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LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE & NAPPING CATS NAP...

By Porche Noel

Guest Writer, readlarrypowell.com
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, Oct. 24-25, 2020 [PetPowellPress]

It was a dark and stormy morning Friday, with apologies to English writer Edward Bulwer-Lytton. As you literate Dear Readers will recall, he began his 1830 novel Paul Clifford with “It was a dark and stormy night…”

And no sun had risen to greet us through thick clouds and lightening at 5 a.m. as we padded down the hallway toward the kitchen. 
No need to open the back door to our Canine Strolling & Squirrel Observation Yard. The squirrels were on their own Friday morning — you shouldn’t try to harvest acorns in a thunderstorm.
No dog was foolish enough to go out in that rain to assume a quite motionless but very practical position in the middle of a lightning storm.
I stood in the kitchen looking up at the bleary-eyed dolt. I understand from his female partner that “dolt” is entirely appropriate. Dolt he may be, he still can read my mind. Morning treats were quickly forthcoming — yes, he understands the need for a pre-dawn snack. I sat absolutely still on the tile floor — the Friday cold front had yet to drop the temperature, so the tile was no colder than usual to the touch of my furry bottom.

***
[PORCHE COMMERCIAL BREAK: Yes, this holiday season, my company, Porche’s Noel Styles For Sophisticated Comfort, will be offering for sale the custom-designed “Porche’s Furry Bottom Comfort Cushions” for those who simply must have a warm place to sit during the winter. Don’t Google “Furry Bottom” to order, please. You'll be surprised. Simply wait for our mass mailing order form arriving shortly after the November election.]
***
As I sat on the kitchen floor — not an unfamiliar place — it took a moment to figure out what the biped was doing in the middle of the storm. But, when he made three trips to get things from the refrigerator though one would have been enough, I realized he was still, as the poet Owtuhv Balahnce’ might write, “Goofy With Morning Disorientation.”
 Later, to keep from being between my benefactor and the refrigerator door (a personal safety move, of course), I backed up to the oven (right) to comfortably await his next move during the Cold Front’s arrival. 
When the missus, our beloved Martha, known as his “patientspouse,” is in the kitchen in cooler temps, we can usually depend on catching some “back up to the oven” warmth because she actually knows how to bake — cookies, pies, cakes, etc. I believe that specific oven warmth for happy dogs is where the term “comfort food” originated. Pretty sure. 
Ah, the joy of Martha’s cooking! If all leftovers tasted like hers, we’d never hear the lid being pulled off a can or the clatter of dry food in the bottom of our sterling silver dog dishes. I think they’re sterling silver. Pretty sure.
So, early on Friday when the storm was blasting the neighborhood, the guy who is always typing and I were the only two awake — except for the admired and respected advisor, The Senator, a senior cat from the Upper House. That's him in the breakfast nook. The Senator, for morning treats, prefers a liberal shaking of grated Parmesan on a napkin — it reminds him of his days seasoning the bills that came across his desk.
As I faithfully observed, the Senator lapped up his cheese, then walked off into the living room to take up his usual place on the back of the couch. He quickly was blissfully snoozing. (That cat at the far end of the couch is Simon, The Senator's Slumber Intern.)
I’m a dog, of course, so once I’m awake and know food is available, I am not likely to find a place to nod off. Besides, nobody likes to hear loud snoring AND an autumn storm. We want to hear the oak leaves gently falling to the grass that should have been mowed a week ago. In our part of Texas, it’s too early for the oaks to give up their colorful leaves — they’re not even colorful yet. 
But he still should have mowed the grass — it can tickle a short dog at a critical moment, know what I mean?
I  think the guy may have put reading a 1958 American Literature textbook ahead of household chores. The other dogs and I once got our attorney to draw up a restraining order to keep the guy from attempting plumbing repair in our home. So far, so good. No wet paws in the house.
At any rate, after a couple of treats Friday morning, we moved to the living room. I took up a comfy place on the big rug and watched him to make sure he wasn’t going to sneak back into the kitchen and find previously undiscovered cookies — any flavor would do for him and me. I’d be right with him — no cookie should ever go to waste.
***
[PORCHE COMMERCIAL BREAK: On shelves in time for the holidays, my book of philosophy and personal directions How To Sleep on a Bed and Greet The Morning: Awake Invigorated and Lick Somebody’s Face.]
***

Back to monitoring our breakfast waitstaffer: I got up and moved over close to him, to stare with intent-to-control, but he was too bleary-eyed to recognize my strategy and, right in the middle of the opening of the John Travolta film Get Shorty on the cable, he appeared to nod off. It’s one of his favorite films and books — but he’s been insomniacal lately and that may account for his behavior.
With the sharpness of an ultra-alert Scottish herding dog (not in my genes), I took the opportunity to get into my favorite chair, the funspouse’s recliner. It is a challenge. Why? Because I’ve always had weakened back legs — result of injuries endured in my previous life with a sorry soul from whom I’d escaped. I cannot mention the SOB by name without attempting to do something dogs cannot do — spit. It becomes an angry drool.
[The photo of me on the left was the day years and years ago I was taken to my first vet visit -- you see how boney I was -- starvation. I've recovered.]
At any rate, years ago I escaped that fate with that CRUEL BLEEP and found my way to my morning companion’s old home in Oak Cliff in Dallas. We’d bonded quickly. I soon got past thinking all humans were determined to do me harm and that I’d have to fight for every meal. 
The stability of a patient home helped me adjust to living with people — and, as you know, living with people is appears to be the biggest challenge on the planet.
For me, the biggest threat from our two humans is this: At any time one of them will thoughtlessly grab my remote and change the TV station I’m watching. I hate that. I have to get up and move to another room and hunt down the remote for that TV — wherever one of these Bozos may have left it.

Well, Dear Readers, I’m getting a little bit sleepy — hang on while I do a downward dog stretch……arrrrgggggghhhhh that feels do good. 
OK, I think I’m going to go scramble back into the recliner and and click “on demand” to either Dr. Pimple Popper or Say Yes To The Dress — those are two great programs to
study human behavior. I’m already hip to the ways of dogs and cats. It’s humans that are hard to figure.
Oh, yeah, there’s this: You see what we’re planning to release as postage stamps in the near future. We’re working on a deal to print and distribute them through the island nation of Cutiecutiedogistan. We’ve got them priced at a nickel a stamp or two dozen slumberstamps in exchange for a box of veterinarian-certified breakfast treats.
 I posed for hours on the Rug of Contemplations to get these photos.
Thank you for reading and thank you for loving dogs, cats and all God’s critters. Your’s in pursuit of happy slumber,
Porche Noel

An American Dog
 With a Texas Pedigree
[DEAR READERS, please send us photos of your slumbering critters so we may spotlight them in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. (Send info and photos to dallrp@aol.com. Send new photos or old ones like Porche and that unidentifiable gent from years ago.) You’ll be helping animals find homes where they can nod off in happiness and you’ll be helping insomniacs believe that they, too, can get some sleep if they can find the right Rug of Contemplation to order online and place it next to the oven so they can back up to it and get some bun-warming sleep.]
—- Offer ideas or sleeping tips by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. Get some sleep. —-

THURSDAY EVENING EXTRA: COPPER THE DOG IS SAFE AT HOME WITH HIS PAL KEITH...

EVENING EXTRA EDITION THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 2020 [PetPowellPress] “COPPER IS HOME!”
That is how Joyce Ferguson, our original tipster, headlined her report that she sent to me Thursday afternoon. [THANK YOU JOYCE!]
Dear Readers, you may remember the story from Wednesday’s edition: A fellow named Keith was watching his dog Copper, a 13/14-year-old Pittie mix, take his morning “walk” on the parking lot of his workplace’s office complex way back on the last day of September. A woman wheeled into the lot and picked up Copper and drove away right in front of Keith’s startled eyes. (Copper was in the Plano Animal Shelter from that day, until Thursday, Joyce reports.)
Joyce, of the Highland Meadows Neighborhood Association Petwatch in Dallas, gleefully was able to write, “What a glorious conclusion! A series of events has been playing out since yesterday evening (Wednesday) when I received an email from a resident/friend in a nearby neighborhood. She had been searching shelter records for Copper and found a picture of a dog that looked amazingly like him. He was in the Plano Animal Shelter … and had somehow been missed in prior shelter searches. …
"Though the picture looked identical, there were a couple of statements that were puzzling:

“a. This dog was microchipped with the name ‘Flea.’ [Copper was NOT microchipped.]

“b. This dog’s [listed] age was ‘about 6 years.’ (Copper is twice that age; however, no big deal.)

“After the phone call to the shelter (It was 6 p.m. and they were closing), [and] to the person who had the video of the incident while it was happening, and to others who knew Copper, with hopes of getting a confirmation of whether this dog was Copper, I emailed the shelter post to Keith and called him. (I’d wanted to try to get firm confirmation about whether the dog was Copper before telling Keith, but couldn’t.) He knew the minute he saw the picture that it was Copper and at that moment, he basically ‘lost it!’ Tears of joy as his emotion spilled out. But I was saving my own excitement ‘til he confirmed it in person.

“Sure enough, Keith took a friend along and they were at the door of the shelter when they opened at 9 o’clock this [Thursday] morning! Keith had locked his office keys inside the office building earlier and forgot to get gas, so his car died at the moment he pulled into the shelter parking lot! He was sure this dog was Copper! He said he proceeded down the hallway calling out to Copper, who ‘went crazy’ when he saw Keith!
“What a joyful reunion—a story which will touch heartstrings, for sure!

“Turned out, the Plano shelter had microchipped Copper and given him the name of ‘Flea,’ which came about because that popped into an employee’s mind at the time. Keith emphatically says Copper has never had fleas! That WAS a confusing point, though. I had quizzed Keith extensively about how Copper got microchipped when he didn’t know it, never imagining the shelter did it and even gave him a name! The only thing we learned from the shelter was that ‘someone brought him in’ but the date, to me, was the clincher: Same day Copper was taken! Because of ‘open records,’ etc., they would share no information and the owner had to come in.
“So when Keith called to update me this morning, he was on his way back from picking up Copper. He, his friend, and Copper, had stopped at Arby’s to get Copper some celebratory roast beef! I hope to meet Copper soon and give that boy a hug!
“Keith sent an amazing handwritten letter to me, thanking me and all the people who helped him get through this ordeal—that includes all of you who said prayers, put up posters, posted online (Larry), searched shelters, etc. I will always cherish it—it makes everything we do with regard to animals so very worthwhile. Besides his letter, he also verbalized again this same gratitude for so many kind people as I’d spoken with him on the phone. So please know, folks, that you are deeply appreciated! In closing, Keith said so poignantly,
‘Without the help from you and all these wonderful people, I’d be as lost as my boy Copper’.”
[LARRY ASIDE: We’ll have another story related to this incident in an upcoming edition. In the meantime, remember that there are people who will steal a dog and claim they were simply rescuing it. Watch out for your animals. And, yep, doesn’t it feel good to know Copper is home with his pal Keith. All of these “missing” stories ought to end with such joy!]
— Offer ‘Cheers’ and your opinions on comments below or email them to dallrp@aol.com. —-

AS WEEKEND ARRIVES, SO DO OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP DOGS & CATS & CONSIDER UFO'S, ET AL

EDITION OF FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 [PetPowellPress] We enter this Friday in anticipation of an alleged cold front arriving in our neck of the Texas woods — well, kind of a prairie, more than a “woods.” Whatever the case, we’re talking dogs and cats and people. We’ll reach from the Greater Metrosprawl (that’s suburban Rottie mix Spike) to the town of Burns Flat, way out in Western Oklahoma. Here we go:
ARE YOU AT ALL FAMILIAR WITH
THE CARTOON CAT SYLVESTER?
Kind of explains the name of this young cat currently looking for a great foster home or an even greater family home. You see Academy Award winning cartoon cat Sylvester on the left and the other two photos are of the Burns Flat, Okla., cat Sylvester. 
The cartoon cat is described by Wikipedia as an “anthropomorphic tuxedo cat” who appeared in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. 
Sylvester the Burns Flat Cat is described as “ready to leave boarding” and, then, Terry Lynn Fisher, the determined rescuer of Burns Flat, gives us the line that will really tick off every cat lover: “This is the sweetheart that was kicked and his jaw cracked.”
She says that to repair the damage, Sylvester “had to be put under so I had them neuter him at the same time. He is totally vetted, very sweet and just needs a safe place.”
He’d been hanging around a Burns flat home. Terry Lynn says, “The people feed several cats. We think his family moved and just left several behind. Some kids were seen kicking him and we are pretty sure that’s what happened.  His jaw was cracked and he was in severe pain.”
Then there’s this description: “He is very loving and friendly.  He has been kenneled way to long.  He just wants out.   He lives to be loved on. He can go anywhere.  We just need a loving home.” 
 Get in touch with Terry Lynn at remembering_ oddball@yahoo.com.
She also needs some supplies for the Burns Flat Animal Shelter — her personal mission is to keep it no-kill.  As you may know, it has “outdoor kennels” in a town that’s right in the path of winter storms and winter winds and winder temps. “I hate dealing with outdoor kennels,” she says. “We need blankets and small water buckets (that won’t freeze). Tarps and Zip Ties. It’s about that time.”
 When you email her, ask about dogs that need help, too. She’s always got some that were down on their luck —until she found them. Luck got better. Again: remembering_oddball@yahoo.com.
SPIKE EARNS BIOGRAPHER’S TITLE:
‘MY FAVORITE DOG AT THE SHELTER’
Our pal Judi Brown, one of the volunteer dog biographers at the Mesquite Animal Services shelter, began this report with this passage: 
“Spike is my favorite dog at the shelter and has been patiently waiting for someone to recognize his sterling qualities. I think so much of Spike that I am pledging $125 to a 501(c)(3) in the form of a check (private message Judi Brown) to someone that will save him! Please please help this patient, sweet, loving dog to get out of the shelter.”
He came into the shelter on Sept. 23 after his humans lost their home in hard times. Judi says, “They also lost a very fine dog who could be classified as a ‘southern gentleman.’ He is gentle, loving, easy-going and friendly.” He’s a happy guy, lived with other dogs and kids and likes to lay. Spike (#45589040) is around 7 years old and weighs about 70 pounds. He’s an indoor dog. Likes to be with the family.”
To ask about saving Spike, call the Mesquite shelter at 972-216-6283 or e-mail rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
That 3- to 4-year-old German Shepherd/Norwegian Elkhound mix is Preston who arrived as a stray on Oct. 16. Judi writes, “It’s hard to imagine why his owners have not come looking for him because, besides being very attractive, he’s got a delightful personality!” She says he had a “pending adoption” but the people stood him up. So, he’s waiting He’s an explorer and he is treat-motivated. He weighs 45 pounds. He’s #45908769.
Same contact points as for Spike.
And use them also for Billie (#45938482), this 11-year-old, 54-pound, spayed mixed-breed girl. 
Judi says she’s a “very sweet-natured oldster. The family brought her in and the surrender form had “a cryptic ‘other dogs getting attention’. They requested that the dog be euthanized.”
She’d lived 9 of her 11 years with that family. Judi says she walks well on a leash, ignores other dogs, enjoyed being petted and show affection. Billie walks a “little stiffly” so may have aging issues with arthritis, Judi says.
But, for Judi, the bottom line is, “Billie is a friendly girl and deserves better than to end her life in a city shelter.”
Again, to help these dogs, use their ID numbers when you call the Mesquite shelter at 972-216-6283 or e-mail rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
LANCASTER REMINDER:
CUDDLY CAT & RASCAL DOG
In an earlier edition this week, we cited the cat Chase, a male Tiger Tabby, who had to be awakened so his photo could be taken at the Lancaster Animal Shelter.
Our tipsters, the folks at 4-Legged Helpers, send new photos of the formerly sleepy cat — as you can see, he easily transitions in to “Cuddly Cat” status. Beyond cute and would be quite happy filling the position of “Lap Cat” in a nice, quiet, loving home. 

Then, here’s a note to my fellow Boomers. Remember when we’d watch reruns of Little Rascals on TV in the ‘60s and Spanky, Darla, Buckwheat, Stymie and Froggy would all be palin’ around with a dog named Petie and wearing a big spotted eye? Lancaster has a 21st Century Petie. He’s “sweet and loving” and “adores everyone and everything. Super cute and lovable,” says the 4-Legged Helpers’ note.
Ask about these adoptable adorables or any other animals in Lancaster, Wilmer, Glenn Heights and other small shelters by calling or texting 4-Legged Helpers President Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71E@yahoo.com.
ONE MORE NOTE
ABOUT THE SPCA OF TEXAS
When I was writing Thursday’s story about the SPCA’s latest grant that will help with adoptions, I needed to get the photo of one more dog into the mix. So, here’s Sugar Bear (#43875513) at the SPCA of Texas. 
She’s a 6-year-old spayed Lab Mix.
Sugar Bear arrived at the SPCA via a cruelty case back in February. She was, her bio reads, “so incredibly scared.” The staff and her foster mom have worked with her to elevate her from “terrorized” to “a laid-back girl who doesn’t trust easy.” That is improvement and it means she’ll need a patient family to give her that new, non-threatening home. Go to spca.org to see how to set up your adoption appointment with Sugar Bear.
CONTEMPLATIONS
RANDI, STARS, UFOS
When I was a newspaper columnist (many years at The Formerly Big Paper Downtown in Dallas, I could always depend on eerie happenings, UFOs and other oddities (some elected officials) to help me fill up my spot in Metro. Maybe that’s why the announcement of the death of The Amazing Randi at 92 took me on a memory ride down the Strange Highway. Randi was a magician and a debunker and entertaining — I first saw him on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (kids, you can look it up) and he did such things as prove that a guy who claimed to bend spoons with his mind was really just a clever trickster who wasn’t using his mind. Read about Randi in The Hollywood Reporter HERE. As we used to say, “When he died it was in all the papers.” Google him. You’ll see. That’s a vintage Randi promotional poster I got off the internet.
Remembering Randi took me back to the days of The Eclectic Viewpoint, a Dallas-based organization run by the great Cheyenne Turner — we lost her in 1998. But she’s remembered by many people who went to programs sponsored by The Eclectic Viewpoint — the organization gave every theory and story a chance to express itself. People could judge for themselves whether a UFO story was right or whether a speaker I met, Alfred “Al” Bielek, REALLY was the time-traveling sailor from the USS Eldridge’s 1943 “cloaking experiment” who inspired the sci-fi movie The Philadelphia Experiment. Google Al and see the stories and videos. …
In the meantime, 2020 has been the kind of odd year that would have produced lots of upcoming programs for The Eclectic Viewpoint. And, in case you thought 2020 was strange, perhaps you don’t remember 2018 when a Congressional candidate in Florida explained that she’d been taken captive by space aliens. (That's a photo from the 1951 film The Day The Earth Stood Still.) The UFO story told by Bettina Rodriguez-Aguilera was reported widely and by The Miami Herald HERE.  She is still involved in politics. And before you scoff, let me just testify that when I was working as a newspaper reporter, editor and columnist I’d sometimes find myself doing late-night visits to entertaining bars — they were open in Texas in those days. And, you know that bar scene in the first Star Wars? Yeah. Compared to what I'd seen in Dallas bars, it didn’t look that much like fiction to me.
—- Offer UFO Tales, Magic Tricks & Skeptic Thoughts by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com (put “ATTENTION EARTHLINGS” in the subject line. —-

A SKUNK VISITS; FERAL CATS' NEED; SPCA'S GRANT; CONTRASTING CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 2020 [PetPowellPress] We’ve noted the animal adventures of critterfans Della and David Wallace through the years. This latest adventure doesn’t have a photograph of the lead player in the story, but, you can tell something happened. For a while we were monitoring the comings and goings of a raccoon family, including this guy Zorro. 
Earlier in the week, Della sent this note: “Now we have a large skunk living in the garage. I think I’ll call her Blossom. 😷”

Nobody’s sure if the skunk is a he or she — who but a properly dressed wildlife expert would attempt to “gender define” a polecat? I suggested that Blossom, if a girl, perhaps she’s looking for a place to have her babies. And the next note I got from Della at what I call “The Wallace Visiting Wildlife Society” (WVWS) was this good-hearted note from Della The Rescuer: “Don’t know why she sprayed the garage! I fed her, the ungrateful little devil 😂😷😷😷😷.” Stay tuned for the next adventurous moment in the WVWS’s garage!
SPEAKING OF RESCUES,
HERE’S A CHALLENGE
FROM ‘OUT BY THE LAKE’

As you know, the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake live up to the name in a number of ways. Here’s an example that came in an appeal from our pal Sydney Busch, the longtime spokesperson and guiding light of the Friends. It’s an appeal that went to the non-profits supporter list and to rescues and shelters “we work with,” Sydney says.
The Friends operate the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas, on the shores of Cedar Creek Lake. Here’s how that comes in handy.
Sydney writes, “See if you've heard this tale before: Woman has at least 30 feral cats at her house...all un-neutered. She is in the hospital right now - does not know when she will be able to return home.

“She needs help trapping and then needs some place to take them. I am speaking with her neighbor who is not a cat person. She lives in Henderson County — has spoken with animal control who told her they would not come out and trap the cats. 

“Anyone have some good Samaritans who can help her with this?  If she is willing to take responsibility (like feeding) for any/some, we can spay/neuter at low/no cost to her.”
 Call the helpful neighbor at 903-681-8277 or contact Sydney at sydney@friendsoftheanimals.org or at 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701. 

