. Yeah, this guy Kleinmann is a writin’ legend. He pens the plays and for many years appeared in them as Harry before handing off his beloved lead character to actor Scott Nixon. 
“World-famous detective and aspiring actor” Harry Hunsacker (now played by Scott Nixon) is accompanied on his cases by Nigel Grouse (Ben Bryant, a veteran in the role). Nigel is described as Harry’s “good friend and paid-by-the-hour assistant.” Also, Chad Cline is a veteran as portraying Police Lt. Foster. The Dimension of Death! is directed by “Broadway veteran (A Chorus Line) Michael Serrecchia,” the Pegasus news release reports.
Playwright Kleinmann’s story is described this way by Pegasus: “The year is 1955. Harry, Nigel, and Foster have been dispatched to a Top Secret Air Force Base where a matter of the highest level of National Security awaits them. They’d heard rumors about Paradise Ranch but the reality of what they saw exceeded their imagination. In no time, however, the bodies start piling up and our trio finds themselves trapped in The Dimension of Death!”
Remember, watching a play is a centuries-old joyous experience on this planet. And watching one in Living Black & White with Kurt Kleinmann dialogue and story is an exceptional joy. You have the opportunity to freely laugh and enjoy a make-believe story with real-life fun, all presented in an extraordinarily fascinating stage design.

[LARRY ASIDE: Can you imagine the chances a playwright takes when he comes up with a “Living Black & White” design theme in the era of movies and TV presented “in living color”? I’m going to quote the famed writer of comedy Neil Simon: ““Don't listen to those who say you are taking too big a chance. Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor, and it would surely be rubbed out by today.”]

— Offer APPLAUSE FOR PEGASUS by clicking on ‘COMMENT’ below or email dallrp@aol.com and put THEATER IS REAL in the subject line. —-

A CAVALCADE OF DOGS AND SOME CATS FOR LATE TUES AND MIDWEEK; SAVE 'EM ALL...

EDITION OF TUESDAYPM/WEDNESDAYAM JAN. 3-4, 2023 [PetPowellPress] My funspouse Martha left for work Tuesday morning after two weeks off. This is being typed in total silence in the house. OK, not total. 
 Porche Noel is in her office bed working up a snore— I woke her for this photo.
Dudley the Big Border Collie/Lab Mix is flopped in the front hallway because he thinks she’ll be back in a minute and that’s where he always waits for her when she’s running errands. And Martha’s personal dog, Wendy, kind of a bird dog/Boxer mix (maybe), came into the office, stood next to me for a minute while I tugged her ears, petted her head and hugged her neck. Then she walked off to the living room and, I can’t see from my office chair, but she usually flops onto one of our couches and stretches out like she owns it. Which, I guess, she does.
 William The Office Cat is waiting patiently for treats. Well, OK, so he is kind of glaring at me. He’s patient.

