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Natural sleepers...

Two pals and a couch.

Maybe that’s two pals and THEIR couch

If you have some big ol’ dawgs and even some little bitty ones or some determined napping cats you know how this can work out. It's their furniture. Thus, these pups, Duffy and London, are our featured snoozers in this weekend’s Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.

We have a special attachment to Duffy here at Readlarrypowell.com. He was a foundling that my alwaystimeforadogspouse Martha picked up one morning in Aug. 2008 as she was racing to work.

She was taking an entry ramp onto Marvin D. Love Freeway and so was the big ol’ dawg. Basically, Martha stopped, invited him in and he grabbed the ride, stepping right up into the van. That was his last moment as a highway hitchhiker. We fostered him for a while for Paws In The City and he went into their program and into a couple of more foster homes until one day he landed a permanent gig with Cindy and Keith Keister.

We can’t mention Duffy and his folks without mentioning the third dog pictured here, the beloved C.J.

On Nov. 20, 2009, the family “lost our beloved CJ,” Cindy wrote to us. “She was a German Shepherd mix and was almost 12 years old. We are mourning her but also thankful that we had as much time with her as we did. We adopted her when she was six months old. Thank goodness we had her for a few months to welcome Duffy into our family and make him feel comfortable.”

Based on the photos, CJ did a pretty swell job of showing Duffy how to “feel comfortable.”

At the outset, Cindy says, there had been some issues with Duffy “but Juan Faura worked with Duffy and me for an evening and Duffy became a new dog and we love him dearly.”

Duffy missed CJ but adjusted to being the only dog. The family, however, always had room for another.

And, late in December, the household added London, a 4-year-old dog who was an owner-surrender at the Frisco Humane Society.

Cindy sent us a note then that read, “She is 1/2 Doberman and 1/2 Lab mix but she looks like a Greyhound. They walk well together and London is settling in well. My husband, Keith, and I are working on their training, trying to be good pack leaders.”

And here is the current report from Cindy. You’ll see a wonderful theme – especially if you’re a fan of big ol’ dawgs like Duffy, London and CJ. (That's Duffy in one of his pre-adoption poses.)

Cindy writes, “People should adopt big dogs and give them a chance. They are special and have so much to give humans.  

“Duffy and London protect us, entertain us and give us unconditional love. Duffy has turned into an absolutely great dog.  He is so calm and loving and walks on a leash perfectly. He also has learned sit, down, shake hands, stay, etc. London already knew these commands.

“London and Duffy share the couch all the time and if he happens to get in the middle, she will put her head in our laps and keep moving up to our chest until we move Duffy over so she can get on the couch.  “There are just not enough words to express how great these 2 big dog adult adoptees are to our family.  “We have had Duffy for about 8 months and London for a little over 2 months and they are learning to play together.” 

Then she adds, “P.S. CJ is still missed so very much as she was a great big ol' dawg!”

(To nominate your critters for spotlighting in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send photos and info to [email protected]. We’re always proud to show these great animals in their most tranquil states. As insomniacs, their abilities to snooze, doze and grab a nap give us hope that we’ll someday be in touch with our Slumberbeast.)

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Friday's PM Edition

This is going to be the most diverse collection we’ve ever published.

THE LONGHORNS: We reported this morning that the SPCA OF Texas and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s office were joining forces to seize some Longhorns – turns out they got 63 longhorns and three donkeys and found 50 dead Longhorns. (Click on the photo to make it larger.)

The SPCA says some were “found having died where they stood. Some of them were then drug to the creek on the back of the property. Some of the deceased animals died in the other cattle’s’ water source.”

The surviving animals have been moved to the SPCA facility in McKinney to be nurtured.

Ann Barnes, the SPCA’s senior vice president of operations issued this statement: "The condition that these animals are in did not happen overnight; it took months. It will take months--and a lot of good food and care--to get them back into condition."

The SPCA says the owner of the animals told authorities “he was glad that the SPCA of Texas was removing the animals, considering the shape they are in. He stated that he has been out of town for the last three weeks and has been paying someone to care for the animals.”

You can see other photos by going to www.spca.org/vanzandtlonghorns.’

FAITH HILL AND RAISING MONEY FOR THLN: Word arrived this afternoon that someone gave the Texas Humane Legislation Network 10 tickets to a March 6 “exclusive private concert by Faith Hill at Bass Concert Hall in Fort Worth.”

THLN President Cile Holloway says this “is the kickoff concert in a series of three for those large donors to the Super Bowl 2011 cause. The tickets are center floor on the 10th row from the stage.”

She says that the “suggested value of each ticket is $500 and the money raised will benefit THLN and our pursuit of a puppy mill bill that will regulate large scale commercial breeders.

“If you, or someone you know, would be interested in any number of thee tickets, please contact Skip Trimble or me immediately.”  The contact points are Cile Holloway at 972-668-9962 [email protected] or Skip Trimble at 214-855-2960 or [email protected].

CONTEMPLATION: Mentioning Faith Hill reminds me that I keep intending to tell people what a great job her hubby, Tim McGraw, does in the movie “The Blind Side” with Sandra Bullock.  Nice, warm and humorous performance.  ... Today has had the lousiest weather – chilly, kind of a bitter rain, no sun. Heck it’s like winter around here.

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Friday -- winter and critters...

Look, I don’t know where to start today. Oh, wait, that’s the way it is most days.

Let’s forge ahead.  We’ve got the weekend coming up and there’ll be rescue groups with adoptions scattered all over North Texas – pick a group, Google it and you’ll find the schedule.

And, we’ve got city shelters with more dogs and cats than city shelters ought to have. Pick a city, Google it and you’ll see the inventory.

Remember, rescuers already know about the overloads of available animals – it’s key to get the word out to people who are blissfully unaware of the crises facing city shelters.

And we’re in a post-winter-weather, early spring rainy day situation, so, deal with it appropriately – though probably you’re wishing you’d gone back to bed. Having set off that daydream, let’s move on:

STRAYDOG PROJECT: Two dogs need homes. It’s a story of “gotta give up the dogs” because of surgery and other complications. We get the story from Straydog Inc.’s Erin Arnold Johnson who says that the playful pup Decker (left) was adopted from the East Texas sanctuary and became a family pet with Pepper, also a big ol’ dawg.

The family decided they need to find a better home for the dogs and enlisted Straydog’s help.

So, Erin sends descriptions of the pups:

“Decker is a great dog who loves his toys and food. He's a big boy, weighing about 80 lbs! He was adopted 3 years ago, when he was about 2 years old and the family now is having trouble caring for him because of family issues. Decker has a 3 year old lab mix friend who lives with him now, named Pepper. Both dogs are sweet, loving, crate-trained, and like kids. They are okay with cats too. They may need other obedience training, as they never had the opportunity for training lessons. These fellas need a home soon, as the family says they cannot keep their dogs. The two dogs have been friends for 3 years. Please open your hearts to Decker, and Pepper too, if you have room! They will reward you with their love and friendship!”

To ask about these two dogs, e-mail [email protected]. You may also visit the Straydog Inc. website HERE.

A THREE-LEGGED DOG: Trey, as he’s being called, is one of those dogs who didn’t wind up in a city shelter, but was picked up off the city streets.

The Lab-Border Collie mix is “very safe and doing well,” says April Prohaska, owner of The Pooch Patio where Trey “socializes in day are 10 hours a day and sleeps on a fleece bed in one of our lounge-hound suites at night!” She also says, “If I didn't have 4 dogs, 2 cats and a 4 month old, I would take him in a heartbeat!”