SPCA GETS GRANT
TO HELP WITH ADOPTIONS
So we got this news release from the SPCA of Texas on Wednesday and it reports this: “The SPCA of Texas has received a $5,000 grant from the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and Subaru Loves Pets, in partnership with Sewell Subaru of Dallas, to support the adoption of pets from the SPCA of Texas’ Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center in Dallas and the Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney on October 24, 2020.” (This will prep “25-30 animals for adoption” by financing spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, heart worm tests, etc. — about $200 per animal, the SPCA says.) 
So, you may wonder, “What kind of animal can I get?”
I went to spca.org to look at the adoptions and these two animals caught my attention. 
That beautiful kitten is Boston (#45594068), a 3-month-old small formerly wandering cat. As some of you sharp-eyed breed experts may recognize right away, Boston is an Earhoundus Felinus HIrsutus Tuftedus, or, moving from Latin/Greek, or Lateek, into English “a kitten with ears that have to be combed!”
And that dog is Wicket (#4146211) a Terrier mix fellow who is just over 12-years-old and can’t quite abide kids younger than he is. He was surrendered when his owner “no longer had time for him.” [LARRY EXCLAMATION: Dagnabit, he’s 12 years old and he’s a happy homedog — how much time could the ol’ gent take up?] But he does “love to be petted and rolls over so you can scratch his belly.” And, you’ll note, Wicket also qualifies for our treasured Earhound Designation -- he's an Earhoundus Canis Hirsutus Tuftedus.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ONE A PHOTO FROM THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT,
THE OTHER — WELL, CALL IT DISENCHANTMENT
These are two roadside photos from Animal Advocates in two different states. Not sure how different. One is New Mexico and the other is Texas. I’m starting with the one from Texas because if I don’t, it’ll really end this Contemplation on a “down” trajectory. 
Here’s the Texas roadside photo.

We learned of this situation through veteran Dallas rescuer/advocate Beverly Fyfe who says the contact is Andrea Grimes. (Her Facebook link is HERE ) Andrea wrote, “Dogs abandoned in Dialville (close to Jacksonville, Texas). Owner moved. Neighbors are trying to feed. Urgent rescue needed!! Share and tag. I will only give the location to a rescue.”
Now we get to this wonderful “roadside photograph” from New Mexico. It was taken by someone we quote all the time regarding rescuing animals, Karen Lee — she and her husband Dennis founded the pro-animal website barkleyworld.com in 2013 in honor of their pup Barkley. This photo was taken Wednesday.Yeah, it appears to be full-on autumn in New Mexico.

Karen explained, “Beautiful drive to Sunspot today…” Sunspot is in the Sacramento Mountains and the Lincoln National Forest and near Cloudcroft. But, as you can see from this brilliant scene, there is a reason New Mexico is the “Land of Enchantment.” As you might say to a pro-photographer, "Nice shootin', Karen!"
—- Offer good thoughts & happy ideas for the rest of 2020 by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

COPPER WAS PICKED UP, BUT WHERE IS HE? HELPING ANIMALS IN SHELTERS AND CONTEMPLATING PAST AND FUTURE

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Oh, boy, here’s a challenge for ya. Happened in Dallas, but there could be a happy ending if the right person see’s a notice.
We’ll touch on other things in today’s edition, too.

THE CASE OF COPPER:

PICKED UP IN A PARKING LOT
Could Copper the Dog be a dog who was “accidentally picked up” by someone with good intentions of keeping an already safe dog safe?
This appeal came from Joyce Ferguson of the Highland Meadows Neighborhood Association Petwatch in Dallas. The dog who is missing is this guy Copper, a 13/14-year-old neutered Pittie mix who weighs about 40 pounds, has “reddish orange” short hair and, according to the Copper handouts, he is “friendly, not aggressive.”
Joyce, after talking with the dog's owner “Keith,” reports that he works in a business office complex at Plano Road and Mapleridge, “across from the Frisbee Park.” Until this incident, Copper was Keith’s constant companion — at work, shopping in dog-friendly stores, etc., Joyce reports. 
But on Sept. 30 at 8:30 a.m., while Copper was walking on the early morning parking lot with Keith nearby, a woman in what has been described as a “2017 White Nissan Rogue” saw the dog, pulled in and picked him up. The appeal is two-fold: (1) Find the woman with Copper and (2) get Copper back to Keith. (Click on that lower artwork to make it grow.)
Joyce says, “This man is beating himself up emotionally and can hardly function because of the 'neglect' he feels. … There is no doubt Copper is his dearest friend. It's heartbreaking to think that Copper will spend his last years without his beloved owner.”

The hopeful theory is that the person who picked up Copper “might have thought he needed to be ‘rescued,’ but that is not the case.” The office complex has a video of the event, Joyce says.
FYI: Joyce started the Highland Meadows Petwatch in 1999 — you may remember the organization’s project to put animal oxygen masks in Dallas fire stations. Joyce says the organization has rescued thousands of animals through the years. Perhaps Copper will be one more who is brought safely home.

CONSTANT FLOW OF ANIMALS INTO
& HOPEFULLY SAFELY OUT OF —SHELTERS
In this case there are new animals awaiting disposition at the Lancaster Animal Shelter, according to 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that monitors situations in small facilities.
That cat is Chase, described as the “sweetest, most affectionate, loving kitty you could meet.” He’s a “complete lap kitty” and perfect for someone wanting a “gentle lap cat.” And, yes, the Helpers’ note confirms, “We woke him up for pictures. He normally does not look so sleepy.” How’d he wind up in the shelter? “Someone who was helping transport some kittens found him as a stray,” the Helpers’ note reads.
There also are dogs.This little guy Chaucer, a male Shih Tzu (or mix) is available right now for an “emergency medical release.” He came in Monday afternoon “covered with wounds — looks like bite marks.” Sweet dog. Needs a rescue group to help him and the shelter wants a group that “will return him to his owner if someone shows up before the stray hold is over.” That’s on Friday. He had a microchip, but it had never been answered. 

Jack, this cute black dog, was an owner surrender — unable to care for him, was the reason. But he “is a wonderful dog,” they said. He’s “very urgent.”  [LARRY ASIDE: Of course, he is. He’s a big black dog in a city shelter and the clock seems to tick faster on those dogs — male or female — little shelter or big shelter in cities where such animals would be listed as “endangered species” if people actually spayed and neutered their Pittie pals.]
Pluto is another handsome dog, “a gorgeous sweet guy,” his bio reads. “Clearly he has belonged to someone. He was found out and about on his own and it’s really sad — he seems to be looking for someone who doesn’t come.” (The shelter says he and Jack enjoy romping together.)
And there’s a purebred Beagle named Braydon — he’s 16 months old and came in be cause the person who had him was “unable to care for him.” 

And don’t forget Cecily and Lucy (See earlier edition), two other hard-luck dogs who were brought into the “Need Help Spotlight” by 4-Legged Helpers. To ask about any of these animals, call or text Laura Macias, the 4-Legged Helpers working president, at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
THREE BEAUTIES WAITING
FOR PLACES TO CALL HOME
Check out the faces on these “unwanted” dogs. Surely someone wants them. Surely.
These three tips came from Debra Chisholm, one of the volunteer dog biographers at Mesquite Animal Services. 
The first dog with that great solemn face is Diana, a Pittie/Staffie mix who arrived in mid-October with another stray — possibly a relative. Diana’s 2 years old and spayed. “She is a high-energy youngsters who will jump on you in her enthusiasm,” her bio says. Her ID is 45878167. And she “enjoyed playing on our climbing equipment in the yard.” Yep, fun personality.

Check out the ears on Jax —  clearly an Earhound. He is an Aussie Cattle dog who came in with a female sibling on the 13th. [LARRY NOTE: No confirmed ID, but see Juniper, the next dog. She might be “Sis.”]
 Jax weighs about 40 pounds and will weigh a bit less as soon as he’s neutered. He’s “OK on a leash” but was “intimidated by the other dogs in the bay.” He is, Debra’s note says, “a cautiously friendly youngster who will undoubtedly warm up and feel more comfortable with continued interaction." He’s #45881014.
And that brings us to the “beautiful youngster” known as Juniper (#45881066) a 40-pound, not spayed, Aussie Cattle Dog who came in on the 13th. Debra’s note says the “timid, shy and very uneasy” in-the-shelter dog “is a work in progress but has already shown improvement in her demeanor….”
 For any of these dogs, use their ID numbers for reference when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. 

Remember, you can see these animals and many others by going to the Mesquite shelter’s website HERE .
[LARRY ASIDE: I know that myfunspouse Martha and I periodically have run out of rescued animal names through the years and it must be a lot worse at an animal shelter. For example, #45599971 in the Mesquite shelter is a tiny gray and white little boy, just over a month old, known as Elephant. He’s in “staff foster” which means he might just be spoiled by love when you adopt him and would’t that be just terrible! You’d have to love a cat you adopted! There’s a challenge for the human heart.]
CONTEMPLATIONS

THE FUTURE, THE PAST, BACK TO THE FUTURE
Our first future note came from the subject line on an email I got Tuesday. It reads, “Order your 2021 Weather Calendar today!” And, since I’ve seen how 2020 is turning out, I’m a little bit concerned that 2021’s weather is going to be a challenge -- maybe it's not a 100% accurate weather calendar.  No, "Wear a helmet. Hail the size of hubcaps on March 4th" predictions. …
THIS CONCERNS SOMETHING BUILT IN THE PAST. I have a desk that has a sharp metal brace that sticks out and when I sit down and turn my chair to start work, I inevitably hit my tender kneecap on that darned brace. I am going to sue the person who designed this desk — if I can ever regain my breath and get my eyes to stop watering…. 
BACK TO THE FUTURE, AGAIN… So this note shows up on my neighborhood bulletin board. It says “No more cashiers at Wal-Mart. 23 self-checkouts. I’m speaking to a manager to give them my payroll info since I am now working for them.” I’m betting the writer of that might be younger than 50 — seems like it was about 50 years ago that petro companies pioneered that “serve yourself” philosophy by getting rid of service station attendants and creating the pump-the-gas-yourself era. (Everywhere but New Jersey, I am occasionally reminded by our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief Andy Fisher who hasn't pumped his own gas in years because of the New Jersey law. I remember having to learn how to work a gas pump — they weren’t electronic in those days and didn’t take credit cards at the pump, either. Speaking of self-serve, I never had a problem with Pancho’s Mexican Buffet — served myself happily there.
—- Offer understanding or contrasts by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put OK BOOMER in the subject line. —-

A REPOST OF MONDAY'S EDITION--CONQUERING A TECHNICAL PROBLEM FOR NIGEL THE KITTEN

[LARRY EXPLANATION: I'm reposting Monday's edition because of a technical problem that resulted in readers getting a sign-in request before they could see the assorted stories. It is possible that I have fixed this -- it is also possible that I have not. So, let me know if it isn't working by emailing dallrp@aol.com. Thanks. I blame sunspots, a bad diet and insomnia. larry]

EDITION OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Could this New Year's Eve be the party everybody has really been waiting for? Nah, probably not. I'm pretty sure viruses don't carry pocket calendars. On the other hand, as we approach the 2-week point from the big vote, is it fair to say the 2020 attitudes and campaigning (top of the ballot to the bottom and out into the public) have been the angriest since the 1968 and maybe '72 elections? Let's quickly think about something good! 
That's a photo I snapped of some of the entries in the 2019 State Fair of Texas Cookie Contest in the Creative Arts Building -- and, hook me up to a polygraph, I have NEVER had a bad contest cookie in the many years my funspouse Martha and I have been judges. (Special hello to Jo Bowen -- this is the first year in about 2 1/2 decades that the veteran contest worker hasn't served cookies to us.) The next State Fair? The last paragraph of a July 7 media release reads, "The 2021 State Fair of Texas is scheduled to run Friday, September 24 through Sunday, October 17 in historic Fair Park." Ah, start hoping for genuine cold snaps.
MEANWHILE, DAS KITTEN NIGEL
WAITS, SO DOES WINTER
More than one kitten and more than one grown-up cat are waiting for a good human heart to deliver them to paradise. But we'll focus on this little guy who was spotlighted in a Facebook post on the Dallas Animal Services page Sunday and the older cat spotted on the DAS website HERE.
The Nigel post was a contest introduction. It began with an unfinished sentence. It read: "The face you make when...
"Finish Nigel's (#A1108467) sentence in the comments ... Nigel is one of the many kittens in our care ... looking for a loving foster home to grow up in until they are ready for adoption! You can become a D90 kitten foster today by applying online at dallas animalserv- ices.org."
And, FYI, there are grown-up cats at DAS, too. For example, this is Winter (A0808319), a 7-year-old girl. Spotted her on the DAS website dallasanimalservices.org. She looks cuddlyable. That a word or just an emotion?
HUMPHREY, A STRONG BOY;
PETER PAN'S STILL WAITING
And we rarely see a dog named Humphrey, but Mesquite Animal Services has one waiting for a good home. We learned of him from Mesquite volunteer dog bio writer Debra Chisholm. As you can see, Humphrey is quite a photogenic individual. Might be a canine model in the making.
 And, of course, as you can see, he leaves green footprints wherever he steps --hang on -- Oops, not true. Those prints are decorations on the "stage" where Humphrey greets people as if he were Elvis in Vegas.

He's a Staffie/Labbie mix, weighs 62 pounds and is about 2 years old. His bio says he's a "strong boy who pulls when walked on a leash" and that he's "athletic" with "an outgoing and confident personality." Might need some "manners" training so he doesn't jump on people he loves. He's #45314928 at the shelter. Use that number to ID Humphrey when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283. 

And, as you know, Mesquite Animal Services has lots of dogs and lots of cats and you can see them HERE. Among the cats and kittens is this guy who is growing up while in the shelter. Peter Pan. He came in on August 24 and he's #45368710 . Shelter bio says he's 2 months, 8 days old, but he's probably pushing 3 months by now. Oh, and while I was looking at the kittens I ran across this photo of a brand new arrival. That is 2-month-old Rusty (#45917615), a Chow who arrived at the shelter on Sunday. Might be gone by now -- reclaimed, perhaps. Though, you never know. Some people will simply dump a dog and forget about it.
TWO FROM THE SOUTHERN SIDE
OF THE BIG SPRAWL OF BIG D
We move around LBJ from Mesquite south then west to Glenn Heights and Lancaster, in the small shelter territory monitored by the non-profit 4-Legged Helpers.

We've mentioned Lucy before -- she's the Blue Heeler who touched the Glenn Heights ACO so much that a call was made to 4-Legged Helpers to get some help in saving her life. She's about 2, has "the cutest little docked or bobtail" and, reports 4-Legged Helpers' Laura Macias, "We understand that she is extremely intelligent and adores people." She has other top qualities including that beautiful Heeler coat.
And in Lancaster, there's this new arrival: The growing puppy Cecily. She's an Aussie Shepherd mix, maybe 4 or 5 months old and "cute as can be." She was "found out and about" which is the 4-Legged Helpers' terminology for "stray" or, perhaps, "set free" or "ignored until she left." 
No microchip. But she did arrive with a "very sweet and so lovable" attitude.
To ask about either of these dogs or any animal in a small shelter on the southern side of Dallas, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS
MONDAY MUSINGS AND THE FUTURE
Yeah, I'm pretty much sick of this electioneering -- I don't know whether it's going to be easier to return to normal after Covic-19 or after the November 3 election. Be nice if we could all just get along for the sake of a peaceful existence. But, presidential politics makes some people extraordinarily touchy nowadays. Used to just be pleasant rivalry because neither candidate inspired unpleasant behavior in supporters. ... Speaking of peaceful existences, a big swath of the non-political, non-sports, online media was all excited over the weekend about a blip of video posted (allegedly) by Rumer Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis, about Die Hard's John McCane making a comeback. (LARRY ASIDE:That's the original movie poster from 1988 -- you remember movies, right?) One hashtag led to another and another and ultimately it looks as if Willis' character from the popular hero cop series will be starring in an ad for a battery company.
Here's a twitter link. ON THE OTHER HAND, IMDb (International Movie Database, the reliable film website), has a genuine listing for a new Die Hard film, McCane -- "ANNOUNCED," it says. See the LISTING HERE. ,,, I hope this is a sign that movie theaters are making a comeback -- who in the world would want to see a Die Hard movie on a darned TV  or cellphone screen?... When you consider the virus, politics and the squelching of American traditions (i.e., movie theaters, bars, etc.), I get a headache. I need a vacation and a calming beverage. I'm not going to get either, of course.
--- Offer futuristic thoughts or gripes by clicking on 'comments' below or by emailing your gruff resentments to dallrp@aol.com. ---

HONORING B.K., 'DOG ABOUT TOWN'; DOGS AND CATS SEEK HELP; BEARDED CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020 [PetPowellPress] A calendar note before we move into the rest of the world. Some days, the brain freezes in place and you can’t get beyond wondering where you put the box that holds your high school American and English Literature books. It’ll come to me, surely — as surely as Gelett Burgess came up with the word "blurb" and also never saw a purple cow. That oughta send some of you kids to Google.
Back to the calendar. Holiday Insights notes that the 18th — that was Sunday, right? — was “No Beard Day.” I chose, once again, not to celebrate. But I will include an explanation in CONTEMPLATIONS. First, we note some appeals on behalf of loveable animals. 
And we’ll mention THE “Dog About Town” who became a symbol of the goodness that happens when you adopt a stray. That's B.K.'s great face. Read on....
NIKKI — AN OLDER GIRL
WHO NEEDS A NEW HOME
We got the tip on this situation from the reliable animal advocate Amy Poskey. She’d gotten it from another reliable source, Debra Myers, working on behalf of Nikki.
Debra’s note read, “Sweet Nikki is looking for a responsible, relaxed home or rescue. She’s an 11-year-old Aussie/Heeler mix...just adorable. Current on vaccinations, spayed and microchipped.

“Loves to go for walks and lounge on the couch.” [LARRY NOTE: We’ll stop here so I may direct your attention to the photograph that so clearly illustrates the second phrase in that sentence.]
 Debra’s note continues, “She does well with other dogs, but not cats. This Golden Girl is not very active...likes to lay at your feet. She’s super friendly, laid back and has a gentle temperament.”

She may be already claimed by the time you read this, but just in case you want to give your heart to a dog who needs to have someone to give her heart to, call 940-367-4627 or email dkmyersone@yahoo.com.
[LARRY NOTE: We find the thought of older dogs without a human to be absolutely heartbreaking. We have older dogs and they are vessels of love. A human can get great joy from patting the head of an older dog and watching the tail wag like a puppy’s.]
MOVING ALONG TO SAILOR,
A 7-YEAR-OLD ‘GINGERBOY’
This note from veteran rescuer Mary Sullivan focuses on a quite beautiful cat named Sailor. Mary says he’s a “seven(ish)-year-old Gingerboy who’s in need of a new home.  His wonderful owner, who’s been a neighbor of mine for years, has been in declining health and took a serious fall recently, which has left her unable to care for Sailor any longer.  Family members love him, but their pets do not, so he needs to find a foster or forever home ASAP.  
“Sailor has been neutered and is UTD on shots.  He’s been eating prescription food for what may be an allergy that caused him to lose some hair on his back.  The family thinks the hair loss could be stress-related, however – brought on by his owner’s health issues.  The hair seems to be growing back, but we’ll be happy to provide a few cases of the special food just to see how things develop.  It can be purchased on Chewy’s, I’m told. 
“Sailor has been an indoor kitty and was the only cat in the house.  He’s been around dogs and has shown no fear of them.  He’s basically a lap kitty – always wants to be close and will sit beside (or on top of) his companion and purr forever.  He’s been dearly loved and deserves lots more of the same.”
To ask about giving Sailor a great home, contact Mary at 972-850-8242 or msully2011@gmail.com. Oh, and Mary, including photos of Sailor, wrote, “Let’s not miss the boat on this guy (bad pun intended).”
A DOG WHOSE LEGACY
IS INSPIRING LOVE
We popped open the Facebook link Monday morning to find a sad note about an old friend, the fabulous dog B.K., known as “Dog About Town” to longtime readers of Tatia Woldt’s work in The Dallas Morning News. 
That’s the recognizable dog face of B.K. — the name comes from the place he was hanging out on then-Industrial Boulevard alongside the Trinity River in Downtown Dallas when he was rescued. 
Here’s the brief note written by my former colleague and an editor at The DMN Christopher Siron. You’ll see this dog means so much. Chris wrote, “Our first night with B.K. in November 2005, as he jumped on the bed and curled up with me, all I could think was, ‘This story is going to have a heartbreaking ending.’ That inevitable conclusion came this morning when he had to be euthanized. People talk about the loyalty of dogs, but I’ll miss most what it feels like to have another creature’s complete, unwavering trust. Such a responsibility that it feels like a privilege. From the moment Tatia Woldt rescued B.K. from the street, she made him the center of her life. I feel lucky they let me be a part of it.” 

