ReadLarryPowell.com

JACK & JILL; GAP REVING UP FOR WALK-A-THON; ASSORTED CONTEMPATIONS & CLOWNS

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY MARCH 25-26, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Some days it's impossible to tell exactly what's going on.
I first felt that way in the 20th Century when the newspaper newsrooms' reliable ol' human-powered typewriters were replaced by electric typewriters and those machines lost their jobs to robotic screens mated with computers.
So, in the quiet of a new world, we move on with this edition (and we'll mention the world again in Contemplations, of course.) First, we've going to offer the opportunity to plan ahead with a traditional event.
APRIL'S NOT FAR AWAY;
PUT ON YOUR WALKIN' SHOES.....
Thanks to our pal Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com, we've been reminded that there's a big event coming up for one of our favorite pro-animal groups, Trinity GAP Rescue.
The annual Trinity GAP Rescue Walk-a-Thon is scheduled for April 26 on the track at Euless Trinity High School. As fans of GAP Rescue know, the animal rescue group evolved from the Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program in 2003. Read all about how and why Trinity GAP Rescue's Steffenie Vela created the organization by visiting the GAP page HERE. You can also see adoptable animals and learn how to get involved as a GAP volunteer.
We'll have more specific Wak-a-Thon details as April approaches....
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
YOU CAN SEE JACK & JILL
We're not sure if this is an actual case of "Jack and Jill went up the hill" as the ol' poem goes. But In this case, Jack and Jill wound up in custody. Relax, it's not a modern tale, it's a story of the future.
Jack and Jill are in the Mesquite Animal Shelter and they've got Mesquite Animal Shelter dog biographer Debra Chisholm working to find them either a good home or good homes.
They've already encountered, it appears, a home of not very loving quality.

In her intro to Jack,  Debra explains that the "sweet pup...was picked up with his sister Jill by one of our officers on 3/18 after having been cruelly abandoned along a busy highway in the Mesquite area.  Jack is about 10 weeks old (the reason for rescue only) and weighs 11 pounds. Jill's the same age and also weighs 11 pounds.
[LARRY AISDE They don't need to be adopted together, but, heck, maybe it would be good for them or the human whose heart can love two dogs.]
Jack is #58040221and Jill is #58040222 -- those are their ID numbers -- cite 'em when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
About Jack: Debra says, "He has plenty of puppy energy and enthusiasm though is not as high-spirited as sister Jill.  He is friendly and playful and totally ok with receiving loving attention from a human friend."
About them both, Debra wrote, "Did I ever have fun doing the eval of this pup named
Jill and her brother Jack! ...  And, OH, those ears!!  She will eventually grow into them.  She is livelier than her brother and I had a hard time getting pics that weren't blurry due to her constant movement.  She's got a lot of typical puppy energy.  She is affectionate and tried to climb into my lap a few times during the photo session.  She is crazy about toys and so playful."
AND THEIR HEALTH? Debra fills us in on that, too. She writes, "They are kenneled together and get along fine but do not necessarily need to be rescued together.  It is always a concern when pups this young with undeveloped immune systems reside at a city shelter.  They have been to the vet and diagnosed with staph infection on their paws.  They are receiving meds for this and when the medications have done their job they will be good as new!  Can you find it in your heart to assist either or both of these pups out of the shelter and into the home(s) of a foster?  Please help by networking or tagging at [email protected] ... If you require further info you can call at 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected]."
Debra also sent us notes about two other dogs.
We'll give you the quick version of their bios but also tell you that when you go to the Shelter's website HERE
 you can see the complete bios of Buddy and Vinnie and also see many other canines and felines waiting for loving homes.
Buddy's story is he's a 2-year-old, 53-pound Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix who was picked up running free on 3/21. Debra writes, "This precious handsome boy has an enthusiastic happy-go-lucky nature.  He is spunky and fun-loving.  He chased balls in the yard but did not return them.  ... What a joy to see him out of his kennel thoroughly enjoying the sunshine and with grass under his feet!  He does not seem to know any commands. ...He is very fond of our Pupperoni treats and takes them politely.  Buddy is a-ok with being petted and loved on.  It seems as though his owners have cared well for him.  And yet he is another one that we scratch our heads and have no clue as to why they have not come to reclaim."  
This guy (#58039664) is, according to Debra's writing, "sweet boy Vinny." He's an American Pit Bull mix who was picked up as a stray on March 18. He's about a year-and-a-half old and weighs 54 pounds
And he "has an easy-going laid-back personality and yet is lively. He is well behaved. .... This boy is playful and his tail wags nearly non-stop.  Vinny is amiable and wants to hang out with a human friend enjoying petting and loving attention." [LARRY REMINDER: Just follow the directions earlier in this edition to call or email the shelter about any of these pups.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
TUESDAY'S A CASUAL DAY...
And, as I'm typing this in my home office, from out the western window I'm not hearing
space ships or rockets or boxcar-sized delivery drones overhead. I'm hearing what is surely the engineer on a 20th century freight train blowing the horn as he approaches a busy intersection. You'd have thought by now that some things would be gone, parked in the Garage of Yesteryear and waiting to be claimed on-the-cheap by a museum. ...
Along about mid-morning Tuesday, Senior Office Cat William Powell (left) brought me a medical capsule he'd found during daily household inspection. Such a good boy. Not even a scratch on it. Headache pill -- he keeps the loose change and invests in establishing the American Feline Pharmacatical Institute. Yep, he laughed when he named the place. ...
Anyway, do we need to remind people that it's downright sinful to make vacation plans and include the phrase "Take dogs to shelter"? How about the sinful thought, "Drop cat off in park"? Why not "take kids to movie; leave town." OK, I'm ahead of summer, but, yeah, you heartless twits,  Animal Rescuers/Advocates know exactly what you're planning. We've seen it before. Don't want to see it again. 
--- Offer advice by clicking on 'comment' below or email [email protected] and put "STOP THE CLOWNS" in the subject line -- (No offense to real clowns, of course). --

AND ON MONDAY, AN ASSORTMENT OF DOGS AND NEED FOR SOME SLEEP

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Two dogs and a cat are comfortably sleeping in this office as I begin to put together our Monday edition.
Hang on. Third dog just walked in. She didn't like what was on TV and can't find the remote. They're so human!
IN HONOR OF THE AM CHILL,
WE CITE THE FACE OF RILEY!
That is one interesting dog face, isn't it. We learned about him this morning when combating the chill in the office at readlarrypowell.com -- a place where the hearts are warm but the fingers are frozen today.
[LARRY ASIDE: I don't have any stats, but are Husky-type dogs the most likely to be "stray" dogs in the Metrosprawl? They sure do wind up in shelters a lot. This one is in Mesquite.]
We got the story on Riley from our reliable Mesquite volunteer dog-biographer Judi Brown. She wrote, "Riley is particularly stunning, fluffy and soft. He is a 2-year-old, 66-pound Alaskan Husky that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/19 as a stray."
Judi, with her experience in working with the shelter arrivals, wrote, "I get the feeling he hasn’t had much socialization. When I called him from across the yard, he cautiously approached me. He never actually came to me. But when I first took him into the yard, I brushed him. He was very patient and leaned into me. That indicated to me he really craved affection. He’s a very sweet, easy-going, gentle, calm boy that wants to make friends and wants to be loved. He just needs to learn what love is."
Judi also has this tip, "He will need frequent brushings" and this caution, "If you know anything about huskies, you know they like to run. Therefore, they are known to escape. Riley will need a tall secure fence. Because of his size, he will need a yard to stretch his legs in, but then would want to come in to chill out with his new loving family."
Riley is # 58044076 at the shelter -- cite that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. Click HERE  to go to the Mesquite shelter link. That's also where you can navigate to then waiting dogs and cats and see the complete bios of dogs by the volunteers.
Judi writes, "It’s hard to believe that Ritz is two years old. He’s got the energy of a young puppy. He happily pranced and galloped back-and-forth in the shelter yard. At one point he chased some balls, but he didn’t retrieve them. I was having a difficult time keeping up with him in the yard so I brought him inside. Just as he had done in the yard, he checked out all of his surroundings. He’s very alert and curious. He does jump on you. He gets down when told to do so, but he will need some manners training to learn not to do this. He also sits for treats but will need to learn to take them gently. I know he’s smart and he’s highly motivated by treats so he should be a quick learner. ... He would not do well in an apartment due to his energy level."
Ritz is a friendly Shepherd/Australian Kelpie mix. Cite his shelter ID 358038301 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].


ALSO WAITING IN MESQUITE, DOUG IS #@58032121. Clearly he's an Earhound! Judi says this 2-year-old, 54-pound Australian Kelpie mix "is overjoyed to get out into the yard and stretched his legs." Judi's entire bio of the handsome lad is on the Mesquite Shelter website. ...

THIS GUY RICO WAS NOT A STRAY, HE WAS A SURRENDER. Judi wrote, "If Rico could talk he would say he doesn’t understand why he’s at this noisy place. Miss Judi told him he was surrendered because of the health of his owner. That made him sad because he did not know his owner was not feeling well."
Rico is #58050799. "You can see by looking in his eyes that he’s sad and scared," Judi writes." Please be the hero that will turn his life around. Rico is a 3-year-old, 71-pound copper-colored Bulldog with alluring, brown eyes. He has become a favorite of one of our volunteers. This volunteer takes him for long walks and says that he’s easy to lead. He does what he wants when he wants to …probably as a result of being left alone a lot."
Steve ID 58016858 1yr Beauceron (Doberman/Rottweiler mix) handsome, majestic laid-back fellow with southern manners/FIXED/Mesquite,TX
Of the dog Steve, Judi wrote that he is a "one-year-old 76 pound Beauceron (which basically is a mix between a Doberman and a Rottweiler). They are French herding dogs and frequently called a Gentle Guardian.
And we'll close with Judi's note about Mandy (#58007805). Mandy is a 3-year-old "golden/ honey American terrier pit sweet face/sweet gentle loving personality/SPAYED/Mesquite,TX."
Remember you can see lots of Mesquite dogs and cats and read bios by volunteers dedicated to the "save 'em all" goal by clicking on the Mesquite Shelter website HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ON A MONDAY HE NEEDED SLEEP
Yes, it's been a few days since I got any sleep -- no real reason other than stuff is keeping me awake. Like today, for example, there are no roofers in the neighborhood, but there is someone with a chainsaw. But I wasn't planning to sleep this morning anyway. I'm sure things will change...almost sure.
---- Help the animals. Leave a note by clicking on 'comment' below or email [email protected] and include a gallon of encouragement -- if you can spare it. ---

SO, ONE DAY, THERE WAS THIS KITTEN YOWLING IN A TREE...

We've reached springtime and it's been quite windy in the Metrosprawl.

So, we produced this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap by asking a simple of question. Is that cat sending a message? "Keep napping and stay out of the weather!"

That cat is our readlarrypowell.com Junior Office Cat who, upon discovering there was a new rug in the living room, walked in, flopped over and stretched out for a nap. 
As he once explained, "I'm not too shy to nap."
He became a member of our household in the spring of 2019. He was a kitten, tiny
but loud and clutching a thin  and flimsy mimosa limb in a tree into which he had somehow wandered. He may have been in a neighborhood Feline Tree-climbing Course taught my one of the older local free-roaming felines.
I reached to the eye-high bobbing limb and lifted him off and we've been friends ever since. Easiest kitten rescue ever in my experience.

Stevie Ray Treeboy is named in honor of another Oak Cliff star (Stevie Ray Vaughan) and
the place where the kitten was dangling, grappling and yowling.

I might have pulled him out of a tree, but he sure knows his way around a spell of napping.
Here you see a photo (left) of Stevie Ray napping in the office catbed.
 And, then you see him about to nod off on Martha's fancy couch -- he's staring at her as she reads just out of the frame on the right. 

Ultimately, for this occasion, I am re-posting my favorite photo of Stevie Ray at work. He looks as if he's seriously working at his laptop in the dining room. My theory -- based on the look on his face -- is he is rehearsing for his upcoming audition for a position as an evening news anchor on a major American TV network. Look at him! He's as serious as any anchor you can name in the 21st Century. 
Of course, when he's flat out sleeping as in that opening photo, he's clearly as comfortable with the camera as any late show host ever was. And Stevie Ray confided to me that he'll get interested in being an NFL gameday broadcaster "once the league decides to stop monkeying with the rules. Don't get me started on baseball."

[PLEASE, PLEASE DEAR READERS send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or any slumbering beast you can photograph to [email protected]. We'll spotlight 'em and let you tell their stories in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. It pays absolutely nothing -- unless the right lottery numbers fall this week adn then Senior Office Cat William Powell says, "We'll re-think that budget."]

THE STORY OF FREYA IN HOUSTON; A NOT GREY NAMED MACK; FRIDAY CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Every niow and then.....Hang on a second. I just knocked my  big plastic "cup" of coffee off my desk. It hit the floor, didn't open, but rolled into sleeping Dudley the Angel who, alarmed, kicked it rolling across the room -- the dog's OK, the carpet's still dry, the coffee is still warm. That's Dudley, who shook his head in disgust and moved out of the office into the hall to nap. Here we go, returning to today's report:
LOOKING AT FREYA:
TRIUMPH FOR A DOG
Triumph for people, too. Every now and then, in the tsunami of dogs and cats in trouble in Texas shelters, we happen across a situation that is one step away from a happy ending after being one step away from the needle. Many people take many steps to save-the-day. Or in this case, save the dog.

We got that reminder in the mail from our longtime Houston tipster and all-round-swell person Alexandra Kelsey.
First, the background: On Jan. 31, an appeal was issued by La'Krystal Harrell at Houston's Harris County Pets Resource Center.
"This is an urgent call for help for Freya, a sweet, loving dog ... get her out of the shelter before it’s too late. Freya has captured the hearts of so many...Freya came into the shelter as a stray, and while she has an old fracture that’s now healing, she’s walking and running just fine on it. She’s resilient and full of love ..."
So, there she was at the end of January in a bit of a fix. The clock was ticking toward "too late." (LARRY NOTE: That's her on her "see ya" ride into a new adventure with human hearts. Middle photo shows and office visit. Third photo shows Freya and fans!)
But, because of humans with good hearts and determination, Freya survived the experience.
And we've gotten a note about this dog from our pal Alexandra. It is, in our observation, an explanation of how rescuers feel when they manage to help an animal in a bad spot survive. It's from the heart, as you'll see. And if you're also a rescuer, you might express joy in knowing there are other people who understand and accept this drive to save 'em all.
Alexandra writes, "When my coworker Karen Cloud got me involved in the animal rescue community years ago, she forgot to tell me that as a hobby, it ranked up there with any other hobby involving serious spending.
"Rescuing animals is a calling and a joy, but as you all know, it involves filling up the dog bed with money and
letting it all soak into the dog.
"Freya is an amazing dog, and everyone loves her. She’s had a challenging path. 
"The shelter’s HW test showed her as negative, but a more advanced test found that she’s HW+. 
"At vetting, we found during an ultrasound that she has cardiomyopathy.  She had to be spayed.  And she is yet to do her HW treatment.  So, between procedures and medications and boarding after a complicated post-pregnancy spay, this girl was racking up costs like crazy.
"Freya had some very kind and generous donations.  And a friend was kind enough to use her personal account at the vet to front all the costs.  Of the current total of $2,254.37, we’ve been able to repay her $1,625.00. But, that leaves a $629.37 shortfall.  Freya will go through HW treatment in about a month, I think, so we have that future expense.
"If anyone would like to support Freya’s journey, let me know at [email protected] and I can give you donation information, either PayPal or through the 501(c)3 rescue.  The shelter staff adored this dog, and everyone who’s met her has been charmed by her. 
"And, should you know someone looking for an amazing dog who wants to be an only dog, let me know. Freya won’t disappoint!  
"Thanks to all of you for your support of this rescue project and for all that you do each and every day for the animals."
[LARRY ASIDE: And, there you see it, Dear Readers/Rescuers, it's clear that we've determined there's no "off switch" in the dedicated rescue community.]
MEANWHILE, GALT'S GOT
THIS GUY NAMED 'MACK'
[LARRY NOTE: The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas has been one of our favorite hard-working rescue &
adopt organizations for years. And as we read through this appeal we thought how wide-sweeping the organization motto is. That's it on the right. Through the years we've seen GALT go beyond "No Grey Turned Away" to help all sorts of dogs, though, indeed Greyhounds are the beloved dogs who rule the roost -- if a dog can rule a roost.]
The latest note from GALT reads, "Sometimes GALT takes in Greyhound mixes that aren't ideal for our adopters. When that happens, we submit a DNA test to understand more about the dog. Mack is one of those mixy mixes where his sighthound breed traits are overshadowed by his more protective breeds.
"Mack needs a home with a yard, no cats or small dogs, and a family to help
him with his reactivity toward other dogs. He’ll need some time to acclimate to a new home with other dogs and learn to take his cues from them.
"Mack is food-motivated and will crate with a treat. As he gets older, Mack is getting fuzzier – channeling his Borzoi genes. He is a very smart boy and ever so willing to learn new skills and please his people. We need your help to find the right family to help Mack be the best version of himself. ... "
To offer to help Mack, get in touch with GALT: email [email protected] or call 972-503-GALT. That's the info at the website galtx.org where you can see many other adoptable adorables.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Closing out the week in thought?
I'm not sure what I'm doing today qualifies as "thought," but some of it is happy reporting.
For example, GALT's going to celebrate its 24th birthday in April. Here's a thought: "As the breed survives, so do the rescuers and their determination to 'Save 'em ALL!'  Details and opportunities to get involved as a rescuer/supporter/advocate at galtx.org. ....
Back to other notes: I got a note in the email that had the subject line "SPRING FEVER ALERT" and I thought it was a notice for a low-cost sale on extra-strong sneeze tissues that can also be used to gently dab watering eyes. Nope. It was a sales pitch for yard attractions that spin in the pollen-filled wind when you stick 'em up in your yard. I'm for letting the pollen drop to the ground and stay there. Let the yard bugs enjoy the after-effects of a good sneeze. ...
I also got an email with the subject line "Your dream sheets come with a free surprise!" I'll let you write your own punchlines for that sentence. I've had enough surprises in the sheets. Wait. That didn't read just right, I was referring to waking up with a dog and a cat wrestling to get onto your pillow while you're still asleep on it. Also, in the early '70s we had twin boys -- for about 4 years I never knew what the little pranksters would leave under my pillow or at the foot of the bed under the sheets. A bowl of oatmeal can be quite surprising.
--- Say something nice and appreciative about rescuers and advocates by clicking 'commen't below or email [email protected]. ---

