ReadLarryPowell.com

JULY'S PENULTIMATE MONDAY ARRIVES WITH CANINES, CATS & CONTEMPLATIN'

EDITION OF MONDAY, JULY 22, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Here, for the penultimate Monday in July 2019, we present assorted appeals and contemplations. It’s summertime and we’re fed up with the traffic in Dallas.
Why might the traffic be such a challenge? Possibly it is the "signs fo the time."
Here’s a photo of some signs on a detour on the southeast side of Lake Cliff Park in Oak Cliff, just over the Trinity River from Downtown Dallas. If Dallas can finish re-building its freeways and streets, I’ll start believing NASA can put Americans on Mars — roads are probably better on Mars.
ROSCOE STILL NEEDS
A NEW PLACE TO LIVE
We’re still trying to help longtime rescuer and advocate Della Wallace find a happy place for a dog she adores — Roscoe, the boy she pulled out of busy traffic in Little Elm last fall.
He’s just not able to get along with housemate Chewy, the much larger rescued dog who got there first. 
Roscoe gets along with everyone else and is a loved dog, but he needs a home where he’s the focus. To offer to help — either adoption or rescue — email dellawallace39@gmail.com or call (972)294-7415.  This help needs to arrive right now.
The challenges of juggling the dogs are wearing on Della, a veteran at this sort of thing. 
You may recall that Della rescued Roscoe last October — his challenges to Chewy have only recently developed. That’s Roscoe in the special collar he prefers over the traditional cone. (He was wearing the collar because he’d had his “boy bits” removed.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE

 

At first I thought our reliable Mesquite tipster Judi Brown had sent a photo of a three-legged dog waiting in the shelter. Nope. Illusion, as you can see in the second photo. Still, Dixon has a magnificent coat with wonderful highlights, just as you’d expect from a Blue Heeler mix. Dixon (42232996) is 3, already fixed and weighs in at 38 pounds — he “could use more groceries,” Judi wrote. He arrived as a stray. Judi says, “He has calluses on his elbows indicating he’s spent a lot of time on concrete. He also appears to be depressed. He is timid and needs time to build trust. He did eventually come to me, but I get the impression he has not had a lot of socialization. Except for exploring the Shelter yard briefly he did spend most of his time close to me. That indicated to me that he does want to make friends. He is gentle and calm. He doesn’t like a leash but I’m sure he could learn to.”

And who is that magnificent Earhound? That is Chloe, a 3-year-old, 16-pound Chiweenie who, Judi reports, “was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/19 because her owners were moving back to Mexico.”
As you can see, she is an Earhound (At the shelter, Chloe is #42262746).
The new-to-her-existence circumstances made it difficult for the “dumped at the shelter” dog to know how to react. Judi wrote, “It takes time for her warm up as she is timid and fearful But once she warms up, she is very content to snuggle on your lap. She gives very tender kisses.” Expect her to “blossom in a loving home environment,” Judi says.
To ask about these dogs, call the shelter at 972–216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. To see more dogs and the shelter’s cats, go to the city’s website HERE. And don’t forget to ask about Mesquite’s new Barn Cat Program — free adoption to people who can take of a cat who’ll be the official mouser and pest-control agent on their property. This girl is more of a Lap Cat than a Barn cat — she’s Sonic (42133742), a 4-year-old girl who came into the shelter on July 5. Don’t know if her arrival was fireworks-related. Plenty of Barn Kittens available.

OVER THE WEEKEND,
A MARKETING MANEUVER
This girl got some special treatment from Dallas Animal Services over the weekend. 
The DAS Facebook post moved dog marketing into the 21st Century. It read, “Do you enjoy talking to your Amazon echo? But, do you feel weird talking to a robotic Alexa all the time? Come adopt the real thing! Alexa (A1070210) is a gorgeous lady that wants to be your constant companion!” See how to adopt at dallasanimalservices.org and you can click to available dogs, cats and others. You see the variations on the population listing at the DAS listing on the city site (left) and the DAS population listed (in the color block) on the PetHarbor site HERE.  There’s a difference in the numbers but adoption still involves personal involvement at the big shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland. Stop by; DAS will be happy to help you adopt.
A SIGN THAT THE YEAR 2019
IS HEADING TOWARD ‘DONE’
Yep, we have three signs here in the heat of July that the 2019 is sliding away — (1) the Dallas Cowboys are starting practice for the new season; (2) You can buy Halloween items in stores and (3) calendars are being created for 2020.
We cite the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, currently at the outset of assembling its 2020 calendar featuring members of the League. You can read about the rules and the calendar by clicking HERE.] 
And you can see Greyhounds that are available for adoption HERE. Some of the Greyhounds are Earhounds, as you can see from the four mugshots clipped from the GALT page.

CONTEMPLATIONS

SEASONS AND THE MOON
I got started a little late in the morning I was typing this. I’d been outside watering my annual pumpkin crop. Got the seeds into the ground late, but the sturdy little plants have emerged and offer me great hope for autumn. Oak Cliff isn’t Floydada (“Pumpkin Capitol of Texas” & sometimes the USA) but now and then the Jack-Be-Littles will leap into triumphant production. … It’s the first summer for this kitten, Stevie Ray Treeboy, the kitten I plucked off a low-hanging limb in one of our mimosa trees. Named after the Oak Cliff guitar hero Stevie Ray Vaughan and the place I found the kitten -- Stevie Ray Treeboy. Makes sense, right? This is Stevie Ray's first pumpkin season. Such a cutie — his first vet visit he weighed 1 1/2 pounds. Eleven days later, the vet weighed him in at 3 healthy pounds. He loves to be held and he also loves to not be held. Yep, he’s all cat. … On Saturday, commemorating the historic Moon landing, I was watching video of Walter Cronkite’s CBS report of the launch while cleaning off my desk. I’d glance up at the TV now and then and I kept seeing houseflies between me and the TV across the room. I stood up to walk over and encourage the flies to move on and then realized that I wasn’t seeing flies at all. I was seeing the Cape Canaveral birds flying between the CBS camera and the launching pad. Little black specks darting across the screen and daring NASA to launch. I don’t now what I’ll see on the screen when we go to Mars. Little green men?
—- Offer advice or opinions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

CAT NAPPING -- SOMETHING TO ENVY

Happy Moon Weekend —- Not sure how to celebrate on Earth except by going outside at night and looking up.

So, we’ll proceed with a twist in our traditional weekend presentation of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and Napping Cats Nap. We’ve found Napping Cats you need to wake up and move to another place to nap — like a good home.
Here’s the deal: During a shopping trip to Cedar Hill, I stopped in at PetSmart for supplies and, as is my custom, I guided my shopping cart past the SPCA adoptable cat display.
It was there that I found Archer in full-on cat nap. I couldn't even stir him to pose. According to the sticker on his window, Archer is a 2 1/2 month-old, 2.5 pound Flame Point Siamese who is neutered, up to date on shots and ready for adoption. You’ll have to stop by the Cedar Hill PetSmart to see Archer awake — he was resolutely napping while I was there. [LARRY NOTE: By the time you get there, he may already have been adopte!]

The napping black cat is Indy, also 2 months old and spayed. Her description says she “was transferred from another shelter for a second chance.” It also says she loves people and “sitting on shoulders.”
And that third napper is Denise, a 5-year-old “Brown Domestic Short Hair Tabby” who also came from another shelter. She’s 5 years old. In June she had several teeth pulled, so she’s due some dental follow-ups soon. In the meantime, she’s a happy napper. [LARRY ASIDE: We've had napping tabbies. They are resolute nappers.]
The PetSmart in Cedar Hill is in the big shopping center at 727 U.S. 67 South at Pleasant Run. More cats and adoptable dogs and other critters can be seen on the SPCA of Texas website at spca.org.
So, in summation, if you sleep or nap at your house, you need a facilitator — choose a dog, choose a cat. They’re the comfort you need and they can guide you through insomniacal situations or, at least, stay up with you and watch old movies.
Oh, and why are these photos taken from the back of the cats? Two reasons: (1) The cats wouldn't wake up and pose and (2) if I looked them in the eyes, they'd look back with that trance glare they have and we'd have three new cats at our house.

[PLEASE SEND US PHOTOS of your family dogs and cats sleeping and napping and we’ll post them and their stories in our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats. Email the photos and stories to dallrp@aol.com. Remember, you’ll be helping people understand the benefit of having an animal in their lives and you’ll be helping insomniacs understand they, too, can get some sleep if they can just put their bed inside a big-enough cage and either curl up or stretch out or fold their front paws under their chins. “Mewpurrrrrrr,” typed the insomniac.]

— Offer opinions or envy by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com — include no coins. —

EXTRA! EXTRA! CATS AND DOGS NEED SOME SINCERE, HELPING HUMANS

EXTRA AM EDITION FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Well, the hits just keep on comin’. For this extra edition (don’t forget to read our early edition today— animals need help there, too) we focus on Euless cats and  Fort Worth roadside dogs.
THE EULESS CHALLENGE
The dynamic animal advocate Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com has stepped up to help with an appeal for the cats in the Euless Animal Shelter.
She got a note from a volunteer seeking help with vet services for the animals. The note read, “We were up to 16 cats/kittens at shelter and then last night [Wednesday] the police called the ACO out to pick up animals from apartment in deplorable conditions. Well, 1 puppy, 1 mom cat and 15 live kittens and 2 dead.  Kittens are not healthy and we could use some funds to vet them.  They got baths and Revolution flea treatment today.  Of course very skinny, pale gums from so many fleas hopefully.  Sneezing and goopy eyes.  What we need are funds.  We could sure use a fundraiser.” [For additional info on these cats and the others, email the volunteer at jlruf@sbcglobal.net.]
Karen adds that “they sure could use a rescue willing to work with the Euless shelter cats —there are some volunteers in place but they need a rescue group devoted to the cats. And, of course, foster homes needed and adopters!”

You may donate to the cat cause by going to non-profit barkleyworld.com and noting that your tax-deductible gift is for the Euless cats. Karen also created a Facebook fundraising page for the Euless cats HERE.
The shelter is at 1517 Westpark Way in Euless. As you know, the Trinity GAP Club works with the shelter and its dogs — see them at trinitygaprescue.org/.
THE ROADSIDE PUPPIES
[LARRY ASIDE: We’ve been trying to get the story and location on these dogs and so far all we can get is “Fort Worth.” But, the puppies need help more than we need the “where,” so we’re going to post this and wait for our note to the finder to be returned. We hope she's busy delivering the dogs to a safe place.
UPDATE: Sarah Munns, who saved these dogs, responded to our query about 10 a.m. and reports, "I haven't got any help yet. I'm pretty sure they were dumped -- there weren't any houses where I found them andd they were all skinny." She found them on County Road 2938 near Purtis Creek in Eustace. That's in Henderson County, about 90 minutes southeast of Dallas on Highway 175.]
The appeal, sent yesterday, was signed by Sarah Munns. She’s the contact at sarahmunns15@gmail.com and she can probably use advice on what to do with puppies. And when you count the puppies, there are 5 — there just was no clear “group shot” of the whole family -- though this road picture shows part of the 5th dog behind the dog looking at the camera.
Sarah’s note reads, “This morning when I was on may way to college I found these 5 puppies. Someone had just thrown them out and left them on the side of the road! It's over 90 degrees and they were out in the middle of nowhere with no food or water and all of them have heat rash on their bellies. 

"Unfortunately I cannot keep them but I would love to help them find good loving homes! … The two bigger puppies are around 4 to 5 months old and are both males. The three smaller puppies are only about 10-weeks-old. I got them all their first seven-way shot, wormed them and gave them a flea pill.”
Again, the contact is Sarahmunns15@gmail.com.
[LARRY NOTE: If you should happen to know someone who is suddenly missing 5 young dogs and can't explain it, tip the local peace officers. Animal abandonment is against the law in Texas.]
CONTEMPLATION
Remember to read our earlier edition by scrolling down on www.readlarrypowell.com — and standby later today for our weekend edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. We’ve spotted an available napper. Thanks for reading all these years. Feel free to pass along our URL to people who don’t yet know how much they needed a dog and/or cat.
—- Offer advice or winning lotto numbers by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

MOONBURGERS, SHELTER PRESSURE AND FAKING THE LANDING...

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Saturday’s the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong taking that famous “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” 
Yeah, big news day, as I recall.
You may wonder what this photograph of a barren landscape has to do with the July 20, 1969, moon landing. This is from my hometown, Texarkana, Texas — we could see the moon from our house. 
Anyway, I shot this photo of city emptiness a few weeks ago. It is the site where, at some point shortly after July 20, 1969, someone launched a lunar-inspired mission: Make money selling “Moonburgers.” This was the site of The Moonburger drive-in restaurant. 
Yes, it was an attempt to capitalize on the publicity of the moon landing. And, now, all that remains is an empty lot on New Boston Road. The Moonburger lasted a couple of years, as I recall. 
 I couldn’t even find a photograph of the Moonburger — neither the restaurant nor an actual Moonburger. I don’t know what made it “different” from other burgers. All I can suspect — as a free-roaming vegetarian — is that Moonburgers were made from cows that failed to jump over the moon. [LARRY ASIDE: We have a moon landing conspiracy note in Contemplations. But first read about the animals.]
LET’S TALK TRINA
If we can put man on the moon, surely we can put Trina in a home.
Amy Poskey, the volunteer shelter monitor at Denton’s Linda McNatt facility, reports that this adorable dog Trina — the girl with one bowed foreleg — has NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A RESCUER! Her shelter ID# is 82592.
Why is she still waiting for a home? Is it her diabetes? As Amy writes, “Diabetes is NO BIG DEAL and certainly shouldn’t prevent his beautiful sweet girl from living a long life filled with love.”

She’s an 8-year-old Doberman (maybe a mix) who is “fully vetted, heartworm negative, people friendly dog friendly….” 
She weighs around 60 pounds. A lot of that is happiness. She just needs a home. 
Here are the contact points. Call the shelter at 940-349-7594. Email these shelter staffers: gayla.nelsen@city ofdenton.com, Randi. Weinberg@cityofdenton.com, julien.peralta@city ofdenton.com, denton shelterdogs@yahoo.com, and/or denton animalservices@ yahoo.com.
[LARRY ASIDE: I don’t know if this will inspire anyone, but if you adopt Trina, you’ll always have someone to talk lovingly and admiringly about at a party or a family reunion — and you’ll always have someone who loves you. That appears to be Trina’s nature.]
REMINDER
Dear Readers, a personal note from someone who has experienced the uncertain side of being an animal in Dallas. “Don’t forget to look at not only our current edition but also our recent editions to see if there’s someone you can help — either a human helping animals or animals needing a human to help them. You could be the key factor in a household love story.” — Sincerely, The Senator. [LARRY ASIDE: In this era of testy political statements, our pal The Senator, a veteran politico, felt like taking us right to the bottom line: Do good, not evil. Help, don’t harm. Purr, don’t not purr.]
MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE
As you know, Judi Brown, the volunteer biographer at the Mesquite Animal Services shelter, makes it a point to visit with the dogs she tells us about — it’s how she can authoritatively explain what a dog needs in its next home. Love tops the list, of course.

This 74-pound, bob-tailed guy is Deuce (42220680), described as a “5-year-old gray-muzzled Cane Corso who was surrendered” on 7/11. Judy adds, “Two reasons were given for surrendering him: One that they were moving and the other hardship.”
 Judi says, “He is truly a stately regal gentleman that makes a very good appearance when he stands. However after doing his business immediately upon getting out into the yard (the owners had stated that he was an INDOOR dog ONLY and was house trained), he wanted to lay out in the grass.  He did keep exploring the perimeter of the yard so a secure fence would probably be in order. I suspect he was looking for his owners. After he explored the yard, he kept going to the door wanting to go inside. He is gentle and quietly friendly. The owner stated that he knows these commands: sit, lay down, up, leave it. They also said he’s protective and that he is kennel-trained. When I walked him through the bay he was not interested and did not show any reaction to the other dogs.”
That brings us to Bella (42161672), a 4-year-old, 48-pound dog Judi describes as “a work in progress.” She has a Bella update. “A behaviorist has worked with her and feels like she’s been struck around the head and that’s why she’s so skittish when you put your hands close to her face. 

“Today [Thursday] when I went into her kennel she came running up to me. I found out when I took her to the yard it was because she was desperate to do her business. When I had her in the yard, she actually came up and was pushing her body up against me, but more her rear and her middle body. She did let me pet her but you can tell that she’s not quite sure about that. She is making progress. Please someone be willing to invest time and patience with this girl. She is so deserving and she’s absolutely adorable.”

The 4-year-old Pittie mix was surrendered to Mesquite on July 9. Judi writes that the surrender form “said that their son couldn’t take care of her. Bella is a very attractive, cute dog due to her low-rider body and a black patch over her eye.”