God bless Tatia for seeing a dog who needed a home and giving that home to him for the rest of his life. 
That’s a photo of Tatia in an appropriate "message" while "About Town"  with B.K.
And this last photo is one I’m proud of being in — I got to be with B.K. That’s him with Tatia and “a much younger me” taken in February 2011 at The Dallas Animal Services Shelter and Adoption Center. The great photographer and animal advocate Jonnie England took the picture. Tatia and B.K. were the big paper’s reps that day and I was columnizing for the great Bob Walton’s magazine Urban Animal and for my pro-animal website where I first wrote about the “stray at the Burger King.” 
So, yes, B.K. brought people together for photos and he inspired others, i.e., he might just have led people to give an “unwanted” dog a chance. Hug the inspirational B.K. in your hearts.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A DOG
WHO FITS THE 'ADOPTABLE' TITLE
This beautiful girl Nikita (#45889765) -- she looks as if she's been riding in a car with her head out the window in a snowstorm -- is among the adoptables at Mesquite Animal Services.
Her bio says she's a 2-year-old Pittie mix who weighs in at 69 pounds. Why is she in the shelter? Owner-surrender on Oct 14. Reason? "Showed aggression to other dogs and cats," the bio reads, the adds, "Nikita has recently given birth to a litter, and this may have contributed to her aggression. She will be listed as to be the only dog in the household and no cats. She is a beauty! She has sections of white hair that mix with her black coat rather well. Definitely a standout! She has lived with older children, and walks pretty well on a leash but can be little pushy if you have treats, but does take them gently.  ... She knows the sit/stay command and will give you her paw. She may need a bit of training, but she is treat driven. She enjoys being petted and loves to play with squeaky toys!"
To ask about Nikita, use her ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or eamil rescues@cityofmesquite.com. And here's a VIDEO OF NIKITA demonstrating what a lively, lovable dog she is.

CONTEMPLATIONS
BEARDS, KIDS, TIPPING
Regarding “No Beard Day”, there are people who took the opportunity of the Pandemic or their retirement to grow a beard for fun. Not me. I’ve had mine since 1971 when it was black with a reddish tint rather than light grey with black flecks. Back then, in the hippie/antiwar era growing a beard was a daring act — a sign of rebellion that might get you canned in some businesses. Not in newspapers. In those days, young reporters could rebel all you wanted, but you still wouldn’t get a raise until Congress voted to increase the Minimum Wage.  You think I’m kidding? Hah. In those days AP and UPI moved news over teletype machines — wire machines, we called ‘em. When Congress was voting on a raise, young reporters would cluster around the row of / clattering machines and wait for the story that would let us know if we could soon afford to buy a full tank of gas or, if someone asked, “You want fries with that?” we could say, “Yes!” …
Moving along, Monday the 19th was “Evaluate Your Life Day” — not enough time for that arduous process. So I focused on the fact that my kids and my wife have never seen me without a beard. The twins were born in January 1971 and I grew my beard the next month or so. Martha and I have been married since December 1991 — she’s afraid to see what the rest of my face looks like. But that photo above is a picture of me and my beard as we exist in 2020…so far. …On the left, that's a photo that came with a new wallet. I'm kidding -- it's an action shot of Martha after she married an aging columnist. Martha created my pawprint anti-viral mask -- it's working so far.
Moving along to today, the 20th is Brandied Fruit Day (never had Brandied Fruit); International Chefs Day (not affiliated with the International House of Pancakes, I’m guessing); and United Kingdom National Waiters Day (and it’s also worldwide, Holiday Insights says). So, wherever you're dining, tip generously. The waitstaffers can use the money.
--- —- Offer opinions or objections by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “Get a haircut and a shave, hippie scum” in the subject line, just for old time’s sake. —-

 

SAVING DOGS AND CATS IN REAL LIFE; SAVING A MOVIE IN TODAY'S VIRAL CLIMATE....

EDITION OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Could this New Year's Eve be the party everybody has really been waiting for? Nah, probably not. I'm pretty sure viruses don't carry pocket calendars. On the other hand, as we approach the 2-week point from the big vote, is it fair to say the 2020 attitudes and campaigning (top of the ballot to the bottom and out into the public) have been the angriest since the 1968 and maybe '72 elections? Let's quickly think about something good! 
That's a photo I snapped of some of the entries in the 2019 State Fair of Texas Cookie Contest in the Creative Arts Building -- and, hook me up to a polygraph, I have NEVER had a bad contest cookie in the many years my funspouse Martha and I have been judges. (Special hello to Jo Bowen -- this is the first year in about 2 1/2 decades that the veteran contest worker hasn't served cookies to us.) The next State Fair? The last paragraph of a July 7 media release reads, "The 2021 State Fair of Texas is scheduled to run Friday, September 24 through Sunday, October 17 in historic Fair Park." Ah, start hoping for genuine cold snaps.
MEANWHILE, DAS KITTEN NIGEL
WAITS, SO DOES WINTER
More than one kitten and more than one grown-up cat are waiting for a good human heart to deliver them to paradise. But we'll focus on this little guy who was spotlighted in a Facebook post on the Dallas Animal Services page Sunday and the older cat spotted on the DAS website HERE.
The Nigel post was a contest introduction. It began with an unfinished sentence. It read: "The face you make when...
"Finish Nigel's (#A1108467) sentence in the comments ... Nigel is one of the many kittens in our care ... looking for a loving foster home to grow up in until they are ready for adoption! You can become a D90 kitten foster today by applying online at dallas animalserv- ices.org."
And, FYI, there are grown-up cats at DAS, too. For example, this is Winter (A0808319), a 7-year-old girl. Spotted her on the DAS website dallasanimalservices.org. She looks cuddlyable. That a word or just an emotion?
HUMPHREY, A STRONG BOY;
PETER PAN'S STILL WAITING
And we rarely see a dog named Humphrey, but Mesquite Animal Services has one waiting for a good home. We learned of him from Mesquite volunteer dog bio writer Debra Chisholm. As you can see, Humphrey is quite a photogenic individual. Might be a canine model in the making.
 And, of course, as you can see, he leaves green footprints wherever he steps --hang on -- Oops, not true. Those prints are decorations on the "stage" where Humphrey greets people as if he were Elvis in Vegas.

He's a Staffie/Labbie mix, weighs 62 pounds and is about 2 years old. His bio says he's a "strong boy who pulls when walked on a leash" and that he's "athletic" with "an outgoing and confident personality." Might need some "manners" training so he doesn't jump on people he loves. He's #45314928 at the shelter. Use that number to ID Humphrey when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283. 

And, as you know, Mesquite Animal Services has lots of dogs and lots of cats and you can see them HERE. Among the cats and kittens is this guy who is growing up while in the shelter. Peter Pan. He came in on August 24 and he's #45368710 . Shelter bio says he's 2 months, 8 days old, but he's probably pushing 3 months by now. Oh, and while I was looking at the kittens I ran across this photo of a brand new arrival. That is 2-month-old Rusty (#45917615), a Chow who arrived at the shelter on Sunday. Might be gone by now -- reclaimed, perhaps. Though, you never know. Some people will simply dump a dog and forget about it.
TWO FROM THE SOUTHERN SIDE
OF THE BIG SPRAWL OF BIG D
We move around LBJ from Mesquite south then west to Glenn Heights and Lancaster, in the small shelter territory monitored by the non-profit 4-Legged Helpers.

We've mentioned Lucy before -- she's the Blue Heeler who touched the Glenn Heights ACO so much that a call was made to 4-Legged Helpers to get some help in saving her life. She's about 2, has "the cutest little docked or bobtail" and, reports 4-Legged Helpers' Laura Macias, "We understand that she is extremely intelligent and adores people." She has other top qualities including that beautiful Heeler coat.
And in Lancaster, there's this new arrival: The growing puppy Cecily. She's an Aussie Shepherd mix, maybe 4 or 5 months old and "cute as can be." She was "found out and about" which is the 4-Legged Helpers' terminology for "stray" or, perhaps, "set free" or "ignored until she left." 
No microchip. But she did arrive with a "very sweet and so lovable" attitude.
To ask about either of these dogs or any animal in a small shelter on the southern side of Dallas, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS
MONDAY MUSINGS AND THE FUTURE
Yeah, I'm pretty much sick of this electioneering -- I don't know whether it's going to be easier to return to normal after Covic-19 or after the November 3 election. Be nice if we could all just get along for the sake of a peaceful existence. But, presidential politics makes some people extraordinarily touchy nowadays. Used to just be pleasant rivalry because neither candidate inspired unpleasant behavior in supporters. ... Speaking of peaceful existences, a big swath of the non-political, non-sports, online media was all excited over the weekend about a blip of video posted (allegedly) by Rumer Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis, about Die Hard's John McCane making a comeback. (LARRY ASIDE:That's the original movie poster from 1988 -- you remember movies, right?) One hashtag led to another and another and ultimately it looks as if Willis' character from the popular hero cop series will be starring in an ad for a battery company.
Here's a twitter link. ON THE OTHER HAND, IMDb (International Movie Database, the reliable film website), has a genuine listing for a new Die Hard film, McCane -- "ANNOUNCED," it says. See the LISTING HERE. ,,, I hope this is a sign that movie theaters are making a comeback -- who in the world would want to see a Die Hard movie on a darned TV  or cellphone screen?... When you consider the virus, politics and the squelching of American traditions (i.e., movie theaters, bars, etc.), I get a headache. I need a vacation and a calming beverage. I'm not going to get either, of course.
--- Offer futuristic thoughts or gripes by clicking on 'comments' below or by emailing your gruff resentments to dallrp@aol.com. ---

CELEBRATE CATS WITH AN ODD POP QUIZ -- NOT PART OF YOUR PERMANENT RECORD

This edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap is being written as we enjoy a “North Texas Cold Front.”
You know what an autumn cold front is like in North Texas — it’s a breeze that makes you click your car air-conditioner one level less frigid than “maximum”

I'm sipping coffee and typing alone in my office -- the dogs elected to go to my earnsapaycheckspouse Martha's office; my two office cats, Dallas tabby William Powell and Oak Cliff former feral Stevie Ray, decided to throw themselves upon the big comforter on our bed and you can't blast 'em out of there! Stevie Ray then left the comforter to take up a spot in our "storage-friendly" rocking chair. It's filled with blankets and shirts; I'd stack books on it if Martha didn't have an unsettling glare.
[CAT POP QUIZ 1 — Do you (a) have a cat or do you (b) LOVE a cat? Send essay response to dallrp@aol.com.]
Look at the giant eyes on that cat, speaking of an "unsettling glare!" That’s William Powell stirring from a nap to give a giant yawn. Yeah, I snapped the cellphone just in time.
I first saw the photo and thought "he's evolving into a space monster." His eyes aren’t that big and they aren’t that dark — how’d he transform himself into a horror movie character? Well, he is named William Powell, after the great Hollywood actor.

Back to napping cats. I’m pretty sure the person who invented “comforters” had a cat who served as technical advisor on padding and the cover.
[CAT POP QUIZ 2 — True or false? I cannot sleep without my cat on the bed. Send response and explanation to dallrp@aol.com.]
Thursday is trash day in our neighborhood and William usually wants to sit in the window and wait for the postman and trash truck so he can stand up and yowl at them while one or two dogs are barking madly. On Thursday the 15th, William wanted to sleep -- he's only about 3 years old, another one of our "free cats” who was masquerading as a feral in our Dallas neighborhood. He shed the feral costume the moment he stepped across the threshold of our open front door and nose-nuzzled a dog.
[CAT POP QUIZ 3 — I love our formerly feral cat because? Send essay response to dallrp@aol.com. Limit 2 typewritten pages.]
Some of the week was spent watching the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nomination of a supreme court associate justice. Most of our animals slept through that.
Well, of course one was quite interested in the proceedings, my personal advisor and confidant, The Senator.
[CAT POP QUIZ 3 — I would trust my cat to hold office before I would seek office myself. True or False. Send answer and your next campaign slogan to dallrp@aol.com.]
He was very intent, but I came to understand that a guttural under-the-cat-whiskers “mrrruhhhow” is a synonym for some initials that don’t alway stand for “Baloney Sandwich.” He tells me that is a bipartisan expression. He should know, he’s not called The Senator for nothin’.
[CAT POP QUIZ 4 — My cat loves to eat grated parmensan cheese because he is a fan of (a) Moonstruck, (b) The Godfather or (c) La Dolce Vita. Choose only one and respond to dallrp@aol.com in the style of a restaurant critic who also reviews motion pictures, i.e., “This film was a full serving of scrumptous love and I bit into it like dog catching a warm biscuit under the breakfast table.” That sort of thing…]
Now, our week was particularly busy — lots of work, lots of things to catch up on, lots of things to set in motion. You know how it goes when you’ve been locked down for so long that you just don’t want to face routine things.
So, some of us sleep. For example, I have been forbidden to take photos of my Funspouse Martha when she is sleeping. But I managed to walk into the living room one afternoon and I spotted my pal The Senator out like a light on Martha, also out like a light. Bless her heart, she still had her hand poised above the TV re- mote in case she woke sud- denly and reali- zed she was wat- ching a program or politicians she cannot abide. The Senator was there because William had claimed the comforter in the bedroom. There may be a hearing in front of the Senate Bedding Committee to decide who has first dibs.
[CAT POP QUIZ 5 — My cat not only has a human staff, but also a dog and they are fast friends. True or False. And, if true, explain how the cat has trained the dog to do simple tasks, i.e., bark at intruders, remove donut and sandwich crumbles from the carpet or shop online at fashionable cat gear stores. Email the response to dallrp@aol.com.]
We cannot leave this edition without a dog photo. So this is Porche, uncomfortable in her custom-made “I Sparkle in Vegas” mask while reminding us all to “Be careful, avoid crowds and wear your mask. Give the dog treats.”
[DEAR READERS: While I love writing about the dogs and cats who own our house, I also love presenting the stories of your dogs and cats and photographs of them awake and asleep. Send photos and bios to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll post the package in our long-running weekend edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be inspiring people to open their homes to animals and you’ll suggest to insomniacs that they, too, can get some sleep if they’ll get a recliner and a comforter and a reliable TV remote and get a veteran household feline to invite them to stretch out on the comforter and purr like a Rostropovich/Yo-Yo Ma duet of Memory.]
— SAY HELLO TO YOUR CAT BY CLICKING ON ‘COMMENTS’ BELOW OR BY EMAILING DALLRP@AOL.COM. NO CASH INVOLVED —-

ANIMAL NUTS RULE! COLIN'S BLONDE BREAK, SCOTTY'S NAME, JESSYE'S 'HABANERA!'

EDITION OF FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2020 [PetPowellPress] It’s a Friday in a pandemic — October 16 is a proper day for Contemplations -- that's a photo of a goofball trying to teach his dog Porche how to take a selfie. She has no sense of focus and no sense of thumbs, either.
Moving along, we also want to honor the dedicated animal rescuers, rescue groups, fosters and the people who work so darned hard to place animals nobody wants until they actually meet them. You people are angelic heroes. This is from the heart: I’ve been writing about the animal advocacy/rescue movement for decades and every day I see hopeful work by people determined to “save ‘em all.” Keep it up. And, to use a term of endearment in our world: At readlarry powell.com, we respect the “Animal Nuts.” [LARRY ASIDE: I didn’t win Lotto Texas — again — so there is not yet an Animal Nut Trophy and sizeable check for the winner. Oh, of course not -- that's not an Animal Nut Trophy; that masked figure is the sentinel in the lobby of the downtown Fort Worth P.F. Chang's reminding guests to wear their masks before and after they dine. Until I grew up and fell for Mapo Tofu, the only PF I knew was PF Flyers sneakers, or "tennies" as we called "tennis shoes" in the ancient times. The American shoe brand's slogan was "Run Faster and Jump higher" though after all I ate that day, I could do neither!]

HERE’S A GOOD NEWS NOTE
FROM THE CITY OF WILMER
You may recall that in our Thursday edition we made a pitch for Colin, this multi-mixed fellow who was in the low, low, low-traffic City of Wilmer Animal Shelter on the southern side of Dallas.
The only dog there, as I recall learning from Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden and the other folks at 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on small shelters.
On Thursday morning, Laura sent me a note. The bottom line is Texas has lost another good dog to another state! But that’s a good thing in the case of Colin. Laura wrote, “He just got tagged and is going to a Colorado rescue! Yay!”
That rescue is 2 Blondes All Breed Rescue of Denver.
Colin will be boarded before the pickup and transfer, but at least he’s leaving the lonely shelter. Laura says 4-Legged Helpers can use some boarding donations on Colin’s behalf. Get in touch with Laura, president of the rescue, by calling or texting 214-949-2726 or by emailing cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. 
Keep that contact info handy, because we have some more dogs that 4-Legged Helpers is trying to help. Some you’ve seen before, but these two Shepherds are new to the appeals.
NICKY is a 2-year-old male German Shepherd who was “released to the Lancaster Animal Shelter by someone that could no longer care for him.” He’s described as “docile and adores all people including children and love other dogs.” He’ll need a tall fence.
LEISA, a female adult German Shepherd, is “much cuter than her pics,” her Lancaster bio reads. “Loves to give everyone kisses,” it also says. Then there’s this: Leisa was brought into the shelter with her puppies and the puppies were big enough to be placed separately. Leisa is now ready to have a home of her own.” And she has a lump of some kind under a back leg, so, there’s an opportunity to have a vet check her out.

And we’ve mentioned Lucy the Blue Heeler before — she’s in Glenn Heights. She’s “about 2 years old. Has the cutest little docked or bobtail.” The ACO says she’s “extremely intelligent.” 

And that brings us round again to Lancaster’s hard-luck pair — the siblings Snowball and Roo — dumped in an abandoned house in Lancaster, rescued by the city’s ACO and…. well, Snowball was adopted and returned; Roo has been waiting and waiting. Use Laura’s contact points to ask about all these animals: Call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

[LARRY ASIDE: Snowball and Roo have not been treated well by the humans who have had them previously. This is an opportunity for someone to give two dogs a good life. No idiots need apply. Did I type that out loud? Well, OK, it’s a heartfelt sentence. NO idiots need apply.]
SCOTTY IS WAITING
TO BE BEAMED INTO A HOME…
We wrote about Scotty — and we’ll get into that name in just a few paragraphs — earlier in the week but he’s a tough case and he hasn’t had any response — it’s not that he’s a difficult cat; it’s that he’s got “situations” that make him tough to place.
Our tipster, the veteran rescuer and journalist Aline McKenzie says, “He's also been on a waiting list all year to get into a rescue that specializes in tough medical cases — with no luck.”
You may recall that he has “cauliflower ears,” probably from a rough and tumble life on the streets — at first glance you’d think he’s a Scottish Fold. Nope — maybe a Dallas Tabby. His big challenge is his Feline Leukemia — that
restricts his living conditions to either as an only cat or with an already-infected cat. The good thing is North Texas Cat Rescue “will sponsor his FeLV medical bills after adoption,” Aline says.
I asked her about life with Scotty and she reports, “His best quality is hands-down his temperament. Even though he's not a Scottish Fold, he's as placid and sweet as the genuine article. He's unruffled when he encounters other cats through a window or glass door. He loves to snuggle and to be combed.”
He’s got a persistent downside, however, and, frankly, it’s kind of charming.
Aline says, “He REALLY wants to be with people, so having him confined in our home office means there's gonna be a cat in my face the minute I get on a video call. My solution is to put some catnip on the rug.

“Also, he doesn't like to be manhandled, defined as ‘trying to put medication in his ears’ or ‘attempting to trim his claws’ (which are very very pokey when he snuggles). Luckily, he's a sucker for treats, so I'm gradually bribing him into compliance.”

Where should he live? Aline says, “My dream placement for him would be an office cat or store cat, where his personality and looks would shine and he could finally have all the love and company he deserves.”

Now about that name. "Scotty" comes from the initial assumption that his ears were the distinctly arranged aural accesso- ries of a Scottish Fold. It turns out, Aline says, “His full name is Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott.” Yes, from Star Trek. (That’s the original Scotty, James Doohan, and, on the left, the 21st Century Scotty, the great Simon Pegg. Anybody else love Mr. Pegg's space alien film Paul?)
To ask about helping Scotty or to give him the best home in the known universe where no cat has gone before, get in touch with North Texas Cat Rescue HERE.

THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL REMINDER,
IT IS AN ACTUAL REMINDER….
But, the SPCA of Texas’ 15th annual Strut Your Mutt is going virtual and you can go to spca.org to learn the details of the fundraiser. [LARRY PAUSE: Holy, smoke! Can it be 15 years since the SPCA launched Strut Your Mutt. What has changed in that time? Hold on, we don’t want to walk that trail — we wouldn’t be back in time for the 2020 Strut Your Mutt on Nov. 8. Where was that first Strut? Anyone remember?]
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE PAST AND SOME JESSYE HABANERA
A look at a historic calendar can jar your ol’ brain. Did you kids rea;ize that October 16 is the anniversary of the beginning of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Anybody remember if that was scarier to schoolkids than a deadly virus? Heck, yeah, you could get a vaccination against things in those days, but a needle wasn’t going to stop those Commie bombers, right? Might be why I have insomnia — being kept awake in Texarkana by the drone way overhead of a high-flying plane and wondering if it’s a Strategic Air Command Bomber from Barksdale Air Force in Shreveport on patrol or a Soviet bomber from Havana on it’s way to destroy the bullet plant (munitions factory) just 12 miles from my house! It was either that or the space alien movies I saw, (Not of this Earth, Invasion of the Saucermen, etc.) … Then there is the sadness of humanity. I mention it because I cannot believe it was so long ago — it feels fresh to me. It really jars the heart: It was on October 16, 1991, that a guy in Killeen, Texas, snapped, rammed his pickup through the window of a Luby’s Cafeteria, got out and shot 23 people to death before killing himself. Madness is nothing new, is it? I don’t remember the shooter’s name and I think I’m going to keep it that way. It’s the victims who should be remembered. I mentioned this today because as I was researching the Cuban Missile Crisis, I ran across the Luby’s Massacre notation and my newsman’s brain reacted with, “Oh, yeah! I remember that.” Some will say, “There have been so many since then.” But you should know, there were a lot before that, too. There are websites that list them. I don’t know why thee things happen. People are sick inside their brains, that’s my guess. Let’s all pray for peace and goodness and that every person who needs help gets help before it’s too late for anybody else. … Now, some tranquility. As my Dear Readers (bless your hearts) know, I am one ultra-sophisticated son of Northeast Texas — heck I even eat with a napkin handy. That elevated lifestyle aside, I was listening to an online FM Classics radio station from England Thursday afternoon. The presentation was a performance of Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen. It might be Bizet’s Carmen, but the great Jessye Norman owned it in Habanera! I could not decide which version to offer to you so here are two: THIS ONE is from a REHEARSAL(!). And this is a recorded version. Habanera? Ah, research will lead you to this interpretation: “Love is a rebellious bird.”
—- Leave uplifting observations by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and remember to smile, even behind the mask — smile with your eyes and your heart. —-

AN EARHOUND, A CAT TALE, COLIN'S RESCUE FALLS THROUGH, CONTEMPLATING POODLES

EDITION OF THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 [PetPowellPress] This, ladies and gentlemen, is a genuine Earhound. Coco is her name. Was she born in a windstorm? Who knows. I found her listed on the Fort Worth Animal & Control website. She’s just over a year old and has been at the shelter since October 6. What kind of dog s she? A Miniature Poodle. I’m kidding (I’ll address
Poodles later in this edition.) I do find this girl with her wacky ears and her “love me sincerely eyes" pretty fascinating. Coco answers to #44969971 at the shelter. 
The FWAC&C Shelter also has this cat with the question mark tail, Gizmo, (#45381819), said to be a Bombay/Domestic Shorthair.
FYI: This may be the oddest note you’ll read all day: We found this info on several websites. The Bombay breed of cats has been around since only about 1965 — it was created by cat breeder Nikki Horner who, in addition to being a breeder and exhibitor, was Miss Kentucky  in 1954. She bred Burmese cats with domestic shorthairs to get the solid black, entertaining and social Bombay, named for the leopards that lived in the area of the city of the same name in India.  Don’t look for Bombay on any new maps — it’s now Mumbai. We don’t know if there’s a Mumbai cat.’ That info is all in her International Movie Data Base biography. Why does she have an IMDB listing? She was on To Tell the Truth in 1961. That’s her with a championship cat.
 Show of hands, please, how many of you had heard of the Bombay breed of cats? And how many of you are tempted to adopt Gizmo just so you can name him Mumbai The Bombay?
[LARRY REMINDER: Let’s save ‘em all, no matter how they came to be or where they’re from! For example, everybody knows Birddogs are from Birdville or The Canary Islands. What? Yeah, I oughta check that.]
WELL, GOOD GRIEF, IT HAPPENS
THAT THINGS CAN FALL APART….
And this time, this majestic dog Colin is the victim. We posted him earlier in the month at the request of 4-Legged Helpers — they were trying to get him to safety out of the Wilmer Animal Shelter, a shelter that has fewer visitors than the top of Mt. Everest.
Leighann Hayden wrote the appeal for 4-Legged Helpers. It reads, “Colin breaks our hearts. We posted him previously, but rescue and transport fell through for this week and he needs rescue now. Look at this poor boy. He is so very deserving and SO VERY SWEET. YOU HONESTLY WILL NOT MEET A SWEETER DOG. LOVES EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING. OTHER DOGS, etc. Please, such a deserving dog. Wilmer gets some of the saddest cases ever. He DESPERATELY needs someone to save him. Very, very cute. We know he is an adult that was an owner release by someone no longer able to care for him (so sorry - no details - someone may have passed away) and is very sweet. Hopefully you can see here what a sweet face he has. Clearly he is some type of Pointer or Hound (or Dal Mix) and he so deserves to have someone love him.” Leighann says the contact for helping Colin is 4-Legged Helpers President Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

PATSY: SOMETIMES SHE WILL
‘JUST SHAKE AND TUCK HER TAIL’
Well, for crying out loud, there’s got to be a human or a rescue group that can get this girl to a loving home. We learned about her from the volunteer Mesquite Shelter biographer Debra Chisholm. 
Patsy is “a mixed breed of total cuteness,” Debra wrote. The year-old, 24-pound stray came in on the 8th. But, it hasn’t been easy for her.
“This pup is a work in progress,” Debra writes. “She is very uneasy at the shelter and will sometimes just shake and tuck her tail.  She will not walk on a leash and in all probability has never had a leash on.  At this point she has to be carried out to the yard because she is so fearful and nervous.  She will need extra patience and TLC and undoubtedly getting out of the shelter will help her comfort level.  She is cautiously friendly--not unfriendly, probably just not knowing who she can trust.  One of our volunteers is working with her.” At the shelter she’s #45853298. Use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
MEANWHILE, IT’S TIME THE PUPS
FIND SAFE PLACES TO GO…
We got word of this challenge from Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. She put us in touch with Lajean Fenske who is trying to help the puppies find safe places to go. They’re currently in Gun Barrel City, on the banks of Cedar Creek Lake, so close to the Metrosprawl that you can get there and back on a tank of gas. [LARRY ASIDE: I don’t know if you have to recharge an electric car or if there’s a rechargng station in Gun Barrel City.]
 Anyway, the story is these puppies need homes. That comes from LaJean who added, “Immediately!” and explained, “This elderly lady is desperate, she can't feed them or get their shots. They are getting out of the yard and into the street. Please text 903 880 6628.”
 There are 3 girls and 5 boys and, Lajean reports, “They are jumping up on this little lady and grabbing and scratching her up, and may possibly knock her down the stairs if we don’t help her soon!” 

What kind of dogs are they? Well, they appear to be puppy dogs. They are the growing offspring of one kind or another or, more likely, one kind and another. 
[LARRY ASIDE: Rule of thumb with this type of puppy: Mutts are good dogs. But, all dogs are good dogs if they have a good human who can say “Sit” and mean it with love.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
POODLES AND THEIR LIVES…
Gregory, a full-size poodle, was huge, the biggest dog in the neighborhood of our school, Highland Park Elementary in Texarkana, Texas. Way back in the 1950s, happy Gregory used to come visit the kids and the campus during lunch and recess. I think he had a kid who went to school there — maybe. I was probably in the first or second grade when he first romped onto the playground — he looked as big as a pony and he had fantastic curly hair. [That is not Gregory, but it is a Standard Poodle that appears on the website of Indian Trail Animal Hospital in North Carolina.] That dog looks like Gregory, except that second-graders had to stand on a stack of book satchels and look up to be eye-to-eye with him. Gregory was nothing like the dogs in my neighborhood 8 blocks north — we had Collies, Border Collies, a German Shepherd, Boxers, a Fox Terrier and mutts. You know, “normal” dogs for the 1950s in a small town full of Word War II veterans and brand new black and white TV sets. The first time we’d see Gregory gleefully bouncing onto the campus, a lot of us kids were given to asking with wonder, “Whut kinda dawg is thayut? Will he bite?” Someone said, “Poodle,” and a few of us said, “Naw, Poodles are little bitty thangs.” I don’t know who Gregory’s humans were but I hope somewhere on some grownup’s wall or mantle, there’s a photo of a family with this big ol’ black Poodle with the giant smile and the puffed-at-the-end rapidly, happily wagging tail. Poodles — great dogs. …. I’m on a mailing list that offers wordplay and puns each morning — sometimes the puns are solid groaners. The name of mailout is “ThinkAndLaughDaily” — all one word. On Wednesday it arrived with a “Happy Random Thought/Puns” offering that reads, “Poodles are little clouds with legs.” Gregory was a Big Cloud With Legs. …
 And that is my late Cocker Spaniel Inky, forever in my heart — he was the Cocker Laureate of Texas and our staff impersonator. This is from the Inky Files. Here he is giving us his impression of a Gregory-sized poodle romping onto an elementary school campus in the mid-1950s in Texarkana, spying an open door to the cafeteria and racing in to spot a healthy platter of Mom’s It’s An Education Meatloaf with side orders of Duck 'n' Cover Mashed Potatoes and a Makes-You-Smarter Brownie for dessert. Choice of milk — white or chocolate in a glass bottle with a paper lid you had to pull out of the mouth of the bottle with your little elementary school fingers. And this concludes today’s trip from Fort Worth, Mumbai and Mesquite to Wilmer and a 1950s school where education was the goal and Gregory the Poodle was the amazing big dog.
— Offer memories of campus dogs or dorm cats by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

A FLORENTINE FELINE; FREE DALLAS CRITTERS; STRAYDOG'S FACES AND

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 [PetPowellPress] A few years ago we rescued a tiny kitten. This is the tiny baby, once known as Ivy Diane and known now as Simon the BIG Boycat.
I snapped this photo on the left when he’d been staring at a treat box on top of the refrigerator for about 5 minutes — he’s working on his telekinetic ability to move items, i.e., treats, through the air, I am almost certain.

Anyway, at noon Tuesday, I was putting together a spinach ’n’ lettuce salad with tomato and other healthy stuff and turned away to get something from the nearby refrigerator.
When I turned back around, I saw Simon, against the house rules, on the counter. He’d delicately lifted a spinach leaf from my bowl, moved to the other end of the counter and was chewing the spinach as if he’d never been fed in his life.
Yes, this cat likes spinach. It may be his way of commemorating Vegetarian Awareness Month.
In the mugshot, I’d asked him, “Who do you think you are, Clint Eastwood?” and he gave me that Clint Squint. He’s up for a role in an Eastwood remake, The Good, The Bad and the Kitty.

DIDJA KNOW DAS HAS THIS GOING?
A FALL FREE-CRITTER SPECIAL
Honestly, my dear long-time readers and rescuers and advocates, did you ever think you’d see a time when Dallas Animal Services could run repeated “free adoption specials”? Good grief, I remember when it was nearly impossible to get DAS to even promote that it had an adoption program. Remember that little dark and smelly shelter next door to the Dallas Zoo? Oh, my. To quote Bob Dylan, “Things have changed.”
So, when I saw the notice on the Dallas Animal Services website (dallasanimalservices.org), I decided to take a gander at the available animals. 
That dog is Charlie, a 51-pound Labrador Retriever, the shelter says. Clearly Charlie is an Earhound.
Ah, the joy of an adopted dog! Someone to lean on who’ll lean right back with affection.
Same thing with an adopted cat — personal testimony. They may not eat your spinach, but they will figure out away to be in your lap when you need comforting during either a Dallas Cowboys game or a televised senate hearing.
These cats represent the range of ages of available felines at DAS.
That’s Elaine, the Tabby girl who is about 5 years old and weighs in at 10-pounds. [LARRY ASIDE: She is the last adoptable Tabby in Dallas, Texas — wait, let me check that. Nope, plenty more Tabby Cats are available in Dallas and North Texas and the rest of Texas.]
Elaine might be the best cat in the universe — just needs a kind person to adopt her and patiently let her adjust to life in, the DAS bio says, “a castle” where she “will rule with elegance and grace.”

Then there’s this fuzzy photo of a kitten (one of a zillion available in Dallas — if not a zillion, at least several large clowders) named Viper. That fuzzy photo comes from the DAS website’s adoptables list. The very clear photo of the kitten with the Mohawk hairstyle comes from DAS’s Facebook page. I think both pictures are of Viper. Adorable boy, needs adorable human. Don't you think?
[LARRY ASIDE: Remember, the Pandemic has made “adoption appointments” the way of bureaucracy for adopting animals at DAS. They’re free, but you’ll need three things: (1) An appointment; (2) Completed paperwork and (3) a big heart determined to be the best adoptor ever on the planet and if you have a smidgen of a thought that you’ll dump the cat or dog if you change your mind, change you mind first and don’t bother an innocent dog or cat with your wishywashy ways. Dangit, help me off this soapbox before a slat snaps and I break something when I land. Heed me, however, don’t make life difficult for animals. There’s a special place in…wait, that’s too theological for a Wednesday.]
WE VISIT STRAYDOG
AND FIND SOME FACES!

One of our longtime favorite places is Straydog, the no-kill shelter and sanctuary in East Texas near Gun Barrel City. It was founded in 1994 and keeps percolatin’, as folks in Northeast Texas might say. So, we looked in on the shelter’s adoptables and found these great faces at straydog.org.
Joe is the blue-eyed Catahoula mix who was born in the spring of 2009 and weighs in at 54 pounds. He and his sister were abandoned strays. Joe had a special condition, however. Straydog says that shelter personnel “soon discovered that Joe was deaf. When he's sleeping, he doesn't wake up if you call his name, clap, or make loud noises. You have to touch him. Joe is a very sweet dog. He loves playing with his kennel mate. Joe likes most dogs and he would do well with children. Joe would make a great family pet for any family because does not know that he is any different from any other dog.  He would love to be a part of a forever family.”

Then there’s the great face of Chubs, a Catahoula mix. He’s 10 years old — yep, born in 2011. And, Straydog says, “He gets along well with other dogs. He has a beautiful coat and likes to be brushed.  He is friendly and will make a great addition to your family.”

The “gorgeous Lab mix” is Ebony, born in January, 2008. Her bio reads, “She is a very outgoing dog. She loves playing and running around, followed by some ear-scratching time.  Ebony does like some other dogs (it depends on the other dog),  and she would do best in a home without small children (older children would be great).  She is very loving and would make someone very happy in her new forever home.”
Here’s the key contact point: Email straydog shelter@gmail.com to ask about adopting a dog or to ask about becoming a foster for this enduring sanctuary. And take some time to go to straydog.org and read about the history of Straydog and its late founder Pat Arnold. Her legacy is the foundation of this ongoing effort to help dogs find good homes. 


CONTEMPLATIONS
A CAT, A CAROL, A BLOB ’N' SPY
Once you’ve seen a cat eating spinach, how can you even begin to think about anything else during your day? Well, of course, I have a mind that wanders and I’m now wondering if the fact that the cat was raised by us from less than 3 weeks old has had an effect on his life. He’s an insomniac and he likes to watch TV after midnight. …
When the political campaigns are done and the election is over, what in the world will we all talk about? Will it be a quieter nation? Will we focus on the Thanksgiving meal and Christmas shopping and our assorted holy days? I think Simon and I may watch the 1938 Reginald Owen-as-Scrooge version of A Christmas Carol sometime Wednesday — or maybe I’ll let him read the book to me. Which reminds me: I watched the opening minute or two of the film Cats on HBO and shut it off — I’m going to need to dedicate some time to get through it, I think. When I looked up the movie poster, I realized that Cats was the big promotion for Christmas season movies in 2019 —- what in the world will be promoted for movie houses in 2020. …
I have no doubt that in the 1950s-‘60s heyday of William Castle and Roger Corman, directors of scary films, the virus would have been a lead character in a drive-in movie, since drive-ins appear to be making a whisper of a return. Heck, that 1958 Steve McQueen-staring teenage thriller, The Blob,might even be remade as a virus movie! I’d get started on that script right now except that I’d rather write a comedy and make people laugh. So, here’s the opening paragraph: “Simon the Cat looked across the spinach field and began to smile and purr. He’d happily sunk his savings into the world's most successful spinach farm and his life’s ambition was about to be realized. He would change his name. As a secret agent using a spinach farm as a cover, he would exchange ‘Simon Mycroft Holmes’ for the more elegant business card designation: Simon Florentine, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Cue the SPY MUSIC HERE and excuse the commercial. "Forget the ad; remember the spinach spy," Simon says.
—- Offer spyviews or contraviews by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com —-

DOGS, CATS, PEOPLE AND MALL BUSKERS -- A VEGETARIAN COMBO PLATTER FOR TUESDAY

EDITION OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Here we are with our Tuesday edition and we have nothing particularly pithy to begin this edition with — and the reason I’m writing this after the dash is I know it’s not so swell to end a sentence with a preposition. However, I have finished paragraphs with propositions, but that’s another story. Here’s what we have today. 

HOW ABOUT THIS GUY OSCAR?
AMONG 
THE ‘WAITING’
You know how you can become attached to certain breeds because of certain dogs and cats in your past? I’m crazy about Cocker Spaniels because of Inky; I love black and white cats because of Poirot and Cyril; and I adore Chihuahuas because of Vera and Rosie. So, it’s the Chihuahua Effect that has me posting the notice for Oscar. 
Here’s the story on Oscar and we get it, of course, from 4-Legged Helpers. The report on Oscar is he is “just as precious and cute as can be. He is bigger than a Chi and some sort of mix but whatever he is, it is truly adorable.” Looks like a Chihuahua mix, to me. Well-fed. 
Here’s the tick-me-off part. He was picked up as a stray. He has a microchip. But the note from 4-Legged Helpers reads, “Despite numerous calls and emails, no owner is responding.” The report says Lancaster gives an owner two weeks to respond to a microchip call, so Oscar will become available on October 21.

In the meantime, we will mention again three animals that we’ve mentioned before — surely someone will help the sister dogs and the baby cat. 
Snowball and Roo, the pair dumped in an abandoned house are still waiting for rescue or adoption. (LARRY FYI: It’s against the law in Texas to abandon animals — of course, it’s against the law to drive while intoxicated, steal cars, shoot up the neighborhood, speed on the freeway…Oh, creeps don’t care…)
Anyway, to ask about any of these animals, including that pretty kitten Daniella, call or text 4-Legged Helpers President Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

NOW, LET’S TAKE A MOMENT
TO LOOK AT MESQUITE’S ANIMALS
We do this all the time — just like we do with Lancaster’s animals. Why? Because those shelters have active volunteer publicity campaigns that bring attention to the unwanted animals in the shelters. We cite other shelters, too. And rescue groups. And individuals. It’s a great big pro-animal community in North Texas, isn’t it! [LARRY ASIDE: You folks ought to all be proud of your work and saving lives and influencing people who “didn’t know” about shelters and rescue until YOU taught them! Think about the animals you’ve saved and the people who are so grateful that you helped them adopt a dog or cat that once was on the clock or on the street or in a backyard breeder fix. Oh, my!]
At Mesquite, we usually deal with Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm, a couple of volunteer biographers of dogs they actually meet before they write about them. Sometimes we get tips from the Friends of Mesquite Animals. That’s the case with our opening dog. He’s Bruno, a 2-year-old, 80-pound Pittie mix. Here’s the chilling passage: “He arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 10/5 as he was seized by the police.” Somebody saved him. 
And there’s this description from the bio: “Bruno is a very sweet gentle boy that loves to sit to be petted, and sit next to you and be rubbed him on his sides. … He may have been abused as he will slink down when you initially try to pet him. After a few mins of showing him love he builds confidence and has a big smile on his face.” See Bruno’s VIDEO HERE.
His ID is 45825892 — use that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or when you email rescues@cityof mesquite.com. 
Same process for all these animals, too.
That Rottie mix is “RESCUE ONLY,” 8-month-old, 60-pound Prosper, an owner surrender back on September 19. Why? His bio says it was because “he is too active and jumps on people.” The bio also says he was adopted a second time and surrendered again on Sept. 25. He’s had no social training, but he has puppy energy. Of course, the real problem is he hasn’t found a patient human who’ll help him become a well-behaved dog — just needs to be told how to behave (told gently!) He’s #45437266. And his video is HERE.
And that brings us to these four dogs; Autumn is the brindle girl; Bingo is the dog with the white face and the black ear; Phantom is the Lab mix with the smile and Leo is the boxer.
Bio-writer Debra says the beautifully-coated Autumn is a “fun-loving,” 2-year-old, 56-pound Pittie mix who came in as a stray on the 6th. Walks well on a leash and “is a friendly, sweet-natured girl who is playful and lively.” During her photo shoot, she “enjoyed playing fetch.” She’s #45832371.
Debra reports Bingo, a year-old, 53-pound Pittie mix is also a former stray, arriving on October 7. What a face and set of ears! And she writes, “He ‘talks’ to you sometimes when interacting. he has lots of tail-wagging puppy energy and has a delightful personality. … When we were in the yard for his photo session, he climbed up on the bench next to me , wanting to give kisses and be in my lap. He is a real charmer.” He’s 45844010.

Leo the Boxer came in on September 29 with another stray. He weighs 54 pounds and is a year old, Debra reports. “He has an outgoing, confident personality,” she says, “He is active, exuberant and friendly. He has lots of fun-loving puppy energy.” Leo’s #45627840. And he’s quite the handsome fellow.
And that brings us to Phantom (#45652563), a 5-year-old, 60-pound Lab mix who came in as a stray on Oct. 2. Debra’s bio reads, “Phantom was very stressed and uneasy for the first several days at the shelter.  However, one of our volunteers spent time with him, showing Phantom that she could be trusted.  He has relaxed and moves about with more confidence.  … He showed his athleticism during the photo shoot by enjoying the climbing equipment.  He would undoubtedly blossom to show his true sweet and lovable character in a quiet and secure home situation.”

