ReadLarryPowell.com

ONE MORNING IN TEXAS...

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2022 [PetPowellPress] We’re taking most of the day off to contemplate the way the world is working out these days.
On the other side of the world, children are being killed by war.
On our side of the world, they’re being killed by neighbors, strangers, wrong-way drivers and the blinding power of a misguided mind.
At our website, we focus on people helping animals. We know for a fact that good hearts and minds exist. We see them at work daily. It is comforting to know that such good souls exist. 
And we celebrate the planet’s many good hearts today. 
For the moment, we’re going to hold onto a comforting office cat named William Powell rather than a computer keyboard and we’re going to fall back on our childhood ways and do some sincere praying for little kids and their loved ones.
I figure I’m not alone in these “sickened-once-again-sensations.” I think I might just dust off one of my Lapsed Baptist Boy Prayers on behalf of the loving people who are unable to move into their day without first fighting through this all-to-familiar sadness.
Protect the children. And, yes, heal those who are suffering from hidden curses that make them act out in horrible ways. 
Yeah, I’m not licensed to preach or certified to counsel. But, I’ve been around. Seen some stuff. Spent decades in the news-gathering business — I learned at an early reporter age that it can be an ugly world now and then, but you can always find beautiful people with benevolent hearts.

—- Click on ‘comment’ below. —-

FOR THE 24TH, TIARAS, DOGS, CATS -- IT TAKES PEOPLE TO TRIUMPH

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Sometimes I need distractions from the animal kingdom other than teenage kitten Hastings wrestling a roll of paper towels on the office floor. In this case, we turn to Holiday Insights where we learn that May 24 is both Interna- tional Tiara Day and National Escargot Day. 
The Insights online calendar people report the “Tiara Day” was created in 2005 “so women and girls around the world can feel like royalty” … and the date was chosen because England’s Queen Victoria was born on May 24, 1819 -- she reigned in crowns and tiaras from 1837 to 1901.
[LARRY ASIDE: That dog is not royalty — that we know of — but her name is Sierra and she has quite the face! Plus, look at those ears! Clearly Sierra is a Championship Earhound. More on her later.]
This is also National Escargot Day — nobody gets credit for creating it, the Insights people say. I found pictures of Queen Victoria wearing a tiara in one case and a crown in the other. I could not find a picture of an escargot in a tiara, but I did find a drawing of one on a skateboard. As a vegetarian I can only declare, “God Save the Queen and the Escargot.” 
So, now that I’ve celebrated some calendar notes, I’ll move on to the challenges of our animal-lovin’ lives. Hang on, let me adjust my tiara. OK. Moving along.
STRAYS,  FOUNDLINGS
AND OTHER TALES
Yeah, these all need a human to help them after, apparently, a human turned out to be no help at all. Check out the face on Emma. 
How does a dog like that wind up a stray in the Ferris area south of Dallas? No idea, according to the report from people trying to help her, the determined 4-Legged Helpers who focus on small, underfunded shelters.
 They’re hoping to hook her up with a spot in an equally-determined rescue group or, maybe, a human heart. To help the Helpers help these dogs, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. The Helpers would like to hear from you ASAP.
Emma’s a Yorkie Mix who was found “out and about on her own.” Her stray-hold period expires Wednesday. And her bio reads, “Super sweet little girl. Little lap dog. So cute!”

 That brings us to a guy with a great aura of “loveable dog.” We base that on his photos. Chad is a Bull Terrier/Boxer mix, already neutered and available for adoption. His bio reads, “This adorable guy is young — about 11 months but you can see he is not going to get very big.  He is just as sweet as sweet can be and absolutely ADORES every person and every dog he meets.  Cutest thing ever.  Very happy - EXTREMELY lovable.”
Then there’s Ranger, the German Shepherd mix now waiting in Ferris. He’s got a story. The Helpers report, “Ranger was found out and about by a very kind person close to a gun range, therefore the name Ranger. He is a beautiful, sweet, and loving dog! At the time this sweet boy was found, he had an injured leg that turned out to be broken! Fortunately he is now well and is so deserving of a forever home. He does great with other dogs and truly adores people. VERY friendly and lovable!”
We’ll close The Helpers’ appeals with an on-going attempt to help this girl Precious, a “Bull Terrier Mix.” There’s a $400 donation to the 501c3 that rescues Precious. 
Her bio describes here as a “very sweet little girl” and a “little cutie pie” and she has “those adorable ears and sweet little face…. great on the leash. Listens well — we had a dog trainer evaluate her … Adores — and we mean ADORES — people.”
FROM THE SMALL SHELTERS TO
MESQUITE’S BIG BUSY SHELTER
We got the tip on this first guy from volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown. She reports that Kody came into the Mesquite Shelter on May 11 and the 5-month-old Retriever?Shepherd mix is a “happy 5-month old.”
Why’s he in the shelter? “The owner had too many animals,” Judi writes. “Three other dogs were surrendered along with Kody. One of them was Remy, also at the shelter now.” And she says that at first Kody “stayed close like a Velcro dog, but once he became comfortable in the yard he began to frolic and scamper back-and-forth. He was very playful. It was fun to watch him having so much fun! When I sat down he came to me wagging his tail all the time and smothered me with kisses!” Kody is already fixed. He weighs 38 pounds. … He’s an all-around great dog with an easy-going disposition.”
And this is Remy, same age and 34 pounds — Kody’s likely brother. He’s #50162117. Kody is #50162116 — use their numbers to ID them when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or by emailing rescues@cityof mesquite.com. 

Judi’s bio of Remy says he’s also “friendly, happy, affectionate, playful and fun-loving. Remy found some stuffed toys in the yard and played with them. He stayed close for extra affection. He alway was very alert and curious. That probably indicates he’s very smart. ….When I sat down, he came to me to have his ears scratched. He also wagged his tail the whole time he was in the year. He was generous with kisses.” Already fixed, too.
Porsche is #50226850 — that’s the ID number you use when you check on Porsche at the shelter. Judi writes, “Just look at this sweet face. What’s not to love? This smokey gray 2-year-old terrier/Pittie … arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 5/19 as a stray. She’s on the slender side weighing 54 pounds. She’s recently had a litter. I was met in the kennel with tail wags. Apparently she was just really happy to be able to get out of her kennel. Once she got into the yard it was obvious that she was timid and unsure of the environment. She was real sweet and came to me to be petted but remained cautious. She will need TLC and a slow introduction to warm up to her new family. I don’t think she’s had a lot of loving as she didn’t respond to toys, balls, or treats. Because she was not interested in treats I was not able to entice her to sit. … When I walked her through the bay dogs were barking at her and she ignored them. … Porsche is a real sweet dog and a CLASS ACT! Come spend time with her, give her TLC and you will see that she has the potential to be a loving companion.”

And Debra Chisholm, our other reliable Mesquite volunteer dog biographer, introduced us to #50202085 “a very cutesy and spunky mixed breed girl I have named ‘Sierra’.” The year old pup came into the shelter on May 16 as a stray. And she has a delightful face and a grand set of ears! Clearly an Earhound. 
Debra’s bio of this year-old girl says Sierra “likes to entertain herself playing with toys.  She had a great time exploring the room where I did the photo session.  She is friendly and very sweet.  She does jump on you in her excitement.  She was badly in need of a bath and was very cooperative when another volunteer and I bathed her.  She likes treats and will take them gently.  She walks very nicely on a leash and was quite intimidated by the dogs who were barking at her; however she did not react to them.  This would be a wonderful dog for someone looking for a pup and willing to invest some time, effort and commitment in giving her playtime, exercise and training.   Our shelter is badly overcrowded and dogs continue to stream in the doors daily.  If you are interested in Sierra it would make room for another dog who will quickly fill it.

 Sierra is #50202085 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmes- quite.com.
You can see more Mesquite animals by clicking on the shelter’s website HERE.
Among the many cats and kittens and canines is one we’ve mentioned previously — Milo the Cat (#48498400) — he’s a nearly 4-year-old large Domestic Shorthair mix who came in on March 18. His bio says he’s in the shelter’s Conference Room. Presiding, no doubt. And, of course, readlarrypowell.com is astounded that such a great mature cat doesn’t have a human and a home and all the cuddling he can stand.
CONTEMPLATIONS
RAIN, BRAIN, TRAIN
There you have 3 words that rhyme on a Tuesday. We haven’t tried ‘em on a Monday — you know how discordant Mondays can be. At our house, currently falling from the sky (from where else?) is rain. The yard-grass will grow, my greenthumbspouse Martha’s flowers will blossom and dogs will track mud into the house. It’s a wonderful event. …
Brain? Let me check. Nope. I must have dropped it running in the rain from the car to the front door. We have a garage, but I haven’t unpacked it from our last move. I swear I'll clean out the garage before the turn of the century. …

When I was a kid, we got to take a passenger train roundtrip between Texarkana on the Eastern border and El Paso on the Western border. I think I’d like to do that again. Of course, I’d also like to set up a Lionel electric train in our living room and let it run for a while — problem is, those little trains attract predatory cats! I hate to think what would happen if I fired up a small drone in the living room! Indoor cats flying everywhere, swatting mightily at the air! If drones were cheaper, I might try that just to watch! Nah, our cats and dogs are extraordinarily orderly. I may go hug 'em all right now!
—- Offer ideas or doubts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com and put GET SOME FRESH THOUGHTS in the subject line. —-

IT BEGINS WITH A DOG NAMED TRISTAN...AND THE NEED IS HOMES AND HUMAN HEARTS....

EDITION OF MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 [PetPowellPress] You have a viewing assignment for this edition and it is an assignment with pressure. 
Click HERE.   https://www.facebook.com/1282155007/videos/531810338673303/  
And I hope the link works. (If it doesn't, know that I'm working on it. Also go to Tami Kula's Facebook page to see it!)
The bulging-with-at-peril-animals Dallas Animal Services Shelter is pressured right now and the only way out for some animals is a needle. One of them is this guy Tristan, 10 years old and 75 pounds, according to DAS. That needle would seem to be an extraordinarily unfair exit for any animal in a city that named its airport Love and claims to have a big heart. Get the idea? 
In case you haven’t done the classwork and watched the video, here’s the deal with Tristan. (See his DAS SITE.) 
Look at his right front paw. Yeah, it’s not there. 
We got the tip on him from Tami Kula, the animal advocate who monitors the DAS and other shelters. Her note reads, “TRISTAN IS INCREDIBLE. Please don't overlook him. I am a big fan of #theunderdog. Despite his right front paw missing he runs and plays and is ready to head on any adventure.”

Then she adds, “But he is urgent and needs an Adopter or Rescue or Foster ASAP. We cannot say enough amazing things about this guy. Dallas Animal Services — OWNER SURRENDERED.  ... Playgroup tested, plays gentle and social with other dogs. Front right paw is missing, healed so happened a long time ago/at birth - does not seem affected. … Go adopt at the Shelter. Foster at dasfoster@dallascityhall.com or dasrescue@dallascityhall.com."
The DAS website is www.bedallas90.org.
 As you watch Tristan exploring the shelter grounds, imagine how quickly he quits moving when the tech shoves that needle into him and the light goes out in those eyes because shelter management can’t find a human heart in the City of Dallas or the surrounding area. Remember, you don’t have to live in Dallas to adopt in Dallas. Go save some lives and help your own lives be better at the same time. 
At the bedallas90.org site you can see how to adopt and what you’ll need. Here is what “DAS Requires All Adopters to be: Be at least 18-years-old; Present a valid ID; 
Fill out an adoption questionnaire; Speak to an adoption counselor; Provide contact information for the pet’s microchip.” Nobody want’s the animals going to someone who won’t help them live happily ever after.
[LARRY ASIDE: I’ve been writing about animals-at-peril and about happily adopted and rescued animals since the previous century. Every now and then — like friggin’ daily — I encounter the story with scant information about a dog whose spirit touches me. That’s Tristan. But I’m blessed with a heart that never met an animal I didn’t love, and cursed with a bank account that can’t quite finance publishing a book titled “HOW YOU CAN LIVE WITH A DOG AND CAT HAVE A LIFE OF LOVE THAT ENRICHES YOUR SOUL.” Of course, that’s too long a title, but I had to use long expressions. I couldn't use my always-spot-on newsroom expressions that describe people who are willingly ignorant. Now and then I try to be polite.  FYI, I'd adopt that cute kitten if we hadn't already hit the cat limit on earth. That kitten is Moon (A1144902) a 2-month-old who wound up in the Dallas shelter and went into foster care. Ask the shelter about him or any of these animals by emailing dasadopt@dallascityhall.com or call 214-670-6800. FYI: I was there when the first shovels of dirt were turned for this shelter. I was there when it officially opened. I saw it as a place that would remove the Dallas Animal Services reputation as a place where stray dogs and cats and unwanted puppies and kittens went to be killed without hope of adoption. I like to thing the DAS Shelter maintains the mission of saving all of ‘em in Dallas. But, I’m nearly always an idiot in matters of civic direction.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
LOOK AT THE FACES

At 10:52 a.m. Monday, I copied the photos of the first 12 dogs listed as available on the DAS “Adoptable Pets’ link on bedallas90.org. There are many, many, many more. Reminder: The city of Dallas budgets “euthanasia juice” by the barrels for the shelter because the residents of Dallas fail so many animals each year.
 At 10:58 a.m., I copied the first dozen cats on the shelter’s list of adoptables. Some are young, some are not. Just like the dogs, all are “on the list” if the circumstances are right.
Circumstances? If there’s a distemper outbreak, if there’s a parvo outbreak, if there’s too much mange, too wild a personality … If management changes policies. If political theories of management overwhelm decency. … Look, the reality is, municipal and county taxpayer financed- shelters, in spite of the term “shelter,” have time limits — the clock is ticking the moment an animal is delivered via a “stray pickup” or an ownership dumping. Thanks to humans, the death needle never really goes into retirement.
At 11:05 a.m., I wondered how in the world the animal advocacy world can reach the hearts of people who just don’t know the way things are going in their city’s shelter. Or that their city has a shelter. Or that animals other than coyotes run free in North Texas. People who don’t know that their outdoor cats are “food” for coyotes, foxes, hawks and other predators — honestly, how much brainpower does it take to keep your cat happy inside your house? Those “natural predators? Nothing compared to humans. Humans shoot animals for fun. They ignore them sometimes and hope they’ll die. They dump them on busy roads. They leave them on parking lots. Geez, I’m telling you animal advocates things you already know. What we all don’t know is how we can awaken the rest of humanity to the concept of being actively kind to animals every day of the week. Death by euthanasia is meant to be helpful to a suffering animal, it’s not meant to be a population management tool to open up some kennels. 
Good thing those give-em-the-needle advocates weren’t in charge of beds during the pandemic, right?
—-Offer serious ideas for saving ‘em all by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —

SO, ONE TIME THERE WAS THIS MOMMA WITH SOME KITTENS AND A LOT OF CHARM....

Check out the beauty of this napping cat. How’s that for a comfy curl-up and getting some Kitty Zzzzs for a photograph?
That is the oh-so-adorable adorable Mia — she is a “Legacy Napper” for this edition of our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. And, perhaps more significantly, she is a long-running wonderfully adored “Foster Failure.”
See that second photo? That is the first time we presented Mia as the star of “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.” It’s a photo of being-fostered Momma MIa with her three kittens in our June 7, 2013 edition. (Keep reading; you may see one of those kittens again.) 

So, yep, Patty was fostering them for Mazie’s Mission and Patty is a renowned successful foster, i.e., she socializes and charms the animals and they move on to their next home all sweetened up and ready to love and be loved.

The next time we posted a Mia story was on March 24, 2017. That’s the third photo with headline and caption from "way back then."
We were noting a shocking moment in the Animal Advocacy Universe. Legendary Foster Mom Patty had failed — and she NEVER fails. Ask any of the many people who now have family members whose four paws passed through the Patty and Steve household.
Mia’s Power of Affection was too strong to be ignored.
And, now, here we are in 2022 and Mia is still the cat’s meow.

 Patty sent the 2022 pictures during the week and lovingly recalls the Mia story and Mia’s kids, including Jaxx. “I fostered Mia for Mazie’s Mission nine years ago. She was found as a stray with her kittens. She was on stray hold because, per her chip information, someone had adopted her from another shelter. They obviously didn’t follow through with the spay requirement, and voila!”
[LARRY NOTE: In the case of that preceding sentence, “voila” is French for “HOLY SMOKE! NEWBORN KITTENS! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?” Well, we all know about the birds and bees and cats. Back to Patty’s note.]

Patty wrote, “Luckily for me, they never claimed her or replied to the city’s letters. She was a great mama, and that’s why I named her Mama Mia. The kittens were all adopted, and I keep in touch with one of the adopters [Karel]. She adopted Jaxx, a little tabby boy. Jaxx is living the life now, and I must say, so is Mia.”
You see, of course, the photos of what can happen when you foster a momma cat and her kittens. You wind up snapping pictures, sharing furniture with a cat named Jaxx, building great memories of feline affection! Maybe even contemplating fostering dogs and puppies, cats and kittens and any other species that needs help from someone whose heart is dedicated to giving the critters a decent break in life! 
We’re checking to see if Mia teaches an online seminar titled “How To Become A Beloved Foster Failure.” Clearly she knows the way to human hearts.
How wonderful is it to think that an unwanted cat and her three kittens found themselves bunking with the right person with the right connections to get them into homes where they’re adored companions and members of the family. [LARRY ASIDE: Just about every rescue organization in the known universe needs foster help. In honor of Mia her kids, here’s the link to MAZIE’S MISSION There’s a button on the page that you can click to reach the foster program — click on “How To Help.” And fostering is genuinely a helping situation.]
And, by the way, readlarrypowell.com dedicates this edition with Mama Mia and her boy Jaxx to everyone who has ever loved a cat by accident or on purpose.
[DEAR READERS: Please send photos and bios of your slumbering critters to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll post ‘em proudly in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be inspiring other people to open their homes to animals — maybe inspiring some of them to foster AND others to adopt. And you’ll be helping the nation’s insomniacs have faith that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just figure out how to curl up in a circle or determine how many cuddling kittens it takes to put an insomniac out like a light!]
—- Offer nappng tips or waking ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com and put MORE PILLOWS in the subject line. —-

DC KLJ IN CAT POSES; ASSORTED SHELTER ANIMALS ON THE 'GET ME A HOME' LISTS; HOT IN TEXAS (STOP THE PRESSES!)

EDITION OF Thursday/Friday MAY 19-20, 2022 [PETPOWELLPRESS] I’ve been trying to understand the inner workings of computer document saving and storage this gentle morning. Having failed to comprehend, I’ll move away from the secret path to document preservation and deal with something that may be more understandable. Dogs, cats and the people who love them. As I was telling our cat, Browser Bitboy….I’m kidding. We don’t have a cat named after any computer notion. That’s my personal cat Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson who, atop a folded comforter or on my pillow at 2 a.m, can look much bigger than she is. She’s no bigger than a byte. I don’t even know how big a byte is. But DC KLJ is about 7 pounds — born in 2011— our oldest cat. (That second photo is from 2011 when DC KLJ and I were on a stake-out when she was running a detective agency specializing in monitoring spy mice.) DC KLJ has outlasted many generations of household computers. If a home computer lasted as long as a cat…Wait — there’s probably a planned obsolescence law against that.
AND WHEN DOGS AND CATS
ARE CHARMINGLY UPSIDE DOWN…
In Monday’s edition we featured two SPCA of Texas upside-down posers, Apollo The Dog and Margaret the Cat.

Then, in our Thursday email we got a tip from legendary animal advocate Jonnie England. She cited Maizy, this upside-down dog who’s being helped by the good folks at Paws In The City, the enduring rescue group led by our pal Mark Verma.
The story on Maizy, according to the PAWS bio, is she’s just over 5 years old, a large dog and she is a “Shepherd mix.” Also, the bio reads, “This golden-eyed girl is a very smart pup who loves a good walk and the new smells that they bring. She’s never met a squirrel that wasn’t worth chasing. Maizy has managed to find the perfect balance of being active and settling into a solid full body cuddle. All the better if that cuddle comes with a side order of belly rub.
“She would do best as an only pet where she can get the attention she needs, and a fenced yard where she can run, chase squirrels, and bask in the sun. Maizy’s done well with older kids and is always happy to meet new people!
Maizy is crate-trained, but she’s accustomed to having people at home most of the time. She is very respectful of what is hers and what is yours; if you left your lunch within her reach she’ll know to leave it. She is spayed, microchipped, housebroken, up to date on her shots, and completely lovable!”
See how to audition to adopt Maizy by going to pawsinthecity.org. Apply by emailing pawsinthecity.org
MOM, BABIES, OTHERS
WAITING IN EVERMAN
We got two emails Thursday about saving animals in the Everman Animal Shelter on the southern side of Fort Worth. 
You see Mom there in the cage without the kids. And in the second photo you see the kids without mom. Pretty sure they get together when mom isn’t worn out from parenting those babies. [LARRY ASIDE: At least she doesn’t have to search for formula! Right?]
The note about Mom and the 8 babies read that they “are
stuck at Everman shelter.  This family has been there for at least 3 weeks now without any offers for help.  She is terrified for her babies as the shelter is over crowded & so loud!   She just wants her babies to be safe so she is getting stressed.   This poor momma & babies needs a safe, quiet place to rest.“  
To help them, email NICKALE7@YAHOO.COM or call the shelter at 817-561-5495. Email evermananimals@yahoo.com.
One of the emails we got — a general appeal for ALL the animals in the shelter — read this way: “Everman is a small, rural shelter with minimal foot traffic & rescue assistance.   They are over capacity, with numerous dogs in outdoor kennels.   The TX heat will only be getting worse as the days pass.”
MEANWHILE, SMALL SHELTERS
HAVE BIG PRESSURES
The pressure is “save ‘em or else” — and that “else” could be fatal. The 4-Legged Helpers have some more small-shelter residents in need of a human heart or a team of human hearts — you folks represent the best of humanity, working hard to save lives.
Those two in one cage are siblings, Emily and Evan, a couple of Great Pyrenees puppies now available in the Ferris area. They were found roaming and, the note from the Helpers reads, “It appears they were probably dumped since it was close to a known dumping area (Malloy Bridge). Fortunately they are safe, but right now it is very hot and because the person has other dogs, they are in an outdoor kennel.” The photos make them “look larger than they actually are,” the note reads. Also, it says, “They look like baby polar bears.”
To ask about them call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

In addition to the Ferris Emily & Evan Challenge, the Helpers are trying to help Augie Doggie, a young Beagle/Aussie Shepherd mix fella who is in the Wilmer Shelter. He is said to “adore children” and is “very sweet and loving.” Nobody’s sure, but he could be 1 to 2 years old and he is a dog who is ready for a home. [LARRY ASIDE: The note also ready, “We always try to urgently help this shelter since the shelter itself often has issues with water, air-conditioning,, etc.” So, help the shelter keep animals from unpleasant days and nights by getting in touch with the helpers.]