So, there’s your personal testimony on behalf of this foundling.

He’s probably 5 years old, weighs about 50 pounds and was “fixed” last week.

His front left leg is missing – only his original owners may know why and only they know who they are at this point.

April says he was found “standing in a busy 6-lane road late one evening” about six months ago. And he “eagerly came to us and allowed me to load him into my vehicle. He had no tags and appeared to have been homeless for a while.”

He’s mannerly, agile and affectionate. And available – e-mail [email protected]  or call 469-855-7297.

TWO DOGS IN TROUBLE: On the theory that dogs in a city shelter need to be out of a city shelter, we’re presenting this story. Loretta Luchini is trying to help two dogs she was “watching” on behalf of a family member who never came back to get them. Over the weekend, the brothers Rick (left) and Duke, a couple of pit/Husky mixes, broke through a fence while in pursuit of a stray in heat behind their temporary home.

They wound up in the Rowlett Animal Shelter where they are at risk of euthanasia.

Loretta says she’s trying to figure out a way to get the dogs out of the shelter, perhaps engaging a non-profit group to pull them on her behalf (and on the behalf of the dogs). Just before the dogs went off on their costly journey, Loretta had spent $300 at a vet’s, she says, to treat an infected leg injury on one of these dogs.

Yes, this falls squarely within the parameters of “No good deed goes unpunished.”

It’s clear now that the dogs’ original owner doesn’t want them. But Loretta wants to make sure they don’t just die because of human situations, i.e., their original owner’s rejection and the lure of the “in-heat” dog whose owner allows her to stray. .

E-mail [email protected] or call 214-363-7646 (office hours) ... 214-299-9159..

A DANE IN TOOL: We’ve mentioned before that the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake has a fundraising campaign underway with the goal of building a new and improved shelter to replace the current quarters in Tool, Texas.

What sort of dogs are in this shelter? Ah, glad you asked. Here’s one. This young Great Dane – probably under 3 years old – is currently awaiting a new home. And, says Shelter Manager Krista Mc Anally, it’ll have to have “a special yard with at least a 6-foot wood privacy fence as she is the expert at escape...”

To ask about her, call the shelter at 903-432-3422 or e-mail [email protected].

The shelter is currently involved in its Raising the Woof campaign. The project is divided into three phases: Phase One is tear down and reconstruction of the current building at $120,000; Phase Tow is erect a new insulated steel building with kennels and space for storage and food prep, $80,000; and Phase Three, refurbish the quarantine runs, $20,000.

Krista reports, “There are plans to have a fundraiser every month.  Next month, the Raising the Woof Dinner and Auction will be held on March 19th in Kaufman.  There is a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament in the planning...We also have a dinner party being planned in the lake area. The Lakeway Bowling Complex is working with us to have a fundraiser in the near future.” (To offer to help or to donate, contact Krista at [email protected] .)

HOOCH & POOCH: Our reliable tipster at Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, Sydney Busch, reports that the group’s Hooch & Pooch Two-Step Fundraiser is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday, March 7, at the Ranch House Restaurant in Gun Barrel City.

Seriously, can there be two more inviting things than hooches and pooches? Anybody know if “hooches” is a legit plural construction?
Anyway, the event features country music, wine, hors d’oeuvres and, of course, conversation.

Tickets are $20 – in advance only. Make reservations by sending checks to Friends, P.O. Box 5455, Mabank, Texas, 75147. For more info call 903-451-4701.

Proceeds go to the operations of the Friends of the Animals Spay/Neuter Clinic, the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas.

(And for those who are not aware of Texas customs, “Two-Step” is a dance that is based on an ol’ cowboy’s barefoot waltz across a cold bunkhouse floor when the dog is yipping to be let out. That may be historically inaccurate.)

SPOTTED IN AUSTIN: Our tipster for today’s Earhound is Jacque Hagerty who is a volunteer for Austin Boxer Rescue.

You’ll note that there are two dogs’ pictures in this item. That’s because one needs a home and Jacque is extremely proud of the other one.

The dog needing the home is Valentina (right), a Boxer/Boston Terrier mix. As Jacque wrote, “How about those ears!”

Yes, indeed, from this photo you can tell that six-month-old Valentina has such a great set of ears that they cast a dramatic shadow! To ask about adopting Valentina, you can go to the ABR website HERE.

As long as she was writing to us about Valentina’s ears, Jacque included a photo of her own Earhound.

She writes, “Ginger is my ear hound. I adopted her from Austin Boxer Rescue last year and she's been so much fun that I got another one in October. Both dogs are Boxer mixed with something else, maybe lab. Both dogs, although not related were born in August 2006. I haven't seen an ear hound in several days so I thought I'd share my girl.”

And that, folks, is someone who is very proud of her pups. Good to know, isn’t it, that there are people who embrace their critters as “family” and not just a burden on the household budget.

MORE SPCA SEIZURES: After dogs and horses earlier this week, the SPCA of Texas is involved in a cattle seizure today. The SPCA and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s office, as this is being typed (just after 9 a.m.), are taking custody of 40 Longhorn cattle from a rural Van Zandt County property.

Authorities found 50 dead Longhorns there yesterday when deputies were serving an “unrelated search warrant.”

It’s the usual story: no food, no water. See www.spca.org to see how to adopt animals or to donate to the rescue cause.

CONTEMPLATIONS: How about that photo? Looks like Dallas, doesn’t it? Nope. We got that photo this morning from our Eastern Seaboard Correspondent Andy Fisher, formerly of NBC and currently a periodic college lecturer, writer and wintertime shut-in. He lives in Denville, N.J., and this is a scene at Andy’s house today. He says, “For the first time I can remember, I am snowed in.  There hasn't been a plow truck down my street all night.  And it's still snowing!” He got sage medical advice from his doctor regarding shoveling snow this week. The doc said not to do it, adding “It’s New Jersey. It’ll melt.” ... Let’s pick a song for the day. And we’ll dedicate it to the folks in New Jersey. How about Sly & The Family Stone’s Hot Fun in the Summertime. ...  Best John Wayne movie for lazy afternoon viewing? Rio Bravo or The Angel and the Badman? Not that anybody ever has a lazy afternoon these days.

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An update, some rescues and tranquility

Here we go with a report for Thursday that will include situations and opportunities and other notes (and, of course, our consistent wish that a couple of our dogs could embrace the concept of “sleeping late”).

AN UPDATE ON EMILY: When first we wrote about Emily, our Burns Flat, Okla., tipster Terry Lynn Fisher was telling us the horrible story of how the dog had been mutilated after being dumped and after having tried to go back to her “home” to get her puppies.  (We have before and after photos here.)

Terry Lynn got the dog out of a bad spot in Oklahoma and into the care of August Dog Rescue in Texas.

Here’s the update and a little background from Nancy Underwood Pollard of August Dog Rescue:

Emily, “was never vetted or spayed and wandered a lot, and she still bears the scars of a former bullet shot and many BB gun attacks.  Emily had a litter of puppies and her former family didn't mind the puppies but no longer wanted to keep her.
“So, the owners dropped Emily at the local shelter while keeping her puppies -- this is awful for a new mother of any species!  Emily managed to evade the shelter worker putting her in the outdoor run that first day and ran 'home' to get her puppies. 

“Unfortunately, it took Emily a week to make it there and when she arrived she'd been shot in the face - she was missing the lower half of her jaw. The family didn't want the blood in their house and refused to keep her or even foster her so she could get medical care. They kept her puppies and dumped her at the shelter again.”

