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Bandit, Lola, hopefuls and flu...

Each time the calendar flips to another month, I am wistful that I did not spend enough time admiring the days of the month. As September draws to a close, we can only vow to do better when it comes to appreciating October.

Perhaps that’ll lead us to enjoying each day more – and we have just 30 days to come up with a good Halloween costume.

HOW ABOUT THIS HAPPY TALE: Oh, goodness, Way earlier in the year word went out that a fabulous dog named Bandit was headed toward a bad fate because of a divorce. We’ve written about this dog often and some of you will remember that, in the nick of time, Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network stepped up to take the dog and searched for a foster home.

Veteran rescuer Debbie Farrell volunteered and kept Bandit for several months. She found Bandit to be an adorable guy. And … well, you know the hopeful routine: expose the dog to potential adoptors and hope for the good match.

Wasn’t happening, though.

But, as you can see, something DID happen. Deb’s brother and family came to visit and adored Bandit. Then, they went back home to Spokane. Bandit, however, had made an impression and phone calls were made to Dallas and, yep, Bandit, once a threatened dog, has an honored place in a home 1,400 miles away.

Deb tells us about Bandit’s picture. “The big guy in the chair is my ‘kid’ brother, Dave, and his son, Kai.  This was taken the day after Bandit's arrival. They are very, very happy!   I understand that Bandit has made himself quite a home.  He has a bed in the living room and one in Kai's bedroom where he prefers to sleep at night.  He loves the cooler weather there.  He loves lounging in the cool grass in the backyard and is great with Kai. 

“My sister in law, Emily has made several shopping trips to PetsMart for toys and treats. She had already bought all his medicine, bowls, leash, collar, two beds, toys and a toy box BEFORE  Bandit even got there. Yep, they adore him.”

And, there, folks, is a happy ending for September.

QUICK, LOLA STILL NEEDS A HAPPY ENDING: That story of Dave and family and Bandit reminds me that is the sort of happy ending story a bunch of us are hoping to get for a dog named Lola, once known as “Number 7” after a raid on a backwoods puppy mill in Nacogdoches. The good folks with The Colony’s Animal Control Division spoke up for Lola and they’ve got her in the position of “beloved office dog” right now,  but that can’t last forever.

The dog had one “near-miss” but the other dog in the house wasn’t welcoming. Lola, however, is a playful pup. And, last weekend she was even at The Colony’s Bow Wow Pow Wow. Our Lola tipster, Patricia Barrington, The Colon’s Animal Control Division

Manager, says Lola had a blast an “had her photo taken with  Tropical Santa, played in the wave pool with my daughter, Emilee, had her cartoon portrait sketched, won a bag of homemade peppermint cookies (which she LOVES) and was even blessed.  She played, just like a normal dog.  It made me well up a bit just watching her romp like every other dog out there.”

So, for now, Patricia says, “Lola is still here, awaiting a home that will love her and show her there are places out there that are EVEN BETTER than an animal shelter.  We are ever hopeful.”

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

Surely Lola simply can’t have been rescued only to be put to sleep when the clock runs out.

THINGS TO CONSIDER: The constant drumbeat is there are so many animals in

city shelters, so few adoptors, so many overloaded rescue groups. A dog or cat in a city shelter is fighting some big odds.

We get copies of e-mails every day regarding shelter animals. Joe Skenesky of Carrollton Animal Services sends out notes (Shadow, yesterday’s big black dog, was adopted but many are

still waiting). Russell Posch monitors Irving Animal Service’s Shelter and works hard to get more eyes looking at those animals. Amy Pelzel at the Denton shelter. DeDe Whitcombe watches the animals in the Collin County Animal Services Shelter.

Today, thanks to the magic of 21st Century e-mail, we present these two critters from the little animal shelter run by the Town of Hickory Creek, just north of Dallas. South of Denton and on I-35 at Lewisville Lake.

You can read about Hickory Creek’s animals by clicking HERE.

Among the animals you’ll find? Emily, a spayed Russian Blue/Persian mix who, the Hickory Creek folks describe as “a deluxe love sponge.” She has the warm temperament of a public relations person – pay some attention to her cause and she’ll love you forever.

And, there’s Marcy, today’s Earhound – she looks “ready for takeoff” doesn’t she? (And she looks a lot like yesterday’s Carrollton dog, Shadow.) Marcy is a “young girl …. Full of good humor.”

To ask about animals in the Hickory Creek shelter, call 940-465-7444.

A DIRTY NOTE: You may recall that the EARS (Education and Animal Rescue Society) dog wash was washed out a couple of weeks ago. The fundraiser was rescheduled – and I’m sure there are dogs that need a proper laundering. The EARS’ wash is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Happy Tails Doggie Daycare, 10121 E. Northwest Highway, in Dallas. Proceeds will go to help pay for medical expenses incurred by 10 puppy mill dogs rescued in a cruelty raid in July. To see the available EARS dogs, visit the PetFinder site HERE.

THE BIG SALE: Operation Kindness’ Garage Sale is this weekend – and you can still make donations. Drop them off from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday at the shelter (they don’t’ want clothing, non-flatscreen monitors, printers or washers or dryers). The shelter is at 3201 Earhart Drive in Carrollton. And the actual sale is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. And, don’t forget that they also have many, many adoptable animals. See. www.operationkindness.org.

CLASP LOVES JOE’S CRAB SHACK: The Fort Worth rescue group, Cowtown Loves Animal Shelter Pets (CLASP), will get 10 percent of the take on Wednesday if you go to the Western Center Joe’s Crab Shack in Fort Worth and present a printout of this charity poster. The restaurant is at I-35W and Western Center in North Fort Worth. (Click on this illustration to make it large enough to read (if my technical skills are in the “operative” mode today.) You can read about CLASP by clicking HERE www.cowtownpets.org.

LOW-COST STUFF: Animal Allies of Texas is hosting a low-cost pet vaccination and microchip clinic from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Dallas First Assembly of God Church, 11000 E. Northwest Highway in Dallas. Get details and see Animal Allies stories at www.animalalliesoftexas.org.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Scientific question: Are you more paranoid during flu season? Yes. Every sniffle, every sneeze, every cough, every slight headache or warm feeling on your face…oh, my. And if the person in the room with you shows the slightest symptom – oh, my, Do you take the stairs and not the crowded elevator? Do you avoid meetings that you should attend? Do you wonder if your loved ones rode in a crowded sneezy elevator that day? …Regarding “texting” while driving – I’m not even comfortable with some Dallas drivers who are steering while driving. Sometimes I wonder why bother to paint stripes on the lanes. … A note about my toe: I told you yesterday about rolling my own refrigerator over my own toe. The toe is no longer ugly. It’s beyond ugly. Who knew a toe could have such vivid, terrifying colors. As my sweetspouse Martha said this morning after the foster dog Wendy excitedly stomped it, “Oh. You have Halloween toe.”

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On Tuesday: Healing, missing, available and ouch

Does anyone ever really know what to say about a Tuesday?

No? Well, then, let’s just move on. We’ll have a round up of assorted animal topics but above all, remember that each shelter needs some humans walking in and saving animals.

REVISITING HOPE: Back on Sept. 23 we told the story of Hope, the dog left in a backyard and ignored until she was nothing like the perky dog that she once was. The dog was spotted under a bush in the bad backyard and, the short version is, rescuer Lisa Florin persuaded the dog’s owner to surrender her.

The Companion Animal Network took over and now Hope, once not much more than a nearly fatally ill, mangy, ignored and unloved dog with open, runny sores, is in veterinary care and recovering.

We have a photo here, courtesy of CAN’s Gail Whelan.

One of the Hope supporters, Barb Weinberg says, “I just have to point out how AWESOME it is that Hope’s tail is a blur … because she’s wagging it so much.”

That hadn’t happened in a long, long time, apparently.

