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The biscuit philosophy...

We're going to enter the weekend on kind of a giddy note.

What? No, no. Just Fresca on crushed ice.

It is life, itself, that makes us giddy. Good people, dogs, cats, flowers, blue skies, fluffy clouds, chocolate, the existence of hot, properly buttered biscuits. Didn't have a biscuit today, but just knowing biscuits exist is good enough for a fat man on a diet. For the moment. And now, our report:

FOUR UPDATES: OK, dear readers, you should celebrate yourselves. You've worked miracles for some dogs this week -- and, as you read down, you'll find other chances to help, including a pit bull mix with three legs and a pit bull mix found near White Rock Lake and in a desperate spot.

First we hear about Lotus (see May 16 report). Donna Graves sends a note that reads, "Just wanted to let everyone know that Lotus has been adopted." Lotus is the dog that has been living in the University

Animal Hospital for about a year. But, Donna sent a note reporting that "a family came to the animal hospital to get her today. I don't know the full story yet. The vet office handled the adoption, so we will know more tomorrow. She was adopted to a family who has kids and a Labrador.  They brought their dog up there when they came to get her. So she now has a family and a playmate! A thousand times better than living on the streets or in a cage."

And then there's the Sachse dog (see May 16 report). Wendi McDonald says the Great Pyr/Golden mix with the bum leg has been claimed by Animal Allies of Texas and his leg condition is being evaluated anew. He's been named Trace and, Wendi says, they're still looking for a long-term foster for him -- someone who can help him through what may be a tough recuperation from leg amputation. Six to eight weeks, they think. Depends on the vet's recommendation regarding his apparently nerve-damaged leg. (A happy bark, by the way, to Laura Wise at Sachse Animal Control for pushing adoptions and for helping down-on-their-luck animals.) To see about helping Animal Allies of Texas with Trace, e-mail [email protected].

"One way or another, I will get him taken care of," says Wendi. "He won't lose his life on my watch!"

We happily opened our inbox today to two happy notes regarding the handsome Ernie, the boxer (?) mix who WAS in a local shelter. Angela Snider reports that he was claimed in a "foster-to-adopt situation." And we all know what that means. Someone probably decided they'd foster him and once they met him decided, "Hey, this dog is mine!"

Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network, who first brought Ernie to our attention, writes, "People saw your post and I was inundated with calls!  Ernie and I thank you!"

Then there was the "Little Fella" who followed rescuer Debbie Farrell of A Different Breed home. And that "Little Fella" wound up in the spiffy Rowlett Animal Shelter because there was no room for fosters anywhere else. The note in our in-box this morning read, "Marnie [Story] with Rowlett just e-mailed me to let me know my buddy found a home..."

So, folks, as we enter into this beautiful weekend of adoption opportunities, no doubt there are more happy endings ahead.

A DOG IN A BAD SPOT FOR NOW: Here's the deal on this dog. Becky Thornhill picked up this pit mix in her Lochwood neighborhood near White Rock Lake on Wednesday morning. Since then she's been seeking help from shelters and rescue groups in hopes of placing the dog in a safe situation.

She's got six dogs at her home already -- including two other male pit mixes. So, Becky's doing her part in the world of abandoned, dumped and rescued animals.

So, she is hoping to find someone who can take this dog. "I don't mind paying for this guy, but I have no place for him."

When found, the un-neutered boy was "wearing an old red flea collar and a black pulling harness that was pretty tight on him," says Becky. Of course he had no tags or ID. "I took him around to vet clinics in the area and he's not chipped. He isn't starving but his ears were messed up and several vet clinics told me that was from flies, so I got some medicine at my vet and they are already looking better."

She continues, "He's a love but I have 6 rescues already that are all getting up there and I can't handle anymore right now. ... I got Lucy from the SPCA in April 95, Jack from the SPCA in April 96, Ronnie was a stray in '98 and Mattie was a stray later in '98 so they are all getting up there. I picked Buddy and Gertie up on Garland road in 2001 so they are my youngest.

"I will be glad to pay his expenses but I'm looking for some rescue or group that has a place for him. I have no place to keep him separate from mine so right now I'm juggling him b/t the garage when my dogs are out and backyard when mine come in."

To help this dog find a place, call Becky at 214-953-9532 (wk), 214-503-0960 (hm) or 214=683-0943 (cell).

A THREE-LEGGED OPPORTUNITY: We learned of this dog from our reliable Houston tipster Dana Dicker. This is Tyler, formerly known as Houdini. Dana writes, "Tyler has been through so much and is very loving and a very good dog.  He hasn't had much human affection and isn't crazy about sharing so will probably do best in a home with no other pets or submissive pets but he doesn't mid the cats (they after all don't demand too much attention).  He is currently enrolled in obedience class and you get a free class when you adopt him!"

The rest of the story comes from veteran rescuer Cindy Perini who reports that the dog was "was seen wandering around a neighborhood for about a week. He was starving and emaciated. Finally, one day he was so hungry he came up onto a porch and just lay down. He couldn’t go anymore. Houdini had a vicious bite on his left front leg that looked either severely infected or broken.  Being a very small town, they didn’t have any form of animal control. The police transported him to the police station to wait to be transported to the nearest Animal Control facility. The lady that had found Houdini called a friend that just couldn’t stand to see Houdini [Tyler] go to animal control because she just knew that he would be put down. She went and picked Houdini up and took him to the vet. The bite on the leg had broken the bone and it had went with out care for so long that the ends of the bone had began to deteriorate. The leg had to be amputated. After a couple of weeks of recuperation, Houdini [Tyler] gets along as well as any other four legged dog."

To ask about Tyler, the three-legged dog formerly known as Houdini, e-mail [email protected] or call 713-861-1611. (He's also at www.scoutshonor.petfinder.com)

HORSES IN TEXAS: The Texas Humane Legislation Network has distributed an action alert regarding Texas Senate Bill 911, a bill that would open a window for the horse-slaughter plants. The alert reads that the "Texas horse-slaughter plants have one last chance to legalize horse-slaughter in Texas. To do this, they must get SB 911 to the House floor so they can add a pro-slaughter amendment to it." Go to www.thln.org and click on "action alerts" to see the details of this issue.

FOR YOUR WEEKEND: Of course, we want you to check back here to see the featured critter in our weekend spotlight, "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap." But we also want you to simply be self-centered for a moment and do something nice for yourself. Spend some time watching clouds. Take a walk. Give yourself a break.

Enjoy some biscuits. Or avoid some biscuits -- depending on your current diet situation. It occurs to me that in all of the diet plans I've tried -- Weight Watchers, Nutri-System, Jenny Craig and a couple of doctors -- I've never once seen these instructions: "Generously butter a hot biscuit and add jam, jelly or preserves of your choice."

And the photo is of our staff impressionist, Inky the Cocker Spaniel, who offers his interpretation of a desperate dieter kicking open the door of an all-you-can-eat buffet and spotting a plate of hot biscuits on the steam table next to a platter of Mom's Lo-Fat Lo-Cal High Frustration Faux Meatloaf. And, of course, as the Texas Cocker Laureate, Inky offers this tribute to the allure of Texas biscuits:

Look toward the table

and jump up for a biscuit

The diet cops may nab me

But I'm growlin' ready to risk it.