BACK TO FERRIS: The Helpers are also trying to find some help for Avery and Allie, a couple of young German Shepherd girls. How did they wind up in the Ferris area? [LARRY ASIDE: Get ready to wince and barf, my fellow adorers of all animals.] The Helpers write, “Both were found out and about where apparently they were dumped by someone. They were found on I-45 and fortunately the ACO was able to get them before traffic did.” [LARRY ASIDE: Bless that ACO for putting it on the line to get those babies to safety.]
These two are in the 6-to-8-month-old range. The Helpers report, “They are bashful with Avery being the more outgoing of the two and Allie slightly larger. With someone just paying attention to them we think they will come around quickly — they love being petted.” 
Again, the contact points are 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

CONTEMPLATIONS
A THING OR TWO HERE ’n’ THERE
While doing my usual exhaustive research on computers, I ran across the term “Bloatware” which, based on my dieting life, I thought was a reference to clothing a guy like me can buy at a Big Guy Big Prices store.
A NOTE FROM THE SPCA OF TEXAS had to do with the challenges of the era and an “adoption special” at the organization. The opening said the SPCA currently has more than 1,000 animals in its care and is running, through the end of May, a “Pick Your Pet’s Adopton Fee” program. All adult animals “6 months and older” can e adopted for $0 to $25 at the SPCA facilities. See more info and more animals at spca.org. Ah, here’s the contemplative portion. It’s a quote from SPCA of Texas President and CEO Karen Froehlich: “Right now is a pivotal moment for shelters across the entire country. The disruption the pandemic caused in staffing has gotten a lot of attention, however, the backlog of animals that occurred in the last two years has caused the crisis we currently find ourselves in.” [LARRY ASIDE: You might not be able to get the price of gasoline to shrink, but you can reduce the population of shelters by adopting a dog or cat or whatever animal you’d like to have adding warmth to the heart of your home.] …
How about some music? Appropriate for the SPCA’s campaign? Click HERE and The Singing Rage Miss Patty Page will demonstrate.
—- Offer spaceflight or spaghetti tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put EVERYBODY STOP YELLING in the subject line. —-

AT MIDWEEK, TALK OF RAIN, DOGS, CATS & A SUMMER-LIKE SPRING. (SAVE 'EM ALL!)

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY MAY 18-19 2022 [PetPowellPress] There will come a time when we all look up and realize we miss summer weather. OK, that’s a stretch. How can we miss summer when spring is such a delightful oven?
Anybody reading this remember in the 1950s when a legendary drought held Texas captive and, in particularly, brutalized Dallas and, as a result, the always open-minded City of Dallas hired a “rainmaker?” More later. Get an umbrella. 

THE BUSTER REPORT:
HE GETS HIS SURGERY
In our previous edition of readlarrypowell.com we featured a story about barkleyworld.com's efforts to help Buster the Dog get delicate surgery to make his right front leg whole again. 
The price was going to be considerable. And barkleyworld.com's mission is to help people without funds help their injured and ailing pets. Buster fit right into that category — he’d been hit by a car while roaming around in his hometown of Center, Texas. 
On Wednesday morning we got a note from Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com revealing that “Buster had his surgery yesterday and went home a few hours later.” The operation to reconnect the pieces of his leg by using plates and medical knowledge and skills had worked. A few hours after the surgery he was released from a Texarkana vet’s office to go back to Center in East Texas, just over two hours south of Texarkana.
Karen says that snoozing dog is “a picture of Buster on the ride home from the vet — probably feeling no pain.” The second photo is Buster’s “before surgery” photo from the weekend. 
[LARRY ASIDE: We think Buster’s next major surgery may be a skilled neutering, not that un-neutered dogs have a tendency to roam into trouble. As readlarrypowell.com has declared for years, “Dogs are always too clever for their own good.”]

Buster, on Wednesday morning was said his human Shelby to be “doing well” with “lots of pain meds and anxiety meds keeping him calm.”
Karen says barkleyworld.com “raised about $400 in donations — and I’m grateful for that! The bill was exactly $3,000 — the vet gave me discounts here and there to make that happen.”
To help Karen and Barkleyworld and get treatment for other animals in tough situations, go to barkleyworld.com. Read about Barkley, too. He’s the inspiration for the organization founded by the people who loved him.
MEANWHILE, $400 AND PRECIOUS
NEED A 501C3 TO HELP THE DOG
The folks with 4-Legged Helpers have been trying to find someone to help this girl Precious for quite some time now. Our tipster, Helper Laura Macias reports that there is a “special $400 donation to a 501c3 that can help Precious.”

Precious is currently in the care of one of the “small” shelters that is on the list of the Helpers’ low-traffic, low-budget shelters in rural or smaller towns in the Metrosprawl. 
To ask about helping Precious, email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com or call or text 214-949-2726.
The pup’s bio says the young girl is “very sweet” and “a little cutie pie” who desperately needs someone.”
 [LARRY ASIDE: No idea how a sweet girl like Precious would wind up in such a fix, but it’s good to know she has people looking out for her and trying to find a place she can call home. She’s one too-many-to-count in the North Texas area. But, remember: While there are too many to count, there are not too many to save if all the hearts in the metrosprawl are activated by the realization that doing a good thing for animals makes you feel pretty swell. That could just be rhetoric if it were not fact.]

Follow 4-Legged Helpers on Facebook HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A CAT; RAIN; A QUARTET…
I snapped this photo during the weekend as I sat in Martha’s unclaimed recliner for a moment and tried to catch up on the scoring in the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament. Esme, Martha’s personal cat, is a big fan of local golfer Jordan Spieth and you can see she’s putting her paw on his name on the scoreboard. To my knowledge, Esme has never played a round of golf though she has knocked a golfball or two around the floor at our house. Never seen Esme lose a ball in the woods — she’s never been in the woods. I have, however, been in the woods looking for golf balls many times. ….
Let’s talk rain: I remember the Texas-wide drought of the 1950s. I was a kid in elementary school and it would come up in conversations, mainly because parents were talking about it after having seen stories in newspapers, heard them on radio, and if your home had a TV, you might have seen it in black and white. Did you know that Dallas once paid a rainmaker thousands and thousands of dollars to bring showers to Dallas? I wrote about it now-and-then in my column at The Big Paper Downtown -- found it fascinating. Online I found this story in D Magazine in 1977 that will take you back to 1952 when Dallas paid a man to make it rain. CLICK HERE ...
And if you enjoy Queen and cats, click HERE. Kind of fun to watch. And if you live with a cat or cats, you’ll appreciate the sentiments toward the Big Toe.
—- Offer rainy day tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “KEEP THE UMBRELLA HANDY” in the subject line. —-

GETTING THE ANIMALS OUT OF THEIR PLIGHTS; UFO SIGHTINGS & VISITORS

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Definition of ‘plight”? Threatening situation an animal can find itself in when humans let it down. OK, that’s not the only meaning, but in post-pandemic 2022 it is a practical definition. So, let’s un-plight some animals today. [LARRY ASIDE: Not sure if “un-plight” is an actual verb formation. If “Unchain My Heart” can be a hit for Ray Charles, why can’t “Unplight My Critters” be a best-seller. I’ll work on the rest of the song in my spare time. That photo? We have a UFO story later in this edition.]
A DOG AND A CAT
IN THEIR OWN PLIGHTS
Possibly “plight” is a plural noun. Let me check …..tick, tick, tick,…Confirmed, “plights” is the plural. And that leads us to Leo the Cat and Noah The Boxer and the challenges they are facing in Dallas Animal Services.
Biggest challenge? Getting someone to adopt or rescue. 
We got the tip on Leo the Cat from Tami Kukla, veteran animal advocate. She posted that “Leo is doing much better and can be adopted or fostered.” You see Leo’s shelter photo — that’s a cat that’s had a rough time, but, when one set of humans makes life rotten, another set of humans can make life better.
 When Tami first mentioned Leo a couple of days ago, he was, she wrote, an “EU risk for medical needs. Despite the pain he is in he just purrs and wants…treats and tuna.” Tami then confessed, “I am a big fan of tabbies.” 
The DAS website animal list HERE BEDALLAS90.ORG/HOME/PETS 
shows not only dogs and cats, but also HOW TO ADOPT THEM not only via the online process but by visiting them, i.e., “DAS is now offering in-person adoptions at our main shelter (1818 North Westmoreland Road) from 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM Monday – Friday and 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.”
And that brings us to handsome Noah (#A1146268) a 7-year-old Boxer who is waiting in the shelter (In Kennel AD 003), according to his on-line bio. He weighs in at 57 pounds.
 How in the world a handsome 7-year-old dog could wind up in a city shelter is a mystery to readlarrypowell.com. But here are the possibilities: (1) Surrendered by owner. (2) Stray and not reclaimed. (3) Is part of a secret test to see if there is anyone with a heart who’ll adopt a solemn ol’ bewildered dog and put a smile on his big ol’ handsome face. [LARRY ASIDE: That third selection is a longshot — that it is part of a test, not that there’s someone with a heart in the Metrosprawl. He’s among the free-to-adopt dogs and cats at DAS. And, surely there is someone with a heart still left in the greater traffic-cursed MetroSprawl. FYI: Boxers are cool dogs — should never be in a plight.]
AMONG THE LATEST
BARKLEYWORLD PROJECTS
That’s the project — that guy Buster. We learned about him from Karen Lee, the animal advocate who is the guiding light of barkleyworld.com. Through that non-profit, animals from families with “not enough financing” can get medical help. 
Buster is one of those. The story is he “decided to take a little stroll [on Timpson Highway] in the area of Center, Texas, and was hit by a car. Thankfully, a Good Samaritan (i.e., some youngsters) found him and took him to their home while they tried to find the owner on Facebook.” Yep, score one for social media — his mom Shelby saw the notice and has, ever since, been trying to find help to get his leg repaired.
 Shelby’s note also says, “His right femur has a clean break not reparable by cast and he needs plates put in to fix it. … Estimate is between $2800 and $3,000.  We would be so grateful if we had some help as of right now. Barkleyworld is doing everything they can to help us and needs more funding to do so. 
"They’re an organization that helps those in need of help with their pets.”
 Go to www.bark- leyworld.com to donate to Buster’s cause.

Shelby included this in her note: “A little back story on Buster to those who may want it — we found him at 8 weeks old. He was abandoned and ironically we actually saw him almost be hit by a car so we took the beautiful baby home with us and he had been a huge part of our family since.  He is now a year old and in a lot of pain.”
[LARRY ASIDE: We’ve been writing about Barkleyworld.com since Karen and hubby Dennis founded it in 2013 in honor of their dog Barkley — They’d adopted him in 1996 from Homeward Bound Animal Rescue and he lived to be 19. His medical expenses inspired them to help other animal lovers with the bills as a tribute to beloved Barkley. Again, click on www.barkleyworld.com.]
TWO MESQUITE STORIES:
ONE SAVED; ONE WAITING
The stories of Nugget and Cherry are different but similar. The good thing is they both wound up the care of Mesquite Animal Services, a shelter where volunteers and staffers have a goal of helping ‘em all. 
We’ll tell Cherry’s story first — she’s still waiting. She’s that Shepherd mix with the smile — surrendered with “another family dog” on May 10. Why? The family said they could “no longer take care of their dogs." 
The other dog was adopted, reports our tipster, volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm. Cherry’s waiting — she's 6, weighs 75 pounds and is spayed. And she has a great smile! Debra writes, “She was adopted from our shelter as a pup. You can understand why initially she was confused, fearful, nervous and uneasy in the shelter environment after having been left there after so many years with her family.  Owners said she lived outdoors, lived with dogs, cats and children (preschoolers) and is fine with all.  They also stated that she is house-trained.  After having spent some time with one of our volunteers she has warmed up a bit and seems more comfortable and trusting with people at the shelter.  This friendly sweet girl deserves another chance at a happy life but wants to live indoors with her family!!” 
Cherry is #31626334 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-21 6-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

That brings us to Nugget.
As you can tell from the photo, little Nugget has endured some skin problems. He came in as a stray on May 4 — weighed 7 pounds, appeared to be about 2, was neutered and arrived with a “horrific skin condition — staph and yeast infections,” Debra’s note read. The shelter got him to a vet and treatment began on this challenges. And, when the shelter was looking for someone to foster or adopt or rescue, the word was, “He is timid and shy and shakes as well.” But his personality was a winning element.
And, Debra says, he was tagged and rescued “by CAMO Rescue, one of our most faithful and respected rescues.” See how to adopt from CAMO or how to donate to the rescuing non-profit by clicking on camourescue.com. CAMO has a Facebook page, too. And you can email camorescueinfo@gmail.com to ask about Nugget.
CONTEMPLATIONS
UAPS & US; 1957 FILM; WILLIAM
An earthly confession: I spent some time Tuesday morning trying to connect my computer to the streaming Congressional subcommittee hearing on UFOs. Never made the hookup. I shorthanded the name of the august panel — it’s the House Intelligence Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee. No matter how many times I said it, I couldn’t get to appear on my computer. That’s U.S. Rep. Paul Johnson. I’m kidding, that’s actor Paul Birch in his costume as the character Paul Johnson, a menacing space alien in the 1957 Roger Corman-directed film Not of This Earth. While I couldn’t connect to the hearing, the BBC could and those newsgatherers reported that it “ended with few answers about the unexplained phenomenon.” FYI: You and I say “UFO,” the military says UAPs (Unexplained Aerial Phenomena). Here’s that BBC story LINK.…
THAT’S MY LATE PAL INKY in his Star Trek uniform. He had faith — and now he knows, no doubt — that there are peaceful beings from other planets and places who marvel at the racket that comes from good ol’ planet Earth because humans can’t quite get along. FYI: I spent decades in newspaper newsrooms — interviewed people who’d seen UFOs and worked with some who may have arrived on UFOs. My family did not arrive via a UFO. We tunneled up from the bowels of the earth — at least that’s what I think the family archives reported. I think we were permanently transplanetized by genetic code from Mars when one of my great, great grandfathers was found guilty of selling “Authentic Martian Sand” at a roadside souvenir stand near the Arizona meteor crater. The sentence was “Leave Mars, avoid holding public office.” Something like that. ...
Is this keyboard working OK? A writer should never ask a loaded question. Anyway, I slipped a new one into the system this morning. The old one didn’t break, but the paint had worn off many of the keys and I was having trouble when I was huntin’ ’n’ peckin’. Also, the old keyboard didn’t have that little bump on the “f” and “J” keys that I find handy when my early morning vision blurs and the ends of my fingers are still sleeping. And, yes, that is my office cat William Powell snoozing in my lap, with his head on my left arm, as i worked on this very edition Tuesday morning. William understands the concept of an office cat’s motto: “I’ll be close by if you need me.” He’s a good purr boy. And, now and then, he’ll suggest a word that really works in a sentence. But a guy just can’t use the phrase “Treats now!” in every other sentence.
—- Offer treats or words by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put TREATS NOW! AND AGAIN! in the subject line. —-

THE MOON, THE LAW, THE CATS, THE DOGS, THE IMMORTAL BARD...

EDITION OF MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022 [PetPowellPress] The promise of watching the “Blood Moon Eclipse” Sunday night had excited me a little bit. Rare, the experts said it was. Would start about 11 p.m. Texas time, the skyscientists said. 
So, after my TV viewing was interrupted by a weather alert about 10 p.m., I walked outside to look up at the sky in hopes seeing stars and our beautiful waiting-for-eclipse moon. I saw, instead, a cloud cover and in the cool air saw flashes of lightning slightly to the north of my vantage point just off the front porch. 
Instead of marveling at the lightning, I did the smart thing: went back inside. I did capture this photo of our recuperating-from-neutering kitty cat, Hastings Streetboy. He’s not quite back to his full run-and-jump, but, as he was playing with my barefootspouseMartha’s flipflop Sunday night, he apparently heard thunder to the north and yanked his head around to make sure the Big Racket wasn’t coming through the window! 
I live a fictional existence with the cats and dogs — it’s an earthly life — cloud cover keeps me from visiting the moon.

A DALLAS CHANGE IN THE LAW;
ADOPTABLES STILL AVAILABLE…
Yeah, there’s still some good feeling toward the City of Dallas for approving that Dallas Humane Pet Store Ordinance last week.
The day it happened we got a news release from the SPCA of Texas that opened with a paragraph noting that “the Dallas City Council passed the Dallas Humane Pet Store Ordinance. The Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), the SPCA of Texas, and Operation Kindness applauded the passage.”
There also was this paragraph: “Dallas now joins Austin, College Station, El Paso, Euless, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Sherman, and Waco in cities that have passed a similar ordinance.” [LARRY ASIDE: Dallas is so frequently way head of things, why did it take Big D such a long time to do this? Well, someone has the answer to that question. Surely. Be kind and try not to use the term "glacial speed."]
The news release (see the whole release by clicking HERE) contained this quote: "This Ordinance will support dozens of local humane pet stores in Dallas that do not sell puppies but rather adopt puppies who desperately need loving families,” said Karen Froehlich, President & CEO of SPCA of Texas. “Our shelter alone has over 1,000 animals in our care today, and shelters across Texas are transporting thousands of adoptable dogs to other states due to overcapacity. The time is right for Dallas to pass this Humane Pet Store Ordinance - both for animals and our community.”

We checked at spcafindapet.com and that fellow Apollo is in a foster home and still waiting for his real home. We first wrote about him in 2019 and used that upside-down photo as his “pick me” picture. He is, clearly, an Earhound. He’s 4 years, 9 months old, the SPCA says, and he weighs in at 52 pounds.
Why is he in the shelter? He came in “as part of a cruelty case in February 2019,” his SPCA bio says. “He had a long journey to recovery, but with patience, love and an awesome foster dad, Apollo has flourished into the goofy, loyal pup you see today!”
And in honor of Apollo’s upside-down pose, we found that photo of a feline SPCA adorable adoptable, Margaret the Domestic Shorthair mix. She’s 4 years old, weighs 10 pounds and is available. She came into the SPCA’s care via another rescue and her bio reports that her previous owner “was 90 miles away and no longer wanted me in their home.”
IN THE MEANTIME,
THE CUTIES IN MESQUITE
Does that dog Biscuit know how to “sit cute” or what!? Lots of cuteness in the Mesquite Shelter,
In fact, consider this passage from volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm’s emails about Biscuit. “Our shelter is critically overcrowded and some of our dogs (like Biscuit) are having to be placed in pop-up wire kennels in the hallways.  This is certainly not ideal.”

Debra says her Dog Scanner app suggests “this precious pooch” possibly has Carolina Dog and Smooth Collie in the family tree. She came in May 6 as a stray — is about 9 months old and weighs 35 pounds — already spayed!
Debra writes, “She is one tail-wagging, happy-go-lucky girl with lots of puppy energy.  She is very friendly, has a sweet nature and is playful.  Biscuit loves treats and takes them gently.  In her enthusiasm she will jump on you so that will need to be addressed.  She has a confident, outgoing personality and there is nothing timid or shy about her.  This youngster would seem best suited for a person or family willing to invest some effort and time in exercising and playing with her daily as well as training to learn commands.” 
Use Biscuit’s ID #50127526 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Winnie, a stray who came in on the 7th, is a Pittie/Staffie mix is about a year old and weighs 45 pounds — not spayed. How about her eyes in that mugshot! But look at her ribs in the other photo. Debra writes, “She seems too thin.  Sweet girl is timid, shy and nervous at the shelter.  When I had her in the yard for her evaluation, I noted that initially she was skittish and flinched when startled.  However, as she moved about and spent some time with me she warmed up and began to follow me closely, though did not necessarily want me to pet her.  She walks well on a leash but was not crazy about having it put on.  She is calm and low-key.  Winnie is cautiously friendly and she looks fearful in her pictures.  She will need more interaction to help her build trust and confidence.  The two things she enjoyed most were to receive treats (which she took gently) and explore all the amazing smells in the yard.  She does not seem to know any commands and wasn't interested in toys or balls.” She’s #50134660 when you contact the shelter to ask about her.