Again, to help any of these dogs by adoption or rescue, use their ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com

CONTEMPLATIONS
MONTHS FOR ALL & MALL BUSKERS
The Holiday Insights online calendar says that among the many months noted in October is Awareness Month — there’s a lost cause. And, also, National Vegetarian Awareness Month and National Sarcasm Month. The 13th is International Skeptics Day — occurs during presidential campaigns so I suppose the nation is divided on skepticism, too. One more note: As a longtime vegetarian with a gift/curse of sarcasm, I can see how Vegetarian Month and Sarcasm Month fit together. Like if you go into a barbecue joint and order the vegetarian platter, there’s bound to be someone with a sarcastic note — I’m frequently in their party. But here is a rock-solid truth: The best salad bars are at Texas steakhouses. If you can stand the fact that pieces of so many dead animals are being “prepared.” Would it be sarcastic to suggest that carnivores need to celebrate Awareness Month? FYI: October 18 is National Meatloaf Appreciation Day and, yes, you can make “meatloaf” with plant-based faux meat. No animal will die just to make your tastebuds happy. … 
 

Haven’t been mall shopping in a while, but I spotted this mall performance video while looking for something else and it sort of got to me, having been a malleable teenager when this song Unchained Melody was a Righteous Brothers hit. (LARRY FYI: By malleable I mean “easily influenced” not “able to visit a mall. My home town didn’t have a mall when I was a teenager — it only had a downtown.) I hope you enjoy THIS PERFORMANCE by Irish buskers Allie Sherlock and her singing partner Cuan Durkin at the Dublin shopping area “Grafton Street. And I hope we all soon get to enjoy some unchained mall shopping without wondering about the person next to us and whether that darned mask is working. in our usual style of being late to cultural developments, we declare, for the good of the Planet Earth, save the mall buskers!
— Offer pro or anti mall busking opinions by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “Thank you for not singing” in the subject line. —-

FOR MONDAY, AN ARRAY OF DOGS AND CATS WITH THE SAME NEED: A HOME...

EDITION OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Even 2020’s fortune cookies can leave a bad taste in your mouth. The one I got Sunday was unusually cruel for a basically un-social guy. It read, “Your social skills are your best asset in the coming months.” That’s distressing. My other skills are rancid — and my social skills are worse.
But lets help a cat. That’s Scotty — he’s got a story and if you’re thinking “Scottish Fold,” think again. Or, just read on and we’ll tell your the story. Word clue: “Cauliflower.” Keep reading. 
Here’s what we have for Monday’s opening approach to the week.
IF THERE’S A HURRICANE IN LOUISIANA,
THERE ARE NEW DOGS AT THE SPCA
More than a dozen “unowned pets” came from Louisiana’s Beauregard and Calcasieu Parishes to the SPCA of Texas late last week — yep, trying to get out before that latest nasty storm arrived. 
See the photos of the Hurricane Delta arrivals by going to THIS SITE.
That white dog in the cage is from Beauregard and the black Earhound with the toy is from Calcasieu. (In case you wanted to know, Calcasieu is the parish in which Lake Charles was battered and Beauregard is the parish just north of that.)
As you probably know, the SPCA needs help with these rescue efforts and the non- profit had, indeed, teamed with “with national animal welfare organizations, the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®)to relocate 55 unowned pets from Louisiana on Thursday, October 8, in preparation for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Delta.”
As, of course, the SPCA says it will care for and evaluate the animals “for placement on a case-by-case basis.” You can help with this project by going to www.spca.org/give. And you can also see how to adopt at spca.org.
Speaking of adoption, I took the liberty of looking at the SPCA cats and discovered this little kitten — The M is for Mouse, maybe. That’s his name and that is one dramatic M on that 3-months-old “Brown Domestic Short Hair Classic Tabby” who came from another shelter to the SPCA. The story is he’s “quiet” but you can “get him going with a feather pole toy.” Make an appointment at spca.org/catadopt to see him.
SCOTTY’S SPECIAL NEEDS MEAN
HE NEEDS A HAPPY, LOVING PLACE
Among my former colleagues from through the years is Aline McKenzie, who also wrote animal stories for The Big Paper Downtown in Dallas. She also is an animal advocate and that’s how we are getting to know about Scotty. 
Aline says Scotty is “a special-needs cat that we're fostering for North Texas Cat Rescue. He's a former tomcat who a friend found in February, weak and emaciated on her lawn. He's turned out to be a total sweetheart - he's got a low-key personality and just likes to hang out with the people. He looks like a Scottish fold, but he isn't. He's just got cauliflower ears from his life on the streets. 
“The catch is that he's positive for the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), so he can't be around uninfected cats (even if they're vaccinated). He's been living in our office and hangs out with us when we work. He'd make a perfect office cat for a lucky business, or a great companion for someone who wants a fuss-free companion kitty.
“As an FeLV+ cat, Scotty's lifespan is unknown, but the amount of love he has to give is infinite. He's currently young and healthy, so with good care, he could live for years. NTCR will sponsor his  FeLV medical bills after adoption. Interested adopters can get more details and inquire through his Petfinder listing."
CHECK OUT THE HEELER COAT;
CONSIDER LUCY, CASSANDRA
This girl is Lucy, a female Blue Heeler currently in the Glenn Heights Shelter on the southern side of Dallas. It’s a small shelter in a small town, so, of course, we got the info on Lucy from Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden of the 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on small shelters.
The note from the Helpers reads, “The ACO at Glenn Heights contacted us begging for this dog and asking if we knew anyone that could help save her.  Her name is Lucy and she is about 2 years old.  Has the cutest little docked or bobtail. We understand she is extremely intelligent and adores people. The ACO said she thinks she would be a great companion for someone or would even be a great herding dog.” 
To help Lucy, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. [LARRY ASIDE: We had one of those Heeler girls for more than a decade — smart and a great presence in our home. I hope I get to see her again some day. I’ll need a really good lawyer at the Pearly Gates. Maybe Annie will testify on my behalf.]
JAKE’S GOT BALANCE;
HE JUST NEEDS A HOME
This is one of those things. I was going through the animals in the Mesquite Animal Shelter — checking tips from biographers Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm, when this dog’s pose caught my eye. He’s Jake (#45410664), a Pittie mix who came into the shelter on Aug. 30 and spent 10 days in bite quarantine — he’d scratched his owner on the hand and foot when a human was breaking up a scrap between Jake and another dog, his online bio says. It also says he’s about 2, not neutered, weighs 65 pounds and “has the most beautifully striking eyes. Jake walks OK on a leash but is a strong puller. He did his business in the shelter yard. He will sit for treats. He is a friendly and playful youngster and in his exuberance he will jump on you. Obedience classes could remedy that and teach him other manners … Jake is lively and high energy! He seems confident, well-adjusted and seems to have been well cared for. Jake would seem best suited in a home with active people who would take him for walks, jogging or just exercise and play with him to burn off some of that energy.”
Judi spotlighted Max the 3-year-old, 71-pound German Shepherd. He was turned over to the shelter on October 7 because his human lived in an apartment and, Judi writes, “felt like Max needed a larger space and yard. I can’t agree more.” When he first came to the shelter and was “decompressing,” he almost would not come back inside the shelter from exercising. With Judi, he “warmed up to me,” she says. And he “likes having his ears scratched and being petted. When I tried to stop, he nudged me, letting me know he wanted me to continue.” (He’s #45550853.)
 For these dogs or this upcoming cat, be sure to use their ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.  And check out Max's ear-posing -- that, folks, is a genuine Earhound.
And while I was looking at Mesquite Animal Shelter’s list of dogs and cats HERE I found this girl, Cassandra, She’s #45570388, about 2 months old, and tabby with a great set of racing stripes on that cute little noggin. She came in on 9/21 — one of many kittens in the shelter. [LARRY ASIDE: Her listing says you can find her with Officer Hallway — hang on. Sorry, that’s “in the Officer Hallway” at the shelter. There is no Officer Hallway, yet. It could happen. There’s probably been an Officer Hall at some point, or maybe a Captain Corridor.…]
CONTEMPLATIONS
FORTUNE COOKIES, WANDERING MIND…
BACK TO FORTUNE COOKIES. My fortunatespouse Martha, who rarely pays attention to fortune cookies (leaves ‘em unopened most of the time) cracked her’s open Sunday at a Fort Worth restaurant and said, “Finally, a good fortune.” The little message on the slip of cookie paper read, “You will know what to do” and added a lawyer’s phone number. I’m kidding about the lawyer. But she always knows what to do — ask anybody who has fouled up a computer by hitting the wrong buttons at the wrong time. Anybody who has done that being me, of course. … Anybody else see the story in the Lakewood Advocate about the guys and the kid flopped on the sidewalk at the Dallas Arboretum and reaching for fish in the famous Koi Pond? Here’s the Advocate LINK and it includes a brief video of this odd behavior and notes that not one of "the stars" is wearing a mask. And, of course, readlarrypowell.com wonders if they’ve ever given a thought to visiting a zoo and reaching into the alligator habitat. Maybe trying to pet a tiger. As a dad, of course, my concern is the older guys are teaching that kid how to misbehave and get away with it. … I think we could use a positive song today. But failing that, when you consider politics and the Dak Prescott injury in the Cowboys game and assorted challenges in the nation, we’ll seek comfort from the guy who wrote this line: “People are crazy and times are strange…” Here’s the link to Things Have Changed
 and, of course, I apologize for the commercial interruption before you can hear Bob Dylan perform. Somebody’s always making a buck. Not everybody. But somebody.
—- Offer observations or objections by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

MORNING SHOWER IN AUTUMN...

What in the world are your dogs and cats doing while you are in the shower, soaking in the tub or shaving your face and/or your legs?
 Yeah, I know, they’re probably right there with you in your all-American luxury “loo,” to borrow from the British.
[LARRY ASIDE: That term "loo" is derived from the French “l’eau,” for “water,” if my research is solid, or “recherche solide.” This “l’eau” business, I believe, led to the British term “WC” for “water closet.”Très magnifique! Oui?” STOP!]
Sorry. I was channeling a talking mime — and there is no mime in that hallway photograph. Porche comes closest, but that is not makeup on her face. It is fur — she’s like her male human — fur all over the face.
In this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, we address the privacy rules enforced by the Lone Star Shower Dog Unit. Fortunately I was able to catch one dog sleeping during his shift — no demerits; apparently one dog is allow to sleep during a three- or four-dog shift.

Three of the shower sentinel dogs are in the hall just outside the shower door. One, Wendy, is inside the WC, sleep- ing with her back pressed against the tub and within rescue dist- ance should the human cry out for a flota- tion de- vice.
 The person in the shower is an unidentified North American Home Exposition model I hired for purposes of this photo shoot.
I’m kidding. These dogs are guarding my soakedspouse Martha, the human to whom they’ve barksworn their allegiance in all rooms of the house and around the property.
[LARRY NOTE: My funspouse Martha was unaware of my plan to create this very special “Morning Shower in Autumn” edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.]
In the long view — shot from the kitchen door — our front entryway is on the left. On the right is the living room door and at the end of the hall is the windowed door to my office. At that point you turn right and you find our guest bedroom to the left and, down another long hallway, you’ll find our Buckingham Palace-sized bedroom. Yes, that is actual hardwood on the floor — not laminate.
 What about those rugs? They help the older dogs keep their footing when they walk, race or run past the “NO DOGTROTTING” signs in the hallway. Making that sharp turn is tough on ol’ dogs and their paws.
 In the hallway, you see Dudley the Angel, a Border Collie mix, flat out asleep in the bathroom doorway. Porche is alert behind him. And peeking around the corner of the long bedroom hallway is our wonderful Wottweiler, er, Rottweiler, Texas Earl the Cheeseman.  [LARRY NOTE: That "stacked" photo is probably a decade old and shows The Senator atop, Porche in the middle and Earl under Porche (literally). Dudley took the photo -- I'm kidding. That photo was shot before Dudley was born, before he became a "wander-up" free dog.]
With that, we declare that we have demonstrated that we can Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and, with this final photo, we show that we can also let a Napping Cat Nap. While I was snapping the dog photos, my personal confidante and key issues counselor, The Senator, was on his luxurious autumn blanket in a chair under the dining room table. He’s such a gentleman — I’ve never seen him wander into the lady’s bathroom while the shower was running. On the other hand, The Senator treats the boy’s bath as if it is a locker room and he is the coach. He has a whistle on a lanyard but I’m not sure he can put his catlips around it and blow. Cats usually have other people whistle for them. They'll come when you whistle if they think you've earned it.
[PLEASE, PLEASE, IF YOU DO NOT WIN LOTTO TEXAS THIS WEEKEND, take the spare time you have -- since you won’t need to meet with a tax lawyer -- and send me sleeping dog and napping cat or any slumbering critter photographs for our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Email photos and bios to dallrp@aol.com. Thank you. And, remember, insomniacs will benefit from your stories and photos — some are already buying rectangular rugs and planning on flopping down on the floor outside a bathroom to see if they can catch some sleep. Ah, insomniacs, our hearts are in the right place -- just not on the right pillow, or bed, or recliner.]
--- Offer slumber advice by clicking on 'comments' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put 'sweet dreams, baby from roy orbison' in the subject line. (Click HERE, BABY.) ---

REVERSAL OF FORTUNE FOR SNOWBALL; SIS ROO WAITS, TOO; PARKING LOT DOG SAVED; AND CONTEMPLATING THE NEED FOR FACTS

EDITION OF THURSDAY10-08/FRIDAY10-09, 2020 [PetPowellPress] We have so much new info we can’t wait for the next news cycle. So, we’re publishing our Friday edition early. We have a rescued dog — the one in this photograph from Kilgore, in East Texas. 
And we have disheartening news about two siblings, Snowball and Roo — BUT THERE’S TIME TO SAVE THEIR LIVES. If someone acts swiftly. Please read on — if you can’t help, forward all this to someone who can. More eyes, more help, you know? … And there’s a gun-shot dog from, maybe, Texarkana. Read on.
FROM A KILGORE PARKING LOT
TO A SAFE PLACE WITH LOVE…
You may remember seeing that weeks-old photo from an earlier edition of readlarrypowell.com or from a post on the internet by Susy Kennedy Rosonke or Lacy David or other people who fell for the dog nobody could catch. 
Workers nearby said a few weeks ago that she’d been “dropped off” and “she sits and watches the cars everyday thinking she’s gonna get picked up.”
She became elusive. But somebody caught her. And her name is now “Penny.” “It fits her,” Susy wrote. “She is no longer that Denny's Dog or that Wendy's Dog. She is my girl for now!” There was a vet visit in her future — more on that in a moment.
How was Penny caught? Susy told me, “We staked her out 5 hours in the morning (Tuesday) and stopped for the afternoon. Our ‘darter’ went back and got her around 4:30. I learned how hard it is to dart because you have only one shot and it has to be in the right spot so it doesn’t damage her. The problem was she took a lot of naps!” And nobody was sure where she was napping! 
Suzy says, “I worked 4 weeks on her with a trap, other dogs to lure her and trying to gain her trust which I lost early on because my slip leash didn't get her. The ladies at Denny’s (special thanks to manager Lee Ann Carroll) helped me daily as well.” (Here's the LINK to the video on Facebook of Penny after getting her first bath at the vet's.)
Penny will be with Suzy while she’s being treated for heartworms. “The odds are I will adopt her to a Canadian Rescue because they always find the best homes and I’ll never risk her being an outside only dog. She is an absolute sweetheart and stuck to me like glue.”

Then there’s this. “Penny hates car rides — totally make her panic….She is only 4 to 6 years of age and sadly heavy heartworm-positive. I’ll be doing a fundraiser for her later. Her (first vet) bill was $216…. Overall, she was in prety good shape but I couldn’t afford blood work. She is either in heat or about to go into heat, but no babies were spotted. I won’t get her fixed ’til we do heartworm treatment.”
There are upbeat moments. Consider this post from Susy: “Penny ate!! … I am pretty excited and she ate her dental bone too!! .. She is so scared and timid...honestly surprises me. I assumed the whole parking lot thing was because she didn't want to be caught -- because she seemed fairly confident when I was with her. I decided to do the long leash early because she is stuck to me like glue!! Also the only time she gets more than a foot from me [during a walk] is to head for the front door...that tells me she considers this home.”
 [LARRY ASIDE: I'm including that parking lot photo again because it really touched people and deserves to get more hearts looking at it and thinking, "What if that were my dog! I'd hope someone would work to save my dog."]
In one report, Susy wrote, “I pray she is sweet and realizes she is loved.” Then Susy offered these appreciations — the ol’ “it takes a village” philosophy — “Thank you Chelsie Carnley for telling me about her..thank you Lacy David for posting her and helping with stake outs ! Thank you April Heim Ratcliff for helping go out there with me and for telling me about Serene Tirri who's a blessing!! … Penny is sleeping hard and probably her first real sleep in a long time. Thanks to all who donated!”
You can donate to Penny’s cause and send a note of admiration by emailing susyphmc@hotmail.com. She has both PayPal and Venmo. 
Suzy is involved in saving animals in the East Texas territory that includes Kilgore, Longview, Gilmer and the Lake of the Pines area. We have a network of ladies here and many save more than I do. We all help each other out.
 I’m not a 501c3, just an independent who saves as many as I can and mainly I use Niagra Dog Rescue in Canada. I bet I’ve done 200 in the last year and a half. I work with local rescues, too, but I like to send my babies far from here." Then she adds:

"I never want them thrown in a back yard and forgotten.”

***

SAD NEWS FOR SNOWBALL, BUT SHE
AND SISTER ROO STILL HAVE A CHANCE
That chance exists thanks to the small group 4-Legged Helpers that focuses on small shelters and lone rescue incidents! Here’s the irritating news about Snowball, bless 4-Legged Helpers Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden for sticking with the mission. Yep, two dogs back on the death clock.
Snowball, a spayed senior female pocket shepherd appeared to be safely out of the Lancaster Animal Shelter. She’d been rescued with her sis, Roo (AKA Brownie) when they were abandoned in an empty house and found by the Lancaster ACO.
The Helpers note about the new development for these “pocket shepherds” reads, “Terribly sad update. Snowball was returned through no fault of her own when the vet observed she is an older dog. It's just another incredibly, incredibly sad chapter in the journey of these two girls.  
"These precious Pocket Shepherd siblings are sweet, gentle, loving girls that are so incredibly deserving.  They have been stolen in the past by a foster.  Abandoned at at empty home.  Roo is the worst case of overbreeding we have ever seen.  Just heartbreaking. We understand they were both at DAS about a year and a half ago before being stolen. They deserve so much better in this life.  Please!!!  Sweet Snowball is already spayed. Precious Roo (because she looks exactly like a cute little kangaroo with those ears) has been overbred and will need to be fixed if the vet feels it can be done. A vet may be able to give suggestions on what could be done about the sagging skin and chewed-on teats on her tummy.   Despite everything these probable siblings have been through they are loving and sweet as can be and thoroughly enjoyed being cuddled.” 
Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. 
Use the same info to ask about this girl Daniella, a Tiger Tabby kitten found in Wilmer where the shelter is not so accommodating to adoptions. “Kittens and cats have nowhere to go,” the Helpers say. She needs a safe place to land and mature into a grown-up, loving cat. Get in touch with Laura to save Daniella.

CONTEMPLATIONS
DUMPED, SHOT AND FACTUAL ADVICE
You might wonder where all those unwanted dogs in East Texas come from. We got a clue on Wanda Miles Mathes’ Facebook post with the title “HEADS UP, KILGORE.”
See that photo combo?
The accompanying text, posted on October 4, read, “These dogs and puppies were left at this trailer on Ace King Road, They (the people) have moved and just left them. It's not right. These dogs are expecting them to come back.”
[LARRY ASIDE: When I contemplate these situations, my inclination to to declare the humans to be evil. Maybe they’re just too stupid to have dogs. Maybe something awful happened in their lives that caused the uprooting and abandonment of the animals — but, I think it is important to remind Texans now and then that it is against the law to abandon animals in the Lone Star State. It’s a crime, and, from my heart, it’s a damned shame you can’t be a respectable person, a responsible person.]
That brings us to this collection of photos pulled off Facebook. Neena Price, who posted it, is in the same boat we’re in. She was moved to try to do something to help the dog, but the previous poster included no contact information.
So, I’m gambling here, rollin’ the dice, that someone in Texarkana will see this post of a Texarkana dog’s situation and email us at dallrp@aol.com so we can help the dog get a ride to a safe place. 
Here’s the message that’s being sent around: “This dog was found with gun shot. A rescue tagged it, then after finders took to vet, the rescue dropped them. Does anyone know a rescue that can help now. Dog needs jaw repair now after initial healing. Texarkana Tx but have transport to Dallas area.”
[LARRY ASIDE: I'd like to find the person who shot this dog and beat him senseless-- but, clearly, it's too late to beat him senseless.]

AND NOW A NOTE TO POSTERS AND EMAILERS: First I’m praising the huge number of people who always include all of the pertinent contact information. You are wonderful.
But there are these other people….geez, they tick me off.

As a veteran journalist — I began working as a newspaper reporter in 1965 and for 55 years and counting and there has been one glorious truth for every day of that more than half-century. It is this: 
Every story, every appeal for help should have these ingredients: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & WHY and, in the current era, HOW. Who is hurt/helping; what happened; where did it happen, when did it happen and why did it happen. And How can we reach someone to help them.                       [LARRY ASIDE: I didn't get the privilege of sitting around watching TV with big girl Wendy and short girl Porche by being cavalier or "so what" about facts!]

