ReadLarryPowell.com

FOSTERING, ADOPTING DOGS & CATS; A MOMENT TO ANALYZE 'MOGAMBO'

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JAN. 17, 2018 [PetPowellPress] This dog has just been told that there’s no Dallas Cowboys’ game this weekend. I’m kidding. That’s Honey. We’ll get to her in a moment. First we’re going to discuss a quilt, then we’ll blanket this space with dog and cat stories — fyi, don’t forget, Dallas Animal Services starts its 3-day FREE DOGS weekend Friday.
Back to quilts and blankets: I’ll bet Honey (a Mesquite dog) is a warm comforter for the right lap. Read on, please.
AND THE QUILT REAPPEARS
AS A RE-RAFFLE FOR FRIENDS!
Raffled off, now it's back! We get the story from the reliable tipster Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, the non-profit that operates, to to speak, the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. 
“Remember that fabulous quilt we raffled last month? Well, the winners of it are going to auction it off as a fundraiser for the spay/neuter clinic - do we have THE BEST volunteers or what?!?”
The quilt was donated by Carol Larimore and Cynthia Ross. You can see it and bid on it beginning Thursday, Jan. 24, in the Art Gallery Room at the W Haus Decor & More, 454 Gun Barrel Lane in Gun Barrel City.
The bidding is by silent auction — initial minimum bid of $200 and, the note reads, “a ‘Buy It Now’ bid of $1,000.” The bidding sheet is next to the quilt. Bidding ends at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 30. Questions? Call 903-498-3410.
IN THE MOOD TO FOSTER?
WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE?
We got a note from Paws In The City — sort of a combined appeal for adoptors and fosters. The more fosters the group has, the more dogs it can save. That’s the way it works.  Oliver, Candy and Gatsby are all available via Paws in the City. 
Paws In The City has a strong foster program — and it needs more people to help President Mark Verma and the team save more and more dogs. You can see the profiles of these three on the Paws website and you can see how to become a Paws foster HERE.

DOGS AT A SHELTER?
SOMETIMES THEY COME IN PAIRS
We opened with Honey’s photo today and here’s another of the 3-year-old Chiweenie, clearly a genuine Earhoundus Monofloppus, as seen in her second photo (left)
She and a terrier named Morley were surrendered at the Mesquite because “their owners were moving,” reports the shelter’s volunteer biographer Judi Brown.
Honey’s timid but friendly, good with children and cats, her former owners said. They also said she liked being held. (Her ID is 40566472.)
 And, Morley is a 3-year-old, neutered Cairn Terrier mix. He’s adorable, friendly and also is good with dogs and cats. (His ID is 40566477.)
Honey weigh 10 pounds, Morley weighs 12.
 Fun-loving, indoor family dogs.
Then there are Cowboy and Coco. Siblings -- yes, together since birth and now in a shelter with a running clock. Cowboy is the 3-year-old brindle Chihuahua mix and Coco is the 3-year-old chocolate brown Chihuahua mix. In the kennel, Judi says, Cowboy is the “most outgoing and seems to protect Coco.” Out of the kennel, it’s the reverse. And both “need time to decompress” after being “left” at the shelter. Cowboy liked being held, Judi says, “and he also snuggled my neck.” Cowboy’s 10 pounds; Coco 8 pounds. Cowboy is 40581059 and Coco is 40581050.

Then there’s a dog who arrived all alone, Lucy, a 2-year-old “reddish gold” Pittie mix with hazel eyes. Judi says, “She just came in and needs time to decompress. The noise and confusion of the shelter is overwhelming to her. She was even intimidated by the camera clicking. She did want to make friends though and did come to me to have her ears scratched. She is very calm and gentle.She walks well on a leash.” Forty-pound Lucy is #40581025.

To ask about any of these dogs, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. See more Mesquite adoptables by going to the shelter's website HERE.
TWO KITTENS WAITING
FOR THE RIGHT HOME/HOMES
  Karen Lee, animal advocate/rescuer/barkleyworld.com and kitten spotter did, indeed, spot these two kittens at Central Animal Hospital in Fort Worth. She was there to pick up another animal and “they were just dying for my attention. It was also feeding time so they got distracted but Dr. [Sue] Hultman told me they sure needed a home or a rescue—they are 5 months old, one male and one female—mostly black but with some white accents. Very friendly and loving--and playful. I’m sure they’re vetted but if not, Barkleyworld can help with that—they just need a place to land and homes of their own! Feel free to contact Central Animal Hospital for further information or drop by and meet them in purr-son!!  Share on Facebook too, please!"

CONTEMPLATIONS

TAKING AIM AT WHAT’S IN A NAME
Billboards and other media have been promoting the Dallas Safari Club’s Convention and Sporting Expo Thursday-Sunday at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. That event is on my list of “places to not get caught dead.” My interest was stirred, however, by the fact that the event is named “Mogambo.” 
Film fans will recognize that as the name of the 1953 movie staring Clark Gable who also started in the movie’s first version in 1932 when it was known as Red Dust. 
Some of you may also recognize “Mogambo” as a word in a racy Eddie Murphy line in a movie — yep, Reggie Hammond in 48 Hours was interested in “mogambo” after he got out of prison. Urban Dictionary says “Mogambo” is “sexual congress.” 

The International Movie Data Base, discussing the title of the 1953 film, says that some sources say “Mogambo” translates as “passion” in Swahili, but people who speak Swahili say it’s not a word in their language.
And that brings us to the subtitle of the event (as seen in part of the event’s poster): “Dagga Boy Danger.” What does that mean? Unclear to the non-hunter (i.e., me), but research reveals that “Dagga Boys” is a “colloquial term for old bulls.”
I bring this up because I see it as an opportunity to suggest that enough lives are taken on this planet without making fatal shootings a sport. Here’s a quote from Henry David Thoreau: “The squirrel that you kill in jest dies in earnest.” Perhaps you’ve seen the photos of the smiling great hunters and the lifeless bodies of the animals they ambushed.
— Offer advice or explanation by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —

ONCE UPON A SUPER TIME...SAVING DOGS & CATS; GRIPING ABOUT MOVIE PRICES...

EDITION OF JANUARY 17, 2019 [PetPowellPress] A personal note this edition that might make people smile. Where were you on January 17, 1971? Some of you were at Super Bowl V at the Orange Bowl in Miami — first Super Bowl played on artificial turf and the first Super Bowl for the Dallas Cowboys — the Baltimore Colts beat them 16-13 on a field goal with 5 seconds on the clock. [Yes. The Cowboys used to be in the big game now and then.]
I missed the entire Super Bowl. I was in a hospital. The boys, Bret and Bart, were being born at Wadley Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. Nothing has been the same since. We expected one kid — maternity wasn’t an exact science in those days. Bret arrived first at 2:06 p.m. (if memory serves); two minutes later Bart was born. I’m still dazed. So Happy Birthday to my little boys and thanks for all the fun.
And, as is the right of a father, Dear Readers, I can go back in time and find a photograph from my kids’ childhood. This is an old-style photograph from around 1974 or ’75 with the preschoolers in matching HeeHaw overalls. Bret’s left, Bart’s right. Bret’s left-handed, Bart’s ambidextrous. They couldn’t wait to grow out of those overalls.]
LITTLE DOG PEEWEE
AND TRUDY AND DAISY
The Code Red time at Mesquite this week is 11 a.m. Friday, so that gives you some time to save the lives of Peewee the Chihuahua and Trudy and Daisy, the Pittie girls. We get info about them from the Mesquite Animal Services’ volunteer biographer Judi Brown. The crowding at the shelter has caused the implementation of Code Red.

Peewee is 9 and weighs 9 pounds. He came in as a stray. Judi writes, “This sweet little guy is painfully thin and will stand on his hind legs dancing for a treat for it seems like eternity. However when I offered a bowl of soft food he was not interested. Go figure? He was timid at first but warmed up quickly. He seems like he would be content to be a lapdog and yet did explore the volunteer room. He is calm and gentle and yet has spunk.“ Peewee is 40547315.

Beautiful Trudy, a 3-year-old “red nose” Pittie who came in as a stray on Dec. 22, inspired Judi to write, “I know we are not supposed to have favorites but I can’t help it. This sweet girl doesn’t beg for treats all she wants to do is wrap her paws around you and love on you. She’s also friendly with children. I absolutely adore this dog. If you cannot rescue or adopt her please network her.”
Trudy (40432747) weighs 62 pounds; she arrived as a stray on Dec. 22. 
Judi says, “She has a regal stance and soft tawny coloring. You can tell by looking into her hazel eyes that she is sad. She’s sprawls out in her kennel and appears depressed. Can you blame her? In the yard she stayed close. She hung around for extra attention and appeared to love being petted. It was easy to oblige her because she is so sweet and so soft! … She’s a gentle soul that gives gentle kisses. She is friendly and affectionate.”
And Daisy (40270181) is on the Code Red list, too. Another Mesquite stray — but she’s been waiting since November 29. Waiting all that long to get the needle instead of a home. How lousy is that.
 Judi says, “She is an exuberant dog that has managed to keep a positive attitude in spite of the fact that she’s been at the shelter for weeks. If you cannot tag or adopt please network her.”
She’s 6 or 7, a 48-pound Pittie mix who is “very striking with her rich charcoal gray coloring and soft brown eyes,” Judi writes. “You can see she’s just had a litter and now finds herself at 6 to 7 years old at the shelter! Y’all, that’s middle-aged! She’s very friendly and stays close wanting attention. It’s very obvious she wants to please. She is highly motivated by treats. Because of this she should be very easy to train. She sits for treats. … She will try to interact with you at her window telling you she wants to go home with you.”
To ask about any of these dogs or any dog on the Code Red list, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. See more Mesquite animals on the shelter’s website HERE.

A LITTLE GUY AT THE COLONY
Mark Cooper, the director at The Colony Animal Services, periodically does videos of animals and situations that need the help of people. One of the most recent had to do with this emaciated Chihuahua, T-Bone, found as a stray and just nearly starved to death. In his video seeking help with T-Bone’s medical expenses, Mark said it appeared that the dog “has been horribly neglected for God knows how long.” And, Mark added, “He will be fine. That’s the good news.”
And there’s more. Mark reported, “We have great news! A rescue group has T-Bone and will be nurturing him back to health. We hit our goal for what we needed to give him the proper care. All left over money will go to our medical fund to keep the incoming animals well taken care of. We appreciate everyone for donating and sharing.”
You can still see that video HERE.
If you go to The Colony’s website, you can see many other animals and how to adopt them. That beautiful cat is Jamaica (39578508), about 8 1/2. She’s a medium-sized longhaired Tabby mix and she’s been waiting for a home since September 4. 
That ol “dawg”? Why that’s Lex (40515952), an 8-month-old Lab Mix. And he's definitely an Earhound. 
Remember, big shelters, little shelters — they all have animals waiting for homes.
CONTEMPLATIONS
THOUGHTS, LAWS AND FILM
Thanks to everybody who responded to our loss of Annie, the adorably cranky Heeler mix who has left a surprisinly large empty spot in our home. Larger than we expected — but isn’t that always the case? And I think that’s a good thing — it reminds us how much love we have to give to match the love an animal gives us. I think the big moment for me was Tuesday night when I fixed the dogs’ food and had an empty dish left over. …
You see here a reminder on behalf of the Texas Humane Legislation Network. It’s the Season of the Legislature so, bless THLN, those critterfans are lobbying for the animals. I went to THLN’s Facebook page and found a reference to the Pit boy, Country, fatally beaten with a sledgehammer in Austin. The CBS story HERE may inspire you to help THLN get stronger cruelty laws. There was some quick inadvertent justice on the day of the beating: The man who’d told his son to kill Country got in the way. The sledgehammer swung by his son broke daddy’s arm. That and some jail time won’t make things even. Nothing will — in this earthly existence. …Geez, I’ve got to pull us out of this funk. OK, here goes: Turner Classic Movies has been showing one of the most enjoyable films of the last decade of the 20th Century: The Freshman starring Matthew Broderick, Bruno Kirby, Penelope Ann Miller and Marlon Brando in a send-up of his role in The Godfather. It’s 1 hour and 42 minutes of fun. And I can’t say anything like that about any of the 21st century movies I’ve seen recently. For one thing, there’s no CGI in The Freshman. Oh, and note to theaters: Lower the price of popcorn and a Coke. Oh, and lower the ticket prices. I miss going to the movies. Maybe I’ll go this year.
— Offer ideas or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —

ON A WEDNESDAY, WE LOOK AT LIFE AND THE MISSION OF SAVING ANIMALS

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16, 2018 [PetPowellPress] We’re going to try to save the lives of dogs and cats today.
And we’re going to celebrate the life of a beloved dog, too — we’ll get to Annie in Contemplations.

