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Heat, rescues, a rebounder & rollin'

It's the last day of July and the tops of the thermometers are getting dusty. No mercury beyond the century mark in North Texas. Amazing.

This photo? It's from last November when there was a little dusting of snow on the front yard of our modest estate -- we're right in the shadow of the ski lift up Mount Oak Cliff. And, no doubt, sometime today, because I've mentioned that July is sub-100, we'll hit 100 in Dallas.

Things are hot enough elsewhere. Let's move on:

SPEAKING OF THE HEAT: You've probably seen by now that one of Michael Vick's associates in the well-publicized federal dog-fighting case has copped a guilty plea.

This probably means he's got a bad background and a load of other things facing him and he's trying to make it easy on himself by helping the prosecutors. If this case follows form, he'll testify against the quarterback in exchange for a lighter sentence.

On Monday, the Arlington-based Donruss Trading Card Co. (click HERE) announced would pull "all Michael Vick trading cards from its products starting in October..."

MORE HEAT: Operation Kindness is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the creep who chained Spike the Dog to some railroad tracks last week.(That's Spike with the chain.) Anybody with tips should call Dallas Animal Services at 214-671-0105, call Operation Kindness at 972-418-PAWS or go to the Operation Kindness website HERE. At the shelter's website, you'll find other cases that have resulted in rewards being offered.

AN FYI: The fellow who was arrested after that lengthy car chase yesterday -- the guy who claimed he was rushing his cat to the vet -- Ron Teague, is the same guy we mentioned on July 20 as being a suspected hoarder, neighborhood cat-napper and under investigation for threatening his neighbor. Small world, ain't it?

SAVING A DOG AGAIN: Oh, goodness, the dog formerly known as Hunny Bun, known now as Honey Bee, has bounced back to The Colony's animal shelter. You may recall this photo from months and months ago.

The dog's then-owner had scissored her ears off in the backyard. The Colony's animal services folks stepped up and got the dog away from the pinhead. (That's a photo from just after the pup came into the shelter and was getting vet care on her mutilations.)

Homeward Bound sponsored Hunny Bee back then and got her into foster care with Maltese Rescue, says Patricia Barrington, manager of The Colony's Animal Control Division.

"Hunny Bee's foster can't say enough nice things about her," Trish says. "Unfortunately, though, Hunny Bee is a young, active, strong dog and her foster is an older, less active, small person. Hunny Bee isn't getting the physical activity she needs and she is causing the foster a good deal of grief with all the energy and resistance to training."

So, Hunny Bee is coming back to the shelter on Friday.

The goal that Trish has now is to find Hunny Bee a home before she can return to shelter life. (To help this dog, contact Patricia at the Colony Animal Control -- call 972-370-9250 or e-mail [email protected].)

"We worked, rescue worked... [your] readers worked and she was saved. Now she knows hope. She's known a great brief life with this sweet woman who agreed to foster her for Homeward Bound. She's slept in a bed and chewed up valuables and made Maltese friends. Now she's coming back to a shelter where, honestly, nice active Pit bulls don't stand much of a chance. I think her only saving grace the last time was the trauma she had endured. The girl's rocky road of life could very well end at the hands of the people who 'saved' her from the scissor-wielding fool....It's a tough pill to swallow for us shelter folks."

WHAT A FACE: We got this tip from Cary Birdwell of Adopt-a-Dallas Pet. He's helping the Companion Animal Network try to place this dog Cookie.

Cookie is about a year and a half old, said to be "an absolutely precious boy" who is well-socialized, well-mannered" and knows "several hand commands."

Why hand commands?

Because Cookie, an Aussie mix, is deaf. He handles come, sit and stay and understands "good boy!"

Folks who know Cookie say he needs the companionship of another dog because he is "uncomfortable" being by himself and needs another dog to be his "ears."

To ask about Cookie, e-mail [email protected].

A FIRST IN CATS: I think this is the first cat named "Cadbury" that we've posted here on Readlarrypowell.com.

I'm assuming her last name is Schweppes.

Isn't that a championship set of whiskers?

At any rate, she's another Cary Birdwell tip. Cadbury is currently in the care of New Beginnings Cat Rescue.

Cadbury was born just before Christmas -- Dec. 19, 2006 -- and "is a little shy at first, but once she gets to know you, she showers you with affection. She also seems to enjoy having other kitties around for company and playing."

To ask about adopting her, e-mail [email protected].

Just fyi: We have a cat, Poirot, who gets this same look on his face whenever he is receiving signals from his native planet. We don't know which planet. But, with such a faraway gaze, he just can't be from "around here.")

HORSE NEWS: We hear from regular tipster Jennifer Glick, the tireless pro-animal worker in Rowlett, that there's a vote coming in Washington -- maybe as early today -- to curb sale of horses to places in Mexico, Canada and the U.S. for slaughter for human consumption. Eventually every conceivable loophole will be closed and no horse from the U.S. will ever wind up on a platter in France. Here's the LINK to the Humane Society of the United States campaign.

AN EAST TEXAS REPORT: Wendy Miller Anderson of the Southeast Dallas Humane Society in Dallas sends us a story from Tuesday morning's Tyler Morning Telegraph regarding a report outlining a humane officer's behavior at Tyler's animal shelter. This alleged behavior is not typical of humane officers -- that is what makes the actions "news." (Here's the LINK.)

ROLLIN', ROLLIN', ROLLIN' ON THE LIVE LINK: Gail Rushing of American Black & Tan Coonhound Rescue has e-mailed a note that is thoroughly unrelated to coonhounds and almost to any other dog. Read on. Here's her entertaining and insightful note:

"I know at the end of each day's blog you do comments about different things going on in Dallas and the world. Since a lot of those comments are sports related, I wanted to let you know about a very overlooked event going on right now.

"Since 1939 there has been a U.S. Figure Skating Championships event for roller sports.  "This year they actually have set up a live feed which you can check out HERE. "No where does this event get coverage although it's the same as the ice skating championships -- just on a different surface.

"Oddly enough while MSNBC has no interest in covering this event, they do consider Hot Dog Eating a sport and have coverage and pictures on their site HERE."

Hot dog eating -- not really a sport, is it? More of an exhibition, don't you think?

That picture? It is Poirot the Cat performing a dual impersonation: (a) A dazed cat astride the back of a chair on wheels -- almost a roller skate and (b) A foundered contestant in a hot dog eating contest.

Wildlife, clowns, ears and litters

We've got to start this week with a better attitude than last week.

There was just too much news going on for summertime. Geez, surf and sun and reading books. Lay off the harsh stuff, dudes, you're spoilin' the vibes.

Now, on the bright note of the summer, is it conceivable that we are about have an entire July without a 100-degree day? Consider that as we proceed:

THE WILD LIFE: You're about to get some free advice about wildlife encounters, thanks to Companions For Life, the animal group that focuses on education.

If you live in North Texas and you are near either earth or air, you may have an encounter with wildlife.

Birds of the air, ducks on the pools, possums on the porch, squirrels in the attic, raccoons trying to jump-start your SUV and drive to a dryer area or a mall. They're out there. Wild critters. Coyotes, foxes, skunks, too. Bobcats. Snakes.

These encounters between domestic animals, such as Inky the Cocker Spaniel (left), and wildlife are so frequent that Companions For Life has scheduled an expert's lecture to open the CFL's new Animal Sense speakers series.

The first Animal Sense meeting is free -- and there'll be free refreshments (from McAlister's Deli), we're told by CFL President Rebecca Poling. The meeting is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway in Dallas. Bonnie Bradshaw, president and founder of 911 Wildlife, will discuss "Dogs, Cats & Urban Wildlife." She's a Texas Master Naturalist and Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator. You just have to reserve your seat at the lecture by e-mailing [email protected].

As regular readers know, Inky the Cocker Spaniel is the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas. And, he has had encounters with wildlife -- but we try to play down his involvement in the Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton escapades. With four feet, he says, "It doesn't take me as long to do a 12-step program."

Here's his poetic take on wildlife. (And that is his official portrait.) His poem,

"A Dog Dodges At The End."

Yonder flies the mallard

to splash down in the pool

And squirrels romp in the attic

when the Texas temp is cool.

A cocker never knows what

might be hidden in the grass

He'll stick his muzzle in and jump

To avoid being bitten on his nose.

WHEN THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to Dallas (Aug. 1-12) and Fort Worth (Aug. 15-19) and it's going to be greeted by animal rights folks and vegans and other people who think the circus doesn't treat its animals with dignity.

If you go to the circus website HERE you can navigate your way to the show's official statement regarding animals and animal care.

