Well, this is, simply, disgusting news.
Apparently, the long-awaited new Dallas Animal Shelter is going to be even longer-awaited. This has upset folks in the animal rescue community -- it ought to upset every taxpayer.
The construction bids -- no firms were jumping up and down to get this job -- came in late and sky-high, we're told. Something like 60 percent over budget, the word is. Sixty percent over budget -- how can that be?
Spirits were high at last November's groundbreaking (site preparation was a separate contract, fyi.). The mayor was strong in her remarks about getting this shelter built. Councilmembers were strong in their remarks. Lots of "strong" feelings that day.
There must have been too many human variables to get the shelter erected swiftly, efficiently. The big problem is, I guess, animals don't have a "season" -- if they'd been a pro basketball or hockey team, why, their big new gym would have build slickly on time for the next season so the millionaires could dribble or skate.
But these are just animals and most of them are going to be killed anyway right?
What difference does it matter what the killing chambers look like? Here's the deal: It's not the killing chambers that matter, it's the adoption areas. They will be key to dropping the shameful kill rate in Dallas. At www.adifferentbreed.org you can read this city-produced official fact: "In 2004, the city of Dallas impounded 28,686 dogs and cats. Out of these, 25,699 were killed by lethal injection." Good grief, we should be shamed to tears. (Spay/neuter, increase adoptions, keep animals properly confined -- sounds so simple. Yet beyond the insensitive human brain.)
If there's not a strong mayor hammering the city into shape, then the council members who said they were strong enough themselves to run Dallas need to pick up their hammers and work as a team. Citizens are key to this effort, too. Make some noise at city hall. "Inspire" your elected officials to pay attention to your squeaky wheel.
At www.dallascityhall.com you can click on "elected officials" and see how to contact your council member and the mayor.
Don't be discouraged, be determined. Make the council form of government responsive to the taxpayers. Pass this link www.readlarrypowell.com on to anyone who pays a sales tax, pets a puppy, cuddles a kitten or doesn't want to see tax dollars wasted. Tell them to read this posting and get involved in a life-saving effort.
HELPING 'EM ONE AT A TIME: Sharold Prather of Safer-Stray and Feral Rescue, says right up front that "I normally only deal in kitty cats but it would seem this dog has decided I need to help her. She has been roaming the streets in my neighborhood for a couple of days now and I have put up posters but no one has claimed her."
The big problem is, Sharold can't find a group to take this dog right now. She needs someone to step up and take the "very sweet" possible pit bull mix. Ah, yes, there's the problem -- breed discrimination. Also, the dog prefers not to be confined alone in a backyard. How does her rescuer know this? The dog dug her way out from under a fence and went back to her front-lawn lifestyle.
She doesn't seem to have a problem with cats, but Sharold's cats have a problem with her. "I would bring her in if I didn't have all the cats and a baby on the way, but I just really can't take her in. Maybe some of your readers will have a place in their homes and their hearts for this sweet girl. ... I have been giving her food and water on my porch and she lies by my front door in the shade and greets all who come over."
If you can help this expectant mommy find a safe place for the "walk-up dog," e-mail [email protected] or call 972-222-5508.
It's too darned hot for this dog to not have a good home.
And I know what you animal rescuers are saying, "Just what we all need, another big dog."
We have a bunch of big ol' dawgs at our house. Someday I'm going to write a book called "The Gospel of Big Ol' Dawgs." Can I get an "amen"?