That’s when Terry Lynn entered the picture and got word out about Emily. Nancy reports that Emily is now “in foster care in Dallas and embarking on a whole new life!”

Her mouth has healed, she’s healthy (though a little thin) and scheduled to be spayed.

Nancy writes, “Emily is house-trained, crate-trained and leash-trained, adores people and kids and other dogs (hasn't met any cats yet).   She is very clingy and craves human affection -- which we all agree she certainly deserves to have some of!“
Her foster mom says, “She really, really wants to be the center of human attention. I am amazed that my dogs let her push right past them to sleep, literally, spooning with me. She snores like a wild beast. Her mouth looks better every day. She loves to give kisses.”

And, she’s available for adoption. E-mail [email protected].

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR STEVIE: This is Stevie and he’s missing in the Quorum/Keller Springs area of Addison/Dallas. He is not a Texas cat but came here under family circumstances as we hear from Rebecca Poling, longtime rescuer and president of Companions For Life.

“When we moved my mother into a nursing home in Kansas last year, we brought her cats here to Texas and found new homes for them,” says Rebecca. “We adopted the last one out in January to one of [husband] Rich’s co-workers.  But he bolted from his new home on Sunday and hasn’t been seen since.  The adopter is heartbroken and so am I. 

“I learned how to recover lost cats from the best there is – the folks at Missing Pet Partnership -- so I have flyers up and traps out, but I would greatly appreciate if your readers in the Quorum/Keller Springs area of town would keep an eye out for him – and the shelter workers in the area, too, just in case. 

“His name is Stevie and he’s a solid black cat with gold eyes and he’s a bit shy. Anyone who sees him can call me at 972-822-6840 or email [email protected]. “

BIG PRIZE FOR THE GAP CLUB: We’ve mentioned the Girls Awareness Program from Euless Trinity High School frequently here – these students have partnered with the Euless Animal Shelter to help save more than 200 animals in the past year.

This week they were presented with the City of Euless Volunteer of the Year Award for 2009 for their work with the shelter. The GAP sponsors are teachers Steffenie Vela, Stephanie Cronk and Linda Munz.
An email we were forwarded from Ms. Cronk reads, “I can't tell you how proud I am of the girls and their work! I was brought to tears ... as they spoke about the fact that through our work we've helped save over 200 animals over the past year and that their [shelter] put-down rate has decreased by 80%. That really does make it all worth it!”

Maybe we ought to get a GAP club to adopt every city shelter.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR: Coming up March 26 at Union Station, “Spotlight Humane/Dallas First Annual Gala.”  (Not sure how the organizers decided that title – heck, this is Dallas. We’ve been having galas around here since before the Trinity River had a bridge. Maybe it’s the first HSUS gala?) Anyway, the tasty news is the event is being catered by Wolfgang Puck.  Proceeds from the evening go to the Humane Society of the United States’ Stop Puppy Mills campaign. Details of the gala are HERE. Tickets range from $150 for a general admission to $7,500 for an underwriter’s table for 10.

MORE CONFISCATIONS: The SPCA of Texas and the Fannin County Sheriff’s Department went to Neely’s Pet Place near Bonham yesterday to seized 60 dogs and three horses, according to an SPCA news release.

You can see KXII’s (Channel 12) report HERE. Rough to watch. This was not the first time authorities had looked into Brenda Neely’s operations.

TANGA NEEDS A HOME: Justin Gwinn of Midlothian, south of Dallas, is looking for a home for this 3-year-old Rottie, Tanga. No adoption fee, he says. “We will just be happy to find her a caring home. She will be a real joy for whoever that person or family might be.”

To ask about auditioning to adopt Tanga, call Justin at 214 704 6831

or e-mail [email protected].

He says, “She is a very well behaved animal that is friendly around adults and children alike. She is mostly an outside dog, but she has no problems being inside either. I don't have the time to commit with her that she deserves and hope someone else may. She does not dig, destroy, or bark all night. She is current with all shots and is heart worm negative. “

A RESCUE NAMED TRUB: We got this colorfully told story from a third- or fourth-generation e-mail, but we checked with Pete Wann about the voracity and he confirmed it and a dog needs a home, so we’ll repeat the e-mail and see if we can find help for the pup named Trub.

The e-mail, written by “Victoria,” reads: “My friend Pete saved this beautiful ... pit bull puppy from the yard behind his. The dog has been living chained to a post for MONTHS. Even in the bad weather. Pete had enough of it and went over there last night to confront the owner. After halfheartedly saying that they would bring the dog inside at night, as Pete was walking away the man yelled, ‘Hey, my son never takes care of it. You want it?’
“Don't you just LOVE IT when IDIOTS get dogs and leave them ALONE in the back yard? Really, REALLY ticks me off. Hats off to Pete for having the guts to finally confront the man.

“The puppy is free to anyone who will take him (to anyone who obviously wants him as a pet). Pete and Jenna already have two dogs. They are guessing that he's around three to four months old.”
To ask about giving this dog a home, e-mail  [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS: Let’s just think tranquil things today. Gentle spring rain on pretty blossoms. ... The sound of a car starting after you get a new battery. ...  Opening an unexpected greeting card. ...  Finding a filling station selling gas at a dime lower than the local average.  ... Finding something to watch on television against great odds.  ... Picking up a book you’ve always intended to read and discovering that it’s your new favorite book. ... Finding a couple of "guest dogs" sacked out on the couch while the household human types madly only a few feet away.  ...  Watching automobile executives  testify before Congress (Did that for a couple of hours yesterday; it was a lot like watching the baseball players testify about steroids. At the end, nothing had changed.) ...  Daydreaming about hearing that someone who deserves it bought a runaway Toyota. ... Ah, tranquility – you are so evasive.

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Chips, crises and plumbing...

This is National Tortilla Chip Day and I know it’ll be celebrated vigorously in Texas.

The late Rebecca Webb Carranza gets credit for developing the popular tortilla chip in Los Angeles at El Zarape around 1950, but, there’s always a dispute in food history. And, of course, Texas has a side to the story including THIS  report that even mentions our beloved Texas Centennial in Dallas in 1936.

About the only chip whose invention can actually be nailed down is the one Jack Kilby invented in Dallas. You can’t dip salsa with it, but you can order salsa online because of it.

In the meantime, as you long for chips and salsa, here’s a photo of our staff impersonator, Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas, giving us his impression of an Olympic skater rushing into the participants’ lounge in Vancouver and spotting a big steaming platter of Mom’s Double Salcow Meatloaf with an appetizer of tortilla chips and Curling Your Toes Muy Caliente Salsa, the official dip of the Vancouver Olympics.

(Aside: You may ask yourself, why does this clown present these photos of his cocker spaniel with made up stories. It’s because the load of unpleasant news or the crush of long-shot rescues is so great some days that I just can’t dive right into it. We all need to remember that there are things to smile about in the world. That’s why, when I’m writing, I always wear clown shoes and a red nose. I’m kidding – about the shoes, anyway.  And now, today’s report.)