Then there’s Luna (#50122716), a “Terrier mix” brought in as a stray by one of the Mesquite Animal Services officers. She’s about a year-and-a-half old and weighs 65 pounds.
And, Debra writes, “It appears as though she has recently had a litter of pups.  She seems to have been well cared for and yet her owners have not come to reclaim.  Luna is timid, shy and nervous  She hasn't acclimated yet to the shelter and seems uneasy.  She does walk nicely on a leash, is calm, gentle and well-behaved.  Luna is cautiously friendly as though she just doesn't know who she can trust.  She seems to have such a sweet, mellow nature.  She wasn't interested in the treats I offered, nor did she want to play with toys or chase balls.  Doubtless her true nature will emerge when she feels safe and secure in a quiet and well-ordered home.”
Again, use the ID tags when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

WANT TO SEE more adorable dogs and cats at the Mesquite shelter? CLICK HERE.
Among the dozens of kittens is #50155540, a month-old Domestic Shorthair mix currently called Dot. She’s a black and white girl — small for now — and he’s been in the shelter’s Cat Nursery since May 10. [LARRY ASIDE: The thing to remember about kittens is they grow up to be cats — great companions, especially if you cuddle ‘em and treat them wonderfully in their early months and set the pace for their grown-up lives. Life’s good when a cat flops into your lap and purrs while you’re typing. I speak from personal experience.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
IN NO PARTICULAR DIRECTION
I miss going to movie theaters. may take it up again shortly. Does the price of a bag/box of popcorn exceed the price of a gallon of gasoline? …
Yes, I missed seeing the big lunar eclipse Sunday night, but on Saturday night I snapped this photo of the moon  over our neighborhood. Yeah, it always rises in a blurry state in my photos. Either because I took my glasses off or because I can’t properly focus a camera phone. Mine has a warning that says “HOLD STILL” whenever I try to aim it. ...
How about a Shakespeare quote from As You Like It. Try not to think of any particular unpleasant warring fellows as you read it: "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.” Ah, from The Immortal Bard’s play The Tempest (possibly in the year 1611) , we hear (but many do not learn): “What is past is prologue.” And, we’ll cite Spanish philosopher George Santayana’s quote from The Life of Reason (about 3 centuries later, 1905), “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I usually just think that refers to the constant result of my “lucky Lotto Texas numbers” but now and then, I know that it fits the failure of humanity to remember — thus avoid — its mournfully dark side at war.
—- Offer advice or objections by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put PEACE NOW in the subject line. —

A SLEEPER (Howie) AND A NAPPER (Kelly) WITH DAS CONNECTIONS; CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY

Need a dog? Need a cat? Need an explanation for a 3-question opening paragraph? 

At readlarrypowell.com, our first edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap was published on May 14, 2005. 
The spotlighted dog was this guy, Oliver, the Cavalier King Charles who ruled the home of my brother and sister-in-law Barry and Shelley in suburban Chicago. That dog at the top of this page is Calamity, a dog we rescued who would add immensely to the charm and love in the home of my brother and sister-in-law Garry and Brenita in suburban Dallas, if Princeton is a suburb.
With the help of you Dear Readers and the dogs and cats and other critters in all our lives, this weekend feature has been published weekly for all these years. Readlarrypowell.com has been around since around the turn of the century. 
On Tuesday morning this past week, with Hasting the Kitten at the vet for his boy surgery, I was sitting at my desk alone. Office cat William Powell was on the back of the couch in the living room (watching American Graffiti — his first time to see that one — he’s a fan of teen-angst, I’m led to believe.
As I put my hands on the keyboard and began to type, suddenly our dog Wendy — kind of a bird dog/Boxer/something else mix — walked up and leaned on my left leg and waited for the customary petting of her sweet ol’ noggin.
I said to her, “You sure are beautiful, Wendy” and her big ol’ brown eyes looked up at me and at the precise moment, I wondered, “What do dogs really want to be told? Is beautiful good enough. Does she want to be called a ‘smart pup’? Does she want to discuss politics, baseball, space exploration?” 

There is a connection between sleeping dogs and napping cats and the streets of Dallas.
I bring up my adoration of Wendy because she’s was taken off the mean streets of Dallas by my Determinedrescuespouse Martha. How is Wendy connected to this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap?
In the middle of the week I was scrolling the adorable adoptables on the Dallas Animal Services website and ran across this appeal for a dog named Howie. Not that he looks like Wendy — but he is a Dallas dog. And, if Martha hadn’t saved Wendy (Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden), she could have wound up in the shelter or worse — a road victim or a bait dog or an unloved guard dog who barks for a living at some dealer’s house.

How Howie (how’s that for alliteration!) got into Dallas Animal Services I don’t know. Pretty sure Howie didn’t Uber to the shelter and turn himself in. But, based on the photos from his bio on the city shelter’s website HERE I’d say Howie is a dog who knew he’d rather flop over on comfy chair or a carpeted floor than spend any time curled up on a porch or sidewalk or in a metal cage. 
As it turns out, based on his bio at DAS, he qualified for living not in a cage but in a foster home.
As you can tell in his photos, in a comfortable home he is one seriously relaxed dog!

Usually we don’t buy into the idea that a dog can write his own bio, but we’re making an exception in the case of Howie. Here’s what someone interpreting for Howie wrote for his DAS listing: “I am Howie. My foster mom says I am super sweet and house trained, a gentleman in my manners although a bit shy at times around the kids I have met so far. I love car rides and walk well on the leash. I stand behind the front door when I need to go for a walk to go potty. I will stay in my crate when asked, although I'd much rather sit by my foster mom's chair on a dog bed she placed there for me! I just like being close to her -- I bet I would like to be close to you if you adopted me! Let's find out!”

Howie is #A1137335 at Dallas Animal Services. He’s a 63-pound,10-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier. Know what it’ll cost to adopt Howie? Not a dime. His adoption fee is “free.”
Oh, one more thing: You Dear Readers know what a sucker I am for cats — big as I am for dogs. This wonderfully adorned cat is Kelly, #A1141987 at Dallas Animal Services and she is this edition’s Napping Cat. She’s a 7-pound, year-old Domestic Shorthair currently being fostered through Dallas Animal Services. You may have looked at her photos and immediately suspected that the City of Dallas has upgraded it’s cat holding areas from “cages & kennels” to comfy living room furniture and patio resting areas. 
Nope. Kelly’s in foster care, too. And like Howie, her adoption fee is “zero.” She’s a no-fee adoption kitty.  See her and other adoptables at the DAS site HERE.
We have no idea how either the easy-going Sleeping Dog or Napping Cat wound up in the care of the City of Dallas Animal Services Shelter, but, if someone reading this were to adopt either of them, maybe we could get some photos of what their lives look like after they leave the shelter. Adoring and adopting these animals at this time would be a wonderful act of human decency.
It isn’t like the city’s free-roaming knuckleheads have declared a moratorium on dumping their “Pandemic Pals” or have figured out how failure to comprehended the birds and bees results in more puppies and kittens.
These two are clearly endorsed by their foster humans!
[LARRY REMINDER: That handsome fellow on the left is my office cat William -- he calls those eyes "My typo catchers." He's almost 100% but my typing can be a challenge. Dear Readers, please send photos of your slumbering critters to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll happily post them and their life stories in our long-running feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Your story may inspire other people to open their homes to unwanted dogs and cats. And, no doubt, you’ll inspire insomniacs to believe that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just figure out how to curl up in a chair or on a plate-sized stool while making their snores sound like purrs.]
— Offer sleep advice or midnight snack recipes by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put DO YOU REALLY NEED THAT, SLIM? in the subject line. —

FOR FRIDAY THE 13TH, WE HAVE SONGS, CRITTERS AND CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF FRIDAY THE 13TH, MAY 2022 [PetPowellPress] Not that I’m a bit loony as I begin typing this edition. But every now and then I find myself over-coffeed of a morning and if I can’t practice my ballet — never drying your dance tights on “high,” I’ll sit still and listen to songs from my youth. We’ll start the day with Arlo Guthrie and Comin’ Into Los Angeles. Crank it up HERE. We’ll do Alice’s Restaurant some other day.
In the meantime, in my ever-pressing/never-quenching search for obscure or seasonal knowledge, I have discovered there are two terms for “Fear of Friday the 13th.” (At least two!). We’ll cite them in CONTEMPLATIONS. First we’ll take this opportunity to maybe help make Friday the 13th a Good Luck Day for some dogs and cats.
DANDELION AND PRECIOUS:
HOW HARD CAN IT BE TO HELP?
Sometimes there’s just no explaining people and why they do what they do. We’ve mention the second of these dogs before — her name is Precious, a name she has earned.. The first photo is of Dandelion, a female Boxer mix left in a “plight” by her human. We’ve not mentioned her before. 
Both dogs are in the Metrosprawl — Precious is in a shelter. 
Dandelion? Our tipsters with 4-Legged Helpers report that Dandelion “sadly was abandoned at a boarding facility but fortunately ownership was signed over.”
Both, the Helpers say, “desperately need your help.”
Dandelion is a 3-year-old who “truly adores everyone! Kids included!” the Helpers say. Also, “She likes other dogs and gets along with them well based on observation following doggie introduction. Adores carrying a ball around and is just the sweetest most loving little girl ever.  PLEASE HELP!!!  Fully vaccinated and already fixed!!!”

And there’s a “$400 DONATION TO 501c3 RESCUE THAT CAN SAVE PRECIOUS, Female, Bull Terrier Mix, AVAILABLE NOW, CRITICALLY URGENT. VERY SWEET LITTLE girl that desperately needs someone,” the Helpers write. Also, the official bio reads, “Little cutie pie.  Cute as can be. Look at those adorable ears and sweet little face.” To help either or both of these dogs, get in touch with the Helpers by emailing original Helper Laura Macias at cat_girl_71@yahoo.com or calling the Helpers at 214-949-2726. Precious is going to be “spayed in the next few days” so she’ll need a loving human to help her during recovery.
TAKE A LOOK AT THIS DOG:
SURE, HE’S BIG HANDSOME!
Big Handsome? Heck, yeah. And he’s in the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
His biographer, volunteer Debra Chisholm, says her Dog Scanner App puts his heritage as “Anatolian Shepherd Dog mix.” He’s about 2, not neutered and 55 pounds. 
Debra writes, “The back story on this boy is that he was picked up by one of our officers as a stray on 3/16.  People in the neighborhood reported to the officer that Big Handsome had been running loose for weeks with a ghastly injury to his right front leg the entire time.  Shelter sent him to the vet and fortunately x-rays showed no broken bones.  As bad as the injury looks in the pictures, there has been healing taking place.  He has become a staff fave and he allows them to handle him and his injured leg without complaint.  Staff members say he is friendly, cuddly, smart, is obedient and walks nicely on a leash.  He knows the sit command.  He does jump gently on you for hugs.  Big Handsome badly needs out of the shelter in order for his leg to heal properly.  X-rays taken on 3/18 and the vet report are available from the shelter.” 
And Debra adds, “It’s amazing that this big guy has stayed so sweet and friendly despite the discomfort he must feel.” She says he needs an indoor home so his leg can heal properly. He’s #49779474 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 r email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

Two more Mesquite dogs (of many waiting!) include Candie and Junior.
 Debra says Candie (right, #50054662) is a Terrier/Retriever mix who came into as a stray on April 26. She’s about 10-1/2 months old and s already spayed. Her bio reads, “She has lots of playful puppy energy and will jump on you in her enthusiasm.  During the photo session she enjoyed chasing tennis balls but did not return them. She also showed an interest in toys.  She has a happy-go-lucky personality and is ‘on the move.’ She likes treats and takes them gently.  Candie walks well on a leash and when led through the bay she did not act in an unfriendly way towards the other dogs.  She does not seem to know any commands.  This friendly charming youngster is ready to leave the shelter. … Our shelter is extremely overcrowded and many dogs come streaming through the front door daily.” Use Candy’s ID #50054662 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

We’ll close the dog report with Junior, this stray Terrier mix who came in on May 2. Weighs 61 pounds, is about 5-years-old and isn’t neutered. [LARRY ASIDE: Isn’t neutered? Found stray? Geez, I wonder what could have been his inspiration.]

Debra writes, “He came in with another dog who happily has been adopted but Junior remains waiting...waiting...waiting for his special person to come along.  This is one well-behaved, calm and gentle fellow that is friendly and has such a sweet nature.  He stays close and is happy to receive loving attention... and treats which he takes gently.  Junior has a mellow laid-back disposition. … Won't you please see Junior's potential to be a wonderful and devoted companion?” When you contact the shelter (see above), use Junior’s ID# 50096213.
You can see many more dogs and cats at the Mesquite Animal Shelter by clicking on this LINK. This week we’ve mentioned other cats at Mesquite and today belongs to another previously mentioned fellow, 7-year-old Oliver, still waiting for a place to call home.
TWELVE HILLS HOSTING
NATURE APPRECIATION DAY
One of our favorite rescue stories in Dallas is how some really determined people rescued an entire plot of land from a north Oak Cliff apartment complex that had become a haven for bad human activity. The property is now Twelve Hills Nature Center. 
And, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday the center is hosting Nature Appreciation Day which will include flowers, animals, a nature walk… etc. It’s all noted on the Twelve Hills Facebook page HERE.
That includes the 11:30 a.m. honoring of the 2022 Rosemont Elementary School 5th grade Nature Leaders. 
Marcia Haley is the president of the Twelve Hills Nature Center. The organization has, indeed, reclaimed an area of blackland prairie once lost to development and misuse. It’s also a place to watch native birds do what native birds do. The site is near and just east of Hampton Road’s intersection with West Davis.

CONTEMPLATIONS
A LAW; SOME RESEARCH; A SONG
So, on Wednesday, the Dallas City Council OK’d an ordinance banning puppy and kitten sales — supposed to eliminate puppy mill offerings in local stores. Here’s the report from NBC5 in case you missed it. [LARRY ASIDE: Good thing nobody with a computer knows how to click and buy puppies from unscrupulous breeders, right?] …
THOSE FRIDAY THE 13TH TERMS? My crack research team found, on the internet, that one term for “Fear of Friday the 13th” is Paraskevidekatriaphobia (Paraskevi is Greek for Friday). And then there’s Friggatriskadekaphobia — the research found that Frigg is “the Norse Goddess for Friday.” Mythopedia.com, perhaps more academically, says, “Frigg was the Norse goddess of motherhood and fertility, and possibly the namesake of Friday. Wife of Odin, she was the undisputed queen of the gods and best known for her fierce dedication to her children.” Sounds like some of the Texas mommas we’ve known, doesn’t she — Queen of the Household and dedicated to the kids and able to send ‘em out to the yard to “get your own switch and come right back with it.” [LARRY ASIDE: The actual spellng in English for Frigga is uncertain -- kind of like today's journalism, spelling might not matter all the time -- just kidding the people who write the "crawls" for local TV "bulletins."] ….
We’ll close with a hit song from 1963. In America the Japanese-language song was known as “Sukiyaki” because, our research reveals, record companies thought marketing it by a term English speaking audiences might know would enhance sales. Sukiyaki was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in 1963. CLICK HERE
 AND READ ON AS YOU LISTEN. (The artist,
Kyu Sakomoto, at 43, was one of more than 500 passengers and crew killed on Aug. 12, 1985 when Japan Air Lines Flight 123 broke apart and crashed 32 minutes into a flight bound from Tokyo to Osaka.) The song’s actual name is
"Ue o Muite Arukō" ("I look up when I walk”) and is about a man so sad that he looks up to keep tears from falling. SEE the lyrics in English HERE. It’s a lovely song from a significant year in American history.

— Offer ideas and emotions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “HOW DID YOU LIVE WITH AM RADIO MUSIC?” in the subject line. —-

AT THE END OF THE SENTENCE, STORIES: EZRA WAITS; HUMAN FAILINGS; GAS $s

EDITION OF THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022 (PetPowellPress] Once upon a time, there was a sentence.
And it was followed by a lack of clattering keys in front of a computer screen that was idle.
What to do? What to do? Eat chocolate. So, the only chocolate I could find ws some of those semi-sweet drops that my bakingspouse Martha usually puts in cookies. We have no cookies. 
No cookies. No giant chocolate bars. Martha knows I’m dieting. Might as well try to write a story. Once upon a time, a shipping container full of chocolate bars fell from the sky into my backyard… OK, I made that up. I’ll sip my decaf and move along. There’ll be a report on that cat before we get to the end of this craving.
MEANWHILE THERE’S EZRA
WAITING IN DAINGERFIELD
At this very moment, Tami Kukla is probably hustling to find homes for several animals facing dire circumstances at assorted shelters around the Lone Star State. She sent us info about Ezra, a sweet fellow in need at the city shelter in Dangerfield, Texas, about 2 1/2-hours northeast of the Metrosprawl. [LARRY ASIDE: Easy trip — all the roads are paved, well, unless they’re under reconstruction — remember when the most visible signs on Texas roads were “Speed Limit” rather than “Road Work Ahead” or “Guardrail Damage Ahead” Consider this sign: Adoptable Dogs & Cats Ahead. OK, probably not gonna happen, right?] 

Whatever sign you see on a Texas road, that dog Ezra — the Dog of the Week in Daingerfield, is still adoptable at the city shelter. You can read about the shelter and its work by clicking on THIS LINK and on the shelter’s Facebook link HERE.
While looking at the shelter’s site, we also learned something about that tiny kitten. His bio, posted Wednesday, reads, “Little Peanut was found at the feed store and we believe he is maybe 3 weeks old. We are looking for a rescue to take this baby.”

Call the shelter at 903-645-2120.
And to see animals facing the time-pressure of the needle in this shelter and others, click on Tami’s Facebook page HERE. 
THREE FROM MESQUITE
WITH HUMAN STORIES
And by “Human Stories” readlarrypowell.com means “animals put in desperate circumstances because of humans’ despicable behavior.”
First up is this German Shepherd mix named Lilly. Our tipster Debra Chisholm, the volunteer dog biographer, writes that Lilly was surrendered on April 26 — with “several puppies.” And, Debra writes, “Reason for the surrender was that the owners simply did not want the dogs. Unfortunately several of the puppies are deceased but the remaining ones were rescued.” Two-year-old Lilly weighs 62 pounds, “has a mellow personality” and is well-behaved. Debra writes, “She is a friendly girl, stays close and has a pleasant personality.  She likes receiving loving attention.  … She needs a home in which she will receive the TLC she deserves and will be housed inside with her people.” Her shelter ID is #50050880 — use that ID when you call th shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
At least Lilly was surrendered to a shelter known for trying to save animals from human folly. Not the case for Jed, this American Pit Bull mix. Debra writes that Jed “was abandoned in a home, picked up and placed in protective custody at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 4/29.” He’s about 6, isn’t neutered and weighs 58 pounds. Debra writes, “His warm brown eyes say it all, pleading to be given a home where he will live inside with his people and receive lots of TLC.  He walks quite nicely on a leash.  He pottied in the shelter yard.  Jed was very focused on exploring the yard during the photo shoot rather than running around or playing with balls or toys.  He does like treats and will take them gently.  Jed does not seem to know any commands.  He is a well-mannered fellow, calm and gentle as well as friendly.  He has a chill personality and a moderate activity level.  He does not jump on you.  He has all the signs of being an outside dog and though not underweight he looks in rough shape, and then to have his owners abandon him.  He deserves better.” When you contact the shelter about Jed, use his ID#50074941.

