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ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS THIS KITTEN IN DUNCANVILLE...

For this weekend’s edition of Let Sleeping dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap we stretched back to October 2021, then managed to land in March of 2023. Call it “Time Travel By Cat…”
This is the most recent rescue cat added to our household. 
The first photo shows how big he was on Oct. 4, 2021.
That second one is current — shot on March 23. In honor of Hastings’ moods and personality, I titled that photo “WHADDAYA WANT? I’M GROOMING HERE!”
He’s changed more than any other cat we’ve ever brought in to our home — eyes, coloring, manners, moods, income— Wait! Income? Hah. All the cats are still resolutely non-profit.

This is Hastings, AKA Captain Arthur Hastings Streetboy, named (a) in honor of the Duncanville street on which he was found and (b) in honor of the sidekick of Hercule Poirot, i.e., Captain Arthur Hastings, OBE. The cat’s call name is “Hastings” and sometimes he responds — well, he always responds, but in his world "ignoring a call" is a response. He just can't be bothered to come running. Shake a treat container, however, and he’s traveling at orbital speed.
When found, he had huge gobby things dangling off his eyes and he was starving. I spotted him paused and quivering out in the middle of the street. I managed to follow him off the street, watched him run into a curb and claw up the cement and race into a clutter of weeds where I grabbed him. That was on Oct. 4, 2021. [LARRY ASIDE: My rescuespouse Martha and I remain grateful to the emergency medical work by the great staff at Pet Medical Center of Duncanville.  They brought this boy from his wretched state of human neglect to vibrant safety far away from the edge of undeserved death. He’s no longer neglected. That's Martha feeding him at our house. He got over being shy about being fed. ]
As you can see in that photo from Feb. 7, 2022, the rascal was growing and had beautiful blue eyes. Along the way, those blue eyes slowly evolved into really dark eyes and his light-colored coat changed into an impossibly fluffy darker texture.
I managed to catch him sleeping at the foot of the bed on March 23 — I’d intended to take a nap after a particularly happy visit with a doctor. But, there was Hastings enjoying life!
 He has eschewed the actual cat bed to sleep atop a storage cabinet that serves as step two in Porche the Dog’s three-step process of climbing onto the bed where she sleeps nightly or any other time she’s in the mood.
I think Porche may conduct “Sleep Instruction Classes” for the other dogs and cats. She’s a giving dog, though at 3 in the morning she will not give up space on the bed. She sleeps with the determination of a bag of cement.

Hastings doesn’t challenge Porche for a spot on the bed. He is usually up patrolling during the night. 
He is almost adorable — apparently separated from his mom when only a few weeks old, he didn’t learn any of the “biting/clawing manners” that a mommy might explain during the weaning era of a kitten's life. The mom’s usually explain, “Bite my spigot like that again, I’ll roll your furry feline backside across the room and you’ll go without lunch.” It’s a lesson learned. Hastings was mostly hand-fed — he is a vigorous eater. 

Still, we have great hope that Hastings will become comfortable in a human lap as he watches TV. Most of the time, he just wanders through the living room en route to somewhere else on the planet. Or he comes in, looks around, and claims the back of a couch.
Such dark eyes in such a distinct face. He's a handsome fellow. Hastings turned out to be — like the rest of our dogs and cats through the years — pretty dadgumed adorable. Thus, in publishing this edition, readlarrypowell.com officially endorses adopting kittens off the streets and enjoying their purry love. Humans can always use more love — just read the daily headlines!
[DEAR READERS: Got a sleeper or a napper you love to photograph? Send photos and their stories to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll spotlight ‘em in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Your dogs and cats and their agents will love you for it.]
—- Offer cat management tips by clicking on ‘comment below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “CATS ARE INFLUENCERS,TOO” in the subject line. —-

DOGS AND CATS AND THE OPPORTUNIES TO IMPROVE HUMAN LIFE ON THIS PLANET...

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY, MARCH 23-24, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Ever see a sheet of instructions with a note that very clearly reads: “This space left blank intentionally.” I looked in the mirror Wednesday morning and across my forehead the message read, “This space left blank repeatedly.” Yep, another poorly assembled human being.
And, of course, my office cat, William Powell, found this interesting and jumped onto my desk to see if we could find an online solution to un-blanking my head. As William said, “I’ve often thought your head was blank, but I didn’t want to say anything in front of the other cats. Get me a marker and we’ll put a big M between your eyebrows. It’ll give you some dignity in your blankness.”
Now, fantasy aside, let’s get to some real situations.
DOGS LIBBY & PHOENIX
PLUS RAISING ARIZONA?
Here we go with three animals waiting ….
We learned of these dogs from volunteer Mesquite Animal Shelter biographer Debra Chisholm. They’re on the clock but Mesquite keeps hustling to place ‘em all.
This first pup is  Libby, a Pittie mix picked up as a stray on March 16 — weighs 60 pounds, isn’t spayed and is about 3 years old.
Debra wrote, “Libby tugged at my heartstrings because she is timid, nervous and uneasy at the shelter.  She walked OK on a leash and was non-reactive to the dogs barking at her when she passed by their kennels. … She likes treats and takes them gently. She is cautiously friendly and was fine with being petted and shown affection.

“But Libby needs more time to acclimate to the shelter and will need those willing to work with her to build trust and confidence. She has only been there a short while.  Much of the time her tail was tucked.  By the end of our time together she warmed up a bit but really needs patience and TLC to blossom.”

Libby is #52254680 — that’s her ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

And this guy is Phoenix (#52240462) when you contact the shelter at those points. He’s a mixed breed. Debra says the Dog Scanner App “suggests Australian Kelpie, Australian Cattle Dog and German Shepherd in the mix).” Came in as a stray on March 16. He’s not neutered, is about 2 and weighs 53 pounds. Debra writes that Phoenix “has plenty of personality!! He walks very nicely on a leash, though a bit hesitantly at times and did not react to other dogs whose kennels he passed by. … Phoenix knows the sit command and will do so for treats which he takes gently. He did explore the yard a bit but seemed to much prefer hanging out with a new human friend. He is amiable and more than happy to receive pets, strokes and hugs.  He has a moderate energy level and showed his athleticism by climbing up and down on the play equipment in the yard. He is quite the tail-wagger.  He seems to have been well cared for and yet his owners have not shown up to reclaim.  I found myself growing very fond of him in the short time we were together.”
Remember, to ask about any animal at the shelter, use the ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
And that brings us to this cat. As long as readlarrypowell.com was highlighting a dog named Phoenix (thanks to Debra),I thought I’d go ahead and spotlight a cat named Arizona. She’s #52229246 in the Mesquite shelter. Arizona is a “large” year-and-a-half-old white with brown Domestic Medium Hair Mix. She’s been in the shelter since March 13. Where in the shelter? Why, in the Cat Room, of course!. See more Mesquite dogs and cats — all adorable adoptables — by clicking on the SHELTER LINK HERE.
 
MEANWHILE, THE HELPERS WORK
TO PLACE BRYSON THE MAINE COON
(AND OTHER WAITING ANIMALS)
This gloriously gold or, perhaps, sedately golden (depends on the lighting) is a Maine Coon named Bryson. The bio from 4-Legged HHelpers reads that Bryson is neutered and has had his rabies shot and is currently in the care of someone in Fort Worth. 
The story from the Helpers reads, “This cuddly, beautiful guy was found out and about on his own and a kind person got him fixed. They considered putting him back out but Bryson said no way.  He loves being a house kitty and it is clear he was a house kitty prior to becoming lost perhaps. He is the sweetest most gentle lovable cuddle bug who adores every person he meets.  Please. Please help save him!!!!!” [Dear Readers: We’ll have a Maine Coon note in Contemplations today. First-hand experience.] To ask about helping Bryson or any of the animals on the Needs-Help Radar at 4-Legged Helpers, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
Still waiting to make a happy connection via the Helpers are these dogs (We cited Brady in our most recent edition.) These are some of the dogs still waiting — just like Brady. They’re waiting for a break from the right humans.
Skye is the Husky Mix, a spayed and vaccinated adorable adoptable, currently homeless. She was picked up while romping in Hutchins with another dog “that we could tell she loved very much,” the Helpers reported. The other dog was chipped and returned to her owner. Skye has been left behind at a vet clinic. Her bio reads, "You could not meet a nicer dog. Adores everyone and everything. All other dogs and all people! Very good girl! Very sweet.”
Then there’s the Boxer/Catahoula Mix Bella, found in front of a veterinary clinic in Dallas.  Apparently someone that could no longer care for her was desperate to try to save her and tied her there in hope they could help. Extremely well behaved.  Amazing eyes!   Gentle little soul.  She is a sweet little couch potato. The vet clinic where she currently is cannot keep her.  They have had her with a dog trainer for evaluation but she is supposed to return and they have no boarding for her.

 Krissy, also known as “Zuma” is a Retriever/Bulldog mix in the Ferris Animal Shelter. Her bio reads, “This is the most wonderful dog. Adores all other dogs.  All people. Someone was no longer able to care for her and brought her in with the hope someone will save her.  She has been a house dog so clearly housetrained.   She is only 45 pounds.  Incredibly sweet.   Chonky and adorable.”
Boxer/Pointer Trevor, also in the Ferris shelter, has been on the Helpers’ list for a while. He’s in the Ferris shelter. Adored in the shelter, the Helpers report. “He was found out and about playing with some children.  Adores everyone and everything. Did extremely well in a cat test and likes other dogs! Sweetest baby ever. He was wearing a harness and lead and the lead attached had been torn like he has been lost for awhile.  Poor guy was starving.  Thank goodness he stopped to play with kids.  But now he needs your help to save him!!!”
Again, to help the Helpers save these animals, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. Follow 4-Legged Helpers on Facebook to keep up with  dogs and cats in need.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED NOTES ON A SPECIFIC DAY
Our dogs are in a very deep sleep right now. How do I know? The trash truck came through the neighborhood twice and nobody in the house stirred. Porche even kept snoring ...
When I wrote about Bryson the Maine Coon, I was immediately transported back to the era before Martha and I married — when we met she had a beautiful gray with silver highlights Maine Coon named Lucy. The first time I met Lucy, that beautiful cat treated me like I was a long-lost member of her litter. I think Lucy’s influence is why Martha decided to have a second date with me. And, a couple of years later (1991), Martha brought Lucy along with her into the marriage -- not to the wedding, but into the marriage. So, there’s a reflection on the adorable value of a Maine Coon. (Martha also had a big black cat named Bob and a black and white and rather rotund cat named Cyril (galloped like a horse). They voted for me, too, though not as vigorously as Lucy. I hope someone can make room in a happy marriage for a Maine Coon named Bryson. …
In the meantime, anybody else enjoying the detective show Will Trent? Ramon Rodriguez has the title role. But, see that dog in the poster? That’s the detective’s dog, Betty. An unexpected delight in a 21st century police show. Quite a cast of human actors, too.
— Offer romance advice or fun dog tales by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put TV NEEDS MORE CRIME-FIGHTING DOGS in the subject line. —

SMOKEY REBOUNDS IN HOUSTON; BRADY WAITS IN DALLAS AREA; I-21 & PICKLES

EDITION OF MARCH 21/23, 2023 [PetPowellPress]  On Tuesdays I anticipate buying a Lotto Texas ticket on Wednesdays. On Wednesday, I anticipate spending Thursday driving to Austin to pick up the dough. On Thursdays I daydream about ice cream since I didn't win the dough. That dog daydreams about ice cream, too. As you may be able to see, Wendy has some delicate whiskers and she loves licking vanilla ice cream out of those chin-whiskers. I use a napkin on my whiskers. I'm a civilized human being. 
Of course, I'm so civilized that my diet prevents me from enjoying ice cream, thus Wendy does not enjoy ice cream -- unless a craving beats down my will. As she said to me, "Arrrgghfarats!" That is the canine version of, "I can't believe I can't eat ice cream like skinny people eat ice cream." Enough of that diet whining -- let's see if there are any animals that need help today.
A BIT OF SMOKEY NEWS
FROM RED COLLAR RESCUE
We got a note from the folks with famed Red Collar Rescue in Houston about a little guy named Smokey.
His story is heroic. His recovery is remarkable. And the price is astounding. Most people involved in rescue know how high the prices can get when a dog or cat gets nowhere-near-routine treatment for nowhere-near-routine injuries. This is one of those cases.
 Saving a life ain't cheap.
The basic story from Red Collar is the Houston Fire Department saved Smokey from a burning apartment complex about two weeks ago. Ever since he has been “bravely fighting to overcome his numerous medical obstacles!”
[Yes, that is adorable Smokey in the collar in the photos.]

The report from Red Collar is that he had “lung damage and neurological problems as a result of the smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, and it was unknown if he would survive. His oxygen levels are better, and some of his brain function has improved including motor skills, but sadly he is still neurologically blind.” 

And there was this: “Smokey's veterinary team felt he was strong enough for anesthesia, so he underwent a first surgery to remove 2 foreign objects from his stomach. They turned out to be  1 1/4" diameter acrylic stones.” 
And there was a bonus. Red Collar reports, “During surgery, the vets also removed his undescended testicle that was in his abdomen (cryptorchidism), and neutered him.  Smokey had dangerously low blood pressure during surgery, but he made it through okay.”

In another surgery, the boy’s broken femur was stabilized. And, Red Collar reports, he’ll “need physical therapy on his leg, but he should be able to regain the ability to walk almost normally. He receives eyedrops to heal his corneal ulcers, but this does not affect his ability to regain sight...only time will tell.
“Even with all of Smokey's medical issues, he is soooo sweet and shows us every day that he loves life!  We will be with him each step of the way!”
As you know, it takes money to save an animal’s life. Red Collar reports that “Smokey's medical bills are currently $10,921.67 at Texas A&M plus $2,835.18 at the ER. To those of you who donated for Smokey, we cannot thank you enough! We still have a lot to cover and appreciate any donation, no matter the amount.  YOUR support saves lives!” You can read Red Collar Rescue’s website at redcollar.org and there you’ll also find ways to donate to Smokey’s cause.
And, when you go to Red Collar’s Facebook page HERE  you’ll see more Smokey photos and pictures and stories about other animals who are under the care of Red Collar Rescue.
THE CLOCK IS GENTLY TICKING
ON THIS HANDSOME BRADY
We’ve been writing about Brady for a while now. And the latest report from 4-Legged Helpers reads, “The Good Samaritan holding Brady is running out of time. Please Please Please help us keep him out of the shelter. Help us help Brady find a home or rescue…."

Brady is about a year-and-a-half old, weighs 50 pounds, is neutered, is a Lab/Bulldog mix and is currently waiting in a home in a rural area near Ferris, south of Dallas.
You may remember that Brady loves to ride in a vehicle and he also likes to keep his favorite rope toy handy. He also is a fan of good and kind people, too! 
He’s the guy 4-Legged Helpers refers to as “the absolute sweetest cuddly marshmallow pup you could met. He adores people and other dogs. He is silly and sweet and would be a perfect hiking or running partner and then cuddle up next to you as your TV-watching companion. He is running out of time at his temporary placement and needs a safe place to go.”
To ask about adopting, fostering or tagging for rescue, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_72@yahoo.com.
You can track the efforts of 4-Legged Helpers by clicking the organization’s FACEBOOK LINK HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED NOTES FOR THIS ERA
Back during that storm outbreak last week — Was it last week? My mind wanders…— I heard a TV reporter say she was watching the threatening sky as she drove toward downtown Fort Worth on I-21.The road isn’t I-21, it’s just 121. But there was a storm overhead, so who has time to look at roadsigns, right? Or does the reporter know something about the highway department’s plans? … 
Traffic: Is it the biggest challenge in D/FW — has been since I moved here in 1972. Not that my 1971 Vega added to snarls except when the aluminum engine would blow up in traffic. Thank you, GM. …

My funspouse Martha and I went to a Fort Worth BBQ joint that keeps sliced pickles on a serving bar (and has some vegetarian dishes). There seemed to be a disagreement over who would replenish pickles. And a female waitstaffer declared authoritatively, “I WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PICKLES EVERYWHERE.” It was a sentence I’d never before heard in my entire life. And, after due consideration, I can’t disagree with it. 

—- Offer pickle lore or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put VEGETARIANS LIKE PICKLES! in the subject line. —-

LUIS' TRIUMPH; OTHER DOGS AND CATS WAITING; A PEGASUS THEATRE 'DO OVER' & WHAT'S IN THE CLOUDS?

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Research shows that spring arrives in Texas at 4:24 p.m. Central Daylight Time on this very day, the Monday on which I began typing this.
And that brings us to weather and show biz. The person who said, “The show must go on” never lived through a tornado-spawning/rain-drenching/street-flooding/TV weather-report-monopolizing late winter storm in Texas.
For example, last Thursday, the show did not go on for the Pegasus Theatre people — ah, but the special event IS going curtains-up in spite of the weather this week., The “Pay What You Want” production has moved to Thursday the 23rd. We’ll have the how-to-get-tickets and more on that in CONTEMPLATIONS. First, we address the continuing drama of animals on this never-closing Metroplexitheatre in North Texas.
SOMETIMES THINGS WORK OUT
FOR A DOG WHO IS STARVING
Maybe you remember this guy from a story we got back on January 12 courtesy of the great Karen Lee (more on her in Contemplations) and the Trinity GAP Club Rescue folks.
This is one of the photos we had of Luis thanks to the GAP Rescue. The story was he’d been intentionally starved by the human who had him.
And the most recent report (Karen tipped us to the glorious updated post on the Trinity GAP Rescue Facebook page HERE.
It began, “Look at Luis! He has gained almost 30 pounds! What a difference two months with good food and a great foster can do! Thank you Christine for all of your hard work with Luis.
Luis is now looking for his forever home. Please contact steffenie- gaprescue@gmail.com.
 [LARRY ASIDE: You may recall that Euless Trinity GAP Rescue evolved from a Euless Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program project years ago. Luis is among the latest beneficiaries of this teacher-led evolution. Along the way, GAP Rescue has gathered many supporters including our pal Karen Lee, who with her husband Dennis, founded barkleyworld.com in 2013 to help people whose animals need help. More on this and Karen in CONTEMPLATIONS.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE:
A BIG RETURN; A SMALL BART
We’ve got a couple of dogs and a cat from Mesquite for this edition. Remember, Mesquite, like any other large shelter operation in North Texas, has “more plenty” animals waiting for homes. Fortunately, this shelter also has a pretty swell volunteer program. That’s how we can post the Mesquite adorable adoptables and link you to the many we can’t post. [LARRY ASIDE: Bless those volunteers not only in Mesquite, but in Fort Worth, Dallas and any other shelter that’s mindful of the mission of “sheltering.”]
We got the story on Lena from volunteer Judi Brown. She writes, “Look at her sweet face and into Lena’s imploring eyes and you will see not only a beautiful dog but a wonderful dog! 
“Lena is a 4-year-old Mastiff that originally arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 10/26 as a stray. Shortly after that she was adopted by an older woman with some health issues. The lady really loved Lena but because of her health issues was not able to walk her. She killed her with kindness by feeding her until she went from 78 pounds to 100 pounds! 

“When it became obvious that she was no longer healthy enough to care for Lena she reached out to me and others trying to find her a loving home. When she wasn’t successful in this endeavor she reluctantly surrendered Lena to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/14. That was five months after she had adopted Lena. Lena is spayed. She now needs another loving home. ”
Lena, Judi says, “is what we call a gentle giant! She’s sweet, loving, well mannered in that she doesn’t jump on you’ she’s friendly, alert, and attentive. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She used to chase balls but I’m thinking her weight is holding her back this time. She could definitely benefit from some walks and playful activity to get her weight down! A healthy diet would be helpful also. She stays close looking up at you with adoring eyes. She wants to please. She wags her tail and gives gentle kisses … Lena is at the shelter through no fault of her own. She’s had one loving home and now needs another.”

Lena is #45970731 — use that as the identifier when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

And Judi’s colleague in dog-bio-writing, Debra Chisholm, sent us a note about this guy and he immediately got our attention because he has the same name as one of readlarrypowell.com's twins, Bart. [LARRY ASIDE: Bart, my little boy, is much older than Bart the dog, but he is equally well-behaved and adorable — and he is house-trained. In fact, both he and his brother, Bret, are house-trained. You have to appreciate that in twins, right? They’re only in their early 50s, you know. I hope they’ll laugh at this wisecracking.]
Back to Bart the Dog: Debra writes that Bart the Dog “is a cute, fun-loving, reddish gold Terrier mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/13 as a stray. He’s a year old and weighs 23 pounds. He’s got a small frame. He is not neutered. When I first got him out of the kennel he jumped gently on me for a hug. That was so sweet!|
 And, when he was exploring the yard, Debra says he was “bounding around for joy. He spent some time looking out the outside gate indicating that he’s very alert and curious. He appears to love people! He loves attention and even will dance for it. When I sat down he came to me to have his ears scratched. He doesn’t appear to know the sit command but does take treats gently. He also was not interested in toys or balls. He’s active, energetic, sweet, friendly, loving and apparently happy. However, he will be a lot happier when he gets out of the shelter and into your loving home.”