A FRENCHIE IN A FIX; ROTTIES; CARROLLTON PUPS; SAVING 'COUNTRY DOGS'

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRI MARCH 20-21, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Here we are typing glovelessly in the early hours -- temp outside is 43 (my cellphone says). Welcome Spring. I slept through your 4 a.m. arrival, Spring -- this not my first year of maladjustment due to a time change...We'll bring that up in today's Contemplations if I think about it. [FYI: That's one of my rare jokes about thinking -- don't do that very often.]
A NOTE ABOUT CHAMP NEEDING
SOME CHANGES: HE'S A FRENCHIE
The French Bulldog breed has been in the news recently and Vanity Fair magazine's recent edition even headlined:
"The French Bulldog Revolution: A Culture War Over America’s Most Popular Dog."
 It is in that environment that we got an appeal from our longtime tipster/dog fan Tomi Ortiz. She wrote: "I’m reaching out for help again! I’m trying to help my niece find a home for Champ the French Bulldog. He is 6-7 years old, up to date on shots but not neutered.
"Before she got him (about a month or so ago) he was used for breeding…Don’t get me started on that!"
Tomi points out one of Champ's challenges directly related, no doubt, to his previous "occupation."
Tomi reports, "He is food aggressive and has bitten my niece because of that #strike 1 . He thought she was trying to get his food. Since he was around a lot of dogs, I’m sure his natural instinct is to fight for his food. Today she tried to keep him from running out the front door and was holding him back with her foot and he bit her foot #strike 2. ☹ She doesn’t want to have him put down, so I volunteered to spread the word. Usually that means, let me reach out to Larry! 😊 "I’m hoping someone out there has experience with this behavior and breed of dog and would be willing to help Champ. They can reach me at [email protected] or 214-532-4665."
Yep, Champ -- a dog who needs to mind his manners and enjoy his humans' love. Bless his heart...
TWO TOPICS: FW ROTTIES
& CARROLTON'S ADOPTABLES
These are separate topics in different cities, but they came in a remind-er note from one of our reliable tipsters who'll go by "MB" for today's purposes.
The first topic was the current situation with the 47 Rottweilers rescued in Watauga and moved to the care of Fort
Worth Animal Care & Control. [LARRY ASIDE: We checked the FW shelter website HERE for updates on those animals, but found nothing --could be the way I looked or it could be nothing has been posted. Can anyone update us?]
Then, MB's note moved to the topic of some animals in Carrollton's shelter. MB, mentioning a previous readlarrypowell.com report, wrote, "Some of the dogs you mentioned from the Carrollton Animal Shelter are sadly still there.  There are two that stand out to me.  Aerin 57815573, Female Spayed Terrier, 2 years old.  She is described as gentle, loving, great with other dogs and kids and house trained.  Adoption fee waived.  Quenelle 57837539, Female Spayed Terrier, 4 months old. A real cutie.  Adoption fee waived.'
And MB added "SIDE NOTE: With all the dogs becoming ill at Dallas Animal Services and Grand Prairie AC, hopefully these dogs can get safely into a home.  Thanks, mb."
HERE'S THAT CARROLTON ANIMALS LINK.
MEANWHILE, WAY OUT EAST
OF THE METROSPRAWL ....
LARRY EXPLANATION: If it had not been for the great, legendary foster Patty Sprong many of us may not have learned about this situation. After all, lately we've been reporting about the rescue challenges faced by our pal Terry Lynn Fisher in Burns Flat, Okla.
This time, thanks to Patty's Facebook post, we focus on East Texas, not West Oklahoma, yet the situation sure seems the same.
And to emphasize, we'll quote Patty's response to what she saw:
"Puppies dumped out in the country. I’m losing count." [LARRY RESPONSE: Ain't it the truth, kids, ain't it the truth."]
Patty's response to that photo led us to  the Facebook post on the Van Zandt County and Rains County Lost & Found page. 
Ginger Lilley posted this note, "Hello, I have been feeding a stray mama dog (I thought she had been dumped before February's First Monday). She turned up with six white puppies. She is keeping them at an abandoned barn near me and brings them to the back road that I leave food on. She looks like a Border Collie type and the pups are all white and look like Great Pyrenees. I don't know what to do to find a way to get them caught and into homes. Can anyone help me? I live off of HWY 19 in Edgewood, 4 miles about the 80."
And almost quicker than an East Texas Mosquito (grew up there, know how quick they are), Ginger posted this followup:
"Thank you so much for your responses! I have a lady coming to help me on Friday that is from a rescue group. Getting the mama is going to be the tough part. If anyone wants to help us wrangle them up let me know and I'll give you directions. When I got permission to go onto the property that they are living on, a man told me that he just saw TWO litters up there!! He estimates 12 puppies. The other mama is a black dog, too."
So, if you're in able to help in East Texas, go to that Facebook link for
the Van Zandt County and Rains County Lost & Found page and see what you can do to save the dogs. [LARRY ASIDE: And somebody call the authorities and point out the goofball who is abandoning these animals. Remind the clowns that in Texas, Our Texas the animal cruelty laws cover the city and the country.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE WAY OF THE WORLD...TIME AND CHANGE
I'm still trying to adjust to the first Daylight Saving time-change of March, 1966, when it wrecked my study habits in my senior year of high school and almost kept me from getting enough sleep to get into junior college. But I got in, still don't get enough sleep....
I opened my e-mail this morning and saw this subject line: "QUICK BREAKFAST IDEAS FOR WEIGHT LOSS." I had three cups of coffee and didn't open that email. Last thing I need is another suggestion of stuff to eat. I've got to come up with an All-Ice Cream Diet that encourages exercise. Or exorcise if you think overeating is the work of the devil. ...
FYI: Time to walk Porche Noel. She's insistent. Glares at the back of my head as I put the final touches onto sentences typed past her UD -- that's her shorthand for Urinate Deadline. It's on her business cards.
--- Offer something smart by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and make the subject line read "Hey, you!"---

A CAT RESPONDS; A CIRD PROB IN BIG D; SOME ADORABLE ADOPTABLES & IDLE THOUHTS

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY MARCH 18-19, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Anybody else ever encountered this moment in your life?
You are in your home office trying to get organized for the day and suddenly you think "I need a jacket." So you turned to your office cat and a nearby dog and ask, "Does anybody know how cold it is in here?"
At that point do you realize that through all the years you've never actually seen a dog or cat look at a thermometer. We'll get to seasonal info in Contemplations. Yeah, that's my Junior Office Cat William Powell at his laptop after finishing off his breakfast -- uses one fork -- and his response was one question: "You're bothering me with this?"
MEANWHILE, AT DAS
THERE'S A CHALLENGE
When you click on the Dallas Animal Services website, you'll probably see this warning on the opening page.
The website will lead you to the city's explanation. And you'll see a note from Dallas that reads, "DALLAS - The health and well-being of all the animals in our care at Dallas Animal Services is always our priority. We are currently taking proactive steps, working to manage a situation in our shelter - Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD)."
And in the spirit of helping Dallas help its animals, we went to dallas90.org
and navigated to available animals. These are the first 8 listed on the Adopt-an-animal display as of 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. There are many more dogs and cats waiting for homes -- good Dallas area homes, we hope. Not the kind of home that says, "We'll try this'un out, and we can always take it back or cut it loose." Once again, here's that link for the animals and how to adopt them: https://bedallas90.org.

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
WAITING? BEAUTIFUL SYDNEY
[LARRY ENCOURAGEMENT: Keep in mind as you read this that Mesquite's adoption fee for dogs in March is $25. These dogs are clearly worth a million bucks.]
Veteran dog bio-writer Debra Chisholm sent us this story on this girl Sydney who -- clearly -- knows how to relax.
"Precious girl" Sydney came in as a stray on March 10. (Her Shelter ID is
#57987217) She's about a year-old and weighs 50 pounds.
Debra reports, "My dog scanner app suggests Rhodesian Ridgeback and Black Mouth Cur in her breed mix. She has obviously been nicely cared for.  Yet, here she is in a city shelter waiting for her people to reclaim.  "However, she is open to finding another home if her owners don't show up for whatever reason. 
"Now let me fill you in on this youngster with the beautiful reddish-golden coat and adorable soulful eyes. ..."
There's much more to read about Sydney in the bio on the shelter's website. Debra really fell for this dog, even writin, "Can you tell that this charming girl worked her way into my heart?"
To ask the Mesquite Shelter about her, cite Sydney's ID number #57987217 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283.
You can read that entire Sydney bio by going to the shelter's website HERE.
It is at that site that you can read about these available adoptables, too.
  The guy with the cute smile (right) is Orlando.
Debra, who named him says his ID is #57930318 in the shelter. He's a 3-year-old, 72-pound "mixed breed "with Cattle Dog in thge mix." Go to the shelter site to read his entire bio. "This boy is the 'whole package'," Debra says.
Debra reports, "This adorable boy is Sam (#58009346), a nearly purebred Jack Russell Terrier, surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/13.  Reason for the surrender is that Sam has too much energy.  Owner suggested a better fit for Sam would be with an active family with respectful children that could play with, exercise and provide daily enrichment." He's about 3, neutered and weighs 18 pounds."
Remember, to read the complete biographies of these Mesquite dogs, go to the website HERE
and click on their names. Remember, the fee is a mere $25.
[LARRY ASIDE: You might also find a cat you'd want to help you with finding your own "Comfort Contortions" around the house.]
THREE WAITING
IN BURNS FLAT
We got this note from Terry Lynn Fisher, the legendary animal rescuer in Burns Flat, Okla. She says, "These three were picked up last week and taken to our Pound."
Terry Lynn says they are likely to be euthanized. But she also says, 'Their time is up but he (the manager) is giving me till next week to find a place for them, or he WILL euthanize them.
"I know everybody’s overflowing, I can’t bring anything else home. ... I am neglecting and ignoring my own needs for medical issues I need to have done because I’ve got too many animals to care for so there’s no way I can take them in. if anyone has room, please let me know." Email Terry Lynn at [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS
IN THE MEANTIME...
Back to spring: The Farmers Almanac says spring arrives in Texas at 4:01 a.m our time on Thursday, March 20. I will not be waking to see it. Probably I will have insomniacked (that a word?) the entire night anyway. Besides, I'm no 'Old Farmer.' ...
When's the last time you went to a movie theater? Haven't been in a while. Anybody know if the popcorn is still an enhancement to any motion picture? ...
The winter was not cold enough to make me miss last summer.
--- Offer cake recipes or philosophy by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected]. ---

ASSORTED NOTES, CHALLENGES AND ADOPTABLES FOR A MONDAY....

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY MARCH 17-18, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to this test on a Monday. I took it and failed. I got an email with the subject line "Extended! One more day to save BIG... " About the time I got to "BIG" I was thinking, "Oh, no! Another big, wonderful dog on the clock in an overcrowded city shelter."
Been a parade of those desperate appeals lately --- but in this case (take a slight sigh of relief) this was a "one day left to get the bargain price on some fancy speakers. More in Contemplations. Yeah, I was relieved. But, still, "SAVE 'EM ALL," you know?
OKLAHOMA PUPPIES
NEED PLACE TO GO QUICKLY
You may recall the reports a couple of weeks ago about legendary Burns Flat, Okla. animal advocate Terry Lynn Fisher getting involved in saving 9 puppies who'd been dumped in a "high-coyote-area" not far from her town.
Over the weekend we got this appeal for help with the remaining puppies. Here are the circumstances, from Terry Lynn: "Three are urgently needing foster, rescue or forever home," she writes, then explains, "I am having some [medical] procedures done and I cannot be gone with two of these babies still at my house. The little catahoula is the only female."
As Terry Lynn notes, the pups are in Burns Flat.
As Larry notes, "That's so far west in Oklahoma that it's darned near in the Texas Panhandle."
But, Terry Lynn promises, "If anyone can help, transport can be arranged."
And she adds "This is kind of on the urgent side, so please, if anybody can help, let me know." Email her at [email protected].
IS EVERY DOG A LITTLE BIT IRISH
ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY?
We opened the latest note about an adoptable dog in Mesquite and read that during March "the shelter is offering a $25 adoption fee.
But, back to St. Patrick's Day and everybody being a "little bit Irish."
I'm not sure if that "Little Bit Irish" applies to dogs and cats, but what does apply is every pup or cat in a shelter deserves a good home. So, we turn to our longtime tipster Judi Brown.
She's among volunteer bio-writers at Mesquite's animal shelter.
And that dog is the stunning Mishka -- [LARRY ASIDE: Not sure how translates in Ireland.]
Judi writes, "Mishka means 'teddy bear' in Russian. She’s not exactly fluffy like a teddy bear but she is very soft and soft hearted!  Mishka is a one-year-old, 38-pound, blue-eyed Alaskan Husky that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/10 as a stray."
Judi, in her bio of Mishka, writes, "When I sat down on the bench, she came to me and offered her paw. We sealed our friendship with a paw shake. Mishka is timid and somewhat skittish. Loud noises or sudden movements frighten her. A slow introduction is advised. Although she does know the shake command, she doesn’t appear to know the sit command. However, she does take treats gently.
"She romped in the yard but for the most part stayed close to me. When I sat down she came to me. She’s sweet, cautiously friendly, gentle, spirited, and happy. She was not interested in meeting other dogs. ... If you know anything about Huskies you know they like to run. They are known to escape. She will need a tall secure fence. She will also need frequent brushings."
Mishka's shelter ID is #57987557 -- cite it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
FEATHER IS AMONG the dogs waiting in Mesquite. She's a 3-year-old, 49-pound Carolina dog who came to he shelter on March 13 as a stray, Judi reports. (Same system of contacting the shelter as cited in Mishka's bio. Feather is #58012572.)
Judi writes that "Feather’s looks can sometimes be misleading (not friendly) ... But that’s the opposite of what she is. She’s a very laid-back, gentle sweetheart! She is looking for someone to love and in return will love them unconditionally."
Judi writes that "when she got out into the yard, she casually sauntered around. It was as though she didn’t have a care in the world. She sits on command. Notice I didn’t say she sits for treats. She didn’t like my treats, but she would sit anyway. ..." (See her complete bio on the shelter's website.)
And Judi says, "When she was across the yard and I called her she came immediately. When I sat down she came and sat right next to me. ... She’s calm, curious, well mannered ..."
Yep, a $25 dog who is worth a lot more.
AND HERE IS TROPHY (#58991163), about whom Judi writes, 'He is indeed a prize -- a big
prize at that." This 2-year-old, 81-pound "fluffy shepherd" came in as a stray on March 12. Judi writes, "He’s a real sweetheart with a mischievous bent. Let me explain: the first thing he did when he met me was try to to get into my smock pocket to sneak a treat. He’s highly motivated by treats. He sits for them before you even ask him to, and then after he takes his treat he’ll sit again hoping for another reward. When dogs are highly motivated by treats they’re usually easy to train. He joyfully trotted around the yard. He appeared to be very happy and in some of the photos even seems to be smiling. He’s enthusiastic, friendly, and active. It just seems like he’s having fun. ... He’s what we call a GENTLE GIANT! And believe it or not he’s a lapdog wannabe."
Remember cite his shelter ID #58001163 when you call the shelter about Trophy at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. Yes, he's a $25 "real sweetheart/gentle giant/fluffy shepherd.
READ THE COMPLETE (UN-EDITED) BIOS of these dogs and others and cats, too, by going to the Mesquite Shelters's website HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: And, yes, I checked on this fine Monday Irish Holiday to make sure a certain female feline was still listed as in the shelter's care. Still at the shelter is the only cat we've ever written about who is named for a mustard. This is the beautiful Wasabi, patiently waiting in the Mesquite Animal Services Conference Room. [LARRY GUESS: As I know many cats, I'm going to "read that  Wasabi may think she's worth more than the $25 fee that beautiful, interesting, adorable dogs are getting in March at the Mesquite Animal Shelter]'
[LARRY APOLOGY: Sorry about the blurry Wasabi photo and test -- if I could fix computers, I'd be making a lot more money than I make by trying to manipulate the alpabet on behalf of dogs and cats. Right?]
CONTEMPLATIONS
Reading minds and spelling....
I suggested a few lines above that I can read a cat's mind. I'm going to level with you. I can't really read a cat's mind --well, yes, I can, but not a cat I've never met. My Senior Office Cat William Powell specializes in "mental projections" and helps me read his mind. Thus, he never goes without handy treats....
Back to the opening where I was carping about being tricked by an email subject line: "Extended! One more day to save BIG... " I thought it was another shelter dog on the clock. Turned out it was a promotion for some fancy new speakers. But, you know, even speakers need a good home --though, depending on the age of your kid, speakers may multiply if unmonitored in the house. Kidding. Not sure anybody under 55 or 60 stills buys speakers. ...
Something I discovered today: If I go an entire year without writing about the "wee people" of Ireland, by St. Patrick's Day I cannot spell "leprecaun." I am enduring spellfade, which I believe is a scientific term I just invented for "having a bad morning with letters you old goat." I may have developed this situation deckades agoh. "One more reason God made editors," some of us way-back-then editors would kid after saving a reporter or columnist from a typo or an expression that would embarrass the paper. (Those words "deckades agoh"are a gentle joke at mown seph, as are those two words.) Enjoy the holiday, be safe and "Save 'em all."
--- Offer anything but Irish whiskey by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and put "VANILLA SHAKE" in the subject line. ---