CURRENT EVENTS AFFECTING
PETS OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES?

Just in case the partial shutdown is making life tough for pets of federal employees, Operation Kindness will distribute free bags of food and cat litter from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the non-profit’s Pet Food Pantry, 3953 Belt Line Road in Addison. Just show a fed employee ID card.
THE CUDDLE HUDDLE AT DAS
Pretty sure you’re not going to find a “Cuddle Huddle” at The Star in Frisco after that whuppin’ in the playoffs. Whether he said it or not, this quote is frequently attributed to President Harry Truman: “You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog.” Might say that about the Dallas Cowboys front office these days. But never mind football, let’s talk available dogs. Dallas Animals Services has a dog special running Saturday through Monday. You don’t have to wait for “Clear the Shelters” in August to get a free dog. 
Adopt at the big Dallas shelter or the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center. Free dogs.
Of course, DAS has more than dogs in the shelter. We first mentioned this cat, Ritz (A0509128), a couple of weeks ago. Ritz is a Red Tabby who is about 11 years old and has been in the shelter since December 15. 
While the dogs are free for these three days, to equalize things, cat adoptions are $250,000 per cat. I’m kidding. Go to www.dallasanimalservices.org and you’ll see that Ritz can be yours for $35. He’s older, yeah, but older in a cat can be a comfort to a human. More cuddle than claws.
[LARRY ASIDE: I’ve covered news and non-news at Dallas Animal Services for several generations of managers and I’ve never once seen a cat adopted for $250,000 though, clearly many Dallas cats would be worth every dime of that. Ritz, in fact, maybe worth that much and more. Someone will need risk $35 to see. Find a free dog that likes him and he likes and what a deal you’ll have made.]

NOT ALL BREEDING  FOUL-UPS
HAPPEN TO LIVE IN NORTH TEXAS

Holy smoke, are you up to date on the case of the woman in Georgia who had more than 400 German Shepherds on two properties? There are dozens of stories about this: Google “Belinda Powell arrest.” And here’s an Atlanta Journal Constitution story. Yep, Texas hasn’t cornered the market on bad ideas or bad behavior. And, no, the alleged perp is not a relative, i.e., I’ve never been married to anyone named Belinda.

CHAMP, SQUEAKY AND PRETTY:
TWO GET A BREAK, CHAMP NEEDS ONE!
Catching up on three Mesquite dogs. The perky black dog is Champ (40175660) — we’ve mentioned this 2-year-old Pittie Mix before — he’s been on the Code Red list three times. 
The Rottie Mixes are Pretty and Squeaky. They were on Code Red, too.
We got the latest on these three from the volunteer biographer at Mesquite, Judi Brown.
She told us, “Champ is back on the Code Red list but I’ve pledged some money for him so hopefully that will help.”
 To help save Champ’s life, use his ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

“The Rotties were separated," writes Judi. "Whereas at first I thought they should stay together, it appeared they were feeding off each other‘s fear. So the shelter separated them and they were rescued separately. Squeaky went to a rottie rescue and Pretty was rescued by a man who is known to have excellent success with dogs with behavioral problems. I truly believe these two dogs were kept in the backyard and never socialized. They were almost feral. I worked with them for weeks and although I made some progress  there was much work to be done. Both were very fearful and would hardly ever let you pet them.”

To see more adoptable Mesquite Shelter animals, click HERE. 


MEANWHILE IN BURNS FLAT,
A MEAN STREAK SURFACES

AND THERE’S A DEADLINE

Our reliable Burns Flat tipster/rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher writes, “I am physically ill over this. Two weeks ago, I received a call about someone seeing a pregnant Lab. She was digging in peoples’ trash cans and was so skinny. They tried to catch her, but she was scared. We searched for her but were never able to find her....
“This morning [Tuesday], Town Hall called me and said a lady called and asked for help. She apparently lives across the street from the family that had the dog.The dog has since given birth (about a week ago) and was digging in the lady’s trash. She went to take her home and told the kids they need to feed her and asked about the babies
“The little boy said three babies froze to death but she still had 5 and dad wouldn't let them feed her because she was stupid and got pregnant.”

Terry Lynn then editorializes, “This is a family that is pure trash. They were actually suspects in a case where the neighbor overdosed. They are known drug dealers and bad people, so this info doesn't surprise me. I have taken several dogs from them over the years.  So the neighbor asked if she could take them.The temps here will have a wind chill of 0 this weekend with snow. There is no way they would survive that.

“But, the lady has cancer and is moving to her daughter’s on Thursday. She said she just cannot take care of them and move in with her family. So she called town hall for help.

“Our pound is totally outdoors, which is why I have so many in boarding. There is no way they would survive that outdoors. I have to pay boarding down a little more before I can place this many there...

“So I am looking for help to get them to a safe place. If anyone has room or any advice, please let me know.”
Email Terry Lynn at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com. She can fill you in on her rescue needs in addition to saving the lives of the Mom and her puppies.
CONTEMPLATION

SAYING GOODBYE TO ANNIE
We have lost our oldest dog to the rigors of old age. Annie, daughter of Calamity (in the photo at the top of this page), lived every bit of her long life with two people who adored her and were mystified by her. It is difficult to use past tense when discussing her. She died sometime in the night, i.e., early Tuesday morning. It’ll be years before we adjust to not having this lifetime dog in our home. We got her when she was a puppy, eyes barely open and living under a storage shed in a neighbor's yard down the street.
Hang on. Does the screen look blurry to you? Wait, let me dab my eyes. Yeah, my rescuespouse Martha and I have experienced some teary moments. Read the whole story on our Prayers & Passages page — click on the link HERE. Puppy Annie. That’s her in the baby photo and that’s her in the laughing dog photo! Missing a dog isn’t easy to endure, is it.
—- To offer opinion or advice, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

A CAT'S LIPS, SOME DOG SITUATIONS & THE HUMAN HEARTS

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JAN. 15, 2019 [PetPowellPress] — Ever wonder what a cat looks like with lipstick?
Here’s an example. This is Gary, just over a year-and-a-half old and a resident of Dallas Animal Services’ big shelter since December 3.
Readlarrypowell.com figured seeing a cat with a set of pursed lips was probably better than spending any more time looking at that Dallas Cowboys/LA Rams game. You may have spent Monday listening to the Cowboy’s spokeslads trying to put lipstick on a pig. OK, moving along….and we’ll have a particularly poignant contemplation today. Read on.
MEANWHILE IN BURNS FLAT

Well, the dog needs are piling up in Burns Flat, way out in western Oklahoma. The diligent rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher needs help with these two, and with six more that she’ll tell you about when you email her at remem bering_oddball@ yahoo.com.
As you probably know, she is responsible for keeping the Burns Flat shelter no-kill for year after year. 
These two need out, she says. They’re both house-broken and friendly, Terry Lynn says. Here’s the rest of the story: “The male [in the cage] belongs to a family here in town. They said they just have too many dogs and the son that is suppose to care for him doesn’t. The dog is totally vetted and microchipped. They just want him in a home where he gets the attention he deserves. Just over a year old…
“The sweet female was picked up as a stray. Her time is up. She is in the town west of me with no pound, so they hold at the vet 3 days then put down. The office manager took her home and she is well-mannered and housebroke. The manager cannot stand the thought of them killing her but is unable to have anymore dogs at her house.
“With so many still in boarding, I just cannot board anymore until I get some moved. PLEASE, if anyone can help these pretty ones, let me know." Again, that address is remembering_oddball@yahoo.com.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP
COCKERS & DAWGs
DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue has a deal working with Dallas Agility Working Group (DAWG). 
Here’s the way this works, “DAWG (Dallas Agility Working Group) has asked for DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue volunteers to help with its March agility trial. DAWG will compensate DFWCSR up to $300 per day ($900 total) for 10 volunteers to help out each day. Just think of the sweet Cockers that an be helped with this additional money!
The agility trial dates are March 8, 9 and 10 at Myers Park in McKinney — 8 a.m. start each day. You have to be at least 15 to volunteer. 
What will you do? Here’s what the Cocker Rescue announcement says: Sitting inside the agility ring and resetting bars knocked down during runs, moving leashes from the starting line to the finish line during the run, carrying scorecards from the ring to the trial secretary. Simple, but important to the participants. You’ll be trained “on the spot.” To see how to volunteer, click HERE.
WHO WOULD SHOOT
A SERVICE DOG?

Here’s the LINK to the Channel 11 story about some jerk shooting a young woman’s diabetic service dog. And here’s the FACEBOOK LINK
 to the Justice4Journey page. 
[LARRY ASIDE: I’m posting this in case someone hears the psychopath bragging in a bar or somewhere. This guy needs to be doing some hard time and a lot of it. Too dangerous to be roaming among decent people.]
CONTEMPLATIONS:
THE HEART THAT BEATS IN RESCUE
What it takes to do rescue work — that certain respectful and kind toughness of the heart.
We first told you about this little girl Lilly several editions ago when Stephen Foster of DFW’s Furgotten Friends got a request from Dallas Animal Services to help save the 8-week-old puppy — she had deformed hips. Maybe other challenges. All of those things led to an unfortunate outcome. Stephen posted this on Facebook: “I had to make another heartbreaking decision this weekend. Rest In Peace sweet Lilly.”
He explained, “Lily was originally thought to have hip issues that was keeping her from using her back legs but after further x-rays we discovered she had a spinal issue midway up her back. We're not sure if it was an injury or she was born with a deformed spine but it was cutting of the muscular control to every muscle below that point. That includes her bladder and colon. There was nothing that could be done to give her relief from the pain or loss of control so we made the difficult decision to let her cross the Rainbow Bridge and run free. Thank you to everyone who were ready to support her. Rest In Peace little girl.”
In the case of Lilly, we contemplate noble side of rescue — both an attempt to save a little dog and the accepting of the reality.
Perhaps that is why, when I read the other note Stephen posted, I felt encouraged by the saving grace of rescue. You remember the story of these pups — they were born to Georgia, a dog rescued literally off the very dangerous side of a highway in Mansfield. DFW Furgotten Friends took in Georgia and she gave birth at Stephen’s house while in “maternity foster!” He posted this photo Monday in celebration of Georgia’s puppies hitting the 6-week mark. Georgia’s already back with Heaven’s Helpers and the kids are becoming adorably adoptably cute.

Stephen listed them as “biggest to smallest” in poundage this way: Gordie is 11.8; Tank is 11.3; Jasper is 9.9; Sadie is 9.6; Geo is 9.6 and Glenda is 8.6.
He added, “Based on best guess of breed, birth date and weight date Gordie will be 99.7 pounds when full grown. Even our little runt girl Glenda will be 62 pounds.”
Contemplate all that. Start with the jerk who shot the service dog, then move along to the people who work themselves into tears trying to help animals. Celebrate the good people.
—- Offer and opinion or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

'HOUSE. NO. 5' -- A BOOK FOR THOSE WHO DREAM OF FINDING PARADISE ON A GREEK ISLAND...

“Guided by The Fates, an artist and a writer find an island of inspiration on the other side of the world.”

Sounds pretty darned romantic, doesn’t it. Well, it is — and it’s romantic reality, perfectly expressed in House No. 5: Paradise on Paros, my friend Bob St. John’s new book. 
That’s the cover of the online version — the painting of House No. 5’s seaside presence by the artist Sandra Rings St. John, Bob's wife. The husband/wife writing/art team enjoyed a years-long adventure with regular vacations to House No. 5 on Paros in the Cyclades Islands, southeast of Greece in the dazzling blue Aegean Sea.
 This is not a “fish out of water” story, it’s an entertaining and comprehending look at two humans finding happiness and adventure on “the other side of the world.” House No. 5 is a romance, an adventure, a history book and a story of personalities and ambitions on a Greek island — it’s told from Deep in the Heart of a Texan. The Kindle version is $6.99 at Amazon.
If you’ve never been to a Greek island, House No. 5 will make you want to go. You’ll want to enjoy the traditional holidays and the regular days, too. You’ll adore the people — fishermen, artists, musicians, restaurateurs, educators, strong and gentle personalities — who make Paros such a joy not just for the vacation travelers, but for the people who come for a week then come back repeatedly and sometimes stay for years. 
Because Bob and Sandy wanted to rent the seaside, isolated House No. 5, they became friends with Kostas Akalestos, a young father and husband and entrepreneur who’d created the villa and its neighborhood above the port city bustle of “big city” Parikia. Here’s how Bob described meeting Kostas at the landmark, squatty windmill in downtown Parikia to ask about renting House No. 5:
“I was drinking coffee with Sandy in a sidewalk cafe when the time came to meet Kostas, so I walked over to the edge of the street where drivers were speeding around as if this landmark were the center of a carousel. Soon a young man on a motorcycle circled the windmill and skidded to a stop in front of me at the curb. He’d probably picked me out as the American caller named Bob. There were clues: I was wearing a baseball cap, faded jeans and the confused look of a tourist.
“Hello, I am Kostas,” he said, smiling. “Do you have the car?”