I'm just a chubby spaniel

I'm desperate to get a taste

Just give me one big bite of biscuit

A cocker doesn't need a waist.

Some happy endings & Cool Papa

Ah, it's a good day for a sigh of relief in Dallas. We'll tell you about the Vanishing Cat and the Fate of the Reluctant Cattle Dog. And James "Cool Papa" Bell, the ballplayer. Read on:

SIGHS OF RELIEF: Particularly at the world famous Kim Dawson Agency talent and modeling office.

Cheetoh the Office Cat is home.

Well, maybe he never left -- the investigation is underway.

I'd gotten a note from the agency's Susan Karr that Cheetoh had "apparently slipped out the front door" of the office in Dallas on Wednesday afternoon. The folks at the agency were desperately searching for the beloved cat and calling on as many eyes as they could to help in the hunt.

When I called this morning to check on the status of Cheetoh, the agency's Connie Haselden replied with a great relieved laugh -- Cheetoh was found waiting inside the office when everybody showed up for work today.

Worried agency staffers and Cheetoh Fans had been out all hours looking for him in the area around the agency. And, yet, there he was, perhaps inside all the time. The only other possibility, Connie says, is that someone from the nocturnal cleaning crew saw him standing at the door and let him back in.

So, if you ever see a long-haired orange male cat thumbing a ride away from the Stemmons at Oak Lawn neighborhood near the modeling agency, it may just be Cheetoh going out for contraband -- pizza or dessert.

LEGISLATIVE NOTE: Word is skittering around through the animal community that HB 3930, motoring through the Texas Legislature, has some bad components and needs to be addressed.  It will, among other things, "make the seizure and disposition of cruelly treated animals much more difficult and much more expensive." Check out the details by clicking on the "Action Alerts" button at www.thln.org.

SAVING ERNIE: Gail Wheland of the Companion Animal Network is working on saving a dog that is in a local shelter.

He's on today's "put to sleep" list, she says.

His name is Ernie and he is, folks think, a boxer mix. This is Ernie in a picture-perfect pose with a great set of ears and a look on his face that says, "I'm looking for a home -- like now!"

He's 6 years old, heartworm negative, neutered and current on his shots. In other words, he's ready to take up the position of "household dog."

To help save Ernie, e-mail [email protected] or call 214-808-3238. Gail's the "go-between" between outside folks and the shelter. She's the person to contact to either foster or adopt Ernie.

LITTLE FELLA? We got this note from Debbie Farrell of A Different Breed Rescue who describes the dog as the "little fella that followed me home last week."

Because ADB is currently out of fosters, the dog was taken to the rescue/adoption friendly Rowlett Animal Shelter (a pretty nice facility).

But, time is always of the essence when you're a critter in a municipal shelter.

The report to Deb from the shelter reads thusly: "Your guy has a mild case of kennel cough which we are treating with Baytril. He was not limping when the vet looked at him. He does have a few scars that have healed and the vet says he has an excellent personality and is very friendly. He is heartworm negative and has been given the DHPPC, Bordatella and started on Revolution. He is about 1 year old and weighs 42 pounds."

To adopt him, visit the shelter at 4402 Industrial St. in Rowlett or call 972-412-6219. An additional contract is Shelter Attendant Marnie Story at [email protected].

BO'S GOING WEST: Jeneva O'Connor, the local pet-sitting legend with N-Trust-Ur-Pet, sends us the happy news that Bo, the reluctant cattle dog discussed here Tuesday, is going out west.

And Karen Farmer, who managed to rescue Bo from certain death on a Kansas cattle ranch, happily reports that "I found Bo a home in Pala, Calif., late yesterday [Tuesday]." Aussie Rescue held the key.

"A lady who is the assistant coordinator for the Southwest and is the rep for the Southern California sector has decided that Bo is the dog for her. I had gone to their website and placed an application for Bo to be adopted.

"She contacted me because they do not have any reps for Texas. Bo will be a part-time therapy dog at an Alzheimer's facility and will be trained for agility trials."

How about that? From being the undervalued cattle dog that doesn't like cows to being a therapy dog and an agility dog -- all because one person cared enough to step up and say, "I'll help this dog."

HELPING A KID: We reported last week that there would be a blood drive in Ennis on Monday to help 3-year-old Faith Morrissey. That drive has inspired Wal-Mart to add Faith to the beneficiaries of its blood drive planned for 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Ennis, according to our tipster Audrey Merritt of Chrystie's Kids, one of the "publicists" for this effort to help Faith beat this awful disease.

FROM CORSICANA: Our reliable tipster Julie Maupin with the Humane Society of Navarro County reports that the Kaufman County Animal Awareness Project's "Critter Cruiser" will be in Corsicana on May 25. The "cruiser" takes dogs and cats from the pickup site for "fixing" under the auspices of the Kaufman County Animal Awareness Project's Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic in Crandall. (Info is available by visiting the City of Corsicana Animal Shelter or by calling the clinic at 972-472-3500 or by clicking HERE.)

Julie also includes this note: " If you or a friend or family member are  thinking of adopting a pet, please, PLEASE consider  a trip to the shelter to ask about kittens, cats, puppies and adult dogs.  The shelter is brimming with kittens right now - as well as gorgeous adult cats and puppies and dogs of every description.  The cat population is HUGE right now.  Please check out Petfinder.com or go directly to all our pets simply by going to www.corsicanapets.com.

That's where you can read about the dog pictured with this item, Shayla, an adorable Lab/Golden mix. Is that not a wonderful puppy face?

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: Watching TV this week I spotted a Coors Light commercial featuring Dallas' own championship runner Michael Powell. The script for the ad said that Mr. Powell was so fast he could "turn off the light and be in bed before it got dark."

There will now be an entire generation of TV watchers who think that such a great line was written specifically for this beer commercial.

We, however, must set the record straight. You can Google it for confirmation or talk to any fan of the old Negro League baseball teams. The quote is attributed most often to the great pitcher Satchel Paige about James "Cool Papa" Bell being "so fast he can shut off the light in the room and be in bed before the room gets dark."

Those guys in the Negro League had enough of a challenge getting recognition -- they don't need some ad agency "borrowing" their words. Baseball is too sacred for its legends to be corrupted by ad writers.

From Sacshe to Lotus to Paris

Here we are at the middle of the week -- only one thing to do. Keep moving forward.

SACHSE SITUATION: Wendi McDonald of Animal Allies of Texas has tipped us to a situation in suburban Sachse (Sack-see for those of you outside the general metropolitan pronunciation area).

The Sachse Animal Shelter has this Great Pyrenees/Golden Retriever Mix -- the dog is a roadside pickup and has an injured leg. X-rays showed no broken bones, so, Wendi says, the vet, Dr. Jennifer Lavender of Metro Paws Animal Hospital, thinks there may be nerve damage.

Wendi reports, "Animal Allies of Texas and Dr. Lavender at Metro Paws Animal Hospital are willing to take this dog in and take care of his medical care but we are going to need some help with his situation. After reviewing the case Dr. Lavender thinks the best course of action for this guy will be to amputate the leg since there is only a 5% chance that the radial nerve would heal itself. Since he cannot use the leg anyway, it is best to remove it and let him get on with his life as a three-legged dog."

What Animal Allies needs is someone who'll take on fostering the dog. This is a situation that must be solved immediately or the dog will be in danger of euthanasia, says Wendi. E-mail [email protected]  or call 972-496-6066.