When I got up to go get some decaf — darn that covid no-caffeine restriction — I woke Porche, so I snapped that photo and she went back to sleep.
 I hope you have dogs and cats that give you comfort and companionship every day. If you don’t, there are plenty of opportunities to get one or two over the spreading Metrosprawl. [LARRY ASIDE: We got all our dogs off the streets of Dallas— rescued, every one. Same for the cats. Hard to figure what’s worse: Dumped by someone you thought loved you and immediately in danger on the streets or being fed in a shelter by someone who loves you until someone with a needle shows up. Save ‘em all — humans, we are better than this. Aren’t we? Dallas, shape up.]
NADIA’S PUPPIES ARRIVE
AT STRAYDOG INC.
You may recall that before Christmas we posted a note about Nadia’s “any-day-now-pregnancy” at Straydog Inc., the legendary shelter/sanctuary in East Texas. (That's pregnant Nadia on the left.)When I saw the email subject line Tuesday I wanted to shout out with glee, but I’m a little horse, er, hoarse, these days. The line read, “The puppies are here; thank you for your support! Happy New Year!” The note from Straydog Inc. revealed that Nadia delivered on the 29th — and, of course, it wasn’t normal. What it in the animal world? But it was successful.
According to the folks at Straydog, “It was a difficult delivery and she had to be taken to our vet in the middle of the night. The first puppy, whom we have named Angelica, was stuck in the birth canal but delivered alive by the vet. Nadia stayed at the vet’s office until she delivered all 9 healthy puppies. Juana Arnold (Co-President with Pam Bollinger) and Shelter Director at Straydog) brought Nadia home at 1 a.m. because she’d become very anxious being in a new environment. Nadia has settled in nicely, now that she is back at Straydog and has a litter of 5 boys and 4 girls.” 
Straydog lists THIS LINK as the place to donate to Nadia and her family.
A PRINCE OF A DOG
AWAITS A ROYAL FAMILY
This guy is a Prince among dogs (and cats) awaiting adoption or rescue in the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
Our pal Judi Brown, one of the shelter’s volunteer dog-writers, opened her report about handsome Prince with this line: “If you’re an active family with a good-sized yard and are looking for a playmate come and meet Prince.”
Prince is a 2-year-old, 48-pound “black and white (with tones of gray terrier pit” who was surrendered on the 22nd.
Why? The report was “his owners had a home daycare center and the state said the ownership of this dog was against their stated policy.” [LARRY ASIDE: Anybody know if that’s a real policy in daycare operation in Texas or was somebody just unloading a dog for Christmas?]
Judi got to meet and work with this guy. She reports, “When I first got him out into the yard he was very rambunctious and energetic but after a while he settled down. He greeted some visitors that came to meet him at the gate (see photo). He was very friendly with them. He sits for treats but once he finds out you have treats he becomes quite insistent on getting more! This entails jumping on you. He will need manners training as he was very persistent and didn’t respond to the down command. For this reason Prince would be much better suited for a family with older children or no children at all. He loves to play with toys and will entertain himself with them. The owner-surrender form said he was an outdoor dog and that he really enjoys running. … When going by other kennels to get to the yard it appeared he wanted to interact with other dogs (in a positive way). … Prince has the potential to  become a very loving loyal companion. He also is very thin and could use some groceries!”
Prince is #51751804 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-215-5283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Same system for all these ID numbered animals from Mesquite.
Also waiting in the Mesquite Shelter are Freddie, Ruby, Jax and Fatz. Here are some quick reads on their bios, but if you want to see the ENTIRE bio of any of these, just go to the Mesquite Animal Shelter link HERE.
We’ll offer their photos and short bios and, seriously, take the time to visit their full bios on the shelter site. The writers work had to get to know the dogs — our pals Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm have great affection for dogs and understanding of their needs and cautions and how they might fit into homes. 

Judi provided the bio of this guy Freddie [#51741211]. “You’ll know within two minutes of meeting Freddie that he is special. I did!  He is a one year old, 40-pound mixed breed (possibly Shepherd/Lab mix) that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 12/20 as a stray. The bonus is that he is already fixed!! Besides that he’s a real jewel! If there was a contest for the sweetest dog, he would win it! If you can’t tell already, I am really impressed with Freddie’s loving personality. … Freddy is sweet, gentle, friendly, affectionate, well mannered, and definitely wants to please. His tail wags constantly. He stays close seeking and giving affection. He sits for treats. Actually he sits before you ask him to in anticipation of a treat and takes them gently..” There’s more on his bio on the shelter website.