Yes, that was the beginning of Bob’s friendship Kostas. Bob had the car. In fact, over the years, he rented several island cars — now and then he might have driven one where it shouldn’t have been driven. And he admits it. 


So, Paros inspired Bob to write a book about island people and island mysteries. And Paros inspired Sandy to create art. You see Sandy’s work (photo and brush) here.

The back story is this is Bob’s last book. We lost Bob two years ago — the anniversary was on the 12th. Doesn’t seem fair to his friends and admirers. Doesn’t seem right that he’s gone and we still want to talk to him but can't like in the old days! We still read his books.
Bob and I had already been working this book into final stages when he died and Sandy asked me to join her in getting it ready for publication. Basically, I “lived on Paros” for months and never even left my desk. I was transported there by Bob’s writing. Still am at the drop of a Greek phrase or a name!

Bob was one of the great sportswriters at The Dallas Morning News in the Tom Landry era — that’s why he was asked to write the coach’s best-selling biography — it’s among Bob’s 17 books. Later, Bob became one of The News’ metropolitan columnists and he helped readers see into the lives of others. Now and then he’d poke fun at himself. 
We sat in adjoining cubicles in the city room at The News. Each of us wrote madly on our columns and would, in moments of creative despair, visit next door and confess our latest goofy mistakes — those made in print and in life. Bob had a tendency toward sports and household mishaps. When he retired, I gave him a giant First Aid Kit. He enjoyed it, he laughed at it and, of course, he used it. 

In House No. 5, he even gets bitten by a snake that slithered away. “Poor snake,” Sandy said to Bob. Yes, two people with great senses of humor adventuring in the Aegean. [LARRY ASIDE: Sandy and Bob also have soft hearts toward animals, especially the dogs who lived at House No. 5 and the occasional cat on Paros. That cat is in contrast with the gleaming white structures and the blue highlights that enhance the island's signature architecture.]
House No. 5 - Paradise on Paros is practically a handbook for people looking for happiness. It’s $6.99 at Amazon. The famous Greek Fates recommend it.
[To leave a note, click on “comment” below or email dallrp@aol.com.]

REMINDER: Check out our weekend edition 'Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap'

This is Winnie, once upon a time a tethered guard dog. She was too nice for the job. Nicer than the people who had her.
Scroll down to read about her and Marleigh's Friends in our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and Napping Cats Nap. At readlarrypowell.com we celebrate the ability to sleep, the positions of sleeping and the rescue and adoption of trusting sleepers! (That's Maverick of Marleigh's friends on the left.) We also celebrate the rescuers, the adoptors, the fosters and anybody else who respects animals. Now scroll down, checking out Bryce from Wilmer (right) before you get to the Great Winnie and Maverick photos from Marleigh's Friends. Tell good hearts about these animals!
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NOT ANY INTEREST AT ALL...

That's the report from Laura Macias about the potential fate of this guy Bryce, one of many unwanted dogs at the Wilmer Animal Shelter.
On Saturday Laura wrote in response to my check-in on Bryce, "He is adorable but no interest at all! Can you believe it!  Such a sweet and handsome boy!!"
I'm just going to post some of his photos. If you want to save this young, lovely, affectionate dog's life, get in touch with Laura. Call or text her at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
He came into the shelter as a stray from "out in the county," not from the streets of Wilmer, just minutes south of Dallas on I-45. Nobody came looking for him. Nobody wants him. And, yet, he's a fellow who appears to enjoy the companionship of humans. Got to be a human somewhere who has room for one more good dog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surely someone somewhere in the State of Texas or beyond needs a dog that's friendly, playful and still trusts humans. Surely. Again, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
--- Leave a comment by clicking below or email dallrp@aol.com. ---

Too sweet to be a guard dog, she's now one of Marleigh's Friends & Maverick is, too!

Here’s a 50-pound dog who just didn’t quite work out as a “guard dog” so she’s become perfectly comfortable on a couch.
Her name is Winnie.
This weekend’s edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap features this adoptable dog who has quite a story. We spotted this thanks to the great rescuer/animal advocate Dawna Carabajal. Her post led us to Marleigh’s Friends, a recently formed non-profit rescue in the Dallas area.
 Remember the big storms around Christmas? That photo was taken as Winnie enjoyed her foster couch and avoided the weather. The story on Winnie reads “Winnie was adopted just to be tied up outside an auto shop as a ‘guard dog.’ She lived her time there outside with little to no human interaction. She got free one day and ended up in the city shelter. Of course the jerks who left her tied outside 24/7 didn't want to deal with the ‘hassle’ so they let her go.
“Maybe they realized she was too loving to be a ‘guard dog.’ Well, of course, she ended up catching a cough at the shelter...The shelter quickly put her on the urgent list to be euthanized. Thanks to Funding 4 Fido and a wonderful foster, we were able to pull together and save her!
“She is such an affectionate little girl! She loves kisses and is dog and people friendly. Winnie does not jump and is very laid back, especially considering she is only guessed to be about 1 year old!”
We got in touch with Jennifer Lewis of Marleigh’s Friends and she told us, “She's a sweet and hyper girl.  She is OK with the cat (who keeps to herself) in her foster’s home … but may be a bit too much energy for small or old dogs or small children until she gets over the excitement.” [HERE IS THE LINK to the Marleigh’s Friends adoption application.]
Who is Marleigh? She’s Jennifer’s 11-month-old daughter. “We actually just started our rescue this past December but I have worked with several other rescues in the area prior. … I wanted to do it [rescue/adoption] my own my way and teach Marleigh to love and respect animals like I wish everybody would teach their children to.  I figured I could teach her a very valuable lesson and save a bunch of dogs in the process so it would be a win for everybody.
“We treat each dog like they are our own. We don't cut any corners when it comes to vet care or anything like that. … I personally process each adoption and Foster application and there's only one other person that I trust aside from myself to do home visits and applications as thoroughly as I would. We will never put a dog in any situation that we wouldn't put our own personal babies in.  
“Just this past Sunday we pulled a 10-year-old owner-surrender Pitbull from Garland. His name was Dbo; we have renamed him Maverick! He is heartworm positive has a murmur on his heart and his kidney isn't processing 100% the way it should. He is 53 pounds but the vet said he should be between 80 and 90. He was extremely dehydrated, underweight, dirty his nails and his teeth were awful. He spent the first two days at the vet’s receiving fluids and getting checked out from nose to tail. He's all over our Facebook if you want to read more about his story. He is just the sweetest boy ever."
On Friday morning, Jennifer posted this on the Facebook page. “Back at the vet with Maverick! He has an icky cough with phlegm and is weak on his back legs at times! He's getting his fecal today and x-rays on his hips and respiratory checked out. If you'd like to donate towards Maverick's care you can do so via paypal.me/MarleighsFriends or call donations directly to his vet at 469-470-4771, Marleigh's Friends Rescue. 

“We have received $326 in donations towards the roughly $460 so far spent on special food, medications for his nose and heartworms, fluids, tests, xrays and crate. This does not include today's visit. Thank you all for you thoughts, support, shares and donations for this wonderful boy!”
Friday's visit? Here's the result from Jennifer: "His murmur appears to already be slightly smaller with the medications.  His hips are fine, they think he's a little shaky on the back end sometimes just because he's so malnourished. He has gained almost 2 full pounds though just since Tuesday!!!  They think his coughing is just because of him being so easily winded because of the size of his heart and maybe mixed some with allergies so they gave him some meds for that as well.  His xrays of his bones and respiratory were good. The phlegm they said is normal with his coughing and irritation since it's not discolored!  They are very optimistic and he is such a happy boy! He knows we're trying to get him healthy so he's fighting with us!"
And there you have it, two potential sleepers for you home. Senior boy Maverick clearly has some issues, but they appear to be treatable so far and a good home would be a great place for this boy to go.

Winnie is ready to become someone’s companion, a dog who appreciates a couch, a warm fireplace and will wait at the door with her leash so you don’t have to hunt for it when it’s time to go out. That’s how I’m interpreting this wonderful photo of Winnie at the door. Ex-guard dog ready to walk, you know?
Here are some links: Home page is this one: www.MarleighsFriends.org.
The adoption application form is HERE.   More Marleigh’s Friends adoptables are HERE.
And this is a VIDEO OF WINNIE PLAYING.
[LARRY NOTE:Remember, readlarrypowell.com is happy to show off the photos of slumbering animals — some, like these two, are in the middle of the trip to canine paradise, others we present are already in their forever homes. These photos published in our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap show the level of trust that can exist between humans and animals. It’s kind of a tribute to humans that animals trust us enough to nod off while we’re in the room! I mean, geez, you know the reputations of humans, right? And, yes, we use these photos to inspire insomniacs to believe that they, too, can catch some sleep if they can just find the right couch,the right round bed or the right upside-down position. Send your photos and your animals’ stories to dallrp@aol.com. Thanks.]
—- Offer an opinion or a way-to-snooze by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

3 WILMER DOGS GET TEMPERAMENT OK IN TIME FOR BIG GAME BUT NEED HOME FIRST

EXTRA MORNING EDITION FRIDAY, JAN. 11, 2018 [PetPowellPress] Here’s a recent development at the small, low foot-traffic Wilmer Animal Shelter a minute or two south of Dallas on I-45.
The focus is on THREE of the many dogs available at the shelter which gets its animals from surrenders, strays in the city and dumped animals in the notorious Dowdy Ferry Road area.
We got this note from the shelter advocates Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden. It reads, “We very much want to thank Operation Kindness for coming out and vacccinating and temperament testing all the dogs including Zachary a new dog pictured here.  All 3 dogs - Zachary, Ben and Bryce passed temperament testing with flying colors and truly  adore other dogs. These are 3 very special dogs - they deserve to have someone love them.

“Please, won't you help save one?  Remember if you are a 501c3, we even can help with transport and deliver to you.  Please help - these are some of the most deserving dogs you will meet anywhere.” [The contact points: Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
] The stacked photos are of Zachary, a young Beagle mix who is “an absolute sweetheart of a dog.  Very loving and just as wonderful as can be. Very cuddly boy.  Adores other dogs.  Please, won't you help save him? He is a great boy and so deserving of a wonderful home.”
We post the other two earlier this week. That handsome stoic boy is Ben, a gentle, playful, friendly dog. May be about 2 years old.n And that dog demonstrating a happy temperament is the Retriever/Smooth Collie mix Bryce.
[LARRY ASIDE: All three dogs are endorsed as potential couchmates as you watch the Dallas/Los Angeles playoff game Saturday night. They may groan at the right spots, bark happily at the right spots and enjoy snacks throughout the game — they’re so human.]
—- Offer advice, cautions or tax tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

CAT RADIO ARRIVES; CANINES AND FELINES WAITING; CONTEMPLATING THE MISSION

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JAN. 11, 2019 [PetPowellPress] The great thing about a Friday edition of readlarrypowell.com is it can touch on so many different topics. We’ll also discuss animals in need of people and we’ll start with a genuine catfan, Molly DeVoss, a member of the Dallas Animal Shelter Commission.
The tip came from our longtime pal Animal Advocate Jonnie England: “Tune in Friday to hear my friend Molly DeVoss give great cat advice!”
This is a nationwide program. Makes sense, cat are nationwide, right? And if you’ve got a cat, you’ve got a question!
The official announcement  read “Cat Talk Radio Launches on Voice America on January 11, 2019.” It’ll be broadcast live at 4 p.m. Central on the Voice America™ Variety channel. To access it, here are a couple of links for Cat Talk Radio https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/3830/cat-talk-radio and on https://www.catbehaviorsolutions.org/cat-talk-radio.
Now, because Molly’s on the Dallas commission and because we know she’s a catfan, we went to the dallasanimalsservices.org site and found some adoptable cats. These are action shots — as you can tell.
 The cat licking his chops is Beau (A1050680), a neutered white and orange Domestic Shorthair who may be about 4 years old and has been waiting in the shelter since December 1. The winking cat is Pelusa (A1054545), about 8 months old, a female gray Domestic Shorthair. 
Both are at the big shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland. Stop by to meet and adopt. Call the shelter at 570-6800.
[LARRY ASIDE: How did they wind up at the shelter? This is Dallas. Human failure is always a reliable answer. Tune in to Molly’s show and learn how not to fail your cat.]
ANYBODY GOT A BIG DOG TRAP
THEY CAN LOAN OUT FOR THIS PUP?
We got the story from veteran rescuer Leslie Stanga who is helping with a project — that dog is the project. 
Leslie writes, “There is a feral dog that my rescue friends have been feeding and slowly gaining her trust. But we will need a large humane trap soon and I’m having trouble finding one to either buy, rent or borrow. Do you know where I might find one? I’ve already checked Amazon with no luck. Another site had large sturdy traps but they were expensive and had a 5-6 week delivery time. Any help would be much appreciated.”  Email lesliestanga@verizon.net and copy me at dallrp@aol.com. 
[LARRY ASIDE: Our experience has been that a “feral dog” in a city situation is going to be “feral” for about as long as it takes the dog to realize the human is going to put down a second plate of food. Calories build trust, that’s my theory. That's why I trust so many people -- lots of calories.]
MEANWHILE IN WILMER,
HERE ARE TWO READY TO GO
You know the story on Wilmer’s smalltown shelter — always populated but rarely perused. Paw traffic but no foot traffic.
So, Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden work to get attention for the shelter so the animals can be saved by adoptors or rescue groups. Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

