ReadLarryPowell.com

Lady, Cisco & Abby -- team sleeping...

One of the reasons we enjoy presenting Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats nap each weekend is that it gives the humans an opportunity to brag about their critters.

Thus, this week, we turn the explanations over to Dianne Cole, whose animals we first wrote about way back in 2004 in the big paper in Dallas.

Now, the first photo you'll see today is Lady. And you may think, "That dog's eye is open." So what, I say to you. Lots of dogs sleep with their eyes open. The key to recognizing the slumber factor here is that dog with one open eye has a hint of crimson tongue showing at the muzzle. Yep, sleeping with her cute little tongue just barely peeking out of her mouth. That is a sleeping dog. We humans should be able to achieve such slumberbliss, if that's a word or state of mind.

Now, among these photos we have some instructions in coexistence (two dogs cheek-to-cheek, so to speak) and sharing (two dogs on the couch -- they look like they've been watching football and are waiting for the pizza guy to show up). Also, there is the instructional photograph with the big dog Cisco resting his chin. A lot of people look at a sofa and say, "There's an armrest." Cisco sees a sofa and immediately knows how to use the "chinrest."

Here's Dianne's explanation of the sleeping patterns of the family dogs.

"Lady is a yellow lab/red heeler mix that we adopted from the Dallas SPCA in July, 2002, the night before I was due to have major foot surgery.  Lady was a year old when we adopted her. 

"Mike took Lady home in his van while I stopped to get dog food and toys and by the time I got home she had bonded with Mike and didn't want to have anything to do with me.  I was devastated. 

"We had Doc, a 17-year-old, long-haired dachshund that I'd had since he was 9 weeks old, but he was at the age where he really didn't want to be bothered much.

"I had my foot surgery the following morning and by the end of my 6 weeks recovery, Lady and I were best friends.  In March of 2003 Doc went to the Rainbow Bridge to join the many other pets I'd had through the years.

"I decided Lady needed a new friend and searched the internet for a lab to rescue.  Cisco came to us from a black lab rescue out of Ennis and was a year old when we adopted him. 

"Lady wasn't too sure about the new addition to the family, but on the 4th night when she let Cisco get on the bed with us I knew she had accepted him. She is very much the 'alpha' dog in the family and occasionally they get into a tiff (usually instigated by Lady), but for the most part they are best friends.

"Cisco is the biggest love bug you can imagine.  He thinks he's a 75-pound lap dog and is definitely a "mama's boy".  He's always a big talker and tells on the other two when they're doing something they shouldn't be doing. 

"The Saturday following Thanksgiving in 2004, I went to Wal-Mart in Mesquite with my sister-in-law. A nice couple was in the parking lot with puppies for sale and I had to look. I saw Abby, a little black ball of fur, and she was mine. Fifty dollars later Abby went home with me.

"Mike, my husband, wasn't too thrilled, but Lady and Cisco loved Abby from the first minute they saw her and have always watched over her.

"I was told she was part black Lab and part Golden Retriever. She has the longer hair of the golden, but looks like a miniature Cisco (complete with the white around her muzzle), so we call her our "mini-lab".  She's a sweetheart and instead of barking, she kind of squeaks -- it's very different.

"I have nicknames for all of them. Lady is Big Missy, Cisco is Mister and Abby is Dabber. Go figure. 

"Lady is now 7, Cisco is 6 and Abby will be 4 in October.  Each has their own personality and are loved very much and spoiled daily and I wouldn't have it any other way.  They make our lives complete and are always making us laugh with their antics.

"Lady rules the backyard and lounges out there like the queen she is.  Cisco is the protector --.keeping us safe from the neighborhood cats and squirrels while Abby makes sure the birds stay out of the yard. ... We share our king-size bed with all three of them and they each have their own spot on the bed.

"As you can see by the pictures they are all good nappers.  Lady loves to burrow under the throw pillows on the bed and Cisco is forever hanging his head over the arm of his chair. When Lady is really relaxed her tongue manages to slip out the end of her mouth.  Cisco is also very good about sharing the couch with Abby as they lay end to end."

So, there you have it: three sleepers, three pals and three reasons to smile in the Dianne and Mike household.

(If you'd like to brag on your sleeping critters, or explain their behavior, or just flat show 'em off in our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send their sleeping photos and info about them and you to [email protected]. Remember, we'll post photos of any kind of beastie -- dogs, cats, bats, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, Tennessee Fainting Goats, Oak Cliff street dogs, etc. Remember, at Readlarrypowell.com we celebrate sleeping -- we would sleep, but we're insomniacs, so we celebrate while others snooze.)

Heat, gas, critters and Humperdinck

Good grief, temperatures in the 90s.

Do we have enough griping energy left over from the gasoline situation to start complaining about the North Texas heat?

Oh, come on, we love it or we'd leave. It isn't like they'll stop you at the Oklahoma border and make you go back to the Metroskillet. Can't do anything about the weather or gasoline, let's see if we can help some people who are helping animals.

That photo? A couple of our housemates, Cosmo in the background and Hammy in the foreground, enjoy high-dollar air-conditioning with practiced élan. Both are former Oak Cliff street dogs. They believe the AC is worth every penny.

CHAMPIONSHIP EARS: Regular visitors (and some of you irregular visitors, too) know that Readlarrypowell.com appreciates a good set of dog ears. We're accustomed to seeing ears that point skyward like satellite dishes. But every now and then we run across some hang-down ears that must be addressed.

This dog has those ears. And, of course, hound in the family tree. The story comes from Corsicana. The dog -- you can count the ribs -- was found on Highway 34, according to a note sent to us. Covered with fleas and malnourished, the dog's fortune looked up when a staffer at Rogers Animal Hospital spotted the wandering hound.

Since then, the dog has had the best care -- fleas have been exterminated, weight is up and the year-old dog is heartworm negative. And, we're told, the dog loves baths.

To offer to give a good home to this set of championship ears and the accompanying hound, call Rogers Animal Hospital at 903-872-6655 and ask for Tiffany.

ABOUT A BOY: Yesterday we mentioned this dog. Great ears. The dog was found on the grounds of the new Hope Baptist Church south of Arlington. His finder, Marilyn Houston, reports that "Boy," believed to be a German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix, is now in the care of Gail Whelan and the folks with the Companion Animal Network.

Marilyn reports, ".  Gail will take care of his adoption applications, but will allow me to go on home visits so that I may meet his forever family.  I'm going to miss him so much, (getting misty here), but I know Gail will make sure he goes to the right people.  He really does have "new hope" now!"

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

And, just FYI, there are two other pups -- far more skittish than Boy -- living on the grounds of the church. Gail has her eye on getting them into safety now.

Remember, two things are certain about the Companion Animal Network: It needs foster homes for these critters and it needs donations to help animals it doesn't even know about yet. Get in touch with Gail to volunteer.

A CAT CRISIS IN SEAGOVILLE: Frances Kirby, a 76-year-old veteran cat fan, is working on saving more than a dozen feral cats (at least) in a Seagoville mobile home park. Her note: "I lived in a mobile home park here in Seagoville. I moved in February, but have gone back and fed [cats]. Several of the residents were [also] feeding. Now the management of the mobile home park is issuing tickets of $50 to any resident that is reported to be feeding the cats. They came to me yesterday and said, 'You are not a resident here. This is private property. You are trespassing on property and can be prosecuted.' I asked the lady if they would work with me if I could find some groups to help me relocate the poor animals. I have been feeding feral cats at this park for 23 years. How do I walk away and let them starve or even worse?"

If you can help, call Frances at 972-287-5224 or 214-232-0240 or e-mail [email protected].

As Frances says, "This is just breaking my heart."

TINY DEAF DOG: We hear of this pup from Deborah Trevino who monitors things at Garland's Abe Jack Tuggle Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.

This male, red merle Aussie is young, tiny and deaf, according to the shelter folks, Deb says. (His photo came from the spot where Garland posts its animals, PetHarbor.com. 

"They are hoping a rescue group will rescue him," she says. "When you walk by the stall, he stands up against the chain link door for attention. He gives kisses and is so tiny."

Drop by the shelter at 600 Tower Drive or call 972-205-3570 to offer to help this pup.

LOOKING FOR A HOME: Sharon Brown of Carrollton needs to find a place for DJ. Here's the story from Sharon:

"I have been fostering a very loveable & wonderful Rottweiller/Australian Shepherd mix for about a month and a half. He was found wandering during the month of March, very neglected and obviously previously abused."

The 2-year-old dogs is neutered, housebroken, and being treated for heartworms. He knows sit and stay and "loves to shake hands."