 Debra’s bio of Ruby [#50166739] describes here as a “little livewire” and “an American Pit mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 9/7.  Yes, she has been at the shelter for 3 1/2 months making her a LONG-TERM resident. She weighs 50 pounds and is approx 3 1/2 years old.  It seems safe to assume that Ruby has been used for breeding purposes.  But no more of that because she is now spayed!! … She is great at fetching and loves to run and play in the yard. She is a fun-loving tail-wagging girl.  She loves going for walks. She is high-spirited and energetic and has an outgoing and confident nature. Ruby is oh-so-friendly and is more than happy to have loving attention shown her.”
Debra’s bio of this guy reads “this adorable and charming Malinois pup I named Jax.” His ID# is 51733180. Jax came in as a stray with several other dogs from “obviously from the same household.” He’s 4 months old and weighs about 30 pounds. Debra wrote,”It seems reasonable to assume that he has never been on a leash (he had to be carried) and has had very little socialization.  Jax is very uneasy in his kennel but once he was brought to the room where I did his eval and photos he relaxed and warmed up. He is friendly and happy to receive petting, hugs and other attention.  He tried to climb into my lap to get as close as he could to me.  I gave him a bath which he badly needed and he was so cooperative! … This frisky and perky pup would do so well in a home in which he would be a vital part of the family and allowed to live inside.”
And that brings us to Debra’s bio of this guy Fatz (#51718281). She writes, “This precious handsome boy is Fatz, a mixed breed that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 12/16 as a stray.  Fatz weighs 46 pounds, is approx 1 year old and is not neutered.  This sweet youngster is uneasy in the shelter environment and very frightened of the other dogs barking at him.  When I tried to walk him past kennels with dogs barking at him, he would freeze.  He did walk well on the leash when there were no other dogs around.  … Fatz knows the sit command. He thoroughly enjoyed romping through the yard and stretching his legs.  He chased the tennis balls I threw but did not return them.  He is lively and has a moderate activity level. … In his crate he seems depressed and tense, but out in the yard he is a different dog displaying what I feel is his true nature.”
And there’s this from Debra: “He appears to have been well cared for and yet no one has come to reclaim him.  So very sad.”
Remember, use the animals’ ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Also use those contact points when you ask the shelter about this handsome cat: Duncan (#51688916) is a nearly 9-months-old Domestic Shorthair mix — this fellow is described as “small” and “orange/white” and a resident of the shelter since December 12. Duncan can be found in the Conference Room at the Mesquite Shelter. Quite the coat on this fellow.”
Remember, use THIS LINK when you’re looking for Mesquite animals. And, also, remember this note from the folks who monitor the shelter:
The shelter has been desperately overcrowded for months with no sign of our intakes slowing down.  We have so many amazing dogs … as well as cats that need good homes.”

LOOK AT THESE HANDSOME
GENTS WAITING FOR HOMES
[LARRY ASIDE: I’d take both of these handsome fellows right into our house if we hadn’t already bagged the limit on free dogs off the streets of Dallas. So, that means YOU may have a chance to give a good home to a dog that needs a place to be loved.]

We learned about these two from our pals at 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on small shelters and large needs. 
Here’s the deal on Brady, the year to a year-and-a-half old Lab/Bulldog mix with the great eyes and, apparently, the ability to drive a tractor. [LARRY NOTE: I confess I’m kidding about that tractor-driving dog — but I’ve seen dogs do amazing things.]

Brady is a young male who is, 4-Legged Helpers’ bio reads, “the absolute sweetest cuddly marshmallow pup you could meet. ADORES people and seems to love other dogs.  He is silly and sweet and would be the most perfect hiking or running or tv watching companion.  He is actually very athletic and tons of fun.  Ready to go anywhere or do anything.  Carries around the rope toy ready for fun.  ADORES RIDING IN THE CAR…. A kind person found him out and about on his own in the rural county area.” 

This young guy Thomas, “also known as Tom,” the 4-Legged Helpers bio says, “is the most friendly, playful, lovable Shepherd.” The bio also suggests, “Tom is probably short for tomfoolery since this cutie loves to play and have fun.  He is such a fun sweetie pie.   He is a gorgeous dog that absolutely adores people.  He is yet to be dog tested with a female dog since all dogs at shelter right now are males.  ACO planning to bring their own dog in to dog test.
 Thomas is a great dog for anyone wanting unconditional love from a pup but also wanting to always feel safe in their home.  No better dog than a Shepherd for that task. They will patrol the perimeter and love nothing better than their human or humans.” 

To ask 4-Legged Helpers about either of these dogs — you may want to adopt, foster or rescue — call or text 2214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS
AN ASSORTMENT FOR TUES/WED
Yeah, I’m contemplating for two days — lots of stuff in the inbox to delete and lots of stuff to prep for use. I spent many years as a newspaper editor, lots of that time taking a pencil (yeah, I started in the pencil era) to typed copy on paper. The delete sign was my favorite — even when I was editing my own copy. [Insert your "Use more delete signs in this copy" wisecrack here.] Years ago, I became a fan of The Dick Cavett Show and over the holiday weekend, I was watching KERA and got caught up in the Groucho Marx/Dick Cavett special. But so did my cat Stevie Ray, the fellow that about 4 years ago I plucked out of a mimosa tree in Oak Cliff. I knew that kitten had a sense of humor then because of his loud yowls, but when I saw him pause to listen to Groucho and Dick Cavett, I knew he’d wound up in the right home. There are more ways to select a cat or kitten than by looks and purrs. Tell ‘em a joke. Groucho once said, “A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.” Stevie Ray grinned when I read that to him. After this next quote, he howled a little cat howl (He’s been rehearsing after auditioning for a comic sidekick role in the play White House Dogs Know Sit, Stay and Vote Again.) His favorite Groucho dog quote is this: “Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Politics? Neither Groucho nor Stevie Ray can be directly connected to politics, though Groucho once said, “Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them…well, I have others.” That would fit right into today’s politics.
—- Offer pros or cons by clicking on Comment below or email
dallrp@aol.com and put ‘GET MORE SLEEP, BLEARY’ in the subject line. —-