Ben is about 2 years old and “he adores everyone,” the bio reads. He was found roaming in Wilmer. He’s also gentle and a “super fun dog” even though he’s posed very properly for this photograph.
On the other hand, Bryce has an entertainment side. He’s a Retriever/Smooth Collie Mix, also a stray “out in the county” and is being fostered while networked. Nobody can believe he’s unwanted. 
As you can see, he has a way with people. And he’s available, just like gentle Ben. (See more Wilmer photos HERE.
THE LADY IN MESQUITE
Well, goodness, how can anyone do this to a dog? I know, I know, human circumstances can be challenging. Still, Lady is a 12-year-old Lab mix who had lived with the same family since she was born. Then, suddenly the family had to move to an apartment and Lady coudn’t go, so she’s now in the Mequite Animal Shelter and on the clock.
Judi Brown, Mesquite’s volunteer biographer wrote, “She’s been with the one family since birth and yet seems to be making a good transition as she is really sweet and seemingly happy. She’s very friendly and affectionate. She’s low to the ground and a little butterball!!! Actually in spite of this, she’s really cute.… Even though she is spayed it looks like she’s been used for breeding. Her previous owners wrote a glowing report about her saying she walks well on a leash and that she’s housebroken. They also said she’s good with children, dogs, and cats. They said she knows to sit and fetch. It just breaks my heart to see a dog of the age ending up in a shelter. Hopefully someone will step up to offer her the happy ending she deserves.” Call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Use Lady’s ID 40523347.
See more Mesquite Shelter animals HERE. That cat is 40472413, known as “The General” and described as a 5-year-old, large Colourpoint Shorthair Mix. Came in on New Year’s Eve.

CONTEMPLATION

AN OBSERVATION ABOUT ANIMAL RESCUE
This came from a veteran in rescue and shelter work, the adored Mark Cooper who worked at both Dallas Animal Services and Operation Kindness before becoming Manager of The Colony Animal Services. He posted this on Facebook and it caught our eye. Some of you rescuers may relate.
Mark wrote: “In my 17 years of working in Animal Rescue I've learned one HUGE lesson. Don't become involved in rescue if you require praise or pats on the back in order to continue your efforts. In rescue, you get your reward in the self gratification of knowing YOU saved a soul, had a hand in changing the course of an innocent being’s life for the better, and the occasional lick in the face by a scared yet appreciative dog or purrrr of a cat.
“No one's gonna kiss your butt to keep you in rescue. Either you're in for all the right reasons or you're starved for attention and seek gratitude for your own good. That's MY ten cents worth!”

We’d be remiss if we didn’t help some of The Colony’s animals try to find a home. That dog is Bubba (40397960), a 5-year-old Plott Hound Mix who is “large” and has been dining on The Colony’s account since December 17. The beautiful cat is, of course, Mellow (39965726), just over a year old and a Domestic Shortair Mix. She’s been waiting since October 19. Quite the beauty. Go HERE to see how to adopt at The Colony.
— Offer opinions, reactions or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

CHAMP...TRYING TO BEAT THE ODDS

Remember this guy from Wednesday's edition? Champ. He beat the odds on Code Red that day when some dogs were tagged. Not enough to get him off the Code Red list for today, reports the Mesquite Shelter's volunteer biographer Judi Brown.
He's #40175660 at the shelter. Was a stray. To tag him, call 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com, There are other dogs on the clock, too. Crowded conditions resulting from humans betraying the love of the dogs and other humans exercising their talent for demonstrating "don't care."
Act swiftly or this dog is dead. Maybe some others, too.
--- Offer opinion or advice by clicking on 'comment' below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. ---

MOMS, PUPPIES; BOXED KITTENS; A DAMAGED DALLAS DOG & CONTEMPLATING GETTING THE PICTURE...

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JAN. 10, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Here we are already into the double digit days of January 2019 and the Dallas Cowboys still have hope. We’ll try to give some rock-solid hope to animals and the hearts who are helping them today. And we have a contemplation about gifted photographer and a little girl in a hospital.
CATCHING UP WITH GEORGIA
AND HER PUPS — PLUS ONE
DFW’s Forgotten Friends Founder and President Stephen Foster has moved past another mark in the Georgia and her Pups story. Georgia has moved back into the care of Heaven’s Helpers. You may recall she was pregnant and rescued off the side of a busy road in Mansfield. President Foster fostered her for Heaven’s Helpers and was there for the delivery. Now, he’s working with her six pups. Click HERE  and you can see a video of the growing puppies. Maybe get in line to adopt.
In the meantime, earlier in the week, DFW Forgotten Friends got a “request to save an 8-week-old puppy with deformed hips that was brought in to Dallas Animal services.” She’s been named Lily and she is undergoing medical exams and care. Expect a notice of some fundraising when her needs are determined.
 
HUMANS HELP THIS DOG
WITH CLEARLY A TEAM EFFORT
We got the note from the SPCA of Texas Wednesday that it has been given custody of an “injured” dog that is “part of an ongoing animal cruelty investigation with the Dallas Police Department. 
That first photo is “from the field” as the dog was being taken by Dallas PD. The 8-year-old Shepherd mix boy is called Lucky. The dog arrived at the SPCA and a vet immediately examined him and he went into surgery. The vet “determined that the dog had suffered several bite wounds around the head, neck and left ear, potentially from a fight with another dog. The wounds contained maggots and signs of decay, indicating they were old and had gone untreated. During the more than two-hour surgery, the veterinarian removed the dog’s ear, debrided tissue around the dog’s head and neck and closed his wounds."
The SPCA, which will continue Lucy’s medical care, says “criminal charges may be filed” against people involved with this case. You can see more “happy” photos of Lucky HERE.

The background is that on Saturday the 5th, Dallas Animal Services got a call about a loose dog on Bannock Ave. — that’s a short street between S. Lamar and U.S. 175, a few miles southeast of downtown Dallas. DAS Animal Control officers saw the dog — clearly injured — running free. At that point, the SPCA says, “the Dallas Police Department Animal Cruelty Detective on-call initiated an investigation of alleged animal cruelty. Dallas Animal Services identified the dog owner(s), and the owner(s) agreed to surrender the dog after failing to provide veterinary care for him. The dog was brought to Dallas Animal Services and the Dallas Police Department Animal Cruelty Detective notified the SPCA of Texas of the case the same day.” (This was all accomplished through the Memorandum of Understanding that involves the DPD and SPCA. Read about it HERE and go to spca.org to see how to help replenish the emergency medical funds and how to adopt and/or help animals.

ALL THE JERKS AREN’T IN TEXAS;
SOME RESIDE IN OKLAHOMA
Terry Lynn Fisher, the resilient rescuer in and around Burns Flat, has kept the shelter in the little western Oklahoma town “no-kill” for one more year, but that doesn’t mean she’s taking it easy. Nope, she’s got some cats to deal with and some more dogs, too.
These cats have a story. 
“I honestly have very few places for cats,” Terry Lynn says. “Our pound doesn't have a place to keep them, so the town doesn't even pick them up.
“A couple months ago, one of our county deputies called me and said he was on a call concerning a box that had been found. There were two babies taped up in it. He brought them to me and I found a foster.

“They now need to leave that foster. They are beautiful and friendly — very social. Litterbox trained and full of love. They have been around dogs and are great with them as well.”

If anyone has room for kittens or wants to adopt the Oklahoma Kittens and have a story to tell at parties about why you have/love your cats, get in touch with Terry Lynn at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com. Keep that address handy because you may also want to help Terry Lynn with this dog Sierra.
“This little momma is stunning,” she says. I was on a transport when I receive a call about a momma pit and her three very young babies walking on I-40 near my home. … Cars were flying past them at 70 MPH.”
The husband of a friend of Terry Lynn’s rescued the dogs. Terry Lynn says, “I was able to track the owners down… She told me they kept getting off their chains (Lord, they chained the babies too), so her husband said he was going to shoot them when we brought them back. Ummm THAT wasn't going to happen. I talked them into surrendering them.”
The three pups went to a rescue group in Colorado, but Momma Sierra still needs a home. (Terry Lynn is the contact point at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com.)
Finally (for today, anyway, from Burns Flat), Terry Lynn is looking for a home for this girl Roxie, the one digging the hole. She’s been in shelter care for 7 months — came in with her sister. But, they’ve gone back with the family that has decided "they just want to keep Roxie’s sister."
Terry Lynn says, “They told me the husband and kids just do not want to mess with her, so basically she gets fed and that is about it. When they do all how her inside, they said she likes to lay at their feet, but the are not inside dogs.” Again, email remembering_oddball@yahoo.com. Terry Lynn wants to help Roxie find an “indoor” home.
CONTEMPLATIONS

HEARTS THAT BELONG TO JOURNALISM

During my decades-long career as an editor and columnist at The Dallas Morning News, one of the best guys I met was Evans Caglage, a “Fort Worth kid” who is an incredibly gifted photographer. He’s covered everything from fashion shows to football games. When he was on the “laid off” list this week, it was kind of astonishing. But these are “interesting times” in journalism. And, Evans posted a farewell note on Facebook. I’m taking the liberty of posting part of it here. I think readers and management should see the kind of heart they’ve removed from the daily publication. Here is a touching story Evans, now available for hire by anyone who needs a photographer with a keen eye and a big heart, recalled in his retrospective. It is worth a read.
“
He wrote, "One assignment that I think of often came at the start of my career.
"While at a summer camp for kids with cancer I ran across a little girl, about 4 years old. She had a brilliant smile, short fuzzy hair (growing back from chemo) and the most engaging bright eyes. She watched me working the whole time I was there. I was able to make a nice photo of her that published with the story.
"The hospital sponsoring the camp called and told me her mother would love a print. I made one and delivered it to the hospital to pass it along. A few days later I was there for another assignment and saw the girl and her mom. Both were happy for the photo. I told the little girl that I wanted her to draw a picture for me in return because her mom told me she loved to draw. A week or so later I was given the drawing by the hospital PR person who told me that was the last thing she did. I will not forget that beautiful little face that shined.
"As I move into the next stage of my career and life, I hope the best for all those still fighting the good fight for local journalism.”

Evans is someone who understands the mission of journalism. You've seen his heart here, see his wide range of work HERE.
—- Offer opinions or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

FROM CODE RED, TO GUNFIRE, TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Looks like another nice day in Dallas/Fort Worth. There are opportunities to make it even better.
MESQUITE’S CODE RED
Overcrowding in the Mesquite Animal Services Shelter is putting the lives of these siblings on the clock for sometime this morning, according to a note forwarded to us by volunteer biographer Judi Brown.
Both Squeaky and Pretty, who we’ve mentioned before, are “super urgent because we have absolutely no more space. Several volunteers have been working with them. …The poor girls were probably left in the backyard and just don’t know how to receive love. But we know with the right adopter that is patient they will open up.”

