ReadLarryPowell.com

To sleep, perchance to panic the human...

Halloween weekend and we’re presenting a special treat. A slumbering pogona vitticeps.

For this extraordinary report, the title of our regular weekend feature is “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, Napping Cats Nap and Lizards Lounge.”
That’s right this lounging lizard is a pogono vitticeps, known commonly by the more familiar name “Bearded Dragon.”
This one is Carlos. “He’s my officemate,” reads the nomination written by Patricia Barrington, the Animal Control Division Manager for The Colony. She also nominated her household sleepers, Henry, Leo and Sunny. These guys are roommates of the director’s  daughters, Big Sis Emilee and Little Sis Kimberlee.
When Director Barrington nominated this crowd for "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap," she wrote, “OK, some aren’t sleeping and some aren’t dogs … and none are cats, but I thought you might enjoy them!”
Still, if there is not actual sleep, there is the implication that sleep is bearing down on these drowsy-eyed beings.
How does a Bearded Dragon end up in a city shelter? It's not because he went on a bender after he failed the audition and the gecko got the Geico gig.
His officemate explains that Carlos “was ‘impounded’ at The Colony High School a few months ago. He and I hit it off and we’ve been 'besties' since I figured out he will eat the lettuce off my burgers and carrots from my salads.
“The entire crew at The Colony shelter adores this little, cold-blooded fella. He has an exercise pen outside so he can get fresh air and sun himself a few minutes every day.  His enclosure is in my office, equipped with logs for climbing, a heating pad and rocks to snuggle up on for warmth.  He eats crickets, carrots, plums, apples, lettuce … and once accidentally tried a Cheeto.  He’s a happy little guy and he lights up our office like no other, especially when he uses the mini-blinds as a hammock!” 
Carlos does have a history of giving frights. Patricia explains, “Carlos doesn’t sleep often, but when he does, it’s semi-comatose sleeping. The first time I found him asleep, I thought he was dead.
 “I came into the office around 1 a.m. (emergency on-call) and saw him lying on his rock with his eyes closed. I called his name, he didn’t budge. I petted his head, he didn’t move.
“I panicked and grabbed him from his enclosure and put him on the counter (I must have had some plan of action, but can’t recall exactly what I intended to do to raise him from the dead).  His eyes popped open and he jumped onto my shirt and climbed around to my shoulder.  I was relieved.  He was awake.  So, I had a burger and he had some lettuce and we called it a night.”
As for those other slumbering critters, that personality-plus pit is Leo and the Dachshund with the “Hey, I’m sleeping here” face is Henry.
Which one is Sunny? Oh, yeah. Sunny is the Teddy Bear -- in one of the photos with Henry. Sunny knows how to sleep, too.
(To nominate your sleeping critters – dogs, cats, iguanas, geckos, goats, horses, etc. – for Let's Sleeping Dogs Lie, Napping Cats Nap & Whatever Whatever send their slumbering photos and information about them to [email protected]. Remember, at Readlarrypowell.com we endorse sleeping. We can’t practice it, but we endorse it.)
--- To comment, click below. And, of course, GO RANGERS. ---

 

Tiny quakes, animal directions, critters in need & a long, long summary of a long, long meeting

The explanation for last night’s Texas Rangers performance in the World Series is simple:  Microlocalized earthquakes centered under the mound, beneath home plate and where the umpire was squinting led to errant pitch after pitch.
Mercifully, the Texas Rangers are returning home and their feet will be on good solid ground and things will be different.
SPEAKING OF FEET ON THE GROUND: We’re going to do some reporting today on yesterday’s Dallas Animal Shelter Commission meeting and related items. The summary will appear at the bottom of today’s report. The lead of the story probably should be that there was, for the most part, an entirely new, more congenial tone in dialogue between members of the commission and the city staffers who included the hands-on, get-something-done, interim shelter manager, Dallas Police Lt. Scott Walton, and the Animal Services ultimate supervisor,  Code Compliance Director Joey Zapata, who retains the cautious nature of a “we’ll look into that and see how it fits with the council’s directives” bureaucrat.
The cast of characters has changed slightly on the commission side and more significantly on the city side, specifically the arrival of Lt. Walton and the vanishing of (for this meeting) some personalities from the city side. There are contentious personalities on both sides, but everyone seems to agree that mistrust is the motivation for such contentiousness. And Lt. Walton appeared to rise above that and keep the focus on improving shelter operations, employee performance and, especially, care of the animals entrusted to the city.
As one member of the commission noted, yesterday was the first time the city had ever asked the commission for guidance and advice. That comment came after Lt. Walton asked for help in formulating a mission statement for the shelter and other help, encouraging the commission to “think big” when offering suggestions for improving shelter operations and the shelter’s relationship with the community...
More on this later, in the meantime, remember that while the humans discuss shelter operations and other human-related conflicts, there are animals on death row in the Dallas Animal Services Adoption Center at I-30 and Westmoreland.
In fact, there are, according to the latest report we have, six cats and 10 dogs scheduled to be euthanized on Nov. 2 unless someone adopts them or rescue groups save them. These are all spayed or neutered, vaccinated and healthy animals.
Among them is today’s Earhound, a 7-month-old, 41-pound Shepherd mix known as “Girlie.” When she goes on “alert,” those ears may block local cellphone signals. And there’s the cat, Nala, a 3-year-old girl who is listed as a “tabby” but sure has the looks of a Maine Coon.
To adopt or ask about any of the animals e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]  or call 214-671-0249 or 214-670-8312. Rescue groups should e-mail [email protected] or call; 214-670-8298.
IN FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS: Since image and perception are important when recapturing support for the Dallas Animal Services Adoption Center, District 1 City Council Member Delia Jasso has asked the veteran animal welfare spokeswoman and shelter manager Jonnie England to chair the “Dallas Loves Animals”  committee charged with countering the “negative publicity surrounding Dallas Animal Services.”
Ms. England, who is the Director of Animal Advocacy and Communications for the Metroplex Animal Coalition, says “We’ll be working on marketing and publicity strategies, frequent events at Dallas Animal Services, adoption specials and more.  We’re hoping to launch the campaign in February 2011.” [FYI: There is a Howl-O-Ween event and costume contest at the shelter on Saturday – see yesterday’s Readlarrypowell.com for the details.]
Members of the Dallas Loves Animals committee include Molly DeVoss, a designer and DAS cat adoption volunteer; Susan Kilgore, president of Dallas Animal Advocates and Marketing Director of Outstanding Productions; Andy Allen, writer/editor/PR professional and past Chair of the Animal Shelter Commission; Bob Walton, Urban Animal Magazine editor/publisher; James Bias, president of the SPCA of Texas; Jan Gifford with the City of Dallas Web group; Chris Watts, owner of The Petropolitan; and Rebecca Poling, president of Companions for Life.
VARIATIONS ON A THEME: Little grey kittens. So same. So not same. And all in The Colony’s animal shelter where the load of kittens is surprisingly intense at the moment.