 That brings us to Nora, an 8-year-old,Chihuahua who arrived on July 13 as a stray.
“Nora (42208040) is an 8-year-old darling Chihuahua that came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/13 as a stray. She is clearly an Earhound. Magnificently.
 Judi writes, “She’s adorable and just a little bit of a thing only weighing 7 pounds. As soon as she got into the volunteer room, and I sat down she jumped on my lap and made herself at home. However, when there were some noises outside the door, she wanted to investigate. She’s bright eyed and appears very alert. She acts younger than her years. She’s highly motivated by treats so should be easy to train. She shares her kennel with another smaller dog without a problem. You should see her walk! She literally prances.”
To ask about these dogs, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite. com. To see more dogs and the impressive cat population at Mesquite, click HERE.
All the cats aren’t kittens. For example, there’s Ethel (41771556), a resident of the shelter since MAY TWENTY-FOURTH. Holy smoke. How has she avoided adoption for that long? Ethel’s spayed and is just short of 4 years and 2 months old.
[LARRY ASIDE: We endorse all cats at readlarrypowell.com and we also testify that black and white cats are entertaining. Today I’ll cite The Senator. In the past, I’d have cited Poirot and Cyril. They played well with humans, i.e., my funspouse Martha and me, one human and one angel. Feel free to guess which is which.]
FROM OUT AT THE LAKE
This appeal comes from Sydney Busch, the dependable animalfan and spokesperson for Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, the non-profit that operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City.
Clearly, someone is driving all the way from Dallas to drop off puppies in the Spay/Neuter Zone around the lake! Oh, OK, every now and then someone decides not to fix a dog and a litter is born.
This dog is one of those little newcomers to the planet. Sydney writes, “This adorable puppy (and he IS all puppy!) showed up at person's house - she can't keep him - has had all 3 puppy shots - PLEASE SOMEONE TAKE THIS LITTLE ONE!” and Sydney adds, “I’m the contact.” To ask about adopting this totally cute little guy, email sydney@friendsoftheanimals.org. 
[LARRY ASIDE: Remember our report Thursday about the dogfighting SOBs in Kaufman County? Pardon my entirely justifiable French, but without honorable, responsible people such as the Friends, more puppies would wind up as “bait dogs” and “fighters” in the hands of those dogfighting SOBs. Sorry. I’m getting riled up again. I despise people who harm dogs — can’t help it.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
SMALL SHELTERS, BIG NUMBERS;
 CRASH COURSE; A MOON NOTE
As we reach the end of the work week, I’m still concerned about animals in the Lancaster shelter and whether political issues are going to lead to their demise. Remember, to ask how to help the animals, get in touch with Laura Macias by calling or texting 214-949-2726 or emailing cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. FYI, the people who are dealing with the small shelters such as Lancaster, Wilmer, Hutchins, etc., are overwhelmed by the numbers in those shelters. What they need is a volunteer to set up a Facebook page for the shelters so they can get more viewing of animals facing the needle. If you have time to do that job, get in touch with Laura. Or if you have a better idea, tell her. For crying out loud, all we’re trying to do is save lives. …
OVERNIGHT THE LANES CHANGED in our area of U.S. 67 just as it reaches the merge with I-35. Surprise? Wrenching. But with this southern gateway project, we’re more and more accustomed to wrenching surprises. They call it an interstate highway, but I call it a “crash course” — the dents are there; I’ve heard the sirens. …


ONE MORE MOON NOTE: There are people who think the moonlanding was faked. Yep, an elaborate creation in a TV studio. I was watching CBS Sunday Morning’s celebration of the moon landing a few days ago and saw the story about how a girdle company got the gig creating a reliable spacesuit. The story is HERE and as you watch it you’ll catch one of the seamstresses explaining the relief the sewing team felt. She uses this phrasing: “Once they started down the ladder and he put his foot on the earth, uh, the moon….” Oh, my. Oh, my. A slip of the lip? Or did she accidentally unveil the staggering truth? I’m kidding. It was just a slip. I’m almost certain. And, sure, it make perfect sense that the success of a zillion dollar space mission would hang on the handiwork from a girdle factory. The ‘60s — they were really something.
—- To offer an opinion or your eyewitness account of the faking of the moon landing, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com and put GREEN CHEESE in the subject line —-

CAUTION: BEFORE READING KNOW THERE THERE IS STUFF THAT MAY REALLY TICK YOU OFF, BUT SOME HAPPINESS, TOO

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019 [PetPowellPress] I was going to start this edition with something lighthearted, but, frankly, gathering up this info put me in one damned lousy mood. Except for two rescues in Denton that we cite, the rest of this might not make anybody with a heart be anything but angry. One topic is animals at risk because of political issues and the other is criminals and fighting dogs — that’s in Contemplations. Read on and get mad right along with me. Please. There is political power in anger.
THE LANCASTER CRISIS
The two emails I got about the crowding in Lancaster has photos of more animals than I can post here.
Laura Macias, who is in the vanguard of helping small shelters, stepped up to take on the mission of helping Lancaster when there was an unpleasant break between the city and shelter volunteers. Animals are paying because people are fighting. With that background, you can understand why Laura’s concerned today. She writes of the overloaded small city shelter, “First to be euth'd will be Sweetie & Sophie - they have been there longer than any others.  This shelter is so full it could happen any time and will probably include others here - this is beyond critical.
"Please, we are absolutely begging ... saving any dog frees space too - HELP!”

To ask how to help or to ask to get on Laura’s mailing list — her Thursday email has a ton of dogs-at-risk at the Lancaster Animal Shelter — call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

Sweetie is the girl on the left, — described as a “Heeler mix” maybe 10 months old or younger. Weighs 48 pounds.
Sophie, is listed as a “Lab/Heeler/Bully Mix” and is described this way: “Everyone is in love with this sweet calm, gentle girl.  Most well-behaved, calm, loving girl you can imagine.  Extremely well behaved.  Perfect.  Please, Please, she is very sweet girl and just so much wants to be loved.”

The three German Shepherds? No explanation other than they are on the clock in a small shelter with limited walk-in traffic and not much of an attempt to promote adoptions and rescues.

And there are kittens, too — that’s Natalie on the left an Nicky on the right.
[LARRY ASIDE: Surely someone can negotiate a life-saving agreement between the City of Lancaster and a rescue or animal advocacy group. Anybody know of any attempts to help?]
MEANWHILE IN DENTON

That’s “Meanwhile in Denton, a town that accepts the help of volunteers and rescue partners.”…
From the volunteer shelter monitor Amy Poskey, we get these updates on animals we’ve mentioned recently.

OLD MAN RIVER (right): Amy writes, “Russell Rescue, Inc. has stepped up for this little angel and one of our AWESOME shelter volunteers, Joyce McKennedy, will be fostering him!!!  Old Man River is currently in a temp foster and Joyce will be picking him up in the morning!  THANK YOU RUSSELL RESCUE FOR SAVING THIS SWEET BOY AND THANK YOU JOYCE AND HUBBY, MIKE, FOR GIVING HIM A LOVING FOSTER HOME!!! If anyone would like to make a donation for Old Man River’s care, please click on the link below.  No amount is too small.  Thank you!  J Amy http://www.russellrescue.com/.
TEDDY BEAR: Amy writes, “Another happy update. Teddy Bear was pulled by SAVING PYRENEES IN NEED INC. …THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THIS WONDERFUL RESCUE!!! If anyone would like to make a donation for Teddy Bear’s care, please click on the link below.  No amount is too small.  Thank you!  J Amy http://www.spinrescue.org/.
CONTEMPLATIONS (ANGRY EDITION)
DOGS AND FIGHTING; PEOPLE AND LAW
If you’ve been involved in animal advocacy for a while you know that there are people in Kaufman County who love their animals. 
You also know there are people in the county who are evil, animal-abusing, law-breaking examples of the worst that humanity has to offer.
And that brings us to the most recent SPCA of Texas new release: Kaufman County Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Mike Smith has awarded custody of six dogs “suspected of being used in dogfighting” to the SPCA. He also ordered the owner of the dogs to pay the SPCA $1,659.50 in restitution — expenses included healthy care, housing, feeding hiring expert witnesses, etc. That care is going to continue for the animals.
The Kaufman County DA will determine whether and how vigorously to pursue criminal charges against the creep, er, individual who had the dogs.
And who know where these dogs came from? Were they raised as puppies? Were they “free” or “cheap” at some shelter promotion? Were they stolen?

According the SPCA, here’s how this whole legal thing started: “On Friday, July 12, 2019, the SPCA of Texas, the Terrell Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and Terrell Animal Control and Code Enforcement seized … took protective custody of six dogs from a property in Terrell, Texas. The dogs seized include three German Shepherd mix dogs and three Pit Bull mix dogs. The dogs were transported to the Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center, where they were evaluated and treated by medical staff.”
There are photos HERE. 
These photographs are made so sad not by blood and mayhem, but by loneliness, chains, distrust and daily existence. [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, I am angry all over again just thinking about this tethering and terror. These are some of the photos from the day the dogs were saved
Here’s the description from the SPCA: “The dogs were found outside on the property, individually tethered by heavy, metal tow chains. The dogs did not have access to food, water or shelter from the elements. The dogs' living conditions are consistent with the housing of game dogs (fighting dogs). A treadmill was also found at the scene. In some cases of dogfighting, treadmills are used to condition the dogs for fighting.”
[LARRY ASIDE: What ever the penalty is for dogfighting in Texas (it’s a state jail felony), it’s not harsh enough. Possibly, with State Rep. Jonathan “Point of Order” Stickland out of the Texas Legislature, the citizens of Texas and the Texas Humane Legislation Network can boost the power of the anti-cruelty laws and increase the punishment. Go to THLN.org to see how to get involved with pressuring the Lege on behalf of the animals you love. See the SPCA new release HERE. At spca.org you can also see how to REPORT DOGFIGHTING AND COCKFIGHTING AND THE CREEPS INVOLVED.
And if you want to read some more about the background of this case, click on this Dallas Culture Map LINK.
Why is this report in Contemplations?
 Because I love dogs. And I do not love people who are cruel to them. I’m almost certain you cannot rehabilitate a dog-fighter. Or a person who watches dogfights or cockfights. There is an unchangeable demented streak in their hearts and souls. There may not be enough intellect in those brains to measure. Beyond the insults, I do ache for these people and their souls — but it is important to remember that they are criminals. They’re not participating in recreation, they’re participating in crime.
Someone ought to invite members of the Texas Legislature to go along on these raids. They need to see the crime up close and personal. They already know these things are wrong; they need to remember the images of animals torn apart, of people too drunk to drive trying to flee the scene of a crime. This illegal behavior is bad for animals, bad for Texas. And if it’s bad for Texas and animals, it’s time to make the penalties even tougher.

—Offer an opinion by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com —-

AN AFTERNOON EDITION SPOTLIGHTING AN INJURED DOG IN MESQUITE; LANCASTER'S CROWDED DOG POPULATION

SECOND EDITION TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY JULY 16-17 — We’ve come across some more critters that need attention. So, here’s our second edition of the day — it focuses on a cheery dog who needs surgery in Mesquite and Lancaster’s small shelter with a load of dogs.
BUDDY IN MESQUITE
While discussing the hopes for the new Mesquite Barn Cat Program with the city’s Manager of Animal Services Jeanne Saadi, she took the opportunity to tell me about this dog Buddy.
“We really need a foster home right now for Buddy,” Jeanne told us. “He is a 6-month-old Lab mix who needs an FHO (although you’d never know it by how much he wiggles).” 
The femoral head ostectomy will relieve the pain Buddy is enduring. The block to Buddy’s relief can be easily removed. It involves people. Jeanne says, “We have a rescue that is willing to take him and get him the surgery (which is HUGE) but they need a foster for him. The foster needs to be able to commit for at least 3 months (probably closer to 6) to get him through the surgery and recovery. He is dog and people friendly.”
Volunteer to help Buddy by emailing jsaadi@cityofmesquite.com or calling the shelter at 972-216-6910.
THE CROWD IN LANCASTER
Ever since the Lancaster City Hall and shelter volunteers found themselves at odds, the public awareness of the life- saving needs of animals in the Lancaster Animal Shelter has depended on the kindness of strangers to the city. In this case, Laura Macias and her team of small shelter advocates are working at this very moment to lessen the burden on the small shelter. 
She forwarded a note with a number of dogs in trouble because “the kennels are full!” She also says, “The quarantine room is being used for the overflow.” She expects the room to fill by the end of the workday Tuesday. Thus, she says, by “tonight or tomorrow morning, some of these faces will not be there anymore. They will be gone forever.”
Laura is working to get the animals to safety. To help her, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
We’ve selected these three of many dogs at the shelter to publicize (but you can email cat_girl_72@yahoo.com and get the current list of dogs at peril. Because volunteers have limited or no access to the shelter these days, knowledge of the dogs in need is limited.

Zach is that Shepherd/Setter mix who is described as “incredibly urgent” and “very sweet and very loving.”

Gage is the Bulldog mix and “is just as calm and lovable as can be.”
We’ve featured Jenna before, the Lab/Boxer Mix with the sweet demeanor and the fabulous eyes. She is, like the other two, “incredibly urgent,” Laura’s note reads.
But what of cats in Lancaster? Where are the cats and kittens that were in the shelter? Laura excitedly reports: “Animal Rescue Crusaders of Texas took all the 11 kittens on Sunday!”
 This organization is based, according to the online site, in the northern spread of the metrosprawl. 
Laura writes, “They are a great rescue and they took them all for us on Sunday! It was amazing I begged and begged and wouldn't let up so they did what they could — such a great and nice group!!! I love them!! They didn't want to leave any behind and they didn’t!” Get in touch with this group at www.arcrescuetx.com.
[LARRY ASIDE: Lancaster is in southern Dallas County, separated from fertile Dallas, Texas, by only the width of Interstate 20. Cats can reproduce quicker than a highway crew can fix a pothole. There’ll be more cats in Lancaster.]

CONTEMPLATIONS
Question that probably won’t be on the census form: How many nights a week do you eat out to keep a dog from staring at you for an entire meal? In our household, the dogs are transfixed by an Eggbeaters omelet filled with spinach and tomato slices. No cheese. Just some tongue-lappin' excitement. …. As I’ve been writing this, I’ve had 2013’s Star Trek: Into Darkness on TV. It made me remember Star Trek Beyond from 2016 and now I wish there’d be another Star Trek for this summer but I guess it’s too late. … We’ll have to make do with celebrating the manned landing on the moon 50 years ago. Be sure to step out into the yard tonight and look up at all the lights of shopping centers, sports stadiums and highways on the moon. Yeah. Fifty years of promise.
—- Offer ideas or opinions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

BARN CATS, HOUSECATS, LAP DOGS, DAS DEALS, HUMANS AND CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY July 16-17, 2019 [PetPowellPress] For those of you who know the state song of Texas: “Texas, Our Texas, All hail our sizzling state.” It’s that time of the year when the TV weatherseers can relax, look into the camera confidently predict, “Hot and dry.”
Remember, humans, hydrate your animals. Treat them as if you actually love them, not as if they’re merely guard dogs and mousers. Nobody reading this needs that suggestion — but you might know someone who needs a booster shot of good sense. Feel free to remind them to be responsible.
Now we’re going to address Barn Cats, free animals (how many?) in the Dallas shelter, a Teddy Bear, helping Roscoe and other notes.

MESQUITE INTRODUCES
ITS BARN CAT PROGRAM
The City of Mesquite has added an interesting element to its Trap-Neuter-Return Program — the Mesquite Barn Cat Program.
We got the info on the Barn Cat Program from Ashley Sears of Cooksey Communications, the firm helping to spread the word about this program.
The city’s theory is this Barn Cat Program could be “saving the lives of hundreds of semi-feral cats annually by placing them in areas where they can benefit the environment as ‘natural’ pest control.”
 As fans of cats know, the “semi-feral” cats are not prone to socialization. That makes them not prone to adoption, too. [LARRY ASIDE: This idea is taking a merciful step away from the old Texas philosophy of animal management that we have long railed against: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.”]
According to the city’s information, “all barn cat adoptions are free.” The cats will properly vaccinated and spayed or neutered. 
And, according to the media information, “Mesquite Animal Services has protocols in place to make sure these cats will thrive in their environment. Our team members will meet with potential adopters and make sure that the cats will be properly taken care of and that adopters can tend to their basic needs of shelter, food and water before the adoption occurs.”
There is a video on Youtube featuring Mesquite Animal Services Director Jeanne Saadi explaining the program. Click HERE. 
To ask about participating in the Mesquite Barn Cat Program, call the shelter at 972-216-6910 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. And you can visit the shelter at 1650 Gross Road.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t show some of the cats that are available at Mesquite, both for adoption and, perhaps, for being your barn cat. You can see the city shelter’s dogs and cats by going to this SITE.
We suspect the final cat, Blossom (33028200), a bit of a longhair girl who is 3 years old, is not really a barn cat candidate — she probably has another mission: Lap Cat. Adorable cat fashion appearance — like she’d inspire a Disney movie.
MEANWHILE, AT DAS
FREE ANIMALS ALL WEEK
Yep, for the entire week, you can adopt an animal without charge at Dallas Animal Services.
Why? Because the shelter is overloaded. And can we guess three reasons the shelter is overloaded? (1) People don’t spay and neuter. (2) July 4 sent a bunch of animals running for cover. (3) Loving Dallas residents dump animals in the summer so they can travel without paying for a petsitter or boarding. Anybody else know of other reasons shelter populations rise in the summer? Humans are at the core of each reason an animal is in a shelter.
WBAP (820AM) did a story on the free adoptions week HERE and cited the big shelter as being “over capacity at 108% for dogs and over 150% for cats.” Yep, puppy and kitten season — it’s a reality in Dallas, the most fertile city in the known universe.
So, how many animals are we talking about. We can’t really be sure. 
On the left you see the count as listed on the www.dallasanimalservices.com city site and on the right you see the count as listed on the DAS’ Pet Harbor link HERE.

TEDDY BEAR IN DENTON
Our tipster Amy Poskey ’s note about the resident of Denton’s McNatt Animal Shelter calls this guy a “big ‘ol love sponge.”