Sharon says DJ "needs to be a 'couch potato' during this treatment according to the vet since he cannot now exert too much energy or get too overheated in the Texas sun. ... I can keep him until his treatment is complete. He would be wonderful in a home with no other animals. He and my 10-year-old Chow mix are not getting along at times, however, I can keep them apart during the time of his treatment. I hope to find him a wonderful home as he is very deserving."

To ask about helping Sharon place DJ in a good home, e-mail [email protected].

ASSORTED NOTES: We have a few things to mention and catch up on today:

             -- Remember that all local shelters have more animals than they need. Dogs and cats, sometimes the stray goat or exotic bird. City shelters are always in dire need of getting people to help them save animals. Think Irving, Carrollton, Little Elm, Fort Worth -- OK, get a map and pick a town. It probably has an overloaded shelter. Almost everyone involved in animal rescue has a houseful of critters already, so the key is to reach people who don't yet know that they need a dog or cat or a dog and cat. Here's a starting place, the Mesquite animal shelter. Click HERE to read about this big orange and white cat named, what else, Tiger. He came into the shelter with a calico named Kata. Their human moved and didn't want to take them along.

            -- Eva Sepulvado, the hard-working animal control officer at the Marshall Animal Shelter, has a followup on a dog and her puppies that we featured back on May 20. "Just a note to let you know that the momma sheltie and her puppies ... have been rescued by Brazoria County Humane Society in Alvin, Texas." The left Marshall for Alvin on Tuesday. And, Eva confirms, the Marshall shelter still has plenty of animals that need homes. There's even a potbellied pig. Click HERE.

            -- Marybelle Denton of the West Side Animal Shelter in White Settlement is honest in her request for volunteers for Saturday's 11 a.m.-3 p.m. adoption on the parking lot at Starbuck's at 523 Alta Mere north of Ridgemar Mall in Fort Worth. "I know it's going to be hot," she wrote, "but we are going to have wading pools and pop-up tents." (I think Marybelle means for the animals, but, of course, who knows what a good volunteer might do to show off a dog -- dive right into that wading pool with the Lab mixes! Blame the Texas heat.)

            You can see the White Settlement inventory by clicking HERE. According to Marybelle, "the shelter is up to the rafters in critters."

            --Paws In The City will benefit from Saturday's appearance by stars from the soap The Young & the Restless at a luncheon at the Dallas Marriott Suites. Details are at www.pawsinthecity.org. And you can also get info there about the big Paws In The City Top Hat and Tails fundraiser on June 14.

            --Today is the last day to submit a film in the SPCA's annual Petflix festival. Get the details by clicking HERE. FYI: You can see photos of the judges at that site, including my photogenicspouse Martha and me, looking like a guy who is the "before" ad for a botox, liposuction, plastic surgery clinic.

            The PetFlix finalists can be seen on June 8 at the SPCA PetFlix festival at the Granada Theater in Dallas. Get the details on this and other SPCA activities at www.spca.org.

            -- Out at the lake (I love that phrase!), the folks with the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake are assembling their 2009 Pampered Pets calendar. According to our Friends tipster Sydney Busch, "one page in the calendar will be devoted to supporters' cats. .. There will be 10 cats on the page." Place your cat's photo for $35. (E-mail [email protected].) Just FYI: This is always a spectacular calendar with photos that capture the love between the people and their pals. The proceeds benefit the rescue group's spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City. Read about the clinic on the Friends' website HERE.

CONTEMPLATIONS: In a rare moment on the town, my funspouse Martha and I joined Martha's sis and hubby, Donna and James Hunter, for Thursday night's Engelbert Humperdinck concert at the Meyerson. The handsome guy's voice is smooth and strong. He doesn't have the muttonchops of the '70s and his hair is blonder -- perhaps even a little golden to cover the gray that might exist on the head of any other 72-year-old grandfather. Infant granddaughter Olivia was at the show with his daughter, Louise. ... Sitting in the spectacular Meyerson in our 4-chair dress circle boxes, I could only look at the sky-high ceiling of the place and wonder how in the world they dusted all of that way up there -- there's lots of building going on near the Meyerson and this is Dallas, so there will be dust. ... Things that might make you smile: The weekend approaches; gasoline is still under $5 a gallon; nobody around here will have to drive on ice and snow this weekend.

A Thursday report...

It seems to be a dog-heavy week around here, but, just take a look at the website of any shelter and you'll see that there are plenty of cats in the homeless category.

The world rarely runs out of misery and angst. But there is a miracle now and then, and, I guess, today, we might point some out.

A CHURCH DOG: The story comes from Marilyn Houston who lives south of Arlington. And, of course, at Readlarrypowell.com we're suckers for two things: possible miracles and a great set of ears. This dog may have encountered both.

Marilyn writes, "We found this puppy under a shed at our church. He was starving and almost feral, but I coaxed him out, had him vetted, and have fostered him in my home for the past month. He had to have surgery for 'cherry eye' but has recovered nicely, with no problems.  (Other than dealing with a lively pup in an E-collar for a week!.) He's been neutered, wormed and has had parvo, distemper and rabies shots.

" He's not crate-trained yet -- I don't have a big enough crate -- but is trained to go the door when he needs to go, and can (usually!) hold it all night.  He walks on a leash, sits and fetches, and is very attentive and responsive.  For a 4-month old (my vet's estimate), he seems very intelligent and will make a great companion/watchdog."

Now the time has come to find a home for the pup. Marilyn says the family already has two other dogs, including an Italian Greyhound and a 140-pound Anatolian Shepherd.

So, she's looking for someone to foster or adopt the little dog. "He is trying his best to be a good dog." He gets along with the other dogs and, she says, "He's also learned not to chase chickens or dig in the garden....I think he's going to be a beautiful dog -- he just can't be mine."

She says she'll make a "sizeable donation" to the group that can take him. Call 817-561-4950 or (cell) 817-881-2311 to offer to help this dog.

Name of the church where the pup was found? "The church is called 'New Hope'," she says, "And I sure hope that describes his future."

SCRAPPY'S LITTLE MIRACLE: Yesterday we mentioned a little shepherd-mix named Scrappy who is on the quick-moving clock at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake shelter.

After the story was posted, we got this note from Sydney Busch of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. Maybe it's some kind of miracle. You be the judge. The note reads, "The euthanasia technician is on jury duty this week so Scrappy has a reprieve of one more week."

The note describes Scrappy, a 6-month-old Shepherd mix who has never lived anywhere but a shelter, as "a very cool, medium sized dog."

Then, this morning, Sydney sent out a note saying that Scrappy had "found a home." We'll provide more details as they arrive.

In the meantime, there are other animals at the shelter. To ask about them e-mail shelter manager Krista McAnally at [email protected] or call 903-432-3422.

UPDATE ON LADY: You may recall Lady, one of the dogs rescued from the gravel pit dog dumping ground in Seagoville.

Barb Oates, who is the "press representative" for Lady (I just made up that title), reports, "We have received some donations; we are so very thankful for your readers who have donated. We appreciate them."

You may recall that heartworm-positive Lady, who also needed to be spayed, was expected to run up a bill of about $645.

"We've raised $253.90," says Barb. So, there's about $400 to go in the Campaign for Lady. To ask about donating to Lady, e-mail [email protected]. Or you can send donations to Rescued Friends Lady Fund in care of Park Plaza Animal Clinic, 1811 E. Park Row, Arlington, Texas, 76010.

bar ads that "not only do we appreciate those who donated, we appreciate the time they took to make a difference in the life of Lady. We know people get busy and sometimes it's just hard. We also appreciate their compassion. It does make a difference."
CONSIDERING TWO DOGS: First we revisit the dog that showed up in the Arus Manning backyard in Dallas. Our canine assessment guru, Cary Birdwell of Adopt-a-Dallas Pet, spent some time with the dog and took great photos of the big rascal.

He reports, "Some people have suggested this boy is a Dogo Argentino, which I agree, could be a possibility. However, since pits are so much more common in Texas than Dogos, I went with the pit label -- but he could be either.

"So far I've received a lot of emails in support, and promises to pass the info along, but so far no solid commitment from anyone to take him. Of course, anyone who can take him will have to be screened first, naturally. Additionally, I've contacted every sanctuary I can find in Texas, but no luck so far."

People have offered donations, but until Cary knows where the dog is going, he's going to hold off on the donations. (E-mail [email protected] to ask Cary about this dog.)

Now, Cary is also working to help find a place for this distinctly marked pit. Petey is about 2 and he was "rescued from the streets in southwest Oak Cliff."