We’re quoting from Patricia Barrington, the Animal Control Division Manager, who sent the photos and asked, “ What’s the deal with this late kitten season?”
And, of course, we cannot explain the influx except to borrow from the great philosopher, Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington (of “That’s what baseball do” fame) and suggest, “That’s what cats do.”
Manager Barrington says, “I have two litters right now; 10 kittens desperately needing homes.  They are the average, cute and cuddly variety.  Some males, some females; all playful and precious.  What else is there to say?  So many kittens, so few homes.”
And here we present photos with kittens who have been issued the same kit, but have variations on the theme: white paws, gray paws, indignant attitude toward the camera.
(To ask about these kittens or any animals in The Colony’s shelter, e-mail [email protected] or call 972-370-9250. Remember, kittens can be fun and older cats and dogs can be comforting and cuddly.)
FYI: You can meet these kittens and other critters at The Colony shelter's Howl-o-Ween Party from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday -- there'll be all sorts of family and pet-oriented things and $5 rabies shots.
A COUPLE OF PALS IN IRVING: The noted shelter walker Russell Posch is making a pitch for a couple of Poms who came into the Irving Animal Shelter earlier this month – they are Zak(the red one) and Rudy.
Russell explains, “Although they are barky when they are in their cage they are friendly and playful outside.  They enjoy the company of people and dogs.  Zak is about 6 years old and Rudy is estimated at 4 years old.  They each weigh about 15 lbs.  Zak's tracking number is 11617776.  Rudy's tracking number is 11625270.  Can someone find a spot for these boys?"  (Call the Irving shelter at 972-721-2256 or 57. the shelter’s after hours rescue hotline is 972-721-3597.)
THE ROTTIE AND THE CHIHUAHUA:  Yesterday we mentioned a couple of dogs in the Denton Animal Shelter – a little Chihuahua and a big Rottie. The Chihuahua is devoted to the big dog and Denton volunteer Amy Pelzel made sure we got this photo of the two together. As you may recall from yesterday’s note, the Rottie has bone cancer and is in some pain, but the Chihuahua stays close and gives comfort. No need to explore the history of this pair as that is not as important as finding them a place to go where they can have some sort of support. To offer to help the pair, e-mail [email protected].
SPEAKING OF CHIHUAHUAS: There’s a frightened Chihuahua in the Arlington Animal Services shelter. The little dog has been shuffled around to dodge the needle and is now in the cat room but is facing a the needle soon. To ask about saving this dog, e-mail [email protected] .
Gina Piner of Homeward Bound Animal Rescue reports, “This little male Chihuahua came into the shelter as a stray and was very frightened.  He nipped one of the kennel techs and was placed into quarantine.  His Quarantine hold is up and he has been given one day for me to post him and try to get him rescued.”
That day is today. That’s it unless someone steps  up.
TAWANA’S LATEST PROJECT: Following up on a note from yesterday, we reported that veteran rescuer and author Tawana Couch is trying to rescue a dog that has suddenly appeared near a creek in her neighborhood. This is that big, handsome dog.
“Some of my neighbors have already called Dallas Animal Services to pick him up. He just stays in his little wooded corner not bothering anybody and just looking for someone to come and visit him. He never leaves.”
Shelters and rescues are full, but Tawana has hopes that someone will make room for the big friendly dog. His medical bills are all spoken for and a donation will be made to any group that takes him, Tawana says. To offer to help, call  214-941-1014 or e-mail [email protected].
FROM BRAZORIA COUNTY: Tammy Grable of the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Livestock and Animal Control in Angleton, Texas, reports that the shelter is overloaded with cats and kittens and she’s got until the end of the month to find places for them to go or, well, you know.  See the inventory and how to contact the shelter HERE.
Tammy writes, “We have ALL extremely friendly loving cats and kittens.  One black Cat took in the youngest kittens after her kittens were taken off her.  She has been wonderful in raising them.  She so deserves as do all of them, a wonderful chance for a home.”
ONE MORE RANGERS NOTE: Look, it’s disappointing to see the Texas Rangers arrive happily at the World Series in San Francisco, then experience losses in two games in which their gifts and talents seem to have largely abandoned them only to be replaced by the traditional Texas Rangers characteristics of near misses, bad base running and bad bats with runners on base.
One guy I know called another last night to express his astonishment at the turn of events and the second replied, “What? Is this the first Rangers game you’ve ever watched?”
Yes, longtime Texas Rangers fans know this is a franchise built on a rollercoaster. But we also know that rollercoasters reach high points and the Rangers are still on track to reach that high point. And, of course, this is why liquor stores exist, exercise relieves stress and iPods can pipe music right into your head and obscure the anxieties of life.
CONTEMPLATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS CONCERNING THE DALLAS ANIMAL SHELTER COMMISSION:  This is not meant to be a comprehensive report on Thursday’s Animal Shelter Commission meeting. If you want to get all the details of a meeting, show up -- it's a public meeting, part of Democracy. Sit there and listen. (And, for crying out loud, somebody remember to turn on the sound system so people can hear the comments without having to strain. That’s a public service announcement. I watched as people pulled mikes to their mouths and spoke as if the system was on, but it wasn’t.)
These notes will not be in chronological order. I’ve slept since I took them and some of the handwriting will be illegible.
--Shelter management is looking into ways to keep dogs ID’d while in the shelter. Records show a number of dogs “go missing” while in the shelter.
--Every cage in the shelter is now supposed to have sleeping material of some sort, i.e., bed, blanket, etc. (The big problem is the shelter’s washer capacity can’t handle the load of laundry that is occurring because of this new, humane policy, so the shelter’s trying to figure out how to get a better set-up, interim director Lt. Scott Walton told the commission.)
--The shelter is working with rescue groups to make it easier to save animal lives. And Dallas Animal Services has a Facebook site that began operating yesterday – commission members had asked about this quite a while back, but the city’s bureaucrats hadn’t pulled it off for unknown reasons though, of course, “bureaucracy” is always a good reason when things stall. Lt. Walton got it done swiftly, insiders report. (This precipated a discussion of what “get the word out” means to the bureaucrats and, based on the discussion, it means let the city’s public information office handle it. This may explain why word of the Saturday Howl-o-Ween party at the shelter only sort of oozed out rather than rushed out. It was, however, as Code Compliance Director Zapata noted, distributed to all city hall employees. The flaw there being that it’s not just city hall employees to need to know things about the animal shelter.)
--Lt. Walton is working on the “workload vs. staffing” situation at the shelter.
--Dallas Animal Services is hoping to build up its volunteer program. Commission Chairman Skip Trimble counseled that the surest way to have a successful volunteer program is to have a skilled and competent volunteer coordinator.
--Lt. Walton said he has begun daily “details” – sessions to inform the staff of the day’s activities and supervisors – so that everyone will know what’s going on in the shelter and who is in charge.
--Lt. Walton is pursuing the authority to be flexible in adoption fees in order to help empty cages via a happier method than euthanasia. He suggested this would involve such things as “half-price” fees during National Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month. CC Director Zapata cautioned that he would have to check to see if this would require the city to change an ordinance that set adoption rates. (Note: Lots of other city shelters do this sort of thing, but, of course, they are not Dallas.)