Teddy Bear is, she writes, “a ‘quasi-senior’ boy because he is only 8 years young and he says he still has plenty of love to share. Yep, Teddy is a TOTAL LOVE and SO SWEET!!!  He just wants to be close to his people cuz he’s such a sweetheart!  As you can see, this baby needs a day at the spa for a good grooming and lots of pampering.” 
He’s a Great Pyrenees who weighs in at 125 pounds and — here’s his lone problem — he’s heartworm positive. It’s treatable. He just needs a loving human.
Here are the contacts for saving Teddy Bear: Email gayla.nelsen@cityofdenton.com, Randi.Weinberg@cityofdenton.com, julien.peralta@cityofdenton.com, dentonshelterdogs@yahoo.com, and/or dentonanimalservices@yahoo.com. Call 940-349-7594.
A ROSCOE REMINDER
Over the weekend we featured this handsome young man Roscoe in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Why? Two reasons: (1) He’s a championship sleeping dog and (2) He needs a home where he can get the attention an only dog gets.
Our pal, the veteran rescuer and animal advocate Della Wallace, saved Roscoe’s life last fall when she got him out of traffic on a busy road in Little Elm. Since then, he’s been living and thriving with her and hubby David — he’s spent some time as David’s lap dog! 
He’s just not getting along with the other big dog in the multi-dog house. Roscoe is healthy, entertaining and available to the right home. To ask about adopting Roscoe, email Della at dellawallace39@gmail.com.
[LARRY ASIDE: And, remember, we're always in need of photos of adored sleeping dog and napping cats for -- what else -- Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. We published it each weekend for more than 14 years. Send photos and info to dallrp@aol.com.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
It’s a summer day. For some reason, this morning I woke missing my childhood dog, Queenie, the Border Collie who was the babysitter for three little boys at a home on Hazel Street. When we’d get too rowdy with each other, as brothers do, she’d bark madly until Mom came out to change our behavior patterns. Miss Pepper the Cat, too. Somebody needs to invent a time machine. … You know why this era of politics sounds so much rougher and louder than things used to be? Because two decades ago, not everybody had a microphone or a video camera and there were only a handful of TV channels. We’re a loud, bickering nation. We’re a democracy — I’m happy we can say what we want. It’s America. … Just for fun, here’s a (skip the ad) link to the great Don Henley and the Eagles performing “Get Over It.” — in 1994. Freedom of expression.
—- Offer opinions or helpful ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

AH, THE ARRIVAL OF A MONDAY....

EDITION OF MONDAY, JULY 15, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Holy smokin’ city streets, we’re at the midpoint of July and, if you listen to talk radio, football fever is already breaking out on college campuses and at pro training camps. Didn’t the NBA playoffs just end about 20 minutes ago?
 The passage of time, the jumble of events, the crush of 21st century/second decade politics — No wonder a month feels so fast. And not one of us gets enough sleep.
Or course, the highway planning people are helping make a short trip last a long, long time — the construction work on U.S. I-35 south of downtown is apparently never going to be finished. This is what I-35 looked like Saturday as I drove west on Clarendon. The orange roadside promises roadwork for 7 miles to the left and 3 miles to the right. I can’t remember a time when the highway wasn’t under re-construction.


THE DENTON ‘KIDS’
WHO NEED HOMES
As Monday arrived, so did a note from Amy Poskey, the volunteer monitor of canine challenges at the McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center in Denton. She was writing to us about Ol' Man River, possibly 10, a Jack Russell Terrier (ID 831580). “Old Man River just needs a loving home to spend the rest of his days being pampered and spoiled rotten!!!,” she wrote. “Bless his heart, he has congestive heart failure with fluid buildup in his chest and abdomen and a 6/6 heart murmur, not to mention emaciated.”  His bio describes him as “as sweet as it gets; people friendly, dog friendly and quiet as a mouse.”
While Old Man River waits in Denton, so does Trina. You may remember her from the photos we posted last week. The 60-pound girl (82592) has the bowed right front leg and it doesn’t bother her a bit.
The 8-year-old girl, possibly a Doberman, maybe a mix — is “fully vetted, heartworm negative, people friendly, dog friendly…” 
Amy wrote, “Sadly, nobody has stepped up for this precious girl so I’ve got my worn-out knee pads on again and I’m begging for help!  Trina is such an AWESOME, SWEET girl and she just needs a little extra care for her diabetes, so PLEASE give this angel the chance she deserves!” For either — or BOTH — of these dogs, call the shelter at 940-349-7594 or email gayla.nelsen@cityofdenton.com, Randi.Weinberg@cityofdenton.com, julien.peralta@cityofdenton.com, dentonshelterdogs@yahoo.com, and/or dentonanimalservices@yahoo.com.

THE VAN ALYSTYNE PAIR
This one is making the rounds this Monday morning. It came from veteran rescuer Michelle Upchurch and it’ll tick you off — it’s an abandonment situation.
Michelle’s note reads, “I need help! SEEKING REPUTABLE RESCUE. Realtor called me about emaciated pup left at vacant house. I set up a feeding station on public road (I'm denied access to property) and two very skinny pups met me this morning. It will take time to capture them but I'm going at dawn and dusk daily. My rescue's intake is closed; I have nowhere to quarantine these pups to monitor for disease but I'm not just gonna leave them to starve. REPUTABLE RESCUE WARRIORS, help me find safe placement for these dogs. Both are less than 25 pounds and larger one has injured back leg. Transport provided. Call or text my cell 281-217-9889.”
[NOTE TO HUMANS WHO MOVED WITHOUT THE DOGS: Why? For crying out loud, why?]

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE

Our Mesquite tipster, the volunteer biographer Judi Brown cites the need of adoptors for these two — they have the kind of dog faces you like to wake up and see first thing in the morning! Obviously happy at being a dog with some attention!

Pepsi (42178870) is a 4-pound, already neutered, 2-year-old Lab Pittie mix who came in as a stray on Sunday. He is “affectionate and playful,” she writes. And look at that face!
During her visit with Pepsi, Judi says, “He actually entertained himself by leaping and bounding back-and-forth in the yard. He also chased toys and would play with them but would not bring them to me. Because of his need to run, he would do well with someone that is looking for a running partner. He would also need a large yard and an active family. He was OK on a leash.”
How about that cute, beautiful face on Mercedes (42154807). She arrived as a stray on July 8. Judi says, “Mercedes has the enthusiasm and playfulness of a one-year-old puppy. That being said she initially gets very excited and jumps on you. Because she weighs 63 pounds she could easily knock over a small child. Once she got to run in the yard briefly she settled down. She also took correction easily. It didn’t take long for her to learn ’No’ meant not to jump on me. However she could benefit from some obedience training. She does want to please so there’s no doubt she would be a quick study. But meanwhile I would say she would do better in a family with older children. …She’s a very affectionate, fun loving dog that has the potential to be a loyal family pet. She would do best with an active family.”

To ask about Pepsi and Mercedes, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. To see the other animals in the Mesquite shelter, click HERE. You’ll see cats with popular names. This 2-1/2-year-old guy (42099196) came into the shelter on July 1 and is currently living in the shelter’s — what else? — Executive Suite. Bond. James Bond. Tomcat.
CONTEMPLATIONS
HAPPY DOG, SHOPPING LIST, COOL CAT

Why am I posting this photo?
Because that dog made me happy. We were at a stoplight in Oak Cliff when I heard a dog barking and looked ahead to see this pup barking happily — you’ve seen happy barking. As soon as the light changed the dog moved back into the car and the whole package rolled away under the Storm Barry-influenced cloudy skies. Three blocks later, at another light, once the car was still, the dog's big ol' cute mug was out the window and happily barking again. Made me want to hug the sweetheart. ...
SHOPPING LIST FOR THE LAKE: You need more than patients and a dedicated vet (Shout out to Dr. Glen Campbell) to operate the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. What? For example, here’s a list from the Friends of the Animals Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic spokester Sydney Busch. She writes, “The clinic can really use the following: Bottled water for our wonderful, hard-working but thirsty volunteers. 70% isopropyl alcohol. Bleach. Canned soft drinks:  Diet Coke or Pepsi, regular Coke or Pepsi, Diet or regular Dr Pepper, regular Sprite. Paper towels. Toilet paper.” These donations can be brought to the clinic in GBC all day on Tuesdays — the day the clinic “operates” or from 10 a.m. to noon on the Second Saturday of each month when the clinic hosts low-cost vaccination and other care events. See how to find the clinic in Gun Barrel City and how to contact the clinic by going too friendsoftheanimals.org.
We’ll close today’s contemplations with this weekend photo of the growing foundling Stevie Ray Treeboy, the loud little hungry kitten I plucked from out on the limb of a mimosa tree in our yard. I think his mom had decided it was time to wean him and she never returned. We had no idea she or her kitten existed until the odd rescue. He’s named Stevie Ray Treeboy — an Oak Cliff cat name in honor of an Oak Cliff cat, Stevie Ray Vaughn, — and because he was found in a tree. When I took him to the vet 2 weeks ago, his eyes were matted shut and he weighed a pound and a half. My felinematernalspouse Martha applied eye meds, other meds and cuddling to the voracious little rascal and last week, on his followup visit, Stevie Ray weighed 3 pounds. He’s lively. He can see again. He’s adorable. He's Stevie Ray Treeboy. And if his ears keep growing, he's Stevie Ray Earhound Treeboy.
—- Offer opinion or solutions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

ROSCOE: NEEDING A NEW PLACE TO SLEEP

The title of this weekend edition has been, for more than 14 years, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
This weekend, we are hoping to help a Sleeping Dog find a new and happy place to slumber.
His name is Roscoe and he’s been living with David and Della Wallace since October of 2018 when Della spotted him “running into oncoming traffic near Little Elm. Nobody even slowed down. I stopped and he got in my car, rather muddy, but friendly.”
Della explained back then, “I was on my way to buy lottery tickets. He won!”
Since the rescue, the teenage puppy has grown into a big dog and has won a place of affection in the home and hearts of Della and David. You see some of Roscoe's photos here. You can tell that he’s devoted to being the mythical “Sleeping Dog.”
 He clearly understands chairs.
Della once sent one of his sleeping photos and wrote, “He looks like an angel but he is faking it.”
 [LARRY NOTE: I like the colorful collar photo of Roscoe because the lighting gives him two shadows -- his ears are on the cabinet doors and his cute snoot is on the floor! He really looks like a smilin' happy dog in this photo!]
Well, after that daring rescue and after a few months of attempting to settle in, Roscoe has made it clear that he’d like to be an only dog. And Della, with a little bit of broken heart — David feels the same way — has decided that Roscoe deserves what he wants.
So, this nearly 2-year-old, 57-pound dog is available for adoption. To audition to adopt the rescued dog, email Della at dellawallace39@gmail.com.
  Roscoe recently had a dust-up with big dog Chewy — about 90 pounds. Roscoe is 57 pounds. Della says, “He is so sweet and I hate it that he has to leave, but I can’t keep him and Chewy, and Chewy was here first.”
Roscoe has his quirks. After his recent “boy” surgery, he wouldn’t wear the traditional Elizabethan collar, Della and David made him the colorful collar. 

“Normally Roscoe is a very sweet loving dog who likes to be petted. He likes to get on David’s lap and is just a love bug. He knocks on the door to go out and to come back in. I have no idea how he is with children. He is fine with our other dogs who are smaller than he is.”
[LARRY ASIDE: There probably isn’t a rescue soul who hasn’t had to juggle dogs or cats in the ol’ household. It can get to be nerve-wracking. But that’s why homes with only one dog or one cat exist -- saving the lives without conflict. It’s easier on the nerves. The dog and the cat will thrive and so will the human.]
As you can see from the photos, Roscoe is a dog of his own mind. Clearly he’s at home standing on the back of a couch, stretched out to sleep, flopped over to snooze or twisted into an afternoon nod-off session against the cabinet doors.

Don’t let the sleepiness fool you — Roscoe is an entertainer, too. Right after he moved in with David and Della, she wrote, “He’s an escape artist. He opens doors if they are not locked. Driving me nuts!!!  Steals socks and anything else he wants to play with. I’ve never seen a dog with so much energy and joie de vivre.”
Della is moved by this decision. “I know I have to do what is best for them. Chewy won’t come out of the bathroom even with the promise of a piece of pecan pie. I think Roscoe will adjust as we haven’t had him very long anyway. I’ll miss him😢.”

She wants him to have a happy home. He is loved. And he’s been well cared for since Della rescued him off the busy road. 
As rescuers know, each time you save one of these wayward animals, a sensitive part of your heart immediately has a new owner. And you don’t mind it one little bit at all. You’ve saved a life.
Give Roscoe a chance at a new, wonderful home. You’ll have the support of a couple of veteran rescuers/animal advocates who love him and want the best for sweet Roscoe. Email dellawallace39@gmail.com.
[REMEMBER, DEAR READERS, send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats, snoozing reptiles, yawning rabbits — do rabbits yawn? — or any other slumbering critter (maybe even a relative whose still on vacation at your house) to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll post the photo and the bio. You’ll be encouraging people to make room in their homes for beloved animals. You’ll also be encouraging insomniacs to believe that they, too, can find a place to sleep if they can just get find the right collar to wear to bed, or floor...]

A LITTLE BOY AND A BIG TOWN WITH GOOD PEOPLE AND BAD ACTORS

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Dear Readers, permit me to turn our attention for a moment. Usually we focus on the hardships of animals or maybe the uplifting stories of people who risk their necks on behalf of species that can’t cry out “Mommy!” or “Daddy” when they are terrified or mistreated.

Right now the focus is on that little boy — that little 18-month-old who was in such danger that he was officially, by law, moved around within a family unit in Dallas. Sort of a “let’s see if this works” philosophy with a child at risk. It didn’t work. He is now lost to all of us, a baby gone. 
To the dismay of any good heart, little Cedrick Johnson was found in a suburban landfill — and that was after the bad guy, the reports say, dropped his body into a commercial trash bin and drove away. The little guy’s body was moved around the city like a bag of kitchen trash. 

I can’t take this stuff. The crimes in Dallas are getting to be sicker by the minute. 
I was a newspaper reporter, editor and columnist for a long, long time — I saw a lot of ugly situations in person. This little boy’s story is about the ugliest.
It’s a nightmare for Child Protective Services. And the background, if it is as reported, indicates it ought to be a nightmare. The accused suspect has a history of brushes with the law over child welfare issues.
Humans are cursed with short memories. Unless the empty chair is at the dinner table in their home, they forget about little girls abducted, hired killers targeting someone’s spouse or sweetheart, etc. And the Sherin Mathews episode — what tragic awfulness.

 Dallas — it’s a town loaded with bad actors.

We need to remember these things in order show the reason for better, tougher laws.
 You and I, Dear Readers, know far more good people than we know bad people.
But, holy smoke, don’t those bad people get the attention in Dallas. Why? Because they do the unthinkable.
We do-right citizens deserve to know about their awful actions — I applaud journalists for warning us that these people have been walking free among us and our loved ones. I want to know about the threats to life in our city.
 When we voice our opinions to our Legislators, that helps the lawmakers determine just how much we want the lawbreakers punished. Maximum sentence. Always.

But this reality never changes: Unless there’s a cop with a gun in the room where somebody is battering a baby, nothing is going to stop the crime. The perpetrator is simply going to do the deed and try to beat the odds that anyone will even arrest him. This is a horror we law-abiders live with -- I don't know how the peace officers and other first responders can live with what they see.
Especially when these evil people get a too-short prison sentence and return to walking among us and producing more babies to abuse.

From the animal advocacy side of things, we spent the last session of the Texas Legislature rooting for bills that should protect animals from human behavior. And there are animal advocates who also believe that we need laws that make mistreatment of little boys and girls extraordinarily serious and unforgivable offenses. No variables in the sentence. Just solid, long, jail time.
Maybe that’ll protect some of the children. Protect your daughter, your son, my kids, my grandkids, the kid down the street, the jumble of children in a blended home in the apartment next door.
Protect the children. Teach them to protect the children that follow them.
Sadly, no law protected Cedrick. People “snap,” people make fatal decisions, people don’t care what they do, people take lives and go on living with consequences that are not nearly enough punishment. They have no fear of law or courts or prison — and especially no fear of the Hereafter.
Just think about recent news — no, don’t. Think about this: Is there a way to influence Dallas so that, in sports off-seasons, it isn’t known for murders, mayhem and business deals among the elite?

We don’t have majestic views. There are no ski lodges, no oceans….I’ve included photos I took of storm clouds, a sunset, buildings. You can see those anywhere. 
Whatever is in Dallas had to be trucked in, brought by rail or delivered by airplane — not just product, but people. 
We ought to be known for good and decent people.
And now, in the midst of all the celebration of Dallas’ growth and international recognition as a business center, who can avoid focusing on the “why” a little boy would wind up in a city dump in a Dallas summer? 
We have to be better at spotting the bad guys. We have to have the courage to make them understand we’re serious about long, hard time in a prison for anybody who hurts one of our babies, one of our friends, one of our loved ones, a stranger, a visitor — anybody. It's our civic, moral duty.

RETURNING TO THE TOPIC
OF SAVING ANIMALS
THAT HUMANS CAN SAVE
We got the tip on these animals — rabbits, a kitten and dogs — from Laura Macias, the guiding light of an effort to help animals in shelters in the southern sector of the county.
These are in the current care of the little Wilmer and Hutchins shelters, according to Laura’s note. She lumps them all together, so if you want to know which shelter or how to rescue or adopt, get in touch with Laura: Call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
  The rabbits are Thumper (with the smudge on his nose) and Faline. The arrived with a pair of Yorkie mixes. The rabbit were “living in a shed in the back yard that had no air-conditioning and fortunately someone that visited the home to do maintenance of some sort called animal control.” 
The Yorkie types are 6-year-old Toby (darker dog), father of 2-year-old Tessa. “Sadly,” the note reads, “They were in the same situation as the bunnies….living in a shed in the back of a house with no -air-conditioning. …. Great little, very sweet pair of dogs.”
The kitten is “Cupcake.” [LARRY ASIDE: No gender identification yet, but I’m betting “boy” based on that stride and the curled tail in the photograph. If we hadn’t already bagged the limit on free cats, he’d be living the high life in Big D and learning how to operate the TV remote.]
Zoey, with the long ears and the great blaze, is a Pointer mix, possibly with Beagle, Laura’s note reads. She’s got “precious long ears” and she’s a “very sweet, very loving girl,” her bio reads.