SOMETIMES A PERSON NEEDS A RELIABLE ADVISOR WHO UNDERSTANDS SLEEPING

That's our handsome ol' fellow Dudley the Angel -- a wander-up youngster back in 2013.

The photo is from 2014. I took it -- that's why it's so lousy and you can understand why I spent a career writing rather than taking pictures.
Thus, I'm opening this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, our long-running celebration of slumbering animals, with our wonder dog Dudley. It is a celebration of envy. We'll get to the sleep-wrecking time change in a minute.
The more I consider the circumstances of all the dogs and cats who wound up in our Dallas yard in those days, I am suspecting something was at work,
Perhaps someone was at work. Maybe there was a guy who, for 20 bucks, would pick up your unwanted dogs, cat or litters of same and drop 'em off at our critter-friendly place.
That may be how we got this wonderful, handsome dog Dudley The Angel. (That's him napping in his "Quiet, Dark Kingdom of Slumber" near the TV. I have no idea how a smaller copy of the photo got there -- my computer skills are as limited as my intellect.  It may vanish on your screen. Very sincerely, larry "no focus" powell )

is there circumstantial evidence for my theory of the "Drop-Off Plot"? One day, we opened our front door and found Dudley The Evidence lounging on the lawn, patiently waiting for the door to open and a invitation to "Come on in, Mister."
Martha named him after the Cary Grant character in The Bishop's Wife. Martha and Dudley are in a mutual admiration organization.
Why did Dudley have to be patient? Two dogs. He was waiting patiently on the lawn for the barking Chihuahuas he'd been tipped about, Vera and Rosie, to set off their yappy but harmonious alarm that they's rehearsed for weeks:  STRANGE BIG DOG YAP! STANGE BIG DOG YAP!" Neither of them felt like barking that day so they were playing cards on the dining room table. [LARRY ASIDE: That's how I remember it, anyway. I think we had to offer treats to get 'em to bark.]
Dudley the Angel knew he was home. We didn't even know he had a plan. Heck, he may have financed his own Ride to Oak Cliff. He's a very frugal dog.
I found him very handy the morning I woke up during the past week to discover that the time change had occurred while I was coping with insomnia.
Dudley happily enjoyed Monday morning snacks while advising me on the challenges of the time change. His top advice? He told me, "Larry, just nap for 3 or 4 hours daily at least three times after sunrise. Your mission is to sleep enough so you can properly feed the household's dogs and cats. Ignore the time change, just follow the household schedule Remember, you are neither state nor city -- not since your diet took hold. Enjoy your morning coffee and move on."
Dudley is a wise dog -- he may be licensed to practice law in certain provinces in Canada and two counties in West Texas. We're checking.
I hope all of you Dear Readers get the opportunity to live with such a great soul as Dudley The Angel. He's a fantastic fellow and he even enjoys watching movies and sports with us. He loves to nod off while stretched out on the floor carpeted or bare.
And he loved that old wrecked recliner. We tossed it when we moved. Bought him a new one.
[DEAR READERS: Send photos of and the stories of your slumbering critters and we'll spotlight 'em in our long-runnning weekend editon of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You may actually be encouraging someone to give a home to an animal who needs one and needs some sleep, too. Thanks for reading, larry.]

 

FROM EAST TEXAS, A GUY NAMED COOPER; AND WE CONSIDER OTHER ASPECTS OF ANIMAL LIFE

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025 [PetPowellPress] We're just taking a quick look around the nearby animal world via the computer this morning.
Our initial reaction is, "Our dogs and cats are fed and happily napping and there are so many we've never met that need some help."
A LABRADOODLE NAMED COOPER?
REALLY TOO MUCH TO HANDLE?
OR WAS IT A HUMAN FAILING?
Remember years ago when the Labradoodle was a "hot breed." People paid big chunks of dough to have a Labradoodle in the family.
So, we opened a note forwarded to us about this Mount Pleasant dog -- the original post was by longtime Dallas animal advocacy legend Mary Spencer who keeps an eye on the East Texas area these days.
She posted a report about a guy named Cooper. [LARRY ASIDE: Cooper is on the countdown list, as are most animals in most shelters ...OK, back to Cooper.]
This guy Cooper is listed as a "Labradoodle Mix" [LARRY ASIDE: Seems to me a Labradoodle is already a mix. So, well, somebody get that family tree and check it out.]
He's six-months-old, weighs 52.4 pounds, is #A58001647 at the shelter and can be adopted for $73. [LARRY ASIDE: Not sure what the going rate for Labradoodles is these days, but $73 sounds like a bargain for this dog. I mean, holy cutiepie, is that a great-lookin dog or what!]
Why is such a dog in a city shelter? The reason given: "Cooper was surrendered to the shelter due to being too much to handle. He is said to be good with other dogs and children but has not been around cats. He has been given a DHPP and wormer."
To save Cooper by adoption or, perhaps, rescue, get in touch with the Mount Pleasant Animal Care and Adoption Center at 903-575-4174 or email [email protected]. The shelter is at 300 Enterprise Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, about 90 quick minutes east of Dallas on I-30.
A REMINDER FOR PEOPLE
Dear readers, you may know people who say they want to get a dog or cat. Give 'em a nudge toward looking into taxpayer-supported city shelters or rescue groups that work wonderfully because people have hearts. Those places have great dogs and cats and you might not have to spend your entire bankroll to bring a cute and loyal dog or a cuddly and comfy cat into your home for a lifetime of bragging and story-telling. Yes, bragging and story-telling by you AND the critter.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A FRIDAY NOTE ....
Tough duty in McKinney where K-9 Officer Azi's live was lost on the job with the McKinney Police Department. You've probably seen the stories of the shootout at an inn where police were trying to apprehend an armed man Thursday afternoon. That's the department's photo of the dog, according to a report on Fox4's website. May everybody wearing a badge have a long, safe career with only stories to tell and no scars or wounds to show. Yeah, watching police officers at work when I was a kid reporter and moonlighting as an ambulance attendant gave me a clear view of the varieties of human behavior walking the earth. Not every "citizen" I'd encounter "on the police beat" or "at the scene" was as angelic as one might hope. But human behavior did help me understand the need for prayer in the human experience.  A prayer of gratitude for Officer Azi and his police friends.
--- OFFER CLEAR THOUGHTS OR REACTIONS by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] ---

A FOCUS ON CARROLTON FROM CUPID, TO A CAT, TO A DOG NAMED Green Bean Casserole

EDITION OF MARCH 13-14, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Before we get to the current drama in space, let's look at the dramas on earth.
In a place called "Animal Shelter" -- might be one in your town -- there's always life-threatening drama.
And while this edition focuses on just one shelter, remember it's presented in the spirit of saving all the animals in all the shelters.
THE CHALLENGED DOGS WAIT,
A SHELTER EMAIL DEMONSTRATES
One of our longtime tipsters forwarded this note that opens with this brief, chilling sentence: "HAVE TILL FRIDAY!!!!"
Then the note asks, "Please keep sharing and networking!" And, apparently, these particular animals (and more after getting no adoption/rescue responses) are in a tough spot when it comes to getting them out and off the clock.
We have posted this fellow's photo before. He's a neutered Great Pyrenees mix named Cupid. He is a year old, weighs 73 pounds and has had vaccinations and is heartworm negative. He's available for adoption or the the foster program at the shelter. His adoption fee has been waived.
And, there's this: "Cupid is selective about his dog friends, so slow introductions are a must. If you’re looking for a low-key companion who just exists for now (but might surprise you later), Cupid could be your guy. He’s waiting for the right person to show him that life can be fun—could that be you?"
THE CARROLLTON APPEAL ALSO READ: "The Adoption Center has had great success in placing adoptable animals, but some, because of size, disposition, or special conditions, have not been placed and are in immediate need of rescue support."
LARRY NOTE: We interrupt the appeal to show off an available adoptable named Ruff Tufferson, an 18-month-old,
59-pound, Rottweiler mix who is said to have a name "as bold as his personality."
The shelter reports that Ruff "can be a bit selective with his dog friends, preferring a crew that respects his style, but with the right pals, he’s got plenty of love to give. Though he’s shy at first, once he warms up, he’ll happily show off his goofy side and win you over with those adorable rottie smiles. Ruff Tufferson is looking for a home that appreciates his strong personality and is ready to give him the space and love he deserves!" No adoption fee, on Ruff Tufferson, either.
Get your tissues ready. Ruff's bio also reads, "Ruff has been with us since August. He was adopted for a day in September and returned through no fault of his own."
MEANWHILE, Carrollton has BORKINATOR waiting and ready to go. He's a neutered Pittie mix who is 8 months old and weighs in at 51 happy dog pounds. His shelter bio says he'll "steal your heart with his playful energy and goofy personalty." He's a high-energy pup who love other dogs and wants to play all the time." And the Carrollton folks say, "The kennel environment is a little stressful for Borkinator, which sometimes makes him mouthy as he tries to express himself -- but it's nothing that some patience, training and playtime can't fix! ... This sweet boy has so much love to give and is ready to burn off his puppy energy with lots of fun adventures. ...." The summary refers to this loving fellow as a "big-hearted goofball" who is "ready to be your new best friend."
The bio says Borkinator "has been with us since December. He has developed some behavior issues (mouthiness,) but staff are working with him. He has gone to a few offsite adoption events and done really well."
WE RESUME, FOR A MOMENT, THE TEXT OF THE CARROLLTON APPEAL: It has this explanation of the shelter population. Anybody in animal rescue/advocacy, knows how this works.
The shelter's appeal reads, "As an open-intake facility, Carrollton Animal Services sees new animals arriving daily and we are often pressed for space. However, we are hopeful that by connecting with you, we will find a rescue or adoption opportunity for these animals. If these animals are not rescued or adopted by 5 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025, they may need to be considered for euthanasia."
[LARRY ASIDE: What a wretched reality phras to read in our 21st century! "May need to be considered for euthanasia." And this would be a make-room for the next one to get the needle situation. Creeps me out in the 21st century. Pardon my concern, but does the human population not have enough heart to save dogs and cats from becoming statistics in a monthly or weekly report by a tax-payer financed shelter.]
This Carrollton pup is Frank the Tank, a 2-year-old, 65-pound neutered male. Adoption fee waived. He's described this way and I know some of you are married to humans who also fit this description: "Frank is a lovable, stocky guy who’s full of personality and always ready for fun" Whether it's zoomies in the yard or chilling on the couch, Frank is all about living life to the fullest. Don’t let his tough-guy look fool you—he’s a total softie who loves belly rubs and giving kisses. He’s looking for a forever home where he can be the king of cuddles and make his humans laugh with his goofy antics. If you’re looking for a loyal, fun-loving companion, Frank the Tank is your guy!
THE APPEAL adds this sentence: "We are OVER capacity for large breed dogs. We will not be able to hold them past 5 p.m. on Friday March 15."
The producer of this Carrollton Animal Shelter note (we got it via our long-time tipster Leanne Hayden) is Senior Animal Care Specialist Vanessa Johnson. The shelter is at 2247 Sandy Lake Road in Carrollton. Call 972-466-3458 or fax 9712-466-4873.
LARRY ADDENDUM:
While all of those animals are clearly urgent, adopting any of the following three we found on the Carrollton shelter's website will ease the pressure in the animals lined up at the door to the euthanasia lab. Comes down to this: Save one life, you give another one some extra time to survive the system in just about every city or county animal shelter in the known universe.
And, while we've seen dogs and cats before named "Tristan," this is our first encounter with a cat named Whiskers Malone and absolutely our first dog named Green Bean Casserole.
Here's a link to the shelter.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Assorted thoughts for a weekend approach
So, now there's a mechanical problem that's keeping the American astronauts from getting a smooth ride back to a destination on earth. Most of us don't know that feeling of "can get to the earthly destination. But in the early 1970s I bought a Chevrolet Vega. I'm not sure what the sales motto was, but it could have been "No Earthly Destination Guaranteed."
.... We took one of our dogs, the great Wendy Louise Wagstaff Arden to the vet Thursday for her annual checkup and by the end of the event she had earned something nobody else in the family has ever heard in a doctors' office. "Needs to eat more." Not a problem.  But, as a human, I've never been told "Eat more!" at any stage of my life. When it comes to eating more food, I'm self-medicating, so to speak.
Now, everybody who still has room at the house and cash in the bank, go adopt a dog and/or a cat. Save some lives and you have our blessings.
--- Offer happy stories about critters or human by clicking 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and make the subject line read, 'WHATTAYA MEAN THERE'S NO PAY?' ---

SUGAR GETS RIDE TO HER NEW HOME; DALLAS SHELTER STILL HAS ADORABLES...