That brings us to Blu. This one’s a “corker,” as the saying goes. 
Debra explains, “Blu was surrendered on 5/5.  She had been given to the owner as a birthday gift and is unwanted.  Therefore she has ended up at the Mesquite Animal Shelter looking for a new home.”
She says “stunning” Blu is, according to Debras Dog Scanner app, a mix “that includes Siberian Husky and Australian Kelpie.” She’s about 2 years old, spayed and weighs 41 pounds. And, Debra writes, “She has the silkiest softest fur and beautiful eyes --one blue/one brown —clearly making her a real standout.  She is as sweet as she is lovely.  She is well-mannered, calm and gentle, friendly and wants to be loved on.  Former owner said of her that she is house trained, is okay with dogs and cats as well as children (theirs are older teens).  Blu did not seem interested in balls or toys.  She was mostly interested in receiving treats which she takes gently and spent much of her time sitting in anticipation of yet another treat.  She also knows the paw command.” To ask about giving this girl that special loving home, use her ID#49917063 when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
You can see more Mesquite adoptables and read about them by going to the shelter’s website HERE  We’ve cited Milo previously -- big cat in comfy bed (see previous edition). He’s still there. And today, we point out this large “red” male Maxwell (#50032775) — in the sea of shelter kittens, he’s the available 4-year-old fellow — came in on April 23 and he’s in the Conference Room. [LARRY ASIDE: That is a very sincere cat face — plus, he clearly knows how to properly position his cat paws and makes the best of his whisker display.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
NOTES FROM NO PARTICULAR PLACE
A question for summer in Texas: Can a person sleep comfortably while wondering if the a/c unit has enough freon to make it past Labor Day? …
As noted in our previous edition, our little fellow, the rescued kitten Hastings Streetboy, underwent his neutering surgery on Tuesday. How’s he doing? He’s doing fine. He’s a little ginger when it comes to jumping up or jumping down and he’s accepting more tender petting and human conversation than he had been allowing. I like to think that’s because he recognizes me as the guy who loves him enough to take him to the vet and to pick him up after he’s gently reawakened from his surgery. He has all the makings of a really swell cat fellow. Just Wednesday afternoon I caught him watching a rerun of Monk while pawing through the most recent edition of The New Yorker. When he wasn’t doing that, he was snoozing on our bed — sprawled, in fact. Though, clearly, he woke when I tried to sneak up with the point-and-shoot phone. Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson, usually the cat on the human bed, had moved to the floor and was out like a light on Dudley the Angel’s dog bed. Dudley drew office duty with Martha. …

One more summer note: According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, summer 2022 gets to Texas at 4:14 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21. If you’re planning a winter trip to Australia, leave now. Summer gets to Australia on December 21. That’s why Santa’s sleigh has a “Deploy Big Rig Wheels” option on the dashboard. And, since Santa’s sleigh travels without use of gasoline, we’ll turn to the Beach Boys for this tribute to one of the prices I saw LAST WEEK for a gallon of gasoline. That price was bypassed by this week’s prices. Go ahead: Turn up your speakers and click on 409, baby, 409. Giddyup. Giddyup.
—- Offer gas-saving tips or lucky lotto numbers by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘OFF THE PEDAL, LEADFOOT’ in the subject line. —-

A FLUFFY TAIL; A THROWN-OUT PUPPY; CONTEMPLATING A TIME IN AMERICA

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022 [PetPowellPress] We’re a little off-our-concentration as this is written. My adorable kitten, Hastings Streetboy, is at the vet’s for his “boy surgery.”
That’s our boy. Big fluffy tail, you know. And, the older he’s gotten, the more obvious his gender has become. If he played catcher, he’d need a supportive protective cup.
We wanted him to have full confidence and a strong self-image after the surgery, so I sterilized a pair of big marbles to replace his original equipment and keep his confidence up. I’m kidding. But, as you probably know, there is a commercial product that can be implanted in the place of the, uh, equipment. Sell ‘em in pairs, I think.

This isn’t our first testicle rodeo. Spay and neuter is the rule in our rescues. 

When we got Dudley the Angel, comfortable on the couch, we were living in a Dallas Zip Code notorious for NOT spaying or neutering in a city overloaded with puppies, kittens and roaming animals. We called this already-neutered boy, “The Miracle Dog of Tarryall Drive.” Someone dumped him in the neighborhood and, fortunately, we had room. We’re not the only people who got a dumped dog in Dallas.

CALLING HIM JACK FOR NOW;
HE LANDED IN A DALLAS YARD
I got the tip on this story from Vicki Young of The Young Company, the enduring marketing and public relations agency in the Metrosprawl. Vicki’s a rock-solid animal fan, too! So this story got to her immediately.
It comes from Jessica Cobos Gilley, a teacher who also is a big-time animal fan.
The bottom line is she’s trying to find a home for this young dog. And, she says, “I’m being picky because I don’t want him to have to go through anything like this again.”
What did he go through? Jessica posted on Monday, “Sadly, someone pulled up to our house today and threw out a puppy.” 
That’s right. Threw out a puppy. Right there in one of the neighborhood along Northwest Highway and Midway Road in North Dallas.
Jessica writes, “He is super young (maybe a couple of months) malnourished and definitely needs to see a vet, has something wrong with his eye. However, he is the absolute sweetest and so cute!”
And she also says that it is “very obvious he has just been either in a backyard or always crated. So heartbreaking.”
Jessica and her hubby already have dogs — so this guy “Jack” needs a home with room. 
Why did Jessica give him that name? “I’m calling him ‘Jack’,” she said, “Because I just feel he’s going to hit the jackpot!” 
If you’ve got a safe and loving place for Jack to go — family or rescue group or foster home — email jessicagilley5@gmail.com. 

[LARRY ASIDE: And if you are the person who threw the dog out in a North Dallas neighborhood, call the cops and turn yourself in so you can plead guilty to violating Texas cruelty laws. That earthly guilty plea may be the something positive you need on your record when the “roll is called up yonder.”]
CONTEMPLATIONS
IDLE THOUGHTS IN AN IDLE MIND
OK, so, as suggested in the opening paragraph, I’m on Kitten Watch today as Hastings is in recovery and revitalization after his surgery. He’s the little fellow I found blind, starving and ringwormy in the middle of Hastings Street in Duncanville on Oct. 4. (That coffee cup comparison was taken on Oct.5.) Might have been 4 or 5 weeks old at the time. Bless those loving, skilled staffers at Pet Center of Duncanville taking threatened kitten “Streetboy” in on an emergency basis — and he was in their care until he was rock-solid healthy. He’s been living in our home since October. We’ve watched him grow from tiny kitten to big, fluffy-tailed 8-month-old teenager still figuring out life. (Until Tuesday, he probably thought getting a dropper full of medicine might be the toughest medical procedure he'd endure. He's always been a good patient.) Before he got the idea that there’d me more “figuring” that would prove to be challenging, on Tuesday morning I carried him to our usual vet office near our home. They’ve seen him before, but, having been living with Hastings Streetboy and quick-to-reach boxes of Band-Aids for all these months, I cautioned the staffer “He can get a little bitey.” And she laughed and replied, “Thank you for telling us that. Sometimes people just hand ‘em over and say ‘Good luck.’” …
Moving along, ask yourself, “If I were not on a diet monitored by four doctors, what treat would I have on an afternoon when the temp pushes the comfort level to “dis” -- i.e., disgusting, discomforting. Probably drink a bottle of bubbly — sparkling water, I mean. Peach flavored. No calories, no carbs. Bubbly? I’d never drink champagne as a cure for the Texas heat….
This morning, while getting prepared for a day involving household AC freon testing and dieting and other things adults have to deal with, I flipped the TV on and there, like “sent from above,” was a presentation of American Graffiti.  That's a scene with Hall of Fame broadcaster Wolfman Jack from the motion picture. The 1973 film is set in 1962 — close enough to my teenage years and drive-in rootbeer stands (A&W in Texarkana) to set my brain off on a trip down memory lane — at a legal speed in our 1959 green Plymouth Savoy sedan (no air-conditioning, three-on-the-tree transmission). In honor of the feelings in that movie and Wolfman Jack and all the kids in the Class of ’66 and rockin’ classes before and after, here’s a song — it closes the movie but only those of us in the audience can hear that 1964 song. Click here and do some time-traveling. Some of us have done a lot of traveling since American Graffiti.
— Gently offer a thought by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “PEACE NOW, EVERYBODY” in the subject line. —-

A DALLAS DECISION; ANIMALS WAITING FOR HOMES AND CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF MONDAY, MAY 8, 2022 [PetPowellPress] OK, so it’s Monday. At least we’re not covered in a sheet of snow and ice or the ash of an unexpected volcano that suddenly showed up like a pre-radar springtime thunderstorm.
The rising temps are not an indication of developing volcanic conditions. I’m almost sure. Probably a result of the political climate.
HEADS UP DALLAS RESIDENTS,
FANS OF PUPPIES AND KITTENS
This is the week, according to the Dallas City Council agenda, that there may be a chance that by the end of council-meeting on Wednesday, the city will have banned the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores.
You’ve probably read or seen stories about puppies and kittens -- produced in "mills" -- found in bad shape because of lousy treatment in stores. Probably heard of, seen or participated in protests at stores alleged to be not-quite-proper caregivers for baby animals.
The proposed ordinance is #39 on the agenda. So, there’s NO WAY of telling you what time the council — meeting starts at 11 a.m. — will get to a vote or discussion or argument on that item.
When you go to this City Secretary Link and scroll down the agenda to # 39, you’ll see this description:
“39. 22-989 An ordinance amending Chapter 7, ‘Animals,’ of the Dallas City Code by amending Sections 7-1.1, 7-4.2, 7-4.5 7-4.10, and 7-8.1; (1) prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats at pet stores; (2) providing a penalty not to exceed $500; providing a saving clause; (3) providing a severability clause; and (4) providing an effective date. Financing: No cost consideration (see Fiscal Information)
Attachments: Ordinance.”
Click on THIS LINK TO THE CITY and, if my computering skills held up, you’ll reach it. If not, go to that city agenda link and item #39 and you can link from there. You’ll see that groups that have adoption sites in pet stores are not regarded as violators of this potential law.
So, Readlarrypowell.com clicked on the Dallas Animal Services link and among the boatload of grown up dogs awaiting a home is that 8-year-old, lop-eared, bright-eyed girl named Rosie. She’s A1146294 at the shelter. She’s described as a 63-pound Catahoula Leopard Dog.
And, you’ve probably also noticed three of the DAS felines available for adoption.

As the note says on the DAS website, “Pets are FREE to adopt until further notice and all pets adopted from DAS will leave the building spayed or neutered, microchipped, and current on vaccinations.”
Geezalou, Dallas residents, stop creating shelter overload!
[LARRY ASIDE: As I was finishing this note, my office cat William jumped onto the desk and was sitting on my mousepad. I reached over to pet him and thought about how great it felt to have the little guy around to talk to or hug or just scratch his ears and say something sweet to him. Same feeling occurs when I reach down to pet the dog snoozing beside my chair. Porche in this case today. People who can’t fathom the joy in a cat or dog are really missing out on a comforting companionship. Lots of dogs and cats in that Dallas Animal Services Shelter. Sure could use some humans with lovingly active hearts.]
CECE AND PRECIOUS —
TWO DOGS WAITING
We learned about these two dogs years ago — OK, maybe just months ago. But the rub is they’re still waiting and the astonishing thing is they each come with a $275 donation to the 501c3 rescue that’ll take either or both in. Plus, if you're not a rescue, but your a good human, you can probably work out an adoption of one of these babies if you just get in touch with 4-Legged Helpers. 
The contact points are email cat_girl_ 71@yahoo.com or call or text 214-949-2726. You can keep up with 4-Legged Helpers’ attempts to help get animals out of small, low-traffic shelters by monitoring the Facebook site HERE.
Cece, the Bulldog mix girl, is a friendly girl — an ex-stray— who is described as “extremely sweet” and it is said she “follows the ACO around” — adorably. Plus she likes children. And hanging out with male dogs, so, the Helpers’ note says, “she should do fine in a home with a boy dog.”
Precious is that “Bull Terrier Mix Girl” with the ears that go pointy or flop —depending on the mood. Her bio reads that she is a “VERY SWEET girl that desperately needs someone.  Little cutie pie.  Cute as can be.”

[LARRY ASIDE: Both Cece and Precious already have their shelter-given DHPP shots, the Helpers say. They just need a reliable human to make their lives wonderful. Doesn’t take all that much to give a dog a wonderful life — you just pet ‘em, feed ‘em, talk to ‘em and present them with a big chunk of your heart and soul. It is a privilege to have a dog as a friend/family member.]
MEANWHILE, MESQUITE HAS
THESE DARLINGS WAITING
Look at this guy Walker. He’s all dawg, isn’t he. 
We get his story from Mesquite Animal Services Volunteer Dog Biographer Debra Chisholm. Her report begins, “Let me introduce you to Walker, a mixed-breed boy who arrived on 5/2 at the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray.  Walker weighs 52 pounds, is about 4 years old and is not neutered.  After you've spent any amount of time with him, you will discover what a sweetheart he is. 

“He is friendly and has a low-key nature.  He likes treats and takes them gently.  He doesn't seem to know any commands. Walker has a chill manner, is well-behaved, calm and gentle.  He doesn't jump on you.  He walks well on a leash but is a bit of a puller.  He did not react to the other dogs when walked through the bay.  He pottied immediately when he arrived in the yard for his photo session.  He seemed to thoroughly enjoy stretching his legs and exploring the yard.  Walker did not seem interested in balls or toys.  He would seem best suited for a quiet and orderly household and of course he wants to live inside with his peeps.”
Walker is #50091541 To ask about him, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Also at Mesquite is Romina (#49208960), a 2-year-old, 45-pound, spayed mixed breed surrendered to the shelter on May 2.  “Owners stated that she lived both in and outdoors and that she is OK with dogs and children, however she stated that Romina is high energy and does jump on people and might not be a good fit for a family with very young children.”

Debra found that Romina “walks well on a leash.  She has an outgoing and confident personality.  Romina is playful and enjoys toys.  She is friendly and likes attention.  She also likes treats and takes them gently.” Same contact points at the shetler and use her ID.
Same connections routine for Ranger (#50084823), the “handsome German Shepherd” who weighs in at 87 pounds is 2-year-old and not neutered — came in as a stray on April 30 . Debra’s report reads, “There is so much to like about Ranger.  He is confident, trusting, well-behaved and calm.  He doesn't jump on you.  Ranger knows the sit and paw commands.  He loves treats and will happily sit for as long as you will dispense them.  He walks beautifully on a leash and I did not detect any aggression toward other dogs.  He pottied outside so is possibly house-trained.  He is active and alert and has a moderate activity level. Ranger is friendly and has such a sweet nature.  He appears to have had owners who have worked with hi and cared well for him and therefore it is puzzling that they have not come for him.  He's become a staff and volunteer favorite.” 
And there’s this senior fellow, Cedric, a maybe 7-year-old, 65-pounder who came in as a stray on May 1. Debra says she “found him to be a delightfully sweet boy who is well-behaved, calm and gentle with a low activity level.  He is friendly and enjoys attention.  He likes treats and takes them gently.  He has a mellow personality.  Cedric walks very nicely on a leash.  When led through the bay he did not react to the other dogs who were barking at him.  He knows the sit command.  He has the appearance of being a dog who has lived outside.  If you have a special place in your heart for seniors, this may be the dog for you.” He’s #50088334 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmes- quite.com.

See more Mesquite animals by clicking on the shelter’s website HERE.  This link brought to you in honor of the dogs and cats waiting in the shelter, including this fellow we’ve cited several times previously. This is 3-years-nearly-9-months-old Milo, a big gray Domestic Shorthair mix who knows how to lounge in a proper cat bed.
IF IT’S TUESDAY,
THE FRIENDS HAVE NEEDS
Yep, the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake are traditionally very busy on Tuesdays. That’s they day they do the surgical work in what we have come to regard as the “World’s Most Successful Spay/Neuter Clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas.” 
We got a note from our longtime Friends of the Animals tipster Sydney Busch about things the clinic needs.
The list includes: distilled water (gallon bottles), bleach, isopropyl alcohol (70%) and 8-inch cable ties. Plus, Sydney wrote with her famed sense of humor, “Cases of drinking water for our hard-working, thirsty volunteers. And cases of soft drinks for our hard-working etc. etc.”
You can take those items to the clinic on “any Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 4:00ish,” Sydney writes. Or deliver them on the second Saturday of the money from 9:30 a.m. to noon. And, you may also call 214-808-4701 or 903-451-4701 and arrange a “drop off” or “meet up.” [LARRY FYI: Gun Barrel City is southeast of Dallas — a nice drive, the roads are paved and there are places for humans to dine. You may even decide to move there and become a “Friend of the Animals."]
CONTEMPLATIONS
A SYSTEM, SOME HISTORY
Call this an impromptu tribute to a system. As you know, Dear Readers, we keep up with many of the adorable adoptables at Mesquite Animal Services because of the devoted work of volunteer dog biographers Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown. HINT, HINT to any animal shelter that doesn’t know how to properly use volunteers: These big-hearted people, i.e., unpaid volunteers!,  can help honorably reduce the shelter population and also bring more visitors to your facility — unless you don’t want visitors, of course — and I fear that’s the case with some small shelters run by city councils who see animals as nuisances and not blessings. Yep, that happens. …
While looking up events of May 9 on the Holiday Insights calendar page, we were reminded that on that date in 1869, the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads pounded the “Golden Spike” into the tracks at Promontory Summit, Utah — making rail travel transcontinental; in 1886, John Styth Permerton, an Atlanta pharmacist, invented Coca Cola syrup; the lawnmower was patented in the U.S.; and — one more note — in 1960, the FDA OK’D “The Pill.” Yep, the Birth Control Pill. Launched an industry of wise cracks by comics and plots and plot twists for film and television. And, of course, real life — launched what became known as “The Sexual Revolution.” Anybody else remember that?
—- Offer ideas or profit-making plots by clicking on ‘comment below or bey emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “IT’S THE 21ST CENTURY, KNUCKLEHEAD” in the subject line. —-

SOMETIMES YOU CAN FIND SLEEPERS, NAPPERS BY THE SIDE OF A TEXAS ROAD

Git ready fer uh Texiz ride, y'all. It’s that time of the year in Texas when you can hop into an air-conditioned vehicle and, if you’ve got enough gasoline money, roll across several counties just for the sake of shopping at a souvenir “trading post” that also sells candy, cookies, cakes and pies. Maybe Davy Crockett coonskin caps.
Could go to a casino, but all the casinos are in Oklahoma and Louisiana celebrating the bankrolls left behind by Texans. 
Some people might take a similar “souvenir exploration trip” to get a glimpse of something historical. Not this Texas husband.
 I traveled south on the highways out of the metroplex because, one recent Saturday, that’s what my homebodyspouse Martha suddenly wanted to do.
And, how, you may ask, does this fit into our weekend feature “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.” You see that big photo of the Longhorn and a companion. The companion may be sleeping and so, too, may some of the babies in the back ground. Thus, Yep, Let Sleeping Dogies Lie & Napping Cows Nap.” See how easily we corralled that connection?

Now, mimagnificaesoposaspouse (compound multilingual word) Martha is a native Texan — born in Dallas before it became regarded as New York’s Sixth Burrough and had so many business and residential ties to The Big Apple.
I’m also a native Texan — born in a former asylum [not kidding] in Texarkana, Texas, two blocks from the state line — yep, born Texan by two blocks — I coulda seen Arkansas if I’d been able to look. Thank you, Lord. 
Grew up with a horse named Silver … well, he was on TV and belonged to the Lone Ranger. We had a Border Collie named Queenie with nothing to herd but three brothers with no sense of direction. She was busy and patient.

I explained our Lone Star provenance so you can believe that the Two-steppin’ Cowgirl Martha and Wrangler Larry both know everything there is to know about cattle, horses, livestock and rainchin’, er, ranching. Sorry — accent key on my computer toggled itself.

What you see in that opening photograph — and I’m switching to bonafide ranch terminology now — is “the open air baby’s nursery” where Momma and Poppa cattle and heifer babysitters can watch over the adorable bambinos. [LARRY NOTE: I sound just like a veteran rainch-hand, don’t I, pard? Grab yer reins, ahm fixin’ tuh spur this computer’s ribchips and kick up a cloud uh cyberdust!] 

I suspect — though I don’t know fur shure — that the big lug near the fence is a Texas Longhorn. And that is his missus lounging just behind him -- do female Longhorns have horns? We'll check that via cattlehands.

Out in the pasture, you see their bovine offspring (and cousins, maybe) napping in the big middle of their meal. That’s what beeves will do — go to sleep in a serving of hay. And, yeah, ah’m danged near posuhtif them ain’t no dairy cattle — thayuts why I used “beeves,” a term I learned while taking a class called Comprehending Cattle Trail Lingo via the educational TV show Rawhide. That wasn’t on PBS — hadn’t been invented yet. It was on NET (National Education Television). I’m kidding. That was Channel 2 in Texarkana, but our rabbit ears didn’t pick it up unless we wired ‘em into the handsome noggin adornments of our pet Longhorn Duck. He had to hold his head at a southeast to northwest angle to pick up shows broadcast from Shreveport about 75 miles away. Duck was usually good for about a half-hour show before he’d lose interest and wander away from the herd. Why “Duck”? He waddled whenever he’d roam the prairie.

Anyway, fascinated by the bovine couple near the fence, I asked them for an interview and both shook their heads. As I walked way, I heard the cow I assumed to be the missus snort derisively, “City people. Sheesh. Don’t they know we moved out here for the quiet?” The bull nodded and accidentally clanked a horn against the fence.

As people from Texas know, nearly all of us Texans are ranchers. Might be a few farmers. But, basically, there’s nobody in Texas who doesn’t have a few cattle, a horse or two and some goats and chickens roamin’ their spreads from fence to fence and back to the alley. Everybody shout Yeehaw!
And we all wear big hats, boots, jeans with belts and big buckles and holsters in which to put either our pistols or cellphones. Used to carry checkbooks in holsters but that’s an era that’s gone with cassette players in the dashbord.