The dog weighs 60 pounds, but is likely to be about 70 when he puts on his adult weight.

According to the folks who have Petey, he "does not have signs or behaviors of having been a fighter, and has never shown aggression to a person. In fact, he is very affectionate and loves a belly rub. He walks very well on a leash, and ignores pedestrians and other animals when walking. He has all vaccinations, has been de-wormed, and is heartworm negative. He is not neutered, and he must have this done before leaving the veterinary clinic. No exceptions. Due to current financial considerations, Petey's adoption fee will be the cost of his neuter surgery. Serious inquiries only to 972-407-9396."

CONTEMPLATIONS: How much sleep is enough sleep? Eight hours? Six hours? Thirty  minutes in your car at lunch? ... Suggested movie for watching when you feel like being outraged and entertained simultaneously: Little Big Man starring Dustin Hoffman. ... After this political campaign ends, what will we do for entertainment?

Some safe, some not...

We march on through the last week of May 2008 with a nod to Wednesday as a day that, this particular week, has lost its "middleness."

Remember how excited you were in school when you learned to spelled "Wednesday?" Never mind Tuesday Weld or Joe Friday. Spelling Wednesday -- that was tough. How you could get "Wednesdays" out of something called "Wensdee," that was a mystery.

Now, let's move on, beginning with a happy ending in Fort Worth and following that with an opportunities for two happy endings in Cowtown. Then we'll go all over the map.

POMERTASTIC NEWS: We're beginning today's report with sparkling news for a tumbling Pomeranian. (left)

You may recall the story from back on May 8: Diane Heath was one her way to work one morning when a little white Pom darted into traffic and under a moving truck near Loop 820 and Lancaster in Fort Worth. The dog was spared a direct hit and went tumbling in the wind. Diane chased and cornered the little dog. He was frightened, but OK.

And, now, we get the happy ending in Diane's genuinely sweet letter. She writes: "I have placed the little Pom that I called 'Stickers' with the pastor of my church and his family. I was contacted by several folks from your website and wanted to say thank you to all of them and especially to you for posting this little guy who is now known as Skipper.

"Skipper has his very own child and family now and appears to be very happy, he will be neutered and live in his very own house like he and I knew he was supposed to. As with every animal who I take responsibility for I have also made the family aware that if it doesn't work out I will always take Skipper back so I will be keeping contact information of the people who so generously offered to help me with this little dog. Once again thanks to all of you who are in this business of supplying happy endings, you are greatly appreciated."

DANGEROUS SITUATION: These "long-timers are out of time," says Ginger Leach, our hard-working contact at the renowned Fort Worth Animal Care & Control Shelter.

"They must have a place to go by this Friday or will cross The Bridge Saturday morning," Ginger says.

Beluxie, 4, is a "wonderful Greyhound mix" and the mug shot shows that he's wearing eye makeup a lot like that of British singer Amy Winehouse. He is, however, better behaved, we're told.

"This is Beluxie's absolute last chance," ginger writes. "It is not fair for him to continue to be stuck in a kennel all day when he should be getting to play outside or lay on a nice cushion in front of the TV, not on a concrete floor listening to dogs bark all day. He is a total lovebug, he likes to run and play, good with kids, LOVES his humans, does a cute little howl thing to get your attention sometimes and would make a great couch potato also. I so love him and would bring him home if I could. He does a cute little howl thing when I go by his cage and ignore him.  Beluxie needs to be in a home without cats or small dogs for obvious reasons. This is GREAT dog and would be a WONDERFUL companion and family pet."

The other dog is the "very handsome" Levi, a 5-year-old neutered Rottie/Shepherd mix "with long legs who knows the 'sit' command," Ginger says. "He is a happy, well-behaved boy who loves people. It is unfair for him to live in a kennel 24/7 without seeing the fresh grass and shiny sun....

"If anyone can help or knows someone who can, let me know," Ginger writes.

She emphasizes, "They must have somewhere to go by Friday."

To help Beluxie and Levi, call Ginger at 817-392-3737 or e-mail [email protected].

We've mentioned both of these dogs before -- weeks ago. Here's the thing: If they've lasted this long in a shelter, someone is looking over them for a reason. True, they are big ol' dawgs and they aren't cute puppies, but you can ask anybody who has a big ol' dawg, they become the best friends.

A MOVIE STAR FACE: Seriously, this dog has quite a Hollywood face. Someone needs to write a story to fit his face. We were tipped to his situation by Gail Whelan of the Companion Animal Network who laments that CAN doesn't have a foster right now who can take in the little guy.

So, this beautiful dog is on the clock at the Sherman Animal Shelter right up U.S. 75 from Dallas. He's "four months old and he is out of time," Gail reports.

The adoption fees at the Sherman shelter? Cheaper than gasoline nearly: $33 for a cat or kitten and $44 for a dog or puppy. The fee covers rabies vaccination, first examination AND SPAY/NEUTER. You can't get a deal like that just anywhere.

To reach the Sherman shelter, call 903-892-7255. The shelter is at 1800 E. Ida road, near Highway 11, south of the city's airport. You can see this dog, other dogs and cats at the Sherman Pet-Finder site HERE.

ONE SAVED; ONE IN DANGER:  The dog in danger at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is this brown puppy, Scrappy. He's a 6-month-old Shepherd mix who, according to the society's shelter manager, Krista McAnally, "has never known a home except the shelter.

"He came to us when he was about a month old. His whole litter got adopted except for him. He has had all his puppy shots. He needs to be neutered and get his rabies shots. He is a happy, playful pup."

And, today is his last day unless someone claims him. Call Krista the shelter at 903-432-3422.

In the meantime, we get the continuing story of this big beautiful dog Orson, a Great Pyr/Aussie Shepherd mix.

Krista reports that Orson "has been saved by a rescue group in Tennessee. His transport leaves McKinney June 4. He needs a ride to McKinney on the 3rd."

So, that's a simple way to help a big ol' dog. Let him hitch a ride with you from Tool, Texas, out by Cedar Creek Lake east of Dallas, and take him to McKinney, north of Dallas. Burn your gasoline up on a good deed.

To offer to help, call Krista at 903-432-3422.

SPOTTED IN A SHELTER: Well, on the paws....Our tipster Deborah Trevino spotted, er, saw this dog in the Garland Animal Shelter. And this is his photo on the Petharbor.com site that Garland uses to publicize its adoptables.

Deborah writes, "This little guy has been at the shelter for a little over 2 weeks now.  I doubt if they are holding dogs over 3 weeks due to the overcrowding. This pup is very sweet and quiet. I've visited with him a couple of times since he's been there. Garland Animal Shelter, like all other shelters is over-crowded. But, I've never seen it as crowded as it is now. They are placing at least 2 dogs in every cage."

The dog is #A1 12539. The shelter is at 600 Tower Drive in Garland. Call 972-205-3570.

At Garland, according to the city website, an unfixed dog or cat can be adopted for $80 -- that includes the fee for the spay/neuter surgery, first set of shots, tests for heartworm or feline leukemia and city registration. If the cat or dog has been fixed, the fee drops to $35.

A BURNS FLAT QUARTET: Terry Lynn Fisher has been coping with shelter overloading and weather in her life at Burns Flat, Okla.

Her most recent e-mail reads, "We had tornadoes hit all around us all night and I was so worried about them [shelter animals' for our pound is outside kennels. We went up after it calmed down some and they all greeted me with howls, barks, then kisses. This was about 3 this morning [Tuesday], so you can imagine what a sight we were."

Time is "getting shorter and shorter" for these four dogs, she says. "They all need to be moved by this weekend. The storms had a lot of dogs running loose, so if I run out of room at the pound, they will have to start taking them to the vet to be put down. Look at these sweet faces. All are great dogs. None are here because of anything they did wrong, but because they had people that just do not care."

Terry Lynn reminds us that getting even one out "will buy time for another." (To ask about adopting one of these or any of the Burns Flat bunch e-mail [email protected] or call 580-330-1459.

The current quartet under pressure includes "Blue Eyes," a 6-month-old dog whose owners moved and left her behind to forage for food; "Sweet Girl," a Schnauzer mix; Sweet Boy, a young guy who was "picked up in a schoolyard trying to play with the children" and is "terrified in the shelter" and a pit fellow who, Terry Lynn says, "is the sweetest of them all."