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 [PetPowellPress] I had a really great opening sentence going for this edition then I hit the wrong button and zapped it off into the Land of Inadvertently Deleted Brilliance. So it may not have been all that brilliant. But we do have something that'll make you smile. And, the posting system quit working, so if you see this, it's working again....
SUGAR HAD A DEADLINE;
TIME WAS MOVING QUICKLY....
And, then, things took a turn toward another destination.
We were able to introduce you to this girl Sugar earlier in the week thanks to animal advocate/rescuer Tami Kukla who'd spotted Sugar in the custody of Dallas Animal Services. Negotiations bought Sugar a little extra time, but as we posted the story earlier in the week Sugar was less than an hour from a 1:30 p.m. deadline.
In a time-sensitive appeal, Tami wrote, "Despite everything, this 8-year-old sweetheart just wants to love and be loved. She greets everyone with a smile and asks for nothing but kindness in return." And Tami added, "She’s facing an uphill battle: a senior, a bully breed, a dark coat, and serious medical challenges, including advanced heartworm disease. The odds are stacked against her—but we can change that."
The reality of animal advocacy is this: Sometimes things work out. The right hearts with the right circumstances to accomplish the right thing.
Tami had introduced us to Sugar by writing, "Urgent: Sugar's face tells the story .... years of neglect, but a spirit that reuses to break." [LARRY NOTE: That face on the right is the "Happily riding away" ace of sweet Sugar.]
And, now, Sugar -- with her conquerable medical challenges -- is headed toward Minnesota, according to the current plans.
That is her "Freedom Photo" as she left Dallas Animal Services after a team of animal advocates managed to talk Sugar through some extended deadlines and then a deal was made!
Tami wrote, "So we got sugar adopted ... and Todd Steven Smith will be picking up." Tami says that's the noted animal advocate Todd Steven Smith in his role of "Driver For Good Dog Sugar."
Sugar's next home, after a long ride on the Highway of Rescue, will be in Minnesota where she's destined for a new loving home.
And her driver, the animal fan Mr. Todd Steven Smith, posted a report on a conversation with Sugar's adoptive mom. The Minneapolis Mom "lovingly said, "Todd, I know she is sick, but there is something about a big ol girl like Sugar that I am drawn to. We are gonna get her better!"
Todd closed with this note: "Once again I was reminded today of why people in rescue are the cream of the crop. God Bless the Dog."
[LARRY RESPONSE: Somebody shout "AMEN."]
THE CHALLENGE IN DALLAS
IS FINDING GOOD HOMES...
That's quite a challenge for dogs and cats who wind up in Dallas Animal Services cages and kennels in scores.
[LARRY ASIDE: In the years I've been writing about animals, that's always been the situation in Dallas -- yeah, could be a people problem. People dump their animals, some people can't comprehend the wisdom of "Spay & Neuter" and respect for animals is a philosophy that baffles people we'd otherwise adore (maybe).]
You can see animals in the Dallas shelter by going to the main DAS website at https://bedallas90.org/. And you can select to look at just dogs or just cats by going to this site https://bedallas90.org/home/pets  and clicking on your choice of species! 
TODAY'S CONTEMPLATIONS....

My online system shut down just as I was about to post photos of DAS dog and cats.  So, we'll keep trying to post and will update later with those photographs -- but if you goto the bedallas90.org link you can navidate to the first page of dogs and the first page of cats and you may be able to conquer the computer challenge and get the right dog and/or cat for your heart! -- sorry for the rotten inconvenience, larry....

-- CELEBRATE ANIMALS by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and make your subject line read "WHAT GIVES WITH PEOPLE WHO ADOPT AND TOSS AWAY ANIMALS?"

SO MANY DOGS WAITING IN SHELTERS, SO MANY CATS, TOO; HUMANS NEEDED ASAP

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WED (Maybe) MARCH 11-12, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Ever look at your email list and think that
some are specifically aimed at you? Tuesday morning I got one with the subject line "FOOD YOU SHOULD AVOID IN RESTAURANTS." When I opened it, the message was 142 pages long. I thought, "Someone's been watching me weigh."
Relax. I'm kidding. So far today, I've had a cup of coffee, several prescription pills and a half-a-banana. Didn't get any of that at a restaurant.
That's my Senior Office Cat William Powell taking it easy this morning in the sun in his Contemplation Window. Just FYI: He once said to me, "Not a fan of eggs, but I don't mind a chicken now and then though I've never seen one except on TV."
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
LOTS OF DOGS & WE'LL DO
SOME EDITING -- SAVE 'EM ALL
[LARRY EXPLANATION; For this edition of readlarrypowell.com, your veteran editor/writer/fan of dogs and cats and people who help them is going to do some editing. Ah, but we'll also give you the link to the Mesquite Animal Shelter dogs and cats where you can read the full biographies created by the shelters team of Volunteer Dog Biographers. Our missions are the same: Save 'em all in all the shelters and rescue groups! Here goes:]
TYPING THIS DOG'S NAME FEELS LIKE A TRADITION. For as long as I've been writing about animals, I have now and then encountered a dog named "Biscuit." People love the name and love to bestow it on dogs they love -- sometimes on cat's they love. [Might even nickname a kid or spouse Biscuit. Let's move along:]
The bio of Biscuit was written by our longtime Mesquite dog-bio writing pal Debra Chisholm. She begins, "Meet Biscuit, an American Pitbull mix picked up as a stray on 3/4 by one of our officers ... " Debra says Biscuit is about a year old, weighs 31 pounds and is spayed."
And Debra writes, "She walks nicely on a leash. She looks to have been well-cared for and yet here she is in a city shelter with her people not coming to reclaim her.  She has a confident and outgoing personality--a real zest for living. 
"Biscuit ran and played in the yard during her photo shoot and liked chasing tennis balls.  She loves treats and takes them politely.  It goes without saying that Biscuit would thrive with an active person or family and be allowed to live inside and socialize with her people rather than being stuck in the backyard."
Biscuit is #57849731 at the shelter. Cite Biscuit's ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for all these animals -- cite their ID numbers when you contact the shelter to adopt, foster, meet, etc.

Also, the full unedited bios of these animals can be seen at the Mesquite Animal Shelter's website HERE:
https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1239/Animals-in-the-Shelter.
There are many more animals waiting. Here are the few we've edited for today's edition,
ROCCO IS, Debra reports, a "bundle of exuberant puppy energy ... The shelter received a call on 3/6 that this youngster had been left on their property with his leash clipped to their chain-link fence."
Rocco is 8 months old, weighs 32 pounds and is neutered. His bio calls him "one happy-go-lucky, spunky, high-spirited pup. His passion in life is chasing and running with tennis balls! ... Rocco will need an active person or family to help him daily expend all that puppy energy with playtime, exercise, and enrichment. ... He appears to have been well cared for except that he had a gold necklace wrapped around his neck. It had left his neck covered with a large amount of tarnish typical of what cheap jewelry will do."
There's more to his bio on the website. Rocco is #57979441 at the shelter. Cite his number when you call the
shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
JACKSON IS an American Pitbull mix, also picked up as a stray on March 5 by a Mesquite officer. Debra notes that the pup's "ribs are showing and he is badly underweight. He's #57960748 at the shelter. And he's about 6 years old and "is being fed extra in order to attain a healthier weight. He has obviously spent his life as an outside dog. Debra says you can tell that by "the calluses on his elbows, long nails and, of course, his underweight condition. He has either spent some time on the streets or was badly cared for by his owners.
Jackson is #57960748 at the shelter.
There are so many more dogs and plenty of cats and you can see them by clicking on the Shelter's website HERE: https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1239/Animals-in-the-Shelter .
CONTEMPLATIONS
Thinking of places to dine?
In our opening today, I mentioned restaurant food and an email about "Foods You Should Avoid in Restaurants." Yes, I've always been told "all, especially pies, cakes and anything that can be enhanced by picante sauce." Ha! I only follow the cake and pie rule. To me a platter of nachos is inspiration to enjoy the tastes of a happy life. Moving along...That is my Junior Office Cat Stevie Ray Treeboy. I've known him all but a few days of his entire life. To my knowledge, he's never been in a restaurant. And of course, he now corrects me. "That's except for one wedding" and he was asked not to return because of a gleeful dive into a wedding cake. Now he says he'd prefer "catfish and hushpuppies." Some quiet place with no sticky cake -- too tempting, he says. ....
I am a frequent typer of poorly placed letters. Here's an example. As I was typing about one of the Pittie mixes in today's edition, I looked back at the screen and found this typographical error: "Pitgull Mix." Now, (1) I love Pitties and (2) I've only seen gulls from a distance ( Is there such a thing as a Dogfaced Gull?). Back to my point: The theory of a Pitgull, The Most Adorable Bird on a Beach, sort of made me smile. Might be time for me to write an animated movie that'll make a whole lot of money!
--- Offer advice or doubt by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and made the subject line read "SOARING TO THE BANK" --

SAVING DALLAS DOG SUGAR; HELPING COCKER GEORGE; SLEEP-IMPAIRED TYPUR, ER, 'ER'

EDITION OF MONDAY MARCH 10, (MAYBE TUES 11 TOO), 2025 [PetPowellPress] I've been saving so much daylight

for so many years you'd think I'd be able to sleep through the night now and then. Nope. Not yet. Thus, I'm trying to focus on a far-from wide-awake Monday. I've had two cups of coffee and need a third -- it's emotional.
OK, four now.
My pal Dudley The Angel, smiling in this photo as he counsels me, suggests moving along and, as he says, "Skip the java, chum. You've don't know how to snore, anyway."
THE FACE OF SUGAR
TELLS HER STORY?
Our tipster Tami Kukla in the tale of this Dallas Animal Services dog wrote, "URGENT: Sugar's face tells the story -- and she only has until 1:30 p.m. (Monday)...." (Tami has a busy "save 'em all" Facebook site HERE.
Tami's post reads that the story of Sugar tells about "years of neglect, but a spirit that refuses to break. Despite everything, this 8-year-old sweetheart just wants to love and be loved. She greets everyone with a smile and asks for nothing but kindness in return.
"She’s facing an uphill battle: a senior, a bully breed, a dark coat, and serious medical challenges, including advanced heartworm disease. The odds are stacked against her—but we can change that.
"A rescue is willing to step up, but Sugar needs a foster. She needs a home where she can rest, heal, and finally know comfort. Pledges have been raised, but more are needed to support her care. Most importantly, she needs someone to open their heart and home."
Tami provided these contact points:
Email Rescue Tag: [email protected];
Foster: [email protected]
Adopt: [email protected].
And Tami closes with, "Let’s not let Sugar down. Share, tag, and help us find her a miracle. We will help in any way we can." Email [email protected].
A COCKER SPANIEL:
GEORGE NEEDS A HUMAN
We got the tip on George over the weekend from one of our favorite organizations, DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue.
[LARRY NOTE: I've never adopted from this group, but I have played in the organizations fund-raising golf tournament and I have rescued a mange-stricken Cocker Spaniel puppy in Dallas' Kiest Park. Regular readers may recall that I named him Inky and he wrote poetry for our website and owns our hearts to this day. He has been gone for several years. I miss him daily. Sometimes every minute of a day. It's a blessing of the breed -- that's my experience.]
Inky had a magnificent black coach with white highlights. This guy George has a wonderful coat, too.
The folks at DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue describe him as a 3-year-old "with a fair amount of youthful energy. He has a soft buff & white coat and weighs in at 29 lbs. He enjoys hanging out on the couch and rides very well in the car. He likes to chase the toys you throw and will swap the one he has for the next one.
"He has just been neutered, so he will need a follow-up with the vet for recheck in a few weeks. All vaccinations are up to date.
"Based on our experience with him, George would do best in a home with adults who have prior experience with dogs,

and no young children. He has not shown reactivity to other dogs, but we don't know about cats.
"George is very slow to warm up to new people and must be handled carefully. He will need lots of quiet and space as he settles into your home- no visitors coming to see him until he is comfortable with his people and his surroundings. We will provide guidelines about helping a new dog acclimate to your home and family."....
There's more, but if you got this far, you may be a good match for George.
The DFWCSR folks say you can ask about helping George by filling out the adoption paperwork at https://dfwcockerrescue.org/adoption-process/. And "previously approved adopters" are asked to email [email protected]."
CONTEMPLATIONS
SLEEPING AND OTHER CHALLENGES
This may be the result of my inability to capture a peaceful night of sleep no matter what day of the year is challenging me. I thought I was hearing an odd walking sound just outside my office window and when I got up to look, I realized I was simply kicking an empty box I'd stored under my own desk....Goofball, eh? ...
Ever work in an office with a lot of other people are using their typewriters at the same time? You find yourself keeping up with the "office typing pattern?" An office "Keyboard rhythm."  I was doing that this morning and I suddenly realized I'm the only person in the house typing -- in fact, I'm the only mammal in the house at the moment who can type. (The critters have a "dictation key" on their laptops. SO, WHERE  was I getting this pop pop pop rhythm? I pulled the curtains open, looked across the street and saw a team of roofers with guns-that-go-pop pop pop installing shingles on a nearby house. Yeah, I'm not getting enough sleep. ...
In fact, this morning, the day after the time changed wretchedly, I awoke and re-wrote the opening line to Edgar Allen Poe's famed poem The Raven. I got as much sleep as a teenager insomniac in the '60s, so I nudged Poe's lead to read, "Once upon another punishing Washington enforced midnight dreary..." Poe would have understood -- he may have been an insomniac.....
--- Offer anything smart by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and put "LEARN TO SNORE, GOOFBALL"in the subject line.

A PIECE OF (PERHAPS) HISTORIC FURNITURE -- IT'S A FANTISTIC PLACE FOR DOGS AND CATS....

For this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, we cite a historic piece of furniture in the United
  States of America.

At readlarrypowell.com, we refer to it as the "Couch of Envy."
You may have one at your house. We are almost certain that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and assorted Hollywood stars had a "Couch of Envy" in their homes so their critters could find comfort. [THIS PORTION of
today's edition may need to be authenticated by experts in furniture, founding and film.]

Only dogs or cats can nod off on the Couch of Envy while maintaining some semblance of "alert."
Humans can't pull that off. Especially insomniacs. "Alert" may never have been used to describe a human on the Couch of Envy, but neither woud the term "out lie a liight."
That first photo shows the two girls, Porche Noel in the foreground, and Wendy Louise Wagstaff Arden in the background.
Wendy is a little more nimble than Porche, so she can curl up in a corner of the couch. Porche just can't curl up. She can snore mightily and with great joy.
Porche and Wendy were both puppies when we got them months apart in 2009 -- rescues from the neighborhood, of course. Not kin except as canines. They are darling and dear, as is their buddy Dudley, the big Lab/Border Collie mix who showed up in our Dallas front yard one morning and stayed. That was in 2013. He'll take a happy nap on the carpet. Larry note: I've tried, but I'm just not designed to sleep on a floor.]
In the next scene, if you click it larger, you can see Porche sneaking her eyes open -- she's almost deaf, but we think she may be able to hear automotive noises. No, not the actual sound of the vehicle, but the sound of her roommates, Wendy and Dudley The Angel, woofing it up when Martha rolls her car into the driveway.
Of course, if Martha gets to the front door before the sleeping-suddenly-wake dogs can from their post on the Couch of Envy, those two will be perky-eared awake and barking "Hello, Martha" at the tops of their lungs.
You can learn a lot about canine behavior by sitting in a not-quite-comfortable recliner and observing from near the Couch of Envy.
I only have so much time to watch from the recliner. After about 8 p.m., it belongs to our formerly feral kitten Esme who is the director of the Feline Communications in
our house.
Yes, Martha's great at using her long harp-playing fingers to "read" an electronic devise while Esme rests and enjoys the warmth of the human she loves. And, yes, that is Esme taking it easy and doing some reading with her pal Martha in Martha's ultra comfortable evening chair.
Sometimes Wendy will jump onto Martha's lap and act as a reading-platform while Martha races through her evening reading. Wendy outweighs Esme by a number of pounds. They land differently when Martha isn't paying attention. Ooof.
[LARRY NOTE: Enjoy your couches and critters this weekend. Snap photos of 'em and and send your snoozing dogs and elegantly napping cats to [email protected] and we'll feature them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. People enjoy the vision of happy animals -- might even inspire 'em to adopt cats and dogs and any other animal in need of a home with a Couch of Envy. 

 

 

WHAT'S THAT? WHAT'S UP WITH THESE TWO DOGS? My experienced dog- and cat-watching eyes tell me that these two dogs have just simultaneously recognized the sound of the return of Martha's car to it place in the driveway. The look on their faces declares, "SHE ALWAYS HAS TREATS!!!! HUMAN OF THE YEAR!]