They’re 3 years old, Rottie mixes and were surrendered to the shelter on December 28. Squeaky is #40456473 and Pretty is 40456480. They’re available separately. All they need is a good-hearted, dog-lovin’ human being. Squeaky is the smaller one.
Also due to get the needle at 11 a.m. today is this handsome Earhound, Chico, a young Chihua- hua who arrived as a stray — nobody’s come looking for him. He’s timid, but warms up. [LARRY ASIDE: This is a 12-pound dog who’ll be killed because there’s not enough room. How’s that for irony.] Ask about #40471340.
And Champ, 2, is a Pittie Mix who came in as a stray on NOVEMBER 15 and hasn’t been selected for anything until today when he’s on the list for the needle this morning. He’s friendly, energetic, house-trained, weighs 38 pounds and needs to be taught not to jump with excitement. He’s 40175660.
To tag or adopt (and save the lives) of any of these dogs, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email recues@cityofmesquite.com. See more Mesquite shelter animals at THIS LINK.  That’s where I found this photo of the fantastically-faced Jinx (40458315), a 2-year-old boy cat who is listed as “medium-sized” but looks like a happy armful of big ol’ meow-meow huggy boy. Sorry, i went into “catspeak” for a second.
[LARRY ASIDE: The media focus tends to be on the big Dallas Animal Services shelter, so readlarrypowell.com not only mentions the animals there (see yesterday’s foster appeal) but we also look at smaller shelters, rescue groups and individual efforts. Keeping animals safe is a group effort led by individuals who are knee-deep, maybe chin-deep or up to their ears in trying to find homes for animals. We do our work in honor of those who are in the trenches! e
Our suggestion here is cities should dump the ol’ Texas theory of animal management: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.” We have animal problems because we have PPP — Prevailing People Problems. It’s the “don’t cares” and the “so what people” who need a visit from the official readlarrypowell.com Two-by-four of Enlightenment. Of course, that would be wrong and against the law. So, for now, well, save the animals in city shelters — they’re all on the clock.]
CONTEMPLATION
THE DENTON DOGS
You've probably seen, by now, the story of the two Denton dogs who escaped their home during a storm in mid-December and have been found shot to death. Authorities are searching for three people who may have killed them. Here’s the WFAA story
 and here’s The Fort Worth Star-Telegram story.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit uncomfortable living in an area where creeps with guns shoot dogs. I’m not moving. But, I do hope the authorities find a way to help these perps move to a new ZipCode for a while, 3-to-5 maybe. Geez, people, be kind to animals. 
Remember, the Texas Humane Legislation Network is, even as you read this, involved in trying to persuade the Texas Legislature to strengthen animal cruelty laws. This story of the two dogs might fit right into that mission. It’s time for the good people to win some battles. Give the dedicated officers and prosecutors some laws with muscles.
— Offer opinions or solutions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —

POLITICS, PUPS, CATS & PEOPLE; OH, AND COYOTES, TOO

EDITION OF JAN. 8, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Our area has been under "coyote siege" since last fall. As the Texas Legislature opens its 86th session, we have to ask: Are coyotes the other unmanageable problem in Texas? Just kidding the Lege. We’ll get to our current coyote problem in Contemplations.
FOSTERS NEEDED; RESCUER AND
ADOPTORS WOULD HELP, TOO, AT DAS
Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center, that big shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland, posted an appeal for fosters around noon Tuesday. Why? Because DAS “is currently at 107% capacity for dogs and we need new fosters to avoid euthanizing adoptable pets for space.” That’s exactly what happens if nobody steps up for the animals that other people disrespected.
DAS needs people to foster medium or large dogs for a couple of weeks. You’ll have go go through a brief foster orientation, but, DAS says, “you can leave with a foster pet in most cases! You do NOT need to sign up for the orientation, just show up. If you have questions, email DASFoster@dallascityhall.com."
Among the animals that need some help are Tali (A1054291) (the big dog) and Daisy (A1054292) who arrived together at the shelter and, DAS says, “their love for each other is obvious! We would love for them to go home together so they can continue their friendship! They're both about 1 year-old and as sweet as can be! Come meet them today!”

That cat is Momo (A1023242), a neutered orange and white fellow who may be about 2 years old. He arrived at DAS on Monday. He’s immediately available. 
Go to dallasanimalservices.org to see how to adopt. Or stop by the shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland. Call 214-670-6800.
HEADS UP, TEXAS ANIMAL FANS,
THE LEGISLATURE IS IN SESSION
Yep, we got a note from the Texas Humane Legislation Network Tuesday reminding us that the time to lobby is now. One paragraph featured the THLN’s slogan: “Beginning January 8th we will have 140 days to Legislate to Change Their Fate.”
 Want to get involved? The North Texas Chapter of THLN hosts its third annual public meeting from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. January 26 (a Saturday) at the SPCA of Texas, 2600 Lone Star Drive, west of downtown Dallas. (The $10 admission pays for event supplies and refreshments.)
 According to the note from President Shelby Bobosky, “Exciting legislation has already been filed to advance the humane treatment of animals this session and THLN will be prioritizing bills to fix our broken state statute that sets forth standards of care for restrained dogs. We’ll also be working to crack down on pet stores and protect good samaritans rescuing dogs in hot cars, and more!”
Here’s the LINK to RSVP so they’ll know how many to expect.

MEANWHILE IN WILMER
By now you know the situation at Wilmer, Texas, just south of Dallas. Wilmer’s shelter isn’t new, it isn’t big and it doesn’t have any walk-in traffic to speak of, so the animals depend on the “kindness of strangers.” 
We get the latest note from the people who monitor this small shelter and work to get more hearts involved in saving the never-ending parade of unwanted animals.
 According to the latest note from these supporters, “This shelter was a 99-100% kill shelter before volunteers began helping - that's why we so desperately need the help of rescue groups.”

To offer to help these animals, call or text Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo. com.

The beautiful, big white dog is Devin, a girl who is believe to be a Shepherd, Border Collie/Pyrenees mix. Friendly, about 2 years old, “precious personality.”

The two boys are Corgi mixes Josh and Jonah. They’re around 2 years old and “were found out and about together.
“They are just as cute and loving as little lap dogs can be. Extreme cuddlebugs,” their description reads.
CONTEMPLATIONS
COYOTES AND WHAT TO DO TO AVOID HEARTBREAK
Many years ago I was at an outdoor wedding near an area of pine trees and a pasture in East Texas. As sundown approached and the preacher built to the climactic “I do” part, there came from the forest a most spirited and loud chorus of yips and yowls and more yip-yip-yippees. That was the last time I found coyotes to be completely charming. 

Nowadays I worry for them, especially around Dallas. We’ve had incidents in Frisco on the north side of Dallas and, now, Carrie Moody is concerned about incidents in Lancaster on the south side of Dallas.
We want to first say that if you have a small animal or a kid you’re letting out into your yard without supervision, that’s a bad thing to do — predators are everywhere. Human and animals. So, wise up and protect your child and your animals with human presence.

Now, Carrie wrote on Facebook and sent to me this: “I need advice....how to deal with a Coyote? I was asked by someone what they can do about a Coyote. It killed her dog. It has killed other neighbors’ animals. The City ACO won't do anything about it. Please give me input on what they can do to humanely get the Coyote relocated.”

Yep, humanely relocated. I don’t think that’s going to happen. It’s not like catchin’ a possum in the cat trap. And you can't move disease from one pack of coyotes to another pack somewhere. This is a tough question.
It could be that the coyotes have learned to live with us, so we have to learn to live with them. 
This isn’t just a Texas problem. There’s an entire Urban Coyote Research program in Chicago. You can read about it HERE and perhaps get some insight into handling a local coyote’s presence in your neighborhood. 
Just first, please, don’t let your animal out and “hope” it comes back in — it’ll be a meal in a split second if you’re not protecting it.

The National Trapper’s Association (that's the association's coyote fact chart) says coyotes appear to mate for life and are loyal to each other and the males help attend the birthing of litters which may be a half-dozen pups or more.
As has long been demonstrate by the Dallas area canine and cat populations, this is the most fertile area of the planet. We spay and neuter and yet still have an oversupply of dogs and cats. 
Nobody’s spaying and neutering coyotes, so, they breed and reproduce. And while they’re doing that, humans are claiming their environment and the coyotes are evolving to live in the new habitat.

So, just as coyotes watch out for humans, humans need to watch out for coyotes. [Here’s a LINK to a November coyote report on CBS11. Includes video of the coyote above “disappearing” into the undergrowth.]
And FYI, there is an organization called Project Coyote that "roots for the underdog."  Yes, its spokesperson is actor Peter Coyote. But, ironically, the founder and executive director of Project Coyote is named Fox. Camilla H. Fox.
[LARRY ASIDE ON LIVING WITH HUMANITY: This is totally non-political, of course. 
Every now and then it occurs to me that coyotes might just be dogs that, centuries ago, didn’t see anything worthwhile in hanging out with humans and moved off to become the smart, quiet predators they are. Heck, don’t tell me you haven’t gotten fed up with humans now and then.]
—- Offer coyote advice or opinions by clicking on ‘comment’ or email dallarp@aol.com. —-

FOR MONDAY, SOME FOLLOW-UP INFO, SOME LIFE-SAVING INFO, SOME CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018 [PetPowellPress] Perhaps it is wise to avoid discussing the Dallas Cowboys’ march through the playoffs to the Super Bowl. Don’t want to jinx the team. So far they’re 1-0 for 2019. And how many of us are 0-2 for Texas Lotto in 2019. Yeah. Puts things into perspective. And, then, if you saw the hideous end to the Chicago game…Well, back to this dog. 
Now, you may wonder why this dog is accompanying this opening. It’s because the dog needs help. She needs some blockers running interference for her before the signal is called. [LARRY ASIDE: I thought I’d apply some gridiron jargon so more people would understand it.]
THE GERMAN SHEPHERD SAGA
CONTINUES FOR AT DAS
Over the weekend there was a big stir in town about five German Shepherds rescued from soggy, cold, unhealthy conditions at a home in South Dallas (thanks to Marina Tarashevska’s persistent rescue nature and the voices that formed the chorus).\
On Sunday, we got a note from a tipster that “FOUR of the FIVE GSDs at DAS are now safe.  Jacob is there alone …Fingers crossed for this good boy.”
Here’s the LINK.
And that’s handsome Jacob. You can see a VIDEO HERE.
He’s A1053889 at DAS and is said to be “very underweight and a bit shy and bewildered by the shelter. He is curious.” You’ll see that in the video. See how to adopt or tag Jacob by going to dallasanimalservices.org.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR,
A BARGAIN OUT AT THE LAKE
You know, since Texas started paving roads, a lot more people have been driving to Gun Barrel City, Texas. It’s about an hour southeast of Big D on Highway 175. And coming up from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, there’s a special event in Gun Barrel City, Texas. Got a dog or cat that needs shots, microchipping, heartworm testing, “other non-surgical services”? Our tipster Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake says the organization will host this low-cost clinic at its facility. The Friends, as you know, operate, so to speak, the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City. Here’s some official Clinic artwork of a dog getting individual care during a recent clinic. [LARRY ASIDE: Best thing about this low-cost clinic on Saturday — other than the prices? You don’t have to make an appointment. Just show up. Bring a dog or cat. I figure I don’t really have to add that “bring a dog or cat” line, but, well, I’ve been around Texas since 1948 and sometimes I think people just don’t pay attention to details.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We used Lily’s cute photo in the opening today because we’re enchanted by the dog (Her number is 40504053). Of course, we’re enchanted by all dogs, but sometimes the dogs in the local shelters have some truly sad stories. Lily, 43-pounds, is in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Volunteer biographer Judi Brown tells the story. “Lily is a one-year-old Retriever/Pointer mix that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/5.”
Here’s the ugly part: “She was temporarily dropped off at a relative’s house and then the original owners never came back for her. She is very striking with  reddish chocolate coloring, hazel eyes, and super soft fur. She is very alert and spent a lot of time exploring the yard with her nose. She seem to enjoy romping in the yard. She’s also really sweet and friendly. She gives soft tender kisses.”

[LARRY ASIDE: Why did I used two photos of adorable Lilly? Because in one she looks just happy as all get-out to meet you. And in the second she has just learned whats going to happen to her if nobody steps up to save her. She lives a good life, is friendly, adorable and gets a needle that kills her and moves on without a thought about the life it just took. That’s just flat wrong.]

Beautiful Bella is an 11-month-old Shar-Pei Mix surrendered to the shelter on New Year’s Eve “because she escapes.” A skittish work in progress, Judi says. But Judi says, “I will continue to work with her to help her decompress.” The 33-pound dog is ID40473706.
The Shepherd/Black Mouth Cur is Rayven, 9 months old and dumped at the shelter on Jan. 4 “because the previous owners did not have enough time for her.” She’s ust a puppy. Constant tail-wagger. Sits for treats. “She’s just a delightful girl,” Judi says. (#40494458.)
Then there’s the case of a stray 10-pound Chihuahua, Pepe (39806798), believed to be about 16 years old and still lively enough to adopt. Judi says, “He was kept on hold for a longer time than usual with the thought that certainly his owner would come looking for him. He is surprisingly active and walks very well on a leash. He has cataracts forming but they don’t appear to interfere with his walking on a leash or his ability to explore. He is very alert. He is CAUTIOUSLY friendly. He would come to me and let me pet him but would not allow me to put a scarf around his neck or to pick him up.”
For any of these Mesquite dogs, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS

TALKING TO THE DOG, TALKING TO EACH OTHER, HOW LONELY CAN A STADIUM BE?
Joan McGrath posted this on Facebook and it set off some thinkin’. With a few minutes of concentration on the topic, I decided this: After years of talking to people, I find dogs pleasantly enlightening and worth the conversation. Oh, of course, there are people I love talking to and they don’t expect a treat when I finish a sentence — I’m talking to you, Porche. (She had nodded off after a fried apple pie. I'm kidding.) …
My longtime friend from the ol’ Texarkana Highland Park Elementary Days, Autumn Weisz, actor, writer, musician and with a big heart, posted this note over the weekend: “My house is a safe zone. Coffee can be on in minutes, and I've always got cold water, a glass of wine, a shot of whiskey, or a cold beer. My table is non-judgmental. Any family or friend who needs to chat is welcome. We can talk, share a laugh, a cry or just listen. If you're hungry, I'll feed you. I will always do my best to be available... you are always welcome!! This is an old school value that has been lost to technology...a text, facetime, gif or emoji is NOT the equivalent. I'm hoping, at least one friend copies this and posts it if you feel the same. I just did from another friend. The world has become a lonely place.” Beautiful thought. …
I picked Autumn’s note before I saw the Chicago kicker doink the winning field goal against the upright. Now that’s a guy who needs a cup of coffee, some conversation and understands how lonely a person can suddenly get in a packed football stadium in Chicago. Oh, my.  Wait, let's end this on a high note: I kind of teared up watching the applause for Carol Burnett getting the first Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globes. Thank heavens we've had Carol Burnett to help us laugh.
—- Offer opinions or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

TWO DOGS SAVED BY RESCUES; MAYBE WRITE A NOTE TO DALLAS?