GOLF AND VOLUNTEERING: There are many opportunities to help in the animal rescue world. You can get into comfortable clothes and hunt roaming critters in the underbrush or you can clean out cages or you can grab your sticks and hit some golf balls and hunt them in the underbrush. Two examples:

            The folks with A Different Breed will have their regular weekly adopt-a-pet from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at their usual storefront site in Pepper Square at Belt Line and Preston Road. And at 2 p.m. there'll be a volunteer orientation --- if you wonder what it takes to be a volunteer for A Different Breed, that's the place to be.

            Coming up July 19 at the Bear Creek Golf Course near the big airport between Dallas and Fort Worth is the 3rd Annual Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic. It's $100 a player and proceeds go to the Humane Strategies/PetsMart Charities Rescue Waggin' Program. According to Lea Scalf of Euless who is organizing the thing. They can always use sponsors as well as players. Call 817-501-5179 or e-mail [email protected].

You can read about the Rescue Waggin' Program, which transports unwanted dogs from overpopulated shelters to shelters where the population is light, by clicking HERE.

The Dog Days Golf Classic is described as a "fun, light-hearted tournament" -- but I figure that was written by someone who doesn't play a lot of golf. Nothing makes you heavy-hearted like clanking a ball you meant to chip onto the green, or missing a putt that your dog could hit blindfolded, or driving your tee shot so far into the woods that wilderness scouts refuse to go with you because of the bears. What? Well, they don't call it Bear Creek for nothin'. Do they?

CONTEMPLATIONS: Yesterday in this spot we mentioned the passing of the fabulous actor/director Sydney Pollack. Today we're aiming you toward a genuinely wonderful reflection on Mr. Pollack by the famed former big city newspaper film critic Philip Wuntch. Mr. Wuntch, a man with a deft touch in reviewing films and in writing about Hollywood personalities, recounts his last meeting with Mr. Pollack in a piece at Pete's Place, the blog created by former newspaper entertainment editor and long-time pr man Pete Oppel. Click HERE to read the tribute. ... Three things to make you smile: (1) Afternoon newspapers, filled with comics, feature stories and crossword puzzles that offer prizes, waiting in your yard when you get home from school or work; (2) famous bunny Crusader Rabbit; and the last time you took off your shoes and ran through a rainstorm. Might have been yesterday. And maybe you just stood still. Too old to run like a kid.

A uvula, a pit, a bunny...

Whew, some weekend, huh? OK, now, if you had enough gasoline left over to get back to work, let's get on with the 4-day week.

LITTLE DOG WITH AN INTERESTING CHALLENGE: This is the first situation of this type that we've run across in our years of reporting on things that afflict animals. For that reason, it deserves some publicity -- there may be other people whose animals have been facing this "mystery" situation.

Christie Hansen, our veteran tipster and rescuer, is working on this family project: saving her parents' dog, Mikki the Yorkie, from this odd problem: an elongated uvula.

That's the fleshy thing that hangs down in the back of your mouth and in a dog's mouth.

Mikki belongs to JoAnn and Henry Dilday of Mesquite.

According to Christie's description, six-year-old Mikki "takes air in but it doesn't come out like it should.....The little thing is miserable. he is so bloated all the time. ... It is pitiful. He heaves when he breathes."

And, as you can see from the accompanying photos, the retention of air makes the otherwise slim Yorkie "thick." This situation puts his system at risk. "The heaving happens 24/7," Christie says. "Sleeping or not. He also has the spells of very heavy panting because he can't get enough oxygen in."

Why does this happen?

"The uvula partially flops back when he inhales and when he exhales it doesn’t allow the air to exhale completely out," Christie explains.

How is this solved? "They have to go in and cut it out," she says. "He’s been to several vets, the [Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center] on Trinity Mills, the animal ER on several occasions. My parents have spent their savings (at total of $6,000 so far!) on trying to figure out what is wrong with him. They surgeon finally sent his records to Texas A&M and they agree with the prognosis."

So, Christie is reaching out to all her animal contacts to try to find some help paying the nearly $3,000 it'll cost to get the Texas A&M vets to help Mikki breathe normally. To ask more about this situation, e-mail Christie at [email protected]. Donations to Mikki's cause can be sent to JoAnn and Henry Dilday, 2522 Emerald Drive, Mesquite, Texas, 75150.

VISITING THE BACKYARD DOG: You may recall that we reported last week on the plight at the Arus Manning household in Dallas. A pit with an ear problem inexplicably showed up in the backyard.

That's a photo of the sleeping dog snapped by Arus. The photo on the right -- of the magnificent pit -- was snapped by our renowned canine assessment guru, Cary Birdwell of Adopt-a-Dallas pet.

He saw the photo of the dog on Readlarrypowell.com, contacted the Manning family and went to visit the dog Friday evening finding that "he was in much better condition than I expected," Cary says.

The 60-pound, un-neutered dog is probably 7 to 10 years old, Cary says. He has one blue eye and one brown eye. And he seems to be "stone deaf."

And the dog has a "fatty tumor on the left jaw" and pants as if he might have heartworms, Cary says. So, he's got some problems, but nothing insurmountable with proper care.

"He has great gentleness," Cary says. "Ate treats right out of my hand, licked my hand some and was patient to be fed the treats. He also seemed to be absolutely delighted with the attention I gave him. His 'special spot' on his back wasn't hard to find and his leg would go 90 miles an hour when I'd scratch him."

The dog showed no aggressive behavior and even liked drinking out of the garden hose, Cary says.

So, Cary's taken on this dog as a project -- he's trying to find a foster home for the dog or a real home. And, since the dog's in need of vet care, Cary's also hoping to get people interested in "sponsoring him financially."

And, Cary adds, "Because no one knows his history, prudence demands that he goes into a foster home situation with no small kids, and probably no dogs or cats either. He has not shown any aggression at all, but for the time being, it just makes sense for him to not be placed in a situation that could be problematic.
"He seems like a really great dog, but one that has probably lived most of his life outside in the back yard – with little or no attention. I doubt he’s ever been on a leash, had training, or seen a vet. This is all speculation of course, but one story is so very much like another most of the time; and how great of a home could he have come from if they lacked the sense or sensitivity to do this to his ears? He’ll need some work and attention, and would probably not be a great choice for a first time, inexperienced dog owner."

To offer to help this dog, call 214-521-3611 or e-mail [email protected].

THUMPER: Regarding big black dogs, Sarita Rossi, our contact with the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary, has an interesting take on this long-eared fluffy fellow.

"This is Thumper. He has been at the sanctuary for quite a long time, almost 3 years," she says. "His only problem? He's a big white bunny.Yes, big white rabbits are the black dogs of the bunny world."
How's that?

"Big white rabbits, while being the traditional Easter rabbits are usually also the most difficult rabbits to adopt out.  I think most people don't realize how large some of these rabbits can get and really size shouldn't matter either - we find that most of the larger size rabbits are more 
mellow than their smaller counterparts.
"Also many people don't like their red eyes - their eyes really aren't red, they are rose-colored - they see the world through rose-colored eyes (that's not really how rabbits see obviously).
"He's a very sweet and neat rabbit and those are good traits in anyone.
"And who can resist a rabbit named Thumper!"

To ask about giving Thumper a good home, contact the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary at [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS: Actor/director Sydney Pollack has died. Click HERE to see how much he entertained you and why he'll be missed. ... It would have been interesting to see what might have happened had the Indy 500 security people not kept Danica Patrick from getting to the driver who ran into her car and knocked her out of the race while she was exiting the pits. This election just has everyone too tense. Relax, that's a joke. ... Reasons to smile: roses in full bloom; bread and butter pickles; the invention of nachos.

Peanut -- the big sleeper...

Here we are during a long weekend and we're proud to be celebrating an American holiday, Memorial Day. It began as a day to honor Americans lost in war. And it has evolved into both that and a family holiday.

Oh, yeah, it's also a really big sales day for car lots, malls, shopping centers, airlines, etc. It's America -- we shop.

And we pal around with our pups and cats and families. Sometimes I think people forget that America is a nation of families, not just a nation of consumers. Some people have big families, some have small.

And the word "small" brings us to this sleeping American, our spotlighted slumberer for this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.

The name? Peanut. The description? "Definitely the love of my life," says Kimberlie Stirrett of Austin, Texas.

Regarding the sleeping photo and the photo with the netting, she explains, "Rainy Saturday morning with nothing better to do than to take glamour shots with the dog. These are my best two."

She also describes Peanut thusly: "A not very spoiled (yeah, right) wire-haired dachshund."

Now, here's the rest of Kimberlie's Story of Peanut:

"Peanut, (AKA Empress of the Universe) is technically not a rescue -- although she was bought from a street corner, and the seller never produced the papers he promised. We chased him down for over a year.