If you go to the Vegetarian Network of Dallas HERE you can get the schedule for "leafleting" the circus at American Airlines Center and you can read the animal rights folks' side of the issue.

Now, there is some doubt, of course, that a tiger will leap through a burning hoop in the jungle. This may be something that occurs only in circuses or in Las Vegas.

And,  here is another truth. You almost never find the aforementioned Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas in clown makeup. He, like the human he hangs out with most, finds clowns a little unsettling, mimes completely creepy and circuses sadly dull.

In this photo, Inky has agreed to surrender his dignity in order to demonstrate the ridiculousness of a cocker spaniel in greasepaint and a red nose.

SADIE: Remember sweet Sadie, the dog who was shot in the face, her nostril blown to kingdom come? Well, you know, she's healed and happy and looking for a forever home, right?

Our pal Nancy Twitty, who fosters other animals and has other things going on, has been fostering Sadie for quite a while now and knows Sadie needs a place to go that she can call home forever. "She is such a good dog and she really needs to find a home where she can be out of her crate and have run of the house and get more one-on-one attention. Thanks so much about asking about her." (You, too, can ask about Sadie -- ask about adopting her by e-mailing Nancy HERE.)You may recall how Sadie was saved by the folks at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. They got word out to rescues and Sadie wound up with Nancy. You can read the Urban Animal magazine version of Sadie's story at the award-winning magazine's website.

That's Sadie playing with her toys and the x-ray shows where the shotgun pellets lodged in heer head after destroying her nostril, which has since been surgically rebuilt.

COLLECTING SIGNATURES IN FRISCO: There's a move on to get a dog park in Frisco. If you live there, your signature can count. Go to www.friscodogpark.com and read about it.

PRAIRIE DOG EARS: Debbie Barclay sent us a note about this guy. His name is "Steve-O." He's got a set of ears that a mule would envy, don't you think?

He's a Siberian Husky mix, they say, about 5 months old and he weighs in at 30 pounds.

He's been at the Prairie Paws Adoption Center in Grand Prairie for about three weeks and people keep passing him by, we're told. That's sad because, his fans say, he loves being with people.

To ask about Steve-O, you can visit the Prairie Paws Adoption Center -- it's Grand Prairie's Animal Services shelter -- at 2222 W. Warrior Trail. Phone 972-237-8575.

One of Steve-O's fans wrote, "He is the best guy! He doesn't pull or tug when we walk, he just enjoys being with you. Has beautiful blue eyes. Loves to be loved on. I will be heartbroken if anything happens to him."

RHYMING WISDOM: Our pal Diane Combs, en route to do her volunteer work at an SPCA adoption over the weekend, spotted "the greatest bumper sticker," she says.

It reads, "Prevent unwanted litters. Fix your critters."

No know connection, but spotted on a street in North Dallas, a black Toyota with this license plate: "Gram of 6."

THINGS CHANGE: As you news junkies know by now, the great Tom Snyder has died. He was host of those late, late-night TV shows that kept so many of us insomniacs company for many years. The Tomorrow Show was the classic -- his conversational interview style was perfect for the post-midnight hours, though once in a while his guests might keep you awake: Charles Manson, for example. If you are too young to recognize either name, Google 'em. Back in those days, we only had three or four commercial TV stations and maniacs were rare.

Prissy & Her Pals

Comfort. Companionship. Couch.

The Three C's of Z's.

And here's the photographic evidence. We present, for this weekend's edition of Let Sleeping Dog's Lie & Napping Cats Nap, Prissy, known in the family as "Hoggy Dog." And she is, in the initial photo, sacked out with her man, Charles, on the family couch.

The photos were submitted by Genia Everett, wife of Charles, admirer of Prissy, and the only person in the household awake to shoot pictures that particular day. They all live in Diana with Miss Kitty, a 15-year-old rescued cat.

Here's the story on Prissy:

"I know," Genia concedes. "You all want to know what the heck is she? Well, we don't know! We rescued her about 2 1/2 years ago. She is very fat -- she is supposed to be on a diet -- and her legs are so short that they barely carry her...

"But in her daddy's eyes, she is perfect.

"She is our 'little angel on earth' and we just can't imagine life without her.

"She has a lot to say and I know that one day she is going to just blurt it out!"

Genia works with Petite Paws Pet Advocates based in Rowlett -- it focuses on Pekineses (Is that the proper plural?) and sometimes makes room for other small breedseses, er, breeds. (Sorry. still worried about that plural thing.)

"Prissy was a roadside dump," says Genia. "She weighs a whopping 10 1/2 pounds which is about 4 pounds overweight."

And, Genia says, Prissy "has her own cat, too." As you can see from the photographs, Miss Kitty and Prissy can both share a pillow and snuggle, well, "cheek-to-cheek."

"I think that Miss Kitty loves her Prissy Dog almost as much as Charles does, which is totally out there because Miss Kitty does not like dogs all that much."

Somehow, Prissy, who knows how to sleep in tandem with man or cat and also knows how to stretch out on her own, has managed to charm an entire household while maintaining an air of mystery. As Genia said, "What the heck is she?"

Possibly a purebred Angelic Cuddler?

(Remember, your household sleeper -- beast or man -- can be the featured snoozer in our weekend feature, "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap." Just send the photo and the info to [email protected]. We're proud to publish charming photos of sleeping critters. We are insomniacs -- any sleeping critter has our admiration. Our envy.)

Earthbound and beyond...

This has been an interesting and busy week around here. Never mind all the stuff in the outside world, my funspouse Martha has been fighting a cold.

I 've been helping her -- I don't know how much. When she's ailing, she's awfully sweet, and I give the word "sweet" a very broad interpretation. All together now, let's say it: "Summer colds are the worst."

So why are you looking at a picture of a frog spitting water into a pool of water? My camera isn't fast enough to catch Martha sneezing. I'm kidding. The real reason is the folks who have been rehabilitating the memorial garden at Kiest Park really deserve some publicity.  Those good people are the Friends of Oak Cliff Parks -- click HERE and you can read about the "Frog Project" and other things they've been doing in Kiest Park. (Oh, OK, it's really the WPA Fountain, but I figured some of you wouldn't know what the WPA was and I don't have time to explain it. Use your Google to get an explanation of the WPA. In the photo on the right, water runs from the frog's pool, down a long "sluice" into a fountain pond.)

Three of our foundling dogs came from Kiest Park -- almost all of the many dogs we've had through the years have learned to walk on a leash there. And I tried to get Hambone, our big ol' Lab/Dane mix, to pose with this frog, but he just wasn't interested.

I brought this up to remind you, dear readers, that all the world is not bleak topics. We have some joys and we should seek them out this weekend. Life's too darned short to just concentrate on wretched people and their ugliness. Enjoy some flowers, watch clouds change shapes, marvel at a Texas summer that isn't melting the polish off your toenails. Buy a snow cone. Let the flavored juice drip down your chin. Smile at people who stare at you. It may not happen at that moment, but eventually they'll envy how deeply you're enjoying that snow cone.

WHO GETS THE CREDIT? People who have been the least bit involved in animal rescue have heard tales for years of dog-fighting in Dallas and surrounding counties.

There's an area around Mountain Creek Lake that -- when people aren't dumping murder victims there -- serves as a dumping ground for beaten and chewed-up dogs. Just dump 'em and forget 'em.

These "dumpers" probably aren't NFL millionaires staging dog fights in Dallas back yards, but the dogs wind up just as dead. They never make the big headlines.

So, yes, probably never before in the history of this country has "dogfighting" been in so many headlines, newscasts and conversations.

Thank you, Michael Vick? Maybe.

But we can be pretty sure putting a spotlight on dogfighting was not his intention.

So who should get the thank-you cards?

If you click here you'll go to the website for the office of Chuck Rosenberg, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. It is his office that is handling the prosecution of the Vick Case. (Scroll down to the "press room" button and click on the announcement about the indictment.)

When news of the indictment broke, the people making the announcement were Rosenberg and Brian L. Haaser, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region. (Whew. Some title. I hope taxpayers aren't paying for all the ink on that business card.)

Anyway, as the arraignment occurred Thursday, all the cameras and microphones focused on the defense attorney. But, when the business end of the trial starts -- when a jury has been picked and the judge hits the "go" gavel -- the prosecutors will be the guys pulling information out of file folders and witnesses while the defense is trying to pull a rabbit out of a hat. Those prosecutors are to be Michael Gill and Brian Whisler.

Perhaps it is this team of investigators and taxpayer-paid attorneys who should get the thank-you cards for moving dog fighting into the American spotlight and out of the whispers.