Bart is #52230542 — use that when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Remember, you can see many, many other dogs and cats — adoptable and rescueable — at the Mesquite shelter by clicking on THIS LINK.
This guy is #52246952 — he’s not the first kitten of spring, but he may be among the last of the winter kittens to arrive safely at Mesquite Animal Services. He and some other orangish kittens came in at 6 days old on March 15. They’re in kitten quarantine and “rescue only” right now. But, at some point, perhaps, he’ll grow to be a big ol’ orange #52246952 — maybe known as “Fitty-two-kitty” and loved for the rest of his long, long life. [LARRY ASIDE: I speak as a guy who, with my rescuespouse Martha, lived for years and years with Griffin Oliver Powell, a very large orange and white gentleman kitty who came to us as an unwanted tiny kitten. May you and this little bitty boy have a glorious cat-happy existence.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
IN HONOR OF SHOWBIZ & KAREN’S PHOTO WORK
Remember that awful storm last Thursday that monopolized all the TV and radio stations and kept threatening neighborhoods all over North Texas and beyond? That storm postponed last Thursday’s Bath House Cultural Center performance of Pegasus Theatre’s Mind Over Murder in RadioVizion. It was scheduled to be the “Pay What You Can” special admission. 
Ah, but show biz is flexible and in the Monday email I got a note with the subject line “Pay What You Can: Do_Over." Yes, Pegasus has re-skedded the special admission “Pay What you Can” for Thursday the 23rd’s production of the “simulated radio play” of the well-received “Living Black and White” stage-play Mind Over Murder! by Kurt Kleinmann. See how to set the price for your ticket to the Thursday performance by clicking HERE. 
NOW, ABOUT BARKLEYWORLD.COM. As regular readers know, Karen Lee and hubby Dennis created barkleyworld.com in 2013 to help people whose animals are "facing out-of-their-reach" medical problems. What a noble cause! Karen and Dennis also are supporters of Euless’ Trinity GAP Rescue. Karen tips us frequently about such challenging cases as that guy Luis in an earlier note in this edition. You can read about Barkley (the dog who inspired Barkleyworld) by going to the non-profits website at barkleyworld.com. And you can read about Trinity Gap Rescue (which supports the Euless Animal Shelter’s dogs and cats) by going to the trinitygaprescue.org website or to the GAP Facebook page. 
But, consider this: Karen is also a pretty darned good photographer. She knows how to capture a scene whether it is on earth or above. [We have a copy of her wonderful photo book Las Cruces Clouds, published last year.]
So, what’s the deal with this UFO picture?
Ah, it’s not a UFO, but it is a vivid photo of what she saw over Las Cruces, N.M., on March 7. Karen described it as “Crazy cloud hanging with the full moon tonight…” [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, I’m part of the conspiracy claiming that what we’re seeing is a cloud formation and the moon, though those of us from other planets know it is the glow from the exhaust of the cleverly disguised space ship that brought us to your planet. Cue the spooky music. You’ve seen the way people are behaving these days — you people can’t ALL be from Earth, can you?]
— Offer UFO info or tips on space dining by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘HEY SPACE CADET’ in the subject line. —-

AFTER THE STORM, SLEEPIN' 'N' NAPPIN' AND OWNING AN OFFICE'S HEART....

After that rough spell of weather during the week. our Friday morning in the office of readlarrypowell.com consisted of a sleeper and a napper.
All others were sleeping the living room or the guest bedroom.
So. that left the adorable little dog Porche Noel on her office bed, peeking out at me with one eye as I took her photo.
The actual napping cat on The Scratching Chair is Stevie Ray, the apprentice office cat.
There is no doubt that writing is made easier when the animals in the office are snoozing.
When they all awake simultaneously and decide it's "treat time," that can interrupt a HANG ON tick tick tick tick tick tick paragraph.
I mention the joy of animals in an office to suggest that businesses that are having trouble convincing employees to return to the corporate offices, might enjoy more success if they'd establish the category of "Authorized Office Cat" or "Official Office Dog" for the corporate personnel "Happiness Enhancement Program." Be cheaper than giving everybody a raise.
Just a thought ... I mention it in case my bid on a newspaper company actually goes through and I need happy reporters and editors -- all of whom must be resolutely softhearted, kind and accurate. Free treats for the cats and dogs in the office.

Stevie Ray is young, but he really knows how to nap in that chair -- when he's not shredding it with his bionic claws. It was a free chair -- leftover from a garage sale. If I'd paid for it, he could still shred it and that would be OK with me. Stevie Ray is my boy.
[DEAR READERS: Please send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats, slumbering aardvarks or any other snooze-prone animal to dallrp@aol.com and we'll highlight them and their story of rescue, adoption or "just showed up" in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Thank you for your  awareness of animal somnolentity. That may not be an actual word, but I nodded off as I typed it.]
-- Offer slumbertips or pie recipes by clicking on 'comment below' or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put FLUFF THAT PILLOW SNOOZEBOY in the subject line. ---

IRISH GREYHOUNDS & GALT; MESQUITE BROTHERS WAITING; 'DAYS LIKE THIS'

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2022 [PetPowellPress] St. Patrick’s Day greetings and here are entertaining movies to view. John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in the Irish romance The Quiet Man (1952). 
Oh, and how about this one? Albert Clark, Janet Munro and a newcomer in Walt Disney’s Darby O’Gill & The Little People in 1959. Newcomer? Sean Connery.
If you love Leprechauns — and who doesn’t — there’s this 1948 film with Tyrone Power, AnneBaxter and the Leprechaunish Cecil Kellaway: The Luck of the Irish. (That's the Leprechaun holding a pot of gold and talking to Tyrone Power's character.)
Ah, romance and the Irish. Happy St. Patrick’s Day and may love be in your heart. After all, as the Irish singer Van Morrison wrote positively, “When it’s not always rainin’, There’ll be days like this.” More in Contemplations.
GREYHOUNDS OF TEXAS HAVE
IRISH CONNECTION & AUSSIE, TOO
As regular and irregular visitors to readlarrypowell.com know, we are consistently fascinated by the work of the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas. Our fascination was enhanced on St. Patrick’s Day when we got this note from GALT about its reach overseas — not just into Oklahoma (more on that later).

The GALT Friday newsletter reads, “Since October 2022, we have welcomed 28 retired racing Greyhounds from Ireland! What better day than their first Saint Patrick's Day in America for an update on their progress!”

Call it “luck of the Irish dogs.” Not sure which one was lucky enough, er, patient enough, to wear the big, green hat!
GALT reports that 6 of “our Irish hounds have already gone to their forever homes and finalized their adoptions, and two more, Peggy and senior girl Maureen, will finalize their adoptions this weekend. Seven of our Irish hounds are in foster homes with foster parents who have expressed an intention to adopt them. Four are currently available for adoption (including Blackie, Buick, Mitch, and Pippin) and nine are still waiting for foster homes to become available so that they can start their search for a forever home.”
|As you’ve probably guessed, see the photos and opportunities by going to galtx.org. 
The newsletter continues, “We are thrilled to see our Irish hounds moving forward, not just because their progress represents the fulfillment of mission and purpose, but also because we need to make room for the retired racers from Australia coming right behind them. This week, we welcomed eight hounds from Australia (more about them soon) and we are looking forward to welcoming more in the future.” [LARRY ASIDE: They may be quick as kangaroos on a track, but as a Greyhound admirer once told me at an adoption event, “They’re really just couch potatoes.” So, if you have an empty couch and a willing heart…well, you know. Click on www.galtx.org.]
Now, there’s also this: I’ve mentioned these two wonderful dogs several times before. Nick and Nora came to GALT two years ago when they were “very thin” puppies rescued in a cruelty seizure by law enforcement officers working with animal control in Pauls Valley, Okla. They were “mistaken for Greyhound puppies.” Ah, but GALT’s bio of these 2-year-old’s explains that “once a GALT Greyhound, always an honorary GALT Greyhound! Nick and Nora are extremely bonded and depend on each other, so of course they will be adopted together, but for just the adoption fee of one. A DNA test was performed showing them to be American Staffy and Boxer crosses. They are extremely sweet and loving. We refer to them as GALT’s “Greyhound Gremlins”.
Again, go to galtx.org to see more adorable adoptables and how to get involved with GALT — fostering, adopting, etc. And, if you speak Australian, you may come in handy in a few weeks when those Down Under Greyhounds arrive. I may be kidding about translating from the Australian.
A COUPLE OF BROTHERS NEED
RESCUE/HOME AFTER A STRAY EVENT
That term “Stray Event” is completely new. I just typed it. I don’t own it — yet. So, please, don’t send readlarrypowell.com any money — yet — for licensing it via the American Animal Rescue Rewrite Wordage Foundation (AARR’F). OK. I mighta made that all up.
But here’s the deal. These two guys are Bentley and Buddy.
They look quite alike. That’s Buddy on the left. Thus, Bentley is on the right.
We got the story on them from Debra Chisholm, volunteer dog-writer with the Mesquite Animal Shelter.” 
Buddy is #52215488. Debra writes, “This cutesy pup was picked up and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter along with his brother Bentley as strays by one of our officers on 3/10.  The pups are ‘RESCUE ONLY’ due to their age--2 months.  They are listed as Retriever/Lab mixes and weigh around 15-16 pounds.  The boys are being given meds for coccidia which is a 5-day treatment. 
“Buddy is lively, active, frisky, perky — normal puppy-like behavior.  If you are looking for a friendly, sweet-natured youngster this may be just the dog.”
And, Debra writes, “This adorable youngster is Bentley. (#52215528) … This spunky and energetic fellow is friendly and happy to be petted and receive loving attention.”
Sibling rivalry in the shelter? Doesn’t sound like it.
Debra’s report reads, “Bentley is kenneled with his brother and they get along fine.  However, they need to be out of the shelter and in a warm and caring home in which they will receive the loving attention they need.”
You know how it works: Use their ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
You can see more dogs and cats on the Mesquite Animal Shelter site HERE . In honor of the Irish day I went looking for an Irish cat and this girl Rose was the closest I could find -- wouldn't call her a "wild Irish rose," however.. She’s #52127710. [LARRY ASIDE: I think that was the winning set of numbers in last weekend’s Wild Irish Rose Blarney Lotto. I may have made that up.] Anyway, this Texas Rose is one of the very rare Domestic Shorthair Mixes in the Metrosprawl. She’s about 7 1/2 months old, is small and is black and white which means (based on readlarrypowell.com's cat experience) she’ll be entertainingly zany for her entire life. Adorable, too. She came into the shelter on Feb. 24 and you can find her in the Cat Room.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Assorted Irish Thoughts
Is there Irish in your heart? Might be. Some of the folks on one side of my family pointed to the assorted red-haired relatives (my beard was reddish for years) as being evidence of our Irishness. On the other side, the claim was “Welsh.” Ultimately, I settled on “Texan.” I was born in the Republic of Texas in 1845. Wait, I need to check those records if I can find the right Republic of Texas Birth Records File Cabinet in Dublin. What? Oh, yeah, Dublin, in Erath County. It’s where Dr Pepper was bottled from 1891 to 2012 — my research shows. (Some of the previous passage may be blarney. Except for the born in Texas part. )
Let’s move along
WHILE LOOKING for a Texas connection to Ireland, I thought of the great Van Morrison. Why? Because his songs seem to fit Texas ears and, also, he’s known sometimes as The Belfast Cowboy. Online you can find that his formal name is “Sir George Ivan Morrison,” as he is an officer in the Order of the British Empire (OBE). 
So in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll post (a) THIS STUDIO VERSION OF DAYS LIKE THIS and a slightly more animated version of DAYS LIKE THIS BY THE BELFAST COWBOY AT A festival in Poland. 
And we’ll close with an optimistic line from the song: “When no one steps on my dreams there'll be days like this.”
—- Offer optimism by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and type “DON’T STOMP MY DREAMS, DUDE” in the subject line. —-

SOMETIMES A FANTASTIC DOG TAIL IS SPOTTED...OTHER TALES? CATS, A DOG WITH NO NAME, JONQUILS, & PEGASUS

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY, MARCH 15-16, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Still maladjusted to the time change? Of course. Anybody who has dogs and cats is probably still coping with the aftereffects of one lousy hour of change. OK, got that off my brain. (Porche, not smiling on the left, says she can't quite adjust, but more treats might help.)
You know who I worry about? People who devote every hour of their waking lives to rescuing animals from lousy situations or from clock-watching shelters. The term “compassion fatigue” comes to mind. You people are danged tough. Give yourselves a raise! (That last sentence about a raise is a joke, unless I win Lotto Texas.)
A LOOK AT ODIS IN FW;
AND A LITTLE CAT, TOO
There are so many animals in so many shelters, but every now and then we’ll remember a dog or cat that someone tipped us to a while back. That’s the case with this guy Odis who is being watched by animal fan LaDonna Wernersbach. 
As you may recall, Fort Worth Animal Care and Control has been experiencing assorted challenges — canine illnesses, overloading by people who let dogs “stray,” etc. It’s a big city, there are challenges spawned by big city residents.
OK, back to Odis. LaDonna reminds us that the “poor guy was positive for distemper for a while. Then re-tested weeks later and was negative.” There’s more, but the bottom line is Odis was in a shelter that was working hard to regain a “normal” status so animals could get adopted. 
You see there the status and biographical illustration for this guy Odis. (Click on it to make it grow.
By the time you read this, Odis may belong to someone or be safely in the hands of a rescue group. We’ll try to find out. But just in case, maybe you’ll want to check with the shelter…you know?

Here’s the link to the adoptable animals at Fort Worth Animal Care and Control.
 And among those animals is this cat, Stephanie (#51423719). [LARRY ASIDE: Regular readers will recognize that Stephanie is a member of that extraordinarily rare breed in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth Metrosprawl, the famed “Domestic Shorthair Mix.”]
Her Cowtown cat bio reads that she is 6 months old, small and a new arrival, having come into the North Animal Campus on March 14 — she’s neutered, so she will not be producing any new versions of the Domestic Shorthair Mix.
HERE'S A GREAT TAIL
WITH A GREAT DOG
ATTACHED TO IT!
This girl is among the animals waiting for a good home in the City of Mesquite Animal Shelter. And we learned about her and her spectacular tail from the shelter's volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm.
She wrote, "I have named this very attractive youngster Suzie Q.  She arrived on 3/9 as a stray at the Mesquite Animal Shelter.  Suzie Q weighs 58 pounds, is approx a year old and is not currently spayed.  It was fun to watch her stretch her legs and enjoy romping in the yard as though she was just so glad to get a break from her kennel. She chased balls but did not return them.
"It is hard to imagine why her people have not come looking for her. She walked quite nicely on a leash.  She pottied in the yard.  Suzie Q was not particularly interested toys or even treats.  She seemed a bit restless and it will take a few more days for her to acclimate to her new surroundings.  She was friendly with me and let me pet her without any issues.  She appears to have a moderate activity level and did not jump on me."
To ask about Suzie Q, use her shelter ID #52210991when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@ cityofmesquite.com.
See more Mesquite dogs and cats — lots of both of ‘em — by clicking on THIS LINK.
And, still waiting at the shelter is a cat we mentioned a few weeks back, the lovely Evelyn who just happens to be, like Stephanie in Fort Worth, one of those “rare breed” cats, a Domestic Shorthair Mix. Hardly ever see ‘em, right?
Evelyn is #51891339 at the Mesquite shelter — use that number when you ask about this year-and-a-month-old, medium-sized, cat who has been in the shelter since January 17. [LARRY ASIDE: She’s waiting in he Conference Room at the shelter, according to her on-line bio.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
A DOG, A FLOWER AND A PEGASUS PLAY
On Wednesday morning I was checking Facebook sites — I enjoy the posts of Dr. Glen Campbell, the vet known for his sense of humor and his hard work on behalf of the animals brought to the non-profit Friends of the Animals Spay/Neuter Clinic, the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. He’d posted this picture on his Facebook page HERE  and asked his readers, “What would you name him?” At last check, there’d been more than 150 dog name suggestions … Since I am a mouthy writer-type, I wrote, “Winston.... -- wait. If I name him, do I get to keep him? (I'm at the limit already). But this guy has a face to charm the world. Maybe Smiley or Charmer. Or Happy! Might take a couple of days of walkin’-around with him time to understand what he wants to be named.” In retrospect, maybe the time will help the dog communicate to me what his actual name already is! Yep, I’m pretty sure they’re smarter than I am — have you never known a dog who didn’t have a chauffeur or needed to sign a lease? He is too cute!
OK, EVERYBODY SETTLE DOWN even though I know and you know that it’s time for the big floral argument — Jonquils or Daffodils? In Washington, Ark., just about 40 miles northeast of Texarkana, Texas (and Texarkana, Ark.), the celebration flower is Jonquils for the “55th annual” Jonquil Festival this weekend at Washington State Park. The big artwork shows “jonquils” while the smaller artwork shows “daffodils” and to me, a guy who only knows the difference between grass and weeds, they look to be the same. What is the Texas connection? It’s historic. The Arkansas State Parks online site reads, “Washington’s most famous blacksmith, James Black, is credited with forging one of the original Bowie knives for James ‘Jim’ Bowie in the early 1830s.” I was born in Bowie County. Mr. Bowie perished on March 6, 1836, at the Alamo in San Antonio. And that concludes my jonquils/daffodils/Bowie Knife note. …
HERE’S A DEAL FROM PEGASUS, the great theatre people in Dallas. The headline has to do with Thursday's RadioViZion production of the play Mind Over Murder! by the Pegasus playwright Kurt Kleinmann. He’s famed for creating the “Living Black and White” theatrical experience that mimics B&W movie theater and TV mysteries of the previous century. And this production is, basically, a radio-studio production of the popular Mind Over Murder. 
For Thursday’s production, Pegasus is hosting a “PayWhat You Can” performance for the RadioViZion event. Click on THIS LINK
for show details and to make a reservation, though "reservations are “optional,” Pegasus says. The instruction’s explain, “After you’ve selected your seats, choose the ‘Pay What You Can’ option. You will not be charged anything until you arrive at the theatre. When you check in at the box office, simply pay the amount you wish to pay for your tickets. It’s that simple!” Pegasus Theatre is due some applause. If I slip into my Elmer Gantry character, can I get an 'Amen!'? [LARRY FYI: Theaters always need money. It fuels the productions — the expenses are odd sometimes — I was in a show once that had a portrait of a big white rabbit prominently displayed….fortunately, I think it was donated — by a fellow named Harvey, as I recall. Never met him, but I did appreciate him.
—- Offer advice or doubt by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘LIVE THEATRE IS NO CHEAP THRILL’ in the subject line. —-

DOGS AND CATS AND SHELTERS AND PEOPLE; PLUS AN 'ENDLESSLY SWEET DOG'

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023 {PetPowellPress] Before we get to some heart-touching stories, we have these things to note: the Holiday Insight’s  online calendar says March 1 was National Pig Day and that the 14th is (Drop that ‘g’!) National PI day (3.14 for those of you who skipped that day in junior high math). 
Now, we’re going to move along to helping animals and the people who help them. 

And, we have a very touching Contemplation about a dog named Scully, a dear and beloved companion…
LOOKING INTO THE GANG
WAITING AT MESQUITE…
So many animals in so many shelters around here. And we’re fortunate to have connections with Mesquite Animal Shelter’s volunteer dog biographers Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm.
The story of this pup comes from Judi who met him. Judi wrote, “This handsome stocky guy that’s waiting to go home with you is named Cowboy. He’s a 3-year-old, 67-pound English Staffordshire Terrier/Mountain Dog mix that arrived … on 3/7 as a stray. He is not neutered. He is tri-colored with a glossy black coat.