"As it turns out, we didn’t care about the papers, and we have since learned not to buy dogs.

"So I do consider her a rescue of a different sort.

"She is 7 years old and has 2 rescue siblings (both wire hairs), a 12-year-old sister Leah (puppy mill) and a 1-year-old Wylie Koyote (dumped) who survived distemper and pneumonia at the age of 12 weeks. He is now approximately 14 months and has no residual effects. She also has an 85-pound English bulldog, Omar.

"Peanut has no issue sleeping when ever or where ever and can snore with the best of them.  Her favorite spot is on the back of the sofa or in a convenient sunbeam in the yard.  If someone has a spot she wants, she just shoves them over and takes it."

Now, every good (and forceful) sleeper has an active side. Here's how Kimberlie explains the other two photos:

"I am enclosing another photo of her on her happiest day ever just because I love to show her off. We were living in Wisconsin. This is a crisp fall day, and she and I got in the truck and just drove. We ended up in Spring Green at the Wisconsin River. She was chasing birds, but this picture just proves she walks on water to me! Maybe your next pictorial review can be 'letting dogs be dogs'!"

So, if you're not smiling at the photo of Peanut sprinting across the surface of the water in rapturous dog glory, your batteries are running low. She's a beaut and not only should we envy her ability to sleep, we should envy her ability to enjoy special moments.

Maybe you'll make some this holiday weekend.

(If you'd like to nominate your sleeping critter -- dog, cat, horse, cow, hamster, cousin, etc. -- for spotlighting in our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send the slumberer's photo and info about both of you to [email protected]. We're proud to feature photos of sleeping critters -- as insomniacs, we celebrate the great dozers, log-sawers and snorers of the world.)

The weekend approaches...

Finally it's Friday and lots of humans will be out there running loose in the United States for the next three days during the extended Memorial Day Weekend.

Remember to be kind to animals and to people, too, though some of the people might not be all that deserving. Some are doing the best they can, some are doing the worst they can and the rest of us are just trying to stay out of the way and find the cheapest gasoline in town. Now, our Friday report:

LONG WEEKEND: If you think you're going to have a long weekend, think about the animals in shelters around here.

Most are full -- maybe some of the dogs and cats got a special trip for the holiday weekend: they got dumped because their humans couldn't find a sitter or thought maybe it was a good time to unload the dog or cat.

Who knows? These things happen. So, if you know someone in the market for a new friend or someone who needs to be in the market for one, remind them to visit a city shelter and save a life. Or two.

Now, I have no idea why these two dogs wound up in the Irving Animal Shelter, but that's where they are. Both are owner-surrenders, according to info provided by noted shelter walker Russell Posch, who monitors the inventory in Irving.

These dogs are Bear, the Pomeranian, who weighs in at 15 pounds and is 10 years old, and Brandy, a 10-pound, 14-year-old Yorkie.

Yes, neither is a fresh pup. But, for their breeds, they're barely middle-aged under the right circumstances. Little dogs live a long time when they're properly loved.

To ask about these dogs -- or the many other dogs and cats -- contact the Irving Animal Shelter at 972-721-2256. The shelter is at 100 N. Briery Road, just east of Belt Line at Rock Island.

A CANINE QUANDARY: This note came to us from Arus Manning. Some of you may be able to help with a "throw-away" dog that wound up in the Preston Hollow area of Dallas. Here's the note:

"My name is Arus Manning and Paws In The City suggested you may be able to help us get a lost dog some help.
"Tuesday afternoon, I walk into my backyard to see a 60-70 lbs white pit bull approaching me and my dog (25-pound blue heeler).

"Luckily we we're able to make it back into the house before any snarling began (both were actually quite calm).  I notice, through the window that the pit bull's face seems swollen, and there are open wounds where the ears should be (flies and all). 

:"He seemed very thirsty and hungry. After deciding what to do about the situation, I approach the dog (by myself) to get it some water (What else can I do?).  I found he is non-aggressive, could use a vet visit, and just wants some lovin' (as his tail is waggin' as I approach with more water and food). 

The dog has seemed to improved from when I first found him, and is a little more lively, still wants to be petted (as he rolls over when I talk to him). I don't know how he got in our backyard (whether some one dropped him off, or he jumped the fence) and I don't know how to get him out responsibly.  I don't want the city to get him with their pit bull policies.  We would think about keeping him, but we have other pets (cat included) and small children around the house, so we are essentially cut off from our backyard.
"I haven't seen any signs up in the neighborhood, but I would be weary of giving him back to where he came from."

There is bound to be someone in our readership who can help with this situation. E-mail [email protected] or call 214-263-9555.

THREE READY TO GO: We get the notes on these dogs from Gail Whelan of the Companion Animal Network -- CAN has them in a foster situation but the dogs are, Gail says, "becoming depressed. They need a permanent home -- or at least a foster that can devote more time to them."

The dogs are Brach, the Chocolate Lab male -- he's 2 years old and "needs room to run and play," Gail says.

Then there's Tank, a year-old Yellow Lab described as a "sweetheart" and "big lug." And, Gail says, Brach is Tank's best friend.

The dog with the wonderful set of ears is Delaney, an American Eskimo. He's about 5. Gail hopes he can go to a permanent home rather than another foster.

To ask about any of these dogs, e-mail [email protected] or call 972-692-5461.

HONEST ASSESSMENT IN WHITE SETTLEMENT: This photo of Mocha was taken by volunteer Heather Davenport as the homeless dog stretched out at a West Side Animal League adoption event at the White Settlement Animal Shelter. Just a great lookin' dog, flat out, waiting to be adopted.

When I saw the photo I thought that, surely, she'd be chosen by someone. So I checked with Marybelle Denton, our contact with the League. She writes, "No Mocha did not get adopted -- she almost did until we found out that the prospective adopters had an un-neutered male pit and since she is also not fixed it would not be a good fit. We offered to hold her until they could make an appointment to get her fixed, but they did not want to fix her which as you know is not an option for an animal adopted out of a shelter.

"Anyway, I could rant all day long about all the 'stuff'' that irresponsible pet owners cause ...I thought that pic was so cute and we could definitely use some help raising money. Unfortunately, we do not have a 501(c)3 so it's hard for us to get many donations."

The group is working on getting it's non-profit designation, but that doesn't keep the people from making an effort to save the dogs -- they don't care about profit or non-profit, they just want to have a home that isn't just down the hall from the euthanasia room.

Now, about an honest assessment: Marybelle says that LMents --- which I think probably is pronounced "el-em-ents" -- is a group of Lockheed employees who will host a community project from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the White Settlement Animal Shelter.

Most invitations would say "come on by, you'll have a wonderful time" or "get ready to party," but this invite reads, "Please come by if you can -- come dressed to get wet and dirty. We will be helping with shelter duties, dog-walking, dog-bathing -- whatever needs to be done."

(To offer to help with Mocha's future or with the group's 501(c)3 efforts or with the animal shelter community event chores, e-mail [email protected] or call 817-777-8071 or 817-614-9127.

A POLITE REQUEST: When people forward things to us at Readlarrypowell.com we are generally pretty happy about it. We do, however, run into frustrations when notes about animals are forwarded and there is no way to tell where the animal is or what group is trying to help the animal or what shelter the animal is in.

When you send us a note, be sure to include as many of the famous 5 Ws of Journalism as you can -- who, what, where, when, why.

If we do not have that information, we really can't help the animals with the greatest efficiency. We're practicing real journalism here -- this is not an office bulletin board or gossiping over the back fence or cubicle wall.

Time matters when you're in a kill shelter. When our attempts are delayed because we first have to crack the code on your mystery e-mail, that puts the animals even closer to disaster.

So, please, include as much info as you can when you send a note to anyone as well as to us at Readlarrypowell.com.

And sign your whole name, too. We know a number of Kathies, Cathies, Cathys, Lindas, Lyndas, Bobs, Bills, Hezekiahs -- well, not a lot of Hezekiahs, but you get the drift. We like to know who is talking to us.

And, pick a phone number and an e-mail address -- one of each if possible. Remember your goal is to help the animals, not list as many e-mails or phone numbers as possible. One of each ought to be the most efficient way of connecting.

If you cribbed the info off a website, tell us which website. That's the ethical thing to do. Otherwise it's just plain theft.

And, please, you people who simply forward stuff -- please check with the original source to see if the situation has been resolved. You waste a lot of good folks' time by sending out needless messages. Put as much effort into your work as you do heart. It's the right thing to do.