Some Texas ranches, such as the one that runs along the highway toward Hico, also have those wonderful Texas Party Horses. There’s one in the shade. Later the Party Horse came over to the tall fence to say “Howdy” to thuh buckaroo shooting pitchers with a phone. That Party Horse has a delightful Texas accent is darlin’. 
I believe this breed of striped, smaller horses was developed on a ranch near Jacksburro.
Wait, let me check that. Sorry. It’s Jacksboro — pays to do research. Also, ignore that horse breeding theory. Consider this one: These Texas Party Horses may have resulted from breeding of beautiful French exploration ponies set free near cavalry horses who pastured near the Trinity River during the and legendary expeditions of René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. He was known to all us 7th grade students of mandatory Texas History courses as “Luh Sawl.” The bred-into-existence stripes may have been inspired by French sailors wearing their traditional une marinière or un tricot rayé striped shirts.
[LARRY ASIDE: Time out. I really, desperately need to check my Texas History, particularly the early European exploration. Details are fuzzy — like mixing sailor shirts with party horse strips — impossible, oui? Time to click on the Texas Historical Association’s WEBSITE HERE  for some reality in history!]
FYI, That final photo is Porche Noel posed on the back of the couch while Martha naps. Porche was showing me how she kept her balance while riding a Bison named Betina during her old gig at Buffalo Bills’ Casino Trading Post near Droopin’ Horns out in Cowpuddle County. Director of the show made her wear a big floppy movie saloon- appropriate mustache. “I lost weight — you cain’t chew a fake mustache. I gacked a lot,” Porche smiled Texasly, then asked, “Yew got treats?”


[DEAR READERS: If you’ve gotten this far in this edition, heed this plea: We’d love to publish photographs of your sleeping dogs and napping cats and any other critters who slumber at your place -- we'll feature 'em in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Send photo and info to dallrp@aol.com and tell us, also, why you love your critter and, maybe what your critter loves about you. You’ll be helping people decide to open their homes to animals who don’t have homes. And you’ll be helping insomniacs avoid a night of torture; i.e., awake all night wondering, “If i pull these boots on, will I be able to get ‘em off without bribing a dog who really loves to bite down on a boot toe and pull until the leather pops off my paw.”]
— Leave thoughts or what passes for them by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put WEAR A SADDLE SEATBELT, COWBOY in the subject line. —

A CAT IN A BOWTIE? ANIMALS THAT NEED HELP. A CREEP WHO BOXED UP CATS. TV DETECTIVES AND A SONG

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Thursday morning, while weather warnings filled the air, I was typing something and suddenly Wendy walked up, put her big ol’ pretty mug between me and my computer and asked, “Is it OK if we change the channel?”
Hang on! Whew. I though I heard disruptive winds coming down the street and throwing heavy objects around. Turned out to be the neighborhood trash truck performing a routine pick up. Not that springtime makes a Texan cautious in springtime! 
Gimme a minute, I’m going to go wake Wendy — she nods off on the couch while watching TV — and hug her. … OK, we’re back. We’ll get to Wendy and the TV in Contemplations. As the seasoned pro journalists with a responsible sense of grammar used to say when every household got a newspaper, “Let’s go to press!”
CAT WITH A BOWTIE, DOG IN A CONE,
LITTLE GUY WITH GIANT EARS
Could this feline be, perhaps, the most elegant non-tuxedo cat seen on a shelter roster in the 21st century? Not sure anybody put bowties on cats in the 20th century. This guy is Oscar, just about a year-and-a-half-old, a domestic shorthair mix who tips the scales at an adorable six cat pounds. He’s currently in foster care and his adoption fee is $75. [HINT: The SPCA has a constant need for fosters and on the website spca.org you can see how to become a foster. You’ll be helping animals find homes and avoid unpleasant ends.]
So I asked, “What’ll go well with a dressy gray cat with a bowtie?" 
I clicked onto the SPCA dogs and discovered two ideal selections (if they get along, of course.) A bow tie always goes well with a “Cone.” And, even in a cone Blaine (#50050850) looks pretty swell. He’s a year-old, 68-pound Anatolian Shepherd Mix who, the SPCA reports, needs “a big yard to play in.”

Of course, if you’re talking comparable sizes, there’s 9-pound Andy, a year and 8 months old and clearly an Earhound. Without those ears, he may weigh about the same as 6-pound Oscar. Andy is #49384397. Andy’s bio says his “past was a little scary” and the indication is he’s a bit fearful and “doesn’t understand leash-walking.” Needs grown up humans to help him cope with his new, safer world. See more SPCA animals by clicking on spca.org or you can go to the find-a-pet LINK HERE.
HOW THESE TWO BECAME WARDS
OF THE FERRIS ANIMAL SHELTER….
[LARRY ASIDE: I began today’s edition with uplifting notes. Why? Because I could not bear beginning with this story. It has a chance for a happy ending. But here’s the problem: The jerk who did this evil act is still running loose inside the State of Texas and I’d rather see him or her locked up. For a while. A nice long while. Read on, please.]
We got the note from the 4-Legged Helpers because they hustle to help animals that wind up in small shelters that don’t draw a lot of human adoptive traffic.
These two are Chance and Chase, a couple of baby Tiger Tabbies. They’re in the Ferris Animal Shelter only because there were enough encounters with fate, paths that cross and worn-out guardian angels that work the beat in North Texas. 
The 4-Legged Helpers note reads, “These two little baby sweetie pies were found in a box by the side of the road in Ferris by a Good Samaritan!!!! Someone literally threw them out on the side of the road IN A BOX.  How could anyone do such a thing? And they are the sweetest little babies ever.  Look at those little faces.  Maybe 6-7 weeks old.”

And, the Helpers’ note finishes, “Please, won’t you help save them? Please? The person that found them cannot keep them very long — they need a rescue group right away — please help!”
To reach the Helpers, email Laura Macias at cat_girl_71@yahoo.com or call or text 214-949-2726. And you can follow the challenges and triumphs on the Helpers Facebook page HERE.
[LARRY BITTER ASIDE: No idea who the lug is who boxed up these kittens, but if you know, tell a peace officer. The despicable act — this sort of stupid, mean and disrespectful behavior — is a violation of Texas cruelty laws. You might not be able to get a conviction, but a visit from an inquisitive badge-holding oath-taker with a hint of “I’m gonna be watching you” in his or her authoritative voice might be enough to change the way this jerk behaves. We don’t need people with such disrespect for life in charge of the fate of kittens, puppies, grown animals or strangers they run into on the street.]

At readlarrypowell.com, we keep up with 4-Legged Helpers’ work via emails and the non-profit's Facebook page. One of dogs the Helpers have been trying to help is this dog Delilah. Yeah, I like the name — Delilah the Dog. She wasn’t dumped in a box on the side of the road. She ran into tough spot because of misfortune with the person who loves her.
Also, she is a Heeler mix — Red Heeler, the Friend says.
[LARRY ASIDE: For years we lived with an entertaining Heeler mix named Annie — daughter of Calamity, the dog at the top of this website. We became accustomed to the ways of Heelers and adored this girl every day of her life. All dogs aren’t alike, but in honor of Annie, and because the way Delilah is entertainingly sitting and waiting for “orders” from her human, I thought I’d mention Delilah again and try to help the Helpers find her a home.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY MOLLY
We try to keep up with Mesquite, too. Those folks take in a lot of beautiful dogs and cats and also a lot of dogs and cats who may not win beauty contests but will win hearts if they get the chance. This one is in the "beauty" category.
Our tipster for this dog with the fabulous whiskers is volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm and she writes, “I have named this precious girl Molly.  She [#4998147] arrived as a stray at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 4/15.” 
The mix-breed weighs 52 pounds and — not spayed, of course —- is about a year-and-a-half old. Debra writes, “She captured my heart right away. I was sitting on the bench when she was brought to me in the yard and the first thing she did was to climb into my lap.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Doesn’t that bring some tears to your eyes, all you tough rescuers? A dog knows right away someone is on her side!]

Debra says that Molly is “affectionate, loving and likes attention.  Her fur is so soft and silky.  She walked well on a leash and did not seem unfriendly toward the other dogs.  She knows the sit command and will do so for treats which she takes gently.  Molly is a well-behaved girl, confident and trusting in a quiet sort of way and with a sweet personality. … She likes squeaky toys. 
“From her appearance I get the idea she may have lived outside.  Doubtless she would love for her new home to be one in which her people will allow her to live inside with her ‘peeps’.”

To ask about giving Molly that loving home, use her ID #49981476 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

CONTEMPLATIONS
WENDY, TV AND DETECTIVES
Back to our opening reference to the great dog Wendy watching television. I think she and the quadrupedal mammalian viewers in the living room finished off the morning watching Dick Van Dyke star in Diagnosis Murder — Wendy’s a big fan of Mr. Van Dyke's performance in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Back to the murder show: It had an impressive TV guest star list for the episode Murder Blues (broadcast Sept. 18, 1997). The guest stars were from previous big TV cop hits: Angie Dickinson of Police Woman, James Darren of T.J. Hooker, Kent McCord and Martin Milner of Adam-12 and Fred Dryer of Hunter. I forget the plot of the episode. Got busy with something else while the dogs napped through key points in the solving of the crime. …

As long as we’re discussing detective shows, I’ll cite one of my faves from the 1960s — Burke’s Law. Gene Barry played the millionaire chief of detectives for LA PD and he took a chauffeured Rolls Royce where ever he went. Also, not that the financial success of Bond — James Bond — had an effect on 1960s video and film, but Burke the cop became Burke the secret agent. That was in 1965 and by then I was working nights and trying to graduate from high school and didn’t have time for TV. But, when Amos Burke was a cop, it was a good show. …
And, as long as we’re riding in the SPPTM (Solar Panel Powered Time Machine), we’ll go back to that legendary 20th century and suggest that some TV nights 1964-67 you might have wanted to watch the Patrick McGoohan series Secret Agent. Called Danger Man outside of the U.S. Of course, he left Secret Agent and his character John Drake to become the mysterious Number 6 in his legendary (1967-68) and wickedly witty futuristic series The Prisoner. For a while some thought Drake was Number 6, but, alas, no proof…

A musical note: Johnny Rivers, the rocker known in mid-60s radio intros as “The Darlin’ of the Discotheque,” performed Secret Agent Man. Put on your dancin' shoes and CLICK HERE.
— Offer spy tips or confessions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘60s TV BAKED BRAINS’ in your subject line. —-

FUTURE OF GREYHOUNDS; AN OLDER GUY NAMED ROCKY, YOUNGER BOY APOLLO & 'THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN'....

EDITION OF CINCO DE MAYO, 2022 [PetPowellPress] The 5th of May is a good day to celebrate being happy. If you don’t have a reason to be happy, please email us and for $10 a notion I’ll send you a reason to be happy. More in Contemplations. First we cite a change in the way some dogs are “handled.”
LET’S TALK GREYHOUNDS
AND A RACING FUTURE…
Our regular Dear Readers are aware of the determined Greyhound Adoption League of Texas — celebrated its 21st birthday on May 1 — and it's enduring efforts  to “save ‘em all.” And “all” includes retired and rejected racing dogs. And some that aren't either. We’ll get to them after we cite this latest newspaper story about the fate of Greyhound racing in our country.
Earlier in the week I came across a May 2 Associated Press feature datelined Dubuque, Iowa, and headlined, “GREYHOUND RACING NEARING ITS END IN THE US AFTER LONG SLIDE.”
AP Reporter Scott McFetridge launched his story with a look at the soon-to-close Dubuque track, but he also, while outlining the financial losses of dog-track betting in the U.S., touched on rescues and their work in saving the dogs as the industry dies. (HERE’S THE LINK.)
Consider these two paragraphs: 
(1) “GREY2K, the Humane Society and other groups have long argued that Greyhound racing was cruel, including its longtime practice of killing dogs that weren’t deemed top racers, using drugs to enhance their performance, confining them for long periods and subjecting animals to the risk of injury on the racetrack.”

And (2) “Industry supporters note there now is a huge demand to adopt retired racers and deny that the other problems are widespread. They also contend that some don’t understand the love Greyhounds have for running.”
Well, the Greyhounds may love to run, but, heck, seems to readlarrypowell .com that “profit motive” might have a tendency to guide the fate of a “stable” of racing Greyhounds.
We’ve been watching GALT rescue Greyhounds for years. And, a while a whole lot of those dogs have histories as racers, there are many that live up to the breed's off-track reputation as "couch potatoes."
So, today, here are some of the GALT Greyhounds waiting for homes. You can see the dogs and ways to get involved with this organization and the Greyhounds by going to galtx.org.
That first Greyhound, the handsome Archi, (“formerly known” as Dabo Archilee) was born on Nov. 9, 2019, to sire Trent Lee and dam Deco Electra Jet. And he “has no races on record in Greyhound data,” GALT reports. His bio describes him as “a big, strikingly beautiful black satin tuxedo boy with a white neck and chest, white feet, and a white-tipped tail. Heads turn when Archi walks down the street!~” He still has his puppy side. And, as is the case with most Greyhounds with a racing background, he “shouldn’t live with kitties.”
This guy is Davey, said to be a “pussycat under his gruff exterior.” He’s described as a 3 1/2-year-old —birthday May 4, 2018. Sire Decon Glen Lee and dam is Flying Skillful. You’d think that would mean a possible racing history. Nope. The GALT bio says he “was never registered but was found as a stray in Chapel Hill where he wandered for about 3 weeks.” He wasn’t good in boarding, but he does bond with a human, i.e., according to GALT, ”a very patient human who can help him with home life and better acclimate with people. He really is that Greyhound anomaly of a guard dog — he wants to protect you from intruders, sometimes even your friends. He is slowly learning that being nice to people comes with great rewards and love.” And he does love going for a ride in a car. And there’s this tidbit: “He is the messiest eater and drinker and you will probably find kibble all over your house that accidentally fell out of his mouth. He can’t help being a little sloppy — it’s part of his charm.” [LARRY ASIDE: Sure makes this dog sound really “human,” doesn’t it!!!]
At GALTX.org you’ll find this girl Mavin, formerly Dancin’ Mavin. She’s 2 1/2, a “red female,” born on July 8, 2019, from the mating of Dacin Dakota and the dam SL. Joanna Mai.” Mavin never raced. GALT says Mavin just wants “to be loved and to be near her people.” 
She doesn’t like being alone, but there is this winning description: “She hasn’t had any accidents in the house, is good overnight and isn’t an early riser.” [LARRY ASIDE: “Isn’t an early riser!” Didn’t that just perk up some human ears!!!]
And my heart is obligated to note that not all the dogs in the care of GALT are purebred Greyhounds. But GALT does have a category called “Honorary Greyhounds” for dogs that might not be pure enough to show at Westminster. Then, there are these two that I have featured before over a period of more than a year.. They charmed me the first time I saw them and I’m sort of surprised nobody has adopted them. They are lovingly called “GALT’S ‘Greyhound Gremlins’.” You may recall, Dear Readers, that Nick and Nora (pointy ears) were puppies rescued in a cruelty seizure by the Paul’s Valley Animal Control in Oklahoma. They were starving babies and, consequently, mistaken for Greyhound puppies. They are Greyhounds because GALT has massive affection for pups in trouble. Nick and Nora are bonded and must be adopted together — just one adoption fee for two dogs with, as GALT’s bio reads, “such sweet and special souls.” See video of this pair at GALTx.org.
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
& THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN;
APOLLO WAITS; PLUS OL' ROCKY!

We’re starting with Rocky, then moving on to two other big dogs, Andromeda and Apollo. Why Rocky first? Because he’s an older dog with a rottenly sad story. (Not that the other two dog stories are so BLEEPIN’ cheerful, types Larry without ugly words.)
Our tipster, Mesquite shelter volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm writes, “This very sweet older gentleman is Rocky, a mixed breed (Dog Scanner app suggests possibly Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Anatolian Shepherd in the mix) that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 5/2.  Reason for surrender was due to the health of the owner.” [LARRY ASIDE: This appears to be a rotten situation for the human and the dog. I’m sure the human would want to know that someone has stepped up to love Rocky and keep him happy and adored.]
 Debra says Rocky is 7, weighs 79 pounds and is neutered. 
The human said he bought Rocky “from a breeder as a puppy and he has lived his life as an outside dog. Owner also reported that he is good with children, lived with other dogs and likes to play fetch.”

Debra added, “I noted that Rocky walked nicely on a leash and was not reactive to other dogs when led through the bay. He is well-mannered, calm and gentle and does not jump on you. He has a mellow personality.  During the photo shoot he stayed close to me.  He is friendly and likes attention.  This handsome boy with the sweet smile and soulful eyes has need for a new home and hopefully his new owner will allow him to live inside and to be a part of the family circle.”

Rocky is #50091139 at Mesquite, Use that ID when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. When you’re interested in an animal at the Mesquite shelter, always use the ID number when you call or email the shelter. As you will want to do with these next two big dogs.
[LARRY ASIDE: I look at these three dogs and I think “Save ‘em all and do it right now.”]
Did you read the 1969 Michael Crichton book The Andromeda Strain? See the ’71 movie? Well, never mind. Pay attention to the dog.

Apparently this “Andromeda strain” has to do with tension when a dog doesn’t fit into a household. She’s 18-month-old, spayed, 73-pound Andromeda who, according to Debra’s “Dog Scanner App,” comes from a mix that includes Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees.. 
But, here’s the rub in Debra's report: “Owner obtained her from another shelter, kept her for 2 months and then surrendered her to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 4/26.  This seems a case of unrealistic expectations and Andromeda needs a person or family that will be a better fit for her.  She does appear to have been well-cared for.  Owner said the dog lived both inside and outside, that she was OK with children (all ages) as well as with other dogs.  She has not acclimated very well to the shelter environment and is timid, shy and nervous.  She walks nicely on a leash.  She was a bit distant with me, but when one of the workers who has interacted with her came into the yard, she seemed happy to see her and was quite friendly.  Andromeda may be a dog who will need a bit extra time to warm up to new people but then becomes comfortable and relaxed.” Andromeda is #50054669. Use her ID when calling the shelter at 972-216-6283 or emailing rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
That brings us to Apollo (#50080108), a 95-pound 2 1/2-year-old dog who arrived as a stray on April 29. Debra’s “Scanner” says he’s a mix that includes Rhodesian Ridgeback, English Foxhound and American Foxhound. She writes, “This boy has lots of personality!  He wants to your friend and he stays close.  There is nothing timid or shy about Apollo.  He does jump up but not on you.  Apollo does not appear to know any commands  He walks well on a leash and did not seem to have any aggression toward other dogs when walked through the bay.  He is playful, has a sweet and loving nature and is quite friendly.  He is confident and outgoing. 

“He loves treats and when he realizes you have a supply, he follows very close!  He is athletic and climbed on our play equipment.  Apollo seems to have lived his life outside by his appearance.  He has fur loss on his back along with scaly skin.  He is being given meds for a skin infection (is not mange).  There is so much to like about this fun-loving big guy so please help him out of the shelter.”
 Use his ID when you use these contact points: rescues@city ofmesquite.com or call 972-216-6283,
Remember, see more of Mesquite’s adorably adoptable dogs and cats by clicking HERE. 
There are cats of assorted ages. For example, this cat is Mr. Watson (#49966819), a 2-year-old “small” domestic shorthair mix who came in on April 13. He’s in the — where else?! — “Cat Room” at the shelter. And currently in quarantine (he’s a baby, around 5 or 6 weeks old) is #50032792. He’s a pretty cute little dude. Yep, a boy, the shelter says. Right now he’s small. He came in on April 23. [LARRY ASIDE: As a veteran kitten handler, I’m prepared to declare that #50032792 looks like he’s a potential cuddler. Just needs that right human to give him a place to cuddle. We’re all full at our house, or I’d be in the car on the way to Mesquite when I finish typing this sentence.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
IDLE THOUGHTS AS A DOG SNORES
Yeah, Porche, my companion personality dog, is in the office snoring again from her spot on the floor. But, as you see here, Office Cat William Powell isn’t in his usual window bird-watching. He’s curled up on boxes I have artfully stacked in the corner of the office and intend to empty and organize by the end of this year. Or the end of next year. No pressure — there’s no money in any of the boxes. Yes, I realize the upside down box reads, upside down, “This side up.” That puppy is a toy I’ve acquired through the years and I have no idea why. But I like it, so I’ve kept it. ….

Oh, yeah, I need to give you some reasons to be happy: Dogs and cats. Works for me. OK, two more? Raspberry jelly-filled donuts and an unexpected flash of a memory from a happy trip — let’s say, for example, our honeymoon which included a visit to the Grand Canyon. Bigger’n a Dallas pothole. But one wonders, if all Dallas potholes and fissures were placed together, would they be larger than …oh, never mind that. Potholes are like days — just worry about ‘em one at a time. ...