Barbra, the dog that resembles a coyote, has been spoken for by a distant rescue: Snow Capped Shepherd Rescue in Denver, Colo., contacted Denton's McNatt Animal Services and Adoption Center and stepped up for Barbra! SCSR is a foster-based rescue. We got the info from our original Barbra tipster, animal advocate Amy Poskey. Here's the rescue's Facebook link.
Details on fostering and transport from Denton are being worked out.
Sam, the rescued German Shepherd who wound up on “the nearly immediate clock” at Dallas Animal Services, has been rescued by Dallas DogRRR—Rescue. Rehab. Reform.

 Remember, Dallas Animal Services has more of those dogs that were kept outside in horrid weather at a home in South Dallas. (LARRY ASIDE: Not all homes in South Dallas treat their animals so shabbily. Remember that.) 

CONSIDER THIS THOUGHT: Here’s a well-intentioned suggestion. Send a note to Dallas Animal Services and Mayor Mike Rawlings thanking the city for setting an improved tone regarding the rescue of animals at peril and the prosecution of cruelty cases. Let those folks know you’re watching. It’s a good way to remind City Hall that taxpayers/voters don’t want to have to scream and shout for help, animal advocates just want to calmly, quietly work efficiently together for the benefit of all lives in Dallas, Texas. Animal rescue/welfare should not result in an adversarial experience with the City of Dallas. That would help us animal nuts relax and calmly go about the beneficial mission. In
 case you don't already have this info: DAS's mailing address is Dallas Animal Services 1818 N. Westmoreland Dallas, Texas 75212. Write to the mayor at Michael S. Rawlings, City of Dallas, 1500 Marilla St., Room 5EN, Dallas, Tx., 75201-6390. Why a letter? It gives 'em something to hold up in the air and wave while making impassioned speeches on behalf of animals and, of course, animal people.Trick I learned watching Miracle on 34th St. and covering city councils and school boards for decades.
— Click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —

CANIS SNOOZING AND CANIS LATRANS -- ONE SLEEPS, THE OTHER NEEDS HELP

We have an unusual edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap this weekend. Our actual sleeper is this girl, Wendy, a rather large lapdog caught blissfully asleep on the arm of a chair.
And in the background you can see her living room companion, Porche, out like a light also. What they have in common is they have a home where they can sleep and be loved — a nice eventuality for a couple of dogs who were at peril on the mean streets of Big D.

That second dog is Barbra and she can’t quite depend on a comfy home in which to be love. She’s not in Big D, she’s in Little D, Denton. And she’s also in a fix.
[SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: The report is Barbra has been rescued. We'll followup as info becomes available.]
Look at Wendy’s face. Then look at Barbra’s face. Either dog look like a coyote to you?
Noted Denton Shelter tipster Amy Poskey sent us the heads-up on Barbara who, many think is a Husky/German Shepherd mix but some think she may be a Coyote mix.

Amy wrote, “OK, everybody, this beautiful girl is Barbra and she needs our help!  Why?  Well, she looks somewhat like a Coyote mix and the shelter vet doesn’t feel comforta- ble vetting her and adopting her out to the public.  We have no way of knowing what her DNA is unless she is tested, but we do know that she is super-sweet, very social and has not shown any aggression at the shelter.

“In fact, she acts very much domesticated.  Some Husky/GS mixes may look similar to a wolf or coyote; however, the shelter cannot adopt them out if there is even the slightest possibility the pooch is mixed with coyote or wolf.  Bless her heart, Barbra deserves a chance and she may just have the bad luck of looking like another species.”

Barbra is 2- to 5-years-old, heartworm negative, “happy, sweet and social!”
FYI: The scientific name for the coyote is “Canis latrans” which is translated as “barking dog.” And in some cultures the coyote is known as “Ghost Dog.” This may have absolutely nothing to do with Barbra’s heritage.

To save Barbra, call the Linda McNatt Animal Care and AdoptionCenter at 940-349-7594. Here are the emails to use:
gayla.nelsen@cityofdenton.com, Randi.Weinberg@cityofdenton.com, dentonshelterdogs@yahoo.com, and/or dentonanimalservices@yahoo.com.
We hope Barbra soon has a comfy place to place her muzzle and snooze with her favorite human.
[DEAR READERS: Please send fun photos of your sleeping dogs and napping cats to dallrp@aol.com for publication in our long-running, internationally-read weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll inspire other people to open their hearts to animals and you’ll inspire insomniacs to believe that they, too can get some sleep if they can just imagine themselves not looking like the famed “Ghost Dog.”]
--- Offer commentary or suggestions by clicking on 'comment' below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. ---

DOGS SAVED JUST TO BE KILLED? A CURRENT CHALLENGE; CLOCK TICKING

SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: In case you missed the update on Sam the German Shepherd's rescue, here's Lauren Babis' report on the saving work of Dallas Dog RRR -- Rescue. Rehab. Reform.
OUR EARLIER REPORT....
EVENING EXTRA EDITION, JAN. 04, 2018 [PetPowellPress] A German Shepherd, rescued from allegedly cruel conditions in a wintry, shelterless Dallas yard, is on the clock for 5 p.m. at Dallas Animal Services.
Read each of these notes -- they're all connected by mission. And when you get to the third one, remember it started with a human failure and a human failure to "save lives" may not have helped it any.
1. DAS was “thrilled to share that we did end December with a live release rate of OVER 91%!” Actual numbers coming soon.
2. On Saturday, the first 55 dog adoptions at DAS will be free because Sam’s Club is picking up the tab.
3. A load of German Shepherds appear to be at peril indoors after spending rainiest, coldest weather of the season without shelter in a South Dallas yard. The resolute rescuer Marina Tarashevska saw this awful situation and reported it to Dallas Animal Services. These details are pieced together from Facebook posts from reliable sources. 
The person with the dogs, reportedly the owner, was written citations for failure to provide proper shelter for the suffering dogs.
The dogs, however, remained expose to hideous, harmful weather.
 Our tipster reports that “advocates have had to do this [followup on unsatisfactory official intervention in cruelty cases] so often that we knew exactly what to do and the phone calls and social media posts began in earnest.  The next day, after another night of the dogs suffering through the almost-freezing weather, DAS returned.  There were NINE GSDs and the owner surrendered FIVE of the dogs.”
DAS took the dogs, but because they were “surrendered” they don’t automatically get the cushion of waiting for adoption in a shelter that crows about its 91% live release rate. It does have a 9 percent dead rate.

As our tipster noted and as appeared in subsequent Facebook update, these German Shepherds saved from awful lives in a Dallas yard “are now in peril at DAS because as owner surrenders, they will be first in line for the final stop at DAS' lab.  We are working hard to find adopters, fosters, rescues and keep them out of harm's way.”
Early Friday afternoon Stephanie G. Kunkle-Timko, a member of the City of Dallas Animal Shelter Commission, posted an appeal to help this older GSD who’s on the EU list for 5 p.m. Friday. The situation is being monitored.
Here’s the LINK to the Commissioner’s Facebook page.
[LARRY ASIDE: Basically, Dallas Animal Services was taking animals that people were treating like trash and the animals are likely to end up dry and warm for a handful of hours before they’re rendered cold and dead because of this: The city shelter is NOT a sanctuary; it is a warehouse for the unwanted. And people don’t want a lot of animals every day in Dallas. Remember, humans caused animal misery, humans can end it happily by saving lives rather than taking them. The don’t-care people are so difficult to enlighten that the City of Dallas has to apply the ol’ Texas philosophy of animal management: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.” Stupid people; immoral philosophy. You’d think we could unite as a city to do 9% better than we did in December. And get the animals out of the weather.]
—- Offer an opinion by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

FRIDAY EXTRA: DOGS ON THE CLOCK, OTHER ANIMALS IN NEED AND CONTEMPLATIONS

EXTRA EDITION, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 [PetPowellPress] This is being typed as the sun BLARES (right word!) through the office window and illuminates a room most recently lit up only by the 2018 Christmas tree. And what we see is the need for this extra edition.
SVEN NEEDS HELP
This note comes to us from Karen Lee, the barkleyworld.com supporter of Trinity GAP Rescue, the fantastic group with the great student volunteers.
Here’s the note: “Sven needs a new home—or at least a foster!  GAP Rescue can take Sven IF a foster can be found! So please help them save this beautiful boy! Thank you!  Contact Steffenie at steffeniegaprescue@gmail.com 817-689-4740 or contact Ryan directly at codyryancurry@gmail.com if interested in adopting him!  The family has truly tried to make it work for the past 7 months with Sven and their small children, but they are not comfortable with the situation as it is now. … This family truly loves Sven, but they feel he is not a good fit with their small kids.”
The family has had him since his birth in 2013.
A DIFFERENT BREED

ADOPTIONS & CONSTRUCTION
A Different Breed’s adoption opportunity is from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Pet Supermarket, 3911 Lemmon Ave., in Dallas. 
In the meantime, ADB is working on repairing and improving its facilities northeast of Dallas. Takes money, of course. Go to gofundme.com/xe2td5k. You’ll see video and info.
Among the animals available for adoption are Bowie the Dog and Socks the Cat.

Bowie came from a 5-pup litter “found wandering around a deer hunting lease in a field all by themselves. Seem to be a mix of Border Collie and Lab.”
Then, Socks — look at those pert pads! — is 2, spayed and current on vaccinations.
“Socks is such a sweet cat and even gives kisses!! She gets along with kids and other cats too!”
Yes, we’ll repeat the link to help with repairs: gofundme.com/xe2td5k. And you can link up to ADB’s inventory and info on Facebook HERE.
THE MESQUITE CODE RED LIST

ALL DOGS $25 THROUGH SATURDAY

We’ll open with one that isn’t on the list — yet — then get to several that ARE for 11 a.m. TODAY.
This young Pittie mix, Harley, has subtle “Dalmatian-lie spots” — came in as a stray on Dec. 28. Weighs 41 pounds. Perky boy. “He wiggles all over,” says the Mesquite Animal Shelter’s volunteer biographer Judi Brown. “The whole time he was in the yard, his tail never stopped wagging. (His ID: 40460929.)
The next dogs are on the “CODE RED” list for 11 a.m.
Mitch, 46 pounds, is a 2-year-old Retriever Pointer mix (4022110). He has freckles on his big ol’ cute muzzle. “He is definitely friendly. He wagged his tail a lot,” Judi wrote. “He also gave me some kisses. He seems to be a happy dog. He walks well on a leash. He was not interested in meeting either the dogs or the cats. He wanted to spend time with me.”