Hope’s vet bills are still coming in. Andtohelp, you can donate directly to Plano Arapaho Vet Clinic, 1400 N. Plano Rd., Richardson, Tx. 75081 (Call 972-690-8741) or you donate to non-profit CAN at 11529 Glen Cross Drive, Dallas, 75228. Make sure you write “For Hope” on any checks or notes.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT: Has the Dallas neighborhood Little Forest Hills suddenly become a vortex for lost dogs?

Suddenly we have two – very different situations.

First, we hear from Maeleska Fletes of the Little Forest Hills Animal Alertregarding Chloe the Basenji – she’s so new to the neighborhood that she doesn’t even know her name. Maeleska writes, “This sweet girl was just adopted from Operation Kindness Friday the 25th. She slipped out of her collar around 3:30 Saturday. She is skittish and may not come to you if you see her but please try to get her! She is a Basenji, tan with white markings, around 30 pounds, has a cute curly tail and no collar or tags. She is microchipped but catching her may be a problem. If you see her call.” That number is 214-930-5910.

Maelesa explains, “She came from a hoarder so she is not socialized like other dogs. Plus her breed does not like a lot of people. …  She came up missing in Little Forest Hills south of White Rock. She was last seen this morning (Monday) in the neighborhood East of White Rock. She could be anywhere. If your readers could be on the lookout for her, she has to be getting tired and hungry by now. She likes other dogs so that may be how you can catch her.”

THE OTHER LFH DOG – That’s Patton, a large mixed breed and Alodie Nimie  reports, “I live in Lakewood and on the evening of 9/11 my dog broke through the living room window while I was away. He is terrified during rain/thunderstorms. I have been checking the shelters, posted on websites. I got a call from Little Forest Hills Animal Alert last week that someone had found him in their yard playing with their dogs on 9/18 (Santa Clara/Whittier area--about 5 miles from home).  She peted him, went in for a leash and he was gone again.  She positively identified him when she saw a color photo of him. 

“There was another ‘possible’ sighting of him last Wednesday (9/23) at the intersection of Lakeland/Arturo.  I'm shocked that he has gotten so far away...but there have been no contradictory sightings so I'm assuming he really is or was in the Forest Hills area.  “I have gone over and posted more flyers in that area, talked to people, left flyers at local vets --all to no avail.  I check the local shelters almost every day.  No one has seen him since last Wednesday and I'm starting to lose hope.  I drive around that area three times a day.”

If you have seen Patton, call 214-529-9363 or e-mail [email protected].

SHADOW’S SITUATION: Unlike the two preceding dogs, Shadow isn’t lost. We

know where Shadow is. Shadow’s in a pickle.

Shadow is one of many dogs and cats currently on a fast clock at the Carrollton Animal Shelter. Our reliable tipster Joe Skenesky, who works hard to find homes or rescue groups for the many animals that arrive at Carrollton, sent out a worried note last night about all these animals.

We’re just showing you two of the, but you can see all the animals by clicking on the Carrollton shelter’s PetFinder site HERE.

You’ll read about the little guys, Scruffy and Scrappy, Tadpole and big dog Whitey and this cat, Cotton Hill, a stray with extra toes and a Charlie Chaplin moustache.

And there’s Shadow, a shepherd mix who is in the shelter after being releaed “by her people who got tired of the neighbor’s complaints of her sleeping on the front porch without being restrained. “

The shelter suggests, “Possibly Shadow would do better inside the home or at least crated inside while her new family is away from the house so that she won’t have the urge to wait for them on their front porch until their return.”

To ask about any Carrollton animal, call 972-466-3420 or e-mail [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS: Two days ago, for reasons I cannot explain, I rolled our refrigerator over the big toe on my right foot. Yes, I was wearing a sneaker – apparently the material in the sneaker gave the roller excellent traction. I now feel as if I have a cartoon toe – like Bugs Bunny hit it with a hammer. We have a foster dog, Wendy (available for adoption), who enjoys stepping on my toe. And when she sits down, she looks like she’ll miss my foot, but somehow she twists her scrawny body so that her bony backside lands right on that toe. She means well.  … Christmas decorations are starting to pop up in local stores. It’s still September, call off the elves and give the goblins a chance. ... From the flu front: I was in my doctor’s office briefly yesterday – it was overflowing with coughing and unhappy kids.  Many of them were wearing those protective masks. One mom was wearing one but only had it pulled over her mouth, not her nose. Go figure. And at a store a couple of nights ago, I saw a woman sneeze into her elbow – I’m thinking this method of sneezing has been endorsed by the American Association of Dry Cleaners and Laundromats.

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Sacking for dogs & other tales...

Hello, Monday, you rascal. How'd you get here so quickly when we thought we were  slowly enjoying the weekend? OK, here's what we’ve got for the day.

A GENUINE DISPLAY OF … Well, not a display of affection, that’s for sure. But this is a campaign aimed at someone animal people love to hate, Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick, the convicted dog killer and fight ring organizer.

 Each time he gets sacked this season,  the Tarrant Area Food Bank will benefit.

We got this story from our pal Jeff Crilley, the former Channel 4 reporter who now operates Real News Public Relations (Click HERE to read about the company.)

Each time the dog-killer is sacked this season, Christy Howard of Three Dog Bakery of Southlake will donate a  sack of dog food to the Tarrant Area Food Bank.  (Click HERE to read about the bakery.)

Christy explained, “We couldn't do anything to change the league's mind about him playing, so we decided to use his comeback to do something positive for dogs. We hope he spends much of this season flat on his back because it will mean needy dogs in DFW will be better off."

The Dallas Cowboys play Carolina tonight, but they’ll eventually get around to playing division rival Philadelphia there on Nov. 8 and in Arlington on Jan. 3. The ol’  jailhouse quarterback may not last until the Cowboys can get a shot at him.

That photo? That is Inky, the Readlarrypowell.com staff impersonator and Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas, giving us his impression of a Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman rushing into the post-game locker room and spotting, on the Jerry Jones No Baloney Buffet, a big ol’ steaming platter of Mom’s Good Guys Love Dogs Meatloaf with a side order of Flat-on-the-Back-Beet Surprise.

HOW THEY’RE PACKAGED IN DENTON: Oh, this looks like the way Costco or  Sam’s would package puppies – can’t get just one. But, in reality, this is a bowl-o-pups currently in the custody of the over-stuffed Denton Animal Shelter.

This particular display includes two male and three female hound/shepherd mixes.

The five will be available at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. To ask about them or any of the many dogs and cats in the Denton shelter, e-mail [email protected].

AN ARLINGTON SITUATION: As we understand it, via a note from Dianne Watson of the Friends of the Arlington Animal Shelter and West Texas Chow Rescue, this guy Harley, only 9 months old, was adopted when he was a puppy and now he’s back at the shelter. The guess is “owner surrender” or “someone surrender” – whichever, the dog’s in the shelter and on the clock.

As Dianne says, he’s “very unique in appearance and his eyes are rather unique as well.”

He’s listed as a Lab/Mastiff mix and that could be right or wrong.

Whatever the case, he’s in a bit of a fix. To help save him, visit the Arlington Shelter at 1000 SE Green Oaks in Arlington or call 817-459-5898.

RANGER’S IN A SPOT: “I am so sad over this,” writes our reliable Burns Flat, Okla., tipster Terry Lynn Fisher. “He  does not know he is supposed to be a bully breed – he thinks he is a little lap dog.”

 Ranger the dog is described as “big, beautiful, sweet and full of love…He is a good boy.” 

She says that he “has had to watch so many dogs come and they got to leave. Every time I get a leash and put a dog on it, he cries and wags that tail so hard. He always thinks it might be his time.  But it never was. So now, at the end of this week, I have to kiss him goodbye, just like I do all the others. Only his trip will be to death, not rescue.