SOMETIMES IT'S THE FACES THAT CHARM A HEART TO OPEN....AH, THE NEW YEAR....

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY, JANUARY 2-3, 2023 [PetPowellPress] It’s the second day of the new year. We’re going to look at dogs in need in a second. Maybe find a cat or two, too. You will be charmed by the faces we’ve found.
Already it’s the 2nd day of the New Year heading toward the 3rd. That’s seven days and a lot of football past Christmas and I’m just now finding enough Covid-spell “wake time” to listen to the legendary Lionel Barrymore radio version of A Christmas Carol from 1939. Except I don’t have the concentration right now to listen to it.
I’m so far behind on my traditional holiday viewing that when I woke Monday and discovered ScFy was still showing The Twilight Zone Marathon, I was elated to find that I could watch the entire May 1961 episode Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up. The granddaddy of goosebumps, Rod Serling, wrote this tale of a passenger bus pulling into a diner on a rainy night and the discovery of a previously unknown passenger. Chilling and, as far as I’m concerned, entirely possible. One guy has three arms, another has three …. wait, no spoilers….
OK, let’s get back down to earth. Oh, I snapped that photo of a Martian in our kitchen window near sunrise on New Year’s Day…What? OK, it wasn’t a Martian — it’s a solar-powered, paw-waving cat. In 1961 you may never have imagined the phrase “solar-powered, paw-waving cat.”
MEANWHILE, FORT BEND COUNTY HAS
A ‘DROOL WORTHY’ DOG, EDWARD
Our pal Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com, the non-profit that helps people help their animals, tipped us to Marie Garza’s appeal for a dog named Edward in Fort Bend County. Where’s that? If you’re in the metrosprawl, go south to Houston and turn right.
Marie’s tip (posted on Jan. 1) characterized this as an “urgent, urgent plea for Edward.” And she puts a personal touch on the appeal — a beloved dog she knew…
She wrote, “I just wanted to ask EVERYONE who can do so to PLEASE share Edward!!!  I spoke with the AC and sadly a decision will have to be made if we don't get Edward out of the shelter!!  He has been there a while now and even through a few adoption events.  He didn't get to go home with a foster during the freeze!  I don't understand why!

“He is an absolute sweetheart!  I had a dog almost identical to this dog for 15 years that I adopted out of the Summerville Animal Control in Chatooga County Georgia, that was the BEST most LOYAL dog I have ever known!  Likely Boxer mix but just a great dog and so is EDWARD!!  Just read what the shelter has to say about him!  Please everyone lets find this boy a home before they have to make that very difficult decision to put him down!  If anyone can foster, rescue or adopt Edward please contact the shelter, I will arrange funds, transport and coordinate the rescue 100%.  Please share Edward and let's find him a home!!!!!
THIS IS THE FACEBOOK LINK to Maria's appeal. And this note about Edward’s charming “drool” is the Fort Bend County Pets/Fort Bend County Animal Services FACEBOOK LINK:
"Edward is drool worthy…and he knows it! It’s not uncommon for him to have a little bit of drool. He isn’t immune to his own charms!" The Fort Bend number to call is 281-342-1512. Email animal.services@fortbendcountytx.gov.
[LARRY ASIDE: There are dogs all over Texas who remind someone of a dog they had years ago — be a wonderful thing if all them were rescued and adopted and given places of honor in homes that love them.]
THREE DOGS READY TO GO
IN WOOD COUNTY, TEXAS
We got the tip on this trio of dogs from our longtime tipster Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network. She was sending along an appeal from Barbara Wax on behalf of these dogs, Faith, Hope and Charity. 
They’re pre-Christmas arrivals on the list of animals needing some lifelong love and kindness from humans.
The note read, “These girls are sitting in an outside pen at the Sheriff's office here in Wood County.  THERE IS NO SHELTER HERE.  The Sheriff has given the girls a week or so to find something for them.