OK, that’s the end of the line for today. Heck, in honor of the “end of the line,” here’s a song. It’s a sad one from Jimmie Rodgers (left), AKA “The Singing Brakeman” and “The Blue Yodeler.” Click HERE for Jimmie Rodgers’ 1929 hit Hobo Bill’s Last Ride. What's that? Some of you kids have no idea what a railroad hobo is? Er, was? Times — like musical styles — change.
—- Offer musical notes or rail tales by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘HOP A FREIGHT AND HOLD ON’ in the subject line. —

LE CHAT DANSE; SAVING ANIMALS IN SHELTERS; IRRITATION IN THE MAIL

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 [PetPowellPress] I’m writing this on May 3 which, as some of you may know, has been World Press Freedom Day since the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed it in 1993. If you don’t think Freedom of the Press is important, call up somebody in Moscow and ask ‘em what the print and broadcast outlets there are saying about that war with Ukraine and why it’s being fought. 
For those of you who want Freedom of the Press to be a universal practice, Holiday Insights reminds us that Wednesday is Star Wars Day — May the 4th be with you. May free and responsible press be with us every day.
A CAT WHO HAS AN
UNDERSTANDING HOME
Nearly every day we post photos of animals who don’t have homes. This is a photograph of an animal who has a home. This is Stevie Ray Treeboy — that’s his official name. He was rescued at about the age of 5 weeks from clinging to a flimsy mimosa branch in Oak Cliff in Dallas. That was in 2019. Since then, as you can probably tell in the photo, he has developed a fascination with ballet and exercises for le danse whenever he finds an open spot on the floor. In the background you can see that Martha has slipped out of her ballet toe shoes for the moment and given the spotlight to Stevie Ray. Yes, he is adorable and, no, he is uncomfortable in tights. Here he was performing a scene as M. Chat Détendu (Mr. Relaxed Cat) from Le Ballet du Beau Chat (The Ballet of The Handsome Cat.) It’s world-famous. Another reason to adopt a cat, along with they have great fantasy lives. That's his "sincere" pose on the right. [LARRY ASIDE: You don’t have to wait until a kitten or cat shows up dangling from a mimosa branch. Just go to a shelter or a rescue group and find a feline friend.]

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
ROCKET, OTHER DOGS, CATS
Mesquite Animal Services volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm sent us this note and these photos —that’s Rocket, a year-old, 44-pound, neutered “mixed-breed” pup who arrived as a stray on Feb. 24. That makes him “one of our long-term dogs,” Debra says. 
In his bio Debra writes, “This attractive fellow has a beautiful coat and striking eyes. I feel he has been passed over because he is so high-energy in his kennel.  Actually he is high energy out of his kennel as well.  Rocket Man needs to be with a person or family who understands that young pups have lots of energy--some more than others--and need to be worked with. 

“Rocket needs daily exercise, training and lots of interaction and play time.  The reward for this commitment will be a devoted and loving companion.  He loves treats and takes them gently.  He is friendly, loving and likes attention.  Rocket will jump on you and that will need to be worked on.  In the shelter yard he runs, leaps, and bounds around the yard.  Fetching is a fave activity of his.  He will need sturdy toys and doggie things to chew on. … He has such potential and he has been in a kennel in a city shelter for too long.  Mesquite Shelter is extremely overcrowded and kennel space is desperately needed.”

To ask about Rocket, use his shelter ID 49660028 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. 
In her bio of Georgia, Debra describes this “real sweetheart” mixed-breed as a “stocky low-rider.” Yep, short dog, She came in as a stray on April 28. She’s about 4, weighs 61 pounds, isn’t spayed and, Debra writes, “obviously been used for breeding — perhaps even her sole purpose for her owners. … This is one well-mannered, calm and gentle girl with a low-key and mellow personality.  She wasn't interested in treats.  Georgia was so preoccupied with investigating the yard that she didn't seem interested in interacting with me.  However, when I did get her attention, she was friendly.  This is a girl who deserves to no longer be a puppy-making machine and to live out the rest of her life in the home of owners who will cherish and love on her.” 
Georgia is #50068436 — use that ID when you email rescues@cityofmesquite.com or call 972-216-6283.

And how is that for an action shot?
Debra caught Blossom in a really active moment in the exercise yard at Mesquite. She says Blossom is a “Terrier mix with an attractive brindle coat and perky ears …” Came in as a stray on the 28th. Weighs 49 pounds, probably 2 1/2 years old and isn’t spayed. 
Debra writes, “She is delightful youngster with a spunky manner.  She is active and lively and has a moderate activity level.  Blossom is playful and will chase tennis balls (but not return them).  She is good-natured, friendly and will wants to climb into your lap.  She knows the sit command but wasn't interested in the treats I offered.  She seems to have been well-cared for and it's puzzling that her owner hasn't come looking for her.  She has adjusted OK to the shelter.  Blossom may be house-trained.  She knows the sit command.  There's much to like about this precious girl.” 
Blossom is #50069624 — use her ID when you email rescues@cityofmesquite.com or call 972-216-6283.
And, fyi, from the dog biographers Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown: Mesquite’s shelter has been constantly full lately and the adoptions are not as frequent as the intakes. You can see Mesquite’s available adorables — dogs and cats — by clicking HERE.
Among the available animals is this handsome 7-year-old smallish fellow named Oliver (#49895219). He arrived on April 2 and is waiting in the shelter’s Conference Room for his ideal human to show up and take him home. In cat years (with loving care), 7 isn’t even middle-aged for a cat. Oliver is probably ready for conversation with people who don’t use “baby talk” and treat him like a kitten. [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, that is a promotional commentary on behalf of mature cats in shelters everywhere. Same for mature dogs. If you’re a grown-up human, a mature dog or mature cat may be just what you need to support your emotional level of intellect.]
TRIPP: ONE OF THE ‘NEW FACES’
WAITING IN A LOW-TRAFFIC SHELTER
This guy Tripp is waiting for an adoption or a rescue at the Ferris Animal Shelter on the southern side of Dallas.
We got his bio from 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit with the mission of getting attention for animals held in low-human traffic shelters and rescue groups.
Tripp is a Pointer/Aussie Shepherd mix and he’s available right now. To ask about him or any animal the 4-Legged Helpers are working with, email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com or call or text 214-949-2726.
 Tripp’s a former stray. He’s around 2 years old and “very sweet” and his bio says, “He seems to know some commands and very much wants to please. He is such a great boy….a beautiful dog that is very lovable.”
As you may recall from previous editions, the Helpers are also focused on finding homes or rescue groups for Tasha, a Lab/Aussie Shepherd Mix who came in at the same time as Tripp. That’s Tasha (right). 
And the Helpers are also working for Lady (being hugged), the dog who lived through a house fire and lost her home; Delilah, the “Red Heeler’ who is a year old, house-trained” and a “wonderful girl”; Cece the “bulldog mix” (brown, right) who adores children and is “incredibly deserving”; and Precious, “a very sweet girl who desperately needs someone.” Some of these animals have donations meant for the rescuing 501c3 that’ll take them — Precious (pointy ears), for example, has a $275 donation waiting. 


Again, those contact points are cat_girl_71@yahoo.com or call or text 214-949-2726.

Follow 4-Legged Friends on Facebook to keep up with the challenging mission and what the Friends need to be successful -- volunteers, fosters, donations, etc. It's an enduring mission.

CONTEMPLATIONS
LAST CHANCE, BP AND THE MOON
WORST WORDS IN EMAIL SUBJECT LINES? COULD BE “Last chance” Usually it has to do with car repair deals, shopping opportunities or surefire ways to make money by going through banks somewhere either in or across an ocean. Ah, but Tuesday I got a big envelope with the terrifying “FINAL NOTICE” on it and “URGENT Time Sensitive Material.” Immediately I thought I’d missed a payment on new electric car I didn’t know I’d bought. Nope, it was an invitation to attend “our 2022 Land, Air & Sea Travel Seminar” that is promised to be a “fun and informative discussion outlining the most cost-effective ways to enjoy your future vacations.” Being a picky veteran editor, of course, I felt like noting right away that no matter how good these people are, they cannot outline the “most cost-effective ways to enjoy your past vacations.” I.e., “future” is not needed in that sentence. And I’m their worst potential consumer, anyway — I don’t fly. I have my reasons and they’re not going to be erased by a seminar. I won’t even get into the spelling of the venue, but, “Inn” has two “n’s.” Proper spelling never takes a hollyday. (Big smile.)…
May is also National Blood Pressure Education month — probably monitoring it at the Supreme Court these days. …
While I don’t fly in airplanes, I might take a shot at one of those rockets to the moon when they’re safe and Moonbase Texas Crater has a Dairy Queen, satellite TV, links to books and a place for the cats and dogs to play while my funspouse Martha works up her Low-Grav Cookbook For Earthlings. Here’s the great — I mean THE GREAT — Diana Krall and a lunar number.
— Offer ballet tips or flight advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put SAFE LANDING, PILOT OR DANCER in the subject line! —

AFTER THE STORM, IN THE LIGHT OF DAY WE SPOTLIGHT ANIMALS; PLUS TOMATOES, RHUBARB AND PRODUCTIVITY

EDITION OF MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022 [PetPowellPress] New month. New lucky lotto numbers being dreamed up. It’s a happy Monday. Just when I thought I might sleep the whole night through, a thunder-clapping, light-the-neighborhood, slam raindrops onto the rooftops storm woke me at 3 a.m. Did you know there are episodes of Monk on in the 3 a.m.-4 a.m. hours on cable TV?
I was apparently the only mammal in our house awakened by the storm — Porche (in this nocturnally lit, action mood shot -- it's titled What Storm? -- kept snoozing in the bed next to me. I think William the Office Cat was still up reading King Lear. Odd cat. Stage ambitions.
Save some animals today and check in on our Lear reference in Contemplations.
MORE OF LADY’S STORY
INVOLVES HER 3 KIDS….
We got an update on some dogs on a dog who showed up on the list of dogs in the spotlight of the 4-Legged Helpers.
Lady is the girl — a German Shepherd mix. She’s in the Glenn Heights Shelter and is “AVAILABLE NOW,” the Helpers report.  That's her being hugged by a kid as she's in the car seat.
But this is the new part and so are those photos with the kids: SHE SURVIVED A HOUSE FIRE AND HER FAMILY COULD NO LONGER CARE FOR HER DUE TO BEING HOMELESS. PLEASE — HELP HER FIND HER FOREVER HOME!”

As you can tell in these photos, Lady has been loved by kids. She, in return, “loves other dogs, all kids, all people. Loves to ride in the car and is such a sweetie pie.” 
The Helper report that Lady is “currently being fostered by someone the shelter found and the foster said she is PERFECT.”
To offer to help this girl Lady (or previously profiled dogs Tasha, Cece, Precious and Bowie), call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. Follow the 4-Legged Helpers on Facebook HERE.  (You can also see the bios of those 4 dogs by scrolling down on our very own readlarrypowell.com report.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE:
SASHA IS A FAVORITE;
DAZZLE IS DAZZLING
Our Sasha tipster, the Mesquite Animal Services volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown wrote, “Sasha is one of my favorites! Can you believe this beautiful girl has been at the shelter since the end of January and is still keeping her spirits up? She has come a long way. When she first got to the shelter she was a work in progress and very shy. Now she comes running up to me. She may take a little time to get to meet a new person but she’s got lots of love to give. The original evaluation said she was about two years old ...we’ve changed to five years old. She is so soft, so sweet, so loving, and so deserving. Please please someone come and either adopt, rescue or network this delightful shepherd with one blue eye and one brown eye!”
 She came into the shelter as a stray on Jan. 22 — weighed 48 pounds. The ACO’s report was that this dog had been “running loose for days and they were not able to catch her because of her fear. She eventually hid under a truck and it was quite an ordeal to get her out.”
She’s #49459095 — use that ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Same contact points for this girl Dazzle — her ID is #50052153. Judi writes, “Dazzle is a 3-year-old, 50-pound Alaskan Husky mix that came to Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 4/26. I can’t imagine why her owners have not come looking for her as she’s not only very sweet, well mannered, gentle, and loving but she will also dazzle you with her beautiful cream-colored coat and light blue eyes!

“She gave me a warm welcome when I first entered her kennel. When she got out into the yard she did a lot of exploring and looking out the gate. I’m not sure if looking out the gate was a ‘Husky thing’ or if she was looking for her owners. But then she came back to me and wanted to stay close. She’s not motivated by treats but she is well-mannered and sits when given the command. She walks OK on a leash. She was not interested in meeting the other dogs in the bay. I did not notice any aggression. If you’re looking for a loving dog that loves to have her ears scratched and have a secure fence please come and meet Dazzle. After she’d been in the yard for a while she was obviously getting warm and wanted to be inside. Hopefully her new adopters will have a yard for her to run in but consider her a family member and keep her mostly inside.”

See more Mesquite dogs and cats by clicking on this link and navigating to the lists. Among the cats, still waiting since March 18, is #48498400, a handsome tabby fellow known as Milo.
The shelter says he’s nearly 3 years and 9 months old and “large.” Pretty sure he’s changed his facial expression by now. He’s in the shelter’s “Conference Room.” Probably runs the show with a firm hand and understanding of Robert’s Rules of Cat Order.
REMINDER: STILL TIME
TO WIN THIS BLANKET
Our longtime lakeside tipster Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake sent a note reminding us that “this beautiful handcrafted blanket -[
“lovingly created by Paula Swope] for a full-size bed is displayed at the Friends Clinic and will be raffled at noon on Tuesday May 3.”

The Friends “operate,” so to speak, the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. You can still buy tickets there Tuesday for $5 each or 5 for $20.
The clinic is at 122 Old Gun Barrel Lane S in Gun Barrel City.
Questions about buying tickets or the clinic: Call 903-451-4701. Website is friendsoftheanimals.org.
CONTEMPLATIONS
TOMATOES, RHUBARB & THE CURSE
OF ‘COMPULSIVE PRODUCTIVITY’
Tomato Question: Roma Tomatoes or East Texas Vine-Ripened Tomatoes? Fried Green Tomatoes? Sure loved those Fried Green Tomatoes at the Dixie House in Lakewood in Dallas (Closed in 2016). You’ve hard of “Stream of Consciousness” writing? This is “Stream of Tomato” writing. Not sure has the great Fried Green Tomatoes now — maybe Hoffbrau steakhouse in Granbury or Lucille’s on Camp Bowie in Cowtown. …
PIE QUESTION: Anybody know of anyone in the metromenusprawl who markets Rhubarb Pie? My bakespouse Martha has never had a bite of one — I had a slice at a party about 40 years ago and never again thought about it. Takes a lot to knock a coconut cream pie or Martha’s Mom’s Chocolate Pie off my “yearning for a pie” craving list. My knowledge of Rhubarb is what I learned while reading a paperback version (sometime in the 1960s) of writer H. Allen Smith’s 1946 book Rhubarb about a cat that inherited a baseball team, The New York Loons. FYI: Mr. Smith earned initial literary fame in New York but, in 1967, he and his wife moved from Mount Kisko, N.Y, to Alpine, Texas. Yep, Alpine — he got there in time to get involved in chili cookoffs. It’s all on the record…

WORKING CONDITIONS? As I was working on a couple of things at the same time, I saw a BBC story about the terror of “compulsive productivity.” If YOU’RE not to busy, here’s the LINK. Apparently this is a real challenge to “productive” workers’ mental health in England. I heard that in Washington an elected official was overheard praying, “Thank you, Lord, for not making me compulsively productive.” I’m kidding —about actually hearing such a prayer. But, as, Shakespeare wrote in King Lear, “Jesters do oft prove prophets.”
— Offer pie help or helpful pie by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘LAY OFF THE PIE, LARDBOY’ in the subject line. —

THE OFFICE CAT WILLIAM -- A GENUINE NAPPER WITH CREDENTIALS

Our featured fellow for this weekend’s edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap is my dear office cat and friend William Powell.
Little is known about him except that his humans — that’s me and my funspouse Martha — named him in honor of one of our favorite film stars, the legendary William Powell. He is known to many as Nick Charles of The Thin Man series of detective films from prior to the mid-20th century.
Martha and I have seen the films only on TV or cable — neither of us was born in time to catch the fifth and final film in 1947. (I am a pre-mid-Century baby and Martha is so close to the 21st Century that she never saw a black-and-white TV or a car without air-conditioning. )
Back to William Powell, the adorable office cat. That first photo is William asleep in my lap — my typing puts him to sleep -- something a writer doesn't like to hear, of course.
The second photo is what happens when William hears the click of the camera. Wakes right up. It’s that advice that, if memory serves, came from Cary Grant: Always be camera-ready.

This photograph with the graying gentleman is my personal cat Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson — Martha and I named her in honor of Kyra Sedgwick’s charter Brenda Leigh Johnson on the police show The Closer. Kittie Leigh has always been a curious cat. 
I bring her up because I think she may be a clue about William’s past.
She was a cross-eyed tabby kitten, maybe 7 weeks old, when she came onto our porch, through our front door and into our hearts in 2011. Yes, she’s probably 11 years old now. 
On the left, that’s Kittie Leigh posing with me in July 2018.
On July 24, 2018, we snapped this photo (right) of William Powell — he was probably 2 or 3 months old. And I think you can see some resemblance in the striped faces and eyes of Kittie Leigh and William.
We’d been attempting to bring a halt to a consistently reproductive feral colony that lived on and around our house. We fed them twice daily on our front porch. Whenever we could, we’d catch cats and get them neutered, spayed or sternly lectured — whatever it took.
[FYI TO CASUAL READERS: A stern lecture in these matters is as effective with cats and dogs as it is with lovestruck teenagers.]

These tabbies — Kittie Leigh and William — were not siblings. And they were definitely not mates — Kittie Leigh had been “fixed” years before William showed up in 2018.  [That's William out like a light on the bed.] He and Kittie Leigh could be cousins!
As I’ve reported before, William showed up on our front sidewalk when I was on a ladder repainting the woodwork. 
William watched — as if he were trying out for the job of Attentive Office Cat. Yes, he watched me paint from the sidewalk that ran along our flowerbed between our driveway and our porch “door of bars.” It was part of the “Burglar Bar Theme” on the house.
Now, William never gave any painting tips though he would occasionally flick his handsome tail as if trying to suggest to an ungifted painter that my method of stroking on the paint was not the method he’d us if given a chance and, of course, a salary.

After I finished, and after I had a conversation with him, William agreed to come inside, look around and, if he wanted, enjoy a lifetime of not having to wander around and look for food. 
And, William and Kittie Leigh both like to watch detective mysteries on television. Neither will go to a movie theater. “Concessions are more expensive than movie tickets,” William said. “You’d think a U.S. gasoline company was pricing the popcorn.”
He and Kittie Leigh both enjoy watching detective mysteries on TV. I swear.
To the left, that is William camouflaging with his stripes. On the right, that is William with Stevie Ray, a feral colony foundling from the old neighborhood in Dallas who trained as an Apprentice Office Cat with William. Needs more training and prefers to sleep in the living room.
[We’ve been posting this weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap since May of 2005 — a few years after we launched readlarrypowell.com via a corporate site. So, yeah, we need photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or any other slumbering household dwellers for the next edition — send photos and info to dallrp@aol.com. You’ll be helping people see how great life with an animal is. And you’ll be helping insomniacs have hope for finding a way to nod off. Works for animals, anyway, he typed with false drowsiness. That's the actor, if you didn't know. (Dear Readers, I am William Powell, that is my mousepad pose and I am BEGGING you to send photos of your slumbering animals to dallrp@aol.com and include their biographies, too. Otherwise, I'm led to believe that I will be forced to wear famous costumes and pretend to sleep while posing in them. I'm not doing any more poses from Cats, the movie, I swear. With catitude, William.]
—Offer ideas or William Powell movies by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘YOU AIN’T NO THIN MAN’ in the subject line.—

FOR A FRIDAY EDITION, AN ANGIE TRIBUTE; PLUS, INTERESTING DOGS NEED HOMES

EDITION OF FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 [PetPowellPress] As I write this passage, my office cat William has abandoned his usual post to sleep on the back of the living room couch. Ah, but loyal dog Porche Noel, who snores nightly in the bed, is now snoring on her stylish 1960s Rug of Transcendental Dreamification just behind my chair. 
She is not pointed toward me, but pointed toward the door so that she can jump up and race down the hall when she hears someone in the kitchen. She practices economy of movement. Without having to rise and turn 180 degrees, she’s much quicker to the treats.
I’ve more than a year’s worth of photos of Porche snoozing in this exact spot. 
Kind of comforting to know your dog doesn’t mind spending time with you — even if she is out like a light and knows you don’t keep dog treats in your desk.

GABRIELA'S NOTE, PLUS
HER EFFORTS FOR ANGIE!
Ah, we got a note from our longtime pal Gabriela Patero, rescuer and animal advocate, and it reached across the years to cite another longtime pal, Angie Manriquez.

Gabriela wrote, “As you may know, I became involved in dog and cat rescue in 2014 and hundreds of critters later I'm finally hanging up the leash,  donating crates and cat traps…Some of my rescue work was with Angie's Friends Rescue, a small group led by its founder, soon-to-be 81 years active, Angie Manriquez.”
 [LARRY ASIDE: Dallas always needs more rescuers -- call this a hint! I first wrote about Angie way back when I was still a columnist at The Big Paper Downtown and she was on a virtually solitary rescue mission in West Dallas, facing tough situations and tough people on behalf of animals. You could tell she was a relentless rescuer. Here’s the Angie’s Friends FACEBOOK link. Or click on angiesfriends.org.]
Gabriela is planning on “hanging up the leash” while making an impact for Angie’s Friends. She wrote, “I am hoping the last dog, surrendered to me, will soon have a forever home.  In an effort to raise funds for Delaney's boarding and training fees I am hosting an event called Sweets and Treats for Angie, a Bake Sale booth at The White Rock Lake Bath House & Cultural Center's annual music festival called Lake-A-Palooza, held this Saturday, April 30 from 12-8.  The event will honor Angie's 81st birthday of April 29, too.” 