 

Now, here's a SAMPLE/EXAMPLE WHAT I MEAN BY THE 5 WS & the H:
(WHO) Joe the Dog (WHAT) was shot in the face (WHERE) someplace in Northeast Texas (WHEN) earlier this fall (WHY) for no damned reason and can be helped (HOW) by donations to BLANK or by someone coming to get him so he can be moved to a safer place and loved like a dog deserves. Call this number xxxxxxx or email xxxxxx. What? TWO BLANKS? Two blank spots can kill a dog or cat. Most people aren’t inclined to play detective and hunt down the mysterious numbers and addresses.
When you post a rescue note without the key ingredients, you delay the needed help. You stymie the rescue attempt. 
Your halfway (I cleaned that up) effort might kill the animal because you didn’t include a key fact, i.e., a phone number or an email address and the delay moved the animal past the deadline at the shelter. 
Pardon me for being so frustrated. But time is everything in the rescue world. Inefficiency is a fatal flaw. I’m evangelical for including facts and phone numbers/email addresses. Social media has been one of the greatest blessings for animal advocacy, but it still is no place for incomplete or “I’m just guessin’” information when it comes to saving animals’ lives. 
Wise up; save lives. Include information, not just emotions.
Yeah, I'm not perfect -- I keep the Typo Gods employed -- but there is this one eternal truth in journalism: "A reporter is only as good as his source. Don't be a lousy source."
—- Offer opposing opinions by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

DAYS FOR FOSTERS; CRAVINGS; CHEFING FOR BOXERS; SIBLINGS WAIT; 'WAUSTS' & LEVITATING

EDITION OF THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Regular visitors to readlarrypowell.com know by now that my mind wanders like a puppy in a new backyard. So, as I was moving toward the keyboard, it struck me that I don’t know if there’s a National Animal Foster Day. Still don’t, but I went to dogtripper.com's pet holidays list and discovered that the entire month of May is National Foster Care Month. Oh, and Friday, Oct. 9, is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. We’re working on it here at readlarrypowell.com. Right, Porche? (She -- on her Rug of Relaxation & Meditation -- and I are constantly fighting our cravings — for us, every day is National Craving Day. We never crave exercise. And neither does Simon the formerly palm-of-the-hand-sized abandoned kitten.) 
FYI: Nature Week continues in Contemplations as we discuss “wausts.” First, we need to help some animals.
Oh, and there’s this: The State Fair of Texas, which traditionally hosts the big Texas/OU or OU/Texas game each year, is dealing with rules for the rivalry. And you can see them HERE. Read the press release HERE. The hosts will seat just 25 percent of the big stadium (capacity 92,100 in a non-viral year). Parking is $25 per car. No valet service because of the virus. Kickoff is 11 a.m. Saturday and, if you are in your personal at-home TV room you need not wear a mask (pants are optional unless you HOA says 'no). You may enjoy a mask with either a UT or an OU on it. Or a Big Tex face mask, of course — got this from the East Texas Radio website. [LARRY ASIDE: One does wonder, of course, if that’s the REAL Big Tex behind the mask. Anybody can dress up like a cowboy, but being the real Big Tex, well, there is no distinguishable walk, you know?]

THINGS ARE COOKING
AT LEGACY BOXER RESCUE
One of the great “mission-oriented” URLs belongs to the local Legacy Boxer Rescue group — savetheboxers.com. For the past few days and through the 11th, the Legacy folks are raising money via Pamper Chef. It’s a “virtual” fundraiser for real money. Details for participating are HERE. And if you just want to order something, here’s that LINK.
And, if you wonder how handy the funds raised will be, the Covid-19 pandemic 86ed the 2020 annual Mums and Roses sale, so the Legacy folks have been figuring ways to replace one of the organization's top fundraisers. (Plans are to host Mums and Roses in the spring.)
You’ll note, of course, that rather than posting a photo of a pan of cupcakes and setting off cravings in food-sensitive writers, we are posting this photo of the very beautiful Boxer girl America, call name “Ami,” pronounced “A-me.” You can read about her and other adorable adoptables at savetheboxers. com. Ami was rescued on July 4 — she had to immediately be hospitalized to treat a big, ugly infected wound on her shoulder. And, her bio reads, she “was also very skinny and needed some groceries.” Plus, she was very afraid of humans. But, slowly, she “began to trust” people who were helping her. Took a year for her heart and her wound to heal. Legacy says she has “a pretty gnarly scar,” but a really good heart. See how to adopt her or other Legacy dogs -- such as that 5-year-old "reverse Brindle" Dottie -- by going to the website with the message, savetheboxers.com.
SIBLINGS WAITING
IN MESQUITE’S SHELTER
Among the many dogs and cats at the Mesquite Animal Shelter are these 3-year-old Pittie-mix probable siblings together since birth, Wilson and Nellie. Nellie’s the one getting the “let’s pet her” experience at the shelter. Wilson’s the dog with the magazine model poses. 
We learned about them from the shelter’s volunteer biographer Judi Brown. She reports that they were “running together” when they came in as strays on October 1. “Both are super sweet, well-behaved dogs,” she says. 
At the shelter, she reports, “Wilson (45650861) is waiting for you at the window and tries to catch your eye. He seems to be pleading with you to take him out of the shelter and into your loving home. He told me he would like to spend most of his time inside with his new family.  Wilson is a happy dog that wags his tail constantly.  He’s very gentle. He wants to please.  He sits for treats and takes them gently. He’s highly motivated by treats and once he knows you have some, he continually sits waiting for his reward. When a dog is highly motivated by treats they are usually easy to train.” He weighs in at 59 pounds.
And Judi says, “Anyone that would adopt this dog and take the time with him would be rewarded with a loyal, trusty companion.”

Of 55-pound, sweet-natured Nellie (45650860), Judi writes, “Just by looking at her sweet face you can tell that she’s a gentle, calm dog. She is very loving. Some children visited her in the yard and she loved their attention. She was very gentle with them. She loves having her butt scratched. She’s happy and wags her tail a lot. She also gives kisses. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She did explore and was very interested in the perimeter of the yard. Therefore, she will need a secure fence. She just had a litter of puppies.
"When I walked her through the bay she went nose to nose with many dogs, but she avoided the ones that were barking at her. She did not show any aggression.”

Judi adds that when you come visiting either of these dogs, you should consider taking both of them. “Both would make wonderful additions to a family.”
Call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Use their ID numbers to help keep things straight in the process.
Remember, click on this Mesquite Shelter LINK  to see the other adorable adoptables and animals in need of rescue at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Among the animals waiting is that cat Roomba, the first cat we’ve encountered named Roomba. He’s #45570579 in the record book, a year old, came in on September 21 and clearly is a Tabby . [LARRY ASIDE: Not that he’s extra charming, but he’s currently in the “Staff Foster” category so, well, you know those staffers — they’ll spoil a cat. That’s what I hear. And, as the proud cohabitor with spoiled cats, I can tell you they are perfect for human companionship. They let the human live a good life — they teach you to be alert, to be a good servant, to be a listener, to be quiet when you walk into a room, to buy socks that don’t appeal to claws when they’re on your feet, etc..]

CONTEMPLATIONS
YELLOW JACKETS, ‘WAUSTS,’ COAL OIL AND LEVITATING
Trust me, I was socially distancing when I snapped this photo with my cellphone. Yellow Jackets in a nest secured over the garage door at our old house in Oak Cliff — don’t think I don’t give ‘em time to settle down when I open that door! My uneasy relationship with these striped flying demons began as a child in Texarkana when the neighbor kids and I would be playing in the space between our house and MeeMaw Fisher’s (she was Julie Ann’s grandmother). These things loved to nest along the eaves of houses and, apparently, also loved to sting the bare arms, necks and ears of young children innocently throwing dirt clods at them. Ah, the wages of sin, my young friends, the OUCH! wages of sin. Here’s a note: We called these “Yellow Jackets,” but they may be “Paper Wasps,” if I read the research correctly. “Yellow Jackets” described them to us and the other flying beasts that attacked us were “Red Waust” (spelling by Northeast Texas 1950s accent). We’d avoid hornets now and then and bumble bees, too. …
One more note about “Yellerjackets” (one NE Texas word) and “Red Wausts”: They are the reason I learned that there is a liquid fire known as “Coal Oil” (pronounced as one word: coe-awl in the NE corner of the state) aka “Kerosene” -- they were poured on a “sting” to remove the pain. I can’t remember if this worked — the initial blinding pain of the sting left too strong a memory! Oh, and then there's this: A “waust” once flew into my 1956 Ford (about 1965) and distracted me so much that I ran off State Line Avenue about 60 feet into Texas and smacked into a cemetery sign that fell on top of my car. No injuries. The waust got away. …
I’VE SEEN TWO INVENTIONS LATELY that were not made with cats in mind. One is that household drone camera that wakes up and flies to an area of disturbance within the home — a window, a door, etc. I’ve got two or three cats that can leap higher than a houshold drone can fly and still have enough paw power to swat it out of the air. The other invention is a “magnetic levitating bluetooth speaker.” The round-as-a—tennis ball speaker hovers above an electronic landing pad. If you have a cat with even the slightest of bird-hunting skills, you’ll think the cats have been studying Venus and Serena Williams “rocket serve” instructional videos.  If these two devices didn’t cost so much, I’d buy one of each and stage “Swat The Flying Object” contests just to keep our felines in shape! We would go with the traditional "ball boys" and "ball girls" -- we'd have skillful "balldogs" and "crash-into-the-furniture balldogs."
—- Offer cat knowledge or dog wisdom by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and including $500 unless you hear I won Lotto Texas Wednesday night. —-

UPBEAT RESULTS; WORKING FOR UPBEAT SOLUTIONS; PREGNANT DOG AND OLDER CAT & A GUITAR NOTE

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, OCT. 6, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to our midweek edition. Be sure to read about Mollee and Rey and the Pound Puppies challenge. Think positive thoughts about animals and, if you have the opportunity, about people, too, but especially animals and the people who help them. We are going to start with some upbeat updates, then segue into the opportunities to help create upbeat updates.
MAVIS FINDS HAPPINESS
BECAUSE OF PEOPLE…
When last we wrote about Mavis — at the end of September — she was in a fix. Her human had died and she was, at 10 months old, a Rottie/Lab mix needing a place to live.
We got the “happy update” news from our tipster Amy Poskey. She wrote, “This big ‘ol beautiful girl has been adopted by a wonderful couple in Argyle, TX, which is just right up the road from Denton, TX!!!  In fact, Mavis settled in with her new family like she’s always lived there.

“Thank you to everyone who helped Mavis find her happily-ever-after!!!  And, a very special thanks to Debra Myers for always going the extra mile for these furry love sponges!”

 That first photo is the Mavis photo we posted and discussed how much she looked like a very intent peace officer focusing on a radar reading or a driver with a bad sense of staying in the lines. The next photo is Mavis in a game of fetch — she had fetched but had not surrendered.
You can watch this girl and her new human at play by clicking HERE (if my dropbox skills have not deserted me).
[LARRY ASIDE: If Mavis doesn’t make you smile, go to Amazon and order the 2019 Grin Wrench — the 2020 model is out of production for the time-being.]
THE UPDATE ON JB
AND HIS SUCCESS
It was way back in June that 4-Legged Helpers told us about JB, a dog who was not quite happy around people — someone had mistreated him and he had not forgotten the terror and pain in his life.
But there was a guy named “KB” who worked at the Lancaster Animal Shelter and not-happy-with-humans JB saw something in him that restored a little faith in people.
At one point, JB had a countdown clock he was facing — if he could not be turned into a civil dog within 3 weeks, he would be euthanized. But good hearts can beat a deadline.
KB took over the dog, renamed him “Red” and accompanied him into a training facility.
We asked Laura Macias of 4-Legged Helpers how the pup was doing and she replied, “JB is still in training and improving daily. So much so, that one of the people there at his boarding and training facility is adopting or has already adopted him from KB who took ownership to get him out of the Lancaster shelter. He has several people working with him.”
 That opening photo is the first picture we ran of the unhappy dog in his “cage” in Lancaster. The second photo? That’s Red, the former JB, enjoying some time in a play pool!
 [LARRY ASIDE: It is a wonderful thing when a dog beats the odds. Laura and Leighann Hayden and the 4-Legged Helpers focus on small shelters on the southern side of Dallas because those animals are in facilities with virtually no human visitors.  Email Laura at cat_girl_71@yahoo.com or text or call her at 214-949-2726. The more humans, the more animals that can be saved.]
TWO SENIOR DOGS THAT NEED HELP:
A COUPLE OF POUND PALS CASES
We got the tip on these two in the care of Emory-based Pound Pals from our pal Karen Lee because her non-profit animal-helping organization barkleyworld.com is trying to help get them to healthy safety. 
Donors have been chipping in to help and working toward meeting the Barkleyworld challenge. As Karen noted, “The good news is we are not too late…The bad news is that Mollee is a very expensive rescue investment.” [LARRY ASIDE: More than $3,350 when last checked. About the same as Rey.]
According to Pound Pals’ Facebook post, “Thanks to our friends at Barkleyworld, Mollee has a $500 donor challenge available today [Tuesday].” 

Ah, but here comes the stuff that will tick you off, my fellow animal lovers. Pound Pals reports, “Mollee was surrendered to the shelter in a cardboard box because she had ‘started peeing in her sleep. That turned out to be discharge from a life threatening case of Pyometra.”
And there are the mammary masses. They had ruptured and were infected. The owner “claimed they had been there ‘three weeks’” but they “consumed so much of her blood supply that Mollee required an immediate blood transfusion.”
Pound Pals said that the owners “freely admitted Mollee had not seen a vet in years and that she had been a pup-making machine for a decade.”
You can send donations to Mollee’s cause via or make donations to the Pound Pals Account at Turtle Creek Veterinary Medical Center in Greenville, Tx. Email reception@turtlecreekvmc.com
Rey is at TCVMC, too. Use the same info. What’s Rey’s story?
 The note reads, “Rey is just a little dog who endured a decade of sheer neglect at the hands of the family he loved and trusted. As a result, he has multiple medical issues, the most pressing being a bad case of bronchitis combined with pneumonia. Rey has been in the hospital at TCVMC for 8 days and his hospital bill has reached $3,500 which is a discounted rate given the fact that he had to transport in during the middle of the night as an emergency, had to be in the oxygen chamber for days with around the clock care and has had multiple labs, sonogram and repeated x-rays.
“Rey has made major improvement in his battle with pneumonia since entering the hospital. We want to finish this battle with Rey coming out on the surviving end.”
 That will take the kind financial support of strangers helping Rey. You have the Pound Pals info above.
MESQUITE SHELTER'S BUNCH OF DOGS
OUR FOCUS? EXPECTANT STEPHANIE
Here’s the deal: We could run 15 or 20 or more photos of shelter dogs from Mesquite — or you could go the Mesquite website HERE and see them on your own. But, we like to focus on them because Mesquite has volunteer biographers who meet each of the animals they write about. That demonstrates extra effort to find homes for the unwanted! And Stephanie’s story has a particularly poignant moment — plus, she’s “rescue only” because she’s expecting. We learned about her from the volunteer biographer Debra Chisholm. She wrote, “This beautiful mixed breed girl is Stephanie who arrived as a stray at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 9/28.  She weighs 50 pounds and is approximately 4 years old.  She is pregnant and rescue only.  One of our volunteers has been working with Stephanie because she has been fearful, uneasy and nervous at the shelter.  She is a timid and shy girl who is cautiously friendly but when she warms up, she wants to stay close.  She likes to receive attention.  When volunteer Catherine and I were in the yard doing the photo session, Catherine was getting down to be at eye level with Stephanie and took a little tumble.  Stephanie immediately rushed over to her and seemed concerned! … She has sweet, calm and gentle spirit.  Outside the shelter in a warm, caring and quiet environment she would undoubtedly blossom.”
 Stephanie is #45619542. Use the ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
And, remember, please, that there are a ton of cats in the Mesquite shelter, but they aren’t all kittens — for example, this handsome gent with the superstar whiskers is 11-year-old Linus (45560333), a large gray cat who came in on September 19. [LARRY ASIDE: I mention cats because I find them particularly interesting. Like a good friend with endearing quirks.]
A STUDY OF CATS…
Well, not a psychological study, but a study nevertheless. We got the note from Hillside Veterinary Clinic, the vet mainstay at 6150 E. Mockingbird Lane in Dallas.
The announcement read, “Our clinic is conducting a clinical trial evaluation of a product to help improve quality of life for cats suffering from CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease). Qualifying cats will receive free examinations, blood work/urine evaluations, and supplements for participating in the study.” The clinic’s number is 214-824-0397 and the link to the study is HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A PICKUP, MONK & A GUITAR NOTE
On Tuesday, I realized my 1999 Ford pickup’s inspection and registration were more than a month overdue. I don’t know why. I didn’t get the usual warning from the State of Texas — I swear! I blame the virus for fouling up bureaucracy. Or, maybe, my mind focused on too many other things. I know that’s no excuse in a court of law unless you hold an elected office and have someone on staff willing to take the blame. Anyway, my pickup has more than 224,000 miles on it — maybe 10,000 on this second engine — but the air-conditioner blows cold and the radio rocks. It’s a 21st Century Classic. … And like one of the balls in a pinball machine, we ricochet off that wall into the world of TV. Here’s a declaration: Monk may be the greatest TV detective show ever. Any arguments? … In the middle of this awful virus pandemic, cancer claims musician Eddie Van Halen. Sixty-five. Too damned young. (You oughta check those cancer stats in the U.S. Down since people quite smoking so much, but still a lot of victims.) So, in honor of the guitar genius and, also, in honor of everybody who owns at least two guitars (I’ve got 3 — acoustic, electric and bass) have a listen to Eddie Van Halen show us the difference between playing a guitar and owning a guitar. A one, a two, a three/four ROCK RIGHT HERE HERE.
—- Offer opinions or objections by clicking on ‘comments’ below or email dallrp@aol.com and I’ll respond after I run through my three chords and the opening to I Walk The Line. —-

A SUBURBAN SNAKE; MAGGIE THE CAT'S PROGRESS; CONTEMPLATIONS & A ZEPPELIN

EDITION OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020 [PetPowellPress] In the spring, you think “snakes getting active" but in the autumn —heck, yeah, "Snakes!" I’m from the woodsy land and soggy bottoms of Northeast Texas so I learned to think “SNAKE!!!” year-round! 
We'll focus on that and, also, the latest on the SPCA cat Maggie with the disease that causes odd growths on her face. Let’s get right into this edition.

ONCE UPON A TIME ON A SUNDAY
ON A PARK PATH IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS
This is the story of two veteran reporters and a dog taking a walk that was out of the ordinary.
The reporters are current staffer David Tarrant of The Dallas Morning News and ex-DMN reporter, the veteran business writer Terry Maxon. They’re both great reporters. And, as a former editor, I will tell you that if you had a red hot story and needed to send a couple of reporters to city hall to look for the snakes, you’d confidently send Tarrant and Maxon.
It turns out that Annie the Dog might be a better snake-finder.
On Monday morning, I clicked onto my usual round of websites and Facebook pages and found this photo of a little dog peeking over her comfort blanket. Dave, to use the informal moniker, posted the photo on his Facebook page and wrote, “After suffering a copperhead snake bite yesterday [Sunday], Annie is resting peacefully this morning, while on a regimen of antibiotics and pain meds. Annie will not be taking a car ride to greet supports, though she appreciates their thoughts and concern.”
[LARRY ASIDE: I posted the photo of the copperhead — taken by Terry after the bite incident — because like me, you may never have seen a copperhead in the wild or on a park walking path. The photo was taken, Dave says, so he could show the snake to the vet and help deciding which treatment to apply. If you are like me, it’s hard to get a good look at a snake because you’re running in the opposite direction.]

To get serious, Dave reports, “The snake was encountered on the pavement trail at River Legacy Park in North Arlington. … It was sunning itself right in the middle of the trail. 

“Because of the bright sunlight, we didn't see it until Annie was right up on it, curiously sniffing at it. It struck and bit Annie just under her right eye.
“We took her to an emergency clinic nearby in Euless. The vet, who grew up in West Texas around rattlers and copperheads said the picture definitely showed a copperhead. If you have to get bitten by a pit viper, copperheads are preferable because their venom is slightly less dangerous than rattlesnakes.”

So, there you have it, a snake story, a current dog recovery photo and two photos of happy Annie. 
We have no comment from the snake, but suspect it regrets the entire incident.
[FYI: Here is the LINK TO TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES EMERGENCY SNAKEBITE INFO. If your dog or other animal is bitten by a snake, get it to your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away. You don’t want pal to be miserable or maybe die.]
THE LATEST NEWS ON
THE DIFFERENT CAT
We first told the story and posted the photos of Maggie on September 22. She’s a “different looking cat” who is in the care of the SPCA of Texas. And, as her video showed, she’s a cat who loves a human touch.
To see how she’s doing we checked with the great catfan Madeline Yeaman Arnold, 
Senior Marketing Communications Specialist, at the SPCA.
 Maggie’s “adopt me” photo and info had been removed from the spca.org website. That’s because she’d run into some problems with her Histoplasmosis and the lesions that it causes on her face.
Madeline reports that Maggie is back in vet care, having been “returned from her last foster because her lesions were very inflamed and itchy so Maggie kept scratching them and was, quite literally, a bloody mess.”
As we humans know, not every pill works the first time. So, Madeline says, Maggie is “on new medications now which seem to be helping, but our veterinarian would like to give the medications more time to help the lesions go down in size.