FROM THE CAN FOLKS: We're going to do a roundup on the Companion Animal Network today because those folks are hustling for critters.

Gail Whelan of CAN sent some photos of dogs that need homes. They were all in kill shelters when the e-mail was sent.

There's the young male adult Great Pyrenees who "puts one paw on you so you won't leave -- just enough to break your heart in half," CAN says.

And there's the German Shepherd boy who "is starting to run in circles because he's been caged so long."

Finally, there's the mom and her puppies -- "saved from a flooded creek" during the recent North Texas storms. (To ask about helping these animals, call 214-808-3238 or e-mail HERE.) 

And, on Tuesday night, a benefit at Cantina Laredo, sponsored by "the American Airlines Animal Group," raised $750 for CAN, Gail says. One more thing: she says, "We're still looking for administrative help, so if you're interested, let us know." Rescuing involves paperwork, files, etc.

Finally, from the CAN bailiwick, comes this great news about a dog we featured months and months and months ago. Her name is Bliss.  And, well, Gail tells the story in a note to other CAN volunteers:

"You may remember that we had Bliss in our program over a year!  We never knew why. She is beautiful, good with children, cats and dogs! Bliss had ACL surgery in June and a wonderful schoolteacher (Pat) offered to foster her through her recuperation and to help with her physical therapy.  Pat made it clear this was very temporary and we needed to find another place for Bliss by the time school started.
"I received a call Sunday evening from Pat.  She said she had fallen in love with Bliss and prayed about what she should do.  Then, she said that when it was time for bed, and Bliss put her head on the pillow next to hers, she seemed to say 'Please keep me.'  So, BLISS IS ADOPTED!"

FOLLOWUP ON LUCAS: On July 19 we mentioned a dog named Lucas. He'd been at The Colony's animal shelter and time was moving on, if you get my drift.

Country Ladies rescue pulled him and here's what has happened since, courtesy of a report from Leanne Hayden: He's "been neutered and updated on vaccinations. He had to have some eye surgery to correct an eye condition and ocular discharge occurring in both eyes. We also found out he is heartworm positive. He needs some work with men, in particular, since he's shy around men...."

He had, you may recall,  been "finessed" from an abusive home -- the guy had been convinced to surrender Lucas.

The dog is, for now, in the care of Blackstone Animal Clinic in Frisco -- among his treatments was surgery to tighten the skin under his eyes so that he wouldn't develop the discharge. Yes, Lucas has had "work" done on his eyes.  (The photo on the right is of Lucas at the shelter. On the left is Lucas now -- as Leanne points out, you can see where his coat was shaved just under his eyes for his "work.")

Lucas will be leaving Texas, Leanne says. He's going to become a ward of  Midwest Animal Rescue Services (MARS) in Minneapolis.

Nobody networks like animal people.

Leanne says MARS is accepting donations to help pay for Lucas' medical bill. (To donate to the Lucas/Hayden Fund at MARS, use this address: MARS, P.O. Box 290073
Minneapolis, MN 55429. Or you can call the Blackstone Clinic at 972-668-0807.

Leanne says MARS wanted to rename Lucas "Hayden, which is terribly nice, since they were so thankful we were able to get him pulled in time to save him. I had a pit bull someone named after me once named Leanne. ... Probably more appropos. ... Somehow I always thought of myself as an Irish Setter."

WILDLIFE AND PICKUPS: The Companions For Life folks are launching a new speaker series and it's called, appropriately "Animal Sense."

Now, the first Animal Sense session is set for 6:30 p.m. August 2 (that's a Thursday) at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, in Dallas. Bonnie Bradshaw, founder and president of 911 Wildlife, will discuss how to cope with such problems as ducks in the pool, squirrels in the attic, skunks under the deck and armadillos frolicking destructively on the lawn.  (The session is $10  at the door, $5 in advance. Reserve your spot in advance at www.companionsforlife.org -- click on Animal Sense.)

Earlier this week, Donna Bean of the Coppell Humane Society had asked that people be reminded not to put their dogs in the back of pickups and ride them around. So we posted Donna's note here July 24 -- the CHS is involved in caring for a dog that took a tumble or a jump or a lurch out of the back of a pickup and was seriously injured.

Rebecca Poling of the Companions For Life group -- it focuses on education and enlightenment -- had just the right bit of literature to fill Donna's request. It is, indeed, a reminder about dogs in pickup beds and how it's not only an unsafe practice, it's illegal. Click on that small illustration on the right and it should get big enough to print and hand out to people who look like they'd put their dog in danger.

FROM THE IRVING SHELTER: These photos arrive courtesy of Russell Posch, the tireless shelter walker in Irving. He distributes links to the available animals in that suburban shelter. You can see cats HERE and you can see dogs by clicking here.

In the case of these particular critters, that is Milton the Cat on the left -- he seems to have some attitude and, possibly, is ready to be coddled in a home. Milton is a great name for a cat, don't you think?

The fellow on the right is a corgi mix named Samuel. That cracks me up. You've got a corgi mix, a great set of ears and a dog named Samuel. He almost looks as if he is posing for his English boarding school photo after Queen Elizabeth sent him off to learn his manners. Samuel. Not Sam. Samuel -- though he does bear a slight resemblance to a princely fellow named Charles.

SPACE, THE PICKLED FRONTIER: OK, so there's a report out today that a couple of astronauts blasted off blasted. Think about it: What would it take to get you to strap yourself into the cabin of a spaceship covered with glue-on tiles and made by the nation's lowest bidders? Now, let's get these things out of the way: NASA -- Non Alcoholic Space Adventure; No Alcohol Served Aboard; Not Another Scandalous Astronaut. ... No doubt their lawyer will advise the high flyers to say, "It doesn't look that bad. Sure, I had one for the road. But I didn't drive across the country in a diaper to kidnap a romantic rival." ... I can understand an astronaut showing up tipsy -- if they start coming home in their cups, that's when we need to ask, "Just what are you people doing up there?" ... How hospitable is that space station? We can always blame the cosmonauts and their vodka habits. Need Another Stolichnaya Astronaut?

SPCA offers dogfighting reward

This just in from the SPCA of Texas.

The SPCA is now offering a $5,000 reward "for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individual involved in dog fighting in the State of Texas."

The reward was announced shortly after 10 a.m. in a press release.

The SPCA statement said the reward was being issued "for the sake of our beloved pets, our families and our community."

Report any animal cruelty and any dog fighting "to your local law enforcement and to the SPCA of Texas at www.spca.org/cruelty or 214-742-7722," the statement says.

It continues: "The most recent headlines of pro-football player Michael Vick’s indictment for 'conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture' and animal cruelty have brought this terrifying issue to the forefront of our national consciousness again. Vick and three others face $350,000 in fines and six years in prison if convicted of the federal charges, and additional state charges of animal cruelty are still under investigation.
"Here in Texas, during the 2007 legislative session, Texas lawmakers proved that they stand strongly against the inhumane crime of dog fighting by stepping up the penalties of those convicted of dog fighting. Beginning September 1, 2007, the penalty for dog fighting increases from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony and the punishment for attending a dog fighting exhibition increases from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.

"Let’s take this opportunity to come together and stamp out animal cruelty and abuse of all types."

You may also wish to get involved with that legislative process by joining forces with the Texas Humane Legislation Network, which lobbied vigorously last session to help guide the state legislature toward a more humane Texas. Click HERE.

Remember, folks, you may think only pit bulls and big ol' dogs are involved in dog-fighting -- but just plain family pets often are stolen and wind up being "bait" and "training dogs." These dog-fighting people are not law-abiding. In addition to illegal gambling, the atmosphere of dog-fighting includes illegal weapons and drug dealing. You can look it up.

Aftermath, rescues, follow-ups...

Assuming Dallas will not be surprised by exploding canisters today, we will continue with our Thursday report -- it will include a bit of aftermath, some rescuing and a note to a local shelter, sort of a "fair warning" to a city-run facility. Now, buckle your helmet, rev the engine and pop a wheelie. Here goes:

BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL: That was some conflagration on the edge of downtown Dallas Wednesday morning. Gas canisters, heated until they exploded, behaved like rockets and went soaring off into the neighborhood on Industrial Boulevard. It's a colorful street with two jails, bail bondsmen, liquor stores, people we called "vagrants" in harsher times, a gentleman's club, cafes and the longtime shelter of the SPCA of Texas.