A CAVALCADE OF STORIES ABOUT DOGS & CATS -- LIFE AS PEOPLE KNOW IT IN CRITTERLAND

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025 [PetPowellPress] A quick look at the Holiday Insights list of notable events for March 7, we read that the first Friday in March, is "Employee Appreciation Day." This morning I got two "Thank Sincerely Employee/Servant" cards -- one from the dogs, one from the cats.
The dogs' card read, "Thanks for the sleeping couch. Let's be a little quicker with getting us outside in the mornings." [That's my personal Office Dog Beloved Friend Porche Noel.]
And the cats' card read, "Please be prompt with the food service."
Two years ago they sent me to The Texas Butler & Staffing Academy. [LARRY ASIDE: The instructors promised grads would get "fantastic wages and tips" but, they never actually met our Team Tightwad Cats. That's Senior Office Cat William (left) explaining labor negotiations to Junior Office Cat Stevie Ray. ]
AN ID CHALLENGE
IN BURNS FLAT, OKLA.
This turns out to be one of the more enjoyable challenges faced by long-time dog and cat and critter rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher, rescue's guiding light in Burns Flat, Okla.
You may recall that she's still coping with a litter of dumped puppies she and her team rescued from challenging winter weather in the far-western Oklahoma town's general neighborhood.
She begins this story: "With all the bad things that we see in Rescue, on days like today, my heart just feels so happy

My youngest son took me to lunch today [Thursday], so we were out of town. I received a phone call from a man that lives here, stating there was a little bitty, newborn kitten, laying in the street against his curb. I told him I really don’t have a place for cats but I didn’t want to leave a little kitten out like that. It’s eyes weren’t even open yet so I told him that I would find a foster and as soon as I got back to town I would come and get it until I could find a place for it to go.
"He said he talked to the ACO [at the city shelter] who told him to call me, so I called the ACO and he said he will go pick it up and keep it at Town Hall until I get back into town.
"I told him when he got it, send me a picture. Well, he sends me the picture but before I look at it, he calls me and tells me he didn’t think it was a cat. He said it had a long snout and a weird tail. I’ll be honest, the first thing that came to my mind was a baby possum. But I waited and looked at the picture, and I knew instantly from that face that it was a baby fox, so young it’s eyes aren’t even even open yet 
"We have a lot of red fox here, but I’ve only seen two gray fox at the edge of town before. They’ve since tore the building down that they hid under, so I’m sure they moved into town. I’m not sure what happened to separate this little one from its mama, but there was no way I could leave it out there...So I took it to rehab, where it was hungry, ate and seems to be doing well....I was just so excited about this baby. I wanted to share it. Look at that adorable face."
Email Terry Lynn at [email protected].
[LARRY NOTE:That wasn't the last challenge of Terry Lynn's day. Read on. The photos are a little too gruesome...but Terry Lynn needs some help with this bill. Email her at [email protected].]
This rescue happened around 9 p.m. Terry Lynn sent a note to supporters: "I'm i’m waiting at the vet. Two dogs just attacked this boy and it’s bad, y'all . Blood everywhere.
"My vet is out of town. I'm at a different one. she is meeting me here. I need help ASAP, please. Keep him in your prayers. I'm sick over this." Email Terry Lynn at [email protected].
MEANWHILE, BACK IN THE
MESQUITETROPLEX SHELTER
[LARRY ASIDE: I made up that Mesquitetroplex label just in case someone wants to use it on T-shirts, maybe make a little dough to support the volunteers and the animals they work with at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. If it's legal to do that, of course. Surely it is. I've quit keeping up with the changing laws since I stopped playing Lotto Texas. Now, back to two dogs needing some help.] 
VOLUNTEER DOG BIOGRAPHER JUDI BROWN (our first contact years ago in this Mesquite program) is pretty strong with her description of delightful Yukon.
"In my opinion," Judi wrote, "Yukon is the whole package! Not only is he stunning, but he’s got an endearing, loving personality! Yukon is a 1-year-old, 41-pound Siberian Husky that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 2/28.
"This is another one that I can’t begin to imagine why his owners have not come for him. My first observation about Yukon was that he was very personable. After he did his business in the yard, he came back to stay close to me. It’s obvious that he wants to be around his human. He will give and receive affection.
"And you can see how soft he is. He would be great to snuggle with.
"He sits on command, but he did not take my treat. He’s well mannered. He is social. He’s friendly, happy and gentle. He had a strong pull on the leash. He was intimidated by other dogs. If you have another dog, please ask the shelter for a dog test. Huskies like to run and therefore are known to escape. Yukon will need a tall secure fence. I’m sure you can also see that he will need frequent brushings. He would not do well in an apartment. But he wants to be an inside dog so he can spend quality time with his new loving family. And yet he would need to go for long walks or have a yard to run in."
Yukon is #57937737 -- cite that shelter ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Judi also proved us with the bio of this very adorable dog Clover -- same contact points with phone and email but you should cite Clover with her ID# 57937954.
Judy writes, "Clover 🍀 wants to have the luck of a four-leaf clover. For her that means getting adopted by a loving family that will treat her like a family member. She would love a yard to run in but wants to be an inside dog mostly.  Clover is a one-year-old, 40-pound, mostly white with some black American Terrier Pit that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/28 as a stray.
"She was very vocal in her kennel, letting me know she wanted my attention. Once she got out she calmed down…. that is until she found out I had treats. You can see her ribs are showing so she is no doubt hungry. She became a beggar, leaping, jumping, sitting anything she could do to get my attention and get a treat. She does sit for treats.
"She will need groceries so she won’t be so hungry but will also need to learn to take treats gently. She’s a tail-wagging, happy girl. Her enthusiasm is contagious.
"She walks OK on a leash. She didn’t have a problem meeting other dogs. She did her
business in the yard. She comes when you call her. She’s lively, friendly, curious, and fun loving."
And Judi writes, "See the last photo (THAT MUGSHOT) to see how she loves being close and getting special attention."
DEAR READERS: See more available dogs and cats at THIS LINK.
When you get there, you'll see that the fine feline Wasabi is still there -- labeled "rescue only," but maybe someone with a "Sense of Cats" can qualify, Larry hoped as he typed the closing sentence. Let us know.
CONTEMPLATIONS
THINGS THAT MAY RAISE A THOUGHT
Nah, probably not. That's too ambitious for the writer of this website. Raise a thought? We're still trying to get somebody to raise an eyebrow. Wink. Wink. Oops, eyebrows didn't rise. Eyelids slammed shut ...
I checked with Holiday Insights, the online calendar, to see what was up with "March 7 Historical Events." Some of you will remember one of them because you were there. The first three listed are:
--"Baseball determines that nine innings constitutes a full game, not nine runs. (1857)"
-- "Alexander Graham Bell patents the Telephone. (1876)" [LARRY NOTE: Geez, if he hadn't been in such a rush to get his calls, he could have waited on the invention of a computer chip." Here's a historic note for September's editions. "The first integrated circuit (IC), or computer chip, was invented by Jack Kilby at Texas Instruments in September 1958." I believe that was in northern Dallas -- that correct?]
BACK TO the Holiday Insights list for Friday March 7th:
"The Monopoly board game is invented. (1933)"
And, the one so many of us remember happening in our actual lifetimes, "Charlie Sheen is fired from the CBS comedy sitcom “Two and a Half Men”. (2011)"
SOMEHOW, as I was typing this closing, I remembered the titles and some opening lines to two songs recorded by Barbra Streisand. If I could remember ALL THE LINES my career might have been different. Memories was one, The Way We Were was the other. Now I feel like sitting in a dark bar that has a musical element added for people in a recollective state of mind. I'd have a Diet Coke and a giant pizza, please, extra cheese, no meat.
--- Offer advice or fave musical openings by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and make the subject line read 'HEY WARBLES, PIPE DOWN FOR THE SAKE OF THE NATION.' ---

FOR THIS EDITION, DOGS ABSOLUTELY NEEDING HOMES, PEOPLE HELPING THEM, A $5 DOG; CATS WAIT. WHAT? ROBOT PARKING GUIDES???

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY MARCH 5-6 (Maybe 7), 2025 [Pet PowellPress.] Tuesday was a scary morning. Wednesday was beautiful. At least we don't have to worry about volcanos around here. So far. You never know what's actually beneath the Metroplex asphalt.
Moving calmly along:
TAKING A LOOK
AT A PUP NAMED CAESAR
One of our longtime animal rescue/advocate pals Maeleska Fletes (also a guiding light for DFW's FurGotten Friends) posted a note about and some photos of a little guy named Caesar.
She wrote from the heart, "I can’t believe my sweet little Caesar hasn’t found a home yet! Please share so we can find this boy the perfect home.
"Caesar is Ready for His Forever Home!
"Meet Caesar, the most adorable 4-month-old Chihuahua mix you’ll ever see! This little ball of energy loves to play—whether it’s with his siblings, foster buddies, or a cat!

"But he knows how to cuddle when it's time to rest.

"Caesar is already doing great with potty training and keeps everyone laughing with his playful spirit. Now, he just needs a loving forever family to call his own! Caesar can’t wait to meet you!"
To meet Caesar, fill out this application: https://dfwfgf.org/adopt/,
As the DFW Furgotten Friends website declares:
"Providing a safe haven for stray dogs since 2012." Thanks to Maeleska for spotlighting Caesar.
THIS IS A PUPPY
WHO NEEDS A NEW HOME
The tip on this little guy -- name unknown at the moment -- came from our reliable source in "Near East Texas," 
the great Sydney Busch, our longtime tipster with Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. As you may recall, the Friends operate the world's most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
And Sydney also happens to know someone who knows this adorable puppy. The little guy's story has a tough chapter, so to speak. According to the brief bio, "Owner unexpectedly died and his puppy needs a new home. Not neutered yet. He is about 12 pounds and 4 months old right now."
The goal is to find a good home to help him into the adorable adulthood he's clearly due.
To ask about him, email [email protected].
MEANWHILE IN ARLINGTON,
IS ATHENA A $5 DOG??? ...
We got the tip on this dog via our longtime animal world connection Karen Lee. (As veteran readers of this site may recall, Karen and her hubby Dennis founded Barkleyworld.com in 2013 to help people who need a boost in helping their animals.}

So Karen linked us up to this Arlington Animal Shelter dog named Athena.
The bio by an Arlington staffer reads "Athena LOVES people. She loves to be loved. ... You see pictures of two different stories... One, outside with a volunteer, getting as close as she can, to get as many pets as she can. The second, a picture of her waiting by her adoption condo door. She knows that door leads out to people. We should've taken a video because what this picture doesn't show is the crying and whimpering to get out. Shelter pets don't understand why they are here and all Athena wants is out of this door to be with someone who will love her."
[LARRY ASIDE: Yeah, that explanation got me to the point of dabbing my eyes. Bless Athena and her path to happiness.]
The Arlington note continues, "Athena is a VIP Adoptable Dog due to her time spent in the shelter." The Arlington shelter writer suggested, "Let's blow this post up with all the love and good vibes! Let's share and get Athena the furever home she deserves! Anyone interested in adopting can learn more about her here. 
Athena is #57853036 at the shelter. The shelter is at 1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd. in Arlington and the phone number is 817-459-5898.
See more Arlington adoptables at the SHELTER LINK HERE .
The note posted with Athena reads, "All adoptions at Arlington Animal Services are just $5! The adoption fee includes pet vaccines, spay/neuter, heartworm testing for dogs, a microchip and more. All dogs are individually evaluated around people and other dogs prior to going up for adoption. If a dog is in our adoption program, no negative behaviors have been observed. If you have another dog, we encourage you to bring them to the shelter for an official meet and greet with a team member."

MEANWHILE, A MONTANA AND AN ARCHIE
AWAIT BEING ADORED BY HUMANS....
Oh, OK, they are already adored by some humans, but what they really need is a home.

We got the tip on them from veteran dog bio-writer Judi Brown. She is among those at the Mesquite Animal Shelter who meet shelter dogs and write about the experience in hopes of inspiring people to adopt the canines.
We begin with Judi's bio of Montana [ID # 57779768]. "Montana is easy to love," Judi writes, then notes, "She is a volunteer fave. She is an 8-year-old, 71-pound Doberman with beautiful coloring that was returned to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/28. The reason was that she is protective of her toys."
Judi's bio reads, "Once someone knows to be careful about that she is as close to perfect as you can get. If she could talk, she would tell you that she’s trembling because she’s so scared! She doesn’t understand where her owners are and why she’s in such a noisy place."
And Judi has this advice for prospective adoptors. "Montana will need a slow introduction to build trust. A huge dose of TLC would be what would help her more than anything! She has been overbred. After she did her business in the yard, she stayed so close she was almost touching me. She really seeks affection. ...She’s sweet, calm, gentle, and well mannered. She wants to please. She also wants to be an inside dog so she can snuggle up close to you."
Cite here Shelter ID #57779768 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283  or email [email protected].
Same system for this guy Archie -- his shelter ID is #57905749. Judi's bio begins, "Could Archie be any cuter? He’s a year-old, 19-pound brindle terrier mix that was brought into the shelter as a stray on 2/24. Besides being adorable, he’s very sweet."
Judi also writes, "He’s timid and unsure about the shelter environment. When I first met him in his kennel he backed up, but when I showed him the leash he came out slowly. And he does walk very well on a leash! He will need a slow introduction.
"After he investigated the yard, he came and stood by me. When I sat down, he came and sat by me. At one time, he even tried to climb up on the bench beside me! He sits on command but not for my treats. ... I think he’s a lapdog wannabe. He gives kisses. ... A small dog like this could go with you almost anywhere and would you get the compliments on what an adorable dog you had! And how else could he cuddle with you if he wasn’t an inside dog? He is already fixed.
Remember cite his shelter ID #57905749 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
You can read the uncut versions of animal biographies by clicking on the Mesquite Shelter's website
 HERE and navigating to the dogs and cats. See 3 Mesquite felines jut afater this paragraph:
You might find another dog or cat you'd want to bring home rather than let 'em sit in a shelter and wonder "What's that sound?" or "Was that my human walking in? Gosh, I can't wait to see him!"
CONTEMPLATIONS
'IDLE THOUGHTS' COULD BE
JUST TOO MUCH CREDIT FOR THIS...
Here's a thought. You know those machines that have been calling balls and strikes in Spring Training. When the regular season starts they're going to be used to help people squeeze into parking spots at the big league parks in the American League. Oh, OK, I made that up, but it's an amusing thought if you visualize fans pointing down at their front wheels and the parking stripes while shouting at a robot in a ref's cap. ....
With all this odd weather followed by such a beautiful day as Wednesday, you may be wondering about history in our area. The answer is this: "No, Six Flags Over Texas did not have a volcano when it first opened in 1961." Our research finds that a 70-foot volcano was "added to the Fiesta Train ride in 1968." Same source says that ride was closed in 1978. ....
Which brings me to this question: Remember Hawaii Kai? No connection to that volcano at Six Flags, right?
---- Offer wisdom or recollections by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and don't mention the time change. ---

DOGS, CATS, AND A STORM IN OKLAHOMA AND THROUGH TEXAS, TOO....

EDITION OF TUES/WED/THUR MARCH 4-6-7, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Before we get to a Houston dog who needs special medical help, we'll cite some things about Tuesday morning in the Metrostorm.
FYI, in our neighborhood the "tornado siren" -- or whatever it's called these days -- worked just fine.
The cats went back to sleep; the dogs did, too. The humans did not.
It'll be weeks before the humans readjust. There's a complication coming this weekend: We Spring Forward on Sunday and that'll mean this week we have a "Double Disruption" of the sleep patterns,
That photo?
That is Senior Office Cat William Powell who was awakened by the morning siren, came out of the office, looked around the house, saw everybody was appropriately concerned and yawning, and he went back to sleep at the office door.
By pausing there, he knew he could monitor activity in the kitchen and dash in for his share/plus of morning cat treats.
The storm moved through, cats and dogs and humans went back to their anticipated activities and the sun came out.