LOOKING FOR NEW PROPERTY: One of our longtime animal rescue tipsters, Gail Whelan, has been through ups and downs with the Companion Animal Network. She’s constantly overloaded with animals and periodically decides to stop working in rescue and avoid the frustrations and heartbreak. Then something good happens and she rebounds. But now she’s facing another situation and it is really upsetting her. Here is her story in her words. She distributed this e-mail yesterday. She wrote:

“I need to find a place to go with all my foster dogs. I realize this is a huge request, but I will be more than happy to live on property in a barn or something similar. I don't need a kitchen. I can handle being without heat, etc.  I am pretty resourceful.
“For the past eight months, someone has been calling animal control regularly and saying my dogs are not vaccinated, have no water or shelter, etc. All of which is ridiculous.  Dallas Animal Services has been to my house FIVE times and not once have I received a citation, any recommendations for changing our procedures, etc.  The last time there were there THREE of them that came out, including the vet for the city ...who only took pictures of my laundry.

“In December I sent an FOIA letter to DAS requesting information on who is doing this to me.  According to one of my attorneys, they had 10 days in which to respond, but never did (typical).  I am calling the Attorney General's office today to see what else I can do.
“Meanwhile, I just cannot handle this anymore. I have taken so much time off work to meet these people and let them inspect, etc. I just can't do it anymore.
“The saddest thing is that there are dogs chained, starving, being bred in backyards, etc. and nothing is done. Your tax dollars at work.”

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

A PERSONNEL CHANGE IN MARSHALL: Our tipster Eva Sepulvado, veteran animal control officer in Marshall, about 3 hours east of Dallas on I-30, confirmed yesterday that her relationship with the city shelter has changed. These things happen.

“Right now I am enjoying unemployment,” she good-naturedly told me in an e-mail.

She has been instrumental through the years in saving many lives.

“There is no one lined up for the position yet.  I can only hope the new person will love the dogs as much as I ... I have been approved to pull dogs from there ... until something changes will still be posting dogs for them (I hope).”

You can see available animals in Marshall by clicking HERE.

TAKING A LOOK AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES: As you may know, the Humane Society of the United States is about to send its professional shelter evaluation team in to examine operations at Dallas Animal Services.

We’ve received this from veteran rescuer and president of Companions For Life Rebecca Poling. She writes, “A lot of us complain about Dallas Animal Services – sometimes we are justified and sometimes we’re just blowing off steam.  But either way, there are now two great opportunities to do something more than ‘just talk’ about what is bugging you.  

“First, put your money where your mouth is and make a contribution to help Dallas Animal Advocates send Dallas Animal Services staff to the Texas Unites Conference in Austin next month.   DAS staff can learn from the best in the nation about investigations, adoptions, shelter management and much more.  You can donate online at www.dallasanimaladvocates.com. 

“Second, HSUS has begun taking comments from the public in anticipation of their April 2010 evaluation of Dallas Animal Services.  Now is the time to let them know your thoughts about Dallas Animal Services, their operations, policies, and investigations.  Submit your comments via email to [email protected]  or fax to 301-258-3081 by March 23 and help HSUS focus their efforts on the areas most important to you.”

You may also send comments via snail mail to Shelter Services Manager, The HSUS Shelter Evaluation Program, RE: The City of Dallas Animal Shelter, 2100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20037.

That dog? What’s today’s Earhound – Bruno, a year-old dog described as a “Plott Hound mix” who was turned in to the shelter by his owners “because they could no longer care for him.” You can see how to adopt a Dallas animal by clicking HERE.

COLLIN COUNTRY CRISIS: As you may know, the Collin County Animal Services Shelter has a contract with the SPCA of Texas through which all of the shelter’s adoptions are handled. Rescue groups can claim animals from the shelter and people can reclaim their pets, but the rest of the animals are at the mercy of the SPCA’s judgment regarding “adoptable” status.

So a note from Collin County tipster DeDe Whitcombe brought a disturbing bit of news. She forwarded a note from Collin County staffer Lisa Drummond, one of the shelters hard-working rescuers. She wrote, “I have just been informed nothing is able to be held, so if it is past stray hold it is going down. SPCA will not pull anything for 3 weeks. This is a horrible situation. I am begging if anyone has room, please consider CCAS. We have so many wonderful babies.”

Click HERE to see them. To offer to rescue animals from Collin County, e-mail [email protected] or call 214-674-3688.

What sort of animals are at risk in the Collin County shelter? Well, for one there’s the dog pictured here – a St. Bernard mix found on Country Road 168. Good dog wandering. Maybe stray. Maybe dumped. Human failure somewhere and unless someone saves the dog, he’ll be failed by humans again.

TIED TO A CRATE FOR MONTHS: Oh, goodness. Here’s a rescue story that involves an escape by a boy who is just too skinny.

We get it from Amy Pelzel, the hardworking volunteer with the Denton Animal Services Shelter.

“We just rescued a poor pitiful boy who is about 2-4 years old. He has been tied up to a crate in a back yard for months. Finally he escaped and we were able to get him. He is as sweet and docile as he can be. He LOVES people -- and other dogs. He gets along with everyone. He wags his tail and is just overall a great dog that needs a better, good home. We are praying the owners do not come for him. ... He is a gentle soul and we need to find him a great place to live!”

Scooter, as he is known, becomes available for rescue or adoption on Saturday. And when you ask about Scooter, you can also ask about that cute dog behind him. That’s Jack, the poodle mix.

You can visit the shelter site HERE and e-mail Amy about these dogs at [email protected].

EXERCISING YOUR VOTE: You can warm up for politics by casing a ballot on behalf of Sharon Sleighter and Legacy Boxer Rescue in the “Hero Next Door” contest. Winning this election will mean FIVE GRAND for the boxers. Click HERE to vote.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Plumbers are coming back this morning to put new nipples on our hot water heater. I’ll bet you never thought you’d read a sentence like that. Seems the hookup won’t pass city inspection unless there’s some sort of non-corrosive gadget on the connecting nipples. I have no idea what any of that means, but I know that it cost a lot of money to replace our hot water heater and bring the whole arrangement up to code. ... Things could be worse. I could have bad tires. Oh, wait. I had to buy four new ones last week. And one of them was lucky enough to have a nail through its side. Yep, that’s a photo. ... Throughout each crisis I’ve had a good dog by my side. And he’s been asking, “You have enough left over for dog food, right?” Yes, we’re both enjoying the healthy crunch.

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On a winter's day...

A little snow was falling on the dogs this morning as they went out for their 7 a.m. romp.

They slept late, inexplicably. Probably a set-up for tomorrow when they’ll want up at 4:30 a.m.

Now, while noting that this is the 16th annual Spay Day USA (originated by the Doris Day Animal League), we’ll move into our collection of reports.

WHAT BECAME OF THE LOVERS LANE DOG? Back in November Brooke Richards found this dog Sam chained to a stop sign on Lovers Lane in Dallas. That is a photo of Sam in chains.

It is accompanied by a photo of Sam in “lounging mode” and warming by a fireplace.

Why a dog like this would be chained to a sign on one of Dallas’ busy streets is beyond most of us.

Brooke got some friends to take Sam in. But, Sam, though at ease in these photos, has turned out to be a little more “rambunctious” than they need in a home with three smaller dogs – he’s a tad too aggressive for the little dogs.

Brook writes that the humans work many hours and don’t have the time to devote to training the “Lab puppy” out of Sam.

She says he needs a home where he’ll have a human who has time to pay attention to him.

“Based on the indentions that were around his neck I feel that he was chained up his whole life, so he has never learned any manners.  He needs training and LOTS of exercise.  He would be best as an only dog or with larger ones.  Not sure how he is with kids…never seen him around a child…but he is very sweet with adults…my concern with children would be that he would jump on them and accidentally knock them over!
The year-old Yellow Lab mix is healthy and neutered. To offer to help Sam find a home, call 214-351-6291, 214-537-5000 or 214-273-5208 or e-mail [email protected].