Maura Davies, senior director of communications for the SPCA, whose shelter is just down the street from the site of the explosions, sent this photo of a smoking canister that landed in the SPCA parking lot. As you may know, no animals were injured in this event. Everything was handled smoothly -- and, Maura told me in a note, "We luckily maintained power at the building..." Phones were down but the air-conditioning was working.

Maura said SPCA Communications Manager Alicia Brown "called me to report the explosions as they were happening. Hearing them on the phone was scary enough, but she described fireballs shooting out of the chemical building."

The Dallas Fire Department ordered the human staff out, told them to leave the animals behind -- except for animals that had just undergone surgery; they were moved to the SPCA Village Fair Clinic in Oak Cliff.

So the round up is everybody and every critter is safe at the SPCA.

But, here's the tender part. Maura says, "We're so thankful that so many wonderful people and other groups have come forward offering help."

While this thing was going on, I was getting e-mails from assorted groups working out their plans to help the SPCA by taking animals and juggling other shelters to make room. It was a good thing to see. Glad it's over and everybody can get back to business as usual.

NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL: Oh, for crying out loud, when is this idiocy going to end?

Some pinhead chained a dog to a railroad track in West Dallas. Union Pacific's onboard crew notified a dispatcher -- the train was on the track adjacent to the rails to which the dog was chained. Otherwise...well, you know.

Union Pacific's Bob Koci came to get the dog, we're told by Operation Kindness's Jonnie England. She says Bob's an animal lover who carries dog food in his truck for strays he comes across during his railroad duties.

This "frightened, barking black Lab/Chow mix" was tethered by a heavy chain -- that's it in the photo with Spike, the railroad name given to him by Operation Kindness.

Was this a case of a runaway dog dragging his chain into a bad spot on the rails? Hardly. Jonnie says one end of the chain was around the dog's neck and the other end was "wrapped around the track and secured by wire -- just to make sure the dog wouldn't be able to escape."

Union Pacific stopped rail traffic while Bob took a sledgehammer and broke through the wire to rescue the dog. Jonnie says, "Bob walked back to his truck to put away the tools and the grateful dog trotted behind him like a puppy."

Bob gave the dog water and food, then took him to Operation Kindness where, Jonnie says, he was found to have some scars on his back feet and on his neck (probably from a tight collar). And he's underweight.

Bob's fostering Spike to give him time to put on weight and regain a glossy coat. Then he'll probably be up for adoption -- to a good home, this time. Jonnie says, "We’ll make sure that Spike is adopted in a forever home where he’ll be loved and cherished as he deserves to be."

TWO DOGS GET A BREAK: Our pal Cary Birdwell of Adopt-a-Dallas Pet forwarded this story of decency to us.

This is the story of the latest adventure of Sable (left) and her daughter, Star.

Laura McPherson reports, "Both were found living under an old piece of fallen-down fence in a very nasty neighborhood. They had no food or water and seemed to be living off whatever they could find."

Laura and her hubby, Derrick, are police officers. Laura says she "was on a call at the apartment complex nearby when I spotted these babies. They were timid but they came to me, tails tucked and nervous. They almost melted when I touched them. They wanted more so badly. I fed them under their fence for three days and each day they trusted me more and more."

As she was about to take four days in a row off, she go the dogs and took them home. "They were both very calm for the 30-minute ride home. They lay on the seat and across my lap. I gave theme ach a bath that night and trimmed their toe nails. They didn't mind at all. They water scared them a little but the scrubbing seemed to make the water OK.

"They are affectionate with us and our three dogs -- I even have a big dog that weighs 135 pounds. Star loves to run and wrestle with him. Sable is quite and a little more reserved."

They seem to be mannerly and well-behaved in the house, she says. (Editor's note:How about that set of ears on Star?)

Sable is about 2 years old and Star is about 10 months. Both are now current on all shots and have tested negative for heartworm -- how's that for a North Texas Miracle?

The McPhersons are "available to go to any adoption functions and are willing to drive anywhere" to help find a perfect home for these two dogs, says Laura. "I know a great home for each individually is a blessing, but they have weathered so much together it will be hard to separate them. They are each protective of the other.

To offer to help the dogs or their rescuers, e-mail [email protected] or call 972-617-7128 or 469-337-1322.

HELPING A POLICE DOG: The dog's name is Hiko and he's and 8-year-old Belgian Shepherd and a veteran K-9 officer in Richland Hills. Our reliable tipster in this case is veteran rescuer and critterfan Barb Oates who did some detective work on behalf of Hiko. As has been reported widely on TV and in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Hiko suffers from a spinal infection that may end his career. And folks are scrambling to raise funds to make sure he gets the best care and, perhaps, may even return to duty. From Barb we learn that the contact to offer to help Hiko is Barbara Mann at Richland Hills City Hall. Call 817-299-1815. She can help you through the details of where to send checks or cash.

DOGS GETTING A BREAK: They're getting a break, but the human who is helping them needs some help to provide a happy ending.

We got this from reliable tipster and veteran rescuer Becky Haisma. She wrote on behalf of the legendary Angie Manriquez, known thanks to years of publicity as "The Fairy Dogmother of West Dallas."

Becky writes, "She is asking for help from rescue. She has a couple of dogs that have been chained their whole lives. The owners no longer want them. Angie has had them neutered and has paid for their shots. They are also on heartworm preventive. She has invested time and money and love in these dogs."

As usual, Angie's own home is full of dogs, so she needs a place to put these two dogs so they won't be rescued just to perish in a kill shelter. (You can see the Fairy Dogmother with Gordo. And that's Rosco, maintaining a noble countenance despite the fact that he's chained.

Gordo is a year-old pit/boxer mix described as "very sweet and friendly" and he "has been kept on a ball and chain outside his whole life." Rosco is an 8-month-old shepherd mix "whose owner no longer wants him."

To help these two dogs find good lives off chains, call Angie at 214-688-5585 or Nina Lynn at 972-647-7819 or e-mail [email protected].

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO CHANCE? We've gotten a question or two about the fate of Chance, the starving yellow Lab found in a ditch near Cedar Creek Lake.

You may recall the story from a couple of weeks ago. A shelter worker spotted him and stopped to help. The dog was too weak to stand, crawled to food and drank water from the ditch while prone. Just a horrible situation.

People responded to his plight.

And Pam Sylva, our contact on the case, sent a note yesterday. "To all of you have done so much to help Chance, the yellow lab who was found in the ditch, a heartfelt thank you. He would not have been long for this world without your kindness.

"An independent lab rescue in Indiana is going to pick him up on August the 4th. The woman, Kathy, is a very, very nice woman and I have checked references and her vet reference. He will stay with her while they look for his forever home. I wish it didn't have to be so far away, but, am so very glad someone stepped forward."

Pam is trying to find a home that can keep Chance inside until his Indiana connection arrives. She'll also help set up boarding for him if someone wants to donate to the cause. Email her at [email protected].

To all who have already helped save this ditch-crawlin' dog, Pam says, "Thank you so much for what you have done for him -- and for me."

As you can tell from this photograph, Chance is now up and about and has no problem finding the food dish. Bless his heart.

SWEETIE PIE AND THE PUPS: You may recall this story from June 8 (see our archives) about Sweetie Pie, the little pregnant Chihuahua mix who was rescued from the North Richland Hills animal shelter. She gave birth to seven pups, four survived.

Now, Sweetie Pie and her quartet of wiggly, waggly pups are all on the adoptable list with Audrey Merritt at North Ellis County Animal Awareness Program (NECAAP) in Ennis.

You can see from these photos that they are little puppies -- and Sweetie Pie is no big, hulking rascal, either. That hand-sized puppy is a fellow named Bandit.

To audition to adopt any of these dogs -- or the  momma dog with five pups Audrey recently took in from Fort Worth -- e-mail [email protected] or call 972-875-1597.

FAIR WARNING TO A LOCAL SHELTER: Earlier this year we mentioned that people were upset with the way business was being done at the Irving Animal Shelter, then there was a storm of bad publicity and now Irving is moving in the right direction and has a citizen review committee that helps with things.

Recently, we mentioned that devoted animal folks were upset with the way the Seagoville animal shelter was doing business and that a letter-writing campaign had been initiated. That caught some additional publicity and, possibly, things are being worked out to the benefit of animals. We hope. If they're not, we'll hear.

Now, here's a fair warning to the good folks in Garland. Some of the activities at your shelter are drawing the attention of some very determined animal people. These things include the alleged early, needless killing of small dogs that have been tagged for rescue, we're told. The best way to handle this crisis is to listen to sage shelter advice and heed it. It's my understanding that Garland officials will be hearing from these outraged folks very soon. More to come on this, I'm sure.