The final photo is fascinating Boomer, already neutered and up to date on vaccinations. The Pittie boy “absolutely adores people — he desperately needs someone. He has been waiting for a while.”

CONTEMPLATIONS

Readlarrypowell.com could go on and on with animals in need of rescue or adoption. Let’s just give some advice in the form of shelters to check for animals that need homes: Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Bedford, Euless, Mesquite, Lancaster, The Colony, Garland, — wait. This could go on forever. Pick a city, Google its shelter and look at all the animals. Get involved with a rescue group and foster — that’s if you don’t have an open spot on your personal household roster. Foster for a little while and save that animals life and maybe the life of an animal that needed to be displayed in the cage that your foster was occupying. … Make sure your neighborhood is animal friendly. If there’s not a beneficial animal philosophy on your street, develop one you can share with your neighbors. … Animal advocates can set the tone for the City of Dallas — do good, save lives, set examples. It seems so easy. Maybe it is. Maybe there needs to be a way of making people pay attention to how easy it can be to do the right thing….Maybe I’m an offbeat optimist, blind to the reality of humanity.
—- Offer opinion or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

HOT? NEVER MIND, JUST WORK FOR THE ANIMALS ON THE CLOCK...

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019 [PetPowellPress] As this is being typed, the TV is on and so are the fans we cleverly put in front of the floor a/c vents to keep the cold air moving around in this brick Dawn of the Space Age Home (1958). 
And the news just broke in to say I-35 on the south side of Fort Worth in Burleson buckled in the heat. And, after 6 p.m., the Channel 4 guy revealed that thunderstorms dropped the Denton temp into the 70s. No buckling there. How wacky is the local weather!
In case you’re new to the area and wondered, this is NOT “global warming,” it’s July in Texas. Could be dry. Could be rainy. Wait’ll August. Those “Watch For Ice on Bridge” signs could be accurate.
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LET’S TALK DALLAS SHELTER

NUMBERS & ADOPTION
Plus, we praise the political army of advocates….
Let’s switch on the time machine for a moment: If you’ve been around here a while, join me in a trip back to the tiny Dallas Animal Services shelter that was located on a spot of land now occupied by the northern side of the Dallas Zoo. Remember that place? You could smell it from the parking lot. I couldn’t find a photo of the old shelter. The City had to be convinced to do the right thing for animals. Took a while. Every time I think about the current, large Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center, I say a special “thank you” to all of those veteran animal advocates who finally knocked on the door at city hall long enough and with enough force to get some attention on behalf of animals. If you're less than a quarter-century old, well, ya shoulda seen this mighty force at work!

Now, back to the animals. Here’s a shame: Roxy (A0547266), a spayed female black-and-tan German Shepherd Dog, is ELEVEN YEARS OLD and waiting at the shelter. She’s been at the big shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland since Tuesday.
That cat? That’s Nemo, a 2-year-old currently living among an onslaught of tiny kittens. Nemo (A0996845). He’s been in the city’s shelter since June 28. That’s a great “shelter noir” photo of a pensive cat. He needs someone to cuddle him.
For either of these animals, call DAS at 214-670-6800.

As you may know, Dallas Animal Services has TWO lists of available animals. The list posted on the official city site at www.dallasanimalservices.org late Wednesday afternoon, showed 271 dogs, 279 cats and 3 “other” waiting in the shelter. The DAS listing on PetHarbor HERE  says Dallas’s big shelter has 466 dogs, 396 cats and 5 “other.”
You aren’t chained to your computer, so, yes, you may actually visit the City of Dallas’ big animal shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland. Adopt in person. Volunteer in person.
CATCHING UP WITH
SOME DRAGGED DOGS 

This one ticked a lot of people off. The echos of protests are still echoing at Greenville City Hall, we're told. That’s a photo of two pregnant dogs being dragged in terror in the Greenville Animal Shelter.
They are now in the care of Dallas DogRRR (Rescue. Rehab. Reform.)
 and the organization needs donations to help the dogs and offspring thrive. Here are the donation avenues: Donate www.dallasdogrrr .org. Paypal donate@dallas- dogrrr.org. Venmo @Dallas-DogRRR.

The posting opened this way: “As a shelter employee, how in the hell do you do this to not one, but TWO pregnant dogs at the same time?! Scared out of their mind, these two dogs were dragged to the back as they choked on what they probably thought were their last breaths!
Who cares that there's two of them?! Who cares that they are both OBVIOUSLY pregnant! Who cares that they were dumped in a field and brought into the shelter to be saved?! Certainly not the shelter staff by any means! WE HAVE THEM AND THEY ARE SAFE WITH DALLAS DOGRRR! “…One of them gave birth in the back, dark room ALONE. The other is due any day now!”
The volunteer Advocates for the Animals at Greenville Animal Control Shelter — this was on July 6: “UPDATE: ALL 5 dogs that came in were rescued today including 7 puppies that were born on Friday.”
MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE’S SHELTER,
NOBLE FRITZ WAITS WITH OTHERS…
Our reliable tipster, the volunteer biographer at Mesquite Animal Shelter Judi Brown, has provided three amazing dogs in need of homes.
We’re leading off with Fritz, a 5- or 6-year-old Dachshund who came in on July 5 as a stray. [LARRY ASIDE: He’s an outdoor dog, so, hmmm, stray on July 5? Did some jerk not protect Fritz from the firecrackers?] Whatever the case, the dog shows signs of neglect — fly bites on his ears, lots of tartar on his teeth, a little shy. But snuggly after he gets accustomed to the human. He’s ID 42137490 and weighs 16 pounds.
The 37-pound, one-year-old Retriever/Whippet mix is Darcy (42157373), surrendered on July 8 because “a family member is moving here from Mexico and she is allergic to dogs,” Judi wrote. “Meanwhile Darcy is confused! She doesn’t know what to make of her new situation …. She is very clean and you can tell she was very well cared for. It was difficult taking pictures of her because she kept her head down and wouldn’t look me in the eye. I could tell she wanted to make friends because she would come towards me and then retreat and lay down. Darcy is very sweet and gentle.”

And then there’s brindle beauty Bullet (42151651), the 2-year-old, 60-pound Retriever mix surrendered on July 8 “due to landlord issues.” And, Judi says, “He did keep going to the gate looking out which made me think he was looking for his former owners. But other than that he stayed close to me. When I sat down he came to me to be petted. Once we got to know each other he wagged his tail. He’s a calm, gentle dog that is definitely affectionate. There is absolutely no doubt that this dog would be extremely loyal.”
To ask about any of these dogs, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. You can see many, many other animals at this MESQUITE LINK  including this 3-year-old cat Goldie (33619032), an adult among the scores of little kittens waiting for rescue or adoption at the busy shelter. Goldie arrived on July 1 and is in the cat room at the shelter.
CONTEMPLATION
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO WORK IN A SHELTER?
Remember the photo of the dogs being dragged in a small shelter? All shelters aren't like that. You'll see the hurt when you consider this tragic story from Fort Worth.
Normally, we’d try to find something lighthearted for CONTEMPLATION, but every now and then we need to be reminded of just how stupid people can be about animals.
It’s upsetting to our longtime Fort Worth Animal Care & Control tipster Ginger Leach. As a veteran shelter worker she has seen some things — great animals rescued, great animals adopted and then there’s this she posted earlier this week. And be prepared to be angry — you’ll be in the same mood as Ginger. Use that anger to remind people to — seriously, remember this? — BE KIND TO ANIMALS.
Ginger wrote, “Today ignorance/stupidity showed us something my co-workers and I have never witnessed before and I know we all hope we NEVER EVER see it again.
“Someone brought in 2 kittens zipped up in insulation bags (the ones that you use for the grocery store) and put them in their trunk for the ride to bring them to us. Their temperature was 109. There was absolutely no way to save them, the poor babies were cooking to death. Their images will never leave me. Within moments of coming in, we sent them to the Rainbow Bridge, where at least their suffering ended and they are playing and just being sweet kittens again.
“I had and still have so many emotions, ANGER, HATE, DISGUST, SADNESS, PAIN, SHOCK but HELPLESSNESS is the strongest. There was absolutely NOTHING that could have been done to have saved them, NOTHING!! NO ONE I could call to help fix them. PURE HELPLESSNESS.
“And shockingly the persons truly had no idea that they did something so stupid that would cause the death of 2 precious kittens.

“I just felt a great need to share this so that everyone feels our pain and maybe it will stop someone from making such a tragic mistake. AND, yes, our cruelty team is on it
.
“Please remember this is about all my co-workers and I. We all were full of anger and helplessness. It takes us all.”

[Larry aside: If you know someone who has a litter of kittens right now,copy this item about the kittens and give it to those people. Maybe it’ll help the kittens.]

—- To offer opinions or solutions, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

THE HEAT, THE HONEY, THE ISSUES, THE ANIMALS & H. ROSS PEROT -- RECOLLECTIONS

EDITION OF JULY 10/11, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Ever ask yourself, “Why didn’t I clean out the garage six months ago when it was cool?” Yeah, well, I’m accustomed to making idiot decisions. Let’s see what’s going for this edition, if my eyes can stop sweating…
The heat reminds me: As a label-reader, I discovered this on a bottle of Real Texas Beekeeper Honey. After listing all the natural ingredients, the label reads, “To preserve these, our minimal processing means that our honey will crystallize. It is still good. To re-liquify, heat at 120 F until clear (inside a hot vehicle works great).”
I love this brand from the Moore Honey Farm in Kountz, Texas, but I also interpret this a an inadvertent reminder that people should not leave critters or kids in a hot car.
THE LANCASTER EVENT
People who want more accountability, access for animal advocates and improved service at the Lancaster Animal Shelter exercised their right to speak at the Lancaster City Council meeting Monday. NBC5’s Candace Sweat covered the meeting. The last paragraph of her video story is the significant revelation — compares last year to this year. Here’s the VIDEO STORY LINK.
The concerned speakers cited such things as staffing and lack of volunteers and the city manager responded that the city has a new shelter director in place. No name given.
And, the small shelter advocates continue to try to help Lancaster improve its adoption and rescue stats. This guy Tripp, a young Boxer mix, is among the dogs at peril in the city’s shelter. To ask about him, call r texas 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. The advocates have people who sort of have to “smuggle” photos of Lancaster animals out of the shelter to get some publicity for animal on the clock.

OUT AT THE LAKE, THE FRIENDS
OF THE ANIMAL CELEBRATE 17 YEARS
We got this note from Sidney Busch, our longtime reliable tipster with the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, the non-profit that operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
She explains, “Friends of the Animals is celebrating 17 years of saving lives/helping the community (who can believe it's been 17 YEARS!!!).”

And, on Facebook, the explanation of the photo is this: “We gathered together as many volunteers as possible for this picture to try to capture the madness/professionalism that goes on every Tuesday - we've done over 42,000 surgeries in these 17 years - that means literally millions of little lives not born!

“And we do non-surgical services for over 200 animals every month - many of these are animals who would not be vaccinated/heartworm tested/etc. Be proud, Friends!”
 Put Saturday on your calendar: 10 a.m. to noon at the Friends of the Animals Clinic, “affordable vaccinations/microchip- ping/heartworm testing/other non-surgical services at the Friends Clinic — 334/198 in GBC, just SE of Huddle House.” Questions? Call 903-451-4701.
 Also, you can still buy the latest Friends shirt — the Flag Shirt. Get it at the clinic on Tuesdays or a the 10 a.m.-noon clinics on Second Saturday at the clinic. Small to XL sizes are $15; XXL is $17. All the proceeds benefit the clinic.
See the Clinic’s website at www.friendsoftheanimals.org or check out the Facebook page HERE.
FOSTERING: IT’S THE LIFELINE
FOR DOGS AND CATS
We were skipping through scores on online posts and ran across this photo of our pal, the Paws in the City President Mark Verma, and one of his latest “projects.” That’s Ginny, a 3-year-ol Pointer/Hound/Pit Bull mix, according to Mark’s description. He says, “She has been in boarding awaiting a foster for far too long. Hit me up with questions or drop by @potterybarn Galleria this Saturday to meet her! #adoptdontshop #fosteringsaveslives."

The adoption event is 1 p.m. to 4 p .m. Saturday at the Pottery Barn at the Galleria, 13350 Dallas Parkway.
You can get info about fostering for Paws In the City by going to the website www.pawsinthecity.org. You’ll see dogs and cats at that website — i.e., those cats are in a FOSTER home. And, once again, Ginny is waiting for that foster home and that good forever home, too.
CONTEMPLATIONS
REMEMBERING ROSS PEROT
By now you know that H. Ross Perot has died. He’s a Texarkana guy who made a major impression on Dallas — another notable from Texarkana being J.K. Wadley, a rich man who inspired the blood bank that has saved so many lives.
 We have a few notes on Ross Perot, or as i like to refer to him, “the OTHER renaissance man from Texarkana.” Back in the early 1970s I was covering court news for The Fort Worth Press and I got off the elevator in the courthouse and spotted Mr. Perot quietly sitting on a hallway bench waiting to be called as a witness in a suit — some guy was trying to win millions from him. He didn’t.

H. Ross Perot and I had a lot in common — we grew up in the same neighborhood, attended Highland Park Elementary School in Texarkana, Texas Avenue Junior High, Texas High School and Texarkana College. (Both were at TC briefly as I recall. I dropped out; he went to the U.S. Naval Academy.) We both were in Boy Scouts. We both knew my Aunt Nonie. What was our topic of discussion that day? How much we both loved the teachers at Highland Park Elementary School in Texarkana. 
Though he’d been through it years before I attended, we had some of the same teachers. And, out of the blue he asked, “Do you remember Mr. Kaufman’s store?” Mr. Kaufman operated a small neighborhood grocery store in a wood-frame building just across the street from the school. Students saved their nickels to shop there and their parents did, too! It was a wonderfully, pleasant time to learn in America. And Mr. Perot remembered the joy of buying a 5-cent pomegranate from Mr. Kaufman and making it last nearly all day. [Pretty sure that as kids, neither of new that the city had another school district for the towns’ African American kids. Yep, long time ago.]
 Oh, and Mr. Perot and I both worked for the same newspaper, the Texarkana Gazette — years apart. I was a reporter and editor; he delivered the paper on horseback. Yep. True fact. Rode his horse Bee on his route every day. Until he got a bicycle. The Gazette did several stories after word of Mr. Perot’s death at 89 was revealed Tuesday. That’s a Gazette photo and that bag reminds me that when I went to work at paper in 1965, there were two papers — the morning Texarkana Gazette and the afternoon Texarkana Daily News.
One more thing: Nearly 30 years ago when I was enjoying life a columnist at The Dallas Morning News, the President of Texarkana College Carl Nelson, who’d been my high school geometry teacher, invited me to speak to springtime commencement at the college. I was quite proud to be able to return to the campus. For the three previous commencements, the speakers were Texas Gov. Ann Richards, Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton and Presidential candidate Ross Perot. So, there I was, a longtime newpaper editor and columnist and Texarkana College dropout at the podium. As I told the grads that night, “I’m what you get for not graduating during an election year.” 
We’ll close, appropriately, with Mr. Perot’s campaign song — written by Texan Willie Nelson and performed by the immortal Patsy Cline. Click HERE  and remember an American legend from Texarkana.

—- To offer opinions or advice, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

SEE, THERE WAS CALENDAR CONFUSION AS I WISHED EMILY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

[PM EDITION ON MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019] A confession from Larry “What calendar?” Powell: Because I was confused by a party on Sunday, I thought Monday was the 7th or maybe the 9th. Could have been 1966 for all I knew when I work Monday. After all, I spent the bulk of Sunday evening at a party honoring the birthday of my second granddaughter, Emily Grace, and she was born on July 8.
She’d expect this addled behavior of me. She knows I’m an insomniac.
So, Sunday evening the 7th I was playing rummy at Emily’s Uncle Bret’s house with Emily, some of her pals and some of the Powells, i.e., her dad Bart and my favorite daughter-in-law Erinn, oldest granddaughter (her sis) Hannah Rose, and my funspouse Martha who baked a cake — it went fast. [Yes, I’m the luckiest and youngest grandfather on the planet: The two grandgirlkids and a grandson known as “Crash” to some and “Connor” to the rest of the world. He missed the party — I think he was either working or practicing his jazz chops on the ivories or his slide trombone. Or he was on Mars. I was never clear on the story.]
So, as the sun sets on July 8, 2019, Happy Birthday, Emily Grace.
 I remember when I turned 17 — like you, I was gainfully employed at the cheapest rate a company could get away with paying. I’m kidding. I was working for a newspaper; you’re working for a well-caffeinated company that is surviving in the 21st Century. I don’t know what people read with their morning coffee these days. 
So, Emily, never be too shy to ask me if I know what day it is. Clearly, I may need help.
[LARRY ASIDE: See these photos. That’s Emily practicing her killer serve. And that’s Emily demonstrating creative use of a Christmas tortilla a couple of years ago. And those two mugshots show the sly smile of Emily Grace and give an accurate

 

 

 

indication that she’s someone who is always on the brink of delivering a wisecrack. I don’t know where she gets that. I wouldn’t want to blame her dad Bart, her step-mom Erinn or her Uncle Bret, aka Uncle Buck. Though, of course, they might be the influential parties. My funspouse Martha and I are totally innocent in this matter. I swear. Happy birthday to the kid!]
—- Offer advice or contemplative thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

A SHELTER MEETING; ANIMALS IN NEED; A RESCUE & CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF MONDAY, JULY 7, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Here we go with our Monday report. It’ll touch on a few things that involve various aspects of the animal advocacy community. 