CLICK HERE to see a Delaney video. And click HERE to reach Angie's Friends' Facebook page. Plus, if you CLICK ON THIS LINK you can see a video of Delaney working hard at behaving as a gate is opened.
Delaney’s bio reads that she is a “joy and a jewel of a pup. 20 months, 45 lbs of innocent love and curiosity after living from 8 weeks to February of this year in an apartment with a lonely human; she was loved but not exposed to the big word and originally confused, scared, and needed her doggie confidence built.”  The photo on the right is Delaney after training; on the left you see Delaney in her early stages of being an "I'm-playing-with-this-toy" dog.
After rescue, she “graduated from full-day, 6-week training school and just loves the outdoors and comfy indoor life.”

Gabriela says, “The Angie's Table will have all sorts of activities and ways you can support this endeavor.  We will be on the beach level of The Bath House.  Bring your pooch and I truly hope to see you there.
“If you can't make it know you can donate any amount you wish in honor of Delaney & Angie online at AngiesFriends.org. Please note ‘Delaney’ if you can in the Memo area.  I would also appreciate knowing if you donate. I will hold a drawing for all who donate and the winner can have a choice of cake made just for them."
[LARRY ASIDE: 
This next passage may be one of readlarrypowell.com's favorites of all time. And that dog is the one mentioned in this note — she was found on a cold, wet November day in a few years ago.]

Gabriela wrote, “It is heartwarming to see my rescues throughout our neighborhood and the photos their humans post online.  There's even a little dog with whom I have correspondence.  Her name is Totzie and Totzie writes letters of her adventures :)  And then, of course, there are the ones I never hear about but I know they are in good and great hands enjoying their lives.  It's been a very rewarding experience.  Who knew that Cafe Lago's, the first restaurant in the city of Dallas to have a Puppy (Dog) Patio Permit (#001), would eventually lead me to these adventures.”
MEANWHILE, ‘MANY NEW DOGS’
WAIT IN THE SMALL SHELTERS
That’s the word from 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on the low-human-traffic shelters and rescue organizations in the Metrosprawl.
The dogs may be from Ferris, Glen Heights, Wilmer, nearby counties — what they have in common is they all need a home. That’s all. Just a good home. Oughta be a snap, right?
To help out, we’ll list those contact points right now: email Laura Macias at cat_girl_71@ya hoo.com or call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726. FYI:Transport is avaialbe for 501c3s taking a dog or two, etc.
That first dog is Tasha — a Lab/Aussie Shepherd mix waiting in the Ferris shelter. Her bio reads that she is “as cuddly as her name.” [LARRY ASIDE: Not sure how cuddly a “Tasha” is — might be a reference to a cartoon character who makes a lot of movie money.] Continuing: Tasha is listed as a “Very sweet baby found out and about on her own in Ferris. She is very loving and as sweet as can be.”

Waiting in Glenn Heights’ shelter is Lady, a spayed German Shepherd mix — she was photographed with an anonymous child but you get the point. As her bio reads, the awesome Lady “loves other dogs, all kids, all people. Loves to ride in the care and is such a sweetie pie.” No idea why she’s in a shelter — clearly doesn’t need to be. If photo time stamp is right, she came in on April 15.

This lovely girl is Delilah, said to be a Red Heeler. Yep, a Red Heeler in Red Oak on I-35 on the southern side of DeSoto and Lancaster on the southern side of Dallas. She’s about a year old and is house-trained. The bio reads, “Has lived with 3 kitty cats and likes them as well as other dogs. She is a wonderful girl.”
Now, back to Ferris: This is Bowie, an Anatolian Shepherd fellow. His bio reads, “This big, beautiful boy is only 1-2 years old and loves absolutely everyone. Sweetest thing ever. 70 pounds. … Cute and loveable as can be.”

And when you go to the 4-Legged Helpers’ Facebook page HERE, you can see previously mentioned animals including these three: Austin with the great black and white coat; Cece who is alert and happy; and Precious, whose ears can be really up or respectfully down.
GOOD NEWS AND GOOD NEWS
WAITING IN MESQUITE
Our two delightful contacts with the Mesquite Animal Shelter are the volunteer dog biographers Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown. Anybody who hustles for animals oughta envy them — they get to meet the dogs they write about, dogs that get the spotlight and find homes or rescue groups that’ll find them homes. 
In the Thursday edition we reported on 2-year-old, 106-pound Great Pyr mix Lulu who’d been surrendered to the shelter because the young woman who adopted her just as she was starting college, had brought the girl back to her parents and then the parents brought the girl back to the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
The complicating factor, in addition to being rejected, is that Lulu apparently has a hearing impairment.
So, Debra told us Thursday evening, “You will be happy to know that Lulu has been tagged by a super rescue who will be picking her up tomorrow.  She will be much better off in the long run with a person or family who will carefully chosen by the rescue.  It really saddened me when I was interacting with Lulu that she did not seem too interested in human companionship.  Don't know how much Lulu was socialized.  Being nearly (or completely) deaf really requires that she be with someone who understands and will work with this dog's lack of hearing issue.”

We’ll follow up that good rescue news with this potentially good news story from Judi Brown’s encounter with this fellow Victor, about 6, a 64-pound, not-yet-neutered guy who came in as a stray on the 19th. 
Judi wrote, “Victor is stunning with his soft cream colored coat, fluffy tail and sparkling brown eyes! … The shelter has him listed as a German Shepherd but my dog scanner said he’s 75% Canaan and 9% Carolina dog. Whatever he is, he sure is handsome! He’s got a lot of fine attributes. He’s friendly, loving, gentle, sweet, and well-mannered. He didn’t seem to know what I was asking him to do when I asked him to sit. Since he’s highly motivated by treats that is something you could easily teach him. He was interested in balls and would chase them. However, before he got back to me he would lose interest and drop it. It may be that there were so many interesting smells in the yard to distract him. … He’s very soft so I can imagine that he would be a great cuddle partner. He would love to snuggle with you in his own bed or close to you on the couch while you’re watching TV.”
Victor is #50002153 — use his ID when you contact the shelter about him by calling 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

CONTEMPLATIONS
BUMPER STICKER? A QUOTE & ZIPPERS
When we got the Thursday note from 4-Legged Helpers, the first words we read were “SO MANY NEW DOGS - HELP -HELP- HELP! CRITICALLY URGENT.” You could slap that sticker on the door of just about every animal shelter in the known universe these days. Or maybe edit it to SO MAN DOGS! HELP! HELP! HELP! and turn it into a fund-raising bumper sticker! …
Sometimes I’ll open the inbox and discover a half-dozen dogs and cats — probably more — that I’d adopt on the spot if only we had a ranch. Now and then I learn about a donkey I’d adopt but, as my funspouse Martha might say, “No thanks. I already live with a jackass.” Hard to argue against that assessment. ...

Here we are on the final Friday of April 2022. The next day will be the final Saturday of the month. And the day after that will be May Day. April went so swiftly you’d think we’d nod off Saturday night and wake up next month. Oh, wait! That is what’ll happen! FYI: Holiday Insights notes that on April 29, 1851, Elias Howe applied for a U.lS. patent for the “Continuous Clothing Closure,” i.e., what became known as the “zipper” and this is Zipper Day, though only Holiday Insights has ever proclaimed it. It’s been declared by neither Congress nor a President. Maybe the Velcro Lobby is sticking to its opposition. [LARRY NOTE: My cat William read that passage and declared, "Zipper? Zipper? I don't need no stinkin' zipper." He likes to re-shape movie quotes. Says that one came from The Zipper of Sierra Madre. It's a treasure of a movie.]
—- Offer advice or objection by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and “CHECK YOUR FLY BEFORE GOING ONSTAGE” in the subject line. —-

AS WE ATTEMPT TO HELP 'SAVE 'EM ALL,' WE EXPLORE A MESSAGE IN A BOOK

EDITION OF THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022 [PetPowellPress] A walk through a used book store is like a visit with old friends. And, yes, we’ll get to animals in just a moment. [That rejected girl with the sad eyes, Lulu, for example.] Back to books:

In a used book store, you’ll spot people you knew years ago on the shelves: Mark Twain, H. Allen Smith, Dorothy Parker, Larry McMurtry, Arthur Conan Doyle, Mario Puzo, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Irma Bombeck, Laura Lee Hope… you get the idea. A book jacket may take you back to a happy time of quietly reading a book with a page-turning plot and characters you wish you really knew.

And, yes, I was visiting the book store to help drag me out of the well of depression I’d sunk into with the loss of our gloriously adorable cat Simon. Such therapeutic visits are not a stranger to my brain’s “low lobe.”
A bookstore is a positive place.
 On Monday, I drove to a favorite haunt, Lucky Dog Books, on the west end of Jefferson in “downtown Oak Cliff.”
 After only a few minutes, I discovered a time-traveling copy of legendary sci-fi novelist Ray Bradbury’s book The Illustrated Man. I bought it — a buck or two. I have probably two or three other copies in boxes somewhere! So what. That simple act of discovery and purchase gave me something else to think about besides Simon. 

That’s the book. It appears to be a 1963 paperback — it was previously owned by a guy named Ringo — not Starr. Ringo someone else. And it had a signature appearing to be that of the author. Might just be a good fake.
But inside, as I thumbed through the pages, I found a note on an aged slip of paper with old ink and an old message. The phone number (which I’ve covered in the photo with a snippet of a paper towel) had just six numbers. You didn’t need the area code until later in the ‘60s when direct dial appeared. (Somebody explain “Operators” to the kids)….

The text of the message was clear if you can read cursive writing. “Armstrong has fish.”
 No idea if there’s a connection between that note and the 1984 Douglas Adams’ book, So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish.

In summation, slipping into my vanishing childhood Northeast Texas patois, “Them books is good fer yuh.” And FYI, I can get away with using the French “patois” because my area of birth once belonged to France. It’s one of “The Flags” over Texas. “Them history books is good fer yuh, tew.”

NOW, WE RETURN TO OUR GOAL: “SAVE ‘EM ALL”

ON SATURDAY: OK DROPS SOME FEES
FOR ADOPT-A-SHELTER-PET DAY
We got a note from Operation Kindness regarding its celebration of National Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Day on the 30th — that’s Saturday — from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The legendary no-kill shelter will waive “adoption fees for animals that have been at the shelter for more than two weeks.” And the people who adopt will “have a chance to win special prizes for their new furry friends, including treats, toys, pet beds, etc.”
What’s the goal? “To find as many loving homes as possible for dogs and cats in celebration” of the day. More details are at operationkindness.org.
And that is also where you can find photos and info about dogs and cats in the shelter. For example, with a quick click, these three were found when readlarrypowell.com went to operationkindness.org and clicked on the adoptables.

How about those ears! That first dog (two poses for one dog!) is the magnificent Earhound — 2-year-old, 53-pound American Blue Heeler named — of course! — Freckles! She came into the shelter on April 11.

Biddy’s bio says she arrived on March 2 — she’s a 4-year-old Domestic Shorthair mix who is spayed and chipped and healthy. And, as this photo demonstrates, Biddy knows how to lick her chops! She looks like she’d be a comfort to anyone who likes a mature cat.
Oh, and one more OK dog — that upside-down-rub-my-belly-pose belongs to Billie, a 3-year-old, 53-pound Pittie girl who came into the shelter on March 24. Her bio says she “absolutely adores attention and affection.” And she “has never met a stranger and makes instant best friends with anyone she meets.” (HERE’S A VIDEO OF BILLIE demonstrating her love of belly rubs! It is genuinely worth a watch!)

MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE,
ADORABLE ADOPTABLES AVAILABLE
The folks at Mesquite Animal Services keep hustling to find homes for animals that once had homes. This girl with the great tail Hazel is a perfect example of that situation. 
We learned of her from Mesquite volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm. She reports that Pittie mix Hazel (#49000552) was “surrendered on April 23.” Why? “Stated reason for the surrender,” Debra writes, “was that owner no longer had a place to live and therefore was not able to care for Hazel.” She’s about a year old, weighs 40 pounds and isn’t spayed. The owner said he found her “as a stray and kept her for 9 months.” 
The surrendering owner also said that “Hazel lived both in and outdoors, she lived with children (ages 2-14) and was fine with them, she likes to run and play and sometimes is IJ with cats and sometimes not (so best not to be in a home with cats).  I noted that she walked well on a leash,” Debra wrote. And she added, “Hazel pottied immediately when she went outside.  She had a great time stretching her legs and running and exploring the yard.  She is a lively and active pup but not super energetic.  Has a fairly low-key and mellow personality. … It is fairly obvious from the looks of her that she has spent most of her time outside.  She has a rash on her face and neck that needs to be looked at by a vet.”
As is the system with Mesquite, when you see an animal you want or want to ask about, use the ID number and call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Use that procedure when you contact the shelter about this girl Lulu. Debra says she’s a 2-year- old, 106-pound Great Pyrenees mix surrendered on April 25. Ah, but there’s a history. She first came into the the shelter on May 14, 2021. A “young lady entering college” adopted her on May 18, 2021.
“However,” Debra writes, “At some point Lulu was left with the girl’s parents and they do not want the dog.” 
The dumping people said Lulu “is hearing impaired.” Debra says she “walks nicely on a leash, is well-mannered, calm and gentle and very sweet-natured. … Lulu arrived at the shelter dirty with some significant mats in her fur and in need of a bath and groom.  We tried to determine whether the mention of her being hearing impaired was accurate by sounding loud and high-pitched cell phone rings behind her. It was really hard to make a definitive call on this one way or the other but more than likely she has at least some hearing loss. 

“Lulu seems sad and confused.  And who can blame her?  She seems mainly to just want to stand by a door to get out (or in).  Won't you please help this youngster find her forever home with someone who will stay committed and will give her the security and TLC she needs?” 
Lulu is #47756460 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.

And this girl is Blondie (#49994752), an “easy going, friendly, happy” 2-year-old, 40-pound Lab/Shepherd mix” who came in as a stray on April 18.
 Volunteer Mesquite Dog Biographer Judi Brown writes, “The fact that she’s already spayed is an additional bonus! I was met in the kennel with tail wags. She was obviously excited to have human contact. She’s an easy-going, friendly, loving girl! When she first got out into the yard she did her business. Then she explored some but very soon came back to be close to me. Even though it was a very pleasant day she did spend time standing by the door indicating she wanted to go in. That may mean she was an indoor dog and that’s where she’s more comfortable. Besides beomg very attractive with beautiful brown eyes and perky ears she’s very soft to the touch. She’s also gentle and well-mannered. … She liked sitting by me and put her head on my lap letting me scratch her ears.” She’ll need “dog-testing” to see if she “plays well with others.” 
She’s #49994752 — use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
You can see many more Mesquite dogs and cats by clicking on the ANIMALS-IN-THE-SHELTER LINK HERE.
One of the cats you may see is this guy Trapper who was picked up on Caladium on Wednesday the 27th — yep. This very Wednesday. He’s about 4 years old and listed as “large.” He also has great open eyes, a great sweet coat and a championship set of whiskers. He’s in the “Feral Room,” but I’m not sure he’s actually feral. He’s #50057486 — and he ought to be in a home that loves big cats and keeps ‘em from wandering.
CONTEMPLATIONS
PHONES, FUN AND FOOD
When I was writing that opening about the book and the six-digit phone numbers, out of the blue I remembered something I learned in my first week or two of my newspaper career at the Texarkana Gazette — that was July of 1965 — not sure of the start date. Anyway, one of the new guy’s jobs was to call the Texas AP headquarters in Dallas to tell ‘em we had a story they might be interested in — I had to remember that number. It was RIVERSIDE-2-3447. You’d write that RI2-3447 — but you’d say “Riverside 2-3447” to the long distance operator in those pre-self-dialing days. I think I once called Alexander Graham Bell by mistake and he answered, “Watson? Are you there?” That’s an old phone joke with an edited response from Pa Bell. (The mid-1960s phones had long cloth-wrapped cords that weren't springy. No computer chips, either!) …

What fun can you do this summer in Dallas/Fort Worth now that the pandemic rules are relaxed and you haven’t won Lotto Texas yet? I may be reading more and more books or trying to write more and more books while sitting in the shade and sipping something that makes me happy. Sparkling water, for example. Never been a fan of tap water. Outside in a Texas summer, the theme might be "Fighting The Drought." Did you know the "newspaper style" of the word "drought" used to be "drouth." Might have been from Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales -- I'm not sure. Perhaps you remember the prologue that begins "Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote/The droghte of March hath perced to the roote." It was in all the book stores in 1387. ...
As a vegetarian, I’m prone to liking food. Heck I was prone to liking food when I wasn’t a vegetarian! Been one for nearly 30 years. I’ve found myself discovering new dishes along the way — recent favorite is a kale and quinoa salad. What sort of dressing? Hot cream gravy. I’m kidding. It’s a cold citrusy dressing. … 

We’ll close with a TRIBUTE TO PIE. CLICK HERE.
— Offer Foodie Tips or Diet Tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put “NO SECONDS, MR. HEFTY” in the subject line. —-

AT MIDWEEK: DOGS &CATS & HUMANS & CHALLENGES -- OH, SOME RELIEF, TOO

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 [PetPowellPress] It is absolutely impossible to keep up with all the animal situations in the Greater Metrosprawl which, near as I can tell, is solidly connected to animal advocates throughout the State of Texas thanks to the internet, cellphones, The Pony Express and paved roads. Here’s what we’ve got for this edition, thanks to hardworking animal people. And, for crying out loud, get animals safely out of crowded shelters and sue the people who are dumping them for breach of promise. These next dogs weren't even old enough to get a promise when they got dumped!
IN EAST TEXAS, THERE WAS
THIS BAG OF NEWBORN PUPS
We got onto the news of this ridiculous situation because our pal Debbie Ferrell got a “share” and it just kept going. Readlarrypowell.com saw the photo collage and it stopped our mouse dead in its clicks.
See all those puppies?
 Here’s what was posted a couple of days ago by SPCA of East Texas: 
“Who could do this? These 8 puppies were just found tied in a Walmart sack with afterbirth still on them. Thanks to our donation drive we have plenty of puppy formula but are still in needing heat pads and puppy bottles!! Please consider donating to the SPCA of East Texas!!! These 8 are SAFE thanks to 4 SPCA of East Texas foster families. They are on their way to our Clinic and will be checked over by our vet.”
After that post, there was a followup that noted, “We always need bottle-feeders, though, since all of ours are now full!” 

And some people wondered about the mom and the health problems she may face because she isn’t able to nurse her puppies. And that brings us to the opening question in the post: “Who could do this?”
[LARRY ASIDE: Since animal abandonment is against the law in Texas, maybe the store’s security cameras can provide an answer to that question. I hope we find out.]

Here a link to Tyler-based SPCA of East Texas: www.spcaeasttx.com.  And here’s the organization’s FACEBOOK LINK.
ONCE A STRAY, CHARLIE IS
‘READY TO GO’ TO HIS HOME
We got this note about Charlie from Amber Norman, the Richardson Animal Shelter Resource Coordinator who is trying to help Charlie find a home. (He used to be “Bamba” but his foster “calls him ‘Charlie’ which I think suits him better,” Amber says.)

You see Charlie’s pictures. His foster took them and #1 and #10 show how much Charlie has thrived since coming into the home after having ACL surgery. 
Amber writes, “Charlie came into our shelter as a stray and he was extremely malnourished and with an ACL injury but with the help of our foster and our community, he was able to get surgery and has been recovering well in a great foster home. He is fully vetted, chipped and neutered, so, he is ready to go.
 “The vet who did his surgery says that he has healed well but will still need 3 months for the full recovery time.”

Amber says the shelter is “nervous” about adopting him out to someone who might not be prepared to follow all the rehab rules and could “cause a setback/damage to his healing leg.
 Also, Charlie was originally at Dallas Animal Services — DAS forwarded medical information with him so Richardson would know what they were dealing with. He’s been in Richardson’s shelter since October 23. Also, Amber writes, “Dallas had him listed as a pitbull but we think he might be more of a Weimaraner.”

And, Amber says, she included the relaxation photos so rescue /foster groups could see “how good a boy he is.”
She adds that “during his time in foster care, we learned from his foster that he is housebroken, knows basic commands, is crate-trained, walks well on a leash and did well with their cat.”
 To ask about taking Charlie into your rescue group, contact Amber at 972-744-4480 or email amber.Norman@cor.gov.

And, she suggests that if your group can’t take him, forward his info to other animal people “you know and trust.” You might just prove to be the connection between foster Charlie and the guy who becomes known as “our dog Charlie.”

[LARRY ASIDE: While I was looking up Charlie on the Richardson animals site HERE I discovered something I’d never seen before: An 8-year-old Dachshund named Arnold Palmer. He’s clearly ready for a home — you probably don’t even have to live next to a golf course! 
On the Richardson cats link HERE, I found this 2-year-old spayed Torbie known as “Puddy Tat.” She came in on the 11th and became available on the 22nd. That is some tat, eh?
AND THEN THERE WAS
THE FACE OF XANDER
This dog is a favorite of Laurie Gautreaux, the volunteer at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. She posted his photo on her Facebook page and wrote, “This is my baby Xander! The first time I met him he was skinny with sores on his booty and legs." That's the second photo. Laurie continues, "An amazing foster took him in during the storms and if this isn’t the true definition of the power of fostering I don’t know what is! This boy deserves the best life ever!”