The current national political climate -- given the Michael Vick investigation and the Mercy case in Dallas -- is no time to go up against the goodhearted animal folks.

Besides, for crying out loud, the best answer to an animal problem in Texas is never, ever, "Let's kill it."

ODD TEXAS RANGERS STAT: The Texas Rangers have a 5 wins, 1 loss record since Sammy Sosa was popped in the melon by a pitch on Saturday night. They're still in last place, 13 games out, in a four-team division. But we may have isolated the turning point.

ONE MORE THING ABOUT THAT SPIKE THE DOG CASE: I haven't put on boxing gloves in decades, but if someone can find this twerp who chained the dog to the track and he thinks he can whip a dramatically out-of-shape, aging fat man with soft hands, short breath and bifocals, let's sell some tickets for charity and I'll beat him until he wishes a train had hit him.

The sad thing is, dogs are so forgiving that Spike would probably help him lick his wounds.

I'm really ashamed that I suggested violence as a cure for stupidity. I know better.

A maverick and some rescues...

This is Texas. There are cows. Sometimes there are cows riding in cars.

And there's the story.

Our pals at Legacy Boxer Rescue tipped us to the tale of Angus the Wandering Calf and his rescuer, Kathy Struve. Angus was found on FM 2331 in Godley just "running down the middle of the road," says Kathy. Godley is in northwestern Johnson County, south of Fort Worth.  Perhaps he was trying to get to Cowtown.

Some folks would not be surprised to find a cow on a farm-to-market road, but, it's not all that common and, frankly, it is the journey to the solution that is the "news peg."

Kathy  says, "Picking up strays is a hobby. I'm a Medical Technologist by trade and volunteering with Legacy Boxer Rescue and the Humane Society of North Texas is how I relax and decompress."

Here's how Kathy begins the story, starting a couple of days ago.  "I must be related to Dr. Doolittle. Today I had a car full of furry things. A rabbit, 2 ferrets, 3 kittens, a guinea pig, a boxer and a COW!
"Who would have thought that a cow would ride so nicely in a Camaro?"

She says she was rolling down the two-lane country road "when I spot something" romping along. At first she thought it was a Great Dane.

"As I get closer, I see a tiny little black calf running as fast as his little legs could carry him right down the middle of the road. I stop in front of him and open the door. He starts to come to me, then takes off again. Right in the middle of the road.
"Two guys in a pickup stop and I says, 'Are you going to get him?' The driver says, 'Well, I wouldn't know where to take him if I did.' Geez. Fine. I'll do it!

"I turn around and take off after him. He turns down a side road -- thank you, God! I pull ahead of him and open my car door and make a barrier. he gave up. He's covered in sweat and is sopping wet from running so far.

"I picked him up and put him in my back seat."

(Editor's note: That's the part I really like to visualize. Picking up a calf and putting him in the back seat! Bet Detroit never envisioned that when they designed the Camaro.)

Kathy takes a quick look around for property with black cows, but doesn't see any.

"I go back to town to see if the police station is open. Nope. Nobody there. I called Peggy at the HSNT (Humane Society of North Texas) and told her I have a cow in my car and don't know what to do with it. A what? You have a COW in your CAR?  She gives me the number to K911. I called the rescue on-call person and she gives me the number to the Johnson County Sheriff Department. I call them and they send a deputy over. The deputy says, 'We really don't have anybody that can take him tonight. Can you keep him and call in the morning?' "

That turned out to be what happened. And Kathy sent a note reporting, "Now, little Angus is sleeping in the dog room. For those that don't know anything about cows (like me), when the sun goes down, they go to sleep. He feel asleep in my front yard and wouldn't move so I had to carry him to bed. Before the sun went down, he was trying his best to get away from me. Sun goes down, Angus goes down...."

OK, dear readers, I'm chuckling already at the calf going to sleep and having to be carried to the dog room. Here's the aftermath with the calf she named "Angus McDonald." Kathy writes:

"The sun came up at 7:17 a.m. and Angus McDonald greeted the morning with a hearty MOOOOOOOOOOOOO. The boxers went crazy -- as expected."

So, later, Kathy drives back to the area she first saw Angus. "There was one house with black cows, so that's where I headed. It was the house I'd gone to...but only the dogs were home.

"The Great Pyrs greeted me, this time fresh from a dip in the pond. Anyone know how hard it is to keep happy, wet dogs from jumping up to say hello? They were doing a good job of herding me away from the house though. That is their job after all. I believe there should have been some growling and barking involved but from those two I only got tail wags and kisses.

"Anyway, I went to the door (now remember, this is a country house reminiscent of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre setting). I left the car running because you know that if you are being chased and are trying to get the key in the ignition, that's when they lop off your head.
"A nice lady came to the door in her nightgown. No robe. Just a nightgown. It had seen better days. I apologized for waking her up so early and asked her if she might be missing a small black calf. She remarked that anything is possible because she has lots of cows. I told her that I had found a calf running in the road and since she had black cows, maybe it was hers. 'Could be,' she said, then asked where it was now? 'It's in my house up by the elementary school,' I say.

"Eyebrows raise and she says, 'In your house? Wow. OK. Let me put some clothes on and I'll come look'."
The couple from the house came to look at Angus and the lady was "very impressed with my dog room and remarked that he [Angus] had the perfect home right where he was.

"Luckily for me, they graciously offered to take little Angus home with them and see if one of their cows was its mother. I suppose he'll walk around mooing, asking all the cows, 'Are you my mother?'

"They'll bottle feed him if needed, but, at least, Angus McDonald is safe with cow people now."

And, that's what happens when you pick up a calf running down the road at Godley, Texas. May little Angus, against great odds in beef-happy Texas, live a long and happy life and dream sweetly of his night in the dog room.

LOST NEAR LOVE FIELD: On Tuesday, this dog, Alaska, a Samoyed mix, slipped away from a shelter employee and bolted off into the neighborhood around Dog and Kitty on Manor Way not far from the south end of Love Field.

The shelter is operated by the Humane Society of Dallas County.

And the shelter had taken in Alaska after she and her pups were rescued from a sordid situation in East Dallas. "She had been so neglected that a collar had been allowed to grow into her neck," we're told in a note from Dog and Kitty City passed on to us by reliable tipster Cary Birdwell of Adopt-a-Dallas Pet.

The note continues, " We are asking help from the community to find her. We do not believe Alaska would bite anyone, but she is very timid. If you see Alaska, please try to lure her into a back yard or garage, where she can be held safely. She is very responsive to treats."

The shelter is at 2719 Manor Way. If you see Alaska or know where she is, call 214-809-4743 or e-mail [email protected].

MOVING SADIE ACROSS COUNTRY: Several months ago we mentioned the condition of Sadie, a dog with Addison's Disease who was in the care of Plano's animal shelter.

Debbie New of the Plano shelter reports, "We have been giving her medicine and she acts like a puppy. One of your readers saw your article about her and has generously helped her. She has even found a foster home for her!

"The problem is that the foster home is in Maryland and we desperately need to transport to Maryland. We have the route covered from here to Louisiana and possibly from Florida to Maryland, but need the middle legs filled. If you can post to your readers, I would appreciate it."

Yep, readers, here's your chance to help Sadie get to a new home. That's sweet Sadie, of course, in the photo. And if you can help, e-mail [email protected].

The shelter has worked hard to save this dog -- it would be a real tribute to their work to help them get her into a good home.

A CAT WITH A THEME: Now, this is really something. Take a look at those patterns.

Here's the story from Linda Borling of Texas Pawprints, which, as you know, is billed as "Your Friendly Neighborhood Cat Ladies."

She says that the rescue group "recently took in a pregnant mom cat who was determined to have her babies at a local Saturn dealership – hence the name Saturn." (This was at the Saturn dealership in Irving, apparently a cat-friendly dealership.)

Mom "soon delivered five babies (see photo) which look incredibly similar to Mom. If you check out the spots on their backs, she’s even numbered them for easy identification.

"A few days after she gave birth, someone found a tiny tabby kitten only a few days old abandoned in her shrubs. Saturn, being a generous mom, took the orphan without a blink."

That's the photo where, Linda says, Saturn is "looking particularly smug and pleased with herself."

Saturn is  "currently in a foster home, but the fosters are moving at the end of the week," Linda says, "So we’re looking for a new foster home. Basically this means we’re looking for someone with a quiet place (closets work well) to park her for the next few weeks. We can supply food, litter, and other supplies."

People interested in helping Saturn and her crop of kittens should e-mail [email protected].

A GOOD DEED FOR A GOOD DOG: This is one of those happy ending stories that isn't quite over yet.