 Twinkle, a 3-month-old Retriever mix, came in as a stray. Lots of puppy energy at 15 pounds (ID 40449432). “A family with children visited with her and she did very well with children,” Judi says.
That brings us to Mama (35810065) — 51 pounds, recently had a litter and is now spayed. Here’s what Judi wrote: “Due to overcrowding this sweet, sweet dog who is the officers favorite is on the code red list for Friday at 11 o’clock. Y’all this just can’t happen to such a sweet dog. Just look in her eyes and you’ll see how gentle she is. I had stated she was cautiously friendly but with all the TLC she’s gotten she is now just plain friendly. Mama is a three-year-old tan and white terrier pit mix that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 12/20. The reason given was that she had behavior problems. The ACO officer that took her in said that it seemed like the owners were just tired of her. … He felt like she was a really super dog and after meeting her I came to the same conclusion. She is a bit timid and even a little skittish. She sometimes flinches when you reach for her. She will definitely need TLC to restore her trust.”
To save ANY OR ALL of these dogs from the needle, call the shelter at 972–216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Use the ID numbers.
[LARRY ASIDE: I don’t know how many of these overnight notices will help these dogs. I hope all of them are saved. I cannot imagine being the person whose job is to kill a dog that is happy to see you and adores you right from the start. God, save us all from ourselves. Mesquite works hard to promote its adoptions, but the don’t care people are hard to defeat. It’s not because the don’t cares make smart moves — they don’t have smart.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
THREE NOTES FOR FRIDAY’S EXTRA 

Our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief Andrew Fisher spotted a Bleacher Report quote gleaned from Seattle Coach Pete Carroll. Discussing AT&T Stadium, he said, “It's a real glitzy place, you know? When you come out of a football locker room ready to play football and you go into a nightclub—it's kind of like we're in the club, then wait a minute, you've got to play ball.” Yep, Jerry’s Nightclub. Probably Seattle’s dance this time, according to our readlarrypowell.com prognosticator, Ono Badkick. …
We close with two tips from Real News Public Relations Prez Jeff Crilley:
This is National Spaghetti Day. Know which country isn’t among the top 5 pasta consumers n the world? Here’s the list. And, yes, I think the U.S. isn’t in the top five because I’ve been dieting for an entire year. Again.
Last note: This is a link to a New York City squirrel sitting in a tree and eating an egg roll.
I’ve been writing for publication since 1965 — that is the first time I’ve written that sentence.
— To offer wisdom or opposition, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —

ON FRIDAY, SUNSHINE AND ANIMALS

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JAN. 4, 2018 [PetPowellPress] Driving home from North Dallas in the city’s dreary rush hour Thursday, this thought hit me: We need some sunshine. Friday’s suppose to be sunny. How wonderful will that be! Yes, sunshine before the darkness of the Dallas Cowboys' NFL playoff attempt descends on the area Saturday. Wait. That's too negative. Let's go to the dogs.
SOUTH OF DALLAS
FOUR DOGS NEED HELP
This is not a new story, just new dogs living out their chapter.
These four are inhabitants of the Wilmer Animal Shelter, a small facility with virtually no foot traffic and the pinch of overcrowding and a ticking clock. 
To offer to help any of these animals, call or text Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

The dogs include Melanie, a Heeler/Aussie Shep mix “just as cute as can be,” her bio reads. How did she wind up in the shelter? “They were setting up a trap for another dog when she just waltzed right in,” the bio says. So, now she’s walked into an appointment with doom unless some human steps in to save her.

The next pup is a Lab named Lise. Her bio reads, “One of truly the most stunningly beautiful dogs that has come into this shelter.  And she's just as sweet as she is beautiful.” Clock is ticking.

Katrina? A Lab mix who, her bio reads, “has clearly no idea what to think about the shelter and she so needs someone to take a chance on her and get her out of this place so she can be loved.  Katrina is really, really sweet - just a bit bashful largely due to being a young dog.   She has white on her chest although it's hard to see in this picture.  Please, won't you help save her?”

The big German Shepherd is Kurt — already neutered and “just as loveable and sweet as can be. Really great dog.”
And, like the other three in this edition, he’s in pretty tight spot for a shelter animal.
RARE OPPORTUNITY
TO HELP CATS ON WEDNESDAYS
I call this cat photo “Don’t Rock The Uke Box.” It is my cat, The Senator, on Christmas morning, taking it easy in the box my new ukulele came in — it’s his second favorite box. And having mentioned that, we’ll move on to the “rare opportunity” mentioned in the headline. It’s not really rare. Lots of people reading this are very familiar with the concept of “scooping litter.”
Sydney Busch, mainstay of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, sent a wanted notice for “Someone who has couple of hours on Wednesday mornings to scoop litter, clean kennels at feed store in Kaufman. You can really help make a difference for these kitties!” 
To volunteer, email sydney@edbusch.com or call 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701.
TWO CUTIES FOR ONE HOME
AND A GIRL NAMED STAR
These are (from left) Squeaky and Pretty, a pair of Rottie mixes, about 3, who wound up in the Mesquite Animal Shelter on December 28 “because the owner’s home was being foreclosed on,” reports the volunteer biographer Judi Brown who meets the dogs she writes about. 
These two are getting nicer and nicer in their unfamiliar surroundings. They are littermates. And, Judi writes, “Since they have been together for three years, they really need to remain together. Squeaky is the dominant protective one. Squeaky is also a little larger. She also has a habit of sticking her tongue out. She let me pet her and would take food out of my hand.”
And, she says, “Pretty is a little smaller than Squeaky and has finer features. Pretty relies on her sibling to protect her. She was more fearful than Squeaky.”
Squeaky is 40456473 and Pretty is 40456480. Use their ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972–216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com to save them.

Here’s the deal on 7-month-old, distinctly-marked, mostly white Pittie mix Star. Surrendered by the owner on New Years Eve because “she escapes.” [LARRY ASIDE: Wait’ll that owner’s kids are teenagers — where do you surrender teenagers who “escape” al the time?]

Judi suggests that making 36-pound Star an inside dog would help Star understand she has people who care for her so there’d be no reason to escape. She also says, “Her previous owners gave a very sketchy outline of her history. They did suspect that she was deaf. I could not get her to respond to clapping, loud noises or even shaking the treat bag. So if she’s not deaf she is very hard of hearing. She looks up at you just wanting to please and I know she would respond well to sign language. She is very sweet and gentle but does get overly excited when she knows you have a treat. She does sit for treats. She does NOT take treats out of your hand gently. She’s friendly, affectionate and gives kisses.“ 
To tag Star, use ID 40472592 when you call 972–216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS
DOGS, DAYLIGHT AND CATPRINTS

The Big Paper Downtown published a guest column by Jonah Goldberg that contained this passage: “Many young couples are more eager to have pets than kids.” It’s an entertaining, thoughtful column about dogs. Click HERE.
… Speaking of no sunshine, to demonstrate that I believe in the American system, I will begin begging congress to move us all to Daylight Saving Time and leave the time there. We saved a lot of daylight last summer, but did anybody go to the daylight bank to get some this week? Oh, wait, maybe I don’t understand how daylight saving works. I don’t even have a good grip on reality.
...
My cat, The Senator, continues to want to tap dance on my keyboard. He may be saving the world from awful prose. Send him a thank-you card. 

—- To leave an opinion or advice, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO GOOD; A CONTEMPLATION OF A MAN WITH DRIVE

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 [PetPowellPress] When you saw this photo of Albus Dumbleboar did you immediately think of how much you ate during the holidays? I’m giving you a break here: Think, instead, about fostering. 
The SPCA of Texas is “celebrating foster animals and is looking for Foster Heroes” throughout January — “Foster Appreciation Month.”
Albus Dumbleboar, who lives at the SPCA’s McKinney facility, has “spent his whole life as a pet. Because he is about 700- to 750-pounds, he will need a home that is willing to tolerate his big wallows.” [LARRY ASIDE: Might be like having another teenage boy around the house.]
That SPCA dog is Pittie mix Cleopatra (167504) who appears to have one very upright ear and one that is not quite a match. She’s about 3 years, 3 months old, medium-sized and is in a foster home. [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, Pitties can qualify for fostering, adopting, cuddling, adoring, embracing, hugging. Humans have to be good influences — there’s the challenge! You know how humans can be.]

That cat with the one-of-a-kind face is Flora (163506), currently at the SPCA’s an Rees-Jones Animal Care Center in Dallas. She’s about 3, small and clearly a cat whose photo is a great conversation-starter. [LARRY ASIDE: We have had a number of black and white cats and each one of them has been dramatically entertaining — zany, madcap, affectionate and forgiving of human failures.]
See about getting involved with fostering at the SPCA and read about some fostering myths HERE.
SEEKING ADVICE DURING
AN OKLAHOMA WINTER

Here’s the story from Terry Lynn Fisher, our frequent tipster and the resolute animal advocate in Burns Flat, the small town in an area of western Oklahoma that has no shield from the horrific winter conditions sweeping in from Rockies.
She writes, “Last week, I was notified about a family moving away and left their two dogs in the backyard. A neighbor had been throwing food over and water in a bowl. I honestly have no clue why they waited so long to call for help. The dogs were in horrific shape.. walking skeletons... Both were so sweet and friendly and just starved to be loved. One was a Brittany Spaniel, so she was grabbed up by breed rescue and I drove her and another BS from another pound to meet rescue in Texas..So that sweet girl is safe.
“But this little guy. He is young. Just a baby. He had some skin issues so we took him to the vet today.  Remember, our pound is totally outdoors, so I have been looking for a warm place for the upcoming snow and ice storm heading our way. My vet called me on my way while transporting.

“The dog has Demodectic Mange. While it is not contagious, it is very painful and irritating. Left untreated, it can cause some severe issues. The question part is this.  This treatment takes up to 8 to 12 weeks to cure — which means he may have to be at the vet that long unless someone took him in. So, what do I do? I had someone write and tell me I really need to just stop trying to save them since I need help.  So I feel I HAVE become a pain in many people’s butts. And I apologize for that. Please.... what do I do?  Let him go or start treatment. I know what my heart says, but I cannot do this alone.”
So, Terry Lynn needs a way to pay for boarding and vet care for a dog that would be doomed if not for her and the dog’s supporters. Email her at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com.
BEVERLY WAITS?
Yes, that’s the latest report from our Denton tipster Amy Poskey. She’s been trying to help the Denton McNatt Animal Care and Adopption Center find a place for “Sweet Beverly.” 
Bev's bio describes her as 8 to 10 years old, a Beagle mix, heartworm negative, weighs 20.9 pounds. Might have a flea allergy that’s cost her some back hair. “She has a heart murmur but not yet a critical heart condition” and, the bio reads, “Beverly is bright, alert, and runs around well, but walks ‘funny,’ possibly due to a thrown disc or neurological issue; however, she is not in any pain.”
 Amy says Beverly “is STILL WAITING for her knight in shining armor.  This sweet girl is RESCUE ONLY simply because of her medical ‘issues’.  Personally I don’t even consider them issues at all and Beverly just needs an understanding, loving heart.  Poor baby sat alone in her kennel hoping for a new home for the new year, but it hasn’t happened, yet.  PLEASE consider making her dreams come true and give this sweet baby girl a place to call home!”
 To ask about helping Beverly, email gayla.nelsen@cityofdenton.com, dentonshelterdogs@yahoo.com, and/or dentonanimalservices@yahoo.com. The shelter’s phone is 940-349-7594. It’s at 3717 N. Elm St. in Denton. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-through Saturday.

ONCE A STRAY, MAYBE ONCE LOVED;
NOW, SHE’S ON THE CLOCK IN A SHELTER
How about those eyes! Yes, there’s some Husky in this girl Cindy Lou. We got the story on her from the Mesquite Animal Shelter’s volunteer biographer Judi Brown. She reports that Cindy Lou arrived as a stray on December 27. “She is absolutely beautiful and sweet, it’s really difficult to understand why her owners have not come looking for her.
"Like I said, she’s very affectionate and sweet! She wags her tail constantly. She also gives kisses. She is obedient and wants to please. She sits for treats. She is alert and curious about her environment.
“She appears to be house-trained. She went nose to nose wagging her tail when she met other dogs in the bay. She has not been cat-tested. Cindy Lou weighs 45 pounds. I can’t say enough about this sweet girl. She would make a wonderful addition to a loving family.”

To ask about making Cindy Lou your inside dog, your confidant, your family companion, call the shelter at 972–216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Refer to her with her shelter ID 40449365. [LARRY ASIDE: I used the second photo so you could see that while her eyes are not uniform, her paws and the tip of her happy tail are!]
CONTEMPLATION
Remembering Mel Kusin

One of the meanest human conditions is the passage of time. You see family and your beloved pets go on; you see friends go on. Latest in my parade is Mel Kusin, father of our childhood friends and fellow Cub and Boy Scouts and their sister, too. It was the '50s -- no girls in the Boy Scouts. But, also, way back in Texarkana in the Great Depression, Mel Kusin and my Dad were friends. They once stood off a bunch of mean boys at the poorest elementary school in Texarkana. Mr. Kusin said that these thugs “were going to whip that little Jew” but Pop stepped into the fray on behalf of his pal and classmate Mel. Together they taught some lessons about bullying.  Mr. Kusin told me that story after he learned that my Dad had died. Circumstances of global conflict took them both to Europe in World War II. They were in different units but saw ugly, haunting things. [That's a photo of Mel giving an interview about WWII to a young videographer in Dallas.] At the moment I learned of Mel’s passing, I thought what I always think, “Time is mean — we never have enough of it." Mr. Kusin was 92 (but much younger) and still churning up and encouraging family businesses and friendships with his positive energy.
Our animal-advocacy website doesn’t say enough good things about the great people we’ve known. So, this is an appreciation of the life of Mel Kusin -- something good said with respect about a deserving human.
When I consider Mr. Kusin’s “sense of hustle” and determination to make a difference in the world, I am moved to think that “Resting In Peace” seems unlikely. Mr. Kusin had more to do and he has left a persistent ripple effect with a beneficial purpose on the planet.
Here’s his obituary. I hope you’ll read it. Mel Kusin was a quite remarkable.
—- Leave commentary by clicking “content” below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

ON JANUARY 2, DOGS, CAT, STATISTICS, CALORIES...