“ I know everyone is probably sick of reading about him, but my promise to all the dogs is to try until they are gone. So, here I am, pleading and begging everyone to PLEASE look and see if you have any room for this beautiful boy.”

To help her save Ranger, e-mail [email protected] or, better, immediately call 580-330-1459.

ASSORTED UPDATES, NOTES: On Friday we ran a note about a big dog named Samson missing in Austin – he was known as “Slim” when he was adopted from Pound Pals, the Mineola-based rescue group, says Kerri Haas. Call him “safe at home”  now because he was retrieved over the weekend from an Austin animal shelter, Kerri  says. … Here’s a brief note passed on to us from the folks with Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. “Two Labs – one black, not sure what color the other one is – yhoung males, about a year old. Owner needs to re-home because they are bothering neighbors. So room to run would be perfect.” Contact Beverly Crow at 903-887-2436. Don’t know what we can do about the neighbors. … Interested in winning some dough? Click HERE to see the People Pets' “America’s Most Loveable Pets” contest.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Still rooting for the Texas Rangers. Things could happen

to open the way to the playoffs – it is flu season, after all. … The fellow on the right (thanks for the photograph, State Fair of Texas PR department!) is Michael Wilkes of Krum who won the State Fair’s Corny Dog Eating Contest for the third year in a row on Sunday afternoon. He ate 11 Fletcher’s Corny Dogs in 10 minutes. And that on the left is a photo of our staff

impersonator, Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas, giving us his impression of a contestant who did not eat 11 corny dogs in 10 minutes – though Inky swears he could win if they’d just give him a chance. He is, he notes, licensed. … The big gamble? Arkansas, our neighbor to the northeast, started operating a lottery just after midnight. It’s called the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and when people buy tickets, the money goes to “provide scholarships and grants to Arkansas residents enrolled in public and private nonprofit two-year and four-year colleges and universities within the state.” No slogan yet. How about ( and I kid the state and some of my dearest friends), “Make Arkansas Smarter – Gamble!” If Arkansas ever renews casino gambling with craps tables, the license plates already carry an appropriate slogan “Arkansas- The Natural State.”

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To sleep, perchance to purr

 

 

Obviously this is a cat who knows how to nap. Don’t you have an urge to rub that tummy?And, my fellow insomniacs, aren’t you also envious.

The impossibly comfortable cat JR is in the spotlight for this weekend’s Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.

His nomination was submitted by Kathy Deatherage who can explain the entire legend of JR. She describes him as “my feral/tame kitty.”

“He lives pretty much on our back porch in rural Rockwall catching any mice that decide to invade the area. 

“I had spotted him in our backyard about the time a lady ran an ad looking for her missing cat.  He matched the description, so I called her to say I had her cat.  To keep him around, I started feeding him cat food.

“As it turned out, no, it wasn't her cat. 

“He was so thin and couldn't go any faster than a trot, so I knew he didn't have another home. 

“I started taming him and when I was able to catch him, he went to the vet for his shots and to be neutered. 

 

 “It was a no-go with my inside cats who were either terrified of him or stalked him and so he lives happily on the porch or goes through the doggy door into my laundry room which is heated and air-conditioned. 

 

“JR stands for Junior since he sure looks like another feral cat that we once had that succumbed to cancer.”

In looking at this cat stretched out on this patio furniture, I am moved to ask this question, for discussion purposes only: “Do you think chairs and sofas were invented for humans or for cats and dogs?”

I think humans were just fine sitting on the ground or leaning against a tree, but I think some enterprising guy said, “I’ll sell chairs and couches to people who have cats and dogs. That way I’ll be in business forever.”

(To nominate your sleeping critter or relative for spotlighting in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send the photo and the info to [email protected]. Remember, at Readlarrypowell.com, we are insomniacs who love nothing more than an opportunity to learn how to nod off.)

Missing in Austin; Denton's dogs...

We’re going for a third edition today. This one has a missing dog in Austin with a Mineola connection and some dogs that are readily available in Denton.

SAMSON’S MISSING IN AUSTIN: Kerri Hass of Pound Pals, the East Texas-based rescue group, reports just a little before 4 p.m. that Samson has vanished in Austin. He belongs to a family that recently moved to Austin and they don’t know the area well so they’re calling on Pound Pals to help make connections.

Samson is a neutered male German Shepherd and his adoptors are checking the Austin shelters.

If anyone in Austin has seen this guy or knows his whereabouts, e-mail [email protected].

You never know who is reading our website and whose dog they happen to have in their living room enjoying cable TV and snacks.

MEANWHILE, IT’S A FESTIVAL OF BLACK DOGS IN

DENTON: Amy Pelzel, the tireless Denton Animal Shelter volunteer, e-mailed this note about 4 p.m. “Well, you know how shelters are and how sometimes we get full of black dogs – we have six special ones right now that don’t have a lot of time left.”

We’re going to spotlight six of them (left, right, left, right for six photos). And if the “new technology will allow, we’ll also have those photographs.  However it turns

out technically, you can still e-mail [email protected] to ask about adopting these Denton Animal Shelter dogs.

Dolby is a young Border Collie/Lab mix who has a record at the shelter – he was the shelters “Diamond In The Ruff Pet of the Week. A sweet boy who loves kids and other dogs. The staff thinks he has potential as a therapy dog, agility dog or just plain ol’ man’s best friend.

Manie, is a Shepherd/Aussie Mix, about 2 years old and, of course, “a sweetie.”

Rob, a Black Lab, is under 3 and is “super calm.” The shelter says he “came in with his best friend, Wood” but Woo went to a rescue last week and Rob “has been depressed ever since.”

Pebbles is a border Collie described as “simply precious. The year old dog was found running loose with Pogo.

Pogo is a Border Collie/Shepherd mix who is under a year old and loves to play. 

And, Irene is called “a dog that breaks our heart into a thousand pieces because she is sweetness personified. … She was found by

county officers as a stray… Her poor ears have been eaten by flies, it would appear. Yet, she has complete unconditional love for everyone. “

Some of the dogs are available now. Some on Monday.  And, no doubt, there are even more waiting in the wings in the Denton shelter.  Click HERE to get details regarding the shelter’s location and to see other animals.

STATE FAIR ATTRACTION: If you happen to drop by the State Fair of Texas Creative Arts displays during the run of the fair, be sure to look for a wooden train with Big Tex riding the locomotive and pulling a load of midway treats. That bit of folk art is the creation of a fellow named Garry Powell, my prize-winning little brother. That train has ribbons hanging all over it. As you may suspect, Garry got the talent in the family. He also got the Director’s Award for the “entry best representing the 2009 State Fair.” He’s a modest fellow or I’d wisecrack that these days he has to borrow Big Tex’s hat.

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PM Edition: Gus is home...

We’re going to do a second edition this Friday because (a) Gus is back home, (b) there are some animals that need spotlighting and (c) we’re using a new word processing system and our service has “improved” itself, so, of course, nothing works quite properly.

That’s why photos are hard to mount and sometimes the size of the type changes in  mid paragraph. At least it’s not inserting a photograph of Alfred E. Newman thumbing his nose at me.

I think only genuine Baby Boomers who have gotten a rejection slip from Mad Magazine will appreciate that image. Now, on with the second edition:

GUS, THE STINKER, IS HOME: When last we wrote of Gus, he’d bolted from Tony and Lynn Gatlin’s place in Corsicana and vanished. Suddenly, just before noon today, we got a what’s what note from Lynn. Gus, she wrote, is home.