FROM LANCASTER:
 A MEETING,
ALSO SOME ANIMALS
(1) THE COUNCIL MEETING

We got a “friendly reminder” over the weekend from Katherine Hail, the longtime Lancaster animal advocate who has been involved in both rescuing animals and in trying to get animals to safety out of the city’s shelter. The city and the advocate have been at odds ever since the city lost of a vote on building a new city hall. Her not reads, that “Monday 7-8-19 we will be uniting at Lancaster City Hall, 211 N Henry St., Lancaster TX 75146, for the council meeting at 7-9 pm to request reform for our shelter.
‘If you can attend please wear something red. We need as many people present to make this incredibly important impact on our Council and City Staff. Our animals deserve a clean shelter, enough staff to accommodate Animal Control demands at the shelter and City. Medical care for hurt animals. Thank you in advance. If you can’t attend please sign the online petition and send two friends on your behalf.” The petition is HERE
https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/reform-the-lancaster-texas-animal-shelter.html
(2) THE ANIMALS WAITING
As regular visitors to readlarrypowell.com know, the city has been at odds with animal-helpers, so access to the shelter has diminished and a former free an open forum for displaying unwanted animals has been disturbed.
Fortunately, the good hearts who are working on behalf of small shelters on the southern side of Dallas, have stepped up to politely get photos of shelter animals and promote them. These are two of the animals. Jenna is the Lab Boxer mix who is a “very, very sweet extremely lovable girl.”
Alyssa is the Boxer mix described as “incredibly urgent” and, also, her bio describes her this way: “There is something very Great Dane about her, too, although she is not as big. ….she is just precious.”
To offer to help save lives of Lancaster animals, call or text the small shelter task force at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
A TIP ON A DOG IN A FIX
Andrea E. Davis-Call tipped us to this beautiful dog’s plight. She posted on her Facebook page that: “This 2-3 year old girl was dumped by owner in Oak Cliff last week. She is super sweet! She is fixed and current on shots. Please help ! The person who has her has stage 4 cancer and needs to find her a home.” To offer to help the dog, call 214-931-2609.
MEANWHILE, IN DALLAS' SHELTER
When you check the numbers at Dallas Animal Services, you’ll see a bump in population over the weekend. Possibly runaways after all the July 4 fireworks. Add that to a vibrant kitten and puppy season and you’ve got the big challenge in Dallas — humans. Just too dim to spay and neuter and protect their animals.
So, DAS is running a blanket special. And among the animals you might see are these two kittens. Sweet boys who were born to wind up in a shelter and on the clock at a place that buys euthanasia juice by the barrel.
The DAS listing on PetHarbor Sunday showed 453 dogs and 412 cats, in addition to 8 “other.” The numbers on www.dallasanimalservices.org were 268 dogs, and 277 cats, plus 5 “other.” PetHarbor comes closest to the “actual” number of animals, we’re told.
See how to adopt by going to dallasanimalservices.org.
HOW OFTEN DOES THIS HAPPEN?
Dear Rescuers, how many times have you seen a dog on a parking lot and never found the dog’s human? Yeah, happens repeatedly. 
See that photo? Kristen Maupin Hays posted this note over the weekend, “Anyone in Corsicana recognize this dog? He/she is hanging around the Home Depot. The dog has a collar but no tags, grass burs in the fur and very, very thin. Poor thing is scouring the parking lot for anything edible. Looks to be a Great Pyrenees.”

A little bit later, Kristen posted this “Well, her name is Luna and she has an owner. Rella Callaway bribed her with some cheese and we managed to get a leash on her. As soon as they got a text they came to get her. They were grateful and thanked us for keeping her safe. I’m just glad someone was looking for her.”
So, there’s the benefit of having a tag or a chip on your dog. And, of course, we’ll just pray that this is the last time that dog wanders off.
_{CONTEMPLATIONS}

THE ZOO, THE POOL AND THE SURF
The veteran rescuer/animal advocate Beverly Fyfe had a very sensitive reaction to the report that two male African Painted Dogs killed the recently acquired female. Here’s The Big Paper Downtown’s STORY. The sensitive post read, “One more dead animal at the Dallas zoo. How many does this make at that hell hole -- beginning with Jabari [a gorilla that was shot] through this sad dog? As this was found on Thursday morning, I wonder if fireworks being set off ... scared and terrorized the animals. The Dallas for-profit zoo is in a very bad location for ‘citizens’ that will set off illegal fireworks as well as the huge public display. Does anyone know what - IF ANY - provisions are made for the animals during those times? Is anyone there with them? Yes or no - - it did this poor animal no good.” … Some of this passage was written on a Sunday morning when there was too much post-holiday chirpiness on the Sunday TV “magazine” programs. Larry confession: Sometimes I think I’ve hit the bottom of the barrel with an odd paragraph and then I hear a Sunday morning “chat” about whether you dive into a pool or wade into a pool. It’s genuinely summer — you’re at the end of your creative fuel tank. It happens. Next week, we’ll explore how you exit the pool — wade out or pull yourself up on the edge of the pool. Or for 8 easy payments, launch yourself out on the Aqua-splash-o-line, the trampoline that bounces you onto dry land. ….
And, FYI, I haven’t been in a swimming pool since the early 1970s — couldn’t afford an apartment that had one, couldn’t afford a house that had one. My dreams of being a professional skindiver dashed, I took up typing — no splash and you don’t have to worry about the bends, except when you’ve gone this deep to write a paragraph. Here’s an appropriate SONG.

—- To offer opinions or ideas, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

SLEEPING & NAPPING -- TWO PALS & A HOME

Here’s a question: What happens if you do not Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap?
We take a shot at answering that question in this edition of our long-running weekend feature at Readlarrypowell.com.
I was sitting in a comfy chair reading -- I was alone in the chair. Never happens. Suddenly I began to feel that I was missing my dog Porche Noel. And I almost called out her name but spotted this new napping place for the girl. Yep, she’d wiggled as far under the couch cover as she needed to wiggle to nod off.
I couldn’t resist and pulled up the cover to see how she’d react. As you can tell from the look on her face, her reaction was, “Geez, can’t a girl get an uninterrupted nap?
"
A couple of days later, I walked into the living room and spotted the two ol’ pals, Porche Noel, and our influential feline, The Senator, sleeping in tandem.
It’s not like they curled up together. Porche went into a semi-curl and nodded off and, minutes later, The Senator, walking through the living room, spotted a good place to catch a warm nap and he’s turned slightly away from the TV screen -- he'd just listen to the news from his old haunts as he slid into happy naptime. [Below you see The Senator and his 2019 Senate Intern, Simon. Below that, on the right, you see Porche in a late-night literary mood. She's going over the first draft of her novel, Barking Up The Family Tree.]
Here’s a bit of personal testimony: These two are great companions. The Senator stirs me out of bed each morning and, in doing so, also stirs Porche.
I’ve been awake when The Senator comes padding into the room about 5 a.m. He leaps onto a night table, pauses in the near darkness, silently leaps over any lumpy form (pillow or human) and lands on Porche then immediately steps off her onto me.
Porche wakes, I wake and and The Senator sits on one of my lungs until I have to move to gasp for air. Then we’re all up and off on the day’s adventure. 
Both the dog and the cat were free, you know. It’s a benefit of living in Dallas. Why, heck, a good dog or cat will simply wander up and declare posession of your house and heart.
They arrived about a year apart, Porche first. But they shared a similar experience. Each wandered up on the front porch and we invited them in. That was it. They had a home. Rent free. Every now and then they get picked up and snuggled — it’s in their contracts. They are legally bound to put up with human adoration.
[PLEASE REMEMBER, send PHOTOS OF YOUR SLUMBERING CRITTERS to DALLRP@AOL.COM. We’re proud to post the photos and the stories of how you and your home came to love having snoozing critters in the house. You’ll be inspiring other people to give a place to live to a previously unwanted dog or cat. And you’ll be inspiring the global community’s insomniacs to believe that they, too, can get some sleep if only they can wiggle under the couch cover without setting off a siege of claustrophobia.]
—-To offer sage advice or secret information regarding U.S. settlements on Mars, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com.—-

DRAGGING A PREGNANT DOG? ASSORTED APPEALS. PHILOSOPHY OF THE GODFATHER

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019 [PetPowellPress] I was going to take Friday off. The animal situations in our region will not allow it.|

HERE WE GO WITH
A SHELTER QUESTION
This story, generated by a Wednesday Facebook post, was making the rounds on Independence Day. It involve these two dogs. The leashed & dragging situation allegedly occurred at the Greenville Animal Shelter, 5800 Joe Ramsey Blvd., in Greenville, Texas, about an hour northeast of Dallas on I-30.
The original post of the pregnant dog and her companion — reportedly both strays — came from animal rescuer/advocate Debra Francell. Click on the photo of these two dogs in this LINK and turn up your speakers so you can hear the event, too. You can also see the video HERE.

The text with the Facebook note read, “I was at Greenville today. Two pregnant drug in and 1 went into labor as they drug them to quarantine. Found in a field, so stray hold. I saw her lose her mucus plug and contractions. If you have a way to find out their status? They [the Greenville shelter] are high kill we all know. I took pictures and videos of all trying to network as they are full. It was gut-wrenching to watch….”

There are questions to ask: (1) Why were the dogs dragged? (2) If the mother was, indeed, in labor, what has happened to her and the puppies? (3) Since they are not on the shelter’s PetFinder site HERE , how can anyone know to help them and the possible litter of newborns? There are other questions being asked. We’ll site some off from the Facebook reactions on the Francell page. As you may suspect, the reaction to the video is not kind — possibly appropriate, though.
[LARRY ASIDE: Some of the responses, apparently from across the country, give a “expect that from Texas” tone, but as you know, Dear Readers, Texas has some of the most dedicated, fiercely-determined rescuers and animal advocates on the planet. We also have some of the most butt-brained people in the world, too, and, every now and then they get jobs at shelters and win elections. But that’s another story.]
We’re citing some of the Facebook reactions to this dragging video:
“Don andLori Ballard: That is 100% animal cruelty. It is against the law. Those babies are scared. They need to find out who drug them like that ,then kick their @$$ to the moon and back. Then fire them.”
“Catherine Lopez: Any update? Had Dallas Dogrrr been able to get these pups??” Response: “Laura Carter McKay Catherine Lopez they are closed today. A request was made to get them out for tomorrow if they’ll release them.”
“Beverly Smith Rush What kind of asshole drags dogs around like this when they need kindness? Someone local needs to have a come-to-Jesus-stomp-their-ass=meeting! This makes me furious!”
[LARRY ASIDE: So, Dear Readers, there’s a story nobody wants to run into while you're at a shelter trying to do good for the animals. Readlarrypowell.com will not find someone guilty before we have a trial. But we will encourage all shelters to remind all employees that just because an animal is in a shelter, that is no reason to treat it with the attitude, “It’s going to be put down anyway, so who cares?” Let me assure you, people with loud voices and votes care.]
IN A SHELTER FOR
MORE THAN A YEAR?
Holy smoke. This dog must have a guardian angel. Animal rescuer Briana Sherrer posted a note that had been created by the folks at the VCA Advanced Care Animal Hospital about this beautiful dog. His name is
Cooper and the VCA post reported, “Cooper has been at the Bedford Shelter for 379 days. He is a WONDERFUL dog with tons of love to share, and we want to see him get the amazing home he so deserves. Please share his pictures so we can help him get adopted!” The shelter is at 1809 Reliance Parkway in Bedford. Call 817-952-2191. 
Briana has an explanation for why this dog hasn’t bene adopted. She writes, “He’s a nice dog - but nobody has adopted him because he ‘smiles’ when he’s excited which shows his teeth. Completely harmless. I’ve seen it before in dogs except they were adopted and they weren’t black. Black dogs always have a harder time than any other to get out of the shelter.”
MEANWHILE, THERE’S TRINA
I’m not sure how Trina came to have a “bowed” right foreleg, but our tipster, the great Amy Poskey, determined monitor of the Denton McNatt Animal Shelter, reports “it doesn’t seem to bother her.”
[LARRY ASIDE: In our previous note, we quoted Briana Sherrer’s line about black dogs that smile — that’s one of the reasons I included this photo of smiling Trina on the couch in full happy glory.]
Here’s the challenge for this “personality plus” dog, as Amy describes her.
Trina is diabetic. She’s 8 years old, a Doberman mix who is “fully vetted, heartworm negative, people-friendly, dog-friendly and weighs approximately 80 pounds.” Her shelter number is 82592.

She was surrendered to the shelter because, Amy reports, “her person/family could no longer afford her.” That doesn’t mean her diabetes treatment is so expensive. And may mean that her human lost a job, had a reversal of fortune or something. Doesn’t matter. The dog still needs a home and some loving care. At 8, the dog is barely middle-aged and, judging from that grin on the couch, possibly even younger.
Here are the contact points at the shelter: Email gayla.nelsen@cityofden- ton.com, Randi.Weinberg @cityofdenton.com, julien.peralta@cityofden- ton.com, dentonshel- terdogs@yahoo.com, and/or dentonanimalservices @yahoo.com. Call the shelter at 940-349-7594. Visit the shelter at 3717 N. Elm St. in Denton. It’s open Monday through Saturday — adoption hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FYI, IN CASE YOU WONDERED
As the Fourth of July was drawing to a close, the Dallas Animals Services City of Dallas site at www.dallasanimalservi- ces.org listed 278 dogs, 296 cats and 13 “other” as available for adoption. On the other hand, the DAS listing on its PetHarbor site shows there to be 448 dogs, 420 cats and 14 “other” in the care of the city’s big shelter.
 Among the many cats and kittens is this girl Molly (A0955803). She’s been at the shelter since June 28. And here is the fact that sets Molly above the rest of the felines: She is “ABOUT NINE YEARS OLD.” A 9-year-old cat ought to be snoozing in a lap, napping on a couch or whining that you’re late with dinner, then joining you on the recliner to watch baseball.
CONTEMPLATIONS
AFTER THE FOURTH
There was quite an outcry over the alleged Greenville Shelter treatment of two leashed dogs. If we can unite in a philosophy to root for millionaires playing football, why can’t we unite in protecting the lives of dogs and cats from “human error” and from the failed policies of city government? Remember, the voices of the voters are louder than the voices of the elected. You just have to make an effort to be heard above the cacophony of stupidity. Perhaps I’m too harshly painting with a broad brush — not all elected officials ignore animal issues unless a voter gets mangled or killed. But I know they’re not making sure every Dallas pothole is filled and every bit of “uneven pavement” leveled. … Personal note: Now and then I wonder why things go the way they go in Dallas, Texas. Not just at city hall, but in neighborhoods and especially in highway construction projects. The one that affects us — U.S. 67/I-35E on the southern side of the Trinity River — has changed the audio characteristics of our neighborhood. Rather than gunfire followed by sirens, we now hear car crashes followed by sirens. I wonder if some insurance company is going to suggest that the swervy temporary lanes have contributed to the accidents? … In honor of the nation I love, here’s a quote from Amerigo Bonasera that opens the 1972 film The Godfather: “I believe in America.” It’s not quite as famous as “Make him an offer he can’t refuse,” but it is closer to my life than any other line in the film or the book. I was going to close with this quote from Mario Puzo’s 1969 novel The Godfather: “I don't trust society to protect us, I have no intention of placing my fate in the hands of men whose only qualification is that they managed to con a block of people to vote for them.” But I think I’ll use the last words of Don Corleone, “Life is so beautiful.”
—- Make an offer I can’t refuse to quote by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

FROM THE SENATOR ON THE 4TH

Happy Independence Day!  

In my years of public service, I have rarely enjoyed the spirit of a federal holiday more than I’ve enjoyed Independence Day. And I am no Washington fat cat.

Independence Day -- yes, it is truly a holiday that celebrates the "American Cattitude."
Traditionally, I spend the Fourth napping on the couch or in a favorite chair. Some will celebrate the nation by taking advantage of outdoor freedoms. But, frankly, the heat in my beloved native Texas reminds me that we have the precious freedom to air-condition in the Lone Star State.

I will now cite a passage from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
In summation and in the spirit of my great American friend Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas, please feel at liberty to pursue some happiness, i.e., enjoy your holiday, respect American traffic lights and yield signs on freeway ramps, pay your taxes and eat your vegetables.
With America on my mind,
The Senator

Trusted Servant of the American People

(As Yet Undeclared for the 2020 Ballot)
--- To offer opinions or to volunteer to serve on The Senator's Political Action Committee, click on 'comment' below or email dallrp@aol.com with your pledges. ---

SAVING ANIMALS, PLUS SIGNIFICANT CONTEMPLATIONS OF HUMAN HEARTS

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Who is this dog? Keep reading. Somehow the arrival of the July 4, 2019, break is a welcome interruption in routine. Except that in a city such as Dallas, an area such as the expanding Metrosprawl, some things are relentlessly routine: Dogs and cats will be in shelters, dogs and cats will be dumped, dogs and cats will be wandering free, fireworks will frighten animals into a blind escape that ends on the clock at a shelter, puppies and kittens will be born without homes or, sometimes without hope — after all, puppy and kitten season around here is longer than a North Texas Allergy Season. (The sneeze.com people outline Texas Allergy Season as lasting from autumn to the next autumn. Bless you.)