William said he'd rather be a cat on the cold hall floor than a cat on a hot tin roof. We never give him that second choice, of course. He's an indoor boy with responsibilities in the office he manages. Plus, he's dedicated to air-conditioning. One year he won $4000 in Lotto Texas drawing and donated it all to the Household Air-Conditioning Fund. I think that was enough to pay for July and August that year. [LARRY CONFESSION: The entire preceding paragraph is fiction, though William's  management position and his adoration of air-conditioning are real. Sometimes I get carried way in the fictional world I've created since I got out of Congress...I'm kidding, there I go making something up again.]
THIS HANDSOME FELLOW
NEEDS SOME MED HELP
We got a note from one of our Houston-area contacts about this guy Dwayne. La'Krystal Harrell, trainer assistant, at Harris County Pets Resource Center, sent the photo and the tough-to-take explanation.
It reads, "Dwayne has a right hind-limb fracture and may need an amputation. This baby needs out and into a full-service vet. ... DWAYNE NEEDS OUT OF THE SHELTER BY WEDNESDAY. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP." And La'Krystal adds, "He is super sweet!! I'm hoping a rescue steps up for him.
Call 281-999-3191 or email [email protected] or
[email protected].
Our tipster La'Krystal wrote, "No rescue has shown any interest in him as of yet. He is currently on pain meds and is doing okay."
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
3 DOGS MIGHT (FIND HOMES)
The names, when said aloud, sound like three guys who started a folk singing trio in the 1960s -- Kirk, Travis & Dirk. Two guitars and a banjo -- but I fantasize. There's some actual canine needs to discuss.
The reality is, they're three dogs in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. And Kirk and Dirk are siblings.
We got the bios on them from Debra Chisholm, one of the volunteer dog bio-writers at Mesquite's shelter, and from biographer Judi Brown who met these pups and wrote about them..
Here are their stories.
Judi writes, "This sweet boy is Kirk. When I say sweet I’m not exaggerating. Kirk is a 6-months-old, 21-pound Australian Cattle Dog that was brought into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/27 by a concerned citizen. He came in with his sibling Dirk who is a little bit larger but looks very similar.
"About the first thing Kirk did was put his paws on my knees when I was sitting and gave me kisses. He would’ve liked to get on my lap as he is a lapdog wannabe. With some coaxing, he sits for treats. Australian Cattle Dogs are known to be very smart and easy to train. I think it’s amazing that he already knows the sit command at this early age. He stays close like he’s circling the wagons. He just wants to be by his human. He’s wearing green because he wants to be in a loving home before St. Patrick’s Day so he can celebrate with you. ... He’s calm and tail-wagging happy."
Kirk is #57930028 at the shelter -- to ask about him, cite that # when you cal the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
Same system when you ask about adopting Kir's brother Dirk. Judi writes, "Because of Dirk’s fold-over ears, he appears goofy and cute. He really is an adorable loving boy. He is a six month old Australian Cattle Dog that weighs 25 pounds and was brought in on 2/27 by a concerned citizen. He came in with his sibling Kirk. I think this boy’s favorite thing is to get belly rubs. He constantly rolls over and gets so excited when his belly is being rubbed. He stayed real close seeking affection. He sits for treats with some coaxing. Australian Shepherds are working dogs and are very smart. There’s no doubt that Dirk will be very easy to train and will be very obedient. ... Dirk wants to please. He wags his tail. He’s friendly. He’s very sweet, and well behaved."
Dirk is #57930054 -- cite that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
And that bring us to Travis, described by Debra as a "delightful high-spirited youngster" who is a "mixed breed pup picked up by one of our officers on 2/15 as a stray ... Travis weighs 40 pounds and is about 6 months old. This is one spunky, enthusiastic youngster with a confident and outgoing personality. One of the ways his spunkiness, excitement and enthusiasm shows itself is in his jumping on you. Of course, this is a behavior that will need to be addressed. He is playful and went out in the yard, ran and played and climbed up and down on our play equipment. He loves toys and balls and will keep himself entertained. ... There is not one bit of fearfulness or shyness about this boy. He was OK with me petting him, but only after he had spent time romping and playing. This friendly little boy would seem best suited for a person or family with an active lifestyle that would give him daily enrichment, exercise, and playtime.
"Just like any pup, obedience classes would help him adjust to his new family’s life. His dream home would be one in which he could live inside with his people and share life with them!"
Travis is #57857624 at the shelter. Cite that ID when you all the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected].
See more Mesquite dogs and a whole lot of adoptable cats by clicking on this LINK.

CONTEMPLATIONS
ON MARCH 4TH AND BEYOND...
I'm not sure what that means, but I confess I typed it and if someone asks me to show up and explain it, why, yes, I'll march forth. ....
The storm that got to us in the Metrosprawl was way out in Burns Flat, Okla., first. Our longtime Burns Flat Tipster Terry Lynn Fisher reported from her far-west Sooner outpost, "Oklahoma! You just never know what’s gonna happen!
"As the tornado sirens were blaring in town last night, we got Ellie and some of her friends down in the storm cellar. I am claustrophobic, so I will never go in it, and I wouldn’t wanna leave all my dogs without being able to make sure they were OK, anyway."
The youngster humans "sat down there [in the storm cellar] for maybe 30 minutes, and we finally got the all clear ...
"Of course, afterwards, I had to go and check on things. I went to the different locations that we have the feral cats at, went to the barn to check on the dogs, and went to some of our other feeding places.
"Strong winds had some things blown around at some of the areas, but everything was OK and safe. Thank goodness for that.
"You just never know what’s going on here. I’m just thankful that the tornadoes missed us, and pray that wherever they were at everybody stayed safe.
"What a long night, it turned out to be, and today, the sun is shining beautifully.
"Welcome to Oklahoma lol I’m a born and raised Okie girl, so this is pretty common to me, but let me tell you something, some of those kids last night were pretty 'anxious'." ...
FINDING THE HACKMAN DOGS' NAMES? There's an old newspaper saying that "Names make news." One of the problems lately has been identifying the dogs in the Gene Hackman home in Santa Fe. USA Today has a story now that identified the dogs by name and identifies the dog found with the humans as "Zinna." The story reports that the Kelpie mix once trained in agility skills to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show." The link to the story is HERE. Should take you to the USA Today site. Or you could google it. ...
--- Offer advice or questions by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected]. ---

ANIMALS IN OKLAHOMA, ANIMALS IN TEXAS -- WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO DUMPED 'EM?

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY MARCH 3-4-2025 (PetPowellPress) Ah, here we are on a Monday morning with what looks like maybe a rainy day ahead and a theory that I dont' see enough movies to watch the Oscars and comprehend the commentary or the attire. OK, let's move along. Start the film.
THE CONTINUING PUPPY SAGA
IN BURNS FLAT, OKLA.......
AND BOOTNOTE, ER, FOOTNOTE ABOUT TEXAS....
Yes, as anyone whose been in touch with Terry Lynn Fisher about animals will tell you, she's got a grip on helping the puppies abandoned "out in the country" and the freezing temps near Burns Flat a few weeks ago.

One, she says, "has found his forever home. Of the remaining six puppies, she's got three of them in foster homes and, as you may guess from that photograph, Terry Lynn explains, "Three of them are still here with me."
She says she's still "needing help" wit the six pups. "They have had their first set of shots and are doing well. Putting on weight and growing fast. If anyone can help with any of them, please let me know. Located in Western Oklahoma but I’m sure we could work out a transport to anywhere."
To ask about helping or to ask about adopting or fostering, email Terry Lynn at [email protected].
Of the half-dozen available pups, she says, "My best guess I would say is Catahoula/Pit mix. The three black and white ones look like a little bit more Pit and then there’s four that look Catahoula.
"They’re wonderful puppies. Whoever dumped them had them inside. They’re doing pretty good being crate-trained here and at the foster homes working on potty-breaking, but with as much as I have to be gone, it’s been a long struggle. They totally adored children."
HEADS UP! FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS
AFFORDABLE CLINIC SATURDAY
IN GUN BARREL CITY, TEXAS
Yes, indeed, coming up on Saturday March 8 in Gun Barrel City, Texas, the Friends of the Animals Clinic with "affordable pet vaccinations, heartworm testing, microchipping & more."


It'll be from 10 a.m. to noon at the Friends of the Animals Clinic in Gun Barrel City -- that's the home of the Friends of the Animals' Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic. It's at 122 Old Gun Barrel Ln #8, in Gun Barrel City.
The Saturday clinic focuses on keeping animals healthy and not vulnerable to ailments they shouldn't have to encounter in a happy critter life.
As per usual, we got the tip on this weekend's clinic from Sydney Busch, guiding light of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek which operates the world's most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas.
Here's the FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS FACEBOOK LINK. 
 If you have questions about either the spay/neuter clinic or the vaccination/testing clinic, call 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
AVAILABLE ADORABLES AWAIT
[LARRY NOTE: Mesquite's Animal Shelter is an example of how unwanted animals can wind up in the care of a city facility and how people can work hard to save them. We've been monitoring shelters for years and the thing they all have in common is they get the dumped dogs and cats abandoned or ignored by people who once said, "I'd like to have a dog" or "Yeah, I'll give a cat a try-out. This unwanted animal population becomes the taxpayer-supported city shelter's responsibility because some people are simply contemptible individuals sans conscience. It's up to the rest of us to help shelters save the animals. Someone help me off this soapbox before I crash through the floor and wreck the pipes under the house.]
Fortunately, most shelters have a link to animal rescuers and, perhaps, a volunteer team of dedicated individuals such as the people who get to know Mesquite's shelter animals personally and write about them in hopes of finding that special, loving home for dumped and forgotten puppies, dogs, cats and kittens. Read on.]
Our longtime Mesquite Animal tipster Judi Brown, one of the volunteer dog-biographers at the shelter, writes, "If you made out a list of what qualities you’d be looking for in a family dog when you came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter you would probably have on your list: 'an attractive dog, friendly, sweet, playful, and well behaved.'
"Well, all of these qualities describe Newt. He is a one year old American terrier Pit/Staffordshire mix that weighs 44 pounds and came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 2/24....
He did his business when he got out into the yard and then came and stayed close to me. Several times even though it was a nice day he stood by the door indicating he’s probably been an inside dog. He came to me when I called him. He sits for treats, but does get excited. Once he settles down he takes treats gently. He’s playful, extroverted, very alert, active, and friendly. He wags his tail constantly indicating he’s a happy boy. ..." There's more to Newt's bio and you can read it on the Mesquite Shelter's website HERE: https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1239/Animals-in-the-Shelter.
Oh, and Judi reports, "He’s also very affectionate and loves to have his ears scratched." Newt's shelter ID is #57905953 -- cite it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283. or email [email protected] to tag Newt.
Also at that City of Mesquite Shelter link HERE you can see photos of dogs and cats and read the volunteer-written biographies of more dogs in need of homes. Same system for the following animals. Cite their shelter ID numbers when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
This majestic girl is Bella, a 2-year-old mix who weighs in at 69 pounds and was surrendered with Shakira, a German Shepherd, -- family had "too many animals to properly take care of her," the bio reads. [LARRY ASIDE: Yep, they unloaded some at the shelter -- at least they didn't just drive 'em somewhere and open the car door with a shove.]
Yes, Dear Readers, that is Shakira, the dumped-at-the-shelter German Shepherd who came in with Bella. She's listed as # 57914036. Shakira is 2 years old, weighs 61pounds and is "well-mannered and very affectionate. Same contact points as the previous Mesquite dogs. "Loves to snuggle," Judi wrote. And Judi also says of Shakira, "She’s a real beauty with enticing eyes and a wonderful personality."
REMEMBER, you can see many animals and read their volunteer-written bios by going to the Mesquite Shelter's website HERE: 
https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1239/Animals-in-the-Shelter
Oh, and, of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't note that the cats waiting in the shelter include one we've mentioned before -- Wasabi, the only cat we've ever encountered who is named in honor of a mustard.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED NOTES FROM DUMPING TO OSCARS...
About the Oklahoma incident near Burns Flat. That was a dumping of defenseless puppies way out on the western edge of Oklahoma, but, if you are new to rescue or reading about animals in need, that isn't a horrible thing that happens only in Oklahoma. Rescuers in D/FW can tell you many horror stories about puppies and kittens dumped in trash bins, alleys, in storm sewers, on highways, etc. Any place an animal shouldn't be, there's some jerk ESOBLEEP who'll throw out Mom and the babies right there -- even a busy grocery store parking lot.
To check with Texas' work on protecting domestic animals and others, go to the Texas Humane Legislation Network site HERE:  https://www.thln.org. The Legislature may need to hear your pro-animal safety voice and your "jail the BLEEPS" demand. ....
I got an email today -- MORE THAN THREE MONTHS INTO 2025 -- and the subject line read, "7 Bad Habits to Leave Behind This New Year." If I've had a bad habit for 3 months, it probably already owns the rest of the year. ...
A lucid theory halfway through the Sunday Night Oscars show? The people who are creating the Oscar TV show should stop trying to win a television Emmy for comedy. Ain't that funny. And maybe the great faded film star Norma Desmond, explaining Hollywood in the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, got it right: "It's the pictures that got small."
-- Offer ideas by clicking on 'comment' below or write something really, really smart and send it to [email protected] and put 'WISDOM' in the subject line. ---

 

DAISY MAY'S TRIUMPH -- A PRODUCT OF EMMA'S WISH & A FOSTER WORKING TO 'SAVE 'EM ALL'

Ah, Dear Readers, for this March 1 edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, we focus on a small dog who had big problems and now has enormous hope for finding her way in to a gigantic future of love!
And, yes, Daisy May has a great supporter -- legendary foster mom Patty Sprong. We've cited Patty's majestic work many times in the past and it's a privilege to spotlight her once again in the challenging case of Daisy May. It's a good fit for our long-running weekend feature.
That's some face on that girl Daisy May (rear, with pal Boo.)
And, yes, that's her wrapped in the blankets and sleeping. "My sweet foster," Patty calls her.
The Sweet Foster Daisy May was not just a feed-and-walk-on-time challenge.
A note from Patty explains, "She was a hot mess when she was rescued by Emma's Wish.
"Her list of ailments was long, the worst being several mammary tumors that we assumed we cancerous, but they weren't.
"She also had a chipped tooth, heart murmur and luxating patellas. Poor girl.
"She'll always have a wonky gait because of her knees, and will always be on heart medicine, but she can still live a great life."
Here is the DAISY MAY ADOPTION LINK courtesy of Emma's Wish Senior Dog Rescue.

And at this Emma's Wish SITE you can see the "back-story" on this rescue organization and other animals who, if a camera is hand, my also qualify as the spotlighted snoozers in our weekend edition, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
The "Meet Daisy May introduction" reads:
"Daisy May is a darling, sweet and shy girl. She is just a puddle of love. She’ll follow you everywhere and cry at first if she can’t find you. Because of that she may not be good in an apartment. She can’t hear very well, so she doesn’t know she’s being loud!
"Daisy May likes to cuddle up under a blanket with you or next to her doggie friends. She takes meds for a heart murmur, which she will need to continue with. Daisy May also has bad knees, but the vet recommended leaving them alone since she manages to get around just fine. She uses a doggy door, walks well on a leash and rides well in the car. Daisy May is approximately 10 years old and weighs 11 lbs."
The adoption application is at this Emma's Wish site HERE.
Daisy May is described as house-trained, "good in a home with other dogs, cats," and "affectionate, gentle, loyal, friendly."
[LARRY NOTE: Look at that Daisy May's "relaxed" face -- it's designed to make humans smile with their hearts, readlarrypowell.com is pretty sure -- we have experience with loveable Chihuahuas.]
[LARRY ASIDE: And, Daisy May is so good at sleeping that we've spotlighted her in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Rarely has any human qualified for such an honor!]
--- DEAR READERS, if your dog or cat can slumber for the camera, send those loving photos to [email protected] and we'll cite the Sleeping Dog/Napping Cat for the benefit of mankind and a peaceful planet! LARRY ---

A FRIDAY EDITION WITH A LOAD OF OPPORTUNITIES AND A MENTION OF PLUTO

EDITION OF FRIDAY, FEB. 28, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Here we are on the Eve of March -- We've been in February, possibly the fastest month of all, for 28 days and spent just as much money as we'd spend in a 31-day month. Happy Valentine's Day, you know?
We have a lot of notes for this edition and I'll need to keep the words to a minimum. Here we go:
SO ONE DAY, NIBBLING A SNACK,
I MISREAD A HEADLINE'S GOAL...
[LARRY EXPLAINS: Yeah, I'm diet-sensitive, so I clicked open the email and saw this headline on an e-mail: "LARGE VAN DRIVERS NEEDED" and I thought, "Finally! Hiring by size!" I was halfway through the daydream when I read the rest of the note.]
LARGE VAN DRIVERS is not a reference to my carseat size. Nope. It's a reference to the vehicle. But this is an important position, indeed.
The note came from the legendary Tawana Couch, founder of the Society For Companion Animals (SFCA), the organization that, for decades, has been flying Dallas-area unwanted animals to places where the animals can find a good home.
But, the dogs first have to get to the designated airport, thus, the "Large Van Drivers" are needed for the first big leg of transport to a happy life.
The appeal from Tawana reads, "If you are an experienced large van driver, please contact Tawana at [email protected] ..." That address can help you volunteer in many ways with SFCA, not just as a driver or dog-wrangler. As Tawana's note reads, "Donations to fly dogs to their new homes are always welcomed and needed. Go to www.societyforcompanionanimals.org. Thanks & Woof Woof!!!" [LARRY FYI: There's a music videoat that website with photos of adoptions days for "flown-out-of-Texas" dogs.] You might enjoy seeing humans smiling with their new pups. One more thought: Despicable. Think these flights to safety aren't important? Go to the Dallas Animal Services stats and look at the number of "euthanized" animals each yearm Here are two links to check out Dallas' shelter population: The general link is https://bedallas90.org/ And the "Report Card" link is this:
https://dallascityhall.com/departments/dallas-animal-services/Pages/Daily-Report-Card.aspx.]
A NOTE ARRIVED FROM
THE ANIMAL COMMUNITY
The e-mail I got appeared to have an authentic Carrollton Animal Services appeal in its content. So, I double-checked online and found several animals at this City of Carrollton Animal Services Link.
Among the animals on that city link? There's #57669482, a year-and-a-half-plus Retriever mix named Giraffey Taffy -- the shelter's site says she's in the "Small Dog Kennels."
Other's listed in the note I got include a year-old Great Pyr mix Cupid. And there are these: Ruff Tufferson (a big Rottie Mix, 18-months-old healthy and 59 pounds. And there are a Pittie Mix named Borkinator, an American Bulldog mix Frank the Tank. And many others.
The note that appears to be forwarded from the shelter, also reads, "We are OVER capacity for large breed dogs. We will not be able to hold them past 5 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025."
[LARRY ASIDE: I suspect, based on past communications with  Carrollton staffers in the past, that when March 14 gets here, the shelter would prefer to be proud to display "happily emptied via adoption" kennels. CLICK HERE to see the "Available Animals" listed on the Carrollton site, including this cat Leo -- not quite as tall as Giraffey Taffy!]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
TWO DOGS WITH 'A LOOK'
[LARRY ASIDE: Yeah, if they were magazine models, they'd be labeled as having "a look." But they are dogs in the Mesquite Animal Shelter, so they are clearly labeled "adoringly adoptable."]
We got the bios of these two Mesquite Animal Shelter "stars" from Judi Brown, longtime member of the volunteer dog bio-writer team at the facility.
She begin's this dog's bio with, "Drake is particularly alluring with his soft fur and pale blue eyes! He’s a one-year-old, 21- pound Australian Shepherd who was literally abandoned at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. He’s a happy-go-lucky boy that loves to romp, gallop, frolic, and run. This is what he did when he first got out into yard. It was very difficult to get photos of him since he was in constant motion.