--Lt. Walton plans to take advantage of sending shelter workers to the SPCA for the organization’s regular “animal handling training sessions.”
-- Lt. Walton asked the commission to note that the shelter  has begun “partnering” with other entities (SPCA, for example, and others) because “it’s us AND the community.”  Interpreting here, he seemed to be suggesting that the shelter and community belong together rather than, perhaps, the shelter standing alone and reluctant to embrace cooperation.
--Chairman Trimble welcomed the warmer feelings between the shelter personnel and the commission members suggesting that Lt. Walton make sure that staffers understand that when commissioners show up at the shelter they are there to help, to see what staffers need and that “we’re not spyin’ on ‘em.”
--Lt. Walton asked the commission for help in creating a new mission statement for the shelter. Some on the commission objected to the first sentence and Code Compliance Director Zapata explained that the wording was used that reflected the city’s feelings about such things as ...and then I kind of lost track because he somehow linked the animal shelter to the Trinity River and as my eyes glazed over I lost touch with the thread of logic and my mind wandered. I’m taking full responsibility for being unable to explain this – my skills as a translator of bureaucratic explanation failed me. At any rate, the mission statement’s thrust is that the shelter will provide a loving environment for animals in its care – the first draft was 55 words and some on the commission said, “Too long.” So there will be some editing between now and the next commission meeting in early December.
--As has been the trend in corporations for several years, the shelter also is creating a list of “core values” that will help shelter workers perform their mission. Lt. Walton says these values will be noble, “real Knights of the Round Table stuff.”
--When he urged the commission to “think bigger” in helping the shelter, several immediately exclaimed, “NO KILL SHELTER.” (Assessment from the gallery: This seemed to be greeted with a general enthusiasm though there was also a sense of a reality check, i.e., this is Dallas and there are a lot of unwanted animals and they’ve got to go somewhere. Of course, if spay/neuter is pressed, if rescue groups and the shelter work closer together, if someone has a box of magic pixie dust it can sprinkle around here. Well, you know. )
--Shelter employees, thanks to spending by Dallas Animal Advocates, are being given green wristbands that read “COMPASSION.” As Lt. Walton said, the green band is “a reminder of what they need to have in their minds as they do their jobs.”  (Aside: I’m thinking I might like to have one of those – and I never wear buttons, ribbons, t-shirts or wristbands. This one seems significant at this point in the shelter’s history.)
-- In following up on a report from the last meeting that followed a report from the previous meeting, Director Zapata said the city is still working on allowing on-line registration of animals.  (Aside with attitude: You know the computer age,  kids, everything moves so darned slowly.)
--Is this irony or what? The city in town with the most cats has a rat problem. Yep, invader rats. A pest extermination company was called, but now is working to figure out a way to get rid of the rodents without putting the other beasts in the building at risk.
--There is also another invader in the shelter, an elusive mammal: Ricky the Raccoon. He somehow got loose in the shelter and is now avoiding capture by hiding in nooks, crannies, etc. And, a wildlife outfit has set up Ricky for a gentle capture but he’s been too clever to be caught.
--Director Zapata says the expensive, customized air-conditioning/heating system in the shelter is now being properly maintained and working as it should. He’s anticipating no problems.
--Code Compliance has been using the animal shelter as one of the places people can purchase the now-required garage sale permits in Dallas, but Mr. Zapata says he’s contemplating eliminating selling garage sale permits from the duties of the animal shelter’s staffers. Didn’t promise, but said he’d check into it.
-- Mr. Zapata promised to try to keep the animal shelter commission informed on all animal issues that may be crossing the desks at city hall.
--Nothing has been done regarding repealing the Dallas Stolen Dog ordinance which makes criminals out of anyone who picks up a dog off the busy streets or rescues one somehow and doesn’t get it checked for  a microchip and turn the dog over to the city within 3 days. Commission Chairman Trimble told of picking up a dog in his neighborhood, taking it to his vet to get it checked for a microchip and asking for a form to show that he’d completed that duty as a law abiding citizen. The vet replied, basically, “What form?” and “What ordinance? There will be more discussions about this unenforceable ordinance – Commissioner Trimble and Director Zapata are supposed to caucus on this topic and several others.
--Also, Code Compliance, which oversees the animal shelter and animal issues, has done nothing about Dallas Attorney Yolanda Eisenstein’s request to make dangerous dog hearings accessible to the attorneys representing dog owners and the dogs. Not a thing. When the city’s administrative panel conducts these hearings, no attorney is allowed to represent the accused. There was no explanation as to why Code Compliance had not pursued this. At some point, of course, the city may face an expensive lawsuit over failure to allow due process in a hearing.
---In summation: These meetings are held quarterly as a rule.  Members of the commission are all appointed by city council members. Each commissioner has experience in animal rescue or some part of the animal welfare world. They advise, but they have no legislative power. The more people in the audience, the more impact they have on city hall. If council members think nobody cares, then, these animal issues don’t get any attention. If council members think bureaucrats are handling animal problems adequately, then the commission’s learned advice becomes stalled, obscured by a wall of bureaucrats whose main goal in life is to keep an elected official from getting bent out of shape.
More news will come from these commission meetings. Stay tuned.
If you have an issue you want addressed, contact a member of the commission.
How do you do that? OK, first you crack the code on the Dallas City Hall website, but don’t search for “animal shelter commission.” That’s too logical. Go, instead, to the City Secretary’s page and click on boards and commissions HERE. That’ll show you who is on the commission and who appointed that member – match your council district with the commissioner and you’ll know who to hunt down. Reach them through your council member’s office. It’ll be good for your council member to know that citizens are keeping an eye on how business is done at Dallas City Hall.
--- To comment, click below, and, of course, “Take it easy,  Rangers. Win ‘em all in Texas.” ---

World Series continues, globe keeps turning despite loss; animals in need, some helped

That opening World Series game – they shoulda saved it for Sunday. It had enough scary stuff to fit in just swell on Halloween. Ouch. Not exactly a classic game. But it’s just one game. There’s another one tonight and now that all the odd play is out of the way actual Texas Rangers baseball will return. They looked like they were playing themselves last night. Now, confidence still in place, let’s look at today’s activities.
THE MEETING: Coming up at 1:30 p.m. today, the Dallas Animal Shelter Commission will meet in Room 6ES at Dallas City Hall. You can see the agenda HERE.
Apparently there’ll be continuing updates on familiar situations – translate that as “things that members of the Commission were concerned about in the spring are still on the agenda in autumn” and that’s not the commission’s fault. The commission advises the city of animal-related situations and asks about making things better and it’s up to the city to react. The term “glacial speed” comes to mind. Expect updates on legal situations, such as the status of the animal cruelty case against the suspended manager of the city’s animal shelter.
DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES HALLOWEEN PARTY: Coming up from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, a Howl-O-Ween Party at Dallas Animal Services. (Click on the poster to make it larger.)There’ll be lots of human pet trick-or-treating, vendors, kid activities, door prizes and, of course, opportunities to adopt. The Halloween Pet Costume Contest is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Yes, the contest organizers have asked me to help judge so I’ll be there to do two things: (a) Judge costumes and (b) fight the urge to take more dogs and cats home. Dallas Animal Services and the Dallas Adoption Center are at 1818 N. Westmoreland – that’s on the southeast corner of Westmoreland just as it runs beneath I-30, AKA Tom Landry Freeway and formerly known as the D/FW Turnpike. Easy access and exit via the freeway, just a few miles west of downtown Dallas.
UPDATE ON THE BLIND PUP, THE LAB SISTERS: Earlier in the week we wrote about Brett The Blind Puppy apparently dumped in a ditch in East Texas and left to die. And, there were the two escape-prone Lab sisters. All of this had swirled up in the bailiwick of the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake Shelter at Tool, Texas. And from Shelter Manager Krista Mc Anally we get these updates. “Brett, the blind puppy, is in foster awaiting adoption. He is safe and well cared for,” says Krista. I asked about the dog’s eyes – congenital blindness or the result of neglect? She replied, “I would think bad breeding. He was mostly white and people who do not know better bred two mostly white dogs to try to get blue eyes.” As for the Lab sisters who went on the lam from the shelter, then came running back months later when they saw the shelter van pull up, they’re still at peril. Krista reports, “Red Collar Rescue is trying but no space right now. Tested them today [Wednesday] and they are heartworm negative and completely vetted. They were housebroken when they were returned to the shelter. I cannot believe after running loose for a month, they stayed together. It makes me wonder what will happen if they are ever separated.” To ask about adopting any of these animals, e-mail [email protected] or call 903-432-3422. The shelter is in Tool, about an hour southeast of Dallas.
RESCUER NEEDS SOME HELP: Veteran rescuer and author Tawana Couch has a predicament in her own Dallas neighborhood – usually she’s off in other areas of town helping animals. She wrote last night that she needs help from a rescue group to “take a pit/boxer mix. He is 3-4 years old, brindle color. He has been down by the creek by where I live. Neighbors have been feeding him and playing with him. A very gentle dog. Problem now is that a few of the neighbors want him gone. They have called Dallas Animal Services to come and get him. We are trying to find a group to take him ... Sorry no picture this has just happened.” A donation has already been offered to help with the dogs medical bills. E-mail [email protected].
STORIES IN DENTON: Every shelter has stories. Every animal in a shelter has a story. And, some shelters take the time to learn those stories. Every now and then, a story touches a heart. Here are a couple of instances from the Denton Animal Shelter, courtesy of dedicated volunteer Amy Pelzel. She writes, “We are full again with dogs in Denton but we have a few of the most adorable Chihuahuas and Chi mixes! All listed are extremely sweet, outgoing and GREAT with the other dogs at the shelter.” Among those little dogs is Junior. According to Amy’s note, “Junior was picked up a couple of days ago laying beside his Rottie friend who, it turns out, has severe bone cancer. Junior does not want to leave her side. He is about 2 years old and just a super sweetie. He loves people and does great with other dogs.” And that is a photo of Junior standing next to his Rottie. Amy reports, “We will probably have to put the poor girl down. She is miserable and can barely walk.” Then, there is the “sweetest, friendliest Shar Pei” in the shelter. Amy writes, “She is about 2-3 years old and was probably used for breeding in the past. When we found her, she was covered in mange but after a week or so of treatment she is doing amazing! Her skin is REALLY clearing up. Her name is ‘Longhorn’ and she is available now for rescue or adoption. She is GREAT with all of the other dogs at the shelter and has the most friendly personality and disposition. She is so deserving of a loving home.” Here’s the rub at this city shelter. “We have gotten in over 24 dogs in the last two days at Denton and we have got to get some of our ‘longtimers’ out to rescue or adopted. If you have room for her, please let me know... you will NOT be disappointed!” You can see more Denton animals by clicking HERE. To ask about these animals, e-mail [email protected].
FORMERLY A DISTRESSED PUPPY: Keli Halteman is looking for a good home for this dog. And this dog has a story. Her name is Brooklyn. Keli, who runs Halteman’s Haven rescue, usually focuses on distressed cats. But then, now and again, there are other “opportunities.” She writes, “On a rainy Friday night in April in walks a lady at VCA (vet clinic) and a young boy and she is carrying an INFANT pup --hours old, umbilical cord still there. ‘We found her screaming in a culvert she was caught in brush (kept her from drowning). I can't keep her.’ I (of course) took her, hand-raised her. What a lovely girl! She loves people, cats, dogs and HECK EVERYONE.” And she needs a home. To ask about adopting Brooklyn, call either 972-375-8709 or 972-226-0265.
IN CASE YOU SAW THE DESPERATE E-MAIL: Perhaps you saw the e-mail with the subject line “40 SMALL BREED PUPPIES & DOGS NEED RESCUE ASAP SOUTH OF FORT WORTH.” I got about 8 copies of it – it had a “viral” feel to it. So I checked with the originator, Monique de la Fuente of the Shelter2Rescue Coalition. A woman with some challenges had a houseful of small dogs and was incapable of caring for them. (FYI: The dates of the original e-mail had been stripped off by whoever forwarded it and we had no way of telling how desperate this situation either used to be or had become.) Monique reports, “The email was sent out ... Tuesday and we amazingly have them all taken care of. By the Grace of God we were able to get rescues from all over DFW and even a rescue in New Hampshire to take in these precious dogs.”
BIG PARTY IN FARMERS BRANCH: We’ve frequently mentioned the hustling nature of the folks with Farmers Branch Animal Services – big adoption promoters, you know. So, we got this note from veteran rescuer Rekka Melby about Saturday’s Halloween party at the Farmers Branch Adoption Center. (Click on that artwork to make it larger.) Rekka writes, “The Farmers Branch adoption center really sets a great example for other local shelters. They take the time to get to know the animals, they give them names and write bios highlighting their personalities and also make little videos of them playing around in the yard area. They also have close to 500 followers on their Facebook page, so nice to see folks posting their happy tails stories as well as supportive comments. “The other thing I really like is that when they get full, they'll drop the adoption rate to try and get the animals adopted out a little faster to try and avoid unnecessary euthanization of healthy, adoptable animals. I wish other shelters would try this. Just because they lower the adoption rate does not mean the quality of home goes down with it. (The Nevada Humane Society is one of the biggest no-kill communities in the country and they sometimes do adoption rates as low as $10 and have not found any negative correlation.) “Oh and they have a wonderful adult black lab/terrier mix named Missy who has been there for several months and really deserves a loving home! She's terrific but just has the black dog syndrome working against her. “ To ask about adopting Missy, go HERE.
A BOOK FAIR NOTE: Looking forward to a trip later today out to Arlington to the Book Fair – yep, it’s opening day for the annual fair organized by the Arlington Branch of the American Association of University Women. It starts at 4 p.m. at the Arlington Museum of Art. (Opening night admission is $3; the rest of the run through Sunday, it’s free.) The museum is at 201 W. Main St. Check our Tuesday report for more details.) The prices are so modest that people walk out of the fair with boxes of books and other items. Proceeds go to educational causes. Yes, your money will do good for the world – could do even more than sending money to a political campaign.