By the way, Sachse Animal Control officer Laura Wise would probably appreciate any help she can get for all the dogs and cats in the small-town shelter. The remarkable thing about this shelter is that there is no adoption fee -- you must, however, sign on the dotted line that you'll do the right thing with whatever animal you adopt. Spay/neuter, vaccinations, etc. And they're serious about this, too. Click HERE to see their website (check out the captured bobcat) and to read the rules.

TOTAL SWEETHEART: The word on this dog Lotus is that she is a "total sweetheart." And she's been at University Animal Hospital, 5501 W. Lovers Lane in Dallas, for a year and needs to be adopted. Yep, left behind when someone decided not to pick her up, apparently.

Her health is wonderful but she's got some anxieties that develop from being kenneled for extended periods of time. On the whole, however, she's sweet with people and nobody knows for sure how she is around cats.

Veteran rescuer and foster Donna Graves has been working the e-mails trying to find someone to take this dog, trying to find a Saturday adoption that'll let her show off Lotus to the public.  So, if you can help, e-mail [email protected] or call the clinic at 214-357-5501.

Yes, Lotus appears to be a pit mix. She also appears to be a pit mix who has spent too much time lounging and not enough time exercising. As some folks might say, "She doesn't look like she's missed many meals."

She has only missed the hugs, pets and companionship of a good home.

AFTER THE MARRIAGE: This happens a lot in our world -- so some help is needed. A "bad divorce" (and there really isn't a good one, though some are more of a relief than others) has rendered four dogs homeless in Athens. (We get this tip via our pals at Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake.)

Little girl is a 7-year-old blue heeler, Dakota is a 9-year-old German shepherd and Baby Girl and Bear are shepherd/blue-heeler mixes....oh? There apparently may have been SOME harmony in the home. At any rate, to ask about adopting any or all of these animals, call 214-608-1302 or e-mail [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS ON PARIS: Well, my goodness, Paris Hilton. Sentenced to 45 days in jail for, basically, failing to follow the rules and take care of business properly. An Associated Press story spotted on a west coast newspaper website offered this quote from her psychiatrist who is hoping to overturn the sentence: "She is emotionally distraught and traumatized as a consequence of the findings at the May 4 hearing, the jail sentence imposed upon her by the judge, and her fear of incarceration."

You know what? That is EXACTLY how she ought to be feeling. If you're going to jail and you're NOT distraught, you've got a screw loose.

Frosted, aussies & a puzzle

A contemplation before we begin. Which do you prefer: Frosted breakfast cereal or plain?

And what does that say about you? Probably nothing, but some of us are really paranoid early in the morning and this gives us a whole new question to fret about.

Now, let's help some people and some critters:

BO NEEDS A MOVIE AGENT: This dog has really been through an adventure and is now looking for a place to settle down and be understood. We heard about Bo's tale from our pet-sitting pal Jeneva O'Connor of N-Trust-Ur-Pet.

Then, Bo's temporary custodian, Karen Farmer, filled us in on the details about this 2-year-old, blue merle Australian Shepherd. "He's 70 pounds and he's very lean -- not overweight. He's very laid back, but definitely has all of the intelligence associated with the breed," says Karen. His meds are all up to date, he's neutered and he has allergies, but over-the-counter meds seem to help him with his itchy skin, she says.

"He loves riding in the car and going to visit people," she says.

And that may be his biggest positive today though it was his biggest negative in the past.

Karen says she "rescued him from certain death at a cattle ranch in Kansas."

A cowboy had bought Bo to sue as a cattle dog. But Bo, she says, "wouldn't work cattle. He loves being with people and just really wants to be your companion. He would be a great therapy dog."

But nobody on a cattle ranch really needs a therapy dog -- well, maybe they need one, they just don't know they need one. Moving along:

Karen says, "After the cowboy realized that Bo was not a working dog, he made him into a truck dog. Bo lived in the back of the cowboy’s truck. One time he fell out of the truck while it was moving and got hurt pretty badly. He has some pretty ugly scars on his back legs. After this incident the cowboy gave Bo to his sister. She was a stay at home mom and had a 2-year-old son. Bo and the 2-year-old were inseparable. The little boy’s mother then bought a small dog. Bo and the small dog would play and the little dog would get hurt. The mother decided to give Bo back to her brother. By this time the cowboy had become a ranch hand on a working cattle ranch in Kansas. The owner of the ranch would not allow the cowboy to keep Bo because he doesn’t like male dogs. The rancher told the cowboy to find him a home or Bo would have to be killed. There weren’t any opportunities for Bo to find another home. The rancher and the cowboy were right in the middle of calving season and this leaves little time for anything else. And besides, who would want a cattle dog that wouldn’t work?  Bo was only a few days away from being taken out behind the barn. I went to the cattle ranch to visit old friends. I did not intend to adopt a dog.  I have many friends that own Aussies and I know that I couldn’t have one, unless he was laid back. When I saw Bo in his kennel with an 8 week old border collie puppy crawling all over him, biting him, and chewing on his ears, I saw a very patient and lovable animal.

"When I rescued Bo I intended to keep him.  And I have done everything I know and everything I can financially afford to do, to keep him."

The problem is Bo suffers from separation anxiety -- he really needs his human around or he becomes an escape artist or tears up the house. "I want to give this dog every chance, but I'm running out of options," Karen says. "Is there anyone that would be willing to take a chance on Bo?" (To ask about adopting Bo, e-mail [email protected].

Karen says he's good on a leash, loves walks, knows simple commands and "learns quickly."

He's just not interested in herding cattle.

AS LONG AS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT AUSSIES: This is Eva, a 3-year-old Aussie mix. We get her story via Cary Birdwell and Adopt-a-Dallas-Pet. A woman named Hannah says, "I became her owner when I saw my ex-boyfriend throw her against a wall. She and her mother were feral and he (and his mother) adopted her, but he was not mature or wise enough to handle her. She has never gotten completely over her beginnings and is very skittish around people that she does not know."

Once she is comfortable in a home, she does OK, especially around females, says Hannah.

Situations change: Eva's about to be out of a place to live because Hanna's company has announced major layoffs. "My parents cannot help and my severance package will cover June bills and a little more."

So, Eva needs a place to live. To ask about helping this dog, e-mail  [email protected].

FOUND: Look at this beauty! She was found about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Royal Lane-Webb Chapel area of Dallas. Her finder, Marta, says, "She has no tags or microchip. She's very sweet, friendly and playful. ... I'm keeping her until I can find the owner, but one of my dogs is very aggressive and won't allow any other dogs in the house. Thus, this poor dog is living in my bathroom for now."

To claim or to help this dog, call 214-909-7281 or 214-698-2234.

A TIP FROM BACK EAST: Our pal Andy Fisher, the writer/actor/raconteur at CNBC, might as well be considered to be our "Eyes on the East Coast." Today he sent us a note about a pit bull political crisis in Boston. Here's the link. We mention this so people in Texas won't think we have the nation's only on-going discussion about "aggressive" dogs.

THE BEAGLE'S TRAIL: Back on May 8 we reported that Cindy Keister had found a roaming Beagle on May 5 (Cindo de Beagle) near Arapaho and Golden Creek in Far North Dallas and was trying to get the dog back to his rightful residence. No dice. But things worked out.