And, speaking of year-round irritations, back to the fertility challenge. In case you think it’s difficult to find a cheap fix around here, think again and hand this info off to someone who needs to know: The Spay Neuter Network has specials for dogs and cats in July. See them at www.spayneuternet.org. And the current special for youngsters is the Fix by Five program. It’s this: “$10 Spay or Neuter for kittens between 12 weeks and 5 months old. Free rabies shot and microchip included with surgery! Good for City of Dallas Residents Only. Make your appointment online or call 972.472.3500. Must ask for the ‘Fix by Five’ Special. Funded by the Summerlee Foundation.” 
[LARRY ASIDE: Honestly, is there some reason people don’t spay/neuter their animals? Are they afraid the government is going to start listening dogs and cats as “endangered species” That concludes my routinely ineffective hounding of the don’t care/so what people who pollute the city with their attitudes.]
SPEAKING OF ROUTINE
Sometimes “routine" is an element of the heart and soul. Readlarrypowell.com has been writing for years about rescuer Tawana Couch, founder and guiding light of the Society for Companion Animals. She walks the walk, you know. And it’s ROUTINE for her. Just yesterday morning she posted this photo and wrote, “Look who I rescued this morning. Two dogs that were stuck in a median, 6 lanes of traffic. I was able to get both of them into a tiny 2-seater car — one big one, one medium. They have microchips but no call backs yet. Keep your fingers crossed we get them home.”
 Routine for Tawana Couch and so many other animal advocates and rescuers. Tawana carried routine one step further years ago and created the Society for Companion Animals. See how to help the SFCA — you can assemble crates, transport dogs to the airport, etc. It’s the heart of volunteers getting unwanted North Texas dogs to homes in other parts of the country. In fact, on Tawana’s Facebook page, you can see her report on her trip to New Jersey to visit rescued dogs with their new humans.

THE SOUTHERN SHELTERS
AND THE CHALLENGES
Here’s the deal. There are so many animals waiting for either rescue or the needle in the southern shelters that we can’t possibly post photos of all of them at readlarrypowell.com. 
So, we’re focusing on one each from Wilmer and Lancaster and giving you the contact number for the hard-working person who is trying to inspire life-saving efforts to help responsibly empty those crowded shelters.

 

Please call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com to get on the mailing list or to ask how you can help.
On a note about the Lancaster Animal Shelter’s dogs from the small shelter advocate Laura Macias, the note read: “THESE ARE THE FACES OF DOGS THAT WON'T MAKE IT AFTER THE INFLUX OF JULY 4TH DOGS! CAN ANYONE SAVE ONE!?” One of those Lancaster dogs is this Lab/Boxer mix Jenna. The appeal reads, “She is incredibly urgent. Beautiful black and white girl — very, very sweet, extremely lovable girl. 

Meanwhile, there are these two in Wilmer — Missy, the smaller Chihuahua mix, and Melanie, the Shepherd/Boxer mix. —- UPDATE. Laura reports this morning that Missie has been tagged for rescue. So, now, readlarrypowell.com thinks Melanie must be missing her companion. They came in together. And, the note reads, “They are just as sweet and lovable and as wonderful as can be. They love everyone an everything.” Melanie — perhaps someone is going to be touched by your loneliness and their need for a friend. 
One more time, to ask how to help them or any animal in these small shelters, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.


A STUNNER IN MESQUITE
AND A LITTLE BEAUTY
Holy smoke, look at the beautiful Parker. Judi Brown, the Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer tipster, tipped us to this beautiful fellow. He’s #42053287 at the shelter. And, Judi says the 1- or 2-year-old, maybe 80-pound stray “doesn’t show as well in his kennel because he’s so anxious to get out and run that he’s jumping all over the place. However, even though he is very exuberant, energetic and fun loving, once he gets out in the yard and runs a bit he settles down. He’s really a very endearing, friendly, delightful dog. Besides that he’s absolutely stunningly gorgeous!. He looks like a show dog! … With some obedience training I’m sure he could learn to follow his owner’s lead. He is a sweet guy that just wants someone to love on him and to spend time with him.”

Then, there’s this elegant beauty, 4-year-old Summer (42021126), a 19-pound “Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mix” who arrived at the shelter on June 21. Judi reports that she has been in isolation since then. How’d she wind up in the shelter. “She was trying to get into someone’s yard and got her right foot impaled in some wire fencing. … Her leg seems to be healing well. … She’s just as sweet as she looks. She’s friendly, outgoing, sociable, and seemingly very happy. Her tail wags constantly. I even got a few kisses. She walks very well on a leash. … Any family would be lucky to have her!”

To ask about these dogs or any other animal in the Mesquite shelter, call 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com
You can see other animals in the shelter by clicking on this LINK.

As you may suspect, there are a TON of kittens in the Mesquite shelter — and you may suspect it takes a lot of kittens to make up a ton.
There also are grown-up kitties, for example, this girl Sally (42098961), a 3-year-old shorthair mix. She is listed as “large.” She came in on July 1, so she’s probably just waiting for that “stray hold” to expire and then she’s available for adoption. Check with the shelter. Kit 3 (41962824), of course, is NOT listed as “large.” That’s a 5-week-old kitten currently in “staff foster” and waiting for “adoption into good home.”
CONTEMPLATIONS

TENDING TO ANIMALS WE LOVE;
INFORMING THE NATION
We could post a thousand stories a day about dogs and cats and assorted creatures waiting in animal shelters. Every now and then we need to remind ourselves of how human hearts are involved in these rescues, these life- saving efforts that become life-inspiring adoptions and rescues. 
Ever contemplate the lengths people go to help animals. Sometimes they’re helping a “found” dog and sometimes they’re helping “their dog.” All week we’ve been concerned along with Kimberly Jones about her boy Dinky.  [LARRY NOTE:  After our first edition Wednesday, we got word from Kimberly that the worst ha happened. She wrote, I cannot believe I will never see this sweet, adorable, loving face again. Today around noon I said 'goodbye' to Dinky -- in a patch of shaded grass outside of his vet clinic." She also wrote, "I lost my Dinky Doodles. He was a good boy. A silly boy. He smiled. He was thankful for everything and showed me love every single day. Down to his last breath. I held him tightly and told him I am sorry and I loved him and that he is the best boy. And then he was gone." There's more on Kimberly's Facebook page. We'll resume our earlier content now. And our hearts are hurting for our pal Kimberly.-- larry.] That’s the photo of the day she got him from death row at Arlington Animal Services. He is 8 years old now and lately, Dinky has been very, very ill with pancreatitis and Kimberly Jones has been enduring the heart-wrenching challenge of helping him defeat the illness. The treatment hasn’t been cheap. People — friends and some strangers —have been donating to Dinky’s cause at the vet’s. 
We’ve been monitoring Kimberly’s efforts to help her boy Dinky. This is a mission of the heart. On her Facebook page, she posted that opening photo of a little puppy and explained: “This photo is the 1st time I ever saw Dinks. He was at AAS and on the kill list. He was only 7 weeks old and 7 lbs and not 1 rescue or 1 person even asked about him when I inquired if he had any interest...I was supposed to be a foster but after getting him through parvo - the thought of letting him go was not an option.” That continues to be her theory of caring for Dinky. And the self-employed rescuer posted a note on her Facebook page that reads, “I just want to say thank you to everyone keeping Dinky and I in your thoughts and prayers 💜 I also want to thank everyone who has helped with Dinky's bill... I appreciate it so much!” And, she said, “I'm trying to stay positive. I love my Dinks so much.” That third photo was taken this week as Dinky was undergoing treatment at his vet’s. Karen Lee, of barkleyworld.com, is a fan of Kimberly’s rescue work and posted this note on behalf of Dinky and his human: “In addition to prayers, PLEASE consider a donation towards Dinky's vet bill!! Please call the vet directly at 214-324-1500 if you can help---Just say its for Kimberly Jones and Dinky. They are so nice and will put your donation on his account. Every dollar helps.”
HEY, HONEY, THERE'S THE BEEMER STORY...You may recall from a few weeks ago, the story of “Hey, Honey,” the name temporarily given to this dog until his rescuer, Theresa Butterbaugh, learned his name was Beemer. The dog had been left behind when his human moved out of state — the guy told the new tenant of the Fort Worth home to try to adopt the dog and if nobody wanted him, have him “put down.” Theresa accidentally discovered the plight of Beemer. On her Facebook page, Theresa wrote, “Many of you may remember this beautiful dog that was abandoned by his owner. He was confined to an area that was all cement with little shade and when I found him he had two buckets of water that were soupy and green. I sought help from Karen Lee at Barkleyworld to help me to help get this boy out of that awful place and into a home where he would be loved and cared for. Without hesitation Karen immediately helped me set up a post for a Rescue Group or a Foster to take him in. In the mean time she set us up to see the vet and get a health check up. At that time I was told he was HW positive and had a cancerous growth on his side. He has now had surgery to remove the cancer and is in the home of a Foster who is caring for him. Karen Lee of Barkleyworld was so kind to help this dog and is covering his medical costs. It's important to raise the funds to cover her expenses so she may continue helping others in need. Your donations go straight to Barkleyworld and then are paid directly to the vet's office. Please help me reach my goal and support Barkleyworld. This dog deserves the second chance he was given, please donate what you can. Any amount is greatly appreciated.” And here is that LINK to donate to help Beemer and Barkleyworld. …
A FOURTH OF JULY CONTEMPLATION: I nabbed this photo — it could be doctored, but I endorse the sentiment — from a Facebook posting by my former colleague at The Big Paper Downtown, the top-notch editor Janie Paleschic. A whole lot of us ol’ newshounds remain dedicated to the mission of journalism and embrace its importance to the preservation of a free nation — a nation that must be free from violent thugs outside and inside. This illustration was making the rounds after journalist Andy Ngo was beaten at an event in Portland earlier in the week. If you don’t think a free press with the responsibility of enlightening the populace is essential to a free nation that protects all of its residents, grab yourself a history book and read up on the Third Reich and what it did to a free press and the “unwanted” people in Europe. In the meantime, celebrate Independence Day for more than firecrackers. Contemplate that one of the beauties of the nation is you have freedom of speech — if you are smart enough to use it rather than your fists or your suppressive/oppressive behavior.
God bless America and make us smart. Put civics classes back in school and enhance education. Knowledge matters.
—- To offer opinions, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —

A CITY QUESTION; COCKFIGHT ARRESTS; ANIMALS IN NEED & HUMMUS

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2019 [PetPowellPress] The City of Dallas may be making life harder for people doing good work; the SPCA and law enforcement officers break-up a cockfighting event Van Zandt County; assorted dogs and cats need homes and, whew, July 4 is coming. Here goes:
THE CITY SUDDENLY DECIDES
TO CHALLENGE A GOOD THING
We got the tip on this from Beth Bornman, the Vice President of the All-Breed Obedience Training Club, a non-profit (founded 1969) that has been teaching dogs how to behave for decades — first at the Bath House Cultural Center, then, when the center was being updated, on Flag Pole Hill. 
The lessons have been taught on Flag Pole Hill at White Rock Lake for 30 years, our Club source tells us. 
In a city that makes national headlines because loose dogs kill and mangle its residents, here is a group trying to help people help their dogs behave. Yet, the city is making things tougher the dog-training club. How’s that for irony. 
This is, basically a gift to the city residents and the city had no problems accepting it until the last week of June when, according to the report on the Club’s Facebook page, “The Park Ranger showed up at class yesterday evening [June 26] and stated he was asked to tell us we were not supposed to be holding classes until we received a permit. However, no one, including the park department attorney has informed us how to get a permit or cited what city code requires the permit. He said he was calling the police. Our attorney was present and said she would gladly speak with the police, and we will continue to hold classes. The police did not come.”
[LARRY FYI: The Club’s attorney, Lauren Cadilac, has a dog Timm’E who has been through the training with her 14-year-old son as his human escort. She says the club has “been nothing but kind to myself and my children…”
]
This probably is not going to be the end of things. Emails and correspondence have been sent from club officers and members to city hall, specifically Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam McGough of District 10 and other new and veteran council members, according to the Facebook reports on the ABOTC Facebook page.
 At the ABOTC website you can read about how the Training Club spreads the message of helping people help their dogs behave. And you can read about fees, use of the money and see a note that says “Since 2014, ABOTC has donated $24,085 to rescue organizations in the Dallas area.”
Read earlier club updates on this conflict and keep up with it on the club's Facebook page HERE.
104 ROOSTERS SEIZED AT COCKFIGHT;
3 HUMANS ARRESTED, AROUND 200 FLEE
It wasn’t in Dallas. But it could have been. And we don’t know how many Dallas residents were among the 200 people gathered to watch the bloodletting in Van Zandt County on Sunday. [LARRY ASIDE: Yep, cockfighting on a Sunday. Is nothing sacred?]
According to a news release from the SPCA of Texas, its repre- sentatives, the Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office, Van Zandt Pct. 2 Constable’s Office, Department of Public Safety and Texas Game Wardens raided the property. 
The news release reads, “Approximately 200 attendees were present, most fled the scene once law enforcement arrived.” Three people were charged with the state jail felony crime of “causes a cock to fight with another cock" and "participates in the earnings of a cockfight.” Twenty-two of the fans of cruelty were issued citations for the Class C misdemeanor, being a spectator at a cockfight.

You see in the big photo, a rooster whose comb has been cut off to make him a less vulnerable fighter. He also has long talons designed to kill and maim an opponent. See more photos HERE. The custody hearing for the surviving birds — one was euthanized by a vet because of its horrific condition — will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, in the court of Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Sandra Plaster, 250 E. Grove St., Suite 102 in Canton. 

[LARRY ASIDE: The SPCA news release, which you can read HERE, notes that “cockfighting is a crime in all 50 states.” In Texas, it’s a felony “punishable by up to two years in a state jail and/or up to a $10,000 fine.” I mention that possibility knowing full well that the idiots who do these things think they’ll never get caught or convicted or incarcerated. I hope the District Attorney can prove them wrong to the max.]

FROM OKLAHOMA
COMES AN APPEAL
Oh, yeah, of course it comes from Burns Flat, home of our way-out-west resilient rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher. And right off, she apologizes for the photos of these two unnamed dogs who were victims of an eviction.
She writes, “These two are both young. Little boys that were left alone when the owners were evicted. They were both pretty skinny but are now looking good again.

“Sweet and friendly, they need a place where they can be seen and find their forever home. If anyone has room for either, please let me know. Transport can be arranged. I am trying to get better pictures, but they get so excited when I am there, they won’t sit still.”
And that brings us to two she’s had for a month or maybe more. Budrow is the boy in the pickup — looks like a natural. The baby is Chance — he has a “drug dealer” background, Terry Lynn says.
About Budrow, she writes, “I love this boy. Under a year, he is the calmest, sweetest dog ever. He is getting so sad in jail. He just wants someone to love and care for him. He is a great dog, friendly and loving, he will be your loyal companion. He roamed the streets of Burns Flat for a couple months before we finally caught him.”

And then there’s Chance. Terry Lynn says: “This baby came from the home of a couple known drug dealers. I have taken several in the past few years. He was six months old when he came in. Now about 8 months, he is such a big baby. All he wants is to play and be loved.”

To offer to help Terry Lynn email her at remembering_ oddball@yahoo.com.
[LARRY ASIDE: If you’re new to reading about Oklahoma, Burns Flat is way out in the western portion of the state, roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes by car slightly northwest of Wichita Falls, Texas. It’s about an hour and a half west of Oklahoma City on I-40. In general, you may cross into Oklahoma from Texas without a passport.]
FROM THE SMALLER SHELTERS,
A LOAD OF DOGS ON THE CLOCK
Today we received two emails with easily a dozen or so dogs in need of homes — they are residents of the Lancaster Animal Shelter and the Wilmer and Hutchins shelters. We’ve picked two of the many to highlight. If you’d like to see them all, get on the the mailing list by emailing Laura Macias at cat_girl_71@yahoo.com or by texting or calling 214-949-2726. Those are also the contact points for these two beautiful dogs. Two of many in small shelters without foot traffic or any staff to dedicate time to promoting adoptions or rescue.
Regarding animals in the Lancaster shelter, the advocates wrote, “This is not nearly all that they have and sadly, these are the only pics we have - some of these are kennel card pics and the color doesn't even come out correctly.  Please, overlook the quality of the pics and see these babies for what they are - desperate to live, to be loved ... they are so deserving.” We picked one of many to highlight. That’s Ben, the young Husky/Aussie mix who is, according to the note, “ Incredibly urgent. Absolutely the most beautiful sweet dog.  SO photogenic too - every pic he posed for was perfect. Check out those stunning baby blue eyes and cute Aussie type tail.  Sweet, sweet boy …  PLEASE HELP save him!!”