Thank you, Dear Readers, for indulging my short work schedule at readlarrypowell.com for the past week — I could blame the holidays, but, really, I just needed some un-writing time. Every time I looked in a mirror the “recharge batteries” light came on just before the mirror broke.

Also, I came down with a throat ailment that made me speak alternately like a Looney Tunes cartoon character on helium or like a would-be Johnny Cash impersonator with no sense of rhythm, tune or timing.
Dogs cocked their heads in puzzlement, cats brought me cups of hot tea and my practicalspouse Martha advised, “Shut up.” Not uncommon advice from her to me.
But, it’s the second day of 2019 and we NEED to write. Writing for animals and the people who love them. So, here goes.
SNOWBALL
Appropriately, I guess, for the lousy weather, Dallas Animal Services’ Facebook page posted this photo of a kitten named Snowball (A1052453) who, the item read, “is enjoying her foster home, but she's ready to find a furever home. She comes back to DAS tomorrow [Thursday] to get spayed, then she will go up for adoption! Thanks to her wonderful foster mom, she's social and affectionate as can be! If you're interested in Snowball or in becoming a lifesaving foster parent, please email DASFoster@dallascityhall.com today! #FostersSaveLives #BeDallas90."


2018 NEWS FOR 2019?
You probably saw the stories — print and TV — about DAS expecting to hit the 90% mark in December for live releases of cats and dogs. DAS said, “Our team is incredibly proud of this milestone, but it would not be possible without the active support of our community: rescues, fosters, volunteers, and adopters all played a critical role in this lifesaving record! We are optimistic about 2019 and eager to continue engaging residents to transform the landscape of animal welfare in Dallas!”
Here are two charts. One is the Jan. 1 daily chart (click on it to make it grow) from DAS and the other is a piece of the latest available monthly summary on the DAS website. Go to dallasanimalservices.org and click on the ABOUT US link and you can see the DAS stats. As you can see, the City of Dallas, even as live release climbs,
still does a lot of business with the euthanasia needle. That’s not on the shelter, that’s on the people who live around here and don’t take care of their animals.
[LARRY ASIDE: This is a critical time in the history of Dallas Animal Services — elected officials have even suggested increasing funding (knock me over with a feather) so, if you’re a Dallas resident, stay in touch with your council member and if you’re not, let the mayor know you’re watching what he does in his town, in case he’s going to run for Senate or something. FYI: The stats from the second half of 2018 on the Daily Report Card collection have vanished since Jan. 1 …I’m sure someone will restore them or may already have. I hope.]
In the meantime, before noon Wednesday, the DAS ADOPT-A-PET list included 236 dogs, 49 cats and 4 “other” — Hazel the Rabbit and three guinea pigs, Lucias, Franklin and Pablo. Among the dogs? That thin Earhound with the great face and the wagging tail is 2-year-old Peavy (A0984370). 
The dog with the “eyes” is Lucas, also about 2, listed as a Queensland Heeler (A1048624). He’s just waiting for the signal for the next task he’ll get to do! 
That cat, Ritz (A0509128), appears to be comfortable curled up in a drawer with a window — get ready to do some redesign on the bedroom chest of drawers when you adopt Ritz. he’s about 11, DAS says. [LARRY ASIDE: DAS lists a load of available kittens, and they’re fun to have. But an 11-year-old cat is barely middle-aged in a loving home. We’ve had older cats for years and years and they are great, significant elements in the contemplative existence. They’ll help you settle back and enjoy your life. And you can talk to them. When you say something stupid, they’re forgiving. It’s what they expect from humans who are sitting down and blathering about their day. Of course, that’s just my experience. But older cats are good to cuddle. And, yeah, so are younger cats.]
Remember, go to dallasanimalservices.org to see the online list and how to adopt. Call 214-670-6800. But, really, the best thing is to go to the big shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland and meet these animals — and others — in person. Your heart will be moved.
[LINKS: Here's the NBC5 REPORT ON DAS. And HERE is a Big Paper Downtown story from early summer 2018 on DAS plans for chasing the "no-kill-status."
CONTEMPLATIONS
SAFETY, DIRECTIONS & DIET
Readlarrypowell.com always finds wisdom in the world of animal advocacy. Now and then we find other things, but, really, it’s the wisdom that counts. Here goes:
Our longtime pal and tipster, the determined rescuer Deborah Lynn Verner posted this wise note on her Facebook page Thursday: “I hate when you are trying to find the owner of a lost dog or a rescue to take if the owner can't be located, and you receive a message from someone you don't know wanting its location so they can just go take custody of the dog........No!!! Not putting the dogs' safety at risk!!” And she added, “RESCUE WAS JUST FOUND FOR THE PUP IN QUESTION.” [Readlarrypowell.com love people who post the outcomes! That way everybody knows they can quit looking for help or a home.]
Our East Texas tipster and entertaining rescuer Joyce Conley posted a New Year’s Eve message that is still good for Jan. 2, 2019, and beyond: “My message to you for 2019. Don't Look Back. You Are Not Going That Way.” [LARRY ASIDE: I look back more than a somebody trying to change lanes on Central Expressway — wait, that’s not a good analogy. I’m not sure other people look back before they wheel over in front of me.]
The great Jeff Crilley, founder, president and CEO of Real News Public Relations Dallas, posted two notes in his daily news tips sheet that will be significant to people who spent the holidays dining on things they shouldn’t have contemplated. The first asks the question “Do negative-calorie foods actually exist? Is that fact or fiction?” Here’s the LINK. You’ll be thrilled by this REPORT on Girl Scout Cookies: “Come cookie-selling time, customers in all markets will have a gluten-free option in either the Caramel Chocolate Chip or the Toffee-Tastic, which has a buttery taste with crunchy, golden toffee bits.” Yep, calories to contemplate. Happy New Year, indeed.
—- To offer advice or info, finish your workout, then click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

AND, NOW, SOME RESOLUTIONS...

EDITION OF DEC. 31, 2018-JAN. 2, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Whoa! There’s a transition for you. 2018 to 2019. Two years that sound like science fiction to a Baby Boomer.
 And the question arises, “Will 2019 look like an election year?” [That is Porche Noel demonstrating her “I plan to sleep through the  2019 noise” look. She's resolving to loose a few pounds in 2019 -- it's a household resolution.]
Of course, 2019 will look like an election year! What it won’t look like is a “political year off for the American people.” Lord knows we need a year off from politics. Just run the country and leave the politics out of it, you know? Oh, I’m living in the past, by cracky, when politicians “quietly campaigned back home.” Still, we can look forward to the future. This is where having a furry friend comes in handy.
As you watch the news, you can look over at your dog or cat and say, “Darn, Earl, you can do better than that!” or “Well, I’ll be darned, Kittie Leigh, they did exactly what you said they ought to do!” [That is Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson and her aide contemplating strategy for a political campaign that will launch in the Fall of 2019.]
 So, as we enter the New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day segment of our week, here are some New Year’s Resolutions. Some may fit humans, some may not. You can tell. Here goes:
(1) I will bark louder when I need to go out.
(2) I will stop jumping on the bed at 3 a.m. to see if it’s the dog or the humans who wake first.
(3) I will learn to say “Alexa” so we can change the music the humans leave playing on the Echo.
(4) I will support any organization that lobbies the Texas Legislature to make cruelty laws meaner than algebra. (For example, the Texas Humane Legislation Network at thln.org.)
(5) I will work with community animal activists to protect dogs and cats and any other animals not only from the free-roaming creeps in our towns but also from the taxpayer-financed euthanasia programs in city and county shelters. We have to dump the ol’ Texas theory of animal management: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.”
(6) I will figure out a way to get the don’t care elements of society to wise up and care about animals. (This is a longer shot than the Dallas Cowboys winning the Super Bowl.)
(7) I will be alert — if the doorbell rings, I will sound a sincere warning. If there are footsteps near any door but no doorbell, I will stop purring angrily, wake the dog and let the dog try to earn his keep. [That big dog is Texas Earl the Cheeseman demonstrating his ‘Waiting for the alarm!’ pose.]
(8) I will help take the Christmas decorations down before Groundhog Day — for a change.
(9) I will preach the gospel of spaying and neutering and take up offerings in my new revival tent. [LARRY ASIDE: Wait. I didn’t get a revival tent for Christmas, so we’re putting off opening our Texas Dogs and Cat Spay/Neuter Holy Rock ’n’ Roll Tour until 2020 when money will be easier to access. While there are limits to the amount of money you can donate to a candidate, there are no limits to the amount you can give to a spay/neuter non-profit.]
(10) I will not binge-watch Say Yes To The Dress unless the mood strikes me. (This could be anybody in our house. Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson likes the “ball gown” style because, she says, “Plenty of petticoats to climb on.”)
(11) I will win Lotto Texas. Again, this could be anybody in our household, though not any of our dogs or cats is named “Lucky” and The Senator continually warns us about developing an unwanted “tax burden.”
So, ladies and gentlemen, these may be of absolutely no help to you as 2018 yields to 2019. But readlarrypowell.com sincerely wishes that your 2019 is a remarkably happy year for you and your animals. We’re planning on celebrating quietly. Here is Porche Noel, practicing her QCF — Quiet Celebration Face.
Be kind to animals; be kind to people. Two easy missions to approach resolutely.
—- Offer a resolution or winning lotto numbers by clicking on “comment” below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com, that’s where readlarrypowell.com gets its mail. —-

HOBO REACHES THE RIGHT HOME

For 2018's final Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, we have a sweet dog, a sweet story and a special category: “Luxurious Earhound.” 
Yep, look at the ears on Hobo! [LARRY ASIDE: Someone get in touch with L’Oréal Paris about their new spokesdog.]
Here’s the story: Hobo arrived as “our new little Christmas elf,” Linda Gabel told us.
She said we could refer to that sleeping photo as either “waiting for Santa or “all is calm after Christmas!”
Hobo, she says, is a “great little guy we got from Operation Kindness this month. He is a senior — 8- or 9-years-old and has some heart issues, but his ‘heart’ is packed so full of love and loyalty. Even my vet and his techs agree that Hobo is about as perfect as a dog can be. This little Dachshund joins three other senior rescues in our home and he fits in just great.”
These “Gathered Around The Tree” photos illustrate that. Hobo enjoyed the “stretch” position in the foreground and in the background are Charlie (15), Gertie (10) and Daisy (16). Linda says, “Daisy came to us around age 4 and the rest were all at least 8 when they moved in. All rescues and all loves! People don’t know what they’re missing when they overlook the seniors for adopting!”
In the second "group photo", Linda says, “Apparently Hobo was through posing!”

She said she and hubby Larry “hadn't really been pursuing another dog but for some reason checked the Operation Kindness website and saw this little guy.” [LARRY ASIDE: He was known as “Woodstock” at OK. One look, that’s all it took and the visit confirmed the suspicion that this guy was a perfect fit who needed some love and care.]
How’d he get the name “Hobo”? Circumstances. He was a travelin’ man. “He was adopted once, abandoned 3 days later at another shelter, and returned to Operation Kindness — all within a month," Linda told us.
Just before Christmas, Linda wrote, “He is home for Christmas and home for good.”
[REMEMBER, ANIMALFANS: Readlarrypowell.com loves celebrating people who have hearts that are dedicated to helping animals live good, safe, loving lives. Send photos of your slumbering dogs, cats, etc., to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll post their photos and stories. The love at your home will inspire other homes to open a heart for an animal who needs a place to love and live. And the photo may inspire insomniacs to believe that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just get luxurious hair to grow on their ears and find the right round bed.]
--- Tell Hobo and his roomies how much you adore their photos by clicking on 'comment' below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. ---

WHAT WE MIGHT BE DOING

In the wake, in the aftermath or in the beauty of Christmas, The Senator has suggested that Readlarrypowell.com take few days off and clean out the inbox, re-stack the unread books and magazines and contemplate the rest of 2018, a year that was a roller coaster and has been a joy to know most of the time.
If you have situations that need immediate attention, email dallrp@aol.com or click on 'comment' below and tell us about the challenge. One of us will nudge the other awake. Porche may be a Nap Team Leader. She has a knack.
--- Thank you for a Christmas to remember. ---