“This is a case where the tail wags the dog. Cowboy is very alert and curious and explored every nook and cranny in the shelter yard. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He was not interested in balls. He appeared to be a little nervous in that he was drooling. That’s not surprising as he never expected to find himself at a shelter and doesn’t quite understand what’s going on. When I called him he came to me and put his head on my lap. … He’s friendly, well-mannered and doesn’t jump on you. He’s also active but not overly so. He’s loving and judging from his tail wagging he appears to be happy. He would do well in an active family.”

Cowboy is #52194904 — use his ID when you call the shelter at l 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Judi also got to meet this beautiful fellow Alpine. She says he’s a “handsome, fluffy” year-old Great Pyrenees/Retriever mix — came in on March 6 as a stray. Weighs 65 pounds and isn’t neutered — yet. 
Judi says Alpine is “extremely sweet, friendly, gentle, well- mannered, playful, easy going, and affectionate. Most the time he stayed close to me and when he did walk around the yard he did so slowly. It was obvious he wasn’t in a big hurry to go anywhere — that is, until I got out a ball and then he came to life! He bounded after the ball. He did this several times. He went so far as to put it in his mouth but did not bring it back to me. He wags his tail a lot. He didn’t appear to know the sit command but did take the treats gently. He walks very well on the leash. … He visited with several dogs in the small kennels wagging his tail. When I sat down he came to me to be petted. This dog is a total love bug! As gentle as he is he would most likely do well with young children that would be gentle with him.”
Alpine is #52187209.
There are so many more dogs and cats in the Mesquite shelter. You can see them and read the bios generated by Judi and Debra and other volunteers by clicking on this LINK.
And, there’s Tiger, said to be 3-years-a-month-and-11 days-old (Shelter’s bio says). Tiger’s ID is #520022242. And he is, as catfans can easily see, a rare Domestic Shorthair Mix. [LARRY ASIDE: Not sure how “rare”; we have just two of them at readlarrypowell.com — both found wandering the same neighborhood in Dallas. So, yeah, I kid the “rare” cats.] 
Tiger, with his beautiful coat, is available in the shelter’s Cat Room. He came into the Mesquite Shelter on Feb. 2. He’s neutered and ready to go to a good home that’ll make sure he knows he’s a member of the family, a key cog in a smooth-running household, a gem who brightens up the family circle.
THE SMALLER SHELTERS
HAVE BIG PERSONALITIES
The 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on moving unnoticed animals out of small shelters unseen in the shadow of Dallas, are hustling right now to find some humans to help.
 We got a note from the Helpers’ guiding light Laura Macias about how some of these animals come with $275 donations to the 501c3 that tags them. Plus, this reminder: You can make an adoption connection with these animals through the Helpers. Either way you want to help, contact the 4-Legged Helpers: Call or text: 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
 The Helpers sent these bios of dogs either in the Ferris Animal Shelter or waiting in a home or vet office that rescued them on a very temporary basis.
This first beauty is Skye, a spayed Husky mix who was, according to the shelter bio, “found out and about with another doggie friend that we could tell she loved very much.  The other doggie was microchipped and returned to her owner leaving poor Skye alone.  Just so sad.   A kind person now has Skye at a vet clinic but she needs someone ASAP or she is probably headed to the shelter Please, this is EXTREMELY URGENT.  Please help save her!!!!!  You could not meet a nicer dog.”
That brings us to Bella, a Boxer/Catahoula Mix, who “was found in front of a veterinary clinic in Dallas.  Apparently someone that could no longer care for her was desperate to try to save her and tied her there in hopes they could help. Extremely well-behaved.  Amazing eyes!   Gentle little soul.  She is a sweet little couch potato.  The vet clinic where she currently is cannot keep her.  They have had her with a dog trainer for evaluation but she is supposed to return and they have no boarding for her….VERY URGENT!!!”
Krissy, who is also known as “Zuma,” is a Retriever/Bulldog mix in the Ferris shelter. Her bio reads, “Check out this cutie pie!  Look at her cute little white paws. Someone was no longer able to care for her and brought her in with the hope someone will save her.  She has been a house dog so clearly housetrained.   She is only 45 pounds.  Incredibly sweet.   Chonky and adorable.”

Trevor is a Boxer/Pointer Mix at the Ferris shelter. Young male, the bio says.
And it reads, “Everyone that has met Trevor absolutely adores him.  He was found out and about playing with some children.   Adores everyone and everything. Did extremely well in a cat test and likes other dogs!   Sweetest baby ever.
“He was wearing a harness and lead and the lead attached had been torn.  Poor guy was starving.  Thank goodness he stopped to play with kids.  But now he needs your help to save him!!! He has the sweetest face ever with beautiful markings. … He needs someone ASAP.  He is a great boy that adores other dogs!”

Brady is a Lab/Bulldog mix in Ferris and he’s got a $275 pledge to the 501c3 that saves him.|HIs bio reads, “HOUSETRAINED!! Brady is the absolute sweetest cuddly marshmallow pup you could meet.  ADORES people and all other dogs.  He is silly and sweet and would be the most perfect hiking or running or tv watching companion.  Ready to go anywhere or do anything.  Carries around the rope toy ready for fun. 
"ADORES RIDING IN THE CAR. Lol. If you are looking for a cuddly sweetie that adores everyone and everything, look no further. PLEASE HELP. A kind person found him out and about on his own in the rural county area.  Sure is cute!  One to 1.5 years old is best guesstimate.”
(Keep up with the Helpers on Facebook HERE.) 
[LARRY ASIDE: You’ll see how busy/filled the small shelters can get while the big shelters are really busy filling up, too.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
CONSIDERING THE LOSS OF SCULLY
Over the weekend, my rescuespouse Martha and I were reading and watching TV and suddenly Martha says tenderly, “Oh, no! Scully has died!” She’d seen a post on Facebook. Scully has been — for years — our nephew Lewis Powell's beloved dog. And, through the years, Lewis has posted many Scully photos.  

When I first think of Lewis, he’s still a “kid,” but decades later the reality is this way grown-up guy holds a Ph.D. and is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Buffalo. He’s an accomplished academic and thinker. And his dog Scully has died. She owned his heart.
Martha read aloud the touching note Lewis posted about Scully. Yeah, we might have teared-up.
So on Monday, I asked Lewis about Scully and he wrote, “I got her from the Buffalo city shelter in 2015, and a year or so later, wound up picking the house I bought almost as much for her as for me. One of my primary criteria was to have a nice fenced in backyard for her.”
As you Dear Readers know, this Lewis/Scully connection demonstrates that an adoption is best done with the heart.
Over the weekend Lewis posted a wonderful tribute to his dog. His teary-eyed uncle is posting it here because so many of you Dear Readers know these sensations. Maybe you know someone who needs to understand the power of love we “animal nuts” experience.
Here’s Lewis’ announcement of Scully’s loss:
“My best friend and constant companion, Scully, had become notably lethargic a day and a half ago. She perked up slightly the next morning, but by last night she had basically lost all her energy and I had to take her to the emergency vet clinic. She was bleeding internally and her prognosis was not good. 

“They warmed her up and let me spend time with her. And my friend Sunny came out, so I wouldn’t have to be alone. I wound up spending a lot of time with her so I could say goodbye, which I appreciated but no amount of time saying goodbye really makes up for all the time I had expected to have with her.
“Scully was an endlessly sweet dog, loving towards everyone, tolerant of all of my shenanigans, willful and smart, but also a goofy couch potato. I was in no way prepared to say goodbye to her. I have been so used to having her around for the past 9 years, I don’t know what it will be like without her.”

As you can see, Scully was loved — she loved back. 
Other people responded to the loss of the legendary Scully. And on Tuesday, Lewis wrote, “I am deeply touched and overwhelmed at all the messages of support and sympathy I’ve gotten over the last several days. I don’t think I can respond to all those messages individually, but I did read each of them, and they are helping to buffer the enormity of my loss. I am surprised and warmed to see how many people’s lives she touched, even those who never even met her, but at the same time, I am not at all surprised, because, obviously, one wouldn’t have to meet her to see how wonderful she was.”

On March 14, 2019, Lewis posted this photo of Scully sleeping on the couch. He wrote the caption, “Sometimes you mush the couch, and sometimes the couch mushes you.”
Yes, Scully loved Lewis’ couch, or Lewis loved seeing Scully on her couch.
 All of us who saw Lewis’ description of that last evening — we know what it’s like. We know why we cried when we read it.
Lewis explained it in this sentence: “No amount of time saying goodbye really makes up for all the time I had expected to have with her.”
—- Offer your thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

CLOCKS, CRITTERS AND A SHOW BIZ RECOLLECTION IN CONTEMPLATIONS....

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023 [PetPowellPress] What time is it? Depends on the room you’re standing in. Some of our clocks changed automatically; some are waiting for me to punch buttons or roll dials on the back. Might happen. Might not. Doesn’t bother the dogs and cats. They have legendarily accurate internal clocks.
WE’LL BEGIN THE WEEK
WITH AN URBAN STRAY…
Yes, this is a stray and his name is Urban. 
We learned of him in a bio from Mesquite volunteer Judi Brown who wrote, “Soft, fluffy, cuddly, and sweet accurately describe Urban.”
 He’s a year or 2 old, not neutered, weighs 35 pounds and is a mix who came in as a stray on March 7. Judi writes, “The shelter lists him as a German Shepherd mix and my pet scanner said he’s an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix.”
She also writes, “He appears to be happy as his tail wags constantly. He’s on the timid side and somewhat docile. He rolls over for belly rubs and sometimes cowers when you reach for him. For this reason he would most likely do best in a laid-back family with gentle, loving children. He sits for treats and is highly motivated by them to the point that he sits in anticipation of them. He sometimes gently jumps on you for the purpose of a hug. … He comes when he’s called. When I sat down he put his head on my lap. He’s a friendly, tail- wagging boy that is also curious and active.
“He walks well a leash. He did his business as soon as he got out into the yard and kept his kennel clean. As soon as he got out of his kennel he went to the other kennels in that area greeting all the dogs wagging his tail. I certainly did not see any aggression. He’s a real sweetheart!” 
As you Dear Readers will recall, the Mesquite system (to help ID the right dog or cat) is you use the shelter ID number — Urban is #52191849 — when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Makes things go smoother when it comes to talking about the same critter on both ends of the phone or email.
You can see more dogs and lots of cats, too, by going to the Mesquite Animals-in-the-Shelter link HERE.
That’s where you’ll find this really handsome “2 years 17 days” orange and white neutered fellow.
He came in on Feb. 24. And as you can see on the artwork, he’s at the “Available” stage. [LARRY ASIDE: We’ve had a big ol’ orange and white fellow in our past, Griffin Oliver Powell, and he was a great cat every day of his long and honorable life. This guy needs a good name and a happy home.]
FURGOTTEN FRIENDS
CAN USE SOME HELPERS
Longtime determined animal advocate Maeleska Fletes forwarded this illustration over the weekend, writing, “Foster and funds needed! Which of my friends can do both?”
And, as you can see on the artwork, there’s a message from DFW’s Furgotten Friends that reads, “We have stopped intake due to lack of funds and not able to find fosters. Please consider fostering.”
A message on the DFW’s Facebook page also cites a couple of Boxer pups who need a “foster just for a week.”
Their appeal adds, “They are fun cuddly pups that would love to hang out with you for spring break! Message us if you want some puppy love!”
Here’s the LINK to DFW’s Furgotten Friends. And this is the LINK to the Friend’s donation site. The non-profit’s website is HERE. And you can email the organization at dfwfgf@gmail.com.
NOT ALL ARE IN THE CITY; SOME
ARE ‘OUT BY THE LAKE”….
We got the note about this dog over the weekend from Sydney Busch, the spokesperson for Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. The Friends, as you probably know, operate (so to speak) the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, about 90 minutes southeast of the Metrosprawl.
Sydney’s note read, “This goofy little girl - obviously a very young pup - was abandoned by some (now) criminal people at a volunteer's house…” 
Over the weekend the pup got “her first puppy shot” and other vet events (wormed!).
Sydney’s note also read, “For the right home, she's YOURS!  There is a small re-homing fee if I don't know you or you don't have references… Very sweet dog - have no idea how big she will get!!”
To ask about this puppy, email sydney@friendsoftheanimals.org or call 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701.
CONTEMPLATIONS
SHOW BUSINESS
Just got home from LA and the Oscar after-party hosted annually by William Powell. He's our senior office cat who tracks his roots back to Pyewacket in 1958's Bell, Book and Candle and beyond to the title animal in the 1927 film Tarzan and the Golden Lion. Might be a cousin to Orion from Men In Black (1997). As William explains the World of Cat Relatives, “It’s a grand species connection, not really a family connection. Spay and neuter, please. Makes the family tree easier to understand.”...
THE OSCARS ALWAYS make me miss my ol’ pal Philip Wuntch, the great “FC of The N” as he’d describe himself — it was short for “Film Critic of The News.” He was The Dallas Morning News’ film critic for nearly 40 years and we lost him in 2015. Way back in the 20th century, I was not just writing a daily newspaper column, but also doing non-profit live theater. Philip, when he was about to leave for the West Coast for a Hollywood interview or the Oscars, would stop by my desk and lean down and stage-whisper to me in his distinct gently authoritative voice, “I’m about to be in Hollywood for a few days. I’ll let Warren Beatty know you’re available for his next project.” Sometimes later, when Philip was walking through the news room, he say loudly, “Hey, Larry. Did Warren call you yet?” Then smile and walk on. He’d be a great Hollywood character — he was already a great Texas character. …

THEY CALL IT 'SHOW BUSINESS,' you know. Here’s a reason. Another longtime pal of mine went to see an Oscar-nominated film at a Dallas theater over the weekend and he posted this note: “I passed up the small $8 popcorn.” My theory is popcorn is being priced by gasoline companies these days. I’ve inquired about the price of the ticket. Probably requires a co-signer and a bank loan. I miss going to movie theaters. Maybe I’ll go back some day. I haven’t checked my weekend Lotto Texas numbers yet.
—- Offer budget advice or movie tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put your favorite new movie’s title in the subject line. —-

THE CAT AND THE CACTUS -- PART OF 'SPRING FORWARD' AND BEYOND....

There is some sort of connection to the past in this photograph.
The thought came to me as the week tailed off. Here's the deal: I took two days off to revitalize my brain. No where nearly enough time off for my battered and bewidered brain.
But I'll begin intermittent coping with being out-of-sorts by posting this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. 
That Napping Cat next to the ornamental cactus on the rare unfilled shelf in our home is Stevie Ray, the younger of my official office cats. The older is, of course, William Powell, maybe 10 or so. That's William posing with his official "Writing Cap," a Snoopy baseball cap presented by our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Executive Editor Andy Fisher.
Stevie Ray Treeboy? Why the name? Because I found him in a tree. And there he is, 3-plus years later, comfortably sleeping next the only cactus this indoor cat has ever seen in person. There has got to be a tree-to-cactus message there somewhere. I'll figure it out if I ever take any more time off. Probably reveal it toward the end of this edition.
Stevie Ray the Cat also is named in honor of his fellow Oak Cliffite, the late magnificent guitarist and performer Stevie Ray Vaughan. There's the Oak Cliff connection and, of course, as you fans of musician may suspect, Stevie Ray is a cat I'm proud to call my "Pride and Joy."
Of course, I refer to all our cats and dogs as our "pride and joy." My funspouse Martha goes along with me. In fact, "Pride and Joy" is the way things oughta be in all households with animals. And I can't imagine a household that can't make room for a cat or dog or both. But I'm 20th century sap navigating in the 21st century.
I'm not just nuts about our dogs and cats. I'll fall for any dog or cat anywhere.

For example: During my two days off, it was required that I fetch food for our livestock, er, household companions. So I drove the truck to the PetSmart near the sports complex in Arlington and I photographed this sweet girl at the checkout counter. Also, snapped that little black and white dog who accompanied her. Standoffish, but not a yapping little dog.
 I got the colorful dog's name but lost the note -- mind like a steel trap, you know. The note also had the other dog's name on it.
This reporting error was another sign that I needed a few days off to get a grip on the mission.
So far how are things going on my cerebral rebuilding project? Comfortably at the dunce level. 
Also, I haven't won Lotto Texas. Why would I need money when I have a cat named Stevie Ray who loves to be petted nightly about 5 a.m., in case I've forgotten that he likes to eat early. 
I don't know how this weekend's time change will affect him and his cactus. Might make 'em both prickly. Prickly and spring forward -- YES, that's the connection between a napping cat and a cactus!!!!!
[DEAR READERS: If you can ID that beautiful sweet dog with the not-occurring-in-nature-but-maybe-it-oughta-be coat and the small dog, email them to me at dallrp@aol.com. Also, if you have photos of your dogs, cats or any other creatures happily slumbering at your/their home, send those photos and the info to dallrp@aol.com. We'll highlight them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, quite possibly the world's longest-running weekend on-line feature dedicated to celebrating the fact that animals can love and trust humans enough to nod off in their presence! Kind of a tribute -- to loving humans and their critters.. Thanks to anyone who'll participate and a vibrant "What the hell is wrong with you?" to the people who don't. See, I told you I needed time off. Two day's ain't enough. I apologize to anyone offended by my use of the word "ain't."  That's me and my editor/office cat William Powell -- he wanted to delete "ain't." It's not the cat's meow.]
--- Offer napping advice or slumber-inducing recipes by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put "HAPPY IS A STATE OF GRIND" in the subject line. ---

AS THE EARTH TURNS, ANIMALS CONTINUE WAITING FOR HOMES....

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023 [PetPowellPress] The first email I opened Wednesday morning was from a restaurant chain declaring the 8th was National Hashbrown Day.
As a diet-sensitive writer, I immediately googled “hashbrowns and nutrition” and determined that a serving of hashbrowns is better for you than a dozen donuts in one sitting. 
As a fellow who knows right from wrong at the plate, I adore vegetarian hashbrowns, but I also know that the true value of hashbrowns to me is emotional, not nutritional. 
Please, I’ll have the spinach with my not-a-real-egg omelet. No toast. No biscuit.  OK, enough of that. Let’s go into the world of rescuers, animals and free-roaming  "Don'tcares" still not hip to the plight of animals.
That’s my cat Stevie Ray, snoozing on the office “scratching chair” and dreaming of hashbrowns. Pretty sure.
HUSTLING ANIMALS OUT OF
SMALL SHELTERS — IS THAT
HARD OR JUST IMPOSSIBLES…
I don’t know. But I sure get some steady email appeals from the folks with 4-Legged Helpers and other organizations trying to help animals.
The latest  from the Helpers notes that “small shelters are completely full.” And the email includes another mention of a specific cat and a mention of a new dog. And we’ll discuss them shortly. The Helpers also write, “Some new additional dogs [are] located at vet clinics or with finders that have asked to help save them.” Some even have $275 donations to the 501c3s that help them. You can keep up with 4-Legged Helpers on Facebook HERE.
That girl Emma was the first dog listed when I clicked on the site this morning after getting the latest email request for help. And her story, this time, read, “Sad news... Emma is being returned because child is fearful of dogs. Will you Please help us share this girl so her second stay at the Ferris TX Animal Shelter won't be a long one?” Ask about Emma by calling the shelter at 972-544-2110 (select “animal control”) or email williamsteele@ferristexas.gov. [LARRY ASIDE: I’d see that as an opportunity to help a kid learn to love a dog, but that’s just me.] Emmy’s original biography is HERE .
That brings us to a couple of other critters on the radar at 4-LeggedHelpers. You may have seen them before, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still need homes. 
That cat is Emmie Mew-Mew, a Bombay or a Bombay mix in the Ferris shelter. The young cat is described as “the sweetest girl ever.  Very friendly and affectionate.  She was found out and about on her own.  Check out her gorgeous shiny fur and those stunning eyes.”
And that brings us to Jax, the Black and Tan Shepherd, currently in Ferris — he was found straying in Hutchins and moved into the care of Ferris. His bio reads, “He is everything a good boy should be.  Friendly, Affectionate, Lovable, Super sweet!  
"Very calm in his kennel.  … He is such a good boy.  Please help!  This is a very deserving GORGEOUS dog.  HELP!  He's here hoping and waiting…”

To ask about adopting these animals or helping with them by fostering or transporting, etc., call or text the 4-Legged helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
OK, SO HERE’S A DOG
WAITING IN A SHELTER
This is one of those dog bios that starts with a sad but challenging sentence. “Sandy needs to learn how to receive loving affection,” began the bio by Mesquite dog-writer Judi Brown. 
As you read this you’ll spot where humans have failed Sandy so far.
 Sandy’s a 2-year-old, 30-pound “sandy-colored with some red highlights” mixed breed, Judi reports. And she came into the shelter on March 3 as a stray. [LARRY ASIDE: Yep, a stray. Human failure.] “She is not spayed. [LARRY ASIDE: Score a second human failure.]
And there’s this.
The veteran hands-on dog biographer Judi writes, “I suspect that Sandy has not received a lot of socialization. She was leery of the leash. Once she had the leash on she did walk okay. She spent a lot of time pacing in the yard exhibiting nervous energy. I had to follow her around to get pictures. She was cautiously friendly. At first her tail was tucked but with time she relaxed. She didn’t seem to know the sit command. She was not motivated by treats. She didn’t even want any! She spent a lot of time looking out the gate and whining. I’m assuming she was missing her owners. She did attempt to escape so her new owners will need a tall secure fence. She did come to me a few times and allowed me to pet her. I get the feeling she could get used to this affection. She even put her head on my lap one time!  Sandy is not happy in the shelter and would benefit from being adopted into a loving home with an active family.”
 So, if you want to be that human does all the right things for a dog named Sandy, use her ID #52169685 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Same system when you ask the Mesquite shelter about Reba (#5204468). Veteran volunteer dog bio- writer Debra Chisholm reported on this mixed- breed “adorable youngster.” Reba, came in as a stray on Feb. 10. She’s about 8 months old, weighs 37 pounds and is spayed. She “walks well on a leash” and ”knows the ‘sit’ command.” Debra also writes, “Reba is a spunky and frisky pup that does jump on you so that is something that will need to be worked on.  She is friendly, affectionate, loves to receive loving attention and will give kisses.  She was fostered for a number of days by one of the staff in order to give her a break from the shelter.  Foster related the following:  She is lovable but gets scared easily, possibly not socialized much or leash trained. The foster worked with her and she is doing better. … There is a lot to like about Reba. She needs a person or family who will spend time daily with her playing, exercising and teaching some commands.”
That brings us to Rambo’s bio by Judi. He’s #52140125, a 6-year-old Lab mix who, already neutered, weighs 70 pounds. He came in as an owner-surrender on Feb. 27.
And why ws that? “The owner stated that she was surrendering him because she was going out of town and didn’t know when she was coming back.”
 He got a good report from that person who said Rambo “was very friendly, good with other dogs and good with children.” And Judi writes, “I can also testify that he’s very friendly. I was met with tail wags and I don’t believe his tail stopped wagging the whole time we were together. And when I walked him through the bay he wagged his tail meeting dogs that were friendly and jumped away from those that were not. … Several times I could tell he was going to jump on me and he had the intelligence and manners to refrain. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He’s highly motivated by treats. … Several times he stood by the door even though it was a nice day. This is probably an indication that he was an inside dog. He was not interested in balls but he found a squeaky toy that he entertained himself with and wanted me to throw for him. He is active, friendly, loving, happy, well-mannered, and playful. He’s another diamond in the rough. It’s hard to believe that such an outstanding dog as this would end up at a shelter.”
There are many other dogs and cats in the Mesquite Shelter. Most have biographical information about their history and behavior. You can read them and see the photos by clicking on THIS LINK TO THE SHELTER. 