The story comes from Joanna England whose reports that, on his way to work from their Casa Linda home, her husband Dave found a brown and white spaniel/pit mix puppy that had been hit by a car.

The dog's broken leg required about five hours of orthopedic surgery. He had other "routine" loose dog problems, but, she says, "We were lucky that he tested native for heartworms." Still, he has, so far "racked up a bill over over $2,000. Our friends and co-workers have been very generous...."

Still, this pup has a little way to go.

"We're going to keep him if he learns to get along with our other dog and two cats," says Joanna.

She also says, "He's very, very sweet, and is learning to be a good little boy very fast. He hobbles along on his leg when he's outside, and sometimes he gets so excited to be in our back yard that we have to remind the kid to not over-do it! It's just sad that someone speeding along Northwest Highway, training for their next NASCAR race it seems, hit this sweet puppy and didn't even stop to help him. "

Now, here's the dog's name: Hornsby. Dave, Joanna's husband, named him. She explains,

"We've named him Hornsby, after Rogers Hornsby, who my husband claims is the best second baseman in history. We have a Chihuahua mix we adopted from City Pet rescue named Fitzgerald, after F. Scott Fitzgerald!"

(Editor's note: F. Scott Fitzgerald didn't play pro baseball, but he did write The Great Gatsby and was married to Zelda. Rogers Hornsby was a Hall of Famer who starred with both the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Browns and he was, most folks agree, the greatest right-handed hitter in the history of baseball. He also was from Winters, Texas.)

Hornsby isn't out of the woods yet. He needs an eye operation -- apparently the trauma of being hit by a car has affected his left eye and it is slowly closing. It's fixable -- as is he, and Joanna says he'll be fixed while he's undergoing the eye surgery.

Now, he's being cared for at East Lake Veterinary Hospital, the place that also operates East Lake Pet Orphanage.

And Joanna and her husband are scrambling to make sure he gets the best of care.

This is an instance of two people, each holding down jobs and not expecting any surprise expenses, stepping up to take care of a dog that used to belong to someone else, a dog that got into a bit of trouble because of a human failing. They aren't members of a rescue group ­- they're just plain folks doing a good deed and, as everyone in rescue knows, "No good deed goes unpunished." Your heart feels good, but your bankbook winces.

If you want to help them help Hornsby, you can e-mail [email protected] or discreetly contact the East Lake Veterinary Hospital at 10101 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas, 75238, or call 214-342-3100.

No doubt, Hornsby will soon be up and around and helping Fitzgerald, the shortstop, turn double plays.

THE GOOFY DUO: Patricia Barrington has a goal. Find a home for these two dogs which she describes as "about as goofy-looking a duo as I've seen."

She's, as regular readers know, the director of The Colony's animal control division. And she's always hustling to get critters adopted from the city shelter.

These two dogs are Owen, the terrier mix, and Mezee, a pit bull terrier. And, Trish says, "They have forged a friendship here in the shelter of the likes I've rarely seen."

Owen, she says, "could easily be mistaken for a character from the Build-a-Bear Factory; he's precious! He's around 6 months old and, being mostly hair, weighs in around 15 pounds. Mezee...is quite petite, about 14 inches high at the shoulder and is around 32-35 pounds of meaty muscle.

"She is Owen's elder by about 4 months. These two started out in adjoining runs.  They would cry and lick and wag tails at each other through the cage … so I let them play together.  They are inseparable!  They love being in one another’s company.  It is truly heartwarming that they could find such good things in each other in such a glum environment.  It is a  wonderful bond of two animals that came from opposite sides of town and met in a shelter … they are truly friends.   

Now, I know I’m a dreamer, but I want to see this young, lovable pair find a home together … it is my mission this week."

To help Owen and Mezee find that one special home together,  call Trish at 972-370-9250 or e-mail [email protected].

THOSE TV FOLKS: Last night Martha and I were watching the TV news when one of the anchors reported on a crime he described as a "suspicious armed robbery." And Martha asked without a beat, "Is there an 'un-suspicious' armed robbery?"

Lately I've seen stories about people being "ejected from" motorcycles. You have to be "in" something to be "ejected from" it. You're "on" a motorcycle, not "in" one.

Sometimes you think news people -- broadcast and print -- write a story, look at a sentence, lightly weigh the meaning of the words and declare, "Close enough." Makes you wonder how carefully the facts are weighed, doesn't it. Believe me, I've been writing for public consumption for more than four decades -- my glass house has many nicks and cracks in the walls. I just hate to think the kids of today are going to grow up accepting bad grammar, awful usage and "close enough" as the highest standard.

Amir struggles, others wait...

We're going to have a potpourri of things today ranging from a book to -- well, let's just see. And keep in mind, folks, that you're not reading depressing stories here -- sure, there may be a crisis, but what keeps them from being depressing is that good people are involved and working to make things better.

That having been said, there's not enough paint in the universe to cover up the big idiot signs some people are wearing these days. Here goes:

BEAUTIFUL JOE: All of this dogfighting business has reminded me of the book Beautiful Joe. It was written by an author with the very masculine-sounding name Marshall Saunders who, I only recently discovered, was actually Margaret Marshall Saunders.

She had heard the tale of an abused dog and turned it into a best-selling book.

It was so popular that Americans rallied and tried to stamp out dog-fighting. You can read about this at the Beautiful Joe Heritage Society website here. (That's the cover of an older copy. If you're too strapped to buy a wonderfull illustrated version of this book, you can read the text HERE on fullbooks.com, which posts many free books on line.)

What you'll find at the Heritage site is that this story first compelled the good citizens of the U.S. to battle dogfighting in '94. That's 1894 -- yes, more than 100 years ago. And idiots are still involved in this stupid activity.

I don't know if Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has ever read Beautiful Joe, but he'll apparently have the time this week. The NFL told him yesterday to stay away from Falcons training camp until the league finishes its review of the dogfighting allegations against him.

How about Drew Carey on David Letterman last night? "If Michael Vick is the quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons this year, I'm not watching any NFL ..."

AMIR THE DOG STRUGGLES TO LIVE: First, let's just say right up front that the award is growing for information leading to a conviction of the person who did this -- it was at $3,000 last night and may be even more by now.

We get the details from Wendy Miller-Anderson of the South East Dallas Humane Society. It has to do with a former SEDHS dog, a big shepherd mix named Amir.

"A dog that was adopted from us was the victim of a twisted mind!," Wendy declares. "This WONDERFUL boy was adopted to a great lady who loves him very much.  In the midst of moving from Fort Worth to Dallas, she left him at a friend's house. The friend kept him in the backyard.  Friday morning the friend fed and watered him, went to work and when returning home went to check his water bowl and feed him his dinner. She found him with terrible wounds on his back.  "She called Loraine (Amir's mommy) and told her she thought a dog got in the yard and attacked him and that he had some wounds on his back. Loraine went there first thing the next morning and discovered Amir was worse than she thought."

The wound is horrific -- and Wendy has provided gruesome details but we'll spare you hear. If you feel you must see these wounds, Wendy will provide photos. They are hideous -- raw flesh, unpleasant circumstances. Nobody needs to see this with their morning cornflakes. So, I've elected not to post the photos -- except for this picture of patient, still-loving Amir after his initial treatment.

Wendy says an emergency vet in Arlington wanted $2,000 to treat Amir (Lorraine paid $100 and got some antibiotics). Lorraine called other vets looking for help and one told her "drop him off at the shelter and put him to sleep," says Wendy.

Lorraine "dug through old paper work" and found the SEDHS number and called for help.

"Lorraine brought him to me and this is what I found: a once beautiful dog with acid/chemical burn all over his back...."how could anyone do this. I immediately called my vet, the great Dr. Granville Wright."

Dr. Wright made sure Amir got some meds and early Monday morning, Amir was taken to Dr. Wright's for treatment. "We don't know how much the vet bill will be, however, we are in dire need of donations," Wendy says.

Late Monday, the reward for info leading to the conviction of the person who abused Amir had grown to $3,000. Police reports are being filed. (If you know about this case, contact your local authorities.)

And

The dog has about a 70 percent chance of survival, according to the vet, Wendy says. Old skin was removed, stitches applied when possible and an aggressive antibiotic and pain regimen was begun.

"The lady who adopted Amir is totally distraught; I have not stopped crying," Wendy says. "Amir is the sweetest dog! We saved him from Plano Animal Control about 4 years ago -- riddled with mange.  He grew into a beautiful, healthy, loving boy only for someone to do this horrific thing to this sweet soul."