“We’re not really sure how long it will take, but she’s due for another re-check in about 2 weeks and we should know more then! In the meantime, she’s getting lots of TLC from our veterinary and animal care staff who feed her, give her the daily medications she needs and observe her condition.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Yeah, I’m a sap, but when I saw the video with Maggie yearning to be petted by a human, my heart kind went soft for the girl. We can’t have her — too many cats already — but I can sure type about her and put her photo in a place where more tender human eyes can see her. Bless her heart. Somebody hug her today — tenderly.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
A NO-BITE SNAKE STORY; A ZEPPELIN TAKES FLIGHT…
We also have a snake story from the international headquarters of readlarrypowell.com. On Saturday morning, I decided to rake leaves, twigs and other bits of nature off the back deck which abuts the backdoor — you go up two small steps from the deck to get into the back bedroom. Convenient for letting dogs out in the morning. That evening, after an hour or so away from home, we returned about 9 p.m. and Martha went to her northside office with the dogs while I took the other direction toward our bedroom and, with the hallway well lit, I saw our little cat Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson crouched in a pounce position and staring intently at something stretched out along the baseboard. It was a nearly foot-long bright green snake. (My lousy photos, shot through a green-tinted cat treat container, do not do the green justice.) The snake did not have the tell-tale triangular-shaped head of a poisonous snake. I think it was an Eastern Garter Snake, common in Texas. While Kittie Leigh and I held the snake at bay with our determined glares, my adventurespouse Martha fetched the treat container. She handed it to me, I put it down flat on the floor with the open end pointed toward the intruder and the snake practically speed-slithered in to get away from Kittie Leigh, who appeared miffed at my saving the snake. I don’t know what gender the snake was, so I am calling it Catnip, after the name of the treat this receptacle once held. I set Catnip free in a front yard flowerbed. Kittie Leigh had no comment. The next day I was telling my neighbor Manny about the snake and he said that on Sunday his little dog Buddy had gone ape barking at something outside the front door and when Manny investigated, he saw “a really big tarantula rise up toward me.” They let each other go safely on their ways. So there you have it. a nature report from readlarrypowell.com and the city known as “Cowtown.” No skunks, no coyotes (this week), no roaming cows (yet) but we do have some beautiful birds and butterflies and owls. Oh, yeah, I did once find a scorpion. But that was months ago and I’m pretty sure scorpions spend the summers in cooler climates. …
TAKING A STAIRWAY…Back in the early ‘70s I was an editor/columnist at the Texarkana Gazette with a teenage copy clerk who had a little brother. One day the clerk was telling us that he’d ordered his little brother to do something and the kid looked up at him and exclaimed, “Who do you think your are, Red Zeppelin?” (Kids from the early '70s will laugh at that!) Decades and decades have passed and Monday I clicked on the Collin County localprofile email and found a story headlined “Red Zeppelin, the Only Female-Owned Record Store in Collin County, Offers Time Travel with Good Tunes.” Pretty sure the name is the only connection with the long-ago copy clerk. Here’s the LINK and we’ll close with this song from Red's relatives, the early ’70s super group, Lead. Pardon the commercial that opens the link.
— Offer ideas or snake tales by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

MONDAY, MONDAY: IT ARRIVED TOO QUICKLY, BUT WE RALLIED...

EDITION OF MONDAY, OCT. 5, 2020 [PetPowellPress] One of the benefits of a home office is this: If you sleep late, you can go to the office without having anyone chew you out. Well, except, the cats, nature’s natural managers. Now, as Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson monitors my typing, here we go with a quick, late-to-the-website Monday morning report.
CHARITABLE DEVELOPMENT
ON BEHALF OF ROO THE DOG
You know her story — Roo, the overbred girl with the signs of misuse, came into the Lancaster Shelter with her sister Snowball after they were abandoned in an empty house. 
Snowball’s safe now, but Roo is
on the clock. The news in the morning email, from 4-Legged Helpers’ Laura Macias, is this: “Roo now has a $200 donation that a donor has offered to an approved 501c3 rescue to help save her. Please contact Laura.” [Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. Same contact points for Penny and Katie Rose and any animal in a small shelter on the southern side of Dallas because that’s 4-Legged Helpers’ mission.]
The note adds, “A vet may be able to give suggestions on what could be done about the sagging skin on her tummy that may be able to be fixed during her spay.  Despite everything she has been through, she is just as loving and sweet as can be and thoroughly enjoys being petted and loved. She just needs a chance.” 

Also in Lancaster are these two lovely dogs:
 Penny, with the eye-patches,  is a “low-rider Bulldog mix”. She and two other well-behaved dogs were “found out and about,” according to the 4-Legged Helper’s note which also says, “The owner was located (and we were able to learn her actual name, Penny) but the owner decided to turn all 3 dogs over to the shelter.” [LARRY ASIDE: And that’s how a space-based shelter quickly becomes overpopulated. Humans. Also, humans help bring that population down via adoption and rescue. So we’re not all bad, maybe.]
Katie Rose, described as a “Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or mix” was originally named Baby. How do we know? Ah, the Helpers’ note reads, “This beautiful girl was microchipped and her original owner located, but they said they gave her away some time back….She is precious and sweet and loving and her markings are gorgeous.”
NOT A LONG TIME AGO, IN A GALAXY
REALLY, REALLY NEAR TO YOU…
So, here she is, an adorable adoptable at the SPCA of Texas with the name
Padmé Amidala. Yes, THE SENATOR from Star Wars.
On the spca.org adoptables site there’s this personal bio written, apparently, by one of the universe’s many literate cats. It reads, “ABOUT ME: Welcome my subjects! I'm the Senator for Naboo and I have found myself here at the SPCA of Texas. Me and two of my other friends came in through a cruelty case this past July. We have been waiting for our next mission to save the galaxy! I'm a little bit sassy but a whole lot classy and cannot wait to find my forever home with you!
“DREAM HOME: My perfect home will be with a patient family who is willing to work on my confidence. I can be a little timid at first but once I'm comfortable you will see my personality come out!
“KIDS: No little ones for me please! 12+.
“CATS: I think another kitty companion to have adventures with sounds great! Although it's not required.”
To ask about 2-year-old Padmé Amidala (#45008786) go to spca.org.
[LARRY ASIDE: As someone who lives with an outta-this-world cat named The Senator, I understand the management skills of cats who have served in the Upper House. They are kind, but firm in their needs and directions for the human staff. Very charming. Taught me to be an attentive cat staffer. That is The Senator on the left, leading his Capitol Hill Yodacize Class.]

CONTEMPLATIONS

BUTTERFINGER, 'BOYS & BIG TEX
My sweetspouse Martha’s favorite candy bar used to be the Butterfinger. One day a year or so ago I brought her a Butterfinger and she bit into it and exclaimed (I’m paraphrasing here) “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THIS BUTTERFINGER? I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU’D DO SO SOMETHING TO MY FAVORITE CANDY.” Maybe there were expletives. But, anyway, after I stopped whimpering, we established my innocence by looking at the wrapper with the label that exclaimed in red "IMPROVED RECIPE." Not to Martha. And apparently not to a lot of people. Over the weekend, I accidentally discovered that there’s a petition site urging the candy company to “bring back the original Butterfinger.” Here’s the LINK, you sweet Butterfingerians. …
Oh, my, oh, my, the Dallas Cowboys have a captive TV audience and so far the results have been rancidly unpleasant with the new coach, new system, new whatever. Is this Cowboy cratering going to be listed in history books as the 2nd most significant crisis of 2020, behind the virus and ahead of the California fires? … A note to the folks we usually see at the State Fair of Texas: Finally, a late-September/early October spell of great coolish weather and wouldn’t ya know, the State Fair doesn’t get to have big sweaty crowds filling Fair Park. [That's a photo I snapped in 2016 as Big Tex was in his patriotic boots.] Prediction for 2021: It’ll be the coolest State Fair ever, and the weather will be good, too. This message brought to you by the Big Tex Optimism Society, formerly the Dallas Cowboys Optimism Society. It's easier to be optimistic about a 52-foot-tall midway cowboy than...well, you know.
—- Offer weather advice or what you miss at the Fair by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

 

CHLOE & MAXIE IN THE SPOTLIGHT AS WE LINK ANDY TO A BIT OF BOB DYLAN -- IT'S HISTORIC

[LARRY ASIDE: This weekend feature is going to be longer than usual, but I don’t care — I’m happy to type about these animals, Bob Dylan and the connection with Andy Fisher. Take some time away from the day’s 2020 crises to read on. Think tranquility. Try not to envy Maxie for his ability to totally relax on a deck at Indian Lake. One of my favorite photos of this wonderful dog.]

There is a certain pleasant tranquility to our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. And this edition is going to use Chloe the Cat and Maxie the Dog to take us back to a great time in radio and music.

Frankly, I think this may beat the heck out of a weekend of focusing on a pandemic’s effects or camping in the Big Bend and crawling bootless into your sleeping bag only to discover that a shivering rattlesnake beat you to the foot-warming area. Oh, yeah, we’ll also touch on “feline foot-warming” (thank you Chloe!). 

Stay tuned, also, for some Bob Dylan info and a look at the way rock radio was broadcast before computers ate up all our electric outlets and household radios became as scarce as Lotto Texas winners in my Zip Code.
First we’re going to explain the two-snoozer photograph. Yes, as a full-on insomniac, I envy these two. 
The photograph of his pals, Chloe and Maxie, was taken by a veteran newsman, our Readlarry powell.com Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief Andy Fisher. He happily, proudly announced to us that he’d finally managed to capture a sleeping dog and napping cat in the same picture!
You may recall these two rescued dynamic personalities who live on the shores of Indian Lake in Denville, N.J., with three pro-rescue people: The veteran print and broadcast newsman Andy, his clever and athletic wife Annie and son Ian, the current fully employed, grad-school scholar with a tender heart.
Andy says that Chloe and Maxie “tolerate each other marvelously, and if I'm late going downstairs to give Maxie his breakfast, Chloe lets me know in no uncertain terms! She always supervises my setting-out of Maxie's breakfast, waits at the window for us to come back down the driveway after our walk, and is there at the door when we come back inside. Such a little mama!”
You may recall that we have had some warm Texas days in the past month. One morning (remember that rattlesnake/feline warming reference earlier?) I got this note from Andy: “Another night in the 40s; Chloe marked the occasion by snuggling down under the covers on our bed. Her favorite warm-weather spot is on top of the covers between my feet, where she's high enough to look out the window for squirrels and chipmunks.” 
We don’t have that photo — squirrels are happy to pose but chipmunks have Hollywood agents. We do have this photo of Annie and Andy out on the town in NYC a couple of years ago -- one of my favorites -- they have some happy beaming going on.
I also slipped in the photo above of Andy and Chloe taking it easy, you might say “Bringing It All Back Home.”
And why might you say that? Because there is a link between Mr. Fisher and that 1965 Bob Dylan album Bringing It All Back Home. As it turns out. there is photographic evidence that our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief has a rock ’n’ roll past and it involves The Cat With No Name.
First we have the Dylan album cover.
Then, there's this photograph (click on it to make it grow), a tribute to the Dylan album taken in 1980, many years before Andy and Annie posed for the romantic photo.
Click on that tribute-to-the-album photo of the lady in red and the blondish fellow holding a cat. It should grow
large enough for you to catch the details. It is a promotional photo featuring the news team from the New York City radio station WNEW-FM 102.7, aka “Where Rock Lives” and “The Best Road To Rock.”
The photo was for the 1981 WNEW fund-raising calendar — the money went to Music for UNICEF. (Yeah, even out here on the frontier we’ve heard of UNICEF — the United Nations Children’s Fund.) 
You’ll note that the radio photo is a spot-on version of the cover of Bob Dylan’s respected 1965 album, Bringing It All Back Home. It has a woman in a red dress and a clever guy holding a cat.
Andy was not in the original Dylan photo — that was taken in the mid-60s when Andy was on the verge of being invited to leave his journalism career behind for a couple of years with the United States Army, a lot of that on Cold War duty in Germany.
By the time 1981 was approaching, WNEW had decided the theme of its calendar would be “recreations of famous album covers.” Dylan’s Bringing It All Back Home was the pick for May. And while we don’t know anybody but Bob Dylan on the original, we can ID the 3 personalities in the WNEW photo, thanks to Andy! 
He tells us, “Robin Sagon, who got to keep the slinky red dress, was the other half of the WNEW-FM news department. I did the mornings (5, 6, 7, 8 and 9AM); she did noon, 3PM, 5 and 6PM. Later she worked at the CBS ‘RadioRadio’ network -- and in the fall of 1989, she and I were reunited as adjunct faculty members at Columbia University's graduate school of journalism.”
What about that cat that Andy is holding, the one representing the cat Dylan is holding in the original? Andy says, “I've forgotten the name of the cat in the 40-year-old photo, but she sat perfectly still through three rolls of film. About halfway through the fourth, she twisted her head around, looked deep into my eyes, and meowed. We knew the photo shoot was over.”
(That's Maxie on his walking path at Indian Lake -- he had nothing to do with the Dylan project! And that's Chloe in her vivid striped pajamas!)

[LARRY ASIDE FOR THE BOOMER GENERATION: Good grief, don’t you yearn for those days of Top 40 radio and clever and semi-clever disc jockeys who get the artists on the air, spin platter after platter, introduce new artists and new records and run on-the-air contests…Oh, my, couldn’t they set the mood for an evening with your sweetheart! OK, Earth to Larry: Let’s land the Vanished Civilization Hot Air Balloon safely and accept the reality of change….]
There was a bit of a Texas connection to the WNEW photo with Robin, Andy and The Cat With No Name. The picture, Andy says, was “taken by photographer Bill Wagner in the living room of Alexander Calder Jr.’s home in Montclaire, N.J. Sandy Calder was a prep-school administrator and the son of the famous mobile’ artist.”

Some of you may recall the elder Calder’s connection to Dallas: He painted two big jets for Dallas-based Braniff International Airways., i.e, the Flying Colors: the one on the left is from 1973 and the one on the right, Flying Colors of the United States, was for the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976. The original Braniff, founded in 1928 made it’s final landing in 1982 — high fuel prices brought down the airline, according to reports. 
And, that brings us back to Bringing It All Back Home, the Dylan album with side one “electrified” and side two acoustic. It’s seen as significant because it meant Dylan was moving on from his days as a traditional folk singer and becoming a folkrock star. 
So what was on that record? We’ll mention two: Subterranean Homesick Blues (Click HERE (You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows” and the great romantic number Maggie’s Farm . (LARRY ASIDE: This “protest song” was amusingly covered in 1990 by former Miss America Pageant Host Bert Parks in the underrated movie comedy The Freshman with Matthew Broderick, Marlon Brando, Bruno Kirby, Penelope Ann Miller and, keeping with our animal theme, a rescued Komodo Dragon.]
And that, after this longest Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap ever, is bringing us back to the wonderful Chloe and Maxie and their personal staffer, Andy Fisher, who, before he became such an “animal whisperer,” established himself as a darned good newscaster, writer and editor. So good at editing, in fact, that some of his friends sent him this refrigerator magnet from the journalism museum, the Newseum. And I understand Chloe endorses the message and Maxie is happy with food however you spell it as long as it’s in the present tense.
[SEND PHOTOS AND BIOS of your slumbering companions to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll post them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, the long-running weekend feature at readlarrypowell.com, a website dedicated to animals and the people who love them. And to insomniacs — the people who were already staying awake before 2020 went bonkers.]
—- OFFER ADVICE OR ASTONISHMENT BY CLICKING ON ‘COMMENTS’ BELOW OR BY EMAILING DALLRP@AOL.COM. AND REMEMBER, YOU DON’T NEED A WEATHERMAN TO KNOW WHICH WAY THE WIND BLOWS — JUST WATCH THE COCKER SPANIEL’S EARS. —-

WE TRY TO HELP SOME ANIMALS AND WE HAVE A CONTEMPLATION IN PINK...

EDITION OF FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020 [PetPowellPress] UPDATE AFTER MIDNIGHT NEWS -- Readlarrypowell.com woke about 3:30 a.m. and turned a radio on and got the news from Washington that the President and First Lady have tested positive for Covid-19. We expect a news storm and a tsunami of commentary from people with opinions.  We also expect to see both kindness and unkindness from Americans -- it's a free country. We expect, of course, that grace, wisdom and the blessings of our treasured nation will prevail. I deleted my original opening in favor of this one. Sometimes news changes the tone of the day. 
NEVER MIND WET BLANKETS,
HERE ARE SOME HOLIDAY QUILTS
FOR BARKLEYWORLD.COM's AUCTION
As you know, barkleyworld.com is the non-profit rescue organization that Karen and Dennis Lee founded — it’s named in honor of their beloved Barkley. And its mission is “saving the lives of pets in need.” 
The amazing quilter Elaine Checkley supports the mission by creating quilts for barkleyworld.com to auction. 

On Thursday, Karen’s note read, “Autumn is here and cool weather is coming!  That means QUILT TIME!!! Thank you so much AGAIN to my friend and Barkleyworld supporter, Elaine, for making these beautiful quilts and for organizing yet another Quilt Raffle for Barkleyworld!!  All proceeds benefit our Barkleyworld pets in need of vet services. Winner gets to choose between one of two quilts — one is the Fall Harvest theme quilt and the other is the Christmas Theme. (Click on the photos to make them grow.)
Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and you buy them through the donate tab at barkleyworld.com. Winning ticket will be drawn on Halloween, that’s Oct. 31 for those who are currently pandemicallybaffled (one word, of course) and having trouble keeping up with dates. And, anybody in the continental U.S. can win a quilt—barkleyworld will ship. See more info on Facebook HERE.
And, of course, you can monitor barkleyworld.com. 
One of the notes on Facebook has to do with attempts to help this girl Fiji get treatment after she was struck by a car. The story is on the page.
And if you have questions about the quilts or the animals being helped, email karen@barkleyworld.com.
CATCHING UP WITH KILGORE
This photo stirred a lot of people over the past few days — and people, i.e., rescuers and Kilgore Animal Control, have been trying to get this “mama dog” to safety. 
Our tipster Lacy David told us Thursday, “We are still trying to get her. We have some plans in the work!”
[LARRY ASIDE: As I have noted a few times in the history of readlarrypowell.com, sometimes dogs are just too clever for their own darned good. So, everybody say a prayer for “Mama Dog” that she wises up and accepts the help that is being offered. Then, say a prayer on behalf of the human she used to belong to — that’s a person who really needs some help. We’re not applying the readlarrypowell.com Two-by-Four of Enlightenment in every worthy animal case during the pandemic. But you never know when we’ll change our minds, er, mind. Really — only one mind, I swear.]
AH, THE SMALL SHELTERS
WITH DOGS IN BIG TROUBLE
The term “space-based shelter” is a tough one to see, especially when word is that shelter is being loaded with unwanted animals much quicker than the wanted animals are leaving.
That’s the case of the Lancaster Animal Shelter, according to our tipster 4-Legged Helpers President Laura Macias. There are many animals in Lancaster — call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. 
That girl Roo (sometimes “Precious Roo”!), the Earhound with the overworked mammary area, came in with her sister (Snowball, since claimed) and gets no interest because of what happened to her body when she was overbred. She’s still a sweet dog—she just needs a place to live. (You may recall that these dogs had reportedly been “stolen” and were abandoned in an empty house - Lancaster’s ACO saved them.) 

Annalise is the young Great Pyr/Anatolian Shepherd mix “found in the (southern) rural Dallas County area by a Good Samaritan and needs a rescue group,” Laura’s note reads. Three words to describe her? “Big sweetie pie.”
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
AGAIN, IT’S THE FACES…
We’ve got 5 dogs to mention and I’m going to do it quickly.
Chivo (45633134) is a 5-year-old, 64-pound gray and white Pittie mix surrendered on Sept. 30 with her mother, 9-year-old, 70-pound Blanca (45636120). Why? Moving into an apartment, the humans said. The dogs are working on “de- compr- essing” after losing their home. Volunteer biographer Judi Brown says of Chivo, “When I walked him through the bay, he got very excited when he saw his mother.” And she says, “Even though Blanca tried to put on a brave face and wagged her tail, there was a sadness about her.”

That brings us to Judi’s report about Molly, this 2-year-old, 60-pound Pittie  (45637679) with the “rippled” coat appearance. She was “friendly but not overly so,” Judi wrote. “She stayed close, looking up at you as if to be asking what do you want her to do next? Why is she in the shelter? “The man who surrendered her (on the 30th) had had her for two months. His stepson was a truck driver and dropped Molly off and never came back for her.”

Cedric (45589439), a “too thin” 54-pound Pittie boy, came in as a stray on Sept. 23, biographer Debra Chisholm reports. “This boy really captured my heart when I met and spent some time with him….He thoroughly enjoyed playing fetch. He seed so happy and excited to be out of his kennel stretching his legs and moving about freely.
"
And Miles (45591119) is a former stray who weighs in at 53 pounds and is “a lively and spunky boy with a pleasant demeanor,” Debra’s report reads.

She calls him “one really likable dog who needs a home.”

To ask about these dogs, use their shelter numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
See more Mesquite animals HERE.
CONTEMPLATION
A MOM’S PERSONAL NOTE
This post was made on October 1 by animal rescuer and mom and cancer victor, Kim Myers Buckman. We’re repeating here because, like nearly everybody else in the world, we know someone who has been through this. Those are photos of Kim and Cooper that she posted with what she wrote. Read on and remember the people in your life. Kim wrote: “Today kicks off the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! As most of you know I was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 31 years old. Cooper had just had his 2nd birthday and I was in shock to say the least. I fought it through surgeries, chemo, radiation and hormone therapies and today I am still kicking cancer’s ass! This month I ask all of you, no matter your age or family history (I had none) to be your own advocate!! Do your self exams, ask about your family history, go for your mammograms, if you feel something don't put off getting it checked out!! Early detection is the key to a successful outcome. Wear PINK this month to bring awareness to the cause!! Save the TaTa’s!!” Bless her powerful heart for encouraging others.
—- Offer opinions and gratitude by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com.—

LITTER STOMP 2020 (don't jump to a conclusion); DOGS & THEIR STORIES, PETER PAN, '70S STARS; A HOT FUDGE RIVER? (STOP THE PRESSES!)