So we checked the FWACC report on Xander and found this: “BEWARE OF XANDER - WILL LICK YOU TO DEATH.” 
I don’t know who at FWACC prepared the text for this Xander story, but here’s the Xander tale: 
“Xander came to our adoption party this weekend, and sweetly left us a letter to help us find him his home! Here's the letter he left us...
"What kind of dog doesn't bark? A hush puppy! So, I'm a funny guy - if you couldn't tell by my opener! I love to tell jokes, and make everyone laugh. I also LOVE making new friends, human and canine! I've also been told my smile is contagious... so I'm attaching a picture and you can be the judge. In an effort to help you on your self-care journey, I would love to take mindful walks with you and make you laugh. If I sound like the man of your dreams, or just a dude you would like to hangout with... have your people contact my people, or however this works.”

Here’s the Xander contact info: “Email FWACCfoster@fortworthtexas.gov. Reference ID: A48891054 Xander to schedule a meet and greet with this handsome dude.  If Xander somehow doesn’t fit your bill, check out the more than 1,000 other dogs we have up for adoption by clicking this link."
[LARRY ASIDE: That’s the link to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control and it will take you a while to look at all of those animals — unless you peg your perfect pal right off the bat! Somebody needs to do a study of how this many animals wound up in a city shelter. Surely it’s not just the pandemic. Maybe there are free-roaming heartless idiots who think nothing of abandoning an animal they said they’d love forever. Sheesh. Can a lawyer work up a "Breach of Promise" lsuit against these dog dumpers?
While looking at the animals we found the first one we’d ever seen named “Ghost Pepper” He’s a Greyhound/Blue Heeler mix (#48838807), just over a year old, large and at the PetSMart Hulen Adoption center. He’s been waiting since Feb. 28. I also looked at available cats and found #49702147, a 5-year-old “blue/orange” girl named Zoey. She came in on April 3 and is available at the PetSmart Alliance Adoption Center.
]
And, in conclusion, SAVE ‘EM ALL!
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED NOTES PASSING AS THOUGHTS
What’s the best animal book you ever read? And when did you read it? My answer is Beautiful Joe in elementary school. Did that age make a difference? … Name your favorite novel made into a movie. Hmmm. The Godfather? The first True Grit? Old Yeller? [Written by Texan Fred Gipson, became a hit movie for Baby Boomers. I’m too young to remember that, of course, kidded the aging boomer.] … How about a song about a loyal dog? This one’s from Hank Williams circa 1947, before some of us were even around. CLICK HERE. To use my Northeast Texan accent, “Sang ee-ut Hank.”
— Offer enlightenment by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put HANK RULES in the subject line. —

EVEN ON A DAY WITH ROSES, SOME STORIES JUST TICK A PERSON OFF! SAVE 'EM ALL

EDITION OF TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Here’s a truth: The grass in our front yard responds to rain magnificently in the spring — not so swell to showers of city water in the summer.
That’s the rose bush in our front yard — more of red blossoms than last year. It's pretty nifty to see it thriving next to our driveway. In the backyard, the weeds grow like weeds. What else are they supposed to grow like?
Speaking of rosier things in life: Do you keep up with the news? These may be a good fit for April: The Holiday Insights online calendar notes that April is (a) Records and Information Management Month and (b) Stress Awareness Month. Hello, Washington, D.C.
EAST TEXAS GIVING DAY
NOTE FROM STRAYDOG
[LARRY ASIDE: I don’t have the brain power to keep up with all the “giving days” but, mercifully, I do get tips. Thank you STRAYDOG!] 

This tip on East Texas Giving Day -- it's today -- came from the good folks at Straydog Inc., the legendary animal outfit about 90 minutes southeast of the Metrosprawl.
 Straydog’s Giving Day link is HERE.
As Straydog explains on its link to East Texas Giving Day, the non-profit is “seeking funds to assist in the general caregiving, shelter and veterinary needs of our 160 rescues. Many of these rescued days are sanctuary dogs in need of on-going medical care.” 

At easttexasgivingday.org, you can search for other organizations to help. Lots of animal outfits in the area east of the Metrosprawl.
‘THREE OF THE SWEETEST DOG’
SPOTLIGHTED BY THE HELPERS
We’ve posted these three dogs before as “needing homes” but the 4-Legged Helpers have stepped up the “marketing effort” to help find them homes. They are now no longer just “dogs”; they are “3 OF THE SWEETEST DOGS!” And that, indeed, is a tribute.
That beautiful guy is Austin and the Rescue that saves the Boxer mix gets a $100 donation. He’s described as “Goofy, sweet, so lovable" — 55 pounds of a “larger medium” dog who is housetrained and accustomed to living indoors. “Sadly, someone had some things happen where they just are no longer able to keep him,” the Helpers report. “He is a wonderful, well-socialized dog. So sweet!”
Austin is one of the dogs in smaller shelters whose caught the attention of 4-Legged Helpers. To ask about him or the next two dogs, email cat_girl_72@yahoo.com or call or text 214-949-2726.
These next two dogs have a $275 donation each for the 501c3 that takes them in to save their lives.

Cece is a Bulldog mix — she was a stray. Her bio reads, “She is a very pretty girl and extremely sweet girl who follows the ACO around. Adores children! … She is incredibly deserving and would make someone a great dog since she is so incredibly loving.  just as sweet as sweet can be.”

Precious is described as a “Bull Terrier/Bulldog mix” who is “very sweet” and “desperately needs someone. Little cutie pie. Cute as can be. … She truly needs someone.”
You can keep up with these dogs and other animals in the arena of “small shelter challenges” by following 4-Legged Helpers at this LINK.
ELVIS — THIS IS A STORY THAT
 WILL TICK OFF DOG LOVERS;
PLUS WE CITE RADAR & SWEET AVA
[DEAR READERS: Call this a roundup of dogs needing homes in Mesquite. And some of them are going to inspire you to, perhaps, use language you might not otherwise use. Sure did inspire your humble typist.]
Judi explains — with much more polite language than I tended to use — how Elvis turned out like this., “
He’s an 11-month-old, 40-pound “glossy black ‘terrier Pit’ that arrived in the Mesquite Animal Shelter for the second time on 3/15 as a stray. He is so handsome he could also be called Black Beauty! Elvis originally arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 11/16/21 as a stray. He was very cautious, timid, and a work in progress. The volunteers and staff showered him with love and on 1/31/22 he was adopted! 
“Unfortunately on 3/15 he was brought back into the shelter by a concerned citizen that found him. He was injured. It appeared that he’d probably been hit by a car. His left hind leg had to be amputated. He’s getting around amazingly well! He explored the shelter yard and even moved at a fairly quick pace. 

“When I first got him into the yard his tail was tucked but it didn’t take long before he decided we could be buddies. At one point he even stood next to me rubbing his body up against my legs. When I called him he came to me.  He appeared to like having his ears scratched. He walks well on a leash. He’s calm and well mannered. Right now he is being treated for a hematoma with hot compresses and antibiotics.
“He will be rescue only or could be adopted by a very special person that the shelter determines will give him the follow-up care he needs. He deserves to have a loving family that will protect him and keep him safe. He has lots of love to give.”
 And there’s a $100 pledge by an angel who has met Elvis — that’ll go to a 501c3 Rescue that takes in this handsome boy. Elvis is # 49088259 — use that ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Same contact points for this next guy
Judi describes Radar (#49411109) as “one of my favorites!” He is a “mostly black, 3-year-old ‘terrier Pit’ with a cute face and imploring hazel eyes. He is a longtime resident and came in as a stray.” The 62-pound dog was a bit of a puppy when he arrived. That second photo is a photo from last weekend of Radar behaving and watching at the Dog Derby Event. Judi says, “He has so many sterling qualities I don’t know where to begin. He walks well on a leash except when he’s anxious to get outside and then he does pull some. He does his business when he gets into the yard so he’s probably housebroken. He sits for treats and most the time takes them gently. When you sit down he will come and put his head on your lap. At the same time his tail will be wagging and he will be giving you kisses. He is calm and well mannered when he’s out of his kennel. He absolutely loves toys and will find them on his own and entertain himself with them. If you throw them for him he will bring them back. Besides being cute, he’s a fun, playful dog that would make a wonderful playmate.”

Judi, a veteran at helping shelter animals, also writes, “In my opinion he’s being passed over for two reasons: one is that he’s a black dog and black dogs are not adopted as readily as other colors. Two is that he does not display well in the kennel. He has a lot of nervous energy when he’s kenneled. However as soon as he’s free in the yard he becomes a very calm, well-mannered dog.” He comes with a $100 pledge to the 501c3 that takes him in. (Contact points in the previous segment.)

[LARRY NOTE: Now, Dear Readers, in this Mesquite segment, we’ve had one story that, perhaps, really peeved you. And one story that makes you wonder why a wonderful dog has no home. Now we have a third story and it’s going to a doozy of a story about humans letting down a dog. Trust me, I’m pounding these keys right through the desktop as I read it. God bless Judi and her bio-writing colleague Debra Chisholm for making sure these animals get some notice.]
SWEET AVA is this dog’s shelter name. In Mesquite, she’s #49949001. She’s a year-old, 37-pound Pittie girl who came in as a stray on August 11. Not spayed.
Judi writes, that when “Sweet Ava came in, it was apparent that at some point she has been injured.... possibly by being hit by a car. She’s been taken to a vet and her injuries are old injuries. Her jaw was dislocated. There is a mass on the right side of her face and the vet suspects it’s due to scar tissue. There’s been a fracture to her left elbow and her foot turns out. It’s healed incorrectly and she walks with a noticeable limp. She’s on pain management medication and the vet suggested an orthopedic referral.

“Now, don’t tell Ava that she has any deformities as she's happy, friendly, and very loving. Her tail wags constantly, and she’s got lots of kisses to give you. She does get excited and jumps on you in a gentle way, just wanting to be close to you. She’s a lapdog wannabe. She walks well on a leash. She wagged her tail meeting some of the dogs in the bay but was mostly intimidated by them. I did not see any aggression. She’s a real love bug! To meet her is to love her!"
Again, those contact points when you use that ID number are calling the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmes- quite.com.
Remember, you can see these animals and many more on the Mesquite site — the photos have bios of the animals, too. Click HERE
 to see more animals including this 7-year- old little ol’ cat named Oliver (#49895219). He is a small guy who came into the shelter on April 2. He’s waiting for his next human in the shelter’s Conference Room. Domestic shorthair, the shelter says. [LARRY ASIDE: Might turn out to be your favorite cat ever. You’ll have to be his favorite human. Nobody makes deals like a cat.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
PENGUINS, $500 CASH AND 1963
April 25 was World Penguin Day, according to the online calendar Holiday Insights. When I was at columnist at The Then-Big Paper Downtown, I met some not-even-shin-high brown-feathered penguins from South Africa — they were at the paper for interviews. We kept the conversation short. A person can respond to the request “Fish!” only so many times. Cute little feathered southern hemisphere penguins. The Dallas Zoo has a program to save penguins (click HERE). …
Elon Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion. Imagine my disappointment when my traditional offer of “$500 cash for the whole shebang” was once again rejected. Standing offer to the Texas Rangers. …
What we need right now is a song about money. So, we travel back to 1963 when money was REALLY hard to come by and cite a song performed by a gutsy little combo. Any idea whatever happened to these lads. Did they make any money? Click HERE.
— Offer money tips or ways to live without it by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put LARRY! KEEP THE CHANGE! in the subject line. (Adoring thanks to the late Harry Chapin and Taxi.) —

WHEN THERE ARE STUNNING EVENTS...

EDITION OF MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2022 [PetPowellPress] This edition is dedicated to people who have experienced unexpected turns in the lives of animals. You may see yourself in some of these situations.. You may also have words of wisdom and comfort — or you may need those expressions.. Thank you for reading. And God bless Simon. — Larry.
FOR THE PAST WEEKEND’S edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, we focused on our dear family member, Simon Mycroft Holmes, a big white cat with orangish hints in his coat. As you may have read in the weekend edition (scroll down if you missed it), we rescued him when he was a kitten — so young that it took the vet to determine “boy or girl” after we’d already named him “Ivy Diane.”
Simon was found abandoned in our front yard shrubbery in 2018. Those things happen -- mom will walk away now and then. We took him in and bottle-fed him and cuddled him and for every day from that point in his life, we loved him and cherished him and made sure he knew he had a home. He even had cats and dogs to play with. 
That all changed Saturday night. In the world of animals, things can change in a blink. We have two examples before we return to Simon’s story.
THE STORY OF ANGEL’S LIFE
AND HER TIME WITH A FAMILY
When your canine friend dies, sometimes it takes a while for the human to accept and adjust. We got a note from our longtime pal Tomi Ortiz and it demonstrated the sad feeling of loss. Tomi wrote, “It’s taken me some time to write a tribute to our Angel. She passed away February 17th of this year. After losing our Lac last year I didn’t think I would be saying goodbye to her anytime soon, but I was wrong.” [Lac is the beloved Pit Bull she and hubby Frank got as a puppy and had for many years — his name was short for Cadillac. And that is a photo of Lac as an adult.]
Of Angel, Tomi writes, “It was the strangest thing. She was perfectly fine, still feisty and bullying Boss our Lab mix. But, she just woke up that day and didn’t seem like herself. It looked like she was having a seizure, so I called her vet and on the way she just passed. He said her little heart gave out. We miss her so much! Especially my husband, Frank, who claimed her as his ‘tough girl.’ She was 10 pounds of bully! LOL! She would bully Boss and Lac inside if they didn’t listen to me when I told them to come inside. She’d shoot out like a torpedo to round them up! We would crack up watching her! They’d come sliding in the house like the devil himself was after them!

 “My husband would walk her and I would walk Lac and Boss. He’s 6-feet, bald and tattooed. I’m 5’1 and not bald. People would do a double take, and my husband would say I feel safer with Angel than with the other two! Oh, how we miss her and Lac. We still have Boss, but unfortunately he’s developed seizures. I didn’t know Labs were known for the that. I’m praying the medications they’re giving him will work because I just don’t know what I’m going to do if he decides to leave us, too.”

Tomi sent photos of Angel. In the second photos, Tami explains, “She bullied Boss out of his big bed and made him sleep in her small bed.”

AND THEN THERE IS
THE STORY OF SAMMY
In mid-April we reported the story of the legendary foster Patty Sprong and Sammy. She wrote, “I rescued this old man today. He smelled of urine and he had trouble standing and walking. I knew he was confused after being surrendered at his age. I couldn’t leave him, and thankfully Emma’s Wish agreed to take him in, make him comfortable, and evaluate his options going forward.”
Patty has been the foster mom to probably too many dogs to number. It is a mission. A mission of the heart.
Emma’s Wish Senior Dog Rescue described Sammy as an “adorable guy” who was 15 years old and “surrendered to Mesquite Animal Shelter when his owner became homeless.”
Sammy was in rough shape. Awful shape. 
And a few days later, the folks with Emma’s Wish sadly reported that Sammy had to be euthanized. The revelation read, “The vet took x-rays of his legs and was so puzzled by what she saw that we sent them to a radiologist to review. Basically he had no elbows left at all, had an old break in a leg that didn't heal correctly, hip dysplasia, bad ankles and a luxating patella. Poor guy couldn't walk and was always looking over his shoulder to make sure no people or dogs were going to hurt him.
“There's no telling how long Sammy lived in this painful state before his owner surrendered him. At least he had a few days of living with Patty, one of our wonderful fosters. Sammy had pain meds, food, a soft bed and snuggles and didn't die alone in a shelter.”

And Patty wrote, “I knew this was a possibility when I rescued him, but that didn’t make it any easier. He was only with me a week, but that was long enough for me to love him. It broke my heart to let him go, but I knew it had to be done.”
 She was there and thanked the staffers “for putting up with my blubbering self and for being so compassionate with him and with me. … I am filling the hole in my heart with another needy soul. That’s the only way to carry on. Rest in Peace sweet Sammy.” 

NOW, A SADNESS COMES
TO THE HOME OF SIMON
People who love cats and dogs know what that means — they’ve probably felt it in their hearts.

Death has, inexplicably and surprisingly, come to our household without warning. Our cat Simon has always been healthy. After being an abandoned kitten in 2018, he was treasured by Martha and me and spent his adulthood being a big, loving, adorable cat. No health issues. None. 
He loved lounging in Martha’s lap. He was a big purring handsome cat. We expected that mutual admiration relationship to go on for a long, long time. At our house, it is rare that a cat doesn’t live well into the teenage years.
Yet, at some time around 9 p.m. Saturday night Simon was found taking his final breaths. Martha and I had been playing cards when we heard an odd sound coming from down the hall. I went to check and found Simon prone on the bathroom floor and taking short breaths of dwindling nature. No sign of mayhem or distress or anything that would be fatal.
 We quickly took him to the all-night ER vet clinic about 12 or 15 minutes away. As I drove, Martha massaged his heart and tried to revive him with mouth-to-muzzle resuscitation. At the clinic, a vet checked and checked hoping to find some sign of life, but there was none.

The healthy and beloved cat I’d written about for this very weekend's edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, had “gone on.” No visible reason. Simon was, oh-so-simply, dead.

It is as Tomi said about Angel, “We miss her so much.” As this is being written it has been less than a day since Simon left us, but already we “miss him so much.” 

Patty had that great line about recovering from such a loss: “I am filling the hole in my heart with another needy soul.”

We have a houseful of dogs and cats that were once “needy souls.”
And, after Saturday’s stunning loss, we find ourselves in the sad category of “needy souls.” The surprise loss of Simon is something that is tough to comprehend. As is human nature, we keep looking for the “why.” For now, we’ll suppress that question and focus on the great joy this bottle-fed kitten brought to us.
Simon's arrival was a blessing that was as surprising as his departure. We loved having him in our lives — his place is as permanent as permanent can be. Eternal would be nice.
—- Click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

A FREE KITTEN KNOWS JUST HOW TO NAP

This waning April edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap is a gift from one of our cats, a board-certified napper, Simon Mycroft Holmes.

He will provide tips associated with slumber whether you are a cat, a dog, a human or any other sort of being currently living on Planet Earth. File them under the label “Simon Says.”
SIMON STATEMENT." He writes,
“As a young cat, I learned quickly that a yawn is very important to the attitude of the napper. Thus, I cite these recent photographs — yes, that is me and I will refer to me as “cat.”
“In the first photo you see a cat at rest. 
“Then you see a cat beginning a yawn from the prone position, then the yawn having reached total openness of the jaws, begins to reset. And you finally see me, a cat with a post-yawn attitude. FYI: I was an abandoned kitten, so I learned my sleeping gestures not from another cat, but from a human being. I live with two humans. Either one could have taught me to yawn.

“Moving along, you see an odd photographic artwork named ‘Simon & The Space Man’ — I am sitting in front of a sci-fi film on the big screen TV. If I had the slightest idea of what the film was, I’d give this actor full credit — as I do in most of my films.
“Our message in this examination of the pleasures of life is that your eyes are very important to your sleeping/napping attitude. The closed eyes beckon you to a relaxing nap — unless you are one of those cranky humans known as ‘insomniacs.’ That is a Simon Says declaration.

“And I’m am now handing — ‘pawing' doesn’t work’ — this keyboard back to the guest host of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.”

With the help of this unidentified professional writer/editor, we move briefly to the Baby Kitten of 2017 — rescued from beneath front yard shrubbery after his multi-colored feral mother and his two siblings (both orange) moved and left him loudly squalling — his eyes had yet to open but his mouth was working fine!
 That is that lonely kitten being bottle-fed by the readlarrypowell.com maternalfunspouse Martha. The bite-the-hand-that-feeds-me prone 4- or 5-week-old kitten was known, at the time, as Ivy Diane, in honor of (a) the flora under which he was found and (b) our pal Diane Combs, adoptive mom to a famed miniature Dachshund known as “Larry the PR King.” A friendlier dog you may never find!

About two days after we named the kitten Ivy Diane, our vet, Dr. Vladi DeJong looked at the infant and said something like, “Congratulations, she’s a boy.” Thus Ivy Diane became Simon Mycroft Holmes. This has not disturbed his sleep patterns.
For example, you see him sleeping on a brightly lit iPad — he had been reading and nodded off.
 And. below, he's napping on a piece of cable TV equipment while waiting for a phone call.
You’ve heard the old dog/flea line — track it back to American patriot Ben Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanak. 
It goes “He who lies down with dogs gets up with fleas.” 
We think that was an editing error and the second part of that should read that anybody who lies down with a dog will “get a comforting good night’s sleep and upon rising, can yawn magnificently throughout the day and enjoy every waking moment.” 

Simon has been known to nod off with Porche Noel, our smallish, big-eared slumberdog. And, in the days when we had the pleasure and joy of living with our now-in-Heaven rescued Rottweiller Earl, Simon would snooze with him, too.

So, cuddling with a dog or a napping cat may help people. Everyone awakens refreshed. Caution: It may not work with all humans. But, as the American Experimental Insomnia Foundation motto reads, “What have you got to lose? Sleep?”
That's handsome Simon napping while sitting up on our living room cabinet display. He can sleep anywere. At any time. He was a free cat, you know. Just picked him up right out of the yard.
***
[Dear Readers: PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND BIOS of your slumbering critters to dallrp@aol.com and we will spotlight them in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You may be helping a family decide to adopt an animal. You may also be helping an insomniac get some sleep if he can just find the right dog or cat to bunk with.]
—- Offer advice or objection by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘YOU’RE GETTING VERRRRY SLEEEPY’ in the subject line. —-