“THEY HAVE HAD TWO SETS OF SHOTS, RABIES, AND ON HW PREVENTATIVE.  ALSO MICROCHIPPED.  THEY HAVE PLEDGES FOR THEIR SPAY SURGERY.”
The contact to ask about saving the lives of these three dogs is Barbara Wax at bjandk15@gmail.com.
[LARRY ASIDE: 
The Wood County Sheriff’s office is in Quitman, east of Lake Fork, south of Winnsboro and north of Mineola. It’s on all the maps and the roads are paved in my beloved East Texas. Most of ‘em.]
NOW WE VISIT THE FACES
AT DOG ’N’ KITTY CITY 
We were checking in on a cat named Indie — first met her when she was “Frida” — and discovered a note at dognkittycity.org about the enduring Humane Society of Dallas County that created and operates Dog ’n’ Kitty City, the no-kill shelter in Big D. At dognkittycity.org we found the big headline declaring “The HSDC Winter Raffle is back!" Tickets are $5. The drawing event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 2 at Chuy’s, 4544 McKinney Ave., in Dallas. Click on RAFFLE PAGE 
to see the items you can win.
In the meantime, at dognkittycity.org you can see fantastic cat and dog faces — these are among the many animals waiting for a home. 
Indie, you may recall, was Frida when he was among nearly a half-dozen cats who were left behind on the property at their Dallas home. It had been sold and the family moved with a “Good luck, kittycats” notice. Indie is the “sweet but a little shy tabby guy (born 4/5/20) …looking for a good home.” Still looking.

 While perusing the felines I also found this photo of Ford, born September 7, 2019. And he’s got quite a tale — he does, in this photo, look like the “cat that ate the canary,” so to speak. There are other photos of him on the website. His bio reads, “Ford is the name! I am a handsome big white fellow who was living around a wildlife sanctuary. I was brought to the shelter by the owners because the birds were just too tempting for me. I am a real friendly guy who needs a good home and am FIV positive and have heartworms. If you would like to meet me, email adoptions@dognkittycity.org or contact the shelter.” [LARRY ASIDE: Ford is a youngish cat and his two conditions don’t really mean he’s about to die. Hopefully, they mean he’s about to be adopted by someone who know how to properly care for a loving cat.]
Check out the faces on these two Dog ’n’ Kitty City pups!
I picked Hallie (born 6/18/22) because she’s kind of the happy dogface version of Ford the Cat. She’s a Husky mix, her bio says, and, it reads, “Not only is she beautiful and extremely soft, she is soooo loving! She is cautious upon first meeting people, but once she trusts you, there's nothing else for her to do. She is hopelessly devoted to you! Hallie is doing really well with her walks and her socializing with new people.”
And that brings us to this wonderful dog Faith, born 11/15/16, and a Bulldog mix. This Brindle-coated girl has the face of an Oscar-winning Hollywood character actor. Her bio reads: “You scratch. I SNIFF. You had a bad day? I FIX IT. You had a good day? I MAKE IT BETTER. My name is FAITH and I am a 6 year old, female Bulldog Mix. I have the cutest face and the cutest rump you will ever see! I have an adorable underbite in the front and a curly tail in the back!”
Faith was “very skinny” when she came to the shelter. But she’s rebounded. And her bio also says, “Faith is such a sweetheart. She loves attention! We think she would be very happy to just be a 'loved on' couch potato or sofa surfer.”
 See how to adopt or how to volunteer and help at dognkittycity.org. 