Then there is the fabulous Earhound Ryder, currently in the Wilmer shelter. The note reads, “He is incredibly urgent.  We absolute adore this puppy - he's only about 5 months old!!  He is as precious and as lovable as can be and check out those completely adorable ears.  He is SO CUTE.  Please, help save him!”
Again, the contact points are cat_girl_71@yahoo.com or text or call 214-949-2726.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A CAT RESCUE, SAFETY NOTES & HUMMUS
Ever contemplate what it takes to rescue a cat? Sometimes you walk out onto the porch and pick up a "stray." Sometimes, you pluck a terrified kitten off a low-hanging tree limb. And sometimes, well, it takes some effort. We got this story from Debbie Deese in Gainesville. She wrote, “Tinkerbell, as we are calling her, was rescued in a near-starvation state from our local park where someone apparently dumped her. She was sleeping curled up on a pile of brush in a creek bed. Matter-of-fact, I thought she was a dead skunk because she didn't respond to the crackling of leaves under my feet. Eventually, she awoke and ran off in fear. After several trips to the park with my dog, and cat food, she quickly became my friend. She walked right up to my dog, although my dog was not happy about it! With the help of a friend, we coaxed her into a cat carrier with cat food and I brought her to my house.
 “It's been a couple of weeks now and she’s beginning to accept her new surroundings. The problem is, my house is for sale and I will be moving in a few weeks to a hotel until I find another place to live. I am also going to have two major surgeries so my hands will be full. I don't want to leave her behind or abandon her in my mobile home park but I am at a loss as to what I can do…. Here are some details about Tinkerbell. She is very tiny, thin, and submissive. She will most likely get along well with other cats as long as she has is acclimated properly. She is not a good outdoor cat as she does not seem to know how to hunt for food. I would guess her age to be about one year but I could be wrong. She knows how to use a sandbox.” To offer to help finishing the rescue-into-adoption journey for Tinkerbell, text 214-863-8555 or email followthattrail@gmx.com. …
Reminder, we’re approaching the fireworks season — started last night in our neighborhood — thought it was distant thunder at first, then the tone changed. Protect your animals from fireworks. Go to the SPCA for some reliable advice HERE.
… I was shopping in the Oak Cliff Tom Thumb, leaning over and trying to read the small print on a hummus container, when I heard a guy behind me in a hummus discussion with a toddler in a grocery basket. “Mommy likes hummus. What kind of hummus should we get Mommy?” And the little curly-haired kid declares proudly, “Cheese hummus!” Dad and I both gently laughed. That exchange made me miss my little boys. God bless you, mom and dad — enjoy the cheese hummus. And hug that kid every chance you get.
—- To offer sweet stories of children, opinions or facts, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. ——

SEVENTEEN HEELERS & A HORSE; DOGS & CATS IN SHELTERS; DAS BLANKETS; PLUMBING--THE GREAT MYSTERY

EDITION OF MONDAY, JULY 1, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to July. Let’s get started.
 It’s a Monday — sorry about the involuntary shudder. Before we get to the Metrosprawl, we’re taking a dash to western Oklahoma. Here goes:

HOLY SMOKE, HOW DOES
THIS STUFF HAPPEN???

Never mind. I know: Humans. Humans failing animals.
Out in western Oklahoma in the town of Burns Flat, we have a reliable contact, the resilient rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher. Over the weekend she was transporting animals to safety and got this call. She reports,
“As many of you know, I help several small towns around me with the dogs too. Sentinel is south of me, about 13 miles. The lady that helps take care of the dogs there just messaged me about a situation that came up this weekend. She was contacted by a man near her, out in the country...  
“He has evicted his brother and family from his home and they left, leaving SEVENTEEN DOGS AND A HORSE....

“We are not set up for that many dogs. They are heelers and all but one are very loving and friendly. We will be taking food and water out to them but the owner of property wants them gone ASAP. They appear to be healthy. Many are pups around 6 months or less. None appear to be over 2 years old.”
What’s the hurry? Here’s Terry Lynn’s answer: “This is an area where they will just be shot when the owner has had enough of them being there and sadly, nothing will be done about it. I will be taking some food down today but with this many, we will need help with some donated food.” 
Get in touch with Terry Lynn by emailing her at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE:
ADVENTURES OF THREE DOGS
This info comes from Judi Brown, our reliable tipster and the volunteer biographer at the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
First up is Trixie, a 7-year-old Chihuahua who arrive at the shelter on June 24 — stray? Not exactly, Judi says. “She was left in a crate outside the shelter. So, basically she was abandoned. She is timid and not comfortable with the environment. The 9-pound dog (42034373) doesn’t mind being held. She’d rather be with a human than in a shelter.
Lucy (42066091) is the 6-month-old, 47-pound “low-to-the-ground” Dalmatian mix who was handed off to Mesquite. Why? Judi reports, “The reason given was landlord issues, and on the surrender form the owner stated, ‘I can’t have it’.” [LARRY ASIDE: Dog is probably better off with people who refer to her by name or by gender than someone who regards the dog as an “it” — like a trash bag is an it. Pardon my bitterness toward humans. I’ve been around some of them.]
 Judi says Lucy is “a wiggly, friendly, affectionate, energetic, tail-wagging dog who gives kisses. On top of that she’s very alert. She spent a lot of time going to the gate and I really feel like she was looking for her previous owners. It was difficult to get good pictures of her  because of her constant movement.”
And Tina (42049018) is “a 10-year-old, cream-colored Chihuahua who came to the Mesquite shelter on 6/25 as a stray. If she’s not blind she’s almost blind. She definitely does not know where she is and frequently stands facing the wall. Besides that she’s very feeble. It’s hard to understand how a little girl in this condition could end up at a shelter. Understandably she was terrified and out of fear would not let anyone near her. If you tried to hold her she wouldn’t stop struggling. It took me days before she finally realized that being held isn’t so bad after all! She is a work in progress and I imagine when I work with her again it will be starting all over.”
To ask about these dogs, call the shelter at 927-216-6283 or email rescues@ccityofmesquite.com
To see more Mesquite animals, go to this SITE. There are lots more dogs and cats awaiting rescue and adoption. The cats include this little guy Captain Purrk and so are Scotty and Opurra. When you go to that link, just click on “cats.” Lots of feral kittens, too. Lots of ‘em.
CONTEMPLATIONS
SHELTERING, DONATING, PLUMBING
You may not read The Big Paper Downtown these days, but there are commentaries worth a look including this animal shelter column by Sharon Grigsby. The link is HERE . It includes this paragraph that may inspire commentary from people who’ve been involved with the shelter for years. Columnist Grigsby wrote, “Just three years ago, our shelter was a joke. Management essentially ignored a loose dog crisis in southern Dallas, ran off would-be rescue partners and stonewalled anyone who dared say a critical word about DAS.” …
In the meantime, DAS has a new adoption promotion under way. According to the text on the DAS Facebook page, “This month, help DAS keep our animals comfortable by donating a blanket! When you do, you'll be able to adopt a new best friend for only $5! #RedWhiteandBlankets #BeDallas90." FYI: The DAS site www.dallasanimalservices.org shows 200 dogs, 267 cats and 10 “other” available for adoption, while the DAS PetHarbor site shows 417 dogs, 415 cats and 12 “other.” “Other” is guinea pigs and rabbits. ….
One of the reasons I write about animals and the people who help them is it keeps me from devoting my entire life to the drama of household plumbing and waiting for the professional to come bail me out of my idiot mistakes. This morning, the kitchen sink wouldn’t drain. Relax, I’ve got all the tools to fix it and I’m waiting for the top-rated chemicals to work their magic. Never mind. The plumber is on his way. You know, I never had these problems when I was living in a tent in the woods and surviving on boiled pine cones, greenish weeds and the contents of discarded fast-food bags. I should never have raised my standards to include indoor plumbing.
—- Offer opinions on DAS and other topics by clicking on “comment” below or by emailing me at dallrp@aol.com. —-

LIKE GREAT DANCERS, GREAT SLUMBERERS KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR LEGS...

We choose to celebrate this final weekend of June 2019 with a focus on our household companions at readlarrypowell.com.
Thus, here are photographs of three very valuable companions. They are the highlighted snoozers in this pre-holiday weekend’s Let Sleeping Dogs Sleep and Napping Cats Nap, our long-running feature that celebrates the glory of happy, trusting animals at slumber.
[LARRY 
FYI: We have never purchased a dog or cat. My persuasive- spouse Martha has, however, used her grown-up voice to convince people to surrender a dog or two, maybe some cats. Heck, I gave her a car once and she wasn’t even talking to me.
]
Yet, there is, however, The Ottoman Incident. 
A few months ago, Martha persuaded me to buy a chair with matching ottoman. Were we in a furniture store? No. Perusing an online catalogue? No.
This is a Dallas adventure. She spotted the furniture in a “going out of business” display outside a thrift store — at the time, she was stopped at a red light on Ross Avenue not far from downtown Dallas. I’ve asked her not to drive near jewelry stores or the famous downtown Neiman Marcus display windows.
This particular day, she was due somewhere for business, so the magic of cellphones was put to use. Upon receiving the instructive call, I happily interrupted work on The Lesser American Novel/ Screen- play/Miniser- ies, to drive to the store, buy the chair and its ottoman partner and cram all of the pretty purchase into the modest freight area of my Ford Edge. Tight fit. 

At home, The Senator almost immediately claimed the ottoman. He likes to snooze with one leg hanging off the padded top of the furniture. I think it reminds him of his service in Washington where he saved American taxpayers money by not staying in hotels, but sleeping in his office when Congress was in session. 
Most of the time, however, he was a guest at the White House where he was helping assorted presidents cope with national, international and galactic issues. Cats aren’t known for negotiating, but they are know for being stern in their responses to suggestions they regard as an affront. Word is The Senator may be appointed Secretary of Galactic Diplomacy. He thinks that field may be more promising than Global Diplomacy.
Not that he’s a trendsetter, but The Ol’ Senator has an effect on young Simon, the bottle-fed baby we rescued from beneath the front-yard shrubbery about 2 years ago. Simon likes to sleep with a dangling leg, too.
Remember, these animals can sleep comfortably in the United States because in 1776 the Continental Congress declared the 13 American colonies were no longer subjects of the British crown. That is why we, the nation that has grown and grown, will celebrate “July 4th” in the upcoming week. The Senator remembers the signing of that Declaration fondly. Simon does not — Simon is a Space Age Cat and his study of basic civics in school has been lacking.

To offer a third version of leg-napping, I present Wendy, full name Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden. She carries that moniker in honor of Ellen Wagstaff Arden, name of the Irene Dunne character in My Favorite Wife (1940) and the Doris Day character in the 1963 remake, Move Over, Darling.

Dogs and cats sleep, nap and own furniture because humans give them safe homes. It’s kind of a nice feeling when you walk through the front door, see the dog or cat on the couch and the critter opens one eye, see’s its you and goes back to sleep.
[LARRY APPEAL: Please send photos of your slumbering dogs, snoozing cats or any other somnolent critter to dallrp@aol.com. We’ll use their photos and their stories in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap in an upcoming weekend edition. Remember, you’ll be encouraging other humans to make room for animals who need a place to call home. You’ll also be encouraging insomniacs to believe that they, too, can get some sleep if they cant just figure out how to properly dangle their legs.]


-- Offer an opinion, a suggestion or the winning Lotto Texas numbers by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. ---

AS THE WEEKEND ARRIVES, A FULL REPORT, INCLUDING STEVIE RAY TREEBOY

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Final Friday in June, 2019, which has been, as many of you know, “National Adopt a Cat Month.” June 28 is, according to Holiday Insights online, Insurance Awareness Day, International Body Piercing Day and Paul Bunyan Day. Surely all of us can find something to celebrate. Show of hands, how many of you pierced something in June -- intentionally? That’s a rose that surprised me in my front yard Thursday morning -- it was the second biggest surprise in the yard and we'll get to the kitten in Contemplations.
A MEGA NOTICE
Once you get past celebrating all the special days for June, perhaps you’ll want to use your leftover energy touring the available adorables at the Mega Adoption Event in Fort Worth at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Visiting Fort Worth is always a good idea.
Also, if you adopt a dog or cat in Fort Worth, you can give it any Old West name you want to give it. Butch Cattidy and The Sundance Dog. I’ll stop there. 

TWO NOTES ABOUT SHELTERS
AND ISSUES FACING PEOPLE

(A) If you’d like to catch up with the Mesquite Animal Shelter situation, Star Local Media has a feature on the conflict and complaints. HERE.
(B) Our longtime tipster on Lancaster dogs and situations, Tomi Ortiz, sent a note about a petition for reform at the Lancaster Animal Services Shelter which recently cut off access to longtime rescuers over a political argument. People argue; animals suffer. Here’s the LINK.
FOSTERING
: AUDREY'S AVAILABLE
All rescue groups need fosters. Being a foster is a way to save lives — it gets a dog or cat out of a lousy situation and gives them a chance to find a good home.
 Have you ever fostered an Earhound? I’m on a lot of mailing lists and on Thursday I opened an email titled “FOSTER PLEA FOR AUDREY” and found the photo of this genuine Earhound, Audrey. The “very sweet, calm, 45-pound heeler mix with the most beautiful eyes and enormous ears” is available for fostering through Paws in the City. Go to pawsinthecity.org to see how to volunteer to foster.
YES, MEET RUFUS THIS SUNDAY!
The folks at Mazie’s Mission are hosting a fundraiser in honor of this dog Rufus — We rarely get a before/after set of photos but, holy ribcage, celebrate the after look on Rufus’ face! The event is at Zin Zen Wine Bistro in McKinney and tickets have gone swiftly — about a handful may be left by the time you read this. 

According to Mazie’s Mission, “We have had numerous requests to meet Rufus, and since he’s doing so much better we are throwing him his very own Brunch Bash! The $25 cover charge includes a light bites brunch spread, a build your own mimosa bar, a meet and greet with Rufus, and time to mingle with our CEO and Founder (also foster mom to Rufus— Dr. Erin Shults)! 

“When we brought this special guy into our program we were so touched by everyone who showed support, now we’d like to show you exactly how that support helps, at an interactive event with the man himself. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to #Maziesmission so that more dogs like Rufus can have the chance to survive and thrive. Space is limited, to reserve your spot visit https://www.maziesmission.org/ and purchase tickets.”

A REMINDER FROM RYDER
This is some face on this guy Ryder, one of the many dogs in a hot spot in the small shelters on the southern side of Dallas. I posted him once already, but those Earhound Ears deserve a second look.

You can ask how to help Ryder and lots of other animals in the small Wilmer and Hutchins shelters by calling or texting 214-949-2726 or emailing cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
See more of these at-risk small shelter animals by clicking back to our Wednesday report.

CONTEMPLATIONS

THE KITTEN AND THE CHALLENGES
On Thursday morning, I stepped out on the front porch to say goodbye to my EmployedSpouse Martha who was leaving for the office before 8 a.m. I said, “See ya around” or some other endearing AM affection and we both heard a cat.
Martha went to work. I walked to the corner of the house, reached up into a mimosa tree and pulled a terrified, yowling little kitten off the spindly branch to which he or she was clinging as if I were the devil himself reaching for him/her. He or she dug the back claws into my hand and I changed hands and got a less ripping grip from the kitten. 
The kitten has an oozy eye, a beat-up nose and a big purr. About 2 hours later we were at the vet’s (Love Freeway Animal Clinic) and solving the big mystery in a human/kitten relationship. The answer is: Boy. 
Having cleared out our front porch feral colony two years ago — took about 20 years — by use of spay/neuter and adoption, I was stunned (oh, not really) to find a kitten in our yard. 
I was, though, caught by surprise by the kitten and I grabbed the first rescue crate I could reach in the garage and only after we arrived at the vet’s did I realize how absolutely filthy and disgusting that crate was! [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, I cleaned it up when I got home.]
Oh, yeah, I also, with the recommendation of the Vet, gave the kitten a bath in Dawn — the same stuff they use to clean up ducks and other critters in an oil spill. This little boy was a walking flea hotel and had some kind of eye discharge that is contagious. [LARRY NOTE: I keep running to the bathroom to look in the mirror, but I think the vet meant “contagious to other cats.” I hope.]

So, in the period of about three hours, I scored many firsts Thursday: (1) I was the first human to touch this kitten; (2) I was the first human to be scratched by this kitten, (3) I took him on his first car ride in his first kennel, (4) I gave him his first bath, (5) I gave him his first store-bought food and (6) I took his first darling little photographs (poorly!). For example, this "circled-up" photo of the lad in his new, larger, open-air kennel. He has a green blankie to curl up on.
And there's that photo of Martha's harp-playing hands, adorned by a wedding ring on the left and her 10-year-service award, a garnet and enamel ring by Hidalgo, on the right hand as she shows just how small this boy is.
What’s that? Have I named him? Yes, at the vet he was listed as “Treeboy” once his gender was identified. Then, as I drove along during the afternoon fetching his assorted medicines, I decided he needed a good Oak Cliff name. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you a little kitten-hairy, six-week-old Oak Cliff stray that you may now call “Stevie Ray Treeboy.”
He’ll be available for adoption in about a month — we’re making sure he’s completely healthy and socialized. And we swear we will not keep him. Swear.
—- Offer opinions and solutions to world problems by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

A KITTEN, A PLAN & FIREWORKS

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 — This will be a fragmented edition. It has been interrupted by the rescue of a kitten from a spindly limb of a mimosa tree in our side yard. 
How this kitten got there is clear — he or she climbed the tree and went out on limb.
It’s so human.