"It seemed like he was on a mission. I’m wondering if he thought he could find his owners. At one point I had him on the leash and he did allow me to pet him, but as soon as I released him he was on the go again. He didn’t come when I called him. I don’t know if he knows the sit command. He did welcome other dogs with friendly tail wags. He did do his business in the yard.  He did walk okay on a leash. My guess is that he hasn’t had much socialization and doesn’t know how it feels to be loved. This is something you could teach him. He would definitely need a yard. He would also need someone with patience to work with him. He seems like a sweet boy that doesn’t know that he needs love and affection!"
Drake is #57896697 at the shelter. Cite that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email. [email protected] to ask about Drake.
Same system when you contact the shelter about Martin, the dog who, Judi writes, "as far as I could see, has just one flaw and that is the tip of his right ear is missing. And that gives him character!"
Martin (#57868585) is a year-old, 31-pound Australian Kelpie who came into the shelter as a
stray on Feb. 18.
Judi writes that when they were introduced, "I was met in the kennel with wiggles and wags. I sat down when I first got out into the yard, and he came to me literally washing my face with kisses. Instead of the expression 'he/she is a people’s person' he’s a people’s dog. ...appears to love everyone. He stays very close looking up at you! He does jump on you but it’s very gently. ... He was a little bit hesitant on a leash, but since he wants to please he would gladly learn so he can go for walks with you. A snuggle bug like this definitely wants to be a to be a house dog." 
To ask about Martin, cite his ID #57868585 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
See the complete bios, stories of other dogs and listings of cats at the Mesquite shelter site HERE.
ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE
OF THE BIG D SPRAWL
THERE'S GLENN HEIGHTS....
And in Glenn Heights there is a city animal shelter with animals in need of homes -- this "edition" of that continuing small-town report comes from our longtime tipster Laura Macias who told me, "You can see all the dogs on the Friends of Glenn Heights Animal Shelter Page HERE.
That dog is listed as "Jake/Checkers Boy." [LARRY ASIDE: He'll probably answer to whatever name his loving, loyal human gives him.]
The note regarding the population at the city's shelter read that "not even one dog" is "safe...Saving one will save another! Please help!"
To ask about helping, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. "Calling or texting is usually much quicker," Laura says, adding "These dogs are so critical."
The shelter is at 550 E Bear Creek Rd, Glenn Heights, TX 75154-8300. Call the shelter at 214-837-9255.

CONTEMPLATIONS
On a Friday morning...
I still believe in Pluto as a planet. It's an emotional vote on my part. Grew up watching Disney's Wonderful World of Color and reading Walt Disney comic books. Thus, for decades I thought the "planet/former planet" was named for Walt Disney's goofy cartoon dog, Pluto. Nope, a kid from England suggested it should be, research reveals, "named after the Roman god of the underworld, Pluto." Found that info by accident decades ago during a summer afternoon reading at the ol' Texarkana Public Library on State Line Ave. across the state line in the middle of the street separating my beloved birth-state Texas from the State of Arkansas. Ah, born in Texas -- what a blessing!. ...
Questions for the 21st Century: As A Human (I'm assuming (of course) ask yourself: Who gets more emails and letters about "it's time to check ..." stuff? Me or my car?...
---- Offer SAFE SOLUTIONS TO SHELTER OVERPOPULATION BY CLICKING ON 'COMMENT' OR EMAILING [email protected]. ---

CLOSE TO TAKING A SEAT AND OTHER NEEDS AND TALE OF DOGS AND CATS....

EDITION OF THUR/FRI FEB. 27-28, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Here's how I knew spring weather was coming. No, it wasn't by walking outside and not freezing in my first step onto the unmowed frozen grass lawn.
It was when I got a note from Yankee Magazine's The Old Farmer's Store asking, "Are you a veggie or a flower gardener."
I've watched my flowers and my pumpkin crops keel over and die for years. I may be a "Defenseless Farmer" with limited skills. I do have majestic weeds throughout the spring and summer right on into autumn.
That dog? Martha's personal dog Wendy Louise Wagstaff Arden, the pup Martha rescued off the mean streets of southern Oak Cliff. As you may suspect, Martha got her before she was old enough to own the big dog's personal "How To Sleep on a Couch Handbook." She needs to read the chapter titled "Seat Goes On Seating."
WHO IS THIS DOG? (OR...
NO BIZ LIKE SHOWDOG BIZ)
A note from the Eisemann Center popped up in the e-mail. Had to do with Dogs. Two kinds of dogs. One you can adopt!.
The one you may want to adopt can be seen -- with human tendencies -- in the March 5 opening of the production Dog Man: The Musical at the Eisemann Center in Richardson.
The note from the Center reads, "Join the adventure as Dog Man fights crime and claws his way to justice in this hilarious, action-packed musical based on Dave Pilkey’s bestselling series. With lively music, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of heart, it’s a paw-some experience for the whole family!" Tickets? "As low as $15 -- here's the Eisemann LINK.
At the bottom of the Eisemann's announcement in my in-box, there was
the photo of this guy and an explanation.
" Meet Spade!🐾," the note began. And then the clever marketing people revealed, "At the bottom of every   email, we’ll feature an adoptable animal from the Richardson Animal Shelter."
There you have it, the reason this guy Spade was on the bottom portion of the email I opened. You can adopt Richardson's shelter animals without having to attend the show, but maybe you'll want to see the show and get a dog or cat and be able to tell you friends, "We got Big Bark because we saw a live theater show at the Eisemann. If they do a production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof we're going to get a very expressive cat named Big Star to do commercials with
Big Bark." [LARRY CONFESSION: I might have made up that Big Barkstar and Big Mewsicstar part, but I've been on stage and I can't help myself. Only one musical -- I had a talking part. Don't cry for me Argentina or Texarkana Baby or hold that Big DChord too long.]
Here's a link to the Richardson Animal Shelter ONLINE

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE:
TWO PUPS AMONG THE WAITING...
Our veteran dog-biographers Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm provide the bios for these two pups.
RUSTY IS FIRST UP TODAY. Judi describes him as a "sweet boy." He's 1- or 2-years old, weighs 37 pounds and is, Judi writes, "a handsome Shepherd mix -- the emphasis being 'on the mix'."
A "concerned citizen" brought him to the shelter on Feb. 20. Judi writes, "It looks like he’s been well taken care of. He has beautiful reddish gold coloring. I had a difficult time getting pictures of him because he spent most of his time with his nose to the ground. "When I did bring him to me on the leash he was affectionate and let me pet him. He didn’t come to me when I called him. He doesn’t appear to know the sit command or any other commands. I get the impression that he hasn’t had much socialization. However, when I petted him, he was receptive. He needs a very loving home that will spend time with him so that he can learn what being loved on is all about. He needed a lot of coaxing on the leash and then he did try to chew it. This tells me he probably hasn’t been taken for walks. ... He’s active and would not do well in an apartment. He would need to be an inside dog where he can get lots of loving by his new family."
Rusty's shelter ID is #57883821 -- cite it when you call the shelter at 972–216–6283 or email [email protected].
Debra provided the bio of Dodie. And she declared, "They just don’t come any cuter and more adorable than this precious pooch ... She was brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter along with her sibling on 2/10 as strays. Her brother has been adopted and now she figures it’s her turn!
"She is listed as a Retriever/Lab mix, weighs 9 pounds and is approx 3 months old. She is exuberant and high spirited, with plenty of puppy energy and behavior. She is very playful and loves toys and tennis balls. She ran around the meet and greet room with abandon, so happy to be free of the confinement of her kennel and able to move about and play. She loves treats and therefore would undoubtedly be easy to train. She is friendly and sweet natured and is happy to be held and snuggled. She is looking for a person or family willing to stay committed as they work with her through the puppy stage behavior.  ... And of course, there's no how/no way she wants to live outside away from the people she wants to hang out with and love on."
Dodie's ID is #57824639 --cite it when you call the shelter at 972–216–6283 or email at [email protected].
You can see these dogs and many more and some cats, too, by clicking on the Mesquite Shelter HERE. Might see a brighter photo of the really-dark-eyed dog Dodie
https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1239/Animals-in-the-Shelter
AMONG THE MANY WAITING AT
EAST LAKE PET ORPHANAGE'S
POPULATED CAT CARE CENTER
[LARRY ASIDE: This may be the first cat we've encountered who goes by the name "Glimmer," but look at that photo -- seems to fit perfectly.]
Glimmer's on-line bio reads, "With shimmer and sparkle, new orphan Glimmer highlights the room. This lovely Calico with green eyes is about a year old. Come meet her at the Cat Care Center."
Go to the East Lake Pet Orphanage's website HERE  to see how to contact the facility about adopting dogs and/or cats.
East Lake has been helping animals find homes for pretty close to a quarter century. The East Lake description on its website reads that it's a "no-kill shelter connecting people and pets since 2001 through adoption."
The shelter's online address is HERE. East Lake's address is 10101 East Northwest Highway in Dallas. Call 214-342-3100.
CONTEMPLATIONS
NAMES, GAMES AND STUFF
Pondering this: Which is more difficult to name? Dog or cat? Might be determined by the age of the particular new friend/family member. Might be determined by the time of year. Or by the circumstances in which you found the animal. For $500 per dog or cat I will help you determine an adorable name. Oh, wait. I can't do that -- it's probably illegal and I ran out of dog and cat names years ago. Latest one I've named is this guy Hastings -- found on Hastings Street in Duncanville. I'm lucky I didn't find him on Sewer Plant Drive in Dallas. If there is one. ...
AN EXERCISE FOR DOG AND CAT PEOPLE: Close your eyes and think about the dog or cat you loved to let drive the car. I'm kidding. I'd never let a dog drive a car. Cats have a sense of direction. [No truth to this segment, honest. I just needed a few lines of type.]
BASEBALL SEASON... This could be the (second) year the Texas Rangers win the World Series. Wouldn't that be nice? If they win the World Series, they'll probably drop the parking fees at the stadium and I am a world-class ballerina trapped in a hefty man's tutu. Ouch! That mental picture hurt my eyes all the way to the back of my head and William Powell, The Senior Office Cat, got up and walked out of the office mumbling in cat, "The horror...the horror." Cue the exit music.
--- Leave a sweet comment by clicking COMMENT below  or email [email protected] and put "STOP THE MADNESS, SLIM" in the subject line. ---

YOU WONDER HOW THINGS HAPPEN IN A SMART WORLD -- NEED TO RE-CHECK THAT WORD

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY FEB. 25-26 [PetPowellPress] Here we go with an update on a dog who must have encountered the worst financial motivation in humanity, then encountered some of the most angelic humans with good hearts and a mission.
Our info comes via our pal Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com, the non-profit that helps animals and their people.
Barkleyworld co-founders Karen and Dennis are longtime supporters of the Trinity Gap Club Rescue in Euless. You may recall the rescue was created by the Girls Awareness Program at Euless Trinity High School and evolved into a rock-solid rescue organization in the community.
Maddie is benefitting from that historic organization.
A note from Gap's Steffenie Vela, sent during Maddie's crisis in the middle of the month tells the story: Trinity GAP Rescue got a call from the Euless Shelter that this "sweet, small pittie, Maddie was in excruciating pain trying to give birth to puppies!  We rushed her to the vet and an emergency C section was performed.  "One puppy stuck in the birth canal was dead, another puppy was also dead, but two were still alive.   Her uterus was full of greenish infection and the puppies were all infected. The vet said she had been struggling to give birth at least 24 hours before she got help.  Sadly, all puppies  died and Maddie is at the vet struggling for her life."
Now, Maddie has survived. But we want to quote a little bit more from Steffenie's earlier note: "Maddie is 2 to 3 years old and has most likely been used for breeding her entire life   She was thrown out like trash when she could not deliver her last set of puppies on her own.  She was found outside an apartment building crying out in pain   A good Samaritan took her to the shelter. We are asking for donations to help pay for vet costs for Maddie and promise to make sure she gets a good home and the life she deserves."
Karen's latest note brings this news from Steffenie: "Update!  Maddie is out of the vet and in an emergency foster home.  She is still on restricted activity and meds.  Doing well!  
Thanks to all you who donated and prayed for her.  Steffenie (GAP)"
[LARRY NOTE: Maddie has been saved. But she is not the only dog in Dallas/Fort Worth that some chowderhead looks at and sees a "profit center." Get involved with animal rescue and you may be there int time to help them. Email Barkleyworld.com at [email protected] and Steffenie at
[email protected]. GAP's Facebook page is HERE.
MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE
DOGS HAVE BEAUTY, NEED HOME
[LARRY NOTE: OK, we'll stipulate that the second line of that headline is a constant truth. But we've got some to spotlight courtesy of the volunteer dog-bio-writing team at Mesquite Animal Shelter.]
Judi Brown began the story of Nori this way: "Nori is definitely striking. His blue eyes, soft multicolored coat and fluffy
tail make him a real stand out. He is a 2-year-old, 51-pound Siberian Husky/Australian Cattle Dog mix that was dropped off at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/17 by a concerned citizen. He’s a very active, agile dog that likes to climb and investigate. I had to keep on the move to get photos of him. He was more interested in exploring the yard than spending time with me. He did spend some time with me and at that point I found out that he does sit for treats and takes them very gently. He’s highly motivated by treats. He let me know he was happy by wagging his tail. When I called him over to me, he tried to climb on my lap."
Nori's ID is #57864101. Cite that number when you call the the shelter at 972-216-6283. or email [email protected].
You can see Nori's entire bio by going to this MESQUITE LINK.
Judi reports that this girl Nova [#57884223] "was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter
on 2/20 because her owners didn’t have enough time to give to her. She doesn’t understand what’s happening. One day she was in a home with her family and the next day she’s alone at a noisy shelter. She was drooling which indicates an upset stomach. She was very timid. She is a one year-old, 57-pound American pitbull terrier that needs a welcoming, loving home. The owner surrender form said that she had been mostly an inside dog. They also indicated she had not been raised with dogs or children, but that she was friendly with both. She loves running and playing. [At the shelter] Once Nova got out into the yard  she relaxed some. At one point she followed me back-and-forth as I was cleaning up the yard.  Later I had to call her many times to get her to come to me. "
See her entire bio on the Mesquite shelter site HERE .
Cite her ID #57884223 when you call the the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Nova was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/20 because her owners didn’t have enough time to give to her. She doesn’t understand what’s happening. One day she was in a home with her family and the next day she’s alone at a noisy shelter. She was drooling which indicates an upset stomach. She was very timid. She is a year-old 57-pound American pitbull terrier that needs a welcoming, loving home. The owner surrender form said that she had been mostly an inside dog. They also indicated she had not been raised with dogs or children, but that she was friendly with both. She loves running and playing. Once Nova got out into the yard  she relaxed some. At one point she followed me back-and-forth as I was cleaning up the yard.  Later I had to call her many times to get her to come to me. I get the feeling she hasn’t had a whole lot of socialization. She’s cautiously friendly. She’s very alert and explored the yard. She’s calm, sweet and gentle." See the rest of her bio on the shelter site.  To ask about Nova, email [email protected] to tag Nova. Type tag in the subject line along with ID 57884223 to ensure proper tagging.
This girl is Millie --#57776196. Judi writes that "Millie is not comfortable at the shelter. She is a 6-year-old, 68-pound Doberman that was brought into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/1 as a stray. When she first came into the shelter she was completely shut down. All the dogs barking terrified her. She shakes and when you go in to interact with her she rolls over as though you’re going to beat her. She’s got a long nose, long legs and has come “a long way baby." "When you show her the leash she will get up and she does walk well on the leash. That is something she did not do when she first got here. After spending some time with her she will cautiously come to you. She will even put her head on your lap. She’s so happy to see one of our volunteers that she wags her little stump of a tail when she sees her."
See that full bio of Millie on the shelter's website HERE.
And Judi's bio of  Millie reads, "There’s no telling what this girl has gone through. She needs out of the shelter ASAP."
Cite her ID #57776196 when you call the the shelter at 972-216-6283or email [email protected].
Judi writes that Tippy (#57869294) "was named for the white tip on his tail.  He’s a year-old, 60-pound combination of English Pointer, Fox Terrier and Border Collie. He came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/18 as a stray. In his kennel, he was very vocal demanding attention. But once he got out of his kennel he was a totally different dog. He walked relatively well on the leash. He was curious and spent time looking out the gate. He galloped for joy around the yard. He did jump on me a few times, but as soon as I told him to get down he did. It was very obvious that he wants to please, He sits for treats. He’s takes them very gently. ... He’s
well mannered and obeys. He’s active and playful. I would call him a gentle giant. ... When I sat down, he came to me wanting to get on my lap. ...He would need a yard to romp in, but at the same time would want to spend most of his time inside enjoying family time.I was really really impressed with Tippy and you will be too." Cite Tippy's ID #57869294 when you call the shelter at or email [email protected]
SEE DOGS AND CAT AND THE FULL BIOS PLUS MORE by clicking on the Mesquite Animal Shelter SITE HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
MORE IDLE THOUGHTS THAN USUAL...
As this is being typed Monday afternoon, the sky looks like summertime. I'm still wearing thick socks -- my toes have long memories. ...
I've watched The Godfather at least twice in the past three days -- the convenience of cable. Seeing it again after years was like it's like enjoying  conversation with an old friend if he's not carrying a heater. ...
I want to read more but I'm afraid to turn off the TV. I'm kidding. I'm kidding! My typing takes up my time....
-- Offer advice good or bad by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] -- think up your own subject line. No fee forthcoming. ---