“Big THANKS to Chuck and Gayle Williams for spotting Gus in the woods surrounding their house late last night. They were pretty sure it was our Gus, but he kept running away from them and going back into the trees. We went down there just after midnight but couldn't find him either.  However, this morning was a different story.  Gayle spotted him again and called me. I went down there preparing for a long morning of searching, but within just a few minutes of calling his name, OUT HE CAME FROM THE TREES!!! He stinks to high heaven, but other than that he's perfect!!  We're so grateful to Gayle for her watchful eye and so happy to have Gus home!!!  Special thanks to our search team.... Mr. Odom, Brandy Hurford, John Nelson, Gary Gober, Chris Aldama and Paul Asby.  Also thanks to everybody else, including Larry Powell, that helped spread the word and keep us encouraged... so grateful for good friends that understand we're half nuts where our dogs are concerned. Hoping to finally get some sleep and spend a little quality time with Gus!!  Have a great weekend everybody!”

AN EARHOUND FOR FRIDAY: Barb Oates of Chicks & Mutts sent this obvious Earhound to us. “This is one of the newest additions to Chicks & Mutts. His name is Collins. He weighs in at 14.4 pounds (10 of those pounds are in the ears, we are certain).”

The dog has a “wonderful disposition lots of spunk and energy and gets along good with other dogs. He’s full grown at a year, neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped – ready to add some spunk to a home of his own….We need a foster as he’s currently being boarded, but we all know a forever home would be best.”

To offer to help Collins, e-mail [email protected].

THE CONTINUING SAGA OF SARAH: When first we encountered this dog from the Everman Animal Shelter, it was believed that Sarah, with her enormously swollen abdomen, was pregnant. Then, the theory was she was suffering from pyometria, a uterine infection. Finally, upon further review, it turns out that she was being battered by a major infestation of assorted worms.

And what’s up with her now? “She is out of the hospital and at my house,” Everman  ACO Teresa Weldon reported in an update e-mail last night. “I could not send her anywhere else. Yes, my forehead does say ‘sucker.’”

The dog is on medication and iron supplement and is being fed chicken and rice with vegetables as prepared by Chef Teresa.

The dog is recovering but it’ll be a “long road,” Teresa says.  We’ll offer other updates as warranted. To offer help and support to Teresa, e-mail [email protected].

MALLOY BRIDGE ROAD OFFSPRING: We’ve been writing about the dumped dogs on Mallow Bridge Road in southeast Dallas for quite some time now. There has been a parade of dogs in and out of the area.  We know they get out because of caring people. We suspect they get into the area because there are people who don’t care.

Now, one of those who cares is veteran rescuer Deborah Trevino. She sent photos of Gretchen, the mom, and two of her surviving pups.  There were nine or 11 at the outset – I can’t recall but it was a bunch. Distemper killed all but these two chubby rascals.

They are Chester and Starr.

And their apparent dad, Charlie, is still living in the same area of Mallow Bridge Road.

So, there are dogs available. To claim them, email [email protected].

THE CATS: Earlier in the week, working off a tip from our pal Cindy Gomez, we  reported on a rescue effort by her house/petsitters, DJ and Bob. They don’t belong to any particular group but decided   they’d save some hardluck cats from shelters. They did and now  those cats are healthy and ready to be adopted.

The cats we’re displaying today are Lenny, a nearly year-old, 8 pound girl about whom it’s said, “Lenny is so smart. If you’re petting her and your attention strays, she may nip at you.”

Lizzy is her sister. And they sort of look out for each other.

The black cats are siblings – Midnight is the boy and Starry is

the girl. They are ex-ferals who are accustomed to being with each other.

To ask about any of the cats, call 972-412-4758 or e-mail 972-412-4758.

TWO CATS AND A FUNNY LINE FROM HOUSTON: Our feline tipster from the Bayou City, Edna Taylor of Texas Siamese Rescue, is trying to quickly find homes for these cats – two homes will work, or one would be good, too.

“As you can see,” she writes, “They are beautiful kitties and need a wonderful home.”

They are show-quality cats that were purchased from a breeder.

Raji is a 2-year-old male Seal Point with blue eyes, great health and a loveable attitude.

Ray, born in Oct. 13, 1999, is a Lynx Point who is “very personable” and “calm and relaxed with children.” He is also a lap cat.

Medical records are available for both cats. (Call 713-628-4052 to ask about adopting Raji and Ray.)

Why were they surrendered? Edna explains that it was “the same ole story. ‘I am pregnant and cannot keep my cats because I am suddenly allergic.’ Trying to convince them that they can keep the cats and their baby is like teaching a pig to sing, it only wastes my time and annoys the pig.”

ONE FINAL NOTE FROM A PAL OF MINE: Discussing the arrest of the guy who wanted to blow up Fountain Place in downtown Dallas, she asks, “Wonder how some people feel about waterboarding now?”

Our Friday report...

The State Fair of Texas opens today in Dallas. But the talk of the town is no longer the fried butter on the Midway but the terrorist and his plot to blow up one of downtown’s most beautiful buildings, Fountain Place.

Nice to know both the Fair and the Building are still there. Here’s today’s report:

SPEAKING OF STILL THERE: Lola, formerly Number 7 from the “backwoods puppy mill” in Nacogdoches, Texas, is still there at The Colony Animal Shelter. It’s a mystery.

This dog has testimonies from visitors, staffers and could probably get a signed endorsement from any other dog at the shelter, but, still, nobody will take Lola home. Lola can’t stay at the shelter forever. It is a city-run shelter and there are limits – limits because there are more animals coming in and there’ll need to be space made.

Patricia Barrington, the Animal Control Division Manager for The Colony, sent us this photo of Lola. If I didn’t know better, I would swear she was at the counter of a fast food joint politely trying to get the kid behind the counter to supersize the fries.

So, what’s the deal? Rescued only to be euthanized? Depends entirely on the hearts of strangers.

“Though she loves on each visitor,” Patricia says, “It’s always the same story, ‘Oh, I’d take you if I could’.” Then, she says, that person moves on to adopt a small dog who comes with a grooming expense.

She says that last weekend a woman came in and asked about “the dog

from Nacogdoches. She was interested in saving one of the puppy mill dogs. Lola dashed out to meet her and she was very displeased at Lola’s breed; she didn’t want a pit bull.

 

“It’s very sad and very frustrating.  I can only imagine how Lola feels about it all.”

 

One recent evening Lola “was looking a little down” so Patricia took the dog home for a night. One of her dogs “Leo showed her how to run on slick tile and (another dog) Henry cleaned her teeth and shared some pumpkin bread with her.  She got to play with the kids in the backyard and romp with the other dogs while we grilled and by 8:30 was ready for bed, hunkered down on her yellow blanket in the ‘guest crate’ and slept until 6 a.m.  She will do so well in a home.  She will make a great little family dog … just where in the world is Lola’s family and when will they find their way to our little shelter?”

If you think you may be Lola’s family and if you think you would like to save this sweet dog, e-mail [email protected] or call 972-370-9250. She can tell you about Lola’s tendencies to sleep, to return affection and to enjoy being in the office.  We even spotlighted Lola in our weekend “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap”  feature, a couple of weekends ago.

WAGS AND WAVES ON SATURDAY: Remember, the fundraiser benefiting the Metroplex Animal Coalition, Wags and Waves is scheduled Saturday at the Hawaiian Falls WaterPark  at Firewheel in Garland. The event will be emceed by J.D. Miles of Channel 11 news and judges of the assorted contests in the afternoon will be yours truly and my funspouse Martha (representing Readlarrypowell.com and Urban Animal Magazine -- praise to the great editor/publisher Bob Walton), from Hawaiian Falls, Clint Hill, who is familiar with the challenge of soggy customers. Visit www.wagsandwaves.org for details.our longtime co-judges in many contests Terry Stringer of Petco and an executive

THUNDER WAITS FOR A HOME: I know, I know. You’re wondering why I am publishing this dog’s driver’s license photo. Seriously, don’t you think this guy Thunder looks like he just passed his driving test?

Well, here’s the story, he is an “URGENT” dog at the Dallas Animal Services Adoption Center. Black Lab, male, neutered, white toes. A year-and-a-half old. In the shelter since May 12.