AMBROSE THE SURVIVOR: Chains must be the theme of the day. This is Ambrose of Nacogdoches, the historic town in the Piney Woods of East Texas.

We got his story from Nacogdoches tipster Nancy Hinds.

Here’s the basic story. “Ambrose is a wonderful guy who spent his first year of life on the end of a chain.  Ravaged by a nasty skin infection, Ambrose survived distemper and the lack of care he received from his previous owners.”

This year-old dog is “blind in one eye and has a few tics and rattles.”

That’s sort of the formal description, but Nancy provides us with the hands-on rescuer explanation of this dog. It’s a classic. “He is such a goober,” she says. “He went to the Nacogdoches shelter adoption event this weekend and even though he has improved tremendously, people were guessing his age at 12 - 13 yrs old.  He is only a year old.

“Ambrose got along great with everyone. He danced and pranced around, ignoring the dogs who growled at him.  Anyone who had food he would sit in front of and offer a paw in exchange for a bite to eat.  Anyone who spent any bit of time with him instantly fell in love.

“Ambrose is heartworm negative, vaccinated, and someone at the adoption event offered to sponsor his neuter.  His skin is still a bit rough and will need continued vigilance and work to keep his hair growing and his skin looking good. We have tried steroids to control the itching while he was on antibiotics; lime and sulphur baths, and promeris.  He should not have a living parasite on him anymore but continues to itch.  So I suspect it is a food allergy, which can't be addressed in the shelter but can in a foster or forever home.

“He is blind in one eye but it does not slow him down a bit.  He romps and plays, loves kids, puppies - just about anyone.  There was a litter of pups he would herd around at the shelter - he is a good nursemom.”

Nancy says Ambrose has been in the shelter since Nov. 8 and “came in looking like a walking scab.  He doesn't look great right now but has improved tremendously. ...I really want someone to take him who has the resources and the patience to get him all the way well, not someone who will take him because they feel sorry for him.  He doesn't feel sorry for himself, and does not expect anyone else to.”

To ask about giving Sam a home, call 936-560-5011 or e-mail [email protected].

TUCKER THE CAT AND ALLERGIES: Mimi Romo is facing two challenges: possible surgery and finding a home for Tucker.

Tucker is a 12-year-old cat who has lived with Mimi for a decade.

Mimi says, “Tuck is healthy and I love him dearly but I am extremely allergic to cats and my doctor wants to do surgery to reconstruct my nasal passage that is constricted from constant exposure to animals. I work in a vet clinic and have for 13 years. I’m really saddened by this but don’t have any other solution.”

Tucker is neutered, declawed and vaccinated. Mimi says, “I will provide free food and heartworm/flea preventative for six months.”

She says, “I would like to find him a home soon because he is boarding at my vet clinic and not very happy.” To ask about adopting Tucker, e-mail [email protected].

RHOADIE: This dog, who looks built for comfort, needs a home.  We get his story from Marilyn Brown of TAILS in Grand Saline.

She says fellow rescuer Carol Whitcomb is working with the family to find a happy solution for Rhoadie who is described as a “black lab/pit/shepherd -- a black East Texas hybrid.”

The story is that Rhoadie’s human has developed dementia and he’s losing his place his to live.

Carol reports, “An old guy down the road is supposed to be feeding him but the old guy is in bad shape and his wife is ill.  I could not find a food dish.  Rhoadie is very thin but not skin and bones. He is a very good watchdog and stays in an unfenced yard but seems to stay close to the house. He barked and barked at me when I drove up but his tail was wagging. He warmed up pretty fast when he discovered that I happened to have a few trial-size packages of cat food in the car! I couldn't find any outside water, but happened to have a few partial water bottles in my car and he was obviously grateful for the water. He never relaxed completely - I could tell he was very conflicted.....lonesome and hungry - and I was very friendly, but you could tell he was not sure I was supposed to be there.
“He seems to be in good shape overall, neutered and his teeth looked good at a quick glance.  He has had a collar on at one time that has been taken off, but it looks like it was cutting into his neck pretty bad before it was removed.  That makes me wonder how happy he would be to have another collar put on.  I called the daughter when I got back - apparently the old guy paid the neighbor to feed him. They are not sure of his age, he was an older puppy when the old guy got him and he has had him about 2-3 years - so approximately 4.

“I asked her about the collar and she said her dad used to keep him tied up to the doghouse - he probably got to dragging the house around...it looked pretty ragged.  She is going to speak to her dad this evening and see if she can get any more info on the dog.  No idea about vaccinations but she was going to ask him.  She said his memory has really failed, but you never know what someone might hang on to.
“Anyway -  if someone was looking for a good outside dog I think he would be an excellent candidate.  This kind of situation breaks my heart.  The dog has done nothing wrong - I am hoping that maybe one of you will hear of someone looking for him - she said he loves everyone and is good with kids.  Also, a BIG plus, he did not try to jump on me!”

That’s Carol’s report. To ask about giving this big ol’ dawg a home, e-mail [email protected] or call 903-292-8897 or 888-211-7334.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Is the effect of life’s daily aggravations cummulative?  What’s the best way to get rid of the stress? Exercise? Meditation? Coconut cream pie and a cup of coffee? ... Hard to believe that we’ve seen snow three times in North Texas this winter. Would a cooler summer than usual mean better pitching for the Texas Rangers? ... As Toyota tries to put the brakes on its scandal, here’s a question for my fellow Baby Boomers who survived their childhoods without seatbelts and airbags: Were cars safer back then? I know they were bigger and we had a 1953 Plymouth that looked like it was based on the design of an Army tank. We once hit a pulpwood truck with it – no damages to people and the repair shop hammered out the dents. No plastic parts.

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On Monday, a collection...

Welcome to Monday.  Let’s review: You awoke too early, got to work too late and needed more sleep.

It’s America – enjoy it.

Think about the poor radio morning shows – those people have to be at work before dairy cattle start their shifts. Now, mindful that the world has some rough edges and idiots, let’s continue:

AN INEXPLICABLE ATTACK:  Good grief. We don’t have a photo to go with this story and that’s probably a good thing.

We learned of the incident from veteran rescuer Della Wallace on Saturday night. She was busy trying to put together some people to pursue justice in this case. She writes,

“I call it torture. The law may not!

"Last night at approximately 10 p.m. I received a call from a young couple who had heard a dog whimpering and found a shepherd mix under their deck with an ARROW in its chest.”

She says Denton County animal control officers were called. They found the owner of the dog. And, after consultation, “they euthanized the poor little thing on the spot and put it out of its misery.  

“The officer assured me that Denton County is going to treat this as a criminal offense.”

There may be a reward fund set up to help inspire capture of the person who shot a dog with an arrow.

Della says that “we think her name was Lola. ... My sister thought that if her name isn't Lola a good name for her would be Faith. Faith that someone will get that creep and throw him in jail.”

More to come on this story, no doubt.

IT’S SPAY DAY WEEK: Yep, the annual Spay Day celebration – can that be the right word? – has begun. Cheap spay and neuter surgeries are available for people who can’t afford to take their pets to a vet for surgery. Maybe for people who “won’t afford” it, too. Check out the schedule at www.dfwspayday.org. You have to have an appointment. Probably nobody reading this actually needs to take your critter in for a spay/neuter session, but maybe you know someone who does. And, if they are reluctant to participate, feel free to print this out, roll it up into a tight cylinder and stick it in the ear of the reluctant pinhead.  Wait, wait, wait. That would be wrong.