To help Amir, e-mail Wendy at [email protected] or donate to South East Dallas Rescue/Amir, The Animal Hospital on Teasley Lane, 3517 Teasley Lane, Denton, Texas 76210

That's really the name of the hospital: The Animal Hospital on Teasley Lane. Makes sense when you think about it. Tells you what you need to know.

A TRUCK WARNING FROM COPPELL: Donna Bean of the Coppell Humane Society opened her note to us this way: "It might be 'preaching to the choir' but could you remind your readers not to travel with their dogs loose in the back of their pickup trucks?  Not only is it illegal in many cities, it can have disastrous consequences for the dog."

This beautifully coated dog is Ian and he's in recovery. Why? Because some pinhead decided it is safe for a dog to ride in the open bed of a pickup. Ian took a big nosedive out of the pickup and broke his leg when he landed. The clown who was driving decided it was probably better just to put the dog to sleep, but the Coppell Humane Society stepped up and saved Ian. You can see his story HERE.

And, for crying out loud, let the dog ride in the cab -- you could use the company. And the dog could use the element of safety.

BOOMER NEEDS A BREAK: Ginger Leach, the tireless rescuer of dogs with Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, sent an overnight note that begins, "PLEASE, someone save Boomer. He is WONDERFUL dog.  He was set for PTS but I have pulled him so this situation is now critical and he needs out as soon as possible.

"Boomer has been back and forth from the shelter since the beginning of the year, seriously.  He was adopted the first time and brought back months later due to the family moving from a home to an apartment.  I would say he is 3 to 5 years old Shepherd/Husky/Malamute mix, who is already neutered.  He just needs a home.

"He was recently adopted and brought back by a couple who wanted an outside watchdog. Didn't work.  He wants to be inside and I doubt he was a good watchdog.

"Boomer is a wonderful big ole bear of a dog.  He is very mellow and laid back.  We need the rescue community to help him so that he can live to find the perfect home.  It would be a tragedy if such a great dog had to be PTS because he couldn't find the right home."

Ginger will be out of the shelter through Saturday, so she has arranged for her colleagues Carla and Rachael to be on "Boomer Alert." Call the shelter at 817-392-3737, ext. 1830 or 1831 to page them. Or call their cell phones: Carla is 817-734-1074 and Rachael is 817-223-0869.

RADIO DAZE: Thanks to Larry Shannon, the ol' Fort Worth radio jock and guiding light of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, we have the names of people who'll be inducted this fall and among them is our animal-fan pal Larry Dixon who'll be honored for his work at KVIL and KPLX. Some of you may recall Larry occasional emceeing the Operation Kindness Dog Day Afternoon extravaganza. Also entering the hall, Terry Dorsey of KSCS in Dallas-Fort Worth -- we once ran into him at a dog show where he was watching the family Maltese compete, as we recall.

Also going into the Hall this year: Gordon Baxter(KLVI , Beaumont); Bob Bruton (KXOL-KFJZ, SMN, Dallas-Fort Worth); Gary DeLaune (KLIF-KRLD-KNUZ, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston); Roy Eaton (KXOL-WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth), Don Harris (WBAP-KLIF-KCLE, Dallas-Fort Worth, Cleburne); Dan Ingram (KBOX in Dallas and at WABC in NYC after his career in Texas); Charlie Jones (WFAA-AM 570, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston at NBC Sports); Randy Robins (KFJZ, KLIF, KNUS, KGKB, KDOK, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tyler); Jack Schell, (KLIF, KVIL , Dallas-Fort Worth) and Arch Yancey (KIKK, KNUZ, KQUE, KILT, Houston.)

You can read all about the Hall of Fame and the Hall of Honor HERE and catch up with daily news in the radio biz HERE.

I mention this because radio is important to America. It's more than talk shows. It's music and information, sports and news, grins and romance. It's a multipurpose medium.

I wish I had a job in radio. Spin some platters, talk about critters, solve romantic problems and guide people through their lives -- you know, a musical animal evangelistic marriage counselor of the air. Not board certified for anything.

KITTEN CRISIS: Stop me if you've heard this one before: Overflowing with kittens. Yes, every shelter is overflowing with kittens and dogs, too. Several times recently, our Houston-area contact Dana Dicker has sent out reports that the animal shelter in LaPorte is bulging with kittens.  You can see for yourself by clicking HERE.

These two bright-eyed cats are Lacy and Macy. They're on the website. And, probably, also available is that little black kitten who elbowed his way in between them just as the photographer hit the button.

And this morning I awakened to find a note reporting that the Carrollton Animal Services Shelter is loaded with cats and kittens. I clicked HERE and found Carrollton's long list of not only kittens and cats, but of dogs -- many of them the traditional big ol' dawgs, including one who was surrendered because the family's "crawling 8-month-old child made her nervous." (If that applied to people, the shelters would be full of humans. My kids are 36 and they still make me nervous.)

The Carrollton shelter is at 2727 Nimitz Lane. Call 972-466-3420.

Nestled among the photos of cats and dogs was this rabbit, Tia, surrendered because she didn't get along with the family cats. 

THE SEALS: Jennifer Glick, longtime animal protector from Rowlett, sent a link to a Humane Society of the United States campaign to stop the Canadian seal pup harvest. Click HERE to read about the campaign..

And in checking things out I ran into a story about the annual seal harvest in Namibia -- click HERE.

So, these questions come to mind: Who takes a job clubbing seals to death? What kind of person will do that job? Can they sleep at night? And do they tell their kids what they do for a living?

GOLF -- EXPENSIVE DRIVING? My son Bart taught me a new way to grip my golf clubs last week -- I suspect he thinks I'll be able to get more distance when I fling them during a moment of rage. Just kidding -- my shots are so bad we all laugh.

Last week I went to the PGA Tour Superstore in Plano with my son Bret. He's left-handed. That store has an entire section devoted to left-handers. A huge section.

But the most remarkable thing was parked in front of the store. It was a golf cart customized to look like a Hummer. How much? $12,495.

I'm not sure it'll take any strokes off your game. If I paid $12,495 for a golf cart, somone in the family would have a stroke.

Turtles, canines & Sammy Sosa

There are many questions in this world. Write that bit of wisdom down. Today we'll ask some, then offer opportunities for people to help make the world a better place.

That's the good thing about operating an animal friendly news site. You can aim your cursor toward helping out.

SHELLS AND STREETS: What is it with turtles and Arlington?

I'm using the word "turtle" as a catch-all for both aquatic turtles and land-based tortoises. And I'm using the word "Arlington" to represent the suburb recently acquired by Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. If he can improve traffic patterns in that town, he'll be a miracle worker.

Speaking of traffic patterns, my rescuespouse Martha and I twice stopped traffic on busy Arlington streets to save turtles.

Why DO they cross the road? They're not chickens.

Anyway, years ago, we screeched to a halt on Collins, just north of the Parks Mall -- Martha jumped out and grabbed a big ol' water turtle that was trying to slide across the pavement to a vacant lot. She marched him over to his intended destination and set him free.

Then, on Saturday, we were on New York traveling through Arlington en route to the legendary Red Over Bakery in Pantego. Suddenly we had to test the ol' brakes and stop on a dime just as a tortoise hit the middle of our lane. Martha would have jumped out, but the speeding traffic just kept coming on her side. So I hopped out, ran in front of our pickup, bent down (that was the hard part), grabbed the tortoise -- big as 2 softballs but heavier -- and carried him on across the street to the schoolground he'd been scooting toward. Without looking back, he raced away. I'm not kidding. He was truckin' -- moving like a comet compared to most tortoises. (The photos? That is a stock photo of a turtle similar to the one I picked up Saturday. That other photo is of a chicken, in case you are farm-life impaired.)

But, why Arlington? Is it because Grand Prairie has the racehorses? Does Arlington, thus, have to have the speeding turtles?

We continued to ponder this as we rolled on to the Red Oven Bakery where cupcakes are 75 cents apiece or less and are twice as tasty as the $3.50 each cupcakes now being sold at a trendy store in Dallas. No, Dallas didn't get a big league baseball team or an NFL franchise, but we did get $3.50 cupcakes. Yes, a recipe for success.

FINDING A HOME FOR MONTY: Isn't this a great profile -- he may be the John Barrymore of Dogs.

We got this tip about a 3-year-old formerly abandoned dog from Cary Birdwell of Adopt-a-Dallas Pet. This dog, more formerly known as Montgomery, is at Dog and Kitty City, the shelter operated by the Humane Society of Dallas. It's a no-kill shelter at 2719 Manor Way at Denton Drive, just south of Love Field. Been there for years.