CONTEMPLATIONS: My dog Baby Jane Doe barked me awake at 4: 55 a.m. today. So I rose, fed and walked everyone and began to prepare for writing in the cool, quiet of the morning. Then in a shopping center about 2 blocks away, someone tripped a burglar alarm. Sometimes I forget I live in a city --- until a burglar alarm goes off and screams futilely for an hour or so until someone either shoots it or the guy in charge of it is awakened miles away and shuts it off. ... This brings up the question: Is Dallas a good place to sleep? I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in decades – since the birth of the twins in 1971. ... Yes, the World Series is still underway. The Texas Rangers have lost one game in the World Series. I’m disappointed but not distressed. I was already not getting enough sleep.
--- To comment, click below. And, for crying out loud, “Go, Rangers!” ---

Big day for Rangers; a matter of leashes; and assorted notes perfect for midweek

Middle of the week, and, yes, big game tonight.  First game for the Texas Rangers. First game for Texas Rangers’ fans, too.
Anybody know the protocol?
We turn to Greta The Pug for the definitive answer: Suit up.
Greta rooms with my pals Roy and Lee Zethraus and for as long as I’ve known her she’s had her game-face on. And she wears the Rangers’ gear proudly.
I think Greta can probably do “The Claw” but I’m not sure she can get those “arms” up high enough to do “The Antlers.”
A QUESTION OF SAFETY AND MANNERS: As you can see from the photo, there’s been an unfortunate incident involving a dog.
That dog is Rosie. And we get the story of this dog’s situation from her human, Sara Wright, a vet tech at Operation Kindness, the no-kill shelter in Carrollton.
What happened to Rosie, she says, was a “really unfortunate experience and I don’t know where to turn to try and make some good come of it.” I told Sara we’d present this on Readlarrypowell.com because our readership has some people who actually know things and know how to make things better.
Here’s the story from Sara. Last Friday she was walking her two dogs in Dallas when “one of my dogs was brutally attacked by two off-lead dogs while we were walking our regular walk route through our neighborhood.  My dog is going to be OK, if a little ugly, thankfully.  I'm fortunate to have a great relationship with my vet, and I happen to be a vet tech myself, so the dog was in ‘better than average hands,’ but it brings to light an issue of great frustration for me.
“The area we were walking by is a large, open field to the right of the northbound Matilda Bridge.  I walk by it every day.  About every third day, I see people running their dogs off lead in the field.  There is no fence.  This is NOT an off-leash dog park.  At times past, I have contacted the city regarding the loose dogs, but they refuse to enforce the law.  I suppose they have bigger fish to fry, this being Dallas and all.  “My argument has always been, and will continue to be ‘Someone is going to get hurt.’  Well, someone did.  I just don't see anything being done about it any time soon.
“This was a terrible, terrible experience.  I have 2 large pit bulls.  The attackers were 2 large pit bulls.  Their owner was more than a football field away.  We never had a chance.  I spent at least a full minute screaming, ‘Someone please help me!’  Nobody came.
“ I want to be clear: this was an attack, not a dog fight.  My dog almost lost her ear and her eye-- the dogs attacked at a full run; there was no "standoff" and after all was said and done they didn't have a mark on them.  My second dog appears to be having some behavior ramifications as a result.  Hopefully, that will resolve itself through ‘walks without incident.’ 
“After the owner finally was able to pry her dog's grip from my dog's skull, she literally packed her dogs up in her car and drove away.  She never offered to help me at all. 
 “Clearly, people think using this field as a dog park is appropriate.  How can I use this experience in a positive way to help raise awareness that leash laws exist for a reason?”
There’s the question. The city has a leash law – how do you enforce it? How do you promote it?
In the meantime, as you can see in the second photo, Rosie’s ears are no longer a match. Sara shot that photo Monday. She says she has some photos of the ugly, pre-suture situation, but on Monday she was able to take this “great pic...of her begging for my breakfast that let me know she was going to be just fine.”
Rosie had “seven sutures in her ear; it will never sit right on her head again, and the vet said she was about as close to losing that whole ear as anything she'd ever seen.“
The dog is about 6 and Sara adopted her about 4 years ago from Animal Guardians of America where she was fostered by our ol’ pals Bob and Natalie Blankenship and known as “Chi-Chi.”
Sara says, “She is a wonderful dog- the best foster mama on the planet, and a sweet, sweet cuddler.  Everyone who meets her loves her, and she's changed a few people's minds about pit bulls- I'm very proud of her. ...
“I feel pretty strongly about this leash issue.  ...  My hope is that like-minded people can begin to really make a difference and be heard, and that offenders will think twice about where they allow their dogs to run.”
To offer support or help to Sara and this cause, e-mail her at [email protected].
FOLLOWING UP:
---Carrollton Animal Shelter’s Joe Skenesky reported last night that the dog Chaney and the Transylvania Hound Hugo, mentioned here earlier this week, had found safe havens – Chaney into rescue and Hugo into a home. And Sushi, the big ol’ senior cat with the great whiskers, also was adopted. When evening arrived, the only two dogs left on the euthanasia list were Blanca and her pal Sandy. And Joe has a “last resort” spot for them, but they still need a good place to go. You can see more Carrollton critters by clicking on JOE’S ANIMAL HOUSE.
--Dianne Watson, the Panhandle-based member of Friends of Arlington Animal Services and West Texas Chow Rescue, is still giddy over the rescue of Clifford from Arlington’s shelter earlier in the week. The sends out “an especially big THANK YOU to Linda Hamzy for her sponsorship, and to Jan and Dana of Doggie Kamp Rescue and Rehab in McKinney for believing in us all and coming to Clifford's rescue. I just knew this boy was NOT aggressive and I am so happy that Clifford now has the opportunity to show the ‘world’ what he's really made of! Many hugs and well wishes for Clifford, that he soon finds happiness with a new family who will cherish and spoil him. He deserves to live the good life this time around!”
And, late last night we got a note from Dana Payne (of Doggie Kamp) who wrote, “I picked him up today and I have to tell you, he is the absolute sweetest dog! He was a perfect gentleman during our 80+ miles on the road today. He curled up on the passenger seat with his nose to the air conditioner vent and then put his head on the center console to be petted. He has been vetted and is heartworm negative… a big woooo hooo on this. He will be neutered on Thursday and hopefully one of the individuals who was interested in adopting him will come forward. Till then he will be with Jan at Doggie Kamp Rehab and Rescue”
TRAIN DOG IN HOUSTON: Oh, brother, here’s another dumping story. We get this from our Houston contact Alexandra Kelsey. She writes, “Eva Beléndez was in a part of town which is the end of some very bad roads for dogs.  Usually it's pits, out of luck and dumped.  It turns out that October 24^th was Mommy Dog Day in Eva's area, when Eva got an emergency call from the manager of a trailer park about puppies in danger.