Cindy writes, "No one ever contacted us about losing this Beagle, but Operation Kindness called and wanted him.  I couldn't believe it!  He was there for 1 day to make it a total of 5 days to give his owners time to contact us and he was adopted the next day.  I had so many offers for help to foster and to adopt him after we had already released him to Operation Kindness.  Thank your readers for me."

NOW, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? Spotted on a freeway, an Old Dominion Freight Lines rig on the side of which was emblazoned this slogan: "Delivering New Solutions." New solutions to what?

Stamps, critters, a kid & a QB

Before we get to the report that missing dog Alex has been found in Dallas, let's note that the price of a stamp has gone up today. To 41 cents -- perhaps you'll use a 41-cent stamp to pay your gasoline credit card bill.

How's that for irony? A stamp that went up mere cents is hauling the check that pays for gasoline that went up like an express elevator to a private office at Exxon.

For the bulk of my childhood, a first-class stamp cost a bucket of oats. You'd just leave it out on the hitchin' post for the Pony Express rider. Gasoline hadn't even been invented. Ah, the good oat days.

Oh, that stamp? That's my proposal for a 41-cent stamp -- Inky after a visit to the groomer's last week. Only drawback to this Inky stamp? When you lick it, it licks you back.

SPEAKING OF DAYS: Our pals at Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake are preparing their "fabulous 2008 calendar," we heard from Friends tipster Sydney Busch.

Now, they're going to reserve one page in the calendar for photos of "volunteers/supporters and their dogs." This will be a group shot -- you can get into the group with a $35 donation per person/dog.

Here's the fun part -- they're going to shoot it at 11 a.m. on June 10 and, as the announcement notes, "the party is that afternoon at 3." Might be a more interesting photograph if they take the picture AFTER the party, don't you think?

Now the tip on this cat comes via Friends of the Animals. The cat, sprawled out on an "accent rug" with celestial overtones, is Prell, a 3-year-old dilute calico. Spayed, declawed in the front and "sweet, sweet," they say. But, Prell is afraid of dogs. "Her fave thing to do is sit in her window seat and watch the world go by -- and eat," we're told. (To ask about adopting Prell, e-mail [email protected] or call 903-498-5305.)

In the meantime, our friends at Friends tip us to a special case: "A 16-year-old Chihuahua was given up by her owner and now needs somewhere to live out her life. She's in good health and is house-trained. She mostly sleeps but needs a loving home to do it in." (To ask about this old sweetie, call 214-236-8513.)

ALEX HEALTHY AND HOME: A couple of weeks ago we began mentioning the dog Alex, a former Companion Animal Network dog who had managed to dash away from a dog walker near Montfort at Beltline in Addison.  People were desperate to find this dog.

Here's the e-mail that began making the rounds Saturday from Kari Shutler, Alex' mom:

"I got a call from a woman named Lisa who I gave a flyer to last Friday. Her apartment backs up to the golf course -- Bent Tree/Keller Springs/Preston corner area. Her husband saw Alex running along the golf course - he called to him, but Alex ran the other way.

My friend Felicia & I IMMEDIATELY drove over there. I saw Alex about 5 minutes after we had been running around. I called to him & after some encouraging he ran over to me. He was SO excited!!! He could not stop jumping up & I could barely see through my tears.

"I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE who has helped - e-mails, flyers, word of mouth, support. I cannot express my gratitude. It amazes me how complete strangers stepped up & gave their time to put up flyers - you have given me my family back & I am forever grateful. I have attached a picture of my baby - back at his safe & loving home. THANK YOU!!!!!"

And that is Alex, back at home with Mom.

NEEDING HOMES: This note comes from Kimberly Jenkins of Education & Animal Rescue Society (EARS).

"My mother delivers Meals on Wheels to a kind gentleman who is blind. His brother who lives with him is disabled. They had a sweet Beagle/Spaniel mix dog abandoned at their home who was pregnant and subsequently had puppies. They have done their best but her pups are now six weeks old and MUST be moved immediately."

This situation is in Crandall. The Beagle/Spaniel mix wandered up and had the pups -- the fellows have done their best to keep them safe in a fenceless yard. But the mom is on a 4-foot chained and the pups run free. They are at the age where they'll run anywhere and their mom can't protect them because she's chained.

Kimberly says EARS "can help the pups if we could find foster homes for them. We have been able to find a foster home for one of the pups but there are four more - a total of three males and two females." They're also attempting to find a new home for the Mom.

This is a photo of one of the pups. Their dad is a Lab. And the pups weigh in at about 5 pounds right now, so they're not expected to be large dogs.

To ask about fostering or adopting, e-mail [email protected] or call 214-559-2817.

REMINDER: We mentioned this last week and, perhaps you'll recall the story, that today is the day for the blood drive benefiting 3-year-old Faith Morrissey who is fighting leukemia. The drive is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the H.E.B. grocery store in Ennis.

All of this is being conducted thanks to the coordinated effort of HEB, Rotary Club of Ennis, Ennis Regional Medical Center and Chrystie's Kids, the Ennis-based charity group run by our tipster, Audrey Merritt.

The H.E.B. store is at 114 S. Clay in Ennis -- for out-of-towners, just take I-45 and exit on State Highway 34 (Ennis Avenue) and go west to Clay. 

Faith is the granddaughter of Myra Morrissey of Ennis and her parents are Stacy and Josh Morrissey of Flower Mound.

If you can't make it to the drive today, you can still donate in Faith's name. Contact Audrey at 972-875-1597 or Jane Mize at 972-875-0900.

RUMOR, THEORY: OK, so the hot rumor in the NFL is that Brett Fahvre wants Green Bay to trade him. Whoa! Wouldn't Jerry Jones love to have the legendary Green Bay QB helping young Tony Romo guide the Dallas Cowboys to the Super Bowl? Oh, my. Oh, my. Sure would give us something to talk about in September and October other than how far out of first place the Texas Rangers are sinking.

Table-top napper...

When last we presented a story about Jypsy the Cowtown Cat, she was making herself at home in Jann Jeter's house last fall.

That is something that has not changed -- she's still making herself at home. In our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, we present Jypsy, tabletop decoration.

Yep, Jypsy's sleeping on the dining room table. Call it a "placemat catnap."

"She really is more entertaining than television," says Jann. "I know she's already been a star in your weekend column....but this picture was so funny I wanted to share it with you for your sleeping kitty file.

"You'd think she'd be going for comfort after being rescued from a life on the streets, but she sleeps in the oddest, most uncomfortable looking places.... Yes, that is the dining room table and, yes, she is sound asleep. I guess we were fortunate we weren't having dinner at the time."

No kidding. There's a law of physics: A sleeping cat at rest tends to stay at rest. Even as dinner is being served.

The second photo was shot Friday morning as Jann was getting ready for work. "As you can see, her back end is not even on the table and if the cabinet wasn't there, she'd be hanging off. Now, does that look comfortable to you? Jypsy does have several nice, cushioned cat beds around the house, not to mention various human beds, sofas, wing chairs and a padded window platform. She does deign to sleep in the comfortable places on occasion.

"She is a great source of amusement and makes us laugh every single day. My roommate says she's the luckiest cat in the world. I just think she knew a sucker when she spotted one."