Monty has been there a while, too. The story is he was "found abandoned and tethered to a chain-link fence behind a Dumpster. he was in a debilitated state of health for several weeks. He was extremely thin under his matted fur. Once could feel his rib cage and his hip bones protruding..."

Oh, you get the drift. And, of course, since he was a rescue in Dallas, he had heartworms.

In his time with Dog and Kitty City, Monty has "become a true gentleman. He very seldom barks. H never jumps on people. He enjoys being in the company of people in a quiet way, never pushes himself on anyone. He gets along with other dogs, but they are not a necessity in his life. He draws the line when it comes to cats." So, as they says, "No cats."

The official Dog and Kitty City summary reads: "Monty is a rare pearl. His beauty is beyond fur deep. Whoever adopts him will have a very special friend."

As we were writing about Monty, an e-mail arrived from Beverly Fetterman who asked that we spotlight Jasper, "a lovely dog who has been at the shelter for two years," she writes. "I met him at an adoption day at PetsMart. He has a wonderful, gentle disposition and is very affectionate. I cannot adopt him because my hosue is full of pets, but I wouild love to see that someone helps him to find a good home." (That's ol' yellow lab mix Jasper in the mugshot.)

To arrange an audition to adopt Monty or Jasper, e-mail [email protected] or drop by the shelter or go to www.dognkittycity.org.

And, if you don't know, that's a photo of silent film star John Barrymore, known in the Silent Era as "The Great Profile," and now known as, of course, Drew Barrymore's grandfather.

IN THE MEANTIME...: This little dog, who appears to feel as if she is cornered in her cage at the Irving Animal Shelter, is listed as a "12-pound fear-biter" and as available only to a rescue group. That means the folks at the shelter want her to go into a group that can settle her down with love, can remind her that people aren't all out to hurt her, teach her anew that she can trust. It is often not an easy chore. But there are people who have a gift.

Her name is Leigh. The tip on this pup came via the veteran Irving shelter observer Russell Posch. (Call the Irving shelter at 972-721-2256.)

Hard to imagine a 12-pound fear-biter, but the deal is, it's not the fear you are getting from being bitten by a dog, it's the fear the dog is feeling that makes her want to defend herself. Poor pup.

As you can see in the second photo, she does have her moments of trust -- though one cannot actually see "relaxation" in her face.

FOUR PUPS SAVED: This story comes to us from Patricia Barrington, the animal services director at The Colony.

She says the shelter has a "set of four little red, 7-week-old pups" that need homes.

Their story is one of human failing.

It began last Monday when some "little girls called the shelter in a panic." They were upset over what they'd seen in the backyard of a neighbors house. Animal services responded and found a dead puppy.

They also met a "lovely lady pit, her man (a handsome lug of a Rottweiller) and their brood, minus one," says Trish.

The adult dogs were friendly. No human was home. After a little detective work, Trish tracked down the owner's cell phone and called him -- he said he was in Las Vegas. She told him what the officers had found.

She says he was "shocked" and said his "girlfriend was feeding and watering the dogs every day. I explained that there was no sign of food or water. he called his girlfriend and kept me on the line. She admitted that she only fed and watered the dogs on Wednesday and Sunday after church....but obviously missed this Sunday or she would have noticed a dog missing. The man was very upset. The woman was very -- not even defensive, more so unconcerned and oblivious."

The Animal Services folks spent some time making sure the surviving dogs were fed and watered and arranged to meet with the owner on Friday. "He was visibly shaken about the whole thing. He released the pups [to the shelter], made an appointment at our next spay/neuter clinic for the two adult dogs and understands that we will do random checks of the property for quite some time. I will say that his adult dogs are gorgeous and well-maintained as far as vet records. ... Don't know what the future holds for him and his girlfriend."

Romance aside, this pup and three that look just like him -- that's why Trish sent just one photo, she says -- are available for adoption at the The Colony Animal Shelter, 4720 E. Lake Highlands, in the Colony. Call 972-370-9250.

Click HERE to see other animals at The Colony.

FROM BURNS FLAT: Ah, we have some situations in Burns Flat, Okla., our neighbor to the north -- not a suburb of Dallas, but an Oklahoma outpost where the goodhearted Terry Lynn Fisher works to save the animals in the city's shelter.

Fortunately, as Terry Lynn writes, "This little guy is saved, but his foster family would like him gone before the First of August. ... He, along with two siblings, was found in a Wal-Mart bag, tied closed and thrown on the side of the road. The vet said they were about 4 weeks old."

Wally is about three months old now  -- his siblings have been adopted.

"He has been loved and cared for by this [foster] family. They just cannot keep him. He has been an inside dog and loves the other dog there....He is a very sweet wiggly boy that needs someone to love and care for him."

In the meantime, Terry Lynn is trying to find homes for these two Dalmatians that have been turned into the city shelter. The female is, some of you may recall, the mother of a 15-puppy litter that Terry Lynn and pals managed to place last month.

The male is the daddy.

Yep, mom and dad have 15 puppies, then they're turned into a kill shelter. How's that for a reward for having 15 puppies.

To help Wally or Mom and Dad or all three, call Terry Lynn at 580-660-1344.

A LOVELY PAIR OF PUPS: These dogs are wards of Scottie Kingdom Rescue. They are 7-year-old littermates, Bonnie in black and Mollie in the "wheaten" coat.

Medical problems "forced their owners to surrender them to Scottie Kingdom Rescue," we learn, in a note forwarded to us by the aforementioned Cary Birdwell, the hard worker behind Adopt-a-Dallas Pet.

Mollie has Addison's Disease and requires an inexpensive pill ($4 for a month's supply) and regular blood testing.

Both dogs are spayed, microchipped and expected to live very normal lives in a loving home.

To get an adoption application, e-mail HERE.

The group prefers to adopt to people who have experience with Scotties, Westies or other terriers. As you may know, terriers believe they are in charge of the entire world.

SAMMY SOSA'S HEAD: It was clever of the Texas Rangers to honor Sammy Sosa's 600 home run milestone Saturday night. If they'd waited until Tuesday only a few of us depressed and weeping die-hard Rangers fans would have noticed. The Dallas Cowboys' training camp opens tomorrow in San Antonio and all the local extra cameras and newspaper laptops will be in the Alamodome.

Did you see the replays of Sammy catching a high hard one in the melon Saturday night? Not that it's an omen, but the Rangers are playing .500 ball since Sammy got hit in the head -- before that they were playing around .429.

Ginger on a pillow...

Here is what I believe to be a truth in this world: A good nap is worth the effort.

This sincere sleeper is Ginger the Chihuahua. I think she is balanced on a pillow on the arm of a chair.

And I have a theory about why she's out like a light. Read on.

First, we have to declare that Ginger, about 5, is the featured snoozer in this week's edition of "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap."

"Does she look comfortable or what?" asked her "mom," our reliable longtime tipster Christie Hansen. Ginger lives with Christie and her hubby Thom and some other critters.

Christie was mentioned on Readlarrypowell.com earlier in the week. It had to do with cravings. I'd mentioned that I was craving a tres leches cake with raspberry filling that I'd had at a reception at Operation Kindness. And Christie nominated as a favorite cake the Quatro Leches Cake served at La Duni's in Dallas. Just what I needed, another cake to crave.

And here's the theory: Based on my tendency-to-slumber after I've had a very satisfying slice of cake, I believe Ginger had been sampling the Quatro Leches Cake and has nodded off while dreaming of opening her own bakery, Ginger's Sin-in-a-Pan Cake Shoppe.

The story on Ginger is she came from rescue -- from a "girl that was diagnosed with bipolar disorder," Christie explains. The poor woman was unable to properly train Ginger and cope with her, so Ginger was moved along. "I've had her for two years and she is a typical Chi!"

I believe that may be a reference to the breed's ability to bark warnings at a gallant and often relentless pace. At our house, our Chihuahua mix Rosie has this tendency -- she also barks at invisible intruders...well, they're invisible to us. Lord only knows what Rosie is seeing. But, like most Chihuahuas, Rosie will accept a vigorous head rub and engage in casual conversation.

Ginger, in the meantime, is "so CUTE!" Christie says. "She likes to sleep on the pillows so she can get away from the other dogs."

All good princesses sleep on the pillows. And surely they enjoy cake.

(Remember, your critter can earn illumination in the international spotlight of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. All you have to do is send a photo of the sleeper and information about him or her to [email protected]. At Readlarrypowell.com, we're proud to give proper respect to any animal -- companion or human -- that can doze at the drop of a hat. We insomniacs are always trapped in rooms without hats.)