TWO DOGS WHO NEED A BREAK: Our tipster Linda Barnes is trying to help these dogs find a home.

They’re being surrendered by two people who are moving into a place that can’t accept the dogs.

“They are sweet, healthy (except for needing some eye drops) and playful. I went to take their pictures and they were so active, it was hard to capture their faces.  ... I really think these guys might be in danger if they're not adopted.”

There’s about a three-week window of opportunity to find a home for the “Maltese mix” and the Shih-Tzu.

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

SLIM EARHOUND: Holy smoke, Denton Animal Control wins today’s Earhound derby with this dog Brady.

Our tipster, Amy Pelzel, describes Brady as “a beautiful, very skinny German Shepherd that is available now....He was found as a stray. He is very sweet, calm, affectionate and loves other dogs and people! He is a great boy that we need to get out of the shelter ASAP.

“We are so full and anyone that is available is at risk for euthanasia due to space.”

You can read about all the critters in the Denton shelter by going HERE. That link will also show you how to get in touch with the shelter. And if you want to ask about Brady, e-mail [email protected]. You might also ask about that little blue-eyed pup standing next to Brady -- probably needs a home, too.

NEWS AND A HANDSOME LAD IN SULPHUR SPRINGS: Well, of course, here’s a fellow – a Basset mix – who can really “stack” as they say at the big dog shows. He’s also got one brown eye and one blue eye and one white ear and one brown ear.

He’s the variety pack of dogs.

And he’s a stray whose time will be up on Wednesday.  (To ask about saving this guy, e-mail [email protected]. Call the shelter at 903-438-9369.

Important note: Yes, Sulphur Springs’ city council has voted to change the shelter’s method of euthanizing animals from gassing to the needle. But, the changeover takes time, we’re told, and things aren’t quite in place yet. So, for now, gassing is the method.

Of course, if someone adopts all the animals, there’ll be no need for gassing.

SHRINERS AT IHOP: Last week we mentioned that National Pancake Day is Tuesday. We’ve gotten a pancake-inspired note from our rescue pal Dianne Cole, who happens to like the “big ol’ dawgs” and would take a dozen more if possible. Maybe two dozen.

And, as I’ve often noted here, some of the best animal-people are people-people, too, particularly they are “kid-people.”

So, in your travels on Tuesday (Feb. 23 – tomorrow!) if you feel yourself needing a pancake, stop by an area IHop and help the Shriners raise money for the Shrine hospitals. (Shriners will be at the restaurants – you’ll be able to tell them from the other diners: each will be wearing a Shriner fez.) They’ll be on duty from 7:30 a.m. to well into the dinner hour -- 10 p.m., they say. 

Dianne’s husband, Mike, is with the Hella Shrine – he’ll be working the IHop at I-30 and Cockrell Hill Road.

As you may know, the Shrine hospitals “never turn a child in need away.”

You can read about the hospitals and about IHOP’s helping the cause by clicking HERE.  (I’m not a Shriner and I’ve never worn a fez, but I have known people who benefited from the hospitals.)

By the way, place a food order at IHOP on Tuesday and you’ll get a free short stack of pancakes. They’ll give pancakes, you can give donations. Dianne says that last year, the Shriner/IHop team raised more than $850,000 for the hospitals. And IHop's pancakes have no calories -- I might have made that up.

GUNNER’S THE NAME: Well, now that is quite a face on a big gray cat.

He’s one of the animals on the PTS list for Wednesday at the Carrollton Animal Services shelter. He’s a medium-sized, adult who came in as a stray.

Here’s the official story from the folks in Carrollton: “This ole tom cat tried to get himself a free meal when he stepped on the trip plate of a humane trap set to capture some of the stray cats in an area. He is a friendly boy who shows the signs of some of the more recent scraps he has gotten himself into. He is a talkative kitty who meows for attention whenever he sees a willing person.
“He is hoping to retire from the life on the streets and become a spoiled housecat.”

Ah, is that not the face of a swell housecat?

To ask about Gunner or any of the animals in Carrollton, call 972-466-3420 or e-mail [email protected].

Joe reports that there were NO adoptions over the weekend at Carrollton “but we have had 15 dogs come in.”

FOR YOUR CALENDAR:

--Metroplex Mutts and Veritas Wine Room in Dallas are teaming for a happy hour and fundraiser from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 28)  – I know 2 to 5 is more than one happy hour, but pace yourself. Tickets are $15 and include assorted bargains. There’s also a raffle. Click on www.metroplexmutts.org and you can see all the details. You can also navigate to the pages with the available critters – and they are why people will be enjoying happy hours and minutes at Veritas.  (I took two years of Latin – I know Veritas means “truth” and, translating for the benefit of former Latin students, “Nonnullus amicitia of bestia diligo vinum.” Oh, I cheated – I used a free online translation service.)

--Second Chance SPCA, the no-kill shelter in Plano, will benefit when people buy tickets to the March 2 Dallas Stars vs. Los Angeles Kings hockey match at American airlines center. According to SC-SPCA, “$10 from every ticket goes directly to Second Chance.” E-mail queries to [email protected]. Call 214-387-5583 and ask for Chad Pennington in the Stars’ group sales.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Did you watch NASCAR or the Olympics? Does that say anything about you? ... Watched the Tiger Woods statement – here’s an idea for a reality show: Celebrity confessions. First 15 minutes sets up the situation, next 10 shows the prep for confession and the confession, final 5 has other celebs debate how well the confessor pulled it off.  Call it, “Apologywood.”  ... My brother, Garry, sent me some photos from the Dallas Autorama over the weekend. He included one of a Chevrolet Vega that has been converted into a high-speed dragster. Dragsters race for a quarter-mile. I had two Vegas in the early 1970s. A quarter-mile was about as far as they could go without something blowing up. Yeah, I'm still bitter about those lousy cars.

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Jazzmyn -- not too big for any bed...

 

 

There is an amazing adaptability in the canines of the world.

They can be big; they can be small. Let me rephrase. They can think big; they can think small.

We’ll cite the story of Jazzmyn as an example and also cite Jazzmyn as a continuing example of slumbering, i.e., worthy of the spotlight in our weekly feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.

The story of Jazzmyn and her assorted canine comrades comes to us from Sheri Olson. She and her hubby, Bob, have opened their home to foster dogs.
When we first encountered this Great Dane mix Jazzmyn (April 2009), she was romping with her pal Clancy, a Catahoula/Basset mix. You can see in the photo that there’s a bit of a size difference between the two and I’m not sure it’s what you’d call a “size advantage” because Clancy isn’t a pushover in the game of puppy wrestling.

Jazzmyn and Clancy, fosters for Animal Rescue of Texas at the time, are still together.

“We ended up adopting Jazzmyn after fostering her for a year and a half,” Sheri says. “She’s grown to 100 pounds now and since she was raised as a puppy with Chihuahuas, she thinks she is one.”

Yep, just what every relaxed-in-the-recliner person needs, a 100-pound lap dog who thinks she’s a Chihuahua.

(We have some of those big lap dogs at our house. The operative phrase to express “temporary discomfort” after a surprise lap-landing is “Ooofenhurl.”)

Sheri says Jazzmyn “tore up her king-size bed the other day, so she found the next best thing – two Chihuahua beds she tried to fit into.”