Jann says that Jypsy "found me out where I work in South Arlington. I went  out early to work one day in late September of 2005 to get in an early morning walk and she ran out from underneath some steps and scared me half to death because it was still dark. She's a Manx with about a 2-inch tail. I'm pretty sure she was dumped. My boss had be pull her inside because he was afraid she'd be hit by one of our semi's. I tried to find a home for her but all my cat friends have cats. I've never owned a cat before because I'm allergic to cats (3+ on a 1-4 scale!). But she was just so sweet I thought I'd give it a try. She gets a bath every two weeks which cuts down on the dander and allergens and allows me to live in the same house with her."

Reading between the lines, it sounds as if Jann is so nuts about Jypsy that if the allergens crept up on the scale, she'd just give the house to Jypsy and move into a tent on the lawn.

(Remember, all you have to do to get your dog, cat, hamster, guinea pig, pony, gerbil, wallaby or deadbeat in-law featured in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap is send a photo of the slumberer and info about the rascal to [email protected]. We celebrate sleepers! They are the people who can make the world go round while dazed insomniacs are still trying to figure out what to do next.)

The Friday collection...

Welcome to Friday, traditionally a day of many items. We shall not break with tradition today. So, read on.

ALERT: Got another action alert from the Texas Humane Legislation Network about an end-run the horse-slaughter industry is trying in the state senate. The industry wants to keep slaughtering horses for export for human consumption. Check the THLN website for more info.

When I was working as a reporter at the now-defunct Fort Worth Press in 1972, one of the first stories I covered was an attempt to get the horse-slaughter plant in Cowtown shut down. Here it is 2007 and I'm wondering just how much money a horse-slaughter plant must make if those guys are willing to wage a legal battle that has lasted at least 35 years. That's a lot of billable hours.

NOW, THE BEAUTIFUL CATS: Some folks think Maine Coons are the most beautiful cats of all -- particularly the Maine Coon Cats themselves. (We had one -- the late Lucy the Cat, such a beauty, such an attitude.)

Karen Crooke, now serving as president of the National Maine Coon Cat Club, has, for years been reminding us about the annual gathering in Mesquite. It's coming up this weekend: the National Maine Coon Cat Club Cat Fanciers Association Cat Show in Mesquite. Where in Mesquite? In the rodeo arena. Where else would you try to herd cats?

Seriously, it is in the Resistol Rodeo Arena, Exhibit Hall A, at 1700 Rodeo Drive in Mesquite. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and as Karen's notice says, "a great place to take Mom for Mother's Day."

Especially if Mom likes cats -- but also if Mom likes spectacles. If you've never been to a cat show, you owe it to yourself to go and watch the judging. It's not like a dog show -- the cats don't circle-up in the ring and "stack" or jauntily trot in a circle.

Now, in reality, the Maine Coon Cat show is only one portion of this All-Breed Cat Show, but the Maine Coons get quite a lot of the spotlight, including a special showcase and the Maine Coon Hall of Fame Presentation during the lunch break both days.

So, you'll see many breeds of cats -- and there are many breeds, at least 37 at this show.

And there may be some in the rescue showcase that aren't any particular breed -- mixes, perhaps falling under the general category of "shorthair" or "longhair" or "great-lookin' cat." Karen tells us, "We're having quite a display of rescue cats available for adoption as well as the competition of pedigree cats, and, of course, Maine Coon Cats are in the spotlight!"

(Admission to the cat show is $5 for adults and $4 for folks 65 and older or 5-12. Kids under 5 get in free. And, get this, parking is free, too.) This all-breed show is held under the auspices of the Cat Fanciers' Association and a portion of the proceeds will benefit DFW Purebred Cat Rescue, Garland Animal Shelter, Texas Maine Coon Rescue,

and DFW Sheltie Rescue, according to Karen's note.

There'll also be vendors at the Kitty Shopping Mall, including the Cats' Pajamas which offers handmade cat beds and other sleeping items for the feline set -- don't know about little cat-eye night masks.

Click here to reach the Cat Fancier's site and see how to watch a cat show.

Oh, that's a Maine Coon in the photo -- but not just any Maine Coon. This is one of Karen's cats from her Terrificats cattery down around Beaumont. And this cat is "Grand Champion Terrificats Creme Soda, a cameo mackerel tabby and white Maine Coon Cat male who will be competing at the show."

STILL LOOKING FOR ALEX: You may recall that we mentioned last week the story of this dog Alex. Formerly a rescue in the care of Companion Animal Network, he was being walked by someone hired by his family when he slipped his collar and dashed off into the area around Montfort and Beltline in Addison.

CAN's Gail Whelan reports that searchers need help handing out flyers. (To volunteer call George Bowmer at 214-263-7097.)

She says, " We have distributed almost 3,000 flyers.  We have gone to the post
office, all shelters, restaurants, small businesses, handed them to
FedEx drivers, put them on cars (all of Brookhaven College) and put them
on as many poles as we can."

PETFLIX DEADLINE EXTENDED: Today was to be the deadline for entering the SPCA of Texas' PetFlix 2007, but there's a new deadline: May 25. Still time to put together your animal-related film. Get the details for entering at www.spca.org. Here's the official wording: "Submit your short film, music video, documentary or special home video moments of your pets to the SPCA of Texas’ Pet Flix Film Festival and you could win a prize package valued at nearly $10,000, including an eight-day Alaska cruise with airfare provided by Sharon Carr Travel, free pet boarding provided by Wüf Pet Resort and Spa and two nights at a Hilton brand hotel."

Finally, that entertaining dog or cat may actually pay off. Winning films will be shown at the PetFlix 2007 Film Festival from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at the Granada Theater in Dallas. Tickets are $10.

RING THE DINNER BELL: Ah, one of the nation's premier vegetarian and vegan chefs will host a Vegan Potluck dinner in her Dallas home from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Our pal Jeanette Prasifka of Crosby Catering and Coffee (Click HERE) will, according to the news release, "provide a dish or two and plenty of tortillas -- we ask that you bring a vegan Mexican-themed dish to share." (This event is co-sponsored by Crosby Catering and Vegetarian Network of Dallas.) Margaritas, sangria, cerveza and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided -- anything else is strictly BYOB.

RSVP and get other info at 214-770-5573.

Here's the deal on Vegan and a rule for adding to the potluck menu, according to the chef: "Vegan means no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey or processed white sugar. Remember to read the label of any processed food. Also, if possible, please bring your recipe to share."

As a practicing vegetarian, I can tell you that they print the ingredients label way too small for the post-middle-aged bifocaled vegetarian. But, if you're careful, you can avoid such ingredients as "chicken broth" and other things that are used in what at first appears to be a completely vegetarian-safe product.

WHITE SETTLEMENT SITUATION: We got this tip from veteran rescuer Lou Olinger. "They get a lot of pits and feral cats, but also a lot of cute dogs and cats, too," Lou says of the small shelter in Tarrant County. "The 'Mama and nine puppies" is killing me. She is not a pit -- we think she is a boxer or Boston Terrier/Sharpei mix. She is very friendly and is a very good  mother. She let us pick up the pups and she walked well on a leash, licked my hand and rolled over on her back for me to rub her tummy. She is young, maybe a year or two. Can you please find a foster for them."

That's the mission. White Settle Animal Control is at 209 Bollinger Blvd. It's open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Phone 817-246-1043 or call the animal control officer at 817-614-2730 or e-mail [email protected].