CONTEMPLATIONS
A MONDAY COLLECTION
This is late getting posted because the focus knob in my brain has been twisted to a breaking point by the annoying symptoms of Covid — I continue to test positive. Unlike my high school Latin tests — those suckers were too tough to continue to test positive! “Sic friat crustulum,” as I recall from my days in Latin II. Unlike the “Filii et filiae populi Romani” I had to make a living writing and speaking English. My loss. … 

So, in the opening I mentioned missing the Lionel Barrymore broadcast of A Christmas Carol this year. So, I’ve decided that one of my 2023 resolutions will be to follow Scrooge’s lead. According the quote author Charles Dickens gave the reformed grouch: “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” Of course, that quote was published in December 1843— not during an election year. …
By the way, that led me to do some research: Was 1843 an English election year — nope. Was it an American election year — nope, but get this. You know how we gripe these days about not getting the results of the presidential election right after the polls close? I found this note in a report on presidential elections: “The 1844 United States presidential election was the 15th quadrennial presidential election, held from Friday, November 1 to Wednesday, December 4, 1844.” If you’d rather not talk politics, here’s a LINK to the 1939 broadcast of A Christmas Carol, presented by the grat Orsone Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore in an American radio tradition. (Some of you will know him only as Mr. Potter of Bedford Falls. Didn’t see that one this year, either.) Happy Tuesday the 3rd.
—- Offer tips and ideas by clicking on ‘Comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com and put “TIME FOR NEW YEAR DIET” in the subject line. —-

AS 2023 APPROACHES, SOME FAMILY PHOTOS & SOME ROCK SOLID EXPECTATIONS FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

This is a Happy New Year Edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, our long-running weekend feature at readlarrypowell.com. We predict 2024 will present calorie-free health-enhancing milk chocolate, pizzas with extra cheese and no-cal cornbread and butter. Wait, I think I got that from an old wish list.
Back to the future presently. 
That’s Porche Noel this week, snoozing on her bed in our office — “our” being me, Porche and William Powell The Office Cat. (On the left, that is a photo of William when we met -- before he moved in -- in 2018 -- when he was a neighborhood wander-up helping me paint the wooden trim on our ol' Oak Cliff home.
 Hard worker -- grew up to take on a leadership role in the office. Paid his taxes, I was told.)
Like many of you, we could feature dozens of family animals from our collection of photographs through the years. No particular reason I’ve picked these photos.
Except that they remind me of happy times and we’ll all need a foundation for happy times in the approaching year 2023. 
[LARRY ASIDE: Pretty much had enough of 2022, though there’ll be fond moments I will recall — maybe — if I leave politics out of my mental processes. Martha and I have been “enjoying” Covid lately, so there’s no telling what’ll be left when we finally clear the dust out of our brainpans. I suspect that Martha’s theory is accurate --that the only thing actually in my brainpan is layers of dust that blew in during extended stays in newspaper newsrooms in the '60s and '70s. The '80s and '90s were computerized, so the dust was diminished.]
Also, that photo of Porche Noel out like a light on the back of the couch at our old house in Oak Cliff (in 2017) indicates more of a “goal of mine” than a “daily nap” by a beloved dog. (Porche has many daily naps. On the left, she is overseeing one of Martha's naps and about to launch a nap of her own. And just below you can see that Porche has a set of white eyelashes on the bottom lid of her right eye. Might have to blow it up -- but it's so darned cute, I can't resist smooching her beautiful face sometimes. Yeah, I'm an animal nut. Proudly.)
If I could balance on the back of a couch during a fit of insomnia, you’d find me there — only I’d be facing the TV and have a remote clenched in my paw, er, hand. An insomniac must always have a plan. For example, I’m probably going to rewatch the 4 seasons of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel before the fifth and final season debuts sometime in 2023. Bright and funny stuff —Rachel Brosnahan is Midge Maisel and Tony Shalhoub (Thank you for Monk!) has a meaty part as her daddy. Lots of good actors.
Speaking of good actors. Last weekend I began an unofficial “series” of photos of “Animals Not Dudley Sleeping In Dudley’s New Bed” — finally got this photo of Dudley the Angel’s running buddy, Wendy, snoozing away in the Dudley’s bed. That's Dudley's mug shot on the left.
Wendy, you may recall, is the “call name” for Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden, named in honor of the characters played by Irene Dunne (1940’s My Favorite Wife with Cary Grant) and Doris Day (1963’s Move Over, Darling with James Garner). …