That’s a long time for a shelter dog, so you can read that as an endorsement of his demeanor and ability to return affection.

You can meet Thunder and other “urgent” dogs – there are a few – at the Dallas Animal Services Adoption Center at I-30 at Westmoreland, a few minutes west of downtown Dallas. It’s a big building with lots of animals and lots of opportunities to help. To see shelter info click HERE http://dallasanimalservices.org/ Call the shelter at 214-670-8246.

SHELTER NOTE: Remember, every shelter has more animals than it needs. That goes for Carrollton, Denton, The Colony, Saginaw, Fort Worth, Sulphur Springs, Marshall, Texarkana, El Paso, the BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) shelter in Houston, Terry Lynn Fisher’s hometown shelter in Burns Flat, Okla. … Oh, just throw a dart at a map. You’ll hit a shelter that needs some relief. Rescuers can’t do it all – someone needs to figure out a way to engage the “general public.” I’m not sure tying a $500 bill and a Lotto ticket to the neck of each dog or cat would work these days.

FOUND AT WHITE ROCK: Kelly Thompson reports on this dog – a weekend discovery at White Rock Lake Dog Park in Dallas. “I took home a dog that had been abandoned by her owner,” writes Kelly.

Oh, that’s just rich, isn’t it? Take the dog to a dog park and drop it off. Still abandonment, still against the law, right?

Kelly says the dog weighs about 40 pounds may be about a year old. She had a rabies tag from a vet in San Antonio, but, as you may suspect, that was a clue but mostly to a dead end though that vet confirmed that the dog is a boxer/Lab mix who is current on her shots.

The dog plays well with Kelly’s Lab mix. And, “she’s very snuggly.”

“I've started calling her ‘Annie’ after Little Orphan Annie, but she hasn't figured out that's her name from me yet, so I would imagine you could name her anything you like. She knows how to sit and isn't aggressive around food.  I would LOVE to keep her, but I already have a big dog in a tiny house and recently started a new job. She is very much a ‘people’ dog and likes lots of attention and treats.”

To help Kelly help Annie find a home, e-mail [email protected].

THOSE GREAT DANES:  The folks with Great Dane Rescue of North Texas are planning a fundraiser at Casa Milagro (pay attention now, bilinguals) and

the publicity note begins “JOIN US FOR A MIRACULOUS EVENING (Because the dogs in our care need a miracle…)” That miracle, of course, is a good home after a spell of bad luck or bad humans. And, of course, Casa Milagro has the perfect name for such a fundraiser.

Sara Craven of Great Dane Rescue of North Texas sent us the note about the Oct. 10 dinner and silent auction at Casa Milagro Restaurant in Richardson. GDRNT is hoping early notice will get more people involved in the event.

But, if anything gets attention it is the event’s spokesdog, Mocha, in a sombrero. Ole, Mocha. Sara says Mocha “tolerates getting dressed up for various photo shoots as needed.”

Mocha looks on the verge of calling either an agent or a lawyer.

CONTEMPLATIONS:  Bless the FBI and whoever else stopped that jerk from bombing Fountain Place. It’s one of our favorite buildings not just in Dallas but in just about any place. It’s magnificent. That someone was going to blow it up with all of those people in it – well, let’s hope for swift and sincere and long-lasting uncomfortable justice with a rash that can’t be treated.  … And, now, it’s comforting to know that things will proceed somewhat normally around here as the area begins a three-day weekend:   Friday, Saturday and Monday Night Football with the Dallas Cowboys of Arlington. … A Different Breed has a weekly adoption on Saturdays at Pepper Square (Beltline at Preston) and we saw a note from Joni McConnell, the volunteer coordinator who wrote, in bold letters,  “We need more YOUNG volunteers who can still run.” Ah, the “Graying of Rescue.”

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Ferris ACO fired; Gus is missing & other stories...

We arrive at Thursday with a tangle of interesting things including updates on a sick dog, a rebounding dog, missing dog Gus in Corsicana, etc. Let the sorting begin.

PERSONNEL ACTION IN FERRIS: The e-mail network was active over night with

reports that Misty Clark, the hard-working animal control officer at little Ferris,  south of Dallas, had been terminated. Yes, indeed, that is true. We asked Misty this morning and she responded, "Yes. I was fired but at this time under advice from attorney I cannot go into details. Sorry."

You may recall that Misty’s stance against euthanizing adoptable dogs had stirred the city officials to order her to euthanize animals. Rescuers stepped up to help.

But, for some reason (we’re sure it’ll all become clear at some point), the city appears to be against being compassionate toward dogs and cats, puppies and kittens.

More to come on this story, no doubt.

Some cities just have to be dragged into the spotlight of enlightenment.

Ferris, population about 2,500, is 20 miles south of Dallas on I-45 and lord knows where on the kindness-to-animals timeline. Ferris, you may recall, was the city that, last year, OK’d shooting stray dogs. (I’m tempted to suggest there may have been a misinterpretation of the term “dog license” – not the same as “dove license” or “deer license,” fellows.)

Those two dogs in the photograph are some of the nearly dozen dogs that were in the shelter earlier this week – don’t know if they are still there. We also don’t know who’s answering the phone at the city pound, but if you’re interested in helping the animals through either adoption or opinion, call Ferris City Hall at 972-544-2110. The city’s website is HERE.

AND AT OUR HOUSE: Yes, there are free-roaming dogs in Oak Cliff, Texas. And yes, this one is currently at our house. Martha has named her Wednesday and

we’re looking for a home for her every day of the week no matter what she’s named.

Why was she named “Wednesday?” Because Tuesday Weld was already taken? No, because that’s the day Martha found her.

She describes the events of last week thusly: “Usual story: she was following some teenagers around under the freeway bridge {67 at Polk].”

I’ll interrupt to note that this is about 25 yards from the on-ramp where Martha picked up the legendary big dog Duffy nearly 2 years ago. No known connection except that there are people in the area who do not value animals.

Moving along. Martha reports that the teenagers said “they had been trying to keep her away from some people who were beating her, but they couldn’t keep her in their apartment. So, of course, she fit right into my minivan. She’s great with people in the hopeful but watchful way that 8 month old dogs can be before they lose complete faith in humanity.”

She is an adorable dog, kind of jumpy at first, but calms down once she trusts you. And at the outset, she sort of crawls rather than walks. We’ve introduced her to our dogs without mishap and we haven’t seen her acting anything more than briefly curious about the cats. She’s a good runner but doesn’t venture far from the human she’s with in the backyard.

Our vet, Dr. Vladi DeJong of Vet Stop on Colorado at Beckley, weighed her in at 34 pounds, says she’s about 8 months old and is probably a beagle mix of some kind. Not to get stereotypical, but we have an old never-used doghouse in our backyard and the first day she was in the yard with me, she jumped atop the dog house and stood there like Charlie Brown’s Snoopy. I’m not sure that’s how the AKC determines a purebred Beagle, but close enough, you know? Looks aren’t everything – sometimes you spot breed tendencies.

She’s healthy, heartworm negative and Martha says she named her Wednesday because “I’m all out of names.” If we’d have had more kids, we’d have had to give them numbers. Speaking of which, Wednesday is being spayed on Friday.

To ask about adopting, fostering or taking adorable Wendy into your rescue group, e-mail Martha at [email protected]. And you’d better be prepared for a rigorous audition – we’d keep this dog, but, thanks to the City of Dallas, we’re at our legal limit.