BUDDY THE BASSETT: Oh, boy, a basset. We got this note from Caroline Felps with A Different Breed. It reads, "One of my co-workers has rescued a Bassett hound that needs a new forever home. ... Buddy the Bassett is great with children and adults alike!  He's about 12-18 months old and around 45 pounds. He's been neutered, had his vaccinations, and is on heartworm preventative.  He's very sweet and smart; he loves his crate and his housebreaking is going very well. My co-worker said he has learned very quickly what is and is not acceptable behavior.  He walks well on a leash & enjoys playing in her backyard."

To ask about adopting Buddy, call at 214-941-5053.

AND A CHIHUAHUA: One more note from the folks at A Different Breed. A vet frequently used by the group has become possessor of a 10-year-old male Chihuahua mix -- a whopping 15-pounder who needs some dental work. That dog is available for adoption. The clinic will board him until Saturday and donate toward his adoption fee through A Different Breed. According to ADB's Caroline Parkhill, "He sounds like a great little dog who, sadly, has been turned out in his golden years and needs a forever home that will give him the love he deserves." (To ask about adopting or fostering this dog, e-mail [email protected] or call 214-316-6604.)

ONE FOUND, ONE SURRENDERED: We got the report on both these dogs from the folks at Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake.

Regarding the white dog, the story goes, "She was so dirty, it was hard to tell exactly what color she was. And the groomer took over 90 burrs from her fee alone. It took about 6 hours to shave and clean her up, but what we have is a wonderful girl, full of love and just wanting to be off the street and in a lap somewhere We don't know how old she is or much else about her." (The adoption fee? Just reimburse the vet clinic.) Call Barbara Cartwright at 214-236-8413 or e-mail [email protected].

In the meantime, Mac is a 2-year-old Italian greyhound who was an owner surrender. The owner had a job that kept him/her away from the dog for 12 to 14 hours a day and Mac spent that time crated, according to the report. That must have been torture for a dog from this active breed.

Mac's been neutered, is up to date on shots and has been started on heartworm treatment -- yep, he was positive. He's housetrained and, his guardian says, "about the most loving dog I've ever seen." He gets along with other dogs, but hasn't been around cats or kids. To ask about adopting Mac, contact Barbara or John Kennedy at 903-451-3093 or [email protected].

NOT QUITE SNOOZING: OK, if MeMe had been a little more drowsy, she'd have qualified for spotlighting in our weekend feature, "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap." Alas, nobody with a camera can sneak up on MeMe.

Here she is taking it easy in her temporary quarters at Operation Kindness. The photographer, the usually stealthful Operation Kindness Executive Director Jonnie England, says that MeMe was asleep but awoke just in time to look into the camera.

What's the story on MeMe? "She deserves a comfy bed since she's had rough life--what we know of it, anyway, and the assumptions we've made on her previous life.  We found her chained up outside the shelter on Christmas Eve's eve -- Dec. 23. I don't remember if it was freezing cold or just late-December cold, but it was cold.

"Of course, she was heartworm positive. She had a reaction to the treatment, but she made it through after a scare.

"She got adopted in mid-February but was returned 3 week later for being 'destructive' (the old separation anxiety).  But since she was abandoned so callously--and at Christmastime, no less, the rotten Scrooge -- why wouldn't she be anxious about being left alone?

"MeMe has a sweet temperament and is very loving. ... She's about 3 years old and weighs 49 pounds." (Visit Operation Kindness in Carrollton to meet MeMe or go to www.operationkindness.org to see how to adopt her.)

And Jonnie says, MeMe "was sleeping. I woke her up when I took the photos. She didn't bother to GET up, but she did WAKE up."

Thursday's collection...

Let's get right into today's business without even considering what it means when your dog looks at you, shakes his head and walks off into another room.

No sense getting paranoid because the dog doesn't like what's on TV and continually asks, "Why isn't there a CSI: Bloodhounds?"

SOMETIMES THE PICTURE GETS YOU: We must get dozens of photos of animals a day at www.readlarrypowell.com. Some of these critters are in shelters, some in private homes, some on the loose and their photos were snapped by desperate souls trying to save them.

This dog is Mimi. Or, as it says on the caption I received, "Mimi, female."

That's all I know about her -- well, that and the fact that when the photo was sent, she was in the care of the Little Elm Animal Control folks north of Dallas. Who knows how she came to be in a kill shelter? Dumped? Strayed? Born unlucky? (To see about adopting Mimi or any of the other dogs and cats at Little Elm, call Cynthia Medrano at 214-975-0460 or e-mail [email protected]. The adoption fee is ridiculously low -- $10, if I read correctly.)

At any rate, she has such a great set of ears and dazzling eyes that she reminds me of those incredibly fetching runway glamour models of the 1960s who would swirl and send their skirts flying -- or maybe their ears flying if their earrings were heavy enough.

SOMETHING FOR YOUR COMPUTER RECORDS: We have some website news that you may be interested in. The Metroplex Animal Coalition site has been updated. Click HERE to see it. And pass the link on to people who AREN'T rescuers.

Also, Companions for Life (Click HERE) has an upgraded site and a spot on myspace at www.myspace.com/cflmurray. Pass those links on to people who AREN'T rescuers, too.

One of these days, animal folks are going to figure out a way to get the rest of the folks to pay attention. When that happens, shelters will be empty and homes will be filled.

That's the theory, anyway.

A BULLY IDEA: Talk about a timely educational topic! This one should be well-attended. Perhaps by people who don't know anything about pit bulls except their reputation.

Our pals at Companions for Life focus on educating people about animals -- this time they've got a hot topic. For every ugly pit bull story they hear, animal people can come up with a story of a pit bull mix who adores humans, lives with a cat and once saved a busload of kids from certain disaster. The extremes are just about that far apart.

There are people who actually know these dogs. One of those is Laura Dapkus of the Lone Star State American Pit Bull Terrier Club. And she will be discussing pit bull terriers on May 24 on behalf of Companions For Life. This is, for now, just for shelter workers and rescuers.

(The event is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, in Dallas. You have to have reservations so e-mail [email protected]. Certified Animal Control Officers receive two continuing education units from Texas Animal Control Association.)

Among the topics that will be addressed are the history of pit bull terriers, behavior of the breed, dealing with the breed's tendencies and current breed specific legislation trends in Texas.

A DOG NAMED HAVOC: This is a dog that has fallen into the sphere of influence of our pal in Burns Flat, Okla., Terry Lynn Fisher. It's one of those he said/he said situations where only Havoc the Dog probably knows for sure what was going on that night and he's not talking.

As the story goes, Terry says, a man claims he was jogging and this dog "ran out as if to play" and scratched the man on his arm. The man cried, "Vicious dog," and a Weatherford, Okla., police officer shot the dog in the face. The man survived the "scratch.". The dog survived the shot.

(Author's aside: Truth is, when a person sees a pit bull or pit mix approaching, they don't just see that dog, they see all the pit bulls or pit mixes who have made headlines for years. Unfair, but it's a fact. Now, back to the dilemma.)

Terry Lynn says the dog really needs to move along because the environment around his home is not friendly. People are claiming the dog continues to be vicious. The dog's owner, a college student, loves the dog and wants to get him into a "safe and loving home," Terry Lynn says. "This is a house dog whose main crime is that he was born a pit."