EDITION OF OCTOBER 1, 202 [PetPowellPress] I opened my email inbox on the last day of September and found a neighborhood email with this subject line: “LITTER STOMP 2020.”
“For crying out loud, can’t you just spay and neuter?” I thought, completely jumping to a goofy conclusion.
In the context of my life with animals, you can imagine the horror I initially felt. But, mercifully, this was NOT WHAT I THOUGHT IT WAS. This "Litter Stomp" was a reference to the Oct. 17 Litter Stomp, a clean-up campaign hosted by Keep Fort Worth Beautiful. Whew!
So, we’ll make up for our misreading of subject line by telling you that Fort Worth Animal Care & Control’s #EmptyTheShelters adoption event starts Oct. 1 — yes, this very Thursday! — and goes through the 4th. The FWACC note on its Facebook page says, “All adoption fees will be waived during this time at all locations (main shelter, PetSmart Hulen and PetSmart Alliance).” That dog Cola is a Lab mix who is “almost 10” and was “picked up as a stray in late July.” Nobody came for her. She’s one of the available animals — she’s at the PetSmart Alliance Adopton Center. 
That cat is Kay, a nearly 9-year-old Tabby who is small but large in her expressions as she sits on the exam table! She’s #43850154 and has been in the shelter’s care since Feb. 18.
MISTA’S SISTER BELLA
NOW WAITING FOR A HOME
Back on Sept. 24 we cited this girl Mista (right) as needing an adoption from the Mesquite Animal Shelter. She’d been surrendered with her sister Bella. Whatever happened to Bella?
Here’s the story of these sisters, thanks to the volunteer Mesquite Shelter biographers Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm. Mista’s bio info came from Debra. And Mista has been adopted.
But, Judi reports, Bella’s still waiting. Why were they both handed over to the Mesquite Shelter? Family fight, it seems. 
Judi writes, “They had gotten in a fight and the owners wanted both of them euthanized.”
Both have survived that unfortunate desire. But now Bella (#45478684), a 7-month-old, 38-pound mixed breed girl, is available and she shows no interest in tussling with the other dogs at the shelter.. The back story is Bella and Mista got into a fight and, Judi writes, “In the process of trying to break up the fight Bella bit the owners. Bella has been in bite quarantine. As a result of the fight Bella’s right front paw was injured. Apparently there has been some nerve damage and she sometimes limps.” And Judi says that “once you meet Bella, it’s hard to imagine her getting into a fight because she’s extremely submissive. She cowers and sometimes rolls over when you approach her. At the same time, however, she’s wagging her tail and wanting so badly to trust you and be friends. You can tell she’s conflicted but the sweet part of her wins out.”
Isn’t that a wonder description: “the sweet part of her wins out”!
To ask about adopting Bella, use her ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesaquite.com. See more adoptable Mesquite dogs and cats HERE. This kitten we've mentioned before, Peter Pan, is still waiting.
MEANWHILE IN LANCASTER
MORE DOGS ON THE CLOCK
The folks at 4-Legged Helpers have once again provided us with a long list of dogs and cats waiting for adoption or rescue that’ll get them out of the Lancaster Animal Shelter and off the clock. To get on the 4-Legged Helpers mailing list, email Laura Macias at cat_girl_71@ yahoo.com or call or text her at 214-949-2726. Same info will get in touch regarding these two dogs and many others at the small shelters around Dallas.

This girl with the ball in her mouth is Chanel, a Boxer mix or maybe a purebred, the shelter says. She’s “urgent.” And her bio reads that she is “super sweet and tons of fun. She loves to play….Very, very sweet little girl.”

And the dog with the unmatching eyes is Darby, an Aussie/Catahoula mix who is maybe 5 to 7 months old. “She has beautiful eyes, one blue, one brown and the brown eye literally does match her fur. So pretty. She was found out and about.” The dog she was found with has already been adopted.
Again, check with Laura to see how to help these dogs and, please, ask to be put on her mailing list so you can see all of the dogs that are crowding into the Lancaster shelter.
ONE MOMENT, PLEASE,
FOR TWO BIG STARS
Before we shut this edition down, let’s just say “How about Mac Davis and Helen Reddy!” Two icons of the ‘70s lost at the same time. He’s from Texas, she’s from Australia. You’ve read the stories, probably. Mac Davis’ Dallas connection was starring in North Dallas 40, the football film. And lots of kids, mine included, were fans of Pete’s Dragon, the 1977 film starring Ms. Reddy — the boys were 6 when I took 'em to see that movie -- twice. Maybe I liked it, too, OK?
I don’t know how old they were when they saw Mac Davis in 1979’s North Dallas 40, the ugly-side-of-pro-football from the book by Pete Gent, the former wide-receiver from the Tom Landry-era Dallas Cowboys. The singer Davis played Seth Maxwell, the QB said to be the book’s version of Cowboys’ legendary QB and Monday Night Football broadcaster Don Meredith and it occurs to me that maybe 2/3rds of the people reading this have no idea how important Don Meredith was to Dallas and to Monday Night Football.
You’ll forgive me, as the grandfather of two young women, if I cite Helen Reddy’s signature hit and remind men whose wives are women, whose moms are women, whose sisters are women, whose bosses are women to pay attention to the lyrics when you LISTEN HERE. Catchy tune -- even I can sing "I am woman, hear me roar..."
CONTEMPLATIONS
RECYCLING; A ‘HOT FUDGE RIVER’; A LOVE AFFAIR
One of the mailing lists I'm linked to sends reminders from the City of Dallas Sanitation Department. On Wednesday I got an email from that department that read, “Census Forms (Don't Recycle Them)!/Collection day is tomorrow.” I guess that means that if you ignored a census form, just throw it in with the regular trash, though, I think, there’s a potential criminal case if you don’t fill out the form, right? This story on Slate talks about a sizeable fine. ...
About leaving a big job: “Running a newspaper today is like swimming across a hot fudge river: You gorge yourself on the decadent pleasure of it, but you have to kick like hell to get to the other side. So I’m full, and I’m tired. My immediate plan is to just recharge.”— Mike Wilson, in the announcement of his departure from the top editor’s job at The Dallas Morning News. [LARRY ASIDE: I worked in newspapers for 40 years — I’m betting the phrasing “swimming across a hot fudge river” was edited from the original reference of what hot fills that river daily.] And probably, somewhere a reporter who covers the media is looking for the full story on this departure. But, really, Mr. Wilson could just be fed up with the place. I just didn’t know such a thing could happen in the new and improved era of today’s journalism.
… A LARRY TRUTH: I may never get over my love affair with newspapers. Of course, newspapers are different now and, apparently, they’ve gotten over me! That’s how love affairs can work out. Besides, newspapers couldn’t pay me enough these days to make me work nights and weekends again. Be nice if they'd try. Maybe I'd bend a little, you know, out of kindness. Oh, I'm old enough to know better.
—- OFFER JOB ADVICE OR WISECRACKS BY CLICKING ON ‘COMMENTS’ BELOW OR BY EMAILING DALLRP@AOL.COM. —-

SEPTEMBER'S END: CAT'S REACTION; SUCH DOGS; INDOOR GAMES, A LEASH AND 'EYE' SEE...

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 [PetPowellPress]— DEAR SEPTEMBER 2020,
As a longtime resident of this spinning, orbiting-in-space planet, I want to thank you for, on the whole, a really nice month. It wasn’t as hot as August. People I know and love were involved in conversations.
Yeah, there were problems. But also there were successes. Offhand I can't pinpoint any of them — well, I did get brake fluid added to my car’s stopping mechanism — I understand that’s important in freeway driving conditions. A dashboard light came on — suddenly I was out of my mechanical depth.
And, Monday night, after watching the Dallas Stars lose, I flopped insomniacally down on the couch to nod off and The Senator joined me about 1 a.m. I said hello, asked him what he thought of the hockey match and if he had caught any political news on his TV. He did not respond. He crawled up onto my right shoulder and looked down at me as if he thought he might just take a bite out of the end of my big nose. I petted his soft, sweet ol’ head and I asked The Senator possibly the most significant question he’s ever encountered.
I looked right into the eyes of the ol’ Gentleman of The Senate and asked, “Why don’t you ever try fo talk back to me?” I’m almost certain I’m not the only person who has asked that of a nearby cat.
The Senator looked at me and — I swear on a stack of political promises — shook his head, then jumped off me, and off the couch and moved to the rug. He looked at me as if to say, “I just voted with my paws.” I vowed to write him in on November’s ballot. Not sure what office.
So, thank you, Dear, Dear September. I will enjoy this final day of the month and hope my Lotto Texas numbers are, indeed, lucky. Now, here are some cat and dog stories.


UPDATE ON TOOTHLESS,
SHOT WITH A BB
J’anna Mann of Animal Rescue Crusaders of Texas sent a great note about Toothless. That's an early photo. Things have changed. Her note reads: “Wanted to give you an update on this sweet boy.  We found a wonderful foster for him.  She’s a sucker for the black cats.  She couldn’t say no. 

“[After he came into rescue] We took him to the vet the next day because we didn’t like the looks of the bandage wrapping or how uncomfortable he seemed to be.  We took him the next day to our vet in Plano.  They did x-rays and consulted with each other and decided due to the spot it was broken, etc., that the best course of action was to amputate the leg.  That was done on Saturday, he stayed there over the weekend and is now recovering at home.  He’s doing good. He’s well loved. We will find him the perfect home.”
When you go to the Animal Rescue Crusaders of Texas website HERE you can see how to adopt Toothless (named in honor of a movie dragon) and how to donate to cover his medical bills. The amputation boosted the total a bit. [LARRY ASIDE: You may recall from our earlier story that he was found after some jerk shot him with, apparently, an air rifle and I hope you're reading this, jerk, and feeling bad about it right down to your toes or any place that is so uncomfortable you have need professional help, i.e., I hope your heart feels every bit of pain and discomfort this cat has felt. I also hope you have changed after seeing how you hurt the cat. I doubt it, but I'm an optimist.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
BIG DOG, BUSTER AND OTHERS
The volunteer Mesquite Animal Services Biographer Judi Brown has been in touch with Big Dog, surrendered to Mesquite on 9/28 after the death of his human. Judi says, “He was surrendered along with a possible brother named Buster. Since they have apparently been together since birth I initially thought they should be rescued together. However, upon observing them I noticed that Buster nips at Big Dog without being provoked. So if they are rescued together they should probably be kept apart. The family that surrendered Big Dog and Buster didn’t know much about them except that they were indoor dogs and that they use the doggie door. Big Dog weighs 14 pounds. He’s got a short little body so he’s relatively chunky. He’s cute, soft and very snuggly. He likes nothing better than to be held.”
He’s adjusting to the shelter, he’s got a cataract in his right eye and a “mole/growth” on his nose and maybe some bad teeth.
You see short-haired Buster there — a little smaller, and 10 years old.
Big Dog is #45618677. Buster is #45618664. 

That brings us to Starling (#45595807_, this 2-year-old, 81-pound Black lab mix who came in as a stray on the 24th. She’s recently had a litter. Judi wrote, “It’s hard to understand why her family has not come to reclaim her as she has so much to offer!  For one thing she’s a pretty girl with a sleek black coat and adoring brown eyes.  This is a case where the tail wags the dog! Her tail never stopped wagging and it literally wiggled her whole body! She’s a happy, friendly, loving girl that is gentle and sweet. She stayed close but never attempted to jump on me. She sits for treats and takes them gently. It’s very obvious she wants to please”. [LARRY ASIDE: Looks like a high school yearbook pose from Starling!]
Wellington the German Shepherd is 3, weighs 64 pounds and came in as a stray on the 21st. “He’s stunningly handsome with captivating hazel eyes!” Judi says. He’s active, curious and, in the exercise yard, “wasted no time exploring.” He’s short on socialization, Judi suspects. “He didn’t seem to need my attention,” she says. “Now he just needs someone to show him love!"
We’ll also add one more Mesquite dog to the list for the last day of the month. This guy with the bright smile and the magnificent tail is Polar Bear (#45479425). Volunteer biographer Debra Chisholm did the hands-on meeting with this 2-year-old, 65-pound mixed breed. When he arrived at the shelter on the 9th, he had a 6-inch-long laceration on his left rear leg. He’s healed and the stitches have been removed, Debra says. 
Now, look at that face and that smile: Polar Bear is a deaf dog. Debra says, “He will sit for treats if you stand in front of him so he can see what you want him to do He takes treats gently. He is a playful boy and does jump on you so obedience classes would be in order." 
And, she says, “He has the most beautiful blue eyes!”
For all of these dogs, use their numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283. Email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
See more Mesquite dogs and cats by going to the shelter’s SITE HERE. As you can see from this photo, there are daredevil kittens available at Mesquite. This girl, Everest, is a real youngster. Came in on Sept. 17. Clearly has a knack for presenting a balancing act.
CONTEMPLATIONS
MORE SEPTEMBER THOUGHTS
We may be closing out the most football-less September since the invention of the oddly-bouncing bladder. Did you know that playing football indoors didn’t begin with Houston’ Astrodome? Nope. Chicago’s Dexter Park Pavillon in 1917, Wikipedia tells us. Racine Cardinals-Evanston Evanstons played to a 0-0 tie. The things you learn when you have the courage to type the phrase “oddly-bouncing bladder” and then do some “light research.” … Ever had one of these moments? I was cleaning out some storage boxes and pulled out a purple leash that had been gnawed apart about 8 inches from the snap. Immediately I realized I’d found one of the first leashes we lost to the happily gnawing teeth of our Heeler mix puppy known as Annie, Puppy Annie and Annie Don't! She was born in 2004 and left us in 2019. And that dog’s entire life rushed through my brain just because I picked up two pieces of a leash she’d proudly gnawed apart all those years ago. Quick! Somebody invent a time machine — I’d like to hug her again. … Someone sent me this wordplay: “STRESSED is just DESSERTS spelled backward.” I am not sure what that means other than it’s an observation in the magic palindromes. Do you have an eye for palindromes?
—- Offer opinions or facts by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

THE MISSION IS SAVING THE ANIMALS -- EVERY ANIMAL; ALL IT TAKES IS PEOPLE

EDITION OF TUESDAY, SEPT. 29, 2020 [PetPowellPress] What is our purpose in life? Wait, that’s too complicated for a Tuesday. Let’s just keep it simple: Save cats and dogs. Protect all animals. And, of course, look back at September and ask, “Where did we go wrong, Dallas Cowboys fans?
Here’s a cat that has had it rough. But he is the very last Tabby Cat available for adoption within the City of Dallas. ... Hang on. Let me check that. Nope. Sorry. There are plenty more, but this one is the guy who was spotlighted by Dallas Animal Services Monday on its Facebook page. His name is Trey and, DAS says, he arrived “a little beat up and had several wounds all over his body. We’re not really sure how he got them, but we are happy to report that he is now on the mend and ready to find his own #DASHappyTail! Will you adopt this green-eyed stud?” 
Well, of course, the term “stud” is used affectionately. But how about those whiskers! Go to dallasanimalservices.org to see how to adopt this, er, former stud. [LARRY ASIDE: “Former stud” may be the reason Trey came to have a few wounds on his once “randy” little boy cat body.’’]
HOW ABOUT THIS BEAUTY?
HER NAME IS MAVIS…
The appeal we got came from veteran animal advocate Amy Poskey who got it from Debra Myers, also a veteran at this “save-the-animals” mission.
Debra’s note read, “Look at this beautiful girl with the gorgeous markings and adorable eyebrow dots!!!  Mavis’s human daddy passed away a couple of months ago so now she is looking for new digs.  Bless her heart, I’m sure she is sad and confused so let’s help her out!” 
[LARRY ASIDE: See that car photo of Mavis? I’ve seen that look before. When I was a kid reporter I’d ride with cops and deputies and other peace officers. When they were on the job, they had that very observant look on their faces. The "Is that a violation?" look. But Mavis is intently looking for a new home!]
 She’s a 10-month-old Rottie/Lab mix who is healthy, microchipped, people friendly (kids, too), “loves other dogs, is very energetic and enjoys playing fetch!”
 Get the tissue. “She was an indoor pooch while her daddy was still alive. But she has lived outdoors for the past few months.” 
[LARRY 2ND MAVIS ASIDE: I guarantee you —and I’ve never met Mavis but I’ve had Lab Mixes and I have a purebred Rottie — Mavis is an indoor dog! Bless her confused little heart. Maybe someone with a badge has room at home for a loyal dog]

The contact for anyone who wants to audition to adopt Mavis is Debra Myers at 940-367-4627 or email dkmyersone@yahoo.com.
[LARRY 3RD MAVIS ASIDE: All dogs deserve a good life. Every one of them. I’ve been blessed by dogs all my life. I’ve been married to my funspouse Martha for nearly 29 years — we started our marriage with dogs and cats. Some days that all we agree on, but why bring up politics when I’m making an appeal for Mavis.]
WE TALK ABOUT A DOG’S NAME,
AND TWO DOGS NEED HOMES
As a child growing up in Northeast Texas, it was not unusual for me to hear someone shout an acquaintance’s name and declare “YOU JASPER!”
I never quite understood that, but figured that you didn’t want to be a jasper, so I behaved myself. On the other hand, look at this dog’s cute pose. I’d happily declare, “You Jasper!” And I’d be right because his name is Jasper. 
He’s one of two Mesquite Animal Services dogs we’ll spotlight in this edition. Jasper, about 3, around 60 pounds, isn’t neutered and that may have contributed to his status as “stray” when he came into the shelter on Sept. 12. Our tipster, the volunteer biographer Debra Chisholm has met with Jasper, of course, and reports, “Jasper has a high energy level and thoroughly enjoyed stretching his legs, running and playing in the shelter yard during his photo shoot.  He has had to spend a few days in quarantine for worms but has been treated and is back in general population again.  Jasper has a confident, outgoing and fun-loving personality.  He walks well on a leash.  He knows the sit command and is happy to do so for treats which he takes gently.  He is a friendly fellow and has such an exuberant disposition.” His shelter ID is 45507664.
How about this beauty! Debra’s note reads, “This very handsome, nearly purebred Great Pyrenees is Cooper (#45579163) who arrived as a stray at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 9/22.  Cooper weighs 74 pounds, is about 4 years old and is not neutered.  He has a calm, gentle demeanor and a mellow and low-key personality.  He walks beautifully on a leash.  He sauntered around the yard during the photo shoot exploring all the smells.  … He came in dirty, matted and with fleas.  One of the volunteers brushed out his coat and he was given a Nexgard for the fleas.  There is so much to like about this sweet-natured boy.  The shelter has begun to fill up again after months of fewer dogs because of the COVID-19 situation.”
Ask about getting that Jasper and this Cooper to safety by using their ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
MEANWHILE, IN LANCASTER
CROWD OF CATS & DOGS GROWS…
Yep, 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit rescue group that focuses on small shelters, is trying to get dogs and cats out of small shelters on the southern side of Dallas so there won’t be a population crisis.
Sometimes, when the pressure’s on, siblings can get separated, as has happened in Lancaster. We previously mentioned Snowball and Roo — Snowball’s been tagged, but nobody wants Roo because she has the look of an overbred dog. [LARRY ASIDE: I’d offer an epithet regarding the overbreeding SOBLEEPS who hurt Roo, but I’m not sure they can read, so why bother.]
Back to the pressure of the day. Laura Macias of 4-Legged Helpers told us Monday night, “We had no choice but to let Snowball go without her sister as the shelter is getting fuller. NINE new dogs today!!!!!”
There also are cats in the mix, i.e., these kittens. Cole is the mostly black little tomcat whose white “bow tie” doesn’t show up in the photo. The other fellow is Tigger, a Tiger Tabby.
For any of these animals, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. She functions as the go-between helping rescues and adoptors make the right contact at the Lancaster Animal Shelter. Oh, and that handsome dog — the one with the “heart” on his side, is Giovanni, also known as “Van,” a “Bulldog mix” who was a stray and who is “such a sweetie pie. Even has a crooked heart on his side — so cute. Gentle and loving. Loves everyone.” And the 4-Legged Helpers note adds, “Please help save him!”

CONTEMPLATIONS

COURTHOUSE DOGS, A CAT THEORY, A MEDAL FOR DAVID FINFROCK
Our pal Alexandra Kelsey in Houston sent a note about a fascinating organization, Courthouse Dogs. She wrote, “A young woman I know has been involved for the last ten years with this group, and their website is very interesting.  I just wanted to share this.” Here’s the Courthouse Dogs Foundation link.  Don’t let anybody tell you there’s no heart at the courthouse! You can see that heart wearing a fur coat and a wagging tail. …
On a neighborhood page I saw a photograph of the body of a little black cat. The person who wrote the text was angry and heartbroken that the little cat was dead, dismembered by a coyote was the reason given. Some may think this mean of me, but when you know that letting a cat outdoors in Texas is an invitation to disaster — coyotes, hawks, cars, evil humans, etc. — and you do it anyway and the inevitable occurs, the pain you feel ought to be deep and it ought to last so long that you’ll never again let your housecat outside. You’re gambling with your kitty cat’s life. I am sorry for the human, but I am emotionally distressed because of the cat's needless death. …
Did you see the story in The Big Paper in Downtown Dallas about NBC5’s veteran weatherman David Finfrock being bitten by a rattlesnake while doing volunteer work at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill? His personal forecast is for a complete recovery. But here’s what readlarrypowell.com sees as the brave part of this story: The weatherman was pulling ragweed. I think he’s earned some kind of medal by risking snakebite to destroy that devil weed that makes so many of us miserable. Salute to David Finfrock! May his forecasts always be right on the nose — a nose not suffering from ragweed.
—- Offer allergy tips or rattlesnake advice by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and using “save the snakes —somewhere else” in the subject line. —-