Remember, nobody wants to be the person who made it difficult for an animal to survive because you didn't include key information in your note.

Thanks for listening. Now, help the animals and the people who help the animals.

And somebody help me off this soap box before the boards snap.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A CAR WASH DOG: The note about this Dallas situation came to us via Mike Epperson with Paws In The City. So, we checked with the originator, Lori Wilson, a legal assistant at Craddock, Davis & Krause, who offers an update.

Lori says that what appears to be an "abandoned dog....has been at the car wash on the Southwest corner of McCommas and Central Expressway" for at least three days this week.

"I didn't see him this morning and I drove through the car wash," Lori told me this morning. "Hopefully someone kind has taken him in."

She's going to keep monitoring the situation, but in case of you other good-hearted folks are in the neighborhood, Lori says the dog appears to be a chocolate and white pointer mix.

If anyone knows the whereabouts of the dog or if the situation has been solved or the dog has gone back home, e-mail [email protected].

PRAYERS & PASSAGES: Please visit our Prayers & Passages page (click on the "button" on the right side of this page). We have a note about a little dog named Prissy, a sweetheart from East Texas, and a friend's poem about the late Joe Cranford.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull last night at the AMC Grand in Dallas. Three things: (1) Absolutely worth every moment in the theater and Harrison Ford's acting is better than good (If you see Shia LaBeouf's first scene without thinking Marlon Brando, then you're too young to be out at night); (2) the music is, as always, magnificent and (3) the theater had a dramatically skimpy audience for the 7:45 p.m. show. Heck, there weren't enough patrons to call it a crowd. It was more of a smattering. ... Key lime tart stuffed with a quarter strawberry, a raspberry, a blackberry and three blueberries --had one yesterday. Just one. May dream about it for years. One isn't enough. One dozen isn't enough. I gained 5 pounds while typing that last sentence. ... Things to smile about: Vanilla milkshakes; Shaeffer Cartridge Pens; carbon paper. What's that? OK, kid, have someone explain carbon paper to you -- I think we still have a stack by the ditto machine.

A contest, dire straits and things...

Ah, readers, it's the Thursday before a holiday weekend which means (a) some people with generous employers are plotting a 4-day weekend and other people to trying to talk a relative into buying the gasoline for a road trip.

Let's move into the day's activities so people who will have a 4-day weekend can get on with the business of daydreaming.

POLLING FOR POMS: OK, we're about to use a term never before used in the history of Readlarrypowell.com: The folks at Recycled Pomeranian and Schipperke Rescue want you to vote for their "Man Candy."

We get the explanation from Rev. Melissa Wootton-Bitting, the rescue group's coordinator. Radio station Movin' 107.5 FM (call letters are, honest, KMUK) is running a contest in which listeners (or readers of the station's website) vote for local male broadcasters as "Man Candy." The voting site is HERE. Voting ends May 30, according to the rescue group. It's Chicago-style voting -- vote as many times as you want.

The winning "Man Candy" fellow gets a thousand bucks to donate to his favorite charity and candidate Bob Irzyk, TV station CW33's sports director, has designed Recycled Pomeranian and Schipperke Rescue as his beneficiary. Rev. Melissa says Bob and his wife Jill, have adopted two Poms from the group.

She also says, "We are in dire need of funds as we took in 8 new Poms just last week. Six of thee Poms were from the same owner who signed them over at a local shelter."

A thousand bucks would be a blessing, obviously.

So, Mr. Irzyk is the group's favorite candidate. That's Bob's "Man Candy" photo and that dog picture is of one of the many dogs available through Recycled Poms and Schipperke Rescue. The older fellow is Sam, who weighs 11 pounds and is "universally friendly." He's "beautifully housebroken" and loves sleeping on a dog bed near his people.

Also, his previous people had him "de-barked," so his sound is, the rescue folks say, "a quiet mutter." (Aside from Readlarrypowell.com: Debarking a dig is as bad as declawing a cat -- mutilation that just shouldn't happen.) You can ask about Sam at the group's website HERE .

CHIHUAHUA NEEDS HELP: We don't have a photo of this dog we've heard about via reliable rescuer Kim Polen. She forwards the note from Tri-City Animal Shelter, the facility that handles critters in southwest Dallas County for Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Duncanville.

The note from Tri-City's Tia Santos says the 4-year-old dog "was just recently surrendered to be euthanized for bite wounds from an attack. She [the owner] could not afford to treat him and did not want him to be in pain. We asked if she would give us permission to, if possible, find a group that could help him and re-home him. She said that she would like that very much. If you are interested in helping Snowball and re-homing him please contact us ASAP."

Call the shelter at 972-291-5335. It's at 1150 East Pleasant Run Road in northern Cedar Hill, just east of U.S. 67.

MOUSE THE BUNNY: This rabbit makes a heart-print look appropriate, don't you think? His name is Mouse and he's available through the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary.

Our NTRS tipster Sarita Rossi says Mouse "Mouse is from a litter that was born at the sanctuary 3 years ago - he's never had a home of his own and he is such a sweet and gentle rabbit.  He has beautiful sable coloring too.

"I'm not sure why Mouse keeps being overlooked, maybe because he is so shy and timid at the sanctuary. I know that once he got into his own home he would be much more outgoing -- he's never going to be a rowdy rabbit, but he will be great company. He's also a very neat and tidy rabbit too and those are assets that should be welcome in any pet."

To ask about adopting Mouse the Rabbit, e-mail [email protected].

A COCKER IN AN UNNATURAL STATE: At our house we believe cocker spaniels are born to be lap dogs, snoozing companions and confidants, thus, this dog Solomon is in quite an unnatural state. He is in a cage in a kill shelter. Shouldn't happen.

Our tipster Christie Hansen forwarded his story. It comes from Kelli Morris of the Frisco Humane Society -- she serves as a shelter walker for the Canton Animal Shelter east of Dallas.

That means she monitors the shelter and spots critters who need help and, of course, every dog and cat in every shelter needs immediate help.

The story on Solomon is that he's a purebred with papers. He's 2 1/2 years old, has a beautiful coat and is neutered.

To ask about adopting or moving Solomon into a rescue group, call the Canton Animal Shelter at 903-567-4880. The e-mail is [email protected].

The basic adoption fee at Canton is $25 for dogs and cats. For $25 you can get Solomon out of a cage and into a couch.

HELPING OUT IN SHAWNEE: Usually our Oklahoma rescue info comes from Terry Lynn Fisher in Burns Flat, and this is no different only it's about a German Shorthaired Pointer in a spot of trouble in Shawnee, east of Oklahoma City and a "fur piece" from Burns Flat (on the western side of the state).

Terry Lynn, who has a load of animals in need at the Burns Flat city shelter, is trying to find some help fro a dog that is going into the Shawnee shelter if his owner can't find a home for the 6-year-old dog.

Saturday is the deadline, Terry Lynn has been told. The dog isn't spayed and has had 3 litters. She has a good family pet demeanor.

To ask about helping this dog, call Terry Lynn at 580-330-1459 or e-mail [email protected].

ADOPT-A-PET CHANGE: The folks at A Different Breed are hosting this week's adopt-a-pet NOT at their usual Pepper Square place, but at Belk's Department Store at I-75 and El Dorado Parkway -- the store offered the space so the group could show its critters to large crowds of holiday weekend shoppers.

Hours will be from noon to 4 p.m.

Among the animals in the Adopt-a-Pet inventory is this guy, Tyler, a 7-month old pup who gets along with other dogs. The story is he "could use some basic training but seems to learn fast." To ask about Tyler, call 214-688-5585.

And we endorse Tyler because of what we'll refer to as Whimsyear Syndrome.

THE RETURN OF CATS: Yep, the musical Cats, billed as "America's Favorite Family Musical" (which I guess discounts The Sound of Music, South Pacific and Oklahoma), is onstage at the Fair Park Music Hall for 8 shows, May 27-June 1. Tickets are $11 to $71. Buy 'em at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, and Ticketmaster locations; call 214-631-ARTS (2787) or go to www.ticketmaster.com.  For groups of 20 or more, call 214-426-GROUP.

Yes, this has nothing to do with cats in a quandary -- except it might remind people to drop by a nearby animal shelter and pick up a new friend with whom you can celebrate the assorted themes of Cats. Perhaps, you can sit with your new cat and read the original poetic material, T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.

Besides, this gives me an opportunity run a photo of one of our household practical cats. I use the word "practical" loosely when mentioning Griffin, the big orange cat.