And, of course, later I’ll be telling you about Tex the Rottweiller, a dog I picked up in Kiest Park over the weekend – he was going to each newly arriving car to see if it held the people who apparently dumped him in the park. It was heartbreaking to see. He’s at Vet Stop right now – was neutered yesterday and is heartworm negative, too. He’s a huggable young lug. More to come on fabulous Tex. And, yes, I also was out of names.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT IN CORSICANA: This morning we had a conversation with Tony Gatlin – regular readers will recognize Tony as the husband half of Tony and Lynn Gatlin, the Corsicana rescuers. He had not been to bed overnight because he’s been looking for this guy Gus, a “mostly black Lab mix male with a little bit of white on his chest and feet.”

Tony and Lynn foster a number of animals – Gus has been with them quite a while, but about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Gus bolted and dashed away into the Hickory Hollow area of Corsicana, just north of Fannin School.

Both Gatlins are beside themselves and Tony was up all night on a 4-wheeler looking for Gus. So, more eyes are needed in the area to determine where Gus “hunkered down” for the evening. If you’ve seen Gus, call 903-874-3722 or 903-654-8812. There’s a reward.

Lynn writes, “He’s a great dog and we are heartsick.”
You can read about the Gatlins’ rescue work at www.projectpawz.com.

IN SULPHUR SPRINGS:

Today’s Earhound is this Lab mix Bella, a “sweet, sweet dog” currently on the clock at the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter which, as regular readers know, is a “gassing shelter.”

With the one-up, one-down set of ears, she looks like she could bring in jets on an aircraft carrier.

 

Why is 8-month-old Bella in the shelter? The official shelter report is “She was turned into the shelter because someone said she just wanted to be with the children and kept trying to get from the back yard to the front yard to find them.”

To help save Bella or any animal at the Sulphur Springs shelter, call hard-working animal control officer Denise Stinson at 903-348-3122.

CHOCOLATE CHIP REMINDER: The dog Chocolate Chip, whose time as “Baxter” didn’t last long once the landlord discovered the renters had a pit in their apartment, is back in the care of the Euless Animal Shelter and there are efforts to find a new home for him.

You may recall that he wound up in the shelter in the first place as a victim of abuse – he’d been tethered so long that the chain wore a raw groove into his neck. He’s healing now, but still needing a home.

The students with the Girls Awareness Program at Euless Trinity High School work with the Euless Shelter and had fallen for Chocolate Chip, reports the GAP advisor, Steffenie Vela.

In spite of his history, the big guy loves walking on a leash. “Chocolate Chip gave his rescuers kisses and did not make any aggressive moves toward other dogs,” Steffenie writes.

To ask about adopting (and saving) Chocolate Chip, e-mail [email protected].

AN UPDATE ON SARAH: Turns out that Sarah doesn’t have pyometria, a devastating uterine inflammation. She’s got the worst case of worms in the known universe, apparently.

Teresa Weldon, the Everman Animal Control Officer, reports that further veterinary reviews showed that she is very sick from “a very bad infestation of hookworms and whipworm. I have never seen worms swell the belly like this one did. The vet even stated that he had not seen one this bad in years. She was so anemic that they did a blood transfusion, also. Her little gums were as white as a sheet.”

Teresa also says, “I want to thank everyone for the generous donations and the encouraging words. You guys [rescuers and animal lovers] proved what I have been telling everyone about the heart and love for animals in the rescue world.”

To offer to help Sarah, e-mail Teresa at [email protected].

TWO NEWS NOTES: The State Fair of Texas opens tomorrow and runs through Oct. 18 and on opening day there’s a big celebration planned at 10 a.m. at the DART Fair Park Station at Exposition at Parry right at the fair. This is an event designed to “greet the arrival of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Green Line train,” described by DART as the first State Fair train in 53 years. Aboard the train, the new release says “officials, dignitaries, costumed characters and live butterflies.”  Yep, live butterflies on a train. Yes, there are places where you can buy “butterfly releases.” Google it. Honest. And, as people who have ridden trains for years know, it is a railroad tradition that butterflies ride free on Fridays. I may have made up that tradition and, yes, I’m sure a railcar is not the natural habitat of these beautiful winged creatures and I have no idea what will happen to them at the end of the ride. Read the Pegasus News take on this by clicking HERE,  …  More than just the answer to a trivia question, John Hart was, for a long time, The Lone Ranger. Died at 91 earlier in the week. The Los Angeles Times story is HERE,

A CONTEMPLATION FOR TODAY: What if all rescuers quit picking up loose dogs and cats for a month and let them roam? How would cities react? Hard to think about that, but cities already kill more animals in a week than Michael Vick did in his entire dog-killing career. How honorable is that? Are taxpayers, who finance this despicable mass killing, not better than thugs?

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Humans helping animals...

We have several things to discuss today and I’m warning you right off the bat here that the initial item has ugliness – but it is an ugliness that at first speaks to the failing of humans, then shows how great humans can be. Please forgive the ugly photograph and read on.

 THE BACKYARD DOG: In the animal world every picture isn’t a pretty picture, but they can get prettier and that’s why so many people give their hearts to rescue efforts.

We’re starting with one of those ugly photographs and, you know, it’s going to get prettier.

Maybe sometimes people who aren’t involved in rescue ought to see these unpleasant photographs.

Holy smoke, this one has affected a lot of rescue people. We got a number of e-mails regarding this dog, Hope, and her story.

The note sent to us by Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network reads, “Lisa Florin's neighbor saw her huddling under a bush.  Apparently one of their neighbors has had her for 2+ years and just threw food out there.  The woman took pictures and sent them to Lisa.  Lisa sent out an e-mail asking for someone to foster her so they could get her to safety.  No one else offered, so I did.  Lisa got the scumbag to surrender her and brought her to me last night [Monday}.  We took her to our vet this morning.”

We also heard about the incident from the showbiz team of Barb Weinberg and Kurt Kleinmann (of the famed Pegasus Theatre in Dallas – they have a show opening late in the year at the Eisemann Center in Plano.)

Their e-mail added a little to the tale, including this passage: “This incredible dog used to be a spunky girl, with a long red coat of beautiful fur and a big bushy tail. About a year ago, a neighbor noticed that she hadn't heard Hope bark in a while and assumed that the dog didn't live there any more. Sadly, Hope DID still live there, if you can call it living. It's hard to know what kind of conditions took this little girl from a healthy high-spirited dog to the cowering bundle of skin, bones, and scabs that you see in the photo. Whether the owners are guilty of active abuse or criminal neglect, they took a happy, healthy dog to the brink of death.”

Anyway, as you may guess, this Demodectic mange is accompanied by a skin infection. Gail reports that the vet is working to handle Hope’s pain and mange and believes her left eye can be saved and that she has a good chance of survival. To offer to help Hope and the people who are helping Hope, e-mail [email protected]. You can also donate to the Hope/Gail Whelan at Plano Arapaho Veterinary Clinic, 1400 N. Plano Road, Richardson, 75081. Call 972-690-8741.

DUMPED DOGS: Lyn Sykes, the Thoughts4Paws petsitter, has “a desperate situation and I am asking everyone I can think of for help. One of my clients has dumped his two dogs at the Saginaw Animal Shelter.  I found this out because of my rescue work.  He did not tell me.

“These dogs are eight years old and have been together for five years.  Jax (left) is a male, neutered Golden Retriever;  Brandy is a spayed Lab.

“They are beside themselves in the shelter.  I have no room

here.  They need to be outside when not supervised because they have been outside for the last five years.  They are very sweet but lack proper attention and training.

“They did find a home for the weekend.  The gentleman who took them had no dog experience and separated them.  Needless to say, they went NUTS and returned to the shelter.”

The shelter is heading toward being full – very full – so, Jax and Brandy, as owner surrenders, may be at peril, Lyn says.

To offer to help, e-mail [email protected] or call 817-675-0953. Saginaw is on Loop 820 just west of I-35W due north of Fort Worth.

AN EARHOUND NO DOUBT: Oh, boy, this guy is obviously an Earhound – we

got his photo and story from Elaine Munch, president of the Metroplex Animal Coalition, who happens to be fostering him for Dallas Animal Services.