Among the animals you can see? Ah, this beautiful Domestic Shorthair mix named Ivy. She’s #52091178 and she’s listed as being 2 years and 13 days old.
[LARRY ASIDE: I can’t figure my cats’ ages that precisely — but I’m not a shelter professional, either. I don’t have one of those computer-driven Cattage-o-matics from K-tel, as seen on TV.]
So, there she is, Ivy, the beautiful medium-sized cat who came in on Feb. 18 and is waiting in, where else, the shelter’s Cat Room. Can be all yours — just contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS
CRABBY, NOXIOUS MOOD TAKING OVER
Ok, I’ll admit it. Sometimes I just get downright peeved at all the “unwanted” dogs and cats around here. Not peeved at the animals, but peeved at the humans who put those animals’ lives at rock-solid risks in big shelters and small shelters, on roadways, in city parks, in dumping areas. You see where I’m going? Yes, you are correct. People are starting to really BLEEP me off.
That puts me in a really bad mood. See this dog? Thats’ my personal dog Porche Noel. Since she came into our life more than nine years ago, she has had a calming effect on me. She knows when I need it.
I need some calming effect right now. She and I are going to gaze at our navels for several days -- not real sure if she has one -- and try to realign our time-change auras before the big brain-jerking temporal adjustment this weekend.
We’re both sick of all the violence in this world. And I’m on a constant diet. That combination tells me that Porche and I need some time off to consider how we can either make the world a better place or fund and construct the Texas Colony for Peace on Mars. Porche swears low-gravity will suit her just fine — “I’m already a dog with a low center of gravity,” she explains. She says, also, low gravity on Mars will me happy when I look on the scales.
See you in a few days. Ommmmm. Email me at dallrp@aol.com if you (a) have any tips on refurbishing a worn-down brain or (b) want to go to Mars and can chip in on funding the ride. The days off may help my punctuation, my sentence structure and my spelink.
— Offer calming tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “EASY DOES IT, SPACE CADET” in the subject line. —-

TIME ON A MONDAY; WONDERING ABOUT ANIMALS; HELP BOLD SOULS WHO VOLUNTEER; SUPREME HAPPENINGS?

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Up about 5 something a.m. Monday. Needed to sleep until at least 9 a.m. Vision bleary. Thoughts same. Energy down. Mind wandering like a ’60s teenager watching a “Happening” at a hippie picnic.
 But, then I remembered I’m training for next Monday, the 13th. I’ll feel the same way next Monday because we spring forward an hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday the 12th of March. So, from a solid vantage point in the mind-blowing ‘60s, we move ahead to the brain-baffling era in the early 21st Century. Peace and love, baby. Peace and love.
A THOUGHT (PERHAPS)
ON A MONDAY
When readlarrypowell.com launched early in the 21st Century, there weren’t a whole lot of websites or Facebook pages devoted to saving animals from city pounds and dire straits out in the world. Clearly, more hearts with more home computers/cell phones/et al are able to work on behalf of animals.
For example, in this morning's email I got a note about this dog and it came with a photo. Click on the photos to make them and the type larger.
By looking around online, I was able to find a more complete description of the dog “Lady” who, is said to be 2, heartworm negative and “starved for affection.” Came into the Dallas Animal Services Shelter and Adoption Center on March 5. 
A fellow named Gary Fromm included this on his posting. “I can guarantee the shelter will kill her.”
Her ID at Dallas Animal Services was listed on this and other posts as A1170662.
Monday morning I went to the DAS website HERE — https://bedallas90.org — to see if I could find this dog still among the faces waiting for adoption or rescue at the big city shelter. Nope.
There were 3 other dogs with Lady in their names but none with that number.

Also, no idea if this Lady has been adopted, rescued or executed, er, euthanized. 

A QUESTION: If people only post “emergency help needed” notes without posting a “solution- animal saved” or “animal euthanized” or “still waiting” updates, then aren’t animal people wasting a lot of time that could be re-directed from a sad lost cause to the next animal Dallas is lining up for the needle? Anybody know the outcome of Lady #A1170662? Anybody?  Could shelters be more helpful by listing outcomes of animals on their websites? Surely there’s a volunteer who’d do that at no cost to a city. Save 'em all and let people know.
SPEAKING OF SHELTERS:
FORT WORTH CODE RED
As you animal people probably know, Fort Worth Animal Care and Control has been coping with a dog flu outbreak. Still waiting to hear the stats on this unpleasant episode in animal sheltering.
In the meantime. we went to the Fort Worth shelter’s CODE RED listing of dogs and found just three. I’ve posted the photo of the trio — it’s not artful but it is eye-catching and you can read more about these three dogs by clicking HERE.

AND, YES, FORT WORTH HAS CATS — adopt ‘em for $25 per cat — sometimes they work really great in pairs!
This CAT IS BINK (#42180976) who is — I don’t know how they figure this — a “6 years 1day” old Domestic Medium Hair Mixed Breed girl.
She came in on March 5 — she’s in the stage “New Arrival” at the FWACC North Animal Campus.
You can see her listing and how to adopt her on the FWAC website HERE.
MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE
EFFORTS TO SAVE ‘EM ALL
[LARRY ASIDE: When I opened this email from Mesquite volunteer Debra Chisholm and saw the photos provided by fellow Mesquite volunteer Judi Brown, I fell in love with yet another dog we don’t have room for — but, based on personal experience, this dog has a face that’ll captivate the human heart. I’ve never met him, but I can see his beauty. Here’s Judi’s report.]

“Fargo [ID #52143553] looks sad probably due to his sagging skin and he probably is. What dog wants to end up at the shelter?” Judi writes. “ However even though it appears he’s had a hard life, judging from his wagging tail he really doesn’t appear depressed. He wanted to wear the festive collar just to show you that he’s got a good attitude and is ready to get on with his life...with YOU??”

He’s a 2-year-old, 53-pound Pittie/Shar-Pei mix who arrived on Feb. 27 as a stray. Not neutered. Judi says, “He’s a gentle, easy-going, laid-back kind of guy that is looking to be loved. He has lots of love to give you. When you sit down he comes to you to be petted. He is very soft. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He was not interested in balls or toys. He was VERY good during a bath. He follows you around like a little puppy dog! He walks very well on a leash. He froze when other dogs were barking at him. He was definitely intimidated by them. Even though he appears not have had a good life so far he has a forgiving nature … He’s a regular cuddle bug…”

The system is use Fargo’s ID (or any animal’s ID number) when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

TARA [#52141011], clearly an Earhound, actually is, according to Judi’s bio, an active, lively year-old Dutch Shepherd.” The 49-pound pup came in on Feb. 29 as a stray. Not spayed. Judi writes, “She has a striking appearance. She would turn heads when you took her for a walk. She’s highly motivated by treats so she should be easy to train. Frequently during the photo shoot she would be sitting in anticipation of a treat. And yes, she does sit for treats and takes them gently. She was not interested in chasing a ball but found squeaky toys on her own and entertained herself with them. She even threw them in the air! …

“She will keep you on your toes! She occasionally jumps on you but gets down with a sharp retort. And remember she’s only one year old...exhibiting puppy-like behavior. She does want to please her human friend.”
This guy Dexter [#51832694] “is a good boy and doesn’t understand why he was surrendered. I don’t either!” Judi writes. He’s a 2-year-od, 70-pound Boxer mix who was handed over to the shelter on March 1. Why? Judi writes, “The reason given was that he was unwanted. Yet on the surrender form they had nothing but positive things to say about him. They said he was raised with other dogs and got along with them. They said he was good with their children which ranged in age from two months to 12 years old. They also said he knew the sit, stay, bed, and go outside commands. He was an inside/outside dog. They had had him since birth. I found him to be a very well-behaved dog that wants to please. I was met with tail wags. When he first got out into the yard he ran and pranced with abandon. He also explored. But he shortly came back to be by me. He seems to want human companionship. … He came to me when I sat down. He actually tried to get on my lap... all 70 pounds of him! He is already neutered. This big boy will earn a big part of your heart.”
Paisley is #52151905 at the shelter. And Judi writes, “Not only is Paisley knockout gorgeous but she’s got a winning personality to match! She is a 2-year-old, 43-pound Australian Shepherd that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/28 as a stray. She is not spayed. She’s on the timid side and does well with a slow introduction. Once trust is built she’s your BFF! She wants to stay close to give and receive affection. She likes to have her belly rubbed. She chases balls but doesn’t retrieve them. However, she did entertain herself with a squeaky stuffed toy. She sits for treats and takes them gently. … She loves to snuggle. I can imagine her cuddled up with her new family in her own bed or on the couch next to them. This is one outstanding dog and will not be at the shelter long.”
Remember, use her ID# when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Yes there are many more dogs and cats at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Click HERE 
to see them and how to adopt or rescue them — might even offer to foster for the shelter or volunteer for whatever is needed.

This small girl is Babette (#52127714), a just-over 2-years-old Domestic Shorthair mix — clearly, she’s a shorthair everywhere except those dynamic whiskers. She came in on Feb. 24 and you can meet her in the Cat Room at the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
CONTEMPLATIONS.
Brain-Wandering on an Uncertain Planet
OK, moving along: On a personal note, I know the slogan is “spring forward, fall back” but in my lifetime of experiences, I’d always spring back when I encountered a snake in the East Texas woods. Usually, when involved in athletics with my far-from-lightning speed, I’d trip and fall forward. So, I’ve been confused since Congress adopted the twice-yearly time changes in 1966. ….
We’ll get more daylight time, they say. But isn’t that up to the Creator and not to Congress (citing The Uniform Time Act of 1966 that changed the way so many of us encounter aggravated insomnia at least twice a year). I’m getting all this out of the way this particular Monday because I’m not sure I’ll have the energy to write next Sunday and Monday. …
In the opening I mentioned the ‘60s term “Happening” and that lead me to remembering a hit song about such events from The Supremes. The Happening was released March 20, 1967. In 1967, the times changed on the last Sundays in April and October. In 2007, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed the official dates to the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday of November. Yes, these are things an insomniac googles in his spare time. Heck, whatever the time is, click HERE AND CELEBRATE THE SUPREMES' HAPPENING.
—- Offer sleeping tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘GET SOME SLEEP, GOOFBALL’ in the subject line. —-

OOLONG -- THE BEAUTIFUL CAT: KNOWS HOW TO NAP, BEAT THE ODDS....

The note we got from Muriel Parker had a winning opening. “I have been procrastinating but it is time to get this guy into the Napping Cats Club.”
Thus, this beautiful cat Oolong is our featured feline in this weekend’s Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Nappng Cats Nap.  Look at that great napping cat face!
Muriel explained, “I was touched by your recent story about Snow and Moxie [from Mesquite] and the plight of animals who are unwanted, uncared for, or imperfect. My boy, Oolong, named for my favorite kind of tea, was thought to be unadoptable. ‘No one is going to want a cat that is cross-eyed and FIV+’ even though he’s perfectly healthy otherwise. He needs to be kept indoors, fed a high protein diet, and have lots of TLC – in other words, live a normal cat life.

“During that same time, I needed a purpose, a responsibility, something to occupy my days besides TV and mystery novels. We were/are a perfect match! The rescue people brought him to me for a meet-and-greet and he quickly made himself at home.  That was two years ago, now this paraphrase of a 1920 novelty song is a good fit:
Muriel P loves a boy,

Oolong is his name.
Handsome Flame-Point Siamese

sets her heart aflame.”
Muriel continues, “Except for the ‘flame’ points, his coat is mostly white and his favorite sleeping place is on a white faux fur blanket, making it hard to find him sometimes!  He’s usually fairly close, watching whatever I’m doing, but is not a lap cat.  

“If he feels it’s time for some attention, he walks by and brushes my leg with his tail to let me know. He loves  visitors and all are given a big welcome, a full sniff test, and marked with cheek rubs to approve their presence. He sits patiently and watches while I dish up his dinner – first cat I’ve ever had that didn’t meow for me to hurry with it! 

“People food is of no interest, except for sometimes liking a few licks of the cream on my bowl of raspberries. I am happy to share. Like his predecessors, he enjoys riding on my Rollator – that photo really shows his crossed eyes (they don’t slow him down a bit). While I’m getting dressed in the morning, he waits patiently, then jumps on the seat for the ride to the kitchen for breakfast.  There is also a seldom-used wheel chair that is good for napping.  

“For play time, he wants someone to maneuver the laser pointer, wave the wand with the pretty feather on it, crumple a piece of paper to chase – no cute little toys to lose under the furniture. 
“He likes to bat my leg and then run away.  It reminds me of grade school playing ‘Tag You’re It’.  Sometimes he seems to understand peek-a-boo. His fourth birthday is coming up in March.  I wish he could have been here with me that whole time.”
The story is Oolong was “almost two when he came from Marleigh’s Friends,” Muriel says. 
“They also gave me his vet records and explained how he became FIV+. He was probably about a year old, not neutered, allowed to roam about. A feral cat attacked – possibly thought he might be competition for the girls(?) – Oolong was bitten on the forehead. Not noticed until his face swelled, then some time to clear the infection and notice the virus.”
So, he’s now Oolong, Muriel’s happy cat.
 And she has one more Oolong sleeping tale. She says that when he came to her home, “Right away I bought a nice plush cat bed for the boy. He looked it over, sniffed it, stepped into it, sat for a second, stood up and stepped out. Never went near it again. I eventually gave it to a friend with a more appreciative kitty.”

And, she adds what may be the reason for the short try-out: Oolong, she says, “has a pretty long body and loves to stretch as far as possible, couldn’t do that in a round bed.”

Oolong did not go “bedless.” Nope. Muriel explains that now “he ‘owns the foot of the bed and sometimes I have to push a little to make room for my feet. It’s worth it though: He uses my feet for a head-rest and it keeps them toasty!”
And, that’s the story of Oolong, an unadoptable who turned out to be the exact opposite and an adorable fellow at the foot of the bed and anywhere else in the house.
[LARRY ASIDE: In the opening, Muriel mentioned being moved by a couple of dogs, Moxie and Snow. We’d mentioned them on February 21 and explained their situation in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. I checked the roster at Mesquite Friday to see if they were still there, and they are. So thanks to Muriel and Oolong, they’re getting one more mention as they wait for adoption or rescue. In the original story:
Volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm told us about Moxie (#52049102) a year-old spayed Pittie mix who is #51803482 at the shelter — she came in as a stray on Feb. 11. Still waiting for a good human to recognize her for the year-old, playful, adorable youngster she is. “She doesn’t have a bit of shyness or fear…” her bio read. Moxie is a “former stray” now. Needs a home. |
And volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown first told us about Snow, a 2-year-old “cutie pie” who came into the shelter on January 3, then was shortly adopted, then the owners called about surrendering him. But, oddly, Snow was next brought in as a stray on Feb. 21. Judi wrote, “It appears he was just let go to fend for himself.” He’s #51803482.
To ask about helping these dogs, use their ID#s when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescue@cityofmesquite.com.
Our original story of these two dogs appears HERE.  And you can see their Mesquite shelter listings (and those of many other animals who need a good place to become Sleeping Dogs & Napping Cats by clicking HERE.
[DEAR READERS: Send photos of your slumbering critters and their stories to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll feature them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Nappng Cats Nap, the long-running weekend feature at readlarrypowell.com. You’ll be helping someone decide to give a good home to a good critter. And you’ll be helping insomniacs have faith that they can find a place to sleep or nap, if they can ever figure out how to curl up in a too-short cat bed. We insomniacs all live with hope. Purrr, mew and snore.]
—- Offer dream tips or waking thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and ask WILL ICE CREAM HELP ME SLEEP in the subject line. (Too cold for a pillow, fyi.) —-

ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A DOG AT THE DOOR -- A TALE OF RESCUE

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 [PetPowellPress] May we all have happy weather for the rest of the year. And may one of us win Lotto Texas — I’d like for it to be me, for a change.
Now, I’m about to launch into a happy story that starts on a door handle in Houston. That’s a sentence no one may ever have written before. Here we go:
ONCE UPON A TIME,
THERE WAS THIS DOG…
We got this wonderful rescue story from our longtime Houston tipster with a genuine sense of humor, Alexandra Kelsey. 
She also understand inserting drama into a rescue tale. If you’ve experienced either rescue or what she’s about to mention, you understand there are kind of funny aspects to drama. The story of this dog began last summer: 
 “The day before my colonoscopy,” AK began, “I went to the pharmacy after work to get all the stuff you need. And I walked up to my front door while carrying noisy plastic bags full of all the fun pre-colonoscopy stuff.”
That sets the scene — there already was drama-by-appointment in her life. Then, suddenly, there was this: “As I got closer to the door, I realized a very large black dog was tied to my front door handle and was being scared by the plastic bags.” 
[LARRY ASIDE: No idea who tied the dog to the door — we’re almost certain dogs don’t tie hemselves to a door.].
Keep in mind that this human Alexandra Kelsey is as pro-animal as a person can get, so never mind that upcoming “procedure,” it was time to help the dog.
“He was tied in such a way that he couldn’t sit down, and given that he was large and scared and tied to the spot where my key needed to go, I was a little concerned.  I walked backwards, put the bags down and proceeded to make friends with the dog.  This was last summer.
“A Chicago rescue offered to take him [named him ‘Harry”], and then ensued a long and ridiculous process which finally ended with me saying that I’d just work something else out. Then, on to vetting, board/train, getting photos, posting him.
“He was adopted in early December but they wanted him to arrive in February due to a lot of company in their house for the holidays.”
So, in summation, that medical test went well and Harry’s got a happy home.
And, as you can tell from the family’s photos of Harry, he’s not living in Texas’ summer heat, he’s got a whole new life! AK reports, “Harry now lives in Brattleboro, VT, near the Orvis fly fishing camp and lakes, and they adore him!” 
“They” includes his “new sister Mattie” and AK says, “They are happy dogs!”
And she also wrote, “I have no idea what his life was like before someone tied Harry to my front door handle, but he is now living the life of Riley!