“A sweet brown and white patched dog, dumped out on the railroad tracks a week ago while heavily pregnant, sat and waited in that exact spot, only leaving briefly to eat at the trailer pack before returning to keep vigil for her people.  That is, until nature called and she had to find a place to give birth.  Can you imagine if the very best you can do in that situation is to lie in a sandy ditch, wedged under the noisy, vibrating railroad tracks and deliver your babies?  But, that is exactly what happened. 
“This is a very friendly dog, not very large, who deserves better than she has gotten so far in her life, and she has puppies who need to be inside.  This is not a safe area for a dog family, in any way.  Because this dog is a good mommy and is protecting her babies, Eva saw a near miss involving a male passerby and a large piece of wood.  Do the math…this dog will be beaten to death for protecting her babies and then they will be at the mercy of other animals or worse, people.
“Eva recently had Parvo in her house and cannot take these dogs in.  Parents walk kids to school by this location and the mommy dog needs to be moved immediately.”
To offer to help these dogs, e-mail [email protected] or call 713-344-4328.
VICKI NEED A HOME: The principal of full disclosure forces me to tell you at the outset of this note that our household has had nothing but happy experiences with dogs rescued from Oak Cliff’s Kiest Park – we’ve got Hambone Jack the Dane/Lab, Inky the Cocker Spaniel and Rosie the Chihuahua.
David Spence of Good Space, the real estate concern in Oak Cliff, sent us this photo and note last night about Vicki, so named ”in honor of Vicki Fitzgerald, patron saint of Oak Cliff Strays.”
Vicki, a 38-pound well-behaved “adolescent mongrel” was found dumped in the park. She’s now spayed, cleaned up, vetted up and fattened up and “ready for a loving permanent home.”
And, as David’s poster for Vicki reads, “Don’t be put off by the trace of pit bull in her lineage. Vicki has been well-behaved in the company of other dogs, small children and even the veterinarian. Eager to please, travels well in a care, of age to begin training. But still very much a puppy.”
How urgent is finding a place for Vicki? “Soon,” David writes. “I already have two dogs.”
Call 469-233-5088 to ask about giving Vicki a loving home.
PLANNING AHEAD: Time for a reminder: To get your animal-related events (fundraisers, contests, sing-alongs, etc.) listed in the winter edition of Urban Animal Magazine, send those brief announcements to me at [email protected] with EVENTS in the subject line. Keep it short. Like on Dragnet, “Just the facts.” Keep in mind, this is FREE ink, it stays on the newsstands for three months and it’s on the Urban Animal website HERE. Click on “current issue” and get a gander at Daffy the Rescued Duck – the Urban Animal staff, like the magazine, is dedicated to animals.
--PLANNING FOR NOV. 6 IN RICHARDSON, it’s Richardson City-Wide Pet Day, sponsored by Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue. We get word of this from Donna Bean of the Coppell Humane Society because the society is “the Rally to Rescue Ambassador for this event. Part of our responsibility is to advertise this great event. ... There will be lots of activities going on – train rides, bounce house, pet parade, microchipping for $14 and at least 19 pet adoption groups.” Richardson City-Wide Pet Day is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Owens’ Spring Creek Farm, 1401 E. Lookout Drive, Richardson.
--Remember, the Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas annual picnic is scheduled Saturday at Lake Grapevine. Inclement weather forced the postponement from last Saturday.  Get the details at the rescue group’s site HERE.  
This may be the only picnic in the nation that doubles as a “spectator sport.”
When they throw balls into the lake, the Goldens go after them in “schools,” not packs. Throw in another ball and they change directions, like minnows in a bucket. It’s an amazing thing to see. Then, when they come out of the water, grab a towel because nobody shakes off water with the artistic enthusiasm of a Golden Retriever.
GASSING IN GARLAND: Perhaps my math is off, but we may be approaching the end of the first year of public campaigning against gassing animals at the Garland Animal Shelter. What’s new in the campaign? Keep up with it at the anti-gassing site HERE.
ANOTHER SEIZURE: The SPCA of Texas and the Grayson County Sheriff’s Department teamed up Monday to seize 31 horses, two dogs and two goats from bad conditions on a property at Sherman. Starving animals, horses with bad hooves, etc. Custody hearing is set for 10 a.m. Nov. 1 at the Grayson County Courthouse, 200 S. Crockett in Sherman. See photos HERE.
PERSONAL NOTE: As my fellow 10/27s recall, this is the sixth anniversary of a most unpleasant day.  I just didn’t want you 10/27s to think that day would pass without someone paying respect to many fine journalists dismissed that cold, sad day in Dallas. No punchline here. Just a recollection of a wrenching event.
CONTEMPLATIONS: President Obama is supposed to be on Jon Stewart’s show tonight – sorry, fellas, the TV will be tuned to something significant: the World Series. ... Last week the big flap was over football injuries caused by big tough guys wearing suits of armor and this week the big injury is Tony Romo’s collarbone, snapped when he was knocked to the turf. The answer, this week, is not to change pads, but to make the artificial turf softer – memory foam or marshmallows.  ... The only thing that keeps this political season from being the ugliest season we’ve seen is the current Dallas Cowboys season. As our pal and Greta The Pug’s companion Roy Zethraus says, the Cowboys (1-5 now and 0-11-1 in 1960) “are marking their 50^th anniversary with a throwback record.”
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Go, Rangers, win the opener.---

Assorted notes dealing with books and dogs in trouble (not the Dallas Cowboys, of course)

On a Tuesday morning after that Dallas Cowboys game what are we to think? “Thank Heaven for the Texas Rangers and the World Series,” That’s what I think.
Our topics today will include The great American Association of University Women Book Fair in Arlington, a shot-up dog near Beaumont and a blind pup and two escape artists in East Texas.
Life is varied. Here goes:
FOR YOUR PLANNING PURPOSES: The Dallas Animal Shelter Commission’s next meeting is at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Room 6ES at Dallas City Hall. See the agenda HERE. Among the items is a proposal to let the SPCA of Texas handle the city’s animal cruelty investigations and enforcement. There’ll also be discussion of the ordinance that makes rescuers who pick up dogs criminals if they don’t try to find the owner and turn the dog over to the city’s kill shelter within three days.
BOOKS, BOOKS, AND MORE BOOKS AND OTHER STUFF, TOO: The 28th Arlington Branch-American Association of University Women Book Fair opens Thursday and runs through Sunday. This is one of the great highlights of the year for people who love books. [The schedule is in a separate item in today’s Contemplations at the end of this report.]
You might ask why a guy who writes about dogs and cats and critters gives a hoot. I’ll tell you: I expect both of my granddaughters, Hannah Rose and Emily Grace, to be University Women some day. (I would have been a University Woman except, well, I only went to junior college.) You know, this sale isn’t just raising money to buy cupcakes for breakfast meetings. Nope, the proceeds go to educational causes such as Reading is Fundamental scholarships to UTA, etc.