Back to “Fond Moments of ’22 I’ll Recall.” They generally involve kids and grandkids, i.e., not mine in all cases, but some lovely additions to families I know. There's a young girl on the East Coast named Waylon, a young boy on the West Coast named Duke and a newborn great-grandchild named Lainey Jo who has definite Dallas roots, i.e., a link to the State Fair of Texas. 
May they all have an extraordinarily Happy New Year. Oh, and that's a 1972 copy of a photo of a formerly young newspaper writer/editor and his twins, Bart on the left and Bret on the right. Bart is right-handed and Bret is left-handed. Both love dogs. My hair was once black. And that photo on the left shows how Wendy can get some sleep without getting onto Dudley's bed -- she's stretched out on Martha's lap while they both snooze in front of the TV. It's a system.
By the way, we wish the very best of a New Year for the folks at the great State Fair of Texas and Dallas’ Fair Park. Preservation work and enhancement work being done at Fair Park is a great demonstration of appreciation for Dallas’ past, present and future.
Yeah, I’m a sap for Fair Park — a great place to visit and think. [LARRY ASIDE: One of my favorite places to walk through and study the past is the African America Museum of Dallas — it’s a fantastic presentation, inspiring a grown-up person to weep with joy and, also, weep at the horror of our pasts, too. It’s a history lesson for people who need to know more about their town and the good people who helped build it.] Honestly, Fair Park is loaded with great places for learning. And, maybe, the whole darned metro area is a great place for learning if we’ll just take some time to slow down enough to examine what we’re looking at. This Dallas/Fort Worth area isn’t just a “former farm run by pioneers,” this is a collection of cities benefitting from a vibrant gathering of people who want to make life better for themselves, their neighbors and the kids not yet born. It is the land of ambition. It is not without grand dreams and triumphs. Whoa, thinkin’ about all that’ll keep an insomniac up nights and daytime, too.
As I learned from The Senator in his workout classes, a growing city needs to stay fit, be limber and ready to move swiftly at a moments notice while respecting the rhythm of the dynamics of organized progress. That is The Senator as he was preparing to teach his "Wise Workouts Class" when he was younger. Bless his late soul! I miss him daily.

 We’re going to close with a favorite photograph from earlier in this decade. That is my beloved — so beloved I’m tearing up while typing this — counselor and companion The Senator. He was a wander-up cat who came into our Dallas home in 2008. His name was “The Senator” because his hairline indicated he’d undergone hairplug implants as so many members of the Upper House of Congress had done many years ago. His demeanor was that of a gentleman of our national legislature and we had the honor of living with him until March of 2022 — one of several feline and canine family member we lost in 2022. 
As you can see in one photo, The Senator claimed the top rung in the Sleeping Rocker — Porche piled up on our late boy Earl, the Rescued Rottie. That is a chairful of congeniality.
 
But we’re going to close with this “reminder” photo. That is The Senator who posed while wearing a watch in an effort to remind us all to waste no time in being upbeat, happy, gleeful and positive about making 2023 the best year we’ve yet since Y2K on this really curious planet Earth. 

If I don’t win Lotto Texas with my “lucky numbers” on New Year's Eve, may all of you win a little bit with your numerical selections!
A winning lotto ticket might help an insomniac find something new to worry about instead of sleeping!
And, yes, Dear Readers, if you’ve gotten this far into this edition, I adore you with all my heart. If you didn’t get this far, give it another shot. You can read this entire edition, smile at the animals and never once wonder if there are secret messages to foreign agents. This is written by Larry Powell, not The Ghost of Ian Fleming. (That’s a James Bond gag, for those of you who don’t read spy novels from the previous century.)
[DEAR READERS, I KNOW YOU’VE GOT GREAT PHOTOS of your slumbering dogs and cats! Send copies of those pictures and tell us about the sleeping dogs, napping cats, snoozing whatever critters you’ve got — email the info and pictures to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll post their stories and why you love them in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. We love to tell people about your critters. Your story may help someone decide to give a home to a dog or/and a cat. You may also help an insomniac get some sleep, if he can just find the right wristwatch to balance on top of his head as he tries to nod off while binge-watching hit cable shows. Thanks. And Happy New Year to you all!
And here’s a mystery gift: It’s a link to the traditional New Year closing of ABC News with anchor David Muir, one of the most touching versions ever of Auld Lang Syne and nobody can identify just who the artist is. It has a special staying power other versions don’t enjoy. Click HERE
https://youtu.be/L85bGSX0Dsk?t=1 . You'll have to listen to an anchorman's message, but, honetly, the closing song is warmly listenable.]
—- Offer wit for the new year by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘YOU AIN’T NO NEW YEAR’S BABY, LARRY’ in the subject line. —-