One of those beds was occupied already – by a Chihuahua whose name is spelled “Fivo” and it’s pronounced “Five-o.”

Sheri explains, “He's the dog we rescued for my husband Bob's 50th birthday a few years back so we called him ‘the big Fivo.’  He doesn't mind sharing with his big sister.”

And, yes, Clancy is still with the Olsons. Still a foster dog. Still available. Sheri says, “I'm sure his forever family is somewhere out there and he's waiting patiently for them.  In the mean time, he and Jazzy are still best friends.”

(To nominate your slumbering critter – big or small, narrow or wide, long or short, relative or missing link (That could be the same person, I guess...) for Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send the sleeping or napping or dozing photo to and be sure to include information about the photo subject and yourself. Remember, we’re proud to show the world that it is possible to nod off – such a thing gives my fellow insomniacs hope for their own futures.)

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On Friday, a roundup and Tiger...

Whoa! It’s Friday already.

Let’s see what we’ve got today beyond the Tiger Woods statement. Try to stay out of the rough.

LAPTOP:

Our pals with Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake are looking for a laptop – no, not a cat such as the stellar Griffin, an excecutive with Readlarrypowell.com.

Nope, they need a PC -- "PC” isn’t “Personal Cat.” They’ve got plenty of personal cats. They need one of those nifty computers for use at the Friends’ Spay/Neuter Clinic in Gun Barrel City.

 As Friends spokeswoman Sydney Busch writes, “If you have one that you would like to NOT put in the landfill and would donate to us, please call or e-mail me.” Friends is a non-profit so there’s a tax break. To offer a used or new laptop for use at the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic, call 903-451-4701 or e-mail [email protected].

FUNDRAISING MARDI GRAS AND A DIVINE EARHOUND:  Oh, boy, check out that set of ears on Kate! Totally she’s today’s Earhound.

And she’s among the dogs being helped by the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas which is hosting its “Greyt Gala: A Mardi Gras Celebration and Silent Auction” from 6 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 27 at Hackberry creek Country Club.

Our GALT tipster Amity Thomas says Kate is one of 55 dogs available for adoption – most are retired racing dogs. And, as fans of Greyhounds know, once these dogs retire, they have a tendency to enjoy life as genuine couch potatoes.

Amity‘s not also suggests that partygoers dress “with Mardi Gras bling and beads” to enjoy the evening of dining, bidding in the silent auction, sipping cocktails and enjoying music by LIVE 80.

The evening’s emcee is sportscaster John Rhadigan and among the celebrities guests are actor Burton Gilliam (Blazing Saddles, Paper Moon and many others including the head of the Flying Elvises in Honeymoon in Vegas.), Dallas Mavericks broadcaster Mark Folllowill, and big league baseball players Jose Guzman, Jack Lazorko and Mike Phillips.

Tickets are $125 each. Go to www.galtx.org or call 972-503-GALT.

PEPPER: All week we’ve been getting an onslaught of e-mails regarding saving this dog Pepper. In the e-mail you’ll see three photos of Pepper and a request to save the dog’s life.

Turns out Pepper was under the umbrella of the North Texas animal Control Authority, an organization that is described as a “private animal control that works with ... small cities.”

So, we checked with  NTACA and Charles K. Payne of the North Texas Animal Control Authority who reported, “Pepper was adopted Monday morning.”

Here’s the North Texas Animal Control Authority website: www.ntaca.com. It looks like it hasn’t been updated in a while, but I’m sure, no doubt, the Authority has been too busy with critters to do computer work.

THE AVAILABLE BRINKLEY: This guy Brinkley has drawn the attention of Lynn and Tony Gatlin at Project Pawz in Corsicana.

According to Lynn, he was found shivering and starving at a barn during the big snowstorm  last week. The people who owned the barn made room for him and he’s now available for adoption.

He’s under a year old, weighs 33 pounds (but needs to gain weight), is healthy and ready to go.

As Lynn says, “Thanks to the Good Samaritan that found Brinkley, he's basically been given a new lease on life as opposed to starving to death in the middle of nowhere or being dinner for a pack of coyotes! Brinkley is now in a private foster home soaking up as much love and attention as any one orphaned dog can stand. He's proven to be great with kids, and just an all around good boy!”

To ask about adopting Brinkley call 903-874-3722 or e-mail [email protected].

SAKE NEEDS A HOME: Diana Aleman is trying to find a home for her 7-year-old Akita, Sake. “I have had her since she was 6 months old so this won't be easy but I don't have a choice right now. She is really sweet. She is great with kids and not the dominant dog in my current household but you will have to introduce her to another large dog carefully. I think she tries to dominate anywhere else she can since she can't at home. Sake needs exercise and I don't give her that a lot so anyone active would be great. The worst thing about Sake is she gives too many kisses! If you know of anyone that would take care of her and love her that would be great. All I want is for her to have a good home.”

To help Diana place her dog, call 972-978-1097 or e-mail [email protected].

MISSING IN AUSTIN: We get the story from our veteran tipster/rescuer Karen West. This dog, Leila, was struck by a car in Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood on Sunday. “She jumped right up, but took off running and hasn’t been seen since,” reports Karen. The dog is about 50 pounds, white with gold spots and is wearing a collar with ID. If you know her whereabouts, call 817-793-4573. (We’re not totally certain about this number, but we’re erring with caution on behalf of the dog – if someone knows a better contact, let us know.)

CONTEMPLATIONS:  Watched the Tiger Woods statement.  Tough spot to have put himself in. I can’t remember any other professional golfer doing anything like this, though John Daly has come close, but, then John Daly wasn’t presented as a role model to young Americans. Let’s keep things in perspective: Neither one of these guys is Michael Vick. ... We’re grateful to be on CarGuy Jerry Reynold’s mailing list and today his newsletter offered this (We bring it up because we filled up our tank yesterday at 2.39.9 a gallon and bought four new tires, too. We’re auto-sensitive today and we drive a Ford pickup, not a Toyota Gorollanonstop.) Check these per gallon averages:  DFW AVERAGE TODAY:  $2.40; DFW AVERAGE ONE WEEK AGO TODAY:  $2.40;  DFW AVERAGE ONE MONTH AGO:  $2.60;

DFW AVERAGE PRICE ONE YEAR AGO TODAY:  $1.81; NATIONAL AVERAGE ONE YEAR AGO TODAY:  $1.93.  Oh, my, if I could afford to go anywhere, I really would be paying more for gasoline. ... We have to remember, as we enter the weekend, enjoy life. Enjoy the moments. And be grateful nobody makes you stand up on TV and talk about things you’d rather not talk about.

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Emotions, animals & contemplations...

Who can figure out this world?

Some things work. Some things don’t.

Today we’ve got a story of a dog that survived being trapped on a snowy, dangerous riverbank slope. And another story of a dog who had a wire loop so tight that the dog had to be sedated to get it off.

And then, on our Prayers & Passages page, there are the two dogs, Walker Red and Braveheart, rescued from dire situations a month apart.  Please take some time to visit the Prayers & Passages page and see how these two dogs touched people.  Do it after you read the rest of this page – it’ll be easier on your tear ducts.

SURVIVED ON A SNOWY SLOPE: It was late last evening when I got this tip from Jonnie England who’d just gotten the note from Mark Cooper of Dallas Animal Services.

The story has to do with the rescue of this dog by his fellow Animal Control Officer Amy Carlile.

That is Amy photographed with the pit named Camo.

Amy had contacted Mark with a “special request” and you’ll see that it’s special because of a personal effort.