“I know we all get so many heart wrenching emails, and I wanted to share a happy story with y’all.  One down and a gazillion to go…..”
MEANWHILE IN AUSTIN,
A PUPPY MILL ISSUE…
We got a Thursday morning note from Shelby Bobosky and the folks at the Texas Humane Legislation Network. It was labeled “BREAKING NEWS” and had to do with undoing something that, THLN suggests, doesn’t need to be undone.
The message read, “Rep. Brian Harrison (House District 10), a former dog breeder and freshman legislator from Waxahachie, just filed HB 3081 to repeal the Texas Dog & Cat Breeder Act. Unregulated large-scale breeding facilities frequently become inhumane puppy mills, producing dogs for profit without even the bare minimum of care. It’s our job, just as it was in 2011 when we initially passed this act, to remind legislators why this law is so important.”
See how to get involved at thln.org.
FYI: Here’s an April 2020 Reuters story that cites a specific breeding business with a Dallas tie.
***

DOGS NOT LEFT TIED
TO A DOOR HANDLE

These animals are in the Mesquite Animal Shelter and they’ve been fortunate enough to get the attention of the volunteer dog biographers Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm.
First up is this fellow, Teddy, a 6-year-old, 33-pound black and white Pittie who came in on Feb. 20 as —SURPRISE!— an already-neutered stray. 
Judi’s bio reports that he’d originally been adopted from Mesquite in 2016. And, in 2023, “The owners have chosen not to reclaim him so this is your lucky day! If you are an active family looking for a dog to have fun with, to entertain you, and to keep you on your toes then come and meet Teddy. Teddy is a happy-go-lucky guy that appears to love life and everyone and everything in it.  The second photo shows him welcoming a visitor that came to Mesquite Animal Shelter. He’s very outgoing and friendly. He also appears to be very happy. He pranced and frolicked around the yard. He does not seem to know the sit command but is highly motivated by treats so should be easy to train. He wagged his tail when meeting other dogs. … He gives lots of kisses.” Teddy is #31165027.
For Teddy and these other animals, use their ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Same system for Gibson who is #52107369. Judi says he is a 3-year-old black and white “terrier Pit” with “markings similar to those of a Boston Terrier.” He’s a “good boy” who arrived on Feb. 21 as a stray. The 35-pound pup is yet to be fixed. But there is this description: “He is EXTREMELY SWEET!  He looks up at you with adoring eyes. He loves to be physically close to you. When you call him he comes to you and puts his head on your lap. When I gave him a bath he was very patient. I know he didn’t like it but seemed to understand that it was going to make him feel better. He sits for treats and takes them gently. Even though it looks like he probably has not had a good life so far, he wags his tail and appears to be happy. He’s well behaved and wants to please. He’s friendly, calm, gentle, and very affectionate. … He doesn’t pull and walks right beside you! This guy is a diamond in the rough. He would probably do well with a laid-back family with children that would be gentle with him.” He would love to snuggle on the couch in a pile of blankets with his new family!  How lucky you’d be to have him!”
Debra did the bio of Scrappy. She wrote, “This energetic life-of-the-party kind of boy is Scrappy, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix that was brought as a stray … on 2/23.  Scrappy weighs 22 pounds, is approx 4 months old and is not neutered.  He walks quite well on a leash for a pup his age.  One of our staff has taught him to sit.  He seems quite smart and would doubtless be quick to learn, especially since he is so fond of treats.  Scrappy has lots of tail-wagging puppy spunk and exuberance.”
Scrappy is ID 52121827 when you call or email the shelter.
Debra also did the bio for Faith, described as a 2-year-old, 60-pound “mixed breed girl who was picked up by one of our officers as a stray on Feb. 18 and taken to the shelter along with another dog.” 
Faith is #52091809 when you contact the shelter. |
Debra writes, “She has a beautiful coat and two different colored eyes making her a rather unusual and attractive looking girl.

“Faith walks fine on a leash though is a bit of a puller.  When I led her past other kennels with dogs who were barking at her, she did not react.  … Faith is lively, active and alert and not a bit timid or fearful.  She  has a confident and trusting personality and has a moderate activity level.  She is amiable and likes petting and loving interaction with a human friend.  She spent a good deal of time in the room in which photos were taken scouting out all the smells and interesting items.  She does not seem to know any commands.  Faith would be so happy to leave the shelter and begin her new life with a committed person or family.”

And Debra also got to meet and write about this guy. She wrote “This adorable pup is Jax, a mixed breed boy (Dog Scanner app suggests Beagle, Lab/Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier in the mix) that was brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/18 as a stray.  He weighs 13 pounds, is approx 4 1/2 months old and is not neutered. This is one fun-loving youngster who is all wiggles and waggles. He has lots of puppy energy and typical puppy behaviors.  He loves toys and is playful.  He likes and takes treats gently.  He is a friendly fellow who tried to climb into my lap and is more than happy to receive loving attention.  This would seem a good choice for a person or family who wants a puppy they can raise from a young age and train to be a well-mannered and devoted family member.  He will need daily playtime and exercise as well as patient training.  Jax walked okay on a leash.  He is raring to go out the front door with his new family so please assist if you can.”
Jax’s shelter ID number is 52090053. Use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
See many Mesquite dogs and cats at THIS SHELTER ADDRESS.
You’ll also be able to see #51891339, the first cat we’ve ever encountered with the name of “Evelyn.” She’s just over a year old, a medium-sized cat who came in on January 17. She’s waiting in the Conference Room at the Shelter. [LARRY ASIDE: Clearly, she is one of those exceedingly rare Domestic Shorthair Mixes — hardly ever see ‘em in the Greater Metroplex Breeding Arena. Right? What? Oh, OK, maybe not that rare. We have two at readlarrypowell.com and they’re great companions — love to play gin rummy with them. I made that part up. But adopt one of these and see how much the intellectual aspects of your life improve. Just ask Evelyn.]

CONTEMPLATIONS
Weather, movies, TV
This is being typed while we have only sun with some clouds in our neighborhood. No snow at all, but we weren’t waiting for any, were we. What I’d prefer is a good morning cup of coffee that relaxes me no matter what the radio and TV forecasters have on their screens. Every time an announcer says “Windy” our dog “Wendy” wakes up. She hardly got any sleep at all Thursday. Great loveable dogface. … 

MOVIES??? — Used to go to ‘em all the time. Haven’t been since the advent of the face mask. Might start going back to theaters if I don’t have to take out a loan for a ticket and and a traditional (in the ‘50s) small bag/box of popcorn with a Coke. You’d think theaters were being run by gasoline companies. …

We do watch a bit of TV. Comedies and Brit mysteries though I’m still loyal to American shows Monk and Psyche — and I’m liking the detective show Will Trent on ABC. … And, now, with nothing notable to type, I look at my keyboard and press the brightly lit button with the keyboard’s message “STOP TYPING OR I’LL UNPLUG MYSELF.”
— Offer some kind of sensible idea by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘HOW EMPTY IS YOUR TANK, GOOFBALL?’ in the subject line. ——

FOR MARCH 2, SOME HISTORICAL NOTES AND CHANCES TO MAKE PERSONAL HISTORY BY SAVING ANIMALS...

EDITION OF THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Remember last year when we were fed up with 100-degree temps and needed cool weather and rain? Well, here we are, learning that we have to be more specific with what we ask for, i.e., cool, gentle rain and comfortable temperatures. We’ll address March 2 in Contemplations.
NOW AND THEN THERE’S A
CHALLENGE TO THE HEART
This appeal was forwarded to us on Wednesday. It came via veteran animal-advocate Leanne Hayden who got it from a familiar voice in our animal rescue arena, Vanessa Johnson, the Senior Animal Care Specialist at the City of Carrollton. 
The note from Vanessa reads, “I am reaching out to try to help a friend rehome a family dog. His family member passed away and they are struggling to find a place for the 13-year-old Cattle Dog mix. I can’t remember if it’s a male or female. Family dog, not a farm dog- my friend is a rancher. Has lived with other dogs and did well. Has never had an issue with strangers. We found a place for the Anatolian/Pyr, we just need to find a place for the heeler mix” (To ask about helping this 13-year-old Cattle Dog, email vanessa.johnson@cityofcarrollton.com or call 972-466-3420.)
[LARRY ASIDE: Surely there’s someone who can give a 13-year-old dog a good home for as long as the pup will need it. It’s a family dog — needs a human or two to help its heart beat. to give it a good reason to stand up and smile when you come into the room.]
MEANWHILE, MAZIE’S MISSION’S
FASCINATING ANIMALS IN NEED
We got a news release/reminder from the rescue/hospital Mazie’s Mission Wednesday that included photos and stories of a number of the animals the non-profit is helping. So, here are two stories.
This first fellow is Melvin, a 2-year-old, 10-pound fellow who “found himself in a VERY full shelter with a broken leg,” the Mazie’s story explained,, then added, “He had been placed on a euthansia list so we needed to move fast.” 
He is now safe in a Mazie’s foster home. And the story adds, “Once Melvin arrived at our clinic, our veterinary team rushed him to x-ray to get updated images of the fracture. it turns out Melvin doesn’t have a broken leg. The shelter sent the x-ray of a broken leg “by mistake.” Turns out the little guy’s “very painful condition” was “luxating patellas.” And, “Melvin will need two knee surgeries to correct his sore knees.” Mazie’s will need some donations to help with that. 

We’re also citing this great momma dog Luna. She’s a 2-year-old who is “safe with Mazie’s Mission thanks to a wonderful foster who took them in. We already know that she is a great mama to her 10 babies.”
Mazie’s Mission is not only helping this family with it’s “supplies and medial, food, puppy pads, kennel, playpen,” etc. 
But one of Mazie’s “partner shelters is full of mamas and babies and young puppies in need of help. The shelter is no place for baby puppies with little to no immunity to common diseases, especially in the face of a Canine Flu outbreak.”
And, there you have it, the appeal Mazie’s Mission made Wednesday on behalf of animals already in good care and animals that deserve good care ASAP. 
Read more about Mazie’s Mission and how you can help with the helping by clicking on maziesmission.org.
And there’s this dramatic appeal from Mazie’s “If you have ever considered fostering, now is the time! We are dangling over the precipice of a major loss of life if we can’t get help.”
Here’s the LINK TO MAZIE’S FOSTER APPLICATION.
MEANWHILE, THIS CAT’S IN 

A ‘COMPLETELY FULL’ SHELTER;
SKYE WITH FOSTER — FOR NOW…
This cat is one of the temporary residents of the small Ferris Animal Shelter — and usually we highlight the dogs in that small facility. But this time the 4-Legged Helpers appeal for help began with the story of a cat called Emmie Mew-Mew.
The bio reads that she is a young Bombay or a Bombay Mix. And, the bio says, “Emmie Mew-Mew is the sweetest girl ever.  Very friendly and affectionate.  She was found out and about on her own.  Check out her gorgeous shiny fur and those stunning eyes.  A little sweetie pie.”
[LARRY ASIDE: I picked that photo of this young girl rubbing up against the cage door because I’ve seen my own feline friends enjoy a good doorway scratching through the years and it’s cute and it suggests to me that this Emmie Mew-Mew will be a pretty darned swell housecat.]

To offer to help her by fostering or adopting or rescuing, call or text the 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949–2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
The Helpers’ story on Skye is that the Husky mix was found in Hutchins “out and about with another doggie friend that we could tell she loved very much.  The other doggie was microchipped and returned to her owner leaving poor Skye alone. Just so sad.  A kind person now has Skye at a vet clinic but she can only stay there a few more days.  She is willing to pay for anything Skye needs including spaying, all vaccs, heartworm treatment if needed, etc. A FOSTER IS DESPERATELY NEEDED!!! Skye is so precious and she needs a temporary foster ASAP or she is headed to the shelter within a day or two.”

Call or text the 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949–2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. 

See more 4-Legged Helpers projects by going to the Facebook page HERE. 
CONTEMPLATIONS
WHAT ABOUT MARCH 2?
OK, it’s the anniversary of the day in 1836 when Texas declared its independence from Mexico. A lot of good Texans have been celebrated in the years since that declaration. Politics, sports, education, entertainment, religions, business, medicine, etc. Texas, our Texas, all hail the Lone Star State.
So, before we close this Texas segment, I’ve got three songs for you that’ll sound like the attitudes that make up Texas. 
Here’s the Texas Tornados with “Hey Baby, Que Paso”.  Crank up those speakers.
Then, here’s a Willie Nelson song, Texas in My Soul.  [LARRY ASIDE: I apologize for any commercials that show up before you get to the song — but, as you know, making money is a theme in the Lone Star State. Heck, yeah.] 
And, we’ll close this segment with Tanya Tucker performing a downright, spot-on accurate contemplation of the State of Texas since the day it was first drawn out on a map. 
Click RIGHT HERE for Tanya Tucker singing a theological expression.
AND IN CLOSING, I actually encountered the great American author Tom Wolfe in Texas one day. Today, March 2, is the date of his birth in 1930. He’s the author of The Right Stuff (became an astronaut movie with Tom Hanks), The Bonfire of the Vanities (became a rich guy movie with Tom Hanks) and earlier in the hippie era of New Journalism, the books The Electric Kool-Aide Acid Test and The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake.
A writer, that’s what Tom Wolfe was.
 And I was able to help the great writer Tom Wolfe (1930-2018) at a key moment in the late 20th Century.
I was walking down the long 3rd floor hall toward the newsroom at The Big Paper Downtown and I saw, in the distance, a tall man walk through the newsroom guest elevator lobby, into the hallway and pause. He was wearing a white suit, had perfect  hair and a bit of a puzzled look. I recognized him but didn’t say anything as he appeared to be concentrating. But he said something to me. “Pardon me. Can you point me toward the men’s room?” And, yes I proudly could -- by this time in history newspapers had indoor plumbing. I nodded to his right and said, “Just beyond the service elevator door.” And he said, very literarily, “Thank you” and I replied, “Sure” and we parted. After that I only ever encountered him by reading some of my favorite books again. That's a photo from an online source. I’ve infrequently wondered if my simple directions made a difference in his writing life, perhaps allowing him to relax while being interviewed at a legendary Texas newspaper. Writing— it’s an intellectual craft that responds to movements. (Almost like politics, typed Larry with a smile, pausing a sentence because he needed to take the dogs out for their afternoon stroll so many years after that Encounter with Greatness Under Pressure.)
—- Offer ideas for profit or beg me to stop by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘TEXAS IS WRITE SMART’ in the subject line. —-

MIDWEEK, FIRST DAY OF MARCH, ELVIS NEEDS A HOME BY THE 2ND AND TOSHI NEEDS ONE QUICKLY, TOO

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Note to readers and non-readers. Let’s try to be optimistic.

OK, several years ago I saw comedian Elayne Boosler at The Kessler in Dallas. Funny show on behalf of Paws In The City. As I was beginning this edition, I was looking up quotes about dogs and ran across this Boosler quote: “My fashion philosophy is, if you're not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.” Spring is coming — arrives at 4:24 p.m Texas time on Monday March 20. The shedding will begin (if it hasn’t already -- we have evidence at our house). Yep, we’ll know who among us loves dogs. Me? I have a beard — all mine, not canine. Check the AKC Beard Testing Lab (I'm kidding)....
SO, LITTLE ELVIS IS

IN A TOUGH SPOT
[LARRY ASIDE: I hope that by the time you read this, it is a situation that has already been “happily resolved.” But, just in case….]
 We got this info from Debra Chisholm, volunteer dog biographer at Mesquite Animal Services. Here’s the tale: 
“This precious Yorkie mix is Elvis,” the bio begins. He’s about 6 years old, isn’t neutered, weighs 11 pounds and came in as a stray on Feb. 23.
 So? Here’s the “so”: Elvis has a “medical issue that requires he be RESCUE ONLY." The bio adds, “A vet visit and x-rays revealed full paralysis of hind limbs due to multiple narrowed discs causing a guarded vet prognosis.  Due to shelter capacity and our inability to provide him adequate quality of life we are placing a euthanasia deadline on him.  We must receive a confirmed rescue tag by noon on Thursday, March 2.”

Elvis doesn’t walk — he drags his back end around. Plus he’s got “stage 4 advanced periodontitis.” And, Debra’s bio reads, “He shows other signs of lack of proper care--crustiness around the eyes, long toenails, matted fur.  However, in spite of all this he is a sweet boy and he let me handle him without nipping or aggression as I attempted to clean up the area around his eyes and his hind end. He is well-mannered, calm and gentle with a low-key nature.  He was fine with me holding him and showing him affection.  You can help Elvis by networking or tagging at rescues@cityofmesquite.com, typing in the subject line TAG, ID 52121333.  Further inquires can be directed to 972-216-6283 or emailed to rescues@cityofmesquite.com." 
Debra’s final paragraph on Elvis’ bio is tender: “Thank you for considering whether you can help this boy who deserves a far better life than he has had.”
DEBRA ALSO PROVIDED the story of Yoshi, an American Pittie mix who came in as a tray on Feb. 20. But that’s not the whole story. She writes: “Yoshi originally arrived at the shelter on 7/12/22 and was adopted on 8/5.  However, he is back now and his owners have not come to reclaim.” 
He’s 3 1/2 years old, neutered and weighs 70 pounds. And, Debra writes, “He is a high-energy fellow, full of vim and vigor.  He is athletic and enjoyed climbing on our play equipment in the yard.  He ran and played and thoroughly enjoyed stretching his legs.  He walks well on a leash but does have somewhat of a strong pull.  When he walked past dogs who were barking at him he did not react or show aggression.  However, it is a good idea to ask the shelter staff for a dog test if you are interested in Yoshi.  He is playful and mildly interested in toys and balls.  He enjoyed treats and took them gently but did not know how to sit for them.  He has a confident and outgoing personality and isn't a bit shy or nervous. … He might not be a good fit for a family with young children due to his weight and his jumping.  He doesn't jump on you, but does jump in the air.”

Ask about Yoshi by giving his ID #50645685 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. 
[LARRY ASIDE: And, there you have it, a city animal shelter having to take up the slack for humans who, at some point, promised to love a little guy named Elvis and a big dog named Yoshi. I’d ask, ‘What the hell is wrong with people?’ but we don’t have enough time to complete that giant list of serous human shortcomings.]
AFTER MENTIONING ELVIS,
WE VISIT— NO KIDDIN’— FONZI?
Yeah the guy on Happy Days was “Fonzie” and the guy at the SPCA of Texas is Fonzi. Both need love, of course. Probably easier to hug the SPCA’s Fonzi after you read this.
We discovered the Fonzi the Dog story while reading the latest news release from the SPCA of Texas. It says that the SPCA, in partnership with PetSmart Charities, will “bring adoptable pets to three North Texas PetSmart Locations in support of National Adoption Week (March 6-12).
Fonzi is described as a ”sweet, gentle 9-year-old Terrier/Pit Bull mix” who had to have an ear surgery that rendered him completely deaf, the news release said. HIs story is he was “adopted as puppy but was returned to the shelter almost 400 days ago. He loves long walks, tennis balls, pets and kisses.” Go to spca.org to navigate to the SPCA’s adorable adoptables — dogs, cats and other animals. And click HERE
to read the news release. You’ll see this mugshot of beautiful Comet, a year-a-half-old, who is “such a sweet little girl who is eager to be part of a loving family again.” 
The SPCA schedule for meeting up adoptables at PetSmarts is March 10 session at PetSmart, 5500 Greenville Ave. in Dallas; March 11 at PetSmart Denton, 1441 S. Loop 288; and March 12 event at PetSmart Waxahachie, 1451 N. Hwy 77.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Idle thoughts in Winter 2023
OK, here’s the deal. I recognized I was caught up in a gut-kicking (I cleaned up that phrase) case of writer’s block when I realized I was looking forward to the Tuesday afternoon task of clearing out the litter boxes. I swear that’s true on a stack of empty litter bags. Relax, I throw them out with the trash or the garage would REALLY be full. That’s something else I need to clean out — the garage. Moving along while my brain can still instruct my fingers to punch the keys…..
Is it possible the lousy unstable-yet-threatening weather is depressing me like a couch cushion in a diet doctor’s office? (Been there; I know how I’ve made the cushions suffer.) ….
WAIT! You want something spirit-lifting? Did you know that— as she’s described on the tailsofjoy.net website — “comedian, writer and animal activist Elayne Boosler” is the moving force behind Tails of Joy. Yep. comedians can be very serious people. And, along that line of thought, I’m not sure how long ago or why Elayne Boosler said this, but it sure seems to be spot-on for the mood of today’s world. The quote reads, “When women are depressed, they eat or go shopping. Men invade another country. It’s a whole different way of thinking.” As Shakespeare wrote for King Lear, “In jest there is truth.”
—- Offer something brainy or nothing stupid by clicking on comment below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

AH, DUSTY AIR, CHALLENGES OF ANIMAL ADOPTIONS AND RESCUE: IT'S TEXAS...