VEGETARIANS AND THE CIRCUS: The Vegetarian Network of Dallas hosts its "4th Sunday of The Month Lunch & Raffle" from noon 2 to p.m. Sunday at Veggie Garden Restaurant, 516 W. Arapaho, in Richardson, we hear from tipster Margaret Morin, the network founder.

The restaurant has an "endless vegan buffet of fresh salads, varied entrees and tasty desserts," and, Margaret reports, network members get a $15 raffle ticket with each meal.  Membership is free and you can join by clicking HERE  or HERE.

FYI, as has been its tradition for umpteen years, the Ringling Bros./Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to North Texas later this summer, so at Sunday's Vegetarian Network meeting, Margaret says, members will "be discussing our upcoming Ringling Circus Educational Demonstrations."

Vegetarians tend to be peaceful people, but they do have opinions.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Seriously, do you ever expect in your lifetime to ever be able to buy a ticket to a Dallas Cowboys football game? The 2008 games are already sold out, according to the Cowboys website. And 2009 tickets in the new stadium "start at $59." They're out of my league at the start, lord knows where they are at the finish. Only the people who own the team or play for it can comfortably afford tickets. ... True or false, the final rounds of American Idol are not nearly as much fun to watch as the early rounds when people from outer space are allowed to compete. ... Things to make you smile: the comedy of Emo Phillips, Jackie Vernon and London Lee (Anybody know where he is now?); nitrous oxide at the dentist's office; the smell of garden roses (not connected to a visit to the dentist).

A midweek collection...

OK, it's Wednesday. Might as well keep going toward the weekend. We've got dogs to help, a nursing kitten to feed and other things to contemplate.

Today's lineup:

WHERE PUPPIES COME FROM: Yes, it is a mystery to so many people. And they've never heard of spay/neuter either, one assumes. Or they don't care. Whichever is the case, the puppies still arrive.

Now, here's a note from Mindy Smith about one corner of Dallas. It is an area notorious for poor treatment of animals and unchecked breeding. In fact, the legendary Angie Manriquez, the "Fairy Dogmother of West Dallas," has spent two lifetimes trying to make sure the dogs in the area have shelter or a safe escape route.

Mindy is helping with this puppy. Her note explains how these crises arise.

"I live in West Dallas, an area with a high concentration of people living in government housing, mostly apartments. These apartments DO NOT allow dogs, however each spring -- without fail -- we see lots of families getting puppies. Soon, they are threatened to be evicted, and instead of finding a humane place for the dog to go, they just let them lose to roam the neighborhood.
"I happen to have found one of these little puppies - who is precious.  She was covered in fleas and ticks when we found her, but we have cleaned her up and she is very healthy and fun. I would love to keep her -- but my 2 year old mutt doesn't get along well with other dogs. The puppy (we call her Pookey) LOVES to play with other dogs, is really good on a leash, but isn't used to being inside.

"I don't know how old she is, or what breed she is - but she would be a great companion."

To ask about adopting this dog, call 812-345-3722 or e-mail [email protected].

A KITTEN NEEDS SOME GRUB: Oh, boy, we get this from veteran rescuer Becky Delgado who got it from Maggie Dahl, the veteran shelter walker and Animal Rescue of Texas operative (how's that for a word!) who has come across a tiny kitten with a big appetite.

His name is "Monty" -- short for Montgomery -- and he was found by a cable repairman near the clinic where Maggie works, Becky tells us.

"Monty probably isn't more than 3 weeks old and isn't any bigger than your hand. He weighs maybe one pound soaking wet," Becky says. "Maggie is looking for a nursing mother for Monty. He's so tiny and weak right now, mother's milk would give him a much better chance for survival and being healthy."

If anyone has a nursing mom for Monty, call 972-743-4022.

And, no, there's no sign of other kittens or the momma cat.

THOSE SCHNAUZERS! Oh, boy, some good news! And we get it from Frank Chism whose dog Shakira ("Shaki") we featured in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap over the weekend (that's her nodding off).

Then on Monday we told the story of Frank and Shaki going for a walk near their home in Lewisville and coming home with two miniature schnauzers.

Frank got busy trying to find a place for the foundlings to go. And he got in touch with Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of North Texas "and by early Monday," he says, "We had a game plan in motion. Sheryl from MSRNT set up a rescue plan if needed, and started contacting local shelters checking on lost dog reports. By mid-morning Sheryl had found a report describing these two exactly! At lunch time I took them to a local shelter and we confirmed these were the two missing schnauzers, and the owners were on the way to pick them up before I left! All mini-schnauzers (and their owners) can rest easier knowing that Sheryl and all the wonderful people at MSRNT are watching out for them!"

Where were these dogs from? Flower Mound, one imaginary line west of Lewisville, basically "right down the street." But it's a long and busy street. And Miniature Schnauzers, we've been told by their people, are notorious escape artists who love to explore.

BACK AT HOME: We got this note from Vicki Young of The Young Company just this morning regarding this gorgeous dog.

Turns out the 9-month-old dog's name is Ellie. Seems to fit that face, doesn't it. Sweet Ellie.

Vicki's note: "Dear Larry! Happy Ending! The owners saw your posting and have claimed the dog Cindy Pater found. Thank you so much and the doggie says woof to you for all your efforts."

Aw, woof right back at all of you who did the hard work to help this dog.

BORDER COLLIE PLIGHT: This dog's story comes from renowned Irving Animal Shelter monitor Russell Posch. The dog is named Lance and he's a border collie who wound up in the shelter because of a mishap.

The story goes that "Lance was held for 10 days on a scratch quarantine.  He scratched a child...perhaps during play. His quarantine is up, but his owner didn't reclaim him. He's friendly and house-trained. He weighs about 45 pounds and is about 2 1/2 years old."

To contact the Irving Animal Shelter call 972-721-2256. The shelter is at 100 N. Briery, just east of the Belt Line/Rock Island intersection south of Airport Freeway a couple of miles.

BORDER COLLIE NOTE: Having been to many agility dog events, here is a true fact (as they say in courtrooms): Border Collies make excellent agility dogs. Another true fact: They love to have a job to do. And if you don't have sheep, they'll happily help herd you through your day. Loyalty, love, fun -- yeah, that's what you get with a Border Collie. But, seriously, who really wants that annoying stuff? Who needs a dog that thinks you hung the moon and will help you herd it out of orbit if you want to get it back?

FOLLOWING GUNNY, HELPING PUPPIES: First, we got this note yesterday from Cheryl Mauney: "I'm from South Carolina and have been trying to follow the story of sweet Gunny who was dragged by a car. I have been unable to find a recent update on his condition. I have been owned by two boxers in my life and can't imagine anyone doing this to a boxer, or any animal for that matter.  Please let me know how to obtain an update if you can."

So, we turned to our reliable source, Eva Sepulvado, the hard-working animal control officer with Marshall Animal Services, the agency that has been dealing with Gunny's case and with a momma sheltie mix and her pups that we featured yesterday on Readlarrypowell.com.

Here are the updates:

(1) Gunny has undergone skin grafts and is recovering nicely. And you can follow Gunny's progress at Allred Veterinary Clinic in Marshall at the special Gunny website HERE.  Some of the photos are ugly, but you can see the dog is healing and you'll read that he won't have to lose even a toe because of the injuries if healing continues at the current pace.

(2) Eva says she may have a foster for the mom and pups, but not until the weekend -- it's a holiday weekend, you may recall. So if someone would step up before then, it would help because shelters always get extra crowded on holiday weekends.

To offer to help the mom and her pups call 903-935-4530 or call her cell phone at 903-926-2695. E-mail [email protected].

In the meantime, folks, the letter from Cheryl should indicate to you that rescuers are like the animals they help. State lines mean nothing when someone needs help.

A POM NEAR THE CHURCH: We get this tip from Sydney Busch with Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. The explanation: "We found a black Pomeranian with a collar no phone number on Loop 7 near the Cowboy Church in Athens ... One of the girls at church has taken it home. She needs to find home as her dogs are large..." To help or to claim the Pom, call 903-677-1557 or e-mail [email protected].

GRAVEL PIT REPORT: Oh, boy, are you surprised when you hear that a dumped dog needs heartworm treatment?

You may recall the story of the dumped dogs that are being slowly but surely removed from an abandoned gravel pit near Seagoville in southeast Dallas County. (Seymour was the first we wrote about and he's undergoing socialization.)

From Barb Oates we get the news that two guardian agenls caught this dog, Lady, and she stayed with one for about a week. She is "quite a love bug" with a sweet demeanor and an easy-going attitude regarding being "doused" with flea powder and other routine treatments.