On Sunday night, ACO Carlile, working in the dark and “after a long and arduous adventure,” managed to rescue this male pit Camo from “a riverbed in South Dallas.”

She wrote, “From what I could tell, the dog had been trapped on the 20-foot embankment for a few days at least. My guess is that he survived by drinking the melting snow and was able to keep dry underneath the rock overhang.

“Some wonderfully tenacious kids heard the dog howling a couple of days ago but were only able to locate the dog yesterday.

“I went to great lengths to get the dog to safety, and my heart absolutely melted when he realized he was being rescued and put his face on my chest, etc. (insert warm fuzzy feeling here).

“I am not a huge fan of pit bulls (I'm more of a herding/shepherd fan), but I think with some TLC this mixed mutt could possibly make a nice dog.

“With the story that goes with him, perhaps we could find a person or an organization that would be interested in placing him.

“He's rough on the eyes, as he's very emaciated and covered in mud, but is a beautiful chocolaty-tan color underneath the dirt. He jumped right into my van, walked well on the leash, and ate all the food I brought him.”

Amy made a personal offer above and beyond duty. “If there's ANYTHING that can be done, short of taking him home myself (I am not allowed to have pits), I would be eternally grateful. I would be happy to come to work early and give him a bath, clean him up, and take a closer look at him. I know there are more adoptable dogs in our shelter, and the reality of the situation is quite clear. However, I am a firm believer that occasionally we can save the lone ‘underdog’.”

To offer to help the “underdog” survive both the precarious riverside blizzard experience and being placed in a precarious position in a city animal shelter, e-mail [email protected]. Camo is at the Dallas Animal Services & Adoption Center on Westmoreland at I-30, just west of downtown Dallas.

THE DOG IN THE WIRE LOOP: This comes from the folks at The Animal Doctor in Kennedale, south of Arlington.

The dog is called Josie. Here’s the note (and it says enough): “:We have in our possession an approximately 2-year-old Rottweiler mix that was presented to us this morning with a wire rope looped around her neck so tight that she was having difficulty breathing, we sedated her and removed this rope and she is now resting comfortably. A Good Samaritan brought her in and paid the bill but they are unable to keep her. She appears to be spayed and is a sweet dog but she does have heartworms as we found out this morning. We are unable to keep her here for long but we do not want to call the pound. We saved her life this morning so we do not want her life to be taken away from her and we suspect that is exactly what would happen if we sent her to the pound. Please let us know if there is anything that can be done for her ASAP or we will have no choice but to send her to the pound “

To offer to save this dog, contact Sara at The Animal Doctor, 621 Little School Road, Kennedale. Phone 817-572-2400. E-mail [email protected].

To offer to teach the person who put the wire loop on the dog a lesson... wait, that’s not right. Let’s just concentrate on being positive. Like being positive that karma will kick in.

AN UPDATE ON THE GIDEON FAMILY: You may remember that when last we encountered Lynn and Mark Gideon they were caught up in a drama in which the city of Dallas was wanting them to get rid of their mostly old rescued dogs and cats as a consequence of a long-running dispute  with a neighbor.

At one point, Judy Griggs of the Rescued Pet Adoption League in Alba, Texas, stepped up to help and since then, a Team Gideon has formed.

Judy sent a note to us last night saying that the team is “very happy to report that for now The Gideon Family is still together and we are all taking it day by day.  We are also very happy to report that the Gideon’s now have excellent legal representation in Mr. Byron Woolley of Dallas.  We do continue to look for resolution with the city and we truly wish we could share more with you at this time, however, due to the sensitive nature of this case we are not allowed to divulge any details at this time.  We do promise to keep you posted as things transpire or if anything happens that we are allowed to report and we so thank you for your patience.

“We would like to also thank each and every one of you that has written letters to your city officials, have given advice, thoughts, support and suggestions on what we might do to help this wonderful family stay together.”

To offer to help the Gideon cause, call 1-888-473-7725 Ext 5 or e-mail [email protected].  

FIRST THERE WAS ONE AND NOW THERE ARE TWO: Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network has been trying for weeks to help the dog Faith, the colorfully-attired dog, find a home. She’s a 4-year-old Yellow Lab/Boxer mix who was an owner-surrender.

So, OK, one dog from one family trying to find a home... but, hold on. This just in: Gail reports that “as it turns out the family that had Faith now also wants to re-home their other dog that they’ve had for six years.”

Yes, Faith and Jules – two dogs with personality – now need new homes.

To help either or both, e-mail [email protected] or call 214-663-4710 or 215-263-7097 after 6 p.m.

Jules is a Basenji mix – obviously a dog who is extraordinarily at home on a couch.

SOME ART WITH WHIMSY:  You know, animal rescuers sometimes have “other lives.” For example, there’s Kerian Massey, the East Texas Artist. I got a note about a Tyler art show opening and a tip that Kerian’s work, “Trouble,” would be exhibited. Yes, indeed, that boot is “Trouble.”

It will be among the works on display from today through March 29 in an exhibit called “Melting Pot – Crossing Cultural Divides” at Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin, in Tyler – about 2 hours east of Dallas.

The opening reception is from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. today and you can RSVP HERE.

You can see more of Kieran’s work HERE.

BURNS FLAT AND “CHICKEN FAT”: These two dogs are currently in the Burns Flat, Okla., city shelter and we know why because we’ve gotten the story from hard-working rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher.

Make that “hard-working and ticked-off” Terry Lynn.

She writes: “These two girls are precious. They were picked up by the man I call ‘Chicken Fat.’  I call him that because I think he soaks his socks in chicken fat, then walks around town, having the dogs follow him home. He then calls the dog pound to pick them up from his back yard. I keep hoping he will break his ankle, but sadly, he never does.

“Anyway, these 2 little girls are his latest victims. One had a collar around her neck so tight she could hardly breathe. Both are so sweet and loving and both need a safe place to go.”

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

THE ARKANSAS PUP: Our Dardanelle, Ark., tipster Molli Corbin tells us that this little dog has been moved safely into a “northern rescue” – K.A.R.E., Kathy’s Animal Rescue Express  in  Milaca, Minn. You may recall that he’d been a gift to someone who lived in a town with a pit ban, passed along and, basically abandoned.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Now, our tipster Molli, in her update on the pup in the previous item, included this story – her part of the country, in the beautiful northwestern portion of Arkansas, had also enjoyed a big snowstorm last week. She wrote: “Went to Wally World to pick up leather gloves with a friend. They had all the gloves out on big tables.  Friend starts picking them up and putting them down.  I asked her what she was doing and she stated that they were all ‘left’-handed gloves, Where did all the right-handed gloves go?  I was like, No the ‘L’ stands for large. True story.” ... I guess we’ll all be watching Tiger Woods’ statement tomorrow. Dare we call it the “State of the Union Address”? ... We got a new phone system at our house a couple of weeks ago – the kind that has a router and has to be plugged into an electric outlet -- and it’s been working great after one little bureaucratic snare at the outset. Then, yesterday, I picked up the phone to make a call and there was no dial tone. Naturally, I assumed the worst – total meltdown of the computer network due to a hacker. As it my style, I began to hit the “irate” button on my personal launch pad, preparing to explode. Then I walked into the den where the phone’s “brain” is plugged in and discovered that Griffin the Big Orange Cat had, while scrambling to one of his favorite lounging platforms, pulled the plug out of the wall. Wouldn’t plug it back in without proper paperwork. He’s a Union Cat.

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