“I rescued this little guy from the batch of heartworm positive dogs that did not make adoption that you may remember from last week. All but 2 of the 9 were saved, and those dogs had behavioral issues.

“This little guy is ‘Pinto’ because he's marked just like a Pinto Pony and is so very sweet, mild-tempered and just wanting to be loved. He jumps up into the porch swing whether I'm sitting in it or not. The motion doesn't seem to scare him. He is only 11 pounds and will begin his HW treatment on Monday.”

And, Elaine theorizes that “his ears must weigh at least 2.5 of his 11-pound body!”
To see the adoptables at Dallas Animal Services, click HERE and keep in mind that those dogs are all on the clock and fostering can buy more time for them, can save lives and maybe make your heart feel better about life in general.

STARVING HORSE: On Tuesday morning, the SPCA of Texas and the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department seized a starving mare from a property on which the owners lived but were not properly tending to the horse’s needs, according to the SPCA. She’s now at the SPCA’s Perry Animal Care Center, 8411 Stacy Road/FM 720 in McKinney. A custody hearing is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 29 at the Kaufman County JP Precinct 3 Sub-Courthouse, 408 E. College, in Terrell.

The SPCA has several horses available for adoption and is running a special 50 percent off the usual fee through Oct. 4. See www.spca.org.

TWO BIG HEARTS AND SEVEN CATS: We heard about this sort of big-

hearted rescue from our pal Cindy Gomez who says her pet/house-sitters have taken in seven on-the-clock, hard-luck cats from various facilities in order to save their lives and find good homes for them.

We’re just using photos of some of the seven today, but they’re all pretty swell cats, it appears.

These seven cats were rescued from various area facilities just days before they were to be euthanized.

“Bob and DJ have provided them food, shelter and love now for a couple of months

and made sure they received a medical check up as well as any medical attention they might have needed,” Cindy says. “They have watched them re-socialize and become beautiful cats and kittens that will make someone very good family pets.”

To ask about helping these cats, e-mail donnajeanbob2verizon.net or call 972-412-4758. They’ll be happy to e-mail a “catalog” of all seven cats.

That big orange cat is Oswald, an easy-going fellow. And those other two cats are George and Jane Jetson, siblings  -- George is the orange guy and Jane “is devoted to her bubba,” the rescuers say.

In this photo they have the look of “cat burglars” practicing a rooftop entry.

SHELTER CRITTERS: As rescuers know and other people ought to realize, area shelters are overloaded. Denton, Ferris, Carrollton, etc. Google them and look at

the inventory.

These dogs happen to be from Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter, about 90 minutes northeast of Dallas on I-30. That’s a shelter that euthanizes by gassing the animals. Heck, even murderers in Texas get the sanitary needle, but these young innocents may find themselves gasping to death if no one rescues them and other dogs held in gassing shelters.

These three male Border Collie puppies are 7 weeks old. How did so much cuteness wind up in a city shelter? “They were left behind at a rent house,” writes Sulphur Springs Animal Control Officer Denise Stinson who works hard to beat the Grim Gas Reaper.

To ask about adopting these or any of the Sulphur Springs animals, call 903-348-3122 or 903-438-9369 or e-mail [email protected].

BIG ORANGE CAT: We’re fans of this particular type of cat (oh, heck, we’re   fans of all cats), but people who don’t have a hefty cat around the house are missing out on a great treat – a big ol’ lap cat is a comforting presence.

This one is currently residing in the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Shelter in Angleton, according to the note we got from reliable Houston cat tipster Edna Taylor.

She forwarded a note from BCSOAC’s Animal Control Officer Tammy Grable regarding the big orange guy: “Someone called AC on him for getting into the trash every day for the last few days.  We went and got him.  He is friendly, thought he was declawed at first, but they were or are just cut back.  He is neutered, large (way over weight), long hair, and -- did I mention? -- beautiful.   That is all I know of him.  Officer checked around, but no one claimed him."

He can be yours, however. E-mail [email protected] or call 979-388-2365 or 281-756-2365. Angleton is about 40 miles south of Houston.

THINGS OF NOTE: Here’s a gathering of things. Maybe you’ll find something to enjoy or with which to help.

--We learn from Catherine Rouse in Nacogdoches that there is a “Fundable” site supporting the animals rescued in that recent “backwoods puppy mill” raid. You can see how to donate by clicking HERE. Also, you can read about the sponsoring group, Nacogdoches Coalition for Animal Rescue and Education (Click on www.naccares.org to read about the coalition of these groups: Nacogdoches Animal Services and Adoption Center, St. Francis Rescue, O’Malley Alley Cat Association and Humane Society of Nacogdoches.)

--The Texas Humane Legislation Network is holding its first annual conference Oct. 16-17 in Austin. Only 20 spots open. See www.webstarts.com/thlnconference.

--Monique Voelker, founder of Animals Abused & Abandoned Inc., says the September spotlight story of the organization is about Edwina, a cat, and her triumph over a “knife-wielding monster.” Click on www.animals-abused.org to see the story.

--A Different Breed Animal Rescue has “nailed down” the date of its fall garage sale: It’s from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct.25 (that’s a Sunday) at Pepper Square, Preston at Beltline. The group is trying to raise money to buy kennels before winter weather sets in, as if late summer’s rain wasn’t enough. More details about ADB’s work at the website www.adifferentbreed.org.

CONTEMPLATIONS: This is one of our favorite horse pictures of all time. It’s   the publicity photograph for the bootrock band 17 Hands High. They’ll be performing at Saturday’s Mansfield Pecan Festival. (The band is scheduled to be onstage from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. And from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Members are drummer/singer George Villarreal, guitarist/singer Todd Rives, guitarist Greg Brin and bass/vocalist Bart “Tex the Bassman” Powell. Oh, I see you spotted why this is one of my favorite bands. Yes, Tex the Bassman is our guitar-thumping son. The festival is free – this will probably make Jerry Jones and Tom Hicks wince, but parking is free, too, we're told. … Any other geezers remember how guitar sales skyrocketed after The Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan’s TV show? … Regarding the Texas Rangers, welcome to the 38th consecutive “Wait ‘til Next Year” season.  I didn’t think they could figure out a new way to break hearts, but this time they did. We could see the playoffs on the horizon all season until someone put a hex on the bats and cast a spell on the arms. Be interesting to see if the team has the gall to raise ticket prices – or parking prices -- next season.

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Autumn and animals...

Autumn gets to Dallas at 4:18 p.m. today and while I was outside with the big dogs before daybreak (the little dogs sleep in), it felt like it was already here.

Oddly, I miss summer already – I was just beginning to enjoy my daily two-mile fat

man sweatin’ struggle around Kiest Park. With the recent weather pattern, of course, it’s been more like fat man splashin’.

THEY CALL HIM JUVIE JIMMY: Yes, that is today’s official Earhound. And we got his photograph from Jan Young, a veteran foster with DW Pug Rescue www.dfwpugrescue.org.

Once she saw the ears on this guy, she knew he was a shoo-in for “Earhound” glory.

Jan writes, “I am fostering this little guy.  He is about 2 years old and weighs 15 lbs.  He is probably a PugChi.  He was scrounging around the grounds of a juvenile detention center as a stray, hence the name ‘Juvie Jimmy!’  He was picked up by local Animal Services, and ended up with DFW Pug Rescue.  He is a ball of energy -- don’t think pug, think Jack Russell, Border Collie, etc.  He would make someone a great walking partner. And, he is a great conversation starter!”

Gosh, what a great face! If you’d like to audition to adopt this Earhound, get in touch with DFW Pug Rescue HERE.

THE CHALLENGE IN EVERMAN: Teresa Weldon, the animal control officer at the Everman Animal Shelter is looking for help with this dog Sarah.