According to Barb's note, "Lady is currently at the vet. They estimate her to be about 4 years old and she's 44 pounds of pure sweetness. She had hookworms and has been treated. They've done blood work. She does not have mange (Yay!) however she is heartworm positive.

"She will stay at the vet during her heartworm treatment so they can keep her energy level down. I understand she is getting all the attention at the vet's office as they said she's just so sweet.

"The total bill for this sweet Lady who has so much to give is $643.93, this includes her heartworm treatment, being spayed, her blood work. This will get her to a healthy dog and ready for adoption."

The current problem is raising the money to pay for the dog's vet work. "We are holding off on treatment until we can raise some money," Barb writes. "It's not the ideal situation, however it is the current situation."

You can e-mail [email protected] to ask more questions about the dog. To help get the dog started on her heartworm treatment, make donations to Park Plaza Animal Clinic, 1811 East Park Row, Arlington, Texas, 76010 and be sure to note that the donations go to the "Rescued Friends Lady Fund."

CONTEMPLATIONS: Guess it's a little too early to start planning that Texas Rangers World Series parade -- but losing three in a row isn't the end of the world, yet. ... Anybody else excited about seeing Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Don't hum this to yourself: "Dum da dum dummmm, dum da dum dum dummmmmmm."  ... Things that might elicit a smile: Darby O'Gill and The Little People; the snap of a good bread and butter pickle; the aroma of coffee being served by a porter during a late-night passenger train trip across Texas in the 1950s. My modernspouse Martha says I won't be happy until someone invents a time machine. She may be right. But you can still get those pickles and rent Darby O'Gill. Until Starbucks buys a rail line, that coffee aroma is locked in the past.

Big dogs, little dogs, Fritos...

OK, it's a Tuesday, it's warm in North Texas, let's just move right into the day's business.

FOR WORTH PAIR: Ginger Leach, our reliable tipster at the renowned Fort Worth Animal Care & Control shelter (those folks have been on Oprah!) has a tip about two dogs.

"I don't even know where to start with these two boys but they are sooooo wonderful, sweet and deserving of continued life.  They are both 'long-timers' and have been on borrowed time for a while but I can't give up on them.

"Beluxie is a 4 year old wonderful Greyhound mix. He is a total lovebug and he likes to run and play with his humans and he is a leaner. I so love him and would bring him home if I could. He does a cute little howl thing when I go by his cage and ignore him. Beluxie needs to be in a home without cats or small dogs for obvious reasons but good with kids.

"Levi is a very handsome 5 year old neutered Rottie/Shepherd mix with long legs who knows the sit command.   He is a happy, well behaved boy who loves people."

And, get this, she says, "Both are in adoption at half-price but that can be negotiated to paid in full if needed."

To ask about adopting these dogs, contact Ginger at 817-392-3737 or e-mail [email protected]. (Most adoptions are under $70.)

WHAT THEY'VE GOT IN MARSHALL: Last time we wrote about Marshall's Animal Services it was in regard to Gunny, the boxer dragged behind a truck.

Some of the animals show up in a much different situation.

For example, we hear from Animal Control Officer Eva Sepulvado that the shelter has a sheltie mix mom and her six 4- to 5-week old puppies.

The shelter, she says, is "not equipped with housing for moms and pups and we need help. The mother cannot be more than 20 pounds and while the babies are mixed with who knows what, they are all cute and appear healthy. Any help is appreciated."

At this shelter, it is "not our policy to keep moms and puppies and we are already almost full; the status for these dogs is 'urgent' and 'critical.'"

To help save this mom and her pups, contact Eva at 903-935-4530 or call her cell phone at 903-926-2695. E-mail [email protected].

FOUND IN DALLAS: We get this tip from Vicki Young of The Young Company www.theyoungcompany.net. She reports that Cindy Pater "found this dog Friday night by White Rock Lake around Tokalon Drive.

"She is looking for the owners or someone to adopt the dog. Cindy says she's a real sweetheart and she doesn't want her to go to a shelter. She can't keep the dog."

To either reclaim your lost dog or to volunteer to give this dog a proper home, call Cindy at 469-222-9168.

This dog looks like she's happy to hang out with a human and is ready to help with anything that doesn't involve thumbs or disorderly conduct.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO READERS: We got this note from our pal Cary Birdwell who operates the website Adopt A Dallas Pet. Cary's been in rescue a while and has a knack for finding good dogs, such as this one, Uzo. We mentioned last week that he was trying to find some help for taking care of Uzo's medical problems.

And here's the latest note (arrived Monday): "One of your readers in Austin called and paid for Uzo's entire heartworm treatment. Another one e-mailed and donated some money as well, and then I got a little from my mother and a co-worker. He starts treatment tomorrow [Tuesday]. thank you."

How about that, you great readers. I know there are big hearts in the readership -- and thanks to Cary's mom and co-worker, too!

You can contact Cary through his webite HERE or e-mail him at [email protected].

BINGO FOR CATS: We hear from the folks at Feral Friends that beginning in July, Longhorn Bingo at 419 Walnut Park Shopping Center in Garland, will donate a portion of the proceeds to the cat group.

STILL LOOKING FOR A BIG BREAK; A LITTLE DOG AWAITS: We've mentioned the handsome Kellogg here before. He's currently in the care of the folks at Companion Animal Network.

CAN's Gail Whelan reports that Kellogg, the Lab/pit mix that was dumped on I- 35 in Dallas several months ago, is growing more depressed because he's currently living in a pen in a kennel. He's a social dog with a good demeanor. As Gail has said, he "just can't get a break."

So, she's trying to find a break for him.

Also in the care of CAN is this little bitty dog, Punky. She's said to be a year old Papillon/terrier mix.

Both of these dogs are ready to go to a home where they can bond anew with humans. Call Gail at 214-808-3238 or 972-686-8987 or e-mail [email protected].

One more thing: CAN is desperate for foster homes. It has no shelter in which to "hold" animals, so it depends on foster homes to help save critters from the needle in shelters. Ask Gail about CAN's foster program.

FRISCO: This tip about a dog named Frisco came to us from our reliable tipster Sydney Busch at Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. Cristi Vandenburg sent out a note in hopes of finding a home for Frisco, found out near the lake.

Let's point out that this dog wags its tail so happily that the camera can't quit keep it from blurring. That's a vigorous wag. What's the story on this dog?

"I found him on the brink of starvation," Cristi writes. "He seems healthy now. I have 3 dogs and can't afford to take another in or I would. He is a smart and loving dog. I have not seen any aggression in him (we have been feeding him now for about 4 months). He likes to bark at cats, but just wants to play. He is great with other dogs as well. I have three children and he is great with children. Sometimes he holds on to my four year old's arm because he doesn't want her to leave him. (Does not bite, just holds on to her ever so gently). I have no idea how old he is. He is a very smart dog and climbs fences. He tries to get the dog food box open to help himself.  He is not food aggressive, but is not gentle when hand feeding him (rib bones). He acts like every meal is still his last, but doesn't growl at the other dogs when they want some. I am guessing his weight to be about 55 pounds. ...

"I do not want him to go to a kill shelter and I am worried that the neighbors are going to shoot him if he keeps getting in their yards. If you can't take him, please refer me to someone that will."

Contact Cristi at 903-288-6342 (cell) or 903-880-4338 or e-mail [email protected].

COYOTE NOTE: Our pal and former colleague at the big paper in Dallas, Kim Pierce, tips us to a coyote website, The Daily Coyote. Sounds like a college newspaper, doesn't it? Nope, its a blog about a coyote adopted by a woman after it was orphaned. Click HERE. Kim writes, "It is such an amazing story, and needless to say, she has a book contract."

STOP AND SMILE: How about those red light law enforcement cameras? Wonder how other cities are coping with the cameras? Ah, the Los Angeles Times has a story about the way they're working in that big high-traffic town. Click HERE.

CONTEMPLATIONS: We're told by someone with rock-solid inside info that the City of Dallas Animal Services & Adoption Center is undergoing more changes than have been announced. We wonder if this is just part of a long shake-out cruise or just what in the world is going on. Everybody seemed so happy the day it opened last October. ...  Interesting reading about the Statler-Hilton in Downtown Dallas on the Dallas Observer's Unfair Park blog HERE. It's a great-looking building. You can get a really good photo of it these days because the block across from it was recently cleared by demolition. ... Three things to suggest a smile: Woody Allen's film Play It Again, Sam; people who haven't gotten around to taking down their Christmas tree; and deciding whether you prefer regular Fritos or Scoops. Been a while since you've seen "King-Sized For Dips" Fritos, hasn't it?