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY FEB. 27-28, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Any dust in the air? Time to change the filter on the heating & cooling system. Always fun to do while explaining to the cats that they can’t go through that door in the hallway. Mew. The dogs have no interest in what’s behind the door except they’ll chip in to make sure the AC gets serviced each year. They all have debit cards. You dogs don’t have debit cards? Our cats have staffers with cards.
See that dog? I’m not the only guy who’ll swear on a stack of dog treats that, “I wish I could be as handsome and relaxed as this guy Jayson.” Well, we’ll get to him and the donation and the need to find a real home in a minute.
‘SHAKING AND HER TAIL
WAS TUCKED’ BUT NOW….
Here we go with a few examples of how shelter volunteers get “personal” when trying to hustle up homes for animals. Naturally, we turn to our pals at Mesquite Animal Services. 
The subject line on the first note I opened made me think of a dog all dressed up for a party — it included the words “well-mannered/heels.”
Of course, in the context of our lives, that has nothing to do with cocktail parties celebrating the Oscars. The subject line on the email we got from volunteer Debra Chisholm read “Kaylee ID 52107361 2yr Coonhound/Foxhound mix/EXTREMELY SWEET/well mannered/heels/Mesquite,TX.” And we turned to Debra’s volunteer dog-writin’ colleague Judi Brown for the full report on Kaylee. 
Judi’s bio began, “If you think Kaylee is cute in these photos she’s even cuter in real life! Kaylee is a 2-year-old Coonhound/Foxhound/Mountain Dog mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/21 as a stray. She weighs 44 pounds. She is not spayed.
The two words that describe her best are “EXTREMELY SWEET”! 
“When she first came out of her kennel she was shaking and her tail was tucked. With TLC she warmed up. However, she is still on the timid side. She explored the yard briefly but mostly stayed close to me. There’s no doubt she wanted human interaction but mostly I think she was staying close for security. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She is gentle, calm, laid-back, easy-going, and at first cautiously friendly. There’s no doubt she would be a loyal devoted companion. … She walked extremely well on a leash. As a matter fact she heeled every few steps looking up at me. She was intimidated by the other dogs but did not show any signs of aggression. To sum it up she’s a real sweetheart!! Anyone would be more than lucky to have her for their pet!”
Use Kaylee’s shelter ID 52107361 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Same system for these dogs and the cat. Read on.
Buttercup (#52091800) is described as a year-old spayed Brindle/Border Collie/Catahoula Leopard mix.
And Judi’s note also reveals, “Buttercup wanted to wear the pretty collar for her photo shoot so she would make a big impression. Doesn’t she look festive?… Buttercup arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/18 as a stray. She is spayed! You might call her a brindle beauty. She’s got a winning personality.” She also appears to be smiling when posing for photos and Judi says, “That’s because she’s a happy girl. After initially exploring the yard she stayed close indicating she likes human interaction. She sat for treats and took them gently. It was obvious she wanted to please. She chased some balls but did not retrieve them. Her tail wags a lot. She’s friendly, sweet, gentle, easy-going and affectionate. She walked relatively well on a leash. She sniffed some dogs in the bay wagging her tail and ignored the ones that were barking at her. … So my  question is ‘What’s not to love about this soft cuddly girl?’ She would love to cuddle with your family on the couch or at your feet as you’re watching TV. She told me she’d even be a fan of whatever team you support.” 

Judi, in her bio of Drake, says he’s “trying to imitate Spuds MacKenzie with the patch over his eye.” Drake is #52107396. [LARRY ASIDE: For you kids, Spuds MacKenzie was introduced as the Bud Light spokesdog in the ‘80s.”
]
And Judi wrote, “He may not look exactly like Spuds but he is a handsome boy and this patch makes him very distinctive. He is a 10-month-old, 53-pound Pit mix who arrived at the [shelter] on 2/21 as a stray. He is not fixed.”
Judi also writes, “I was met in the kennel with tail wags and was sure I was meeting a very friendly dog. But then he got scared of the other dogs barking and had to be carried out into the yard. After I took time walking him and brushing him he eventually relaxed and his tail started wagging. He even started to venture off exploring. 
“For the most part he stayed close wanting special attention. He occasionally jumped on me but keep in mind he’s only 10 months old and can be taught not to do this. He didn’t know what I was asking him to do when I tried to get him to sit. You could tell he wanted to obey but just didn’t understand. He did like treats and took them gently. He chased balls but did not retrieve them. When I sat down he immediately came to me. He put his head on my lap and enjoyed having his head scratched. Like I said I had to carry him out into the yard but once I got him out into the yard he walked back and forth on the leash without a problem. Because he was so scared I did not get to introduce him to other dogs. If you have another dog we always suggest you asked the shelter to do a dog test. Drake has a lot of love to give to a family that will love him. He wants to be a mostly inside dog hanging out with his new family.”
Remember, use the ID numbers when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. 
Here’s the SHELTER LINK. Look at many more dogs there. And you can see many cats at the shelter, too — there’s a whole raft of Trap-Neuter-Return black-and-white cats from Wilkinson Street on the website. This cat, however, is not among the Wilkinson cats. This is Luna (#51788736) a small, young female who came into the shelter on December 30. She’s waiting in the Conference Room at the shelter. And, of course, as you can tell, she is one of the extremely rare wide-eyed Domestic Shorthair mixes — not sure if other shelters around the United States have as many of these beautiful cats as Mesquite and other North Texas shelters. [LARRY ASIDE: They’re pretty rare. We only have two of them at readlarrypowell.com — both from Dallas County, Esme and William Powell. Perfect cats. I’m hinting on behalf of Luna and other rare breed dogs and cats. Readlarrypowell.com defines “rare breed” broadly under the “Save ‘Em All” category.]
SAD SHELTER LAMENT:
‘MORE DOGS DAILY’
We could say that’s a “lament,” but we also could call it a “chorus from the shelters.”
As you surely know by now, the do-good volunteers at 4-Legged Helpers focus on the small shelters that are overloaded without being overvisited (if that's a word.). These are shelters without any “marketing budgets” or, in some cases, “hired staffers” — might just be one city employee handling all the responsibilities of “animal control officer/shelter director/maintenance, etc.”
Sometimes the folks with 4-Legged Helpers manage to line up donations on behalf of dogs on the clock —- keep reading.
Usually the 4-Legged Helpers stocl to several smaller shelters on the southern side of Dallas, but this guy Kip is on the northern side of Lake Grapevine in a place called Double Oak, Texas (a settlement in the 1880s. The Helpers report that Kip is an 8-month-old, neutered Lab/Shepherd mix who is, his bio reads, “Super sweet and so completely lovable! Such a cutie pie. …adores all people, all children, all other dogs. A very kind person rescued him and got him fully vetted but now needs to find him a great rescue or home. Please help save him!!!!!  Please hurry!” 
The contact points for Kip, as for any animal on the Helpers’ radar are call or text 214-949-27 26 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com
And that brings us to the combined efforts to save animals in the Ferris and Hutchins area via the Helpers and the Ferris shelter.
Trevor (left)  is a Boxer/Pointer mix who, the Helpers report, is admired by people who’ve met him and the dog admires the people right back. “He was found out and about and playing with some children…He was wearing a harness and lead and the lead attached had been torn. Poor guy was starving. Thank goodness he stopped to play with kids. …. He is a great boy who adores other dogs.”
Beck is a Bulldog mix described in his bio as “Best dog ever.  We are serious!  Super cute and loving!   Adores everyone. This CUTIE PIE is just adorable.  He was found in Hutchins out and about on his own.  He is the sweetest, most lovable guy. Beck is a great size and he poses when you photograph him!!!!  He was dog tested with a female dog and they had the best time playing. Also does extremely well with male dogs.”
Brady is a Lab/Bulldog mix, maybe a year-and-a-half-old, who was found “out and about on his own by a kind person.” His bio reads that the young, neutered rascal is “house-trained!!” Yep, he got TWO exclamation points for being house-trained. The bio also reads, “Brady is the absolute sweetest cuddly marshmallow pup you could meet.  ADORES people and all other dogs.  He is silly and sweet and would be the most perfect hiking or running or tv watching companion.  Ready to go anywhere or do anything.  Carries around the rope toy ready for fun.  ADORES RIDING IN THE CAR. Lol. If you are looking for a cuddly sweetie that adores everyone and everything, look no further.”

 And that brings us to Mr. Handsome. Mr. Cool. Jayson, currently in the Ferris Animal Shelter. [LARRY ASIDE: We opened today’s report with him because he’s able to do two things that escape your mirror-shy scribe: He can look good; he can relax. And we’d adopt him if we hadn’t already hit the limit on critter adoptions.]
The Helpers’ bio of Jayson reads that he is a Retriever/Black Mouth Cur Mix who is a young male. And, the text continues, “Jayson is such a cutie pie!   Only about a year old. He was found out and about with some other dogs and he is SUPER SWEET. His big chocolate brown eyes and that beautiful cream colored fur would melt anyone’s heart.  Such a sweetie!!!!  Very cute and very deserving boy.  Please, help save him!!!!!  Help!!!”
Some of these shelter animals have a $275 donation to the non-profit that rescues them. Ask about it when you contact the 4-Legged Helpers by calling as call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. 
You can see these animals and more on the Ferris Animal Shelter Facebook page HERE. And keep up with the 4-Legged Helpers adorable adoptables and shelter animals in need by clicking onto this Facebook page.
CONTEMPLATIONS
DUST, WIND AND DYLAN
Decades ago, when I was a young reporter at The Fort Worth Press, a thickish dust storm blew into Cowtown from the west and I heard a lawyer quote his daddy (also a lawyer): “Parker County’s comin’ to town.” Of course, while living in Cowtown in the early ‘70s, I also learned of the glory of Parker County Peaches. Oh, my. Pretty sure they’re still around. Texas Legislature agreed long enough in 1991 to designate Parker County “the Peach Capital of Texas.” And there’s that festival mentioned in this artwork. …

In the opening I mentioned our dogs and their debit cards. Let me go a little bit farther with that in the writer's chase for another paragraph:
 I’d be comfortable sending our dogs to a store with their debit cards. The cats? No. Our cats have two staffers with debit cards who go to the store for them.
Felt like some thoughtful music. Here’s a Bob Dylan number called Things Have Changed.
Ain’t it the truth.
—- Offer ideas or doubts by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put WAKE UP AND TYPE in the subject line. —-

HOW DOGS INSPIRE ENVY -- AND IT MAY JUST BE A GOOD THING FOR HUMANS

This edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap is dedicated to the peaceful insomniacs of the world.
During the week I snapped these photos -- our own readlarrypowell.com dogs and cats enchant me. And I envy their ability to sleep when wanted/needed.
That first girl is Wendy -- full name Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden. Explanation available upon request. dallrp@aol.com. No charge. 
My adorablespouse Martha did a road-side rescue of Wendy years ago -- the little dog, not much more than a puppy, was tracking a couple of teenagers who lived in the same apartment complex as Wendy. The teens lived inside; someone else had dumped Wendy outside. But the adorable, human-loving dog was very forgiving.
As the kids walked down busy Polk Street in Dallas, Wendy tagged after 'em, endangered by speeding traffic and a puppy's tendencies to run without looking.  Martha saved her life -- no doubt -- by taking the dog off the street that day. 
And, in the final full week of February 2023, I snapped the Up ’n’ Down Earhoun’ photo of darling Wendy after she piled up on the couch and wrestled the couch-protecting fake-furry cover into submission. Then, with one ear up and the other down, she nodded off.  She's so adorable that I am calling a 2-minute time-out just for sit and stare into her face. TIME OUT..... tick, tick, tick, for 2 minutes .... 
TIME IN.
Oh, two minutes is not enough time to fully appreciate the face on this darling dog. So, I'll add a "fully awake and posing for a political campaign advertisement” picture. 
She's very noble. Well-behaved. Would be a welcome addition to any political campaign. Knows how to out-bark an opponent.
While Wendy was asleep on her living room couch, across the wide carpet, Porche Noel had posed herself on HER couch and encouraged me to snap a cute photo of a dog who, with one eye open, whispered, "Snap it now while I can still hold the eye open. I'm on the brink of a full-on nap. Snap it! Snap it! Snap it" 
Yes, I have failed Porche Noel and caught her with that look on her face. She can't overcome the "Nobody sneaks up on me" instinct! But I can keep working at getting that "sleeping dog" photo of her. She spends a lot of time out like a light. She just doesn't have the expressive  ears that Wendy has. Porche’s natural state is “nodded off.”  
[LARRY FYI: In this edition’s opening, I limited the dedication of this edition it to "peaceful insomniacs,” my kind of people. But I worry that the warmongering jerks who roam free on the planet might just be the Bitter Insomniacs-in-power who have adopted the motto, "Can't snore; make war." May their hearts be changed -- quickly, for the sake of every living thing on this planet. Peace now, you know? Is peace such a bad thing? As an insomniac, I can tell you that peace doesn’t keep me up nights.]
-- Send comments and photos of snoozing dogs, cats and whatever you've got to dallrp@aol.comand we'll post 'em in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. ---

ON A CHILLY DAY, SOME WARM IDEAS FOR MAKING LIFE BETTER....

EXTRA EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY FEB. 24-25, 2023 [PetPowellPress] On Wednesday afternoon, I worked up a sweat in my neighborhood walk — temp was “high.” On Thursday morning, I took a load of laundry into the garage laundry area and thought I’d stepped through a “time gate” and traveled back two or three weeks to the Metroiceberg level of temperature. I look forward to a warm garage so I can work up a sweat on my treadmill while avoiding a summer sun. Nothing against the sun.
AND NOW, in no particular order, we present some notations for the day.
A DOG NAMED INDO —
CITY OR COUNTRY PUP?
Based on the bio of Indo /
cats,cows/goats are no-no.
My apologies for the doggerel, if that’s what two rhyming lines are.
But, there’s more and this WAS the deal with this handsome Pyrenees Mix in the Ferris Animal Shelter. 
The 4-Legged helpers report that he’s a young, neutered, 75-to-85-pound “absolutely adorable” dog. 
And there’s this: “A huggable and lovable  sweet guy that loves other dogs and all people!!  He is awesome with children.  He was born 4/14/21. …. Heartworm negative, so healthy. Kennel trained too.  Adores absolutely everyone.including other dogs but loves cats and, believe it or not goats/cows, a little too much, if you know what we mean. So he needs a cat-free and a livestock-free home. Honestly, we laughed when we saw this. He apparently is a cute indoor city dog in a country dog body. He apparently has no idea he is part Pyrenees, bred to guard livestock.  Indo says, ‘No, no, I am an indoor dog that loves baths, being groomed, watching TV, going for walks and playing with children and other dogs.”
WAIT!!!! Just as we were finishing this item, we got an update from Laura Macias at 4-Legged Helpers! This dog, who’d been surrendered to the Ferris shelter, “is tagged to go to New York already!” 
How about that! There other dogs, however, so the contact points are call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. And you can see more of the Helpers’ animals that need homes by clicking on the non-profit’s facebook page HERE. 
MEANWHILE, IN CARROLLTON,
LIZZY AND OTHERS WAITNG
We got the info on these pups from one of our “discreet tipsters” who monitors the adorable adoptables in the Carrollton Animal Shelter on the northern side of Dallas.
She wrote, “I was wondering if you could post two dogs from the Carrollton Animal Shelter.  One long term.  The other long term for a small dog.”
This first pup Lizzy is in the “Large Dog Kennels” area of the shelter — she came in on November 7 and is available for adoption —- her bio on the shelter website says her adoption fee has been waived. Lizzy (#51482669) is a 4-year-old spayed “very smart” dog, our tipster reports. “She’s a beauty…. Her only problem is she is not good with other dogs.”
Our tipster also mentioned a male Chihuahua mix named Molasses, but that little pup has vanished from the official listing — we suspect Molasses has been rescued or adopted. 

That may be the result of a note forwarded to us on Wednesday afternoon. The note, credited to Vanessa Johnson, the Senior Animal Care Specialist at the shelter, read, in big red letters, “WE ARE OVER CAPACITY AND UNABLE TO HOLD ON TO ANYONE PAST 02/28/2023 AT 6 PM.”
 Click on this Carrollton Shelter LINK  to see more adoptable or to see how to help by fostering or rescuing. The shelter is at 2247 Sandy Road in Carrollton. Call 972-466-3420.
A BALL-PLAYING DOG NAMED
DUFFY WAITS IN MESQUITE
The story on this handsome dog came from Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer biographer Judi Brown. She wrote, “Do you like to play ball? Duffy does too! Duffy is looking for someone that will throw the ball for her and she promises to bring it back!!” [LARRY ASIDE: That’s quite a promise for dog to live up to — takes a special dog to bring ‘em back! Our dogs hold up a sign that reads, "Throw it again and I'll call my lawyer."]

Judi says Duffy is about 5, a Staffordshire/Bull Terrier mix, who came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on Feb. 15. She weighs in at 55 pounds and has a “muscular, stocky body,” Judi says. “She has a cute face with eyes that look like they’re trimmed with eyeliner. She came out of her kennel wagging her tail and I don’t believe it ever stopped wagging the whole time we were together. She’s what some would call a ‘wiggle butt!’ She’s definitely a happy girl and appears to be smiling in many of her photos. Duffy has recently had a litter.”
And there’s this, “She sits for treats and takes them gently. She found balls on her own and entertained herself with them. She loves to play fetch and brings the balls back to you. She did not appear to get tired of this sport. She would bark to let me know she wanted to continue playing! She was a lot of fun. She would do best with an active family and a large yard so that she can show off her athletic ability to her new adopters. Duffy walks OK on a leash. She is dog reactive. She would do best being the only pet in the household. That way she can be spoiled rotten!”

Duffy’s ID is #52066782 — use it when you email rescues@cityofmesquite.com or call 972-216-6283.
See more adorable adoptables in the Mesquite Shelter by clicking on THIS LINK.
Among the available animals is this girl Kenzie (#41845568). She’s just about to be 3 years and 11 months old and is listed as a “large” Gray/Tan Domestic Shorthair mix. She’s neutered. Kenzie came in on Feb. 21. When you visit the shelter to ask about an introduction, she’s waiting for you in the Cat Room.

FROM OUT AT THE LAKE,
TWO CUTE LITTLE DOGS
This tip came from our reliable lakeside source, Sydney Busch, the legendary guiding light of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. 
The Friends, as you may recall, operate the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
 he note about these cuties read: “These two little dogs - about 17 lbs each and about 1 year old - are spayed/neutered, vaccinated...and they need a new home...small re-homing fee if I don't know you or you don't have a reference...They are NOT housetrained but it doesn't take long to house-train an adult dog...I'm the contact...please share - they need to get moving!!” 
To ask about these pups, call Sydney at 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701.
CONTEMPLATIONS
I’M SURE IT’S ALL SAFE….
Saw a story online that the “toxic water” from East Palestine, Ohio, is going to be delivered to a spot in Harris County. New state highway signs? “Dump Friendly!” Surely there’ll be some environmental lawyers stepping up on behalf of Texas. Opportunities abound, right? ….
Speaking of environment, I’m in desperate need of taking off time to clean the trash out of my home office. A weekend may not be enough time. A week may not be. I may need to subcontract a professional clean up/clean out crew…..
OK, maybe this song will warm things up. Click HERE and if there’s a commercial, my apologies. We live in a profit-motivated time rather than the joy-inspired year 1966 when Ol’ Blue Eyes performed this seasonal sensation.
—- Offer music tips or odd ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘STOP SINGING ALONG, TUNELESS!’ in the subject line. —-

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY Feb. 24-25, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: “Two litters of puppies need rescue.”
How about this one: “I keep telling her to not leave the yard and get herself pregnant.”
 OK, enough pointing my less-than-literary finger at the people who think the “General Rules of The Birds and Bees Handbook” doesn’t apply to their dogs and cats. Let’s just help the animals and maybe even help some people, too. And we’ll have an SPCA Contemplation today.