To offer to help this dog, contact Terry Lynn at 580-660-1344 or [email protected].

PIG REPORT: News of Petunia the Pig's new life continues to amuse. We get this from Terry DeGaw of Serenity Springs Sanctuary and Animal Rescue.

That's where Petunia landed after she was rescued with only hours to spare from death row in the Irving Animal Shelter.

Terry writes that Petunia "took exception to being by herself in a pen and decided to move to the next-door 'family.' She may have some help although it does look as if she took matters into her own 'hooves'.  I freaked when I didn't see her during a feeding round. I noticed that the gate had been opened and when I looked into the next pen I saw her running out of one of the pig sheds.

"Newbies are not usually allowed to join so quickly....especially being allowed to sleep with the originals.  It is probably due to her being so young and the elders are being kind to her.  She has made the place her own and is quite the little personality. I even saw her putting one of the older pigs in his place.

"I'm glad it is working out so well as the area she was placed in to begin with had been built for 10 special pigs that will be coming in some time this month. --.two of which were rescued from a burning barn at a breeder's... Again, thanks to all who helped this cutie."

TIP ON A RED DOG AT THE SPCA: Jennifer Lee rescued this guy and made sure he had vet care -- he had an open wound on his right shoulder. She tried to find a home for him and, when no one stepped up, she got a chance to pitch Red Dog's positives to the SPCA of Texas.

She e-mailed earlier this week that "Red Dog was lucky enough to get an appointment and was accepted into the SPCA... after passing their temperament test with flying colors." They're calling him "Red," too.

In an earlier e-mail, Jennifer had described Red Dog as a "red chow/Shiba Inu/shepherd mix -- really he is more of an 'SPCA special' mixed breed."

Sure enough, he really is an "SPCA special." He's at the SPCA and Jennifer says he's special.

He's under 2, weighs 40 pounds, up to date on shots, has a gentle and calm demeanor and "very quiet," Jennifer says.

Red dog had been dumped in the area near LBJ and I-35. Other than the big wound on his shoulder, Jennifer says "he is in great shape though he looks like he has had a hard life thus far. You'd never know it as he is very calm, gentle and quiet. He is the kind of dog that is happy just to have his head in your lap and get a few pats."

STILL LOOKING FOR MERLIN: We mentioned recently that this family dog, Merlin, is missing from Scurry, southeast of Dallas. He's a 7-year-old Lab/Weimaraner mix who may have been purloined from the property at 16997 County Road 2065. Tina Bernard says he's been missing since April 26.

The family did a search of the area and there's been no sign of him.

In her most recent note, Tina says she also posted Merlin's story on the SPCA's missing animal site, but has had no response. "We've called a few of the animal shelters and that, too, is a dead end. As a last resort, we left a note for our postal lady to see if she's come across him -- but, still nothing."

So, folks, someone may know Merlin's whereabouts. If you do, e-mail Tina at [email protected].

ABOUT THE ELECTRIC COMPANY: Our electric company has been changing names lately. TV ads are all over local channels noting that the old company has a new name. Of course, if people and not corporations were taking this much money from innocent citizens, the authorities would refer to the new names as "aliases."

School daze and weeds aplenty

Goodness gracious, another day.

Our e-mail in-box continues to overflow -- please be patient. Our days are not long enough to accomplish all we wish we could.

Only one thing to do. But I don't know what it is. So we'll just plow ahead and hope for understanding and a lucky lotto ticket.

Inky the Cocker Spaniel has a salon appointment today. He has big ears, you know. They come in handy in a gossipy environment. Stay tuned.

LOCKDOWN: The things you run into in the modern world....oh, my.

We'd mentioned last week that Paul Heeman and his dog, Harry, were making the rounds of local schools on behalf of Companions For Life, the organization that focuses on educating people about animals.

Perhaps you heard the news yesterday that several schools, including Richardson's Arapaho Classical Magnet, had been placed on "lockdown" because of a potentially volatile domestic situation in the neighborhood. Rebecca Poling, the CFL president was supposed photograph Harry and Paul at work. But she couldn't get into the school and because of the lockdown.

And Paul and Harry couldn't get out.

School lockdown rules stipulate that the students must stay in the classrooms and can't gather for "assembly." So, Rebecca says, "Paul and Harry instead went from classroom to classroom meeting all the kids and helping to quell their fears."

Thus, in keeping with CFL's stated purpose, everybody got an education.

And maybe the guy who caused the lockdown has learned something -- the lesson of handcuffs, perhaps.

HIGH DOLLAR THE BEAGLE: This must be the season for Beagles. Here's the second one this week in need of a home. This one comes from Carole Whatley of the Van Zandt County Humane Society. This is a beagle, she says, "who needs children in the worst way.

" She was playing with the neighbor kids until they moved, and now she digs out to go over there every day, hoping they'll come back.  She's living with some very nice and kind-to-animals folks, but there are no children, and she doesn't get enough playtime.  Her name is High Dollar, because when she first appeared, her newly-found human spent quite a lot on spay, teeth cleaning, heartworm treatment, rabies, etc.  HD can sniff around like a Hoover cleaner, it's really funny to hear her.  Sometimes she actually finds something.  She's about 4 years old and in perfect health."

To ask about adopting High Dollar call 893-479-4040 or e-mail [email protected].

THE ARRIVAL OF NICKIE SUE: Well, she was originally "Nikki Sue," but since we're getting this from her new "mom," we'll go with Mom's spelling, Nickie Sue.

You may recall that this dog was under the protective wing of Terry Lynn Fisher, the tireless rescue worker in Burns Flat, Okla. And Terry Lynn sent out word that the dog needed a home. The pup was suffering from two broken legs -- hit by a car -- and assorted indignities from being a "throwaway."

Our pal Colleen FitzGerald, who runs the private school, Merrywood School in Duncanville, volunteered to adopt Nickie Sue. Colleen is a veteran animal person (Click here.) and something about this rescued dog touched her.

Here's the latest report from Colleen: "Nickie Sue has arrived. She is adorable. Will need crate rest for about six more weeks. She seems very happy. Came to school yesterday [Monday] in a little red wagon to meet my class. Tail never stopped wagging. She is home."

HOW ABOUT LUCKY: We got this note from Sarah Mitchell regarding Lucky, the "sweet black Lab puppy" found wandering her Lake Highlands neighborhood. You may recall that the Mitchells had tried many methods to find Lucky's "humans," including e-mailing the neighborhood association and contacting the neighborhood pet-watch group.

Here's Sarah's latest note: "Good news!  A lady in my neighborhood saw the emails we sent out about the puppy.  Her sister in Kentucky is going to adopt the puppy.  We are handing Lucky (now to be called 'Tex') over on Sunday to the lady who will meet up with her sister somewhere between here and Kentucky over Memorial Day weekend.  We are very happy to have found a home for this sweet dog. ...  Hopefully, the handoff will go smoothly...and the puppy will be off to his new home in the Bluegrass state. Thanks for posting Lucky's story and for your support in finding him a home. We are so happy with the outcome!"

They may call him Tex, but he'll always be Lucky.