She came into the shelter on Saturday while Teresa was off-site at an animal adoption. She says, “My kennel tech set her up in a crate, he thought he was dealing with a pregnant dog.”

Subsequently, the staff realized that she is not pregnant – she has been diagnosed with pyometria, an awful uterine infection. Teresa says, “The Friends of the Everman Animal Shelter can cover some of it, but not all. I am asking for any kind of donations to help her.

“Alvarado Vet Clinic is doing the surgery for $350. She goes in Wednesday morning and we pick her up Thursday morning. She is very sweet and deserves a second chance to see that life can be good. I have someone willing to foster her after her surgery. I know that everyone is stretched so thin right now but I just had to give it a shot.”

To offer to help Sarah, call Teresa at 817-561-5495 or e-mail [email protected]. You can reach the Alvarado Vet Clinic at 817-783-2257.

TWO SHELTERS WITH CRISES: Oh, who am I kidding? There are more than two shelters in crisis around here. But we’re going to speak to specific cases in this segment. First Irving, then Ferris. Read on:

TWO GUYS IN IRVING:

Shepp and Dexter found their way onto the list of needy dogs in the Irving Animal Shelter that is prepared daily by veteran shelter walker Russell Posch. Here’s the story: “These poor old dogs belonged to a lady who has been hospitalized with a terminal illness.  Her daughters surrendered them to the shelter.  Shepp is a very large, neutered male shepherd mix.  Dexter is a very large, male Black Lab mix.  They are both easy-going, very friendly dogs.  They appear much older than the ages (7 and 5) given by the people who surrendered them.  They each weigh over 100 pounds and likely have health issues related to their age and obesity.  The staff considers them unlikely candidates for adoption so they won't be kept long.  Does someone have a spot for these old timers?  Maybe you can come up with a better plan for them than the owner's daughters.” See more photos HERE.

 

To ask about adopting or helping Dexter and Shepp, call the shelter at 972-721-2256 or 972-7221-2257. The shelter is in the 100 block of Briery, just east of the Belt Line/Rock Island intersection, a couple of miles south of the Airport Freeway.

 

      AND IN FERRIS: The little Ferris Animal Shelter has more puppies than – well, let’s just say they’re well into the double digits of puppies at Ferris.

Among the pups are these boxer mixes, Jack and Chrissy – that’s Jack with the wider white stripe on his forehead.

They almost look as if they’re saying, “Euthanasia? We don’t know what it is but it doesn’t sound good.”

And it’s not. But it’s how most Texas cities handle animal problems. “Let’s kill it.”

Misty Clark, the Ferris Animal Control Officer, has become a bit of a legend for trying to hustle critters past the Grim Reaper and save their lives.  To help her with Chrissy and Jack and all the other animals at the Ferris shelter, call 972-877-1210 or 469-682-5441 or e-mail [email protected] .

FROM GUN BARREL CITY AND CORSICANA: Yesterday we got a note

from Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake – a pass-it-on note about a cockerpoo that had turned up and was in the custody of Tina Hamilton of Happy Tails of Gun Barrel City. The little guy was wearing a collar. And he’s available. (Call 903-880-4124.)

But, also yesterday we mentioned Baby, the broken-legged dog

that Tabitha Wilkes has been helping. Tabitha needed a foster for the dog and Tina stepped up and Baby is now in the care of Happy Tails of Gun Barrel City. Tina writes, “She will be good as new in three weeks. She is spayed and current on all shots.”

So, stand by and give her time to heal and Baby can be your dog. She’ll probably be a happy, loyal, stay-at-home dog after this – she’s probably had her fill of adventure.

COMING UP SATURDAY: Don’t forget the Metroplex Animal Coalition fundraiser Wags & Waves from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Hawaiian Falls Water Park at Firewheel in Garland. Get all the details by clicking HERE. The emcee for the event is J.D. Miles of Channel 11. My funspouse Martha and I will be there in the capacity of honorary hosts. Admission is $20 per person (and that gets you and up to two dogs into the park.) Here’s the key line: “In case of inclement weather and the park closes, rainchecks will be issued with receipt until 2 p.m.” Yep, rainchecks. Nah, probably won’t be needed. It never rains around here in September. In addition to all sorts of soggy water stuff such as the wave pool or the river float, there’ll be vendors, microchipping, contests and live music by The Big Guns. Say that fast enough and it’s “The Biguns.”

FANS OF THE BULLYS: Robert Boudreau of Micmac Teaching For Dogs sends us a reminder for an Austin event.  It’s the  2^nd Annual Texas Bully Breed Bash – a weight pull and other events featuring pit bulls. You can get the details by clicking HERE. You’ll see pits who love people and the people who love the pits. Some of the proceeds will go to fighting breed specific ordinances and legislation.

MORE DOGS AT BURNS FLAT: Holy smoke, little Burns Flat, Okla., must be in

some kind of a vortex of critters these days. More and more are coming into the shelter, says our tireless tipster, Terry Lynn Fisher.

She reports that these two little brothers were picked up yesterday.

“The idiot owner came looking for them and I asked how she thought they go loose. She said they just fit through the fence. They are ‘outside’ dogs because they are not housebroken,” says Terry Lynn.

The pups are about 7 weeks old.

“I have a full pound,” she says. “But I could not take them there anyway for they slip right through the gates. I have them at my overflowing house and really need them gone ASAP.

“Please. I am drowning here.”

To offer to help Terry Lynn, e-mail [email protected] or call 580-330-1459.

How desperate is she for help? “I am bottle-feeding kittens, have my own zoo, a full pound and several in temporary holding kennels. I am falling under and need help.”

REPORT FROM THE ANGIE SITUATION: Our tipster pal Debbie Farrell, the veteran rescuer, says Angie Manriquez, known as “The Fairy Dogmother of West Dallas,” is still in need of wire crates. And, Deb writes, “She is desperate for flea and tick prevention. The chained pups that she feeds are just tearing themselves up.  They are covered in fleas and ticks.  She knows it will be hard to keep them clear of the the pests but she's trying to at least bring them some relief from their misery.”

Visit www.angiesfriends.org or call Deb at 214-316-6604 to help with this noble mission of helping dogs who can’t help themselves and can’t depend on the humans who chained them.

A REASON TO MAKE A DONATION TO A BOXER RESCUE GROUP: The group Legacy Boxer Rescue has no idea I’m suggesting this, but it might be neat to make a donation to Legacy in honor of a boxer named Maggie, a patriotic dog. How’s that? Maggie is the boxer who, well, left her mark on the red carpet that the Libyan mission in New York had rolled out to greet Libyan leader Moammar Khadafy. Read the New York Daily News story HERE and see how to donate in honor of Maggie at www.savetheboxers.com.

And now you know why I’m a guy who writes stories and not a guy in the diplomatic corps. It wouldn’t bother me to see a parade of dogs trotting along that red carpet.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Today we’ll just focus on autumn and the things that autumn brings to mind. You may wish to make your own list so you can remember to quit driving yourself nuts and stop and smell the cocoa. The State Fair of Texas, or if you’re out of the immediate area, the Four States Fair & Rodeo in Texarkana. Maybe the East Texas State Fair in Tyler (I think it was just the East Texas Fair when I was a reporter there back in the late 1960s – marketing changes things…). Friday night football games. Little kids picking out Halloween costumes and big kids designing their costumes for office wear and office parties. … Pumpkins (our patch has many green plants, many orange blossoms, one tiny pumpkin so far) … New TV shows. … New cars? Do they still have new cars? I’ve lost track. This clunker thing – I’ll bet a lot of people didn’t know they were driving clunkers until the government told them. …  The Soviet Union – I can’t explain this except that black and white news footage of the Soviet military parades left an autumnal impression on me. …. School. Back in school. Getting accustomed to ringing bells, chatty classmates and cafeteria food. Ah, autumn. Bring on your leaves; I’m ready to rake.

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