Anyway, this kitten, known as either Treeboy or Treegirl for now, is 10 to 12 weeks old and, as of this writing, undergoing a wellness exam at Love Freeway Animal Clinic. 
Big day for the kitten: First time trapped in a tree, first time touched by a human, first car ride, first vet visit, first time in a “rescue crate” — I keep apologizing for the looks of that thing. It’s pretty “used” looking.
I put this baby in the first carrier I could find — it hadn’t been cleaned for a couple of years. i hadn’t expected a kitten after we finally eliminated our front porch feral colony via adoption and determined spay and neutering. 
Anyway, more later on this kitten — all that speckling on the face is residue of a night in a tree, apparently.
THLN’S CAMPAIGN PLANS
The Texas Humane Legislation Network is about to target “20 key legislative districts” to get more support for strong animal protection laws, according to a THLN news release/donor appeal released Wednesday morning.
This is on the heels of a  big walking insult to animal welfare deciding to leave the Texas House. The Texas Humane Legislation Network is wasting no time in building up financial support for the next session of the Legislature (Jan. 12, 2021/May 31, 2021).
A news release/donor appeal Wednesday begins, “As you know, our fight for Texas dogs came to a crushing end for two sessions in a row thanks to the actions of a single legislator. However, we are glad to report this Representative has announced he will NOT be running for re-election! With this obstructionist removed our hope is greater than ever that we WILL WIN for Texas dogs in the next session.” THLN linked to the Austin American-Statesman’s report on Jonathan Stickland’s decision not to seek re-election in House District 92. The link to that is HERE
The appeal also reads, “These interim months are a critical time for us to ensure success for Texas dogs -- we are so close to breaking their chains! THLN is organizing grassroots advocacy trainings in twenty key legislative districts, organizing candidate forums, installing humane libraries in rural and undeserved districts, and educating animal lovers on the importance of showing up at the ballot box.”
So, as the 2020 presidential election has proved, the 2021 Texas Legislature session will be here before Austin can resupply its liquor cabinets.
HEARTWORM POSITIVE, DRY COUGH,
COUNTDOWN AT CROWDED SHELTER
We got the story on this guy Bruce from Judi Brown, the Mesquite Shelter’s volunteer biographer. 
Bruce (41924847) has been at the shelter since June 11. The shelter is now overcrowded and that means a dog who is heartworm positive and coughing is in very tough spot.
Judi says, “Bruce is a beautiful dog with tawny coloring and expressive eyes. He doesn’t know he has his condition because he’s very exuberant and outgoing . He loves balls and will chase them and bring them back but not necessarily give them to you. He does get  carried away when he’s excited and will jump on you. He’s very friendly and seems to love everyone.He appears very joyful as his tail wags constantly.”
Save this guy by tagging him. Call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email recues@cityofmesquite.com.

CONTEMPLATIONS
THLN, SHORT BASEBALL GAME,
THE FIREWORKS IN DENVILLE
One of the things we spotted on the Texas Humane Legislation Network’s website was a roundup on how to get vibrant community involvement in the animal advocacy missions, i.e., making the neighborhood safe for animals and protected by the laws of the Great State of Texas. HERE’S THE LINK. ….. The Texas Rangers beat Detroit last night with Mike Minor pitching a complete game in around 2 hours and 19 minutes — it was almost as if the great Ranger Ferguson Jenkins had come out of retirement and needed to get home early. …. And here’s a reminder that the Fourth of July is coming. We get this note from our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief Andrew Fisher who reports photographically and in text from New Jersey:






“The pyrotechnic season opened last night with the fireworks display at the Denville Firemen's carnival.” That’s across Indian Lake from the bureau. Still, it was close enough for the Fisher housepals. Andy writes, “Poor Chloe [the family cat] sought refuge in one of her sanctuaries and didn't emerge for hours. Maxie [the household canine] slept straight through it.” Remember, fireworks are for people. Only people.”
—- To offer advice or opinions, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

DOGS AND CATS -- ALL OVER THE METROSPRAWL...

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Holy smoke, how fast can a 30-day month move? We’re already on the brink of July 4. Is it too early to remind people to protect their animals from fireworks? 
See that dog? Has nothing to do with fireworks or holidays, but, here, in the waning days of June, that summer-faced big ol’ dog remains at peril in a shelter — he clearly needs a home with air-conditioning. More on him in a minute. Keep reading.
COWTOWN’S CATS: SUDDENLY
THE SHELTER GETS A BUNCH!
Ginger Leach of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control reports that “21 cats, mostly young adults surrendered due to an eviction” have arrived at the city’s shelter. Also, she writes, “All have upper respiratory infections, thin, deformities, hair-loss but on the plus side, they are friendly.” 
Her  message is, “If you can help, please come down and pick some out.” 
Don’t call the shelter; email fwacctag@fortworthteas.gov to ask about animals at the shelter or stop by to visit. The FWAC&C Chuck Silcox Adoption Center is at 4900 Martin Street in southeastern Fort Worth.
EARHOUNDS AVAILABLE
AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES
Just a reminder that this is the last Wednesday in June, thus the last $1 Dog Day in the May-June promotion. Also, you can get dogs and cats for $10 at DAS.

 The dog with the “Hey, I’m thumbing a ride with my ear” look is DJ (A1031390. He’s already neutered, is about a year and a half old and has been in the shelter since June 5.

That UprightEarhound is Mrs. Chan (A10561359), just over a year old and in DAS care since June 13 (She’s at the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center, 16821 N. Coit Road, in Dallas.). With a set of ears like that, how else could she be described other than a “brown and white Pointer.” [LARRY ASIDE: No telling what she’s pointing at. Not sure I've ever seen a Pointer with upright ears but who am I to argue with DAS breed-guessers?] 
Go to www.dallasanimalservices.org to see the “adoptables” and go to DAS's PetHarbor link to see MORE of the shelter's dogs and cats. The dallasanimalservices.org page lists 228 dogs, 264 cats and 9 “other” as of this morning. The DAS Pet Harbor page lists 463 dogs, 418 cats and 11 “other” in care of the city’s shelter at Westmoreland and I-30. Call the shelter at 214-670-6800.
ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF DALLAS

Here we go with another note about the un-noticed animals in the small shelters on the southern side of Dallas.
Laura Macias, Leighann Hayden and others work to get these animals some attention. To ask about these animals call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. Remember, Wilmer and Hutchins have shelters and they have animals, but what they don’t have is humans stopping in to adopt or even just look. Thus, the small shelter advocates are working to expose these animals through the modern miracle of internet communication.
That 85-pound big ol’ dog, formerly known as Sampson and “Big Red,” is know listed as Marc Anthony. He’s a French Mastiff/Bulldog Mix, according to Leighann’s note. And the story is his name was changed to Marc Anthony because ”he looks so much like the cute cartoon dog from Looney Tunes from a long time ago.” The cartoon dog, the note recalls, “finds a baby kitten and tries to hide it from his owner.” [LARRY NOTE: We explain in Contemplations.]
The other photos sent by the advocates include: Caine is the “Setter/Rottweiler” mix or “Long-haired Rottweiler.” [LARRY NOTE: The long-haired Rottie is as rare dog, so I’m betting mix, though you never know what purebred will show up in a shelter.]
That Puppy is the little girl Piper, a Lab mix — about 3 months old. Pierce, with the perky face and dots over his eyes, is a young Shepherd mix.
Tyler, the dog with the distinct facial speckles and spots, is a Lab/Border Collie mix.

Ryder, of course, is an Earhound, and also described as a Lab/Shepherd/Boxer mix who is about 5 months old.
And, then there’s Boomer, the dog with great eyes and a set of ears that are mismatched, thus they match Boomer quite well in the category of “UP’N’DOWN EARHOUN'.”

 

 

 

MEANWHILE IN LANCASTER

The population in the Lancaster Animal Shelter is getting some help from the small shelter folks who’ve been helping Wilmer and Hutchins and other small shelters. The latest collection of photos of dogs in the the shelter include Rowan, described as an “Aussie Cattle Dog or Heeler Mix. He’s a “big, sweet loveable” guy, according to the appeal note. 
The note also reads, “Sadly, this shelter needs your help more than ever. …. Shelter is still full. There is no room. Four new dogs came in just today.” To offer to help the small shelter advocates save animals in Lancaster, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

MEANWHILE, IN EULESS
THERE ARE PLAYFUL DOGS
Playful dogs, sweet dogs, sit-by-your-side dogs, ride-in-the-car dogs, etc., at the Euless Animal Shelter, and according to its rescue partner the Trinity GAP Club — yes, the rescue arm of the Euless Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program — the shelter needs some help.
A GAP rescue post reads, “The Euless Shelter is completely full and is Code Red. We have to get some dogs into foster homes or adopted. If you can help please come by the Euless Shelter or call Jessica 214-709-3332.”

Among the animals available are these two.
The story on their post reads, “They may look like twins but they are actually just best friends! Storme is a Pit Bull mix and Colt is a Border Collie mix and both are looking for forever homes but in the meantime, they are making the best of it with some summertime water play at the shelter! Available at Euless Animal Shelter. For information contact Jessica 214-709-3332.” Read about GAP Rescue HERE and see Trinity GAP Club on Facebook, too.
 (Click on that collage to make it grow!)

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
These two beautiful dogs are described as “most critical” in notes we got from the Mesquite Animal Shelter’s volunteer biographer, Judi Brown. Why “most critical”? “Shelter overcrowding.”

Marci (41905003), a 5-month-old Pittie/Retriever mix, came to the shelter as a stray on June 10 and nobody has been looking for her. Yet, she’s still loves humans. Judi writes, “She’s all over you with kisses. When she’s around you, she’s so excited her whole body wiggles like a wiggle worm. She definitely wants to please. She would make a wonderful family dog. She went nose to nose wagging her tail with many of the dogs in the bay.”

Roxie (41885667) is in the same “most critical” boat. She’s a 36-pound, perhaps 2-year-old or younger, Pittie who came to the shelter on June 11. The story is “she was abandoned in a house without any food or water.” She recently had pups, Judi, reports. Yet, Roxie still is a “happy, wiggly, friendly affectionate gal with a bigger than life personality.” 
Judi writes, I fell in love with her and I know others will also.”

o ask about any animal in the Mesquite shelter, call 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
See more Mesquite dogs and cats in need of homes by clicking on the shelter site HERE.

CONTEMPLATION
ANIMALS, PEOPLE & CARTOONS
On Tuesday an appeal was issued for bottle-feeders to help save two kittens in desperate condition at the Lancaster Animal Shelter. I emailed Leighann Hayden, the small shelter advocate who wrote the appeal, to see if they’d gotten help. And here’s the good news. Leighann wrote, “Yes, thank goodness. Gail Prather knew someone that bottle feeds so they took the two and also took poor little baby Landry that was the last kitten there. ;-).” You may remember Landry. That’s his photo. Feels good to know that little kittens can get a break in a region that needs more Spay/Neuter and fewer cats challenging the record for “Most Kittens Born in a Texas County.” … Our item about the Wilmer Dog Marc Anthony: Here’s that explanation. Marc Anthony was the co-star of the 1950s Warner Bros. shorts Marc Anthony and Pussyfoot. You can read about them HERE . …Just a reminder: This website is dedicated to rescuers, fosters and animal advocates who work to save the lives of dumped, abandoned, strayed and neglected animals. And, if the right numbers fall in Lotto Texas tonight, well, as a suddenly wealthy individual, I’ll continue to admire the pro-animal community. I’ll simply “admire with cash.” It’s a daydream. I’m not the only person with that daydream — so if I don’t win, I hope one of you will.
—- Offer support or lucky numbers by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —

ON TUESDAY: AN ASSORTMENT OF SITUATIONS

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Let’s get right into the day’s agenda. Helping animals, helping people who help animals and contemplating life as we know it on this planet.
REGARDING JONATHAN STICKLAND
As you no doubt know by now, the House District 92 State Rep. Jonathan Stickland isn’t seeking re-election. Rather than go into why a guy who is neither genuine Republican nor Democrat and has just been awarded the “Cockroach” label by Texas Monthly would not run again, we’re going to honor the dogs of House District 92.

This dog is the poster pup for the Dogs of HD-92 June Mutt Mingle from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at Euless Bear Creek Dog Park. Here’s a FACEBOOK LINK to the Dogs of HD-92 announcement. 
[LARRY ASIDE: You might help the Texas Humane Legislation Network prepare for the next opportunity to get the Lege to make tethering dogs and failing to properly house animals a law any District Attorney will be proud to prosecute.  Go to THLN.org.]
CATCHING UP WITH
THE PREGNANT DOG
Back in May, our longtime tipster, animal rescuer and advocate Deborah Verner became concerned about this dog Ruby wandering a Garland neighborhood. Authorities were called. Not much happened. On Monday, Deborah wrote, “Tonight, it's been learned that this pup is Ruby, and that she had 4 pups two weeks ago. Ruby is back to being skin and bones again. Ruby is said to be only 4 years old. Her owner is now willing to surrender to a rescue once her pups are weaned. Need an interested rescue!!!”
You can message Deborah on Facebook HERE. 
[LARRY ASIDE: There are so many low-cost and free to nearly-free spay/neuter movements in North Texas that one can only conclude that people whose big ol’ dogs get pregnant failed the the junior high course, “The Birds & Bees & You.”]
WAITING FOR HELP
IN DENTON’S SHELTER
Amy Poskey, the volunteer monitor of Denton’s McNatt Animal Shelter, sent this appeal for an “incredibly sweet boy” named Bender who “in spite of being hit by a car, still has that sweet Pittie smile and a tail that wags at least 100 mph!”
 You see the mugshot and the tail-wagging photo — both with the dog wearing the famous collar of confinement.

Amy writes, “The shelter staff and volunteers have fallen in love with Bender and just want the very best for him.  He is such a special boy and all he needs now is someone to believe in him and give him the love and care he deserves!
“Bless his heart, as a result of being hit by a car, he suffered a craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation of his left hind leg …” 
There’s a more extensive explanation of the injuries, but we’ll shorthand it by saying the dog may need some expensive hip surgery or amputation. What he needs MOST OF ALL is a rescuer to help him. He’s a 43-pound, under-2-year-old Pittie mix. No idea of any other medical conditions because the leg problem is paramount to his future.


Here are the contacts:gayla.nelsen@cityofdenton.com, Randi.Weinberg@cityofdenton.com, julien.peralta@cityofdenton.com, dentonshelterdogs@yahoo.com, and/or dentonanimalservices@yahoo.com. Call the shelter at 940-349-7594
BIG DOG IN HOUSTON
NEEDS A HOME
Our Houston critter confidant Alexandra Kelsey begins her note, “The weather in Houston is not great and this poor soul has been living outside for a couple of weeks now.  Can anyone help? Contact Sheila at sjvasquez@ sbcglobal.net."

That’s quick and to the point about this handsome fellow. The story is he likes kids and is “indifferent to an outside cat and puppy in the area.”
How did he get there? 
AK included Sheila’s note. It reads, “This dog was dumped in our neighborhood over a week ago.  My husband saw him going to house to house looking for his owners.  I am thinking he was an indoor dog so the heat will be hard on him. … He was sitting in their garage one day just calm as could be when while the boy was working in the yard.  He even lets the boy, Kevin, pet him. His parents do not want another dog. One neighbor had a friend that supposedly wanted the pup but I guess that did not pan out because he was released back onto the street.”

There you have it — finally, a good reason to drive from Dallas to Houston in the middle of the week.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
The Mesquite Shelter’s volunteer biographer Judi Brown sent us this photo of Alpine, a 6-to-7-year-old Alaskan Husky who is awaiting rescue or adoption. He came into the shelter as a stray on June 17. 
Judi, who spent time with him, reports that the “beautiful guy with pale blue eyes…is mild-mannered and easy-going like a real southern gentleman. He’s friendly and affectionate. He knows to sit and once he realized I would give him treats if he would sit it was hard to get pictures of him standing up because he kept sitting. It’s obvious he wants to please.”
Forty-five pound Alpine is #41972737 at the shelter. 
To ask about him or any of these Mesquite animals, call 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

Judi also is hoping to help this girl Queen (42024830) a 45-pound, 2-year-old Golden Retriever Mix surrendered on June 22 because “she didn’t want to stay home and kept running of.” Judi says Queen is a “Velcro dog” who craves affection and has a really waggy tail.

Hudson (41990052) is a 59-pound Golden Retriever/Sheepdog who came in as a stray on June 19. Judi writes that, during her visit with Hudson, he “preferred to stay close for for extra attention. He even rubbed noses with me! It was fun to pet him because he’s so soft. I can just imagine how wonderful it would be to snuggle up with him on a cold night.”
And this fellow is Oscar, around 6 years old and 60 pounds and already neutered. Why is such a cute dog in the shelter? His owners “surrendered him because they were moving.” They’d only had him for one of his six years, Judi says, adding, “Oscar is really sweet and gentle. He’s friendly. His tail wags constantly. He’s rather slow-moving in a laid-back way. He just takes in the world at his pace.”
See more Mesquite dogs and cats in need of homes by clicking on the shelter site HERE. Among those cats are a dramatic load of kittens, including 41907698, a boy who is 2 months old and clearly among the cutest kittens ever born in the Greater Mesquitroplex.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Special days, Scam Likely & Calls
June 25, according to Holiday Insights, is Log Cabin Day. The holiday website credits the Log Cabin Society and the Bad Axe Historical Society with declaring Log Cabin Day on June 25, 1986. On June 25, 1987, President Ronald Regan proclaimed National Catfish Day in honor of “a uniquely American food delicacy — farm-raised catfish.” At readlarrypowell.com, we’re happy just to have cole slaw, hushpuppies and tartar sauce — set the fish free. Probably unrealistic to adopt, spay & neuter catfish. … Anybody name a dog or cat after your most frequent caller: “Scam Likely”? Maybe “Scamp Likely.” … Tuesday morning I answered a “Scam Likely” call from someone who declared herself to be so proud of my record of paying my credit card bill on time (I haven’t used a credit card in years). I said, “Please take me off your call list.” She said, “Hold for a representative.” I did, the guy came on, I said, “Please take me off your call list” and he said, “Thank you for your patience. This will only take a few minutes.” I said, “You have the number. Take it off the list. I’m not spending any more time on this.” And I clicked off the call, fully aware that tomorrow about the same time I’ll get another call about my exemplary credit card usage. I’d write someone in Congress, but “Scam Likely” may be serving this term.
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