GREENERY: You've probably heard that the folks who tend to the greenery on Central Expressway are in the process of yanking it out because it's too tough to keep it alive in the searing Texas heat. I have a solution to this problem and it is not "add more water." Our front yard is rarely watered but manages to present a dynamic crop of growing plants year round. Perhaps the state could take these plants off my hands and create the Native Weed Donor Program. I have some native weeds I'd be happy to see thriving somewhere else, like in the middle of a freeway. Not even a lawnmower can beat these weeds.

A Tuesday assortment...

We have a number of things to examine today -- not just critters, but a kid, too.

As the father of two and grandfather of three, I know that raising kids can provide some challenges. Just the normal path through life is tough enough. But sometimes fate tosses an extra challenge.

Why am I mentioning a kid on what is largely an animal website? Because, contrary to some public opinion, "animal people" are "people people," too. A big heart is a big heart. Read on:

FAITH'S SITUATION: We got this note from Audrey Merritt, the persuasive force behind Chrystie's Kids  in Ennis. This time, Audrey is asking for a bit of help for a specific kid, 3-year-old Faith Morrissey who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia and is in Medical City in Dallas.

As you know, leukemia is a blood disease -- it's beatable, but it takes work. And it takes blood to fight it. So, friends of Faith and her family have organized an "Blood Drive For Faith" for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 14 in the parking lot of the HEB grocery store in Ennis. HEB will furnish refreshments for donors, Audrey says. If you can't get to Ennis for the blood drive, you can donate at any Carter Blood Clinic in Faith's name so her account gets credit. For more information about the drive, call Audrey at 972-875-1597 or Jane Mize at 972-875-0900.

(Faith is the granddaughter of Myra Morrissey of Ennis and her parents are Stacy and Josh Morrissey of Flower Mound.)

THE LEGISLATURE: The proposed Texas Animal Cruelty Law is making its way through the Legislature, entering the Texas Senate where it arrives with a bunch of stuff that isn't quite what animal backers (particularly horse supporters) want to see. It's listed as HB 2328. Visit the Texas Humane Legislation Network (www.thln.org) to see the action alerts.

A COUPLE OF DOGS: Look at these sweeties. We got a note about them from Michelle Upchurch and they were described as "abandoned."

Why was a note sent out? The answer came in the e-mail: "I have called over two pages of rescues today with no luck. Any advice and/or referrals you have would be wonderful help."

So, what we have here are Audra and Andy (that's Andy, the boy, with the border collie markings.)

They were found "on the side of the road near Granbury," south of Fort Worth. And they are probably under 5 months old, maybe younger -- far too young to be set out on the side of the road with a gesture of "Good luck" from some jerk who drove away.

They're not shy, love people, like other dogs, and while Audrey "learns almost immediately," Andy is "only interested in playing." That's Audra inspecting the camera.

To ask about adopting either or both of these pups, call Molly Cowan at 972-724-2894 or 214-922-4102 (wk) or e-mail [email protected].

JOON'S BACK IN THE SHELTER: Oh, boy, this dog Joon had such good  hopes last Friday when she was adopted from The Colony Animal Control. Over the weekend, though, she failed to get along properly with some Yorkies and that was it. Monday morning she was back at The Colony's shelter.

Patricia Barring, The Colony Animal Control Division Manager, has been around this dog and says, "She's lovable and pet friendly.  She may have minor skin allergies. She's a sweetheart and her time is up.  She could be put to sleep as early as Wednesday morning."
The Colony is "currently trying to accommodate 20-plus dogs in 10 runs."

To ask about adopting Joon, call 972-370-9250 or e-mail [email protected].

Look, we don't all fit in the same home we land in first -- if we did, divorce lawyers would be out of business.

CINCO DE BEAGLE: Yep, this Beagle was found on May 5th.

Cindy Keister reports that he was found Saturday morning at the intersection of Arapaho and Golden Creek in Far North Dallas. "We have posted signs and left info with various web sites and animal control offices with no luck," writes Cindy.

The beagle is about a year old, well behaved, neutered and "had a nice collar but no tags or microchip."

She says, "We have two older rescue dogs, both alpha females, and they are not too happy with the beagle."

To ask about this beagle, e-mail [email protected] or call 972-387-1829.

REMINDER: Wendi McDonald of Animal Allies of Texas reminds us that May 6-12 is Be Kind To Animals Week as declared by the American Humane Association.

She adds, "For those of us in the rescue community, EVERY WEEK is Be Kind to Animals Week -- but, least we forget, not everyone thinks as we do! Get involved...spread the word...educate the community at large!  Teaching the younger generation helps ensure that all our hard work will not end up in vain!"

Click here to learn more about Be Kind to Animals Week -- first declared in 1915.

A THANK-YOU FROM OKLAHOMA: Our rescue pal Terry Lynn Fisher, who monitors things in Burns Flat, Okla., and surrounding area, sends us an update on a couple of dogs and includes a pretty sincere thank-you to some Texans. Toby the dog went to a rescue group in Austin and Nikki Sue went to a renowned dog home in Duncanville.

Here's Terry Lynn's note: "Remember Toby? The boy I had to leave behind at the pound the day I pulled the 3 girls? He cried like a human baby -- and I cried all the way to Oklahoma City. Well, he is a Texan now and SAFE in a rescue down there. What a beautiful, loving sweetheart he was. Thanks to all of you that helped and cared enough to save this sweet boy.

"And Nikki Sue? The little girl that was run over, left for dead, and STILL dragged her back legs to the arms of a 3 year old child? She too, is a Texan now and is in a loving forever home. She hitched a ride with Toby yesterday and now, because of all you wonderful, caring people, they will both be loved, safe -- and Texans. Hugs and thanks to all of you."

CATS, CATS AND CATS: We got this note from Rhonda Barrientos of the Citizens for Irving Animals (CIA, no kidding). That's the shelter's citizen watchdog group and they're seeing cats these days. Lots of cats.

Rhonda says that though many were claimed during last weekend's adoptathon, many more are still awaiting their fate in the shelter.

"I know how full everyone is this time of year, believe me," Rhonda writes. "All the rescue contacts I know are out of space. If you know anyone who has space to adopt a few out, pass the word...." (Rescues who want to tag cats or kittens should call Susie Williamson at the Irving Shelter at 972-721-2256. The after-hours hotline is 972-721-3597.)

Now, you may ask why, out of all the cats at the Irving shelter, have I selected the photographs of these two.

I'll tell you -- I'm partial to these black-and-white rascals.

That's Lee the Cat on the right and Joe the Cat on the left. They are tuxedo fellows and it has been our experience that tuxedo cats are nuts. Thoroughly nuts. Ours is given to madcap dashes, morning conversations, evening roaming and midnight raids. In other words, he is the perfect cat.

These two probably fall right in line with his high standard for feline behavior.

ANIMAL FRIENDLY WEBSITE TIP: My pal and former colleague at the big newspaper Lee Zethraus spotted this one for Replacements, Ltd., an outfit from North Carolina that specializes in finding replacement pieces for sets of china, silverware, etc. This month, they're featuring Baby Boo, a Shih Tzu who belongs to Pat Rice, described as a "member of our China Inventory team." Local connection? According to the website, the dog is from Granbury, Texas. Click HERE to see Baby Boo.
JUST WONDERING: Last week as storms rolled through the area, one of the fellows on a local TV station urged that in case of a tornado viewers should take cover in the bathroom in the center of the house to put -- quoting here -- "at least two walls between you and the storm." Two walls -- not really enough. Two counties would be better.