VELCRO THE DOG WAITS; OTHER CHALLENGES IN THE CANINE WORLD....

EDITION OF MONDAY, FEB. 14, 2025 [PetPowellPress] As I begin to type this edition, I have an afternoon window view that looks nothing at all like the past two weeks or however long that arctic misery had a grip our beloved MetroRink.
William and I spent part of the weekend sorting notes, photos and philosophical intrusions into the life we like to call "normal." Just because you call it "normal," that doesn't make it so. We do have some great animals needing great homes for a great long time of mutual adoration for the critters and the humans.
Seems like that would be an easy achievement. And I'm starting this edition with a dog who is regarded as "Easy To Love." Read on about a dog named Velcro -- he may be a match for you.
VELCRO -- A YOUNGSTER  WHO
HAS ENCOUNTEED  AN ADVENTURE
This may be my favorite "Dog Needs A Home" photograph so far this year. It is reminiscent of the style of painting by famed American artist Norman Rockwell.
The reason I got the photo and you're seeing it is we have a family connection to Lauren Duininck who, in a great rescue event, brought this baby Velcro to Texas.

That photograph simply represents the idea that Velcros knows the way into a heart is through
the door where that heart lives.
And that hug photo demonstrates how a little dog can win a heart.
There's just one complication and a human will -- again -- be the solution that gives Velcro that great home.
Lauren's story of this dog begins with her intro of Velcro and segues into how Velcro wound up in a challenging situation. Lauren opened with, "I'm so excited to tell you about Velcro. He's sincerely the sweetest dog I've ever met, and I'm so disappointed that I'm this allergic to him."
And there's the "rub," so to speak. Lauren is sincerely and carefully looking for a great home for her dog Velcro.
She explains his story in this passage: "A couple weeks ago someone ditched him outside the gate of my uncle's ranch in Oklahoma. He was either there for a couple days, or they had already been starving him. The vet told me he's around 10-12 weeks old last week and he weighs 20 lbs! I'm waiting on the results from the DNA swab I sent in, but I'm almost positive he's mostly Pyrenees. He has the extra claws and just wants to be around a human constantly. 
"He loves his crate and he's sleeping through the night! He's absolutely obsessed with other dogs and he's very submissive. Great with kids! My 2 year old nephew grabbed his cheeks and Velcro just licked his nose and walked away. He's a big fan of walks and doesn't pull on his leash."
Here's the challenging part from Lauren. She writes, "I don't want to just send him to another foster or shelter. I really want to find a perfect home for him! In my mind, his perfect home is a family that he can be a nanny dog for or someone that wants a constant companion.'
To ask about helping place Velcro, email [email protected].

[LARRY NOTE: We frequently see challenges such as this in the animal world. It is always uplifting to see people making a sincere effort when an unexpected challenge changes the way thing were supposed to work out.]
SOMETIMES A DOG'S NAME
IS JUST RIGHT FOR THE MOMENT
This may be the first dog named "Kokobean" that we've encountered in the realm of rescue Out tipster is veteran Mesquite volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm.
She says "precious pup" Kokobean is a "Terrier mix brought in as a stray to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/14.  She weighs 48 pounds, is about 10 months old and has just been spayed.  She will walk on a leash but when I led her through the bay past dog after dog barking at her she was intimidated and resisted walking. 
"She seemed so contented in the meet-and-greet room in which I did her evaluation, away from the noise of the other dogs and the confinement of her kennel. She has a beautiful brindle coat and the warmest brown eyes.  'Kokobean knows the sit command and will do so for treats which she takes nicely  She is timid and nervous at this point and who can blame her?  I fully expect she will acclimate to the shelter environment and get more comfortable.  She is well-mannered, calm and gentle as well as amiable and perfectly fine with petting, especially belly rubs." Kokobean's shelter ID is #5785509 -- cite it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
That brings us to a couple of pups who were found out and about and are now awaiting shelter for a place to call "home." Their bios were sent by Debra.
Starla is described as "an American Pit Bull/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix" picked up as a stray by one of our officers and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/15.  Starla weighs 60 pounds, is about 3 years old and has just been spayed. 
"I think she is still recovering from the spay and will open up and feel more comfortable soon.  She walks well on a leash.  She knows the sit command and will do so for treats which she takes politely.  I discovered that she is quite partial to belly rubs and hopes that her future family will indulge her with belly rubs." Starla is #57857456. Debra says, "She met me at her kennel door with tail wags and that tail was wagging most of our time together. ..."
Questions? Please call 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected]. 
Same system to asking about Sparky (#57864937). His bio says he's about 6 months old, was picked up by an officer on Feb. 17 and brought to the shelter. Debra says the 30-pound pup was picked up by "one of our officers and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/17.  Sparky weighs 30 pounds.  Debra's Dog Scanner app suggests Sparky's breed mix include Lab/Retriever and Dogo Argentino."
Debra says he's "well-behaved and calm.  He's a tail-wagging pup that is frisky, perky and active, although not overly so. He would not walk on a leash and I wonder if he has ever had one on.  I had to carry him to the room in which I did his photo shoot.  We will work with him on that.  He was not interested in toys, balls or even treats.  He did sit but not on command.  What he was most interested in was giving kisses, snuggling, climbing into a lap and being very affectionate."
You can see Starla and Sparky's extended bios and the stories of other dogs and cats by clicking on the Mesquite Shelter's website HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: Cats include these two. And, as is tradition in a North Texas shelter, "many more." Might even find one actually named "Mini Moore."]
ASSESSING THE FUTURE:
7 PUPPIES AFTER RESCUE
Over the weekend we got a little bit of an update from Terry Lynn Fisher about the litter of puppies she rescued from a Coyote-inhabited area outside of Terry Lynn's hometown. Burns Flat, Okla is where Terry Lynn has become a pro-animal rescuer/advocate -- busy all the time.
Here latest note reads, "The last thing I needed was seven puppies. But what do you do? I couldn’t just leave them out there to die. So yes, my son and I loved them up and here they came home with me.
"I have found a foster for two of them, but I need places for the other five. The foster home it’s only short term, but it’s really too much on me at this time to have seven puppies around.
"We had a little bit of money sent for some puppy food, but it looks like I’m gonna have them for a while, so I will be needing puppy food. I need to get their shots to them. I would like to get some kind of [fence] for the backyard to put them in, I have a huge backyard and it’s just really too big to turn them loose in.
"Of course, if you’re a Rescue that has room, please please please let me know. I really need them safe somewhere, because as I stated earlier, it’s a bit much for me to deal with right now.
"I only have a medium crate, and there’s just too many of them in there, so right now they’re just loose in one of the bedrooms.
"If anyone can help with these babies, please let me know. They are beautiful, but I really need help with them. Thank you all!]
Get in touch with Terry Lynn by emailing [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS
A THOUGHT OR TWO?
OK, perhaps this is not quite strong enough to be considered to be a "thought." I'm comfortable with that. I do still have a thought that I hope the deep inner strength of Dallas will somehow save and preserve Neiman Marcus Downtown. ...
Speaking of preserving things that are tough to save: Anybody seen a 1971 ugly green Chevrolet Vega rolling out on a highway lately?...
I need time off. It might be warm enough to mow the lawn. See you in the next edition. Save 'em all.
--- Offer info or wisdom by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and put "WISE UP BLOCK HEAD" in the subject line. ---

SOMETHING YOU CAN'T CALL THIS PHOTO

Anyone who lives with a dog or a cat or dogs and cats will tell you how to label this photograph. 
"ACTION SHOT."
Yep, you can't refer to it as "A Three Dog Night."
For this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, the influence of the brutal Winter of Feb. '25 has given us one cat and two dogs on the couch. It's the couch from which they traditionally
begin an evening watching TV and then segue into slumberland.
In this case you can see the tranquil cat that stopped by to nap with these household pals. 
The cat is Stevie Ray Treeboy, rescued as half-a-handful of kitten as he dangled in a panic from a flimsy mimosa tree limb and yowled for help. I helped him and he is a great sidekick and Junior Office Cat.
 The dog in the middle (and left) is Wendy, my funspouse Martha's rescue off the busy streets of Oak Cliff. They adored each other from the start.

And the snoozer at the far end is my Personal Dog Porche Noel, i.e., "found on the front porch at Christmas" many years go. When it comes to sleeping, she's an artist. That's here in an "awake mugshot"!
What do we learn from this? We learn that no matter how an animal gets to your house, the sofa belongs to the animals. They'll happily share it.
[DEAR READERS: Send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats and any other slumbering critter (and their stories!) to [email protected] and we'll feature them-- actually celebrate them! -- in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cat Nap.]

STORY A: THE CAT WHO RODE A TRUCK TO THE DUMP; STORY B: HOW BUSY CAN 7 PUPS BE?

EDITION OF FRIDAY PM, FEB. 21, 2025 [PETPOWELLPRESS] I have a new favorite quote from a rescuer. I'll cite that quote and then you need to read on about two very distinct rescue efforts in two different states. One rescue gets a little trashy (at a "dump") and the other has an experienced voice discussing how sometimes things are ... well, you'll see. From that I got my new favorite rescue quote: "AT THIS POINT, PUPPY PADS WOULD BE A BLESSING!." [LARRY ASIDE: My unexpected twin boys were born in 1971 -- I can endorse the spirit of that Puppy Pads quote.]
We'll move right into this and note that we'll have a Monday edition with a right-handsome dog, too, if my typing fingers don't disintegrate. That dog needs a wonderful new home.
CALLING HER 'LANDFILL KITTY'
SEEMS TO BE SPOT-ON
We got this story Friday morning from Buffy Sundstrom of the rescue organization named The Gathering Place Animal Rescue, Sanctuary and Ministry.

Buffy tells the story, reporting that the cat known as "Landfill Kitty" got safely to the rescue's care in a "different" kind of ride. Buffy's story says, "She apparently got trapped in a dumpster, then emptied into a garbage truck, rode to the landfill, was dumped out of the garbage truck and got missed by the dozer. No, microchip and doesn't appear to be spayed. They believe it was on a Dallas area route. Please share on any Dallas sites. Happen on Tuesday. We will be getting her spayed."

The site of rescue was the Republic Services ECD Landfill near I-45 in Ellis County. A
worker saw the cat and quickly scooped her up and got her into a safe spot, Buffy reported.
If you know this cat or want to help her or help the organization help her, call The Gathering Place at 945-226-1357.
Buffy told us, "We have been running over capacity for over a year. Some of our dogs have been with us a year to 4 years. So maybe we can find her [Landfill Cat's] owner and get some animals a wonderful home.   We truly appreciate it.   We will be getting her spayed and UTD on vaccines, deworming, flea prevention and HW prevention."
The Gathering Place's Facebook page is HERE. You can see more animals in need of homes, also.
AND HOW ARE TERRY LYNN'S
RESCUED PUPS COPNG?
HERE'S HER 'INSIDE STORY'!
In our previous edition we cited a couple of long chapters written by noted rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher after she helped bail a bunch of puppies out of a tough spot near Burns Flat, Okla. What we've got today we could call "CHAPTER III BY TERRY LYNN" and the stars are seven puppies (and the rescuers). Call it an example of "It Takes A Village" -- Not sure if Terry Lynn is writing a book about her adventures, but she ought to -- she's pretty much got the stories from Burns Flat, Okla., that will enchant people who love animal rescuers and animals.
So, here's Terry Lynn's latest note about those puppies rescued from a high-Coyote Population area near the far western Oklahoma town Burns Flat.
From Terry Lynn: "Puppies...One is OK. Two are cute. SEVEN? Oh my goodness! They are driving me crazy! LOL!
"CUTE! RAMBUNCTIOUS...AND SO MESSY!!!
"I’m doing the best I can, but I’ll be honest, I’ll be glad when they’re gone. I’m just not set up for a little babies.
"I’ve had some before, but I kept them in the little heated, air-conditioned building outback. Well, I’ve got a dog in there already, so they couldn’t go there, so for now they’re staying in my granddaughter’s room here at my house.
"I crate them some, but not a lot, because I only have one medium crate left. I’d like to get a large crate for them eventually, or for any future litters of puppies I bring home, but for now, well, you can just imagine.
"I need help, guys. If any of you rescues have any open spots for Puppies, they are beautiful. Especially the ones with the Catahoula markings.
"We need shots. They need to be warmed. Puppy food. Puppy pads. Oh yes, at this point, puppy pads would be a blessing.
"Anyway, we’ve had a little bit of help with some stuff, but I still need some. So if anybody can help with these seven cute little puppies, please let me know." (Email her at [email protected].)
Terry Lynn also writes, "I sit there and watch them play and think how did somebody just load them up in the car on one of the coldest days since 1918 in the state of Oklahoma and dumped them out. How do you do that? What kind of person care about an animal enough to do that?
"We have a few leads on where they might’ve come from and we are checking into it. The Sheriff's Department is helping me, so I really hope we find the sick individual that just put these babies out to die.
"For now, they are safe. On the other hand? Just say my mental state is at risk -- LOL.
"If anybody can help, please let me know. We are located in Western Oklahoma but, hey, I’m willing to transport anywhere I can. Thank you."
[LARRY ASIDE: That's a "Thank you" from way out in Burns Flat, Okla. Look it up. Terry Lynn's determined and angelic work has put it on the map.-- larry]
And, Terry Lynn, who has the legendary optimism a successful animal advocate/rescuer needs, included this passage in her Friday report:
"On a brighter note," she wrote, 'The temperatures are gonna get up into the 60s next week. Yes, from -20° windchill this week to in the 60s and 70s next week. Welcome to Oklahoma."
CONTEMPLATIONS
If you've got something you'd like to see people contemplating, summarize it in a sentence and send it to [email protected]. ...
Suggested topics? Dallas needs to save the downtown Neiman Marcus and turn it into a wonderful site for learning how Dallas became connected with the international world...
How do you feel about the time change?
Do you miss the era of The British Invasion and the lively spirits that crossed the Atlantic and inspired American teenagers -- yeah, you kinda had to be there.
--- OFFER ADVICE OR DOUBT by clicking on 'comment' below or email [email protected] and put 'LAY OFF THE SWEETS 2025, SLIM' in the subject line. ---