ON A RAINY MORNING WE GOT
A TALE OF NOAH — NO KIDDING….
OK, honestly, I don’t know if this German Shepherd was named “Noah” before the Wednesday morning deluge, but I do know that he’s waiting under that name at the City of Wilmer animal shelter, according to my reliable tipsters.
And that brings us to a note we got from the 4-Legged Helpers folks about that very shelter during the morning rain. It read, in red letters; “EMERGENCY!!! THIS TINY WILMER SHELTER FLOODS WHEN IT RAINS. (Truly the oldest shelter we deal with - looks like a rusted shed).  IT IS ALREADY FLOODING TODAY.  PLEASE HELP SAVE NOAH.  PLEASE!!!!  He needs someone now!!!!  This poor dog will soon be ankle deep in water. If he is not already. The very nice ACO does everything he can but this city cannot afford much and this sweet dog desperately needs your help!!!!”

Noah is, the Helpers guess, 4 to 5 years old. He was found “out and about on his own,” the note reads. And, this handsome GSD (German Shepherd Dog, as the pros say) is “the sweetest most lovable guy ever,” the Helpers’ bio reads. “Adores absolutely everyone.  Very well behaved.  Calm, gentle sweetie pie.”
To ask about helping the Wilmer animals or any animals on the “radar” of 4-Legged Helpers, call or text: 214-949-2726 or email: cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. Your can see more 4-Legged Helpers “animal projects” by going to THIS FACEBOOK LINK. 

MEANWHILE, WOOD COUNTY
HAS A COUPLE OF LITTERS….
We got this note from our veteran East Texas rescuer Gail Whelan of the Companion Animal Network. It came with these photos of two litters of puppies.
And, yes, Gail has a history of dealing with the shabby treatment of animals in my beloved East Texas. This particular batch comes from Wood County and to help you figure out where that it, the county seat is Quitman and that little town is about 2 hours east of Dallas and on the eastern side of Lake Fork.
The deal on these dogs is, the note reads, “Transport provided. They have had their first vaccinations and been wormed. 
... Currently at the Sheriff’s outside pen. Cannot keep them much longer.
"Five Border Collie mix puppies and five various mix puppies.”

The contact is Barbara Wax at bjandk15@gmail.com. [LARRY ASIDE: And if you want to help Gail at Companion Animal Network, email can.adoptions@yahoo.com or fone 903-967-3226. After all, these will not be the last two unwanted litters of dogs or cats born East of Lake Ray Hubbard along either I-30 or I-20!]

CONTEMPLATIONS
SPCA, APOLLO AND HEMI
This is a humdinger of a Contemplation.  My former colleague at The Big Paper Downtown, the columnist Sharon Grigsby, has presented an interesting roundup on the situation at the SPCA of Texas regarding the change in management. New CEO and Prez is in the future — a temp is in place right now after the resignation of Karen Froehlich, who’d been in the job for 7 years. Columnist Grigsby linked the change to management decisions (a) pulling out of the agreement to help the Dallas Police in cruelty cases and (b) closing the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter& Wellness Clinic at Ledbetter and I-35 in southern Dallas. [LARRY ASIDE: It was named in honor of one of the coolest, dedicated animal advocates to ever help critters in Dallas. It’s in the Zip Code my Rescuespouse Martha and I used to live in and that Zip was notorious for free-roaming animals and un-wanted litters. Maybe the facility will make a comeback under new management. And for those who go “way back” in the area, the very serviceable clinic began life as a Red Lobster.] Google “Sharon Grigsby and SPCA” and you can read updates on this situation. And you can see the SPCA news release by clicking on THIS LINK. And, FYI, we used photos of adoptables to highlight this Contemplation. These represent the animals the SPCA is helping no matter who’s in office. That great black Earhound is Apollo, #41469749, the fellow who also looks good upside down— the fantastic, adorable photo of him on his back and looking up is the first Apollo picture we used several years ago when he first came into the SPCA. Get the details of his needs by going to this LINK. That cat, among the adorable adoptables LISTED HERE , is 2 1/2-year-old, 9-pound Hemi, one of those rare Dallas Tabby Domestic Shorthair mixes. OK, maybe not so rare, but always adorable. He’s $51941175. Needs grown-up humans to pal around with, his bio indicates.
All of that as the SPCA is "more plenty enough" to contemplate in this edition.
—- Offer ideas or hope by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and putting “SAVE ‘EM ALL; THROW THE BAD GUYS IN JAIL” in the subject line. —-

THE WHOLE IDEA IS TO GET UNWANTED ANIMALS INTO LOVING HOMES, RIGHT?...

EDITION OF FEB. 21-22, ’23 [PetPowellPress] One reason I love this dog (among many, many reasons)? Her early life left her unable to work her back legs like a normal dog and she cannot scratch behind her ears with her hind paws. 
Therefore — control your envy! — I am Porche’s Scratching Boy and that is just about one of the greatest honors a little ol’ rescue dog can bestow on a human who never met a dog he didn’t love.
More on Life With Porche in Contemplations.. First, let’s try to help place unwanted dogs and cats in good homes. Yes, it’s true, Porche was not the last unwanted animal in the Greater North Texas Metrounconcernedoplex.
CALL THIS GIRL ‘MOXIE’
AND GIVE HER A HOME:
SNOW’S TOUGH CASE
You’ll be stirred to say some BLEEEPS…well, you may use entirely appropriate words when you read Snow’s story, so we’ll ease toward Snow's story by reporting Moxie’s tale first, then we’ll … well, you’ll see.
We got the note about Moxie, the Pittie mix, from Debra Chisholm, dog biographer for the Mesquite Animal Shelter’s vigorous volunteer program.
Moxie was straying when she was picked up by a shelter officer on Feb. 11 — weighs 42 pounds, is about a year old and, during her stay at the shelter, has been spayed. Debra says she is a fun-loving, playful youngster who “walks nicely on a leash” and is “fun-loving” and “playful.” 
She is, Debra wrote, “full of energy and has a confident and trusting nature. She has a moderate activity level, but does jump on you. Obedience training would be a good idea for Moxie (as with all puppies) in order to fit in best with her new people in her forever home.  She doesn't have a bit of shyness or fear but instead is friendly and is more than happy to receive petting and loving attention. She does not seem to know any commands.  Moxie appears to have been well cared for and yet sadly her owners have not come looking for her.  Therefore she is in need of a person or family who will stay committed to her to invite into their hearts and home.” Moxie’s shelter ID is #52049102. To ask about Moxie call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Debra’s note adds, “Our shelter has become very full and we need to find adopters and rescues for our precious pooches, so please help if you can.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Snow’s story has elements that will BLEEEEEEP you off. I’m censoring myself…you may feel the same emotions.]
Our tipster Judi Brown, also a volunteer dog biographer, tells the story of Snow this way: “Snow doesn’t understand why he’s back at the shelter. Truthfully I don’t either! Snow is a 2-year-old, 53-pound darling cutie pie that first arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/3. Shortly after that he was adopted. Then the shelter received a call about surrendering him. The owners did not come in but on 2/21 Snow was brought in as a stray. Draw your own conclusions…”
 [LARRY ASIDE: And there you have it — rescuing Snow will be a noble action.]
Judi continues, “It appears he was just let go to fend for himself. Look into his imploring eyes and you can tell he’s just pleading with someone to give him a furever home. He is so so deserving! He is a total sweetheart! In spite of what just happened to him he wags his tail and appears to be happy. He’s well-behaved, gentle, wants attention, is very loving, is sweet, curious, and easy-going. When I sat down he came to me and put his head on my lap. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He’s highly motivated by treats meaning he would be easy to train. … He was not interested in meeting other dogs but also did not show any aggression. He walks OK on a a leash. To top it off he’s already neutered and he’s cute! You would get lots of compliments when you took him for a walk. You would also get lots of love because he has so much to give!”
Snow is #51803482 in the shelter records. Use that reference when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email recues@cityofmesquite.com. He would most likely do well with a family with children. He would like nothing better then to be an integral part of your family!  Email rescues@cityofmesquite.com to tag Snow. Type tag in the subject line along with ID 51803482 to ensure proper tagging. If further info is required please call 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.com."
To see other animals in the Mesquite Animal Shelter, visit this LINK.
You’ll see Snow and Moxie and lots of other adorably adoptable dogs and fetchingly fantastic cats, including this magnificently-coated feline.
Boy or girl? Don’t know, the gender is listed as “Unknown.”
The cat is #52096558, a “Domestic Longhair Mix” who came in on February 20. On the website, his picture is labeled “Mr. 300 Long Canyon Dr.” — he or she is currently in the shelter’s Feral Room and listed as “available.” [LARRY ASIDE: Sometimes a cat with “feral behavior” is just a frightened domesticated cat. May that be the case of this feline. If not, maybe someone is looking for the world’s most gorgeous Barn Cat.]

IS IT THE FACES, THE SITUATION
OR THE HUMAN HEART?
Could be a combo of things. What motivates someone to adopt animals that are in a bit of a fix in a low-to-no-visitors shelter? Maybe it’s the determined drive of rescuers who work to get those animals in the spotlight, i.e., in this case, the efforts of the 4-Legged Helpers.
Look at JJ, the Great Pyrenees in Waxahachie, it may be the hairstyle that gets an adoptor’s attention. According to the Helpers bio, this boy JJ is an “absolute sweetheart” who “was found out and about on his own. He has been fully vaccinated. Note that these pics were taken prior to grooming. LOOK AT THAT PRECIOUS FACE!!! He seems to really like other dogs. Adores children!”
This girl Sugar is in the Ferris shelter. The Friends bio asks, “Have you ever wanted a cute, 42- pound, medium-sized dog that will always look like a puppy?  That is Sugar!  She has teddy bear ears and is just beautiful and sweet and loving as can be.  Only about 1.5 to 2 years old. Found as a stray but people that found her could no longer care for her.”

Trevor is also in the Ferris shelter and “everyone that has met Trevor absolutely adores him.” He’s a young male Boxer mix who, the Helpers report, “was found out playing with children. … Sweetest baby ever.  He apparently got away from someone a while back.  He was wearing a harness and lead and the lead attached had been torn. Poor guy was starving.  Thank goodness he stopped to play with kids.  But now he needs your help to save him!!! He has the sweetest face ever with beautiful markings.”
To ask about rescuing, adopting or fostering any of these animals call or text the 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
See many more animals in the 4-Legged Helpers’ spotlight by going to the non-profit’s Facebook page HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE EARLY DAYS OF PORCHE
As you may recall, we opened today’s report with a loving mention of my personal dog Porche Noel. Found on the porch at Christmas. 
I feel like writing about her right now. She’s currently on her bed in the office and snoring like a tipsy favorite uncle who’d dozed off in a lawn chair after filling up on barbecue and tater salad at a family picnic. Wipe that image out of your mind and contemplate Porche. 
When we got her she was already losing the flexibility dogs usually have in their hindquarters. She’d been mistreated in her former home and, near as we can tell, escaped by either digging under or climbing over a fence. Or maybe she was just thrown out of a car in our ol’ Dallas neighborhood. She was walking with a limp, rasping when she intended to bark, flinching when a hand went near her and scrambling to beat any other dog to ALL the food. 
But, now, she’s a household fixture— can actually bark. Loves to be petted and scratched. Has no feeling in her back paws. And she doesn’t fight anybody for food — only took a few years to calm her down at dinnertime. She follows her “stairways” onto her couch in the living room and to the middle of her bed in the humans’ bedroom.
Yep, I love writing about her. She’s an example of how a human can benefit from living with an unwanted dog and/or cat. I like to share the Gospel of Taking In the Unwanted Animal And Receiving Blessings. Not sure if that’s in the Bible, but I don’t know where else I’d have gotten it — too long for a fortune cookie and I’ve never seen it on a drugstore greeting card. And, after all, I went to church a lot as a schoolboy. 
FYI ABOUT THAT THIN DOG RIDING IN A PICKUP. That’s starving, insecure, rasping, excited Porche on her way to her first vet visit in 2009. We never found anyone to adopt her — didn’t look, either. She was home the moment she came through the front door. 
More people should open their doors and hearts to animals who are bewildered and terrified by the way things have gone in their lives. [LARRY ASIDE: Not to end this segment on a sweet note, but if I ever encounter the person who mistreated my Porche, there’ll be a stern lecture…at the very least.] Kind of makes me teary-eyed to think about the shape she was in when she squeezed through the “burglar bar gate” on our front porch, ate all the cat food from the daily feral cat food buffet and was immediately no longer thin enough to squeeze out and flee the strange new humans. She’s a doll.
—- Offer ideas or cautions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘BE KIND TO ANIMALS, YOU IDIOTS’ in the subject line. —-

ON A HOLIDAY: WILLIAM ON 'LOVE YOUR PET DAY;' WE LOOK AT PREZes/VEEPs & A UFO?

EDITION OF MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to a day off at readlarrypowell.com. It’s a Federal Holiday. We should all enjoy it. 
That is me listening to my office cat, William Powell, who encouraged me to be idle this holiday while trying to find the balance between waking too early and going to bed too late. “More cat naps,” he mewed politely but firmly.
William is a cat with good sense. I’ve know him a while. We once painted a house together — that’s how we met.
We’ll be taking Presidents Day off at readlarrypowell.com and if Feb. 22 is Vice Presidents Day, we’ll take that off, too. 
Our research finds, however, we must wait until August 9 to celebrate the actual “National Veep Day”
Holiday Insights, the online calendar, says Feb. 20 is not only Presidents Day (third Monday of the month), it is also “Love Your Pet Day.” 
I love that cat William — every day. He’s much, much, more than a “pet.” Advisor, confident, mood-booster, conversationalist, family member, inspiration, keen investor on Wall Street, window-based observer, etc. We endorse “Love Your Pet Day” as an everyday practice.
Holiday Insights notes that Feb. 23 is “Card Reading Day” and Fat Tuesday. My cards tell me to lay off anything that’ll make me be mistaken for anybody named Fat Tuesday.
FYI, Feb. 22 is also Cherry Pie Day, the Holiday Insights people say — of all the pies, we’re iffy on cherry pie. Apologies to President George Washington.
Holiday Insights says Feb. 20 is, also, Hoodie Hoo Day in the Northern Hemisphere — it’s a day designed to get rid of the winter blues. You call up friends and shout “Hoodie Hoo” into the phone to help them in this mood elevation experience.
 In the Southern Hemisphere, the Holiday Insights people say, Hoodie Hoo Day is Aug. 22. Here’s the link to the 2 Insights explanations of those special days.  Read about  National VEEP Day HERE.
And, FYI, on Feb. 20, 1869, the website reports, “Congress bans dueling in the District of Columbia.” That explains why the movie Deliverance was never shown in Washington, D.C. Relax, that’s a Dueling Banjos joke.
That second photo? Snapped it over the weekend in Fort Worth. The big bright thing is either a Martian balloon filming street traffic and scouting for landing zones or it’s the sun. 
That saucer-shaped bright spot in the clouds just over the horizon? Well, I just don’t know — didn’t see any antennae before I lost sight of it. 
Thought I heard an unpleasant hum but quickly I realized I was trying to hum along with Tom Jones’ What’s New Pussycat?.
I’m kidding. See. I think I've convinced you that, as William suggests,  I need some time off. You can tell by my punctuation errors, comma blunders and failure to end this writing with the sign-off line for Blue Emu pain relief cream: "It works fast and you won't stink." Of course, it's not all that helpful to any emu, is it. See you when I get back from calming contemplation in the Winter of '23.
—- Offer ideas for relaxation/rebuilding by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com and put CUSTOM PILLOWS MATTER ON UFOS in the subject line. —-

A DINOSAUR CASTS A BIG SHADOW ON A NAPPING CAT -- IS IT REAL?

The cat is real, but read on...Ah, comes the weekend and we can rejoice over time with our dogs and cats — with maybe humans, too. And, of course, those weekend snoozers are the inspiration for our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
We offer for contemplation in the heart of winter the shadow of a dinosaur. See it? That shadow of the dinosaur!
 That is my cat, Stevie Ray Treeboy, i.e., found as a tiny kitten clinging to a flimsy mimosa branch and yowling in Oak Cliff, the land that gave the world Stevie Ray Vaughan, the guitar magician. Hence, Stevie Ray Treeboy. 
I caught him sleeping on our living room floor and I quickly became frustrated while looking for the dinosaur casting that shadow on Stevie Ray’s body. I don’t think a dinosaur could take him in a skirmish, though it’s true that Stevie Ray is a peaceful fellow with rowdy tendencies.
This is probably a good place to repeat a quote credited to the Dallas musical product Steve Miller (on several sites!). “Dinosaurs may be extinct from the face of the planet, but they are alive and well in our imaginations.” And that explains why that photo captured my imagination.
I was sure I was seeing the shadow a dinosaur was casting in our living room. I looked around and didn’t see a dinosaur, but I also didn’t see anything dismissing the idea that a really quick and well-camouflaged dinosaur hadn’t avoided my old orbs.

Back to cats. 
Stevie Ray goes where he wants in the house. He and the other cats and the dogs are buddies. But he likes it, especially, when I cradle him like a baby and scratch his tummy while we watch TV. He might even mew along with his purr. And that reminds me of a quote from British author Terry Pratchett: “In ancient times cats were worshipped as Gods; they have not forgotten this.” 

[LARRY NOTE: This is probably a good time to quote the author Ernest Hemingway whose now-famous colony of six-toed cats survives his home in Key West.]  
Some of you cat people can probably agree with Mr. Hemingway’s quote: “One cat just leads to another.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Dedicated this paragraph to all the cat rescuers — yeah, one cat actually did lead to another, didn’t it!]

Of course, we can also quote Sigmund Freud: “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”

Stevie Ray once gave me a quote from the Canadian actor Colin Mochrie (he found it online in the category “Famous people cat or dinosaur quotes.”). Mr. Mochrie said, ““We all have a dinosaur deep within us just trying to get out.” 

Stevie Ray awoke wide-eyed when I was snapping photos of him relaxing under the shadow of a giant, house-crushing dinosaur on a stormy afternoon in Texas.
Now that leads us to a public service announcement. As people familiar with the spay/neuter campaign in North Texas know, it’s almost impossible not to encounter a free or low-cost spay/neuter program around here. You have to really close your eyes and your mind to avoid notice of a spay/neuter bargain. Somehow, there are clowns who manage to dodge the responsibility.
And what happens?
We’ll quote the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln: “No matter how much cats fight, there always seems to be plenty of kittens.”
The goal is to keep so many from being born just to be killed in overloaded city shelters.
The non-profit Humane Society of North Texas, based in Fort Worth, posted a Facebook reminder: “It’s Neuter Scooter time! It’s Neuter Scooter time!!”
Though the end of the month — the 28th if you don’t have a calendar handy — “all male cats are free to neuter at the HSNT Clinic in Fort Worth. Make an appointment to bring your male cat to our clinic in a suitable carrier or humane trap. Appointments and proof of rabies vaccination are required. If your cat needs a rabies vaccine, it is $5 at the time of service. All other services are available at our regular low-cost prices. Get your appointment today at hsnt.org/clinic or email clinic@hsnt.org."
For those of you who aren’t familiar with cat anatomy, this is a deal for boy cats only because “snipping” is relatively easy. Spaying a girl cat is invasive surgery and those patient’s need a little extra tender care. 
[LARRY ASIDE: You wouldn’t think that boys/girls thing would have to be explained, but, yep, there are people who don’t quite have a grip on — wait, that’s bad phrasing. “Don’t quite understand” the differences.]
Oh, and you know why Stevie Ray can sleep so calmly when there’s a dinosaur casting a shadow on him? Because HE’S NEUTERED! His mind isn’t on the traditional Tomcat Quest. Hey, Tomcat Quest! That may be a sci-fi title. Stevie Ray and I’ll work on the screenplay. We can use the extra dough. Act 1, Scene 1 A sleeping cat is suddenly awakened by the temperature change when a dinosaur casts a shadow on his body. …. OK, we’ll go from there.
[DEAR READERS: Send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats, slumberingwhatevers to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll exhibit them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. It’s free. For now. Depends on the price of gasoline next month. I’m kidding.]
—- Offer ideas for the future by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “SPAY/NEUTER AND SAVE LITTERS” in the subject line. —-

A BIG TEX MAY REVELATION; SAVING ANIMALS VIA HUMAN HEARTS; CONTEMPLATING CHANGES IN A HOMETOWN

EDITION OF FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Holy smokin’ time travel. We’ve already moved through the middle of February and I just now got rid of the fully-flocked and bagged 2022 Christmas tree. No, it hasn’t been on display, it’s been in the “Next Time Storage Area,” i.e., “Next time I’m taking cardboard boxes to recycling, I’ll take that tree, too.” Finally happened on Wednesday, February 15. Next load to go? Sorry, I’ve misplaced the list. Now, in this edition? News, animals & Contemplations. Here goes:
WHAT’S THAT, BIG TEX?