And the fair is at the Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St. in Arlington which will give you an opportunity to see that there’s more to Arlington than traffic jams on I-20 and, along I-30, a world-famous thrill park, the place where the 2010 World Series will be played and the stadium that’ll host the 2011 Super Bowl.
That photo? That’s our own Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas, demonstrating how he felt when he realized all copies of his volume “Poems From a Hairy Face” have already been claimed by fans. He is honored and will be happy to sign your copy of his book.
At the end of today’s report, I’m going to point out some of the books I spotted in the catalog and why they’re more interesting than, perhaps, other items. Books are always worthy of contemplation. Some books more than others, of course.
THE DOG THAT WAS SHOT IN THE FACE: Regina Eagleson of the Groves Veterinary Clinic in Groves, Texas, down by Beaumont, is trying to find a place for this dog.
And what makes this dog special? Gunshot survivor. Yep. Caught it in the face. But he sure looks pretty happy in this photo, doesn’t he? Well, he is. Now. Here’s the story, according to Regina, who works for the clinic where her boss is Dr. Tillman Richey.
“My boss' wife [Cheryl] was on her way to pick her granddaughters [Rhianon and Emerald] up to go to school and she saw this puppy at the edge of a wooded area [near Orangefield]. They have a long driveway to get from the road to the house and this puppy followed her car as she went down the drive.  “The girls, who are 3 and 5 years of age, saw this pitiful, mangy looking puppy that was bleeding from the nostrils and mouth...wounds on his face, swollen nose and below his left eye.
“They immediately brought him to their grandfather, ‘Big Daddy’, who is a veterinarian in Groves. 
“We thought that maybe he had been in a fight with some other animal that gave him the wounds, but x-rays revealed he had been shot in the face.
“We cleaned him up, gave him antibiotics, treated him for shock and placed a feeding tube in him. He was also full of intestinal worms (hookworms).  The feeding tube was in for a couple of days until he could eat by himself. 
“After he was starting to heal, he was de-wormed, vaccinated and eventually neutered. This was in August when he was found.
“He is a very happy and playful pup now. He has a very outgoing personality, He’s housebroken, great with people and other dogs, He’s not head-shy despite the injuries.  He seems to be about 5 months of age -- not sure of what breed he is. He needs to be placed in a loving home, any help would be appreciated.”
The pup has a docked tail and appears to have some Weim in the family tree. To ask about adopting him, call Regina at the clinic at 409-718-7465 or 409-962-1738 or e-mail her at [email protected].
(Aside: Of course, if you know who shot the dog, call the authorities. Don’t call an animal lover because that would result in another crime, probably. You just can’t give a good beating to the people who need a good beating without some spoilsport calling the sheriff.)
CURIOSITIES AT THE LAKE: You just never know what’s going to show up at an animal shelter – or what’s going to show up AGAIN at a shelter. Here are the two latest things from Krista Mc Anally, the manager of the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake Animal Shelter at Tool, Texas.
First there’s this blind puppy.
Krista writes, “This is Brett. Brett was found dumped in a ditch on a private road in Henderson County.  A good guy stopped and picked him up and brought him in to us.”
The little guy is “totally blind.” Just guessing but this may be the result of poor breeding maybe even from one of the infamous East Texas puppy mills Krista says, “He has no retina – which is why he was dumped.”
Yep, who wants a blind dog? We’ll find out, I guess.
When found, he was covered with fleas and starving. “He is currently living in our cat room,” says Krista. He’s going to get all the things a puppy should get and then he’ll need a home. Right now he needs a foster home.
Then, there’s the story of the sister. Krista writes, “This is the ongoing saga of Cinnamon and Cheyanne.  These are two Lab sisters have been at the shelter on and off since they were 6 weeks old.  At about 3 months both girls were adopted together.  At about 6 months they were returned because they could not be contained by the fence that the family was allowed to build where they live.  The girls are completely vetted and spayed.  We will have to re-test for HW at this point. 
“Anyway the new chapter!!  On October 12, I received an email from Red Collar Rescue in Houston saying they would take them.  I was very excited because the girls are now 8 months old.  I had transport arranged and the day before they were leaving, they escaped out of their kennel and could not be found.  Until TODAY [Monday]! 
“They are now back at the shelter, thin from their month on the run.  We were driving down the road to the shelter and saw them.  We pulled into a parking lot and they saw us and came running to the van.  “So now we start the merry-go-round again to find them foster or rescue.  They are great girls and obviously meant to be together.  It still amazes me that after be loose on their own for a month, they were still together.”
To ask about helping Brett the Blind Dog or the Elusive Lab Sisters, e-mail Krista at [email protected]. You may call her at 903-432-3422. Read about the shelter at http://www.hsccl.org/. And visit it by going to Tool, about 52 miles southeast of Dallas.
(Aside: If you know who dumped the blind puppy in the ditch, please contact the authorities. Abandonment is against the law. And this is a particularly mean abandonment. In fact, if you know who did this to little Brett,  let me know. I’m not saying anything will happen, but this could be, as they say, a “teaching moment.”
What a low-life thing to do – dump a blind dog in a ditch in an area with coyotes and other predators. Despicable.)
STILL WAITING IN CARROLLTON:  Adoptions were moving not at all yesterday at the Carrollton Animal Services Shelter. We’re all full up with dogs here or we’d go get this guy Chaney.  Something about the photo. And if you want to see Chaney up and moving, Carrollton’s Joe Skenesky has posted a video of the big rascal on his site, Joe’s Animal House. Click HERE to see a video of Chaney.
Tomorrow is euthanasia day at Carrollton. To offer to help these animals, call  972-466-3420, or e-mail [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS: Indulge me, please, as I write lovingly of books and stories and the gift of being able to read.
Since you’re not going to have to work the Dallas Cowboys’ NFL playoffs schedule into your leisure time this season, maybe you’ll want some books to read.
And that brings us back to the event we mentioned in the opening, the Arlington Branch-American Association of University Women Book Fair.
Each year the Arlington Branch publishes a catalog of the interesting pieces for sale. This year the catalog isn’t a booklet you can hold. It is, for the first time, an online catalog and you can see it by clicking HERE.
You can see these books (and thousands and thousands of others at bargain prices) during the sale – most of the books and videos and tapes and whatever else is offered are listed at dramatically low prices.
The Book Fair opens Thursday and runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. ($3 admission that opening night only; the rest of the time it’s free). Sale hours on Friday are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday the sale runs from noon to 5 p.m. – and on Sunday all items are deeply, deeply discounted to half the marked price.
In the general inventory you’ll find all sorts of fiction, non-fiction, self-help books, computer books, romances, etc. History, movies, genuine literature, beach fiction, holiday items. I hesitate to refer to this book fair as the “Brigadoon of Book Sales,” but it really does appear just once a year and offers genuine treasures before vanishing into the realm of fond memories.
Now, we can’t list all the items for sale, but I’m going to point out some of my favorites from this year’s catalog and I am going to note, also, that in the past I have purchased many great literature textbooks including some that I had in high school. These allowed me to revisit the works of Carl Sandburg, Robert Frost, Ogden Nash and many others and one textbook purchase allowed me to re-read a John Steinbeck short story, The Affair at 7 Rue de M, which is about a kid’s chewing gum that comes to life. People say, “That doesn’t sound like Steinbeck.” Trust me, it is.