GET THE RECIPES READY!
How about this fantastic news on Thursday from the State Fair of Texas. I keep telling people this is a year-round operation. Here’s more evidence: The announcement reads, “The State Fair of Texas is back with something bigger and BATTER than ever.” May 19-21 the State Fair will sponsor a new cooking contest, Battle For the Blue Ribbons, in the Embarcadero Building at Fair Park. It’ll feature “three of the Fair’s most popular Creative Arts cooking contests: Cookie, Cake and Bread.” It’s open to all ages. There are 45 categories “across the three contests.”  And, the fair says, “All 45 blue-ribbon winners will be invited to compete in their respective contest at the Best of Show-Down in the Competition Kitchen during the 2023 State Fair of Texas on October 8, 2023.” Get all the Battle for Blue Ribbon details at the State Fair’s bigtex.com website AT THIS LINK.
Isn’t that State Fair Blue Ribbon announcement more uplifting than a weather report or a political debate? Or flying saucers over the Cotton Bowl in October seeing who can come closes to Big Tex’s hat? Took that photo of Big Tex last fall as a UFO lit up the sky behind him — I’m kidding. It was our own sun back-lighting the icon. FYI: The 2023 State Fair runs Sept. 29-Oct. 22. And the Fair's legendary Creative Arts Department is already working on those traditional contests.
THE RAREST OF CATS
WAITS IN DALLAS….
As regular and irregular visitors to readlarrypowell.com know, we enjoy the company of cats and work to help place the rarest of cat breeds, i.e., The Long-Whiskered Wide-eyed Pink-Nosed Tabby. I’m pretty sure these are maybe one in a million. All three of them that we have had have been one in million.
This fantastic face is waiting in Dog ’n’ Kitty City, the no-kill shelter operated by the Humane Society of Dallas County. See more animals and learn how to adopt them or volunteer at dognkittycity.org. 
The story on this cat is his name is Mono. He came in with his sister who was adopted — I have no idea if her name was Stereo. Mono is a medium-sized fellow, born Aug. 27, 2020. He is described as “handsome.” Goes without saying, doesn’t it, catfans. His bio says he’s shy at first, warms up, wants to be an only cat and needs a forever home. Email adoptions@dognkittycity.org or get in touch with the shelter via dognkittycity.org.
Oh, yes, that dog is Faith with possibly the most beautiful female Bulldog face in any of the 254 Texas counties. She was born on Nov. 16, 2016, her bio says. She came into the shelter when she was “very skinny.” She’ll fashion out an existence as your personal “couch potato or sofa surfer” if you’ll open your heart to her. Needs a house, not an apartment — when she’s missing her human, she lets people know. [LARRY ASIDE: We won’t say it’s operatic because we haven’t heard it, but, as a devoted-to-dogs catfan, I’ll declare that the sound a dog makes when it misses you is a message that you are a human worth missing. Not every human can grade that high on the humanity scale.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
4 DOGS WITH CHARM
Lola (in these first two photos) came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on Jan. 19, her biographer Judi Brown reported weeks ago. The deal was that Lola, a 9-month-old, 45-pound possible hound mix, was a “work-in-progress.” She was hesitant on a leash, uncomfortable in the shelter, etc. 
And in the Thursday update, Judi wrote, “I’m jumping up and down for joy as Lola is now ready to go to a loving home.!!! With TLC, time and lots of encouragement Lola has turned the corner! When she first came in she was shaking, her tail was tucked, her posture was downtrodden, and she would continually try to seek out corners in which to hide. She also did not walk on a leash. Now she walks very well on a leash. She wags her tail (it’s not tucked) and explores her surroundings without trying to hide, comes to me, and gives kisses. She actually seems happy!!!” So, to ask about this “real sweet, loving, gentle dog that will be loyal” get in touch with the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email
rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Refer to her shelter ID: #51905879.
Judi began Lark’s profile with this: “Maybe somebody can tell me why a sweet dog like Lark is getting passed over. I truly don’t understand it. Lark is a three year old 62 pound blue and white terrier pit that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter way back on 8/22. Do the math. That was SIX MONTHS ago! To start out with she was abandoned in her home. She had just had a litter and the family either sold or took those and left her behind! In spite of these hardships this adorable girl has forgiven her owners and is ready to move on. … She is a shelter fave to the point that she even gets to reside in the manager’s office! She wags her tail constantly. She’s friendly, sweet, loving and playful. She stays close for extra attention. She gives kisses. She sits for treats and takes them gently! … She’s well-mannered, obedient and wants to please. … To show you how much I cherish this dog I am offering $100 pledge in the form of a check to a 501c3 that will rescue Lark. Private message Judi Brown. Email rescues@cityofmesquite.com to tag Lark — she’s #50951798.
Judi also re-sent the evaluation of Eve. She came in on Dec. 21 as a stray and, Judi writes, “It’s hard to believe that such a cute girl with fold-over ears, an adorable personality and small stature is being overlooked!! Eve is a one-year-old, 39-pound brindle terrier Pit who arrived…as a stray. Yes, that was TWO  months ago and she’s still waiting!! She’s absolutely delightful and would do really well with a young family where she could grow up with the children. When I did the first evaluation she was quite shy but she has now come out of her shell. She was quite spunky and pulled to get out into the yard. She was so anxious to get out where she could stretch her legs that she was not even interested in meeting other dogs. … She sits for treats and takes them gently. She is highly motivated by treats. She chased a ball a few times but soon lost interest. She wanted to spend the time with me. She’s very affectionate. When I sat down she came to have her ears scratched. She wants to please. This well behaved girl has a lot to offer a loving family.” Eve is #51747874.

And that brings us to Colt who, Judi writes, “needs you to give him a loving home. He will reciprocate with lots of love that he has been saving for you! Colt is a one-year-old, 47 pound terrier Pit with a dark smokey gray coat and soft pleading eyes. He came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 10/13 as a stray. If my math is correct that was FOUR LONG MONTHS ago! Yet Colt has maintained his loving, sweet personality all this time. He’s obviously very patient. He’s also laid back, well mannered and gentle. I noticed he was drooling slightly which indicated to me he was a little nervous. Who can blame him after being cooped up in a kennel with dogs barking all around him? He needs a hero!!”
 And there’s this note from Judi, “When I introduced him to a ball he started scampering after it in a very playful manner but soon lost interest. He wanted to be back by his human friend. He sits for treats and takes them gently. One time he jumped on me for a hug. He gives kisses. … When I spoke to a volunteer about him, the first thing he said is that Colt walks very well on a leash. He also added that he’s a very nice dog! When I sat down he came to me to be petted. He actually wanted to snuggle.” 
Colt is #51320583 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
You can see Lola and other dogs and cats by clicking on the Mesquite Shelter link HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A PICTURE INSPIRES MEMORIES;

TIME-TRAVEL AVAILABLE YET?
There are several stages to this report. (1) Saw photo. (2) Read caption. (3) Had a rush of memories about TWO schools. (4) Realized progress is one mean critter. (5) I forget what 5 was, but it’ll come to me by the time I get to the end of this personal Contemplation in #6.

(1) I spotted this action-shot by Texarkana Gazette Photographer Stevon Gamble in the Tuesday edition of my hometown paper. I went to work there as a kid reporter — that 3-year episode-in-learning began between my junior year and senior year (’65-’66) at Texas High. Yes, I was a high school student who got a cool job (Thanks to journalism teacher Joy Arnold and Gazette editor J.Q. “Jake” Mahaffey, daddy of noted Texas author Prudence McIntosh.) So, why would my old school be in a photograph with demolition equipment? Oh, goodness. Read on.
(2) The Gazette’s caption with this photo explains that the crew is in the process of leveling the buildings once known as Texas High School — more than 400 kids in my Class of ’66, so this wasn’t a little bitty smalltown school. One of the buildings on the high school campus had been the first Texarkana College, opened in 1927. Attempts were made through the years to preserve the high school attended by many notables, including H. Ross Perot, the famed presidential candidate/computer milliionaire, the aforemention Mrs. McIntosh, pro athletes, business leaders, etc. “Our” Texas High closed in the early ‘70s and a new Texas High, opened (in the smalltown style of the era) “out by the interstate" (I-30) not far from the site of “the new mall.” The old campus became Pine Street Junior High and closed years ago. Ol’ Texas High might have no further use, but it still has a history, you know? We’ll get to a Greek philospher in a moment.
(3) Then there’s this: In the caption with this photo, there is a note revealing that the “historic campus’” site will become the home of an elementary school. That one school will replace two of Texarkana’s most legendary elementary schools — the rivals (in the ‘50s/‘60s) Spring Lake Park Elementary School and — second dagger to the heart of my body of public education — the Highland Park Elementary School. Please ignore my wailing for the loss of my beloved “Highland Park Elementary” where we played football and baseball and jumped robe at recess, climbed on the "monkey bars," studied in the classrooms and had a Halloween Carnival "Spook House" in the basement in October  -- there was a "cakewalk" in the music room. Heck, the school cafeteria even served pretty good cookin’. And  this was the school in which I learned the concept of lending libraries and realized how much I loved reading. I wasn’t alone in those discoveries. 
That was the school that my little brothers and I, and our pals, and Mr. Perot attended — Mr. Perot was a number of years ahead of us.
[LARRY FYI: He and I both began our professional careers at the Texarkana Gazette — I was a young reporter; he threw a paper route from horseback. Yeah, I think he might have done better financially. Many years ago, when I was covering the Tarrant County Courthouse for The Fort Worth Press, I saw Mr. Perot sitting on a bench outside a civil courtroom — he was on a witness list. Being a talkative reporter, I said something like, “Hello, Mr. Perot, I’m from Texarkana, too” and we went from there to talking about our days at Texas High and Highland Park Elementary — it beat talking about that lawsuit. In particular, we both praised the neighborhood — it was a school neighborhood — and we both spokes wistfully of Kaufman’s Grocery Store. It was a neighborhood shop that wasn’t very big but could crowd in a lot of elementary students with nickels, dimes and even quarters at lunch and after school. It also drew moms looking for groceries, from cereals to steaks, and dads sent on errands to pick up something "before the store closes." That school was a neighborhood anchor — and it was right across the street from my childhood church, now moved to a location on the western side of town instead of two blocks from the Arkansas state line.
(4) Memories of Mr. Kaufman’s store and Highland Park Elementary School signify the way things used to be. Why don’t I have a photo of the old school? Can’t find one. Back in the ‘90s when I was a columnist in a newspaper that claimed more than a million readers (not sure they ALL read my column), I wrote about the hunt for a photo of the old two-story, early-in-the-20th Century Highland Park School. What I got was letters of sympathy from alumni groups who’d also been hunting for a photo of the dear old school. Nobody could find one. If you know of one, let me know at dallrp@aol.com. I suspect any photo of the old elementary school is in a great-grandmother’s scrapbook that nobody ever opens. 
But back in the 1950s, that un-air-conditoned school was loaded with Baby Boomers. We'd arrived courtesy of the WWII and Korean War veteran dads and postwar sweetheart moms. You'd see these parents dropping off kids and picking ‘em up. Many kids lived so close they could just walk to school. Other kids proudly rode their bikes to school and rolled ‘em into the bike racks without fear of theft. And our teachers at Highland Park — best in the district, we all knew — worked so very hard to get our kid brains to elevate ourselves one grade level higher — from a “C” to a “B” in a mere six-week period. We had lots of straight-A kids, too. I knew some of them. I was in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with ‘em and bought Girl Scout Cookies from those students, too.
(5) In the Dallas area, people familiar with the well-to-do Highland Park near SMU and surrounded by Dallas, will say, “Highland Park! Y’all must have been wealthy.” And I’ll explain, “Not hardly.” Our flag football team’s name in my era tells the story — we were the Highland Park Hobos.” Yep, the Hobos. You could say “hobos” in those days without ticking anybody off. Comic Red Skelton got a whole career out of a hobo character named Freddy the Freeloader. 

(6) Now, as I contemplate the evolution of a school system and neighborhood, the loss of important images of elementary and high schools after all this time, I am reminded of the wisdom of Greek philosopher Heraclitus (535 BC-475 BC) who said, “The only constant in life is change.”

What’s that? No, Heraclitus did not graduate from Texas High with me. But I do know several philosophers who did. In fact, I have lunch with them once a month. Some of us went to Highland Park, some to Spring Lake Park. We all went to Texas High.  Yep. there’s still a rivalry. And the kids who didn’t go to Highland Park still kid us about being wealthy. My chauffeur laughs along with them.
— Offer memories or predictions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “Get back to the future” in the subject line. —-

UFOS, COCKER SPANIELS, ASSORTED DOGS, A CAT AND CONTEMPLATIONS...

EDITION OF THURSDAY, FEB. 16, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Once hardly knows where to begin this edition — I snapped this bright UFO from our kitchen window Wednesday morning, realized it was a sign that Wednesday was my lucky day and immediately bought a Lotto Texas ticket. FYI: I signed an online document swearing I’d split the jackpot 50/50 with Gleep, a fairly nice individual who contacted me via space-to-earth texting. He’s not the only space alien using texts to communicate. I’ll let you know how the ticket performs. What? Oh. Yes, that may have been the sun rising over the neighborhood trees. OK, maybe if no legal document from the law firm of Gleeptu, Gloop, Glullible & Glatlock — The Intergalactic Hammer — I’ll realize I’ve been had.
OK, let’s look at dogs and cats and people — keep our paws firmly on the earth, right?

NOBLE COCKER SPANIELS
IN NEED OF NOBLE HUMANS
[LARRY NOTE: As many readers may recall, for years our constant companion was a rescued (found without hair in Kiest Park) Cocker boy named Inky -- that's him on the left giving us him impression of a politician looking at unpledged votes and licking his chops! In honor of Inky, we try to help Cocker Spaniels and the people who love them. Thus, this note regarding DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue]

We got an appeal on behalf of these adorable dogs from DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue. In 2022, DFW-CSR reports, the organization “rescued 81 dogs.” 
Rescue was the first step. As the rescuers report, “Once a dog comes into our program, we are fully committed to bringing each one back to good health. For some, recovery may be lengthy and expensive, due to the nature of their illness. Pictured are Ranger, Tracy and Hope, who are currently undergoing treatment for multiple medical conditions.”
Money? Is money involved in saving these dogs? DFW-CSR’s note reads, “Our ability to help these dogs depends on both funds and fosters. The cost of surgeries needed to address these medical conditions is formidable. We are asking our supporters to help us
meet these costs.” Here are three ways: Go to the DFWCSR website HERE https://dfwcockerrescue.org to donate via PayPal, the Venmo account is @DFWCockers and a check can be mailed to DFW CSR, P.O. Box 853704, Plano, TX 75086-3704.
That first Cocker is 8-year-old Ranger, “surrendered to a shelter with Tracy) the second Cocker in the photos. Rangers’ ear canals were closed (chronic infections, he weigh 38 pounds and is down to 25 now (a good thing). He’s had a “long road to recovery” from the ear diagnosis, through the Total Ear Canal Ablations on both ears — after all that his “sweet disposition has made him a very good patient,” the organization says. 
Tracy — what an ugly story for this girl — she came to the rescue “in urgent need of medical care. She had an extreme flea infection on her back which revealed maggots nesting in the wound, eyes cloudy with discharge and evidence of chronic ear infections.” Overweight t 39 pounds, now down to “a healthy 26.” Recovering from surgery to close the back wound. She’s 5 years old.

That third pup is Hope, a 2-year-old, 18-pound girl who arrived at the organization “from a group of dogs rescued from a retired breeder.” Hope was pregnant and gave birth to her puppies in December 2022. She also was diagnosed with “bilateral mature cataracts, which will need attention once her pups are weaned.” The goal is to resolve Hope’s eye issues and find that “loving forever home soon.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Remember, the voice of experience is testifying that when you have a Cocker Spaniel as you pal, you will be fascinated, but you will also need to be prepared to keep that baby properly groomed. It’s a rock, solid rule of love and kindness.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE:

ADORABLY ADOPTABLE DOGS
As we were finishing up the long-haired Cocker Spaniel appeal (my dog Inky was luxurious!), I got notes from our pal Judi Brown, volunteer dog-writer at Mesquite Animal Services. 
The subject line on this first dog was a delightful summary: “Jot ID 52041263 4 mo English Pointer, jubilant puppy, a bundle of joy, playful, friendly, wants to please, already knows sit command/Mesquite,TX.”

About the photos, Judi writes, “Jot is wearing a pink scarf to let you know that she doesn’t mind being an after-Valentine surprise! Jot is a delightful adorable 4-month-old English Pointer mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/10. She was brought in by a concerned citizen that found her. She weighs 31 pounds. If I only had two words to describe her they would be JUBILANT and PUPPY. She met many customers in the lobby and let everyone of them know she was happy to see them. I’ve got a feeling she’s never met a stranger.

“She also was very good when getting a bath which really surprised me considering she’s frisky and energetic. At four months she already knows to sit command and takes treats gently. She is so motivated by treats she frequently sat in anticipation. She jumps on you but immediately gets down with the down command or no. There’s no doubt she wants to please. There’s also no doubt she’s very intelligent. She absolutely loves toys. She throws them in the air and entertains herself with them. She’s friendly, outgoing, loving, playful, and very happy. … She would do very well with an active family with children. She would want to curl up in her own bed or in a pile of blankets next to you during family time.”

Remember, use her ID #52041263 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.  Judi adds, “If you’re interested I would not waste any time. This cutie will not be at the shelter long.”

And that brings us to Alma, #52044375, a year-old Pittie Mix who came in on Feb. 10 as a stray. She’s not spayed, weighs 35 pounds and, Judi writes, “When I first got her out of her kennel she was very friendly. Her whole body was wiggling and waggling! She is spirited. She’s enthusiastic, happy and fun to be around. She jumps on you but gets down with a sharp retort. She loves to be petted. She rolls over for belly rubs. She’s curious and explores but at the same time likes to spend time close to her human friend.

 “She’s very affectionate. When I sat down she tried to crawl on my lap. She has a strong pull on the leash and had me going around in circles. She could use some leash practice. She did her business in the yard and kept her kennel clean. She sniffed and wagged her tail meeting smaller dogs. She’s got a lot going for her. She will make a life-long loving, loyal companion. She wants to be an integral part of your family … She likes to be curled up by your side.” 
To ask about her, use that ID number and call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Same system for asking about any animal in the Mesquite shelter, including this cat. Click HERE to see Mesquite’s adorable adoptables, including Duncan (#51688916), the orange and white Domestic Shorthair we’ve mentioned before and can’t understand why the 10-month-old boy hasn’t been adopted. He came in on Dec. 12, 2022, and is in foster care with a staffer right now.
CONTEMPLATIONS
JUST THE ODD NOTES…
I’m on the City of Dallas resident notification email list and every week when I get the note from the city with the subject line “Collection Day is tomorrow” my wallet jumps out of my pocket and hides under the bed. How many “collection days” does a property-owning resident have? Ah, it's very simply just the cost of a representative government and streets and highways without potholes. Right?…
Now, this happened in Richland Hills and was cited on Valentine’s Day on a neighborhood bulletin board. The resident typed, “Someone stole our decorative plant pot and dumped the dirt and flowers onto the ground last night. So, if anyone is wondering why there’s a pile of dirt in front of our house, that’s why. We will clean it up after work. I’ll consider it their Valentine’s Day present. A response to that post read that thieves “will steal anything if it isn’t chained down.” Of course, it’s possible a thief dedicated to his/her profession might steal the chain, too. As a young police reporter, I heard a veteran peace officer describe a known felon as “too lazy to steal.”
OK, it was in the 1951 SciFi film The Thing (From Another World) that we first got the cinema warning, “Keep watching the skies.” Chilling thought, eh? Imagine some spooky music...
—- Offer advice or doubts by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “YOU’RE CREEPING ME OUT” in the subject line. —