Another copy of the Adventures in Literature textbook may be in the stacks this year. Who knows?
As I opened the Book Fair’s catalog, I thought, “Must be someone British helping with this.”
Why? Because of this line “A Sale of Used and Collectable Books.” An American would say, “Hey, y’all misspelled ‘collectible.’” And someone else would  note that the Oxford English Dictionary lists “collectable” as the first preference and that, on this planet, “collectible” is the American usage and “collectable” is the British usage. Both mean the same thing.  You say “tomato” and I say “tomito.”
Here are some of the collectables or collectibles available at the book fair:
For a Texas flavor there’s Hoot Owls and Orchids, Hattie McFadden Drummon’s “autobiography of a Texas pioneer woman.” Published in 1956 and priced at $15.
Then, if you like your cowboys with a bit of flash, there’s the book “Hopalong Cassidy and His Young Friend Danny,” a 1950 book with a tail of the famed hero of the old west – that’s priced at $18.
From 1894, there’s a book (priced at $22) called When Molly Was Six.
And from 2001, for $50, you can get a first edition copy of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol autographed by his great-great grandson, Mark Charles Dickens.
For $100, you can get a 10-volume collection The Works of J. Fenimore Cooper, published in 1893 -- the volumes are bound in dark blue cloth and it’s illustrated with “woodcut portraits.” Can you imagine how this survived more than a century?
And from 1827 there’s a book from London called “The Genuine Poetical Remains of Samuel Butler.” Priced at $10. Eighteen twenty-seven! Imagine! Whose hands have touched that book?
Speaking of poems, there’s a volume called Texas Poems priced at $35. What makes this special is it's from 1936 – that’s right Texas Poems produced for the year of the Texas Centennial – the year Dallas’ Fair Park with all the art deco buildings opened. Historic.
And, finally, I’m almost hesitant to mention this because I know there are H. Allen Smith collectors who will beat me to it – that’s OK, I’ve got about a half-dozen copies of this book. It’s the famous story of a cat who inherits the Pittsburgh Pirates: Rhubarb by H. Allen Smith, from 1946. Priced at $18 – a true bargain at that price.
H. Allen Smith is one of the funniest writers who ever dropped his fingers onto a keyboard and let fly. He gained fame as a columnist in New York, then, having grown weary of people, moved to Alpine, Texas, and became a travel writer. He also was part of the gang of writers and intellects who whipped up the famous Terlingua Chili Cookoff, the first event of its type.
FYI, around here the most famous chili expert and Terlingua personality was Mr. Smith’s chili rival, the great Dallas News columnist Frank X. Tolbert, whose daughter, Kathleen Ryan, with her family, operates Tolbert’s in Grapevine.
As you can see, when books are involved, the whole world is connected and we’re all a lot smarter. Well, some of us are smarter. Mercifully, with pleasure reading you don't have to take a test.
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A Monday report...with pressure

Good grief, it’s Monday already and we were just getting accustomed to weekend living.
As we’re actually enjoying – enjoying – a whole new type of anxiety over the Texas Rangers being in the World Series. It’s like a dream.  But, we have to wake to get into the day’s business. Here goes:
COMING UP  TODAY: (Late news: Briefing has been cancelled. Unsure why, but, no doubt, more later.) The City of Dallas Quality of Life Committee was scheduled to get a briefing today about the operations of Animal Services. See the agenda HERE. The animal services portion of the meeting is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – the meeting begins at noon.  If you go to http://www.dallasanimaladvocates.org/ you’ll see that people in the animal rescue community feel they’ve been kept out of the loop on this event. The meeting is in room 6ES at city hall. You have to pay to park – just another little benefit from trying to be involved in the future of the city. (Is Dallas the only city hall with parking meters? We’re pretty sure it’s the only city with an animal shelter manager indicted for animal cruelty.)
MEANWHILE IN ARLINGTON:
(WE INTERRUPT THIS ITEM FOR A HAPPY BULLETIN: Our tipster Dianne Watson reports just before 2 p.m. that “Clifford has been TAGGED! He will be SAFE! Folks can contact Jan Rosen at [email protected] and/or Dana Payne at [email protected] if interested in adopting him. Clifford is going to Doggie Day Kamp and Rehab Rescue!” Yes, Clifford, on death row this morning, is destined for a happy ending this afternoon.)
We got this note from Dianne Watson of Friends of the Arlington Animal Shelter and West Texas Chow Rescue about Clifford, the big fellow pictured here. Her note began, “Clifford is still alive.”
As it turns out, he has been tap-dancing around euthanasia for a while in Arlington – and, over the weekend, according to a note sent to Dianne from the shelter, the facility’s phones and computers were out, so communication about saving Clifford shrank to zero.
Dianne reports, “He has several interested adopters, but is ‘rescue only.’ Shelter said his owner was found and they didn't want him anymore. Don't know how the owner was found; maybe they came to the shelter. ... He had NO tags and NO chip to trace and was listed as a stray on his kennel card. Anyone who knows anything about chows knows that many display fear in a shelter setting and often are labeled as aggressive.
“If you recall, Clifford landed on EU for showing signs of aggression, our shelter walker was told that Clifford ‘likes some folks and doesn't like others.’ It's her hand holding his head in the picture. The shelter said in an email this evening [Sunday], ‘While at the shelter he has been very unpredictable in his behavior, and for that reason I have put him as a rescue only dog.’
“Clifford has a substantial donation (offered to the group that is willing to pull him) from one of our own fellow DFW rescuers. The original plea for his life has traveled all over the country and several folks were trying to find out how they could adopt him. BUT, we need a rescue to save his life!”
Dianne asks that a rescue group e-mail Samantha Castillo at [email protected] AND at her personal email of
 [email protected]. Clifford’s ID is 11616869, DH116. He’s 2 or 3 years old and weighs just over 51 pounds.
Dianne says, “This is likely Clifford's last chance to get out of the shelter alive!”
ONE THAT WENT TO A SHELTER AND CAME RIGHT BACK OUT: We get this story of this adorable dog from John Martinez and his wife, Francis.
John writes, “I just recently rescued a dog from the Mesquite Pound. I was originally the one who took him there hoping they could find him a new home. This was a dumb mistake on my part as they only gave him 1 day to be adopted before putting him down. I just couldn't let that happen and decided to foster him till I could find him a home. I was hoping you could post his information and picture on your website in the hopes that he could be adopted out to a new family.”
John and his wife Francis already have two dogs that, he says “o not play well with others.”
So, this 3- or 4-month-old Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever mix is in need of a home where he can be accepted.
“We are getting him used to being on a leash and are teaching him to sit and shake hands. Being a puppy, he loves his chew bones. He would make a wonderful family pet in a household with kids that could give him the love and attention he needs.”
To help John give this dog a better chance for happiness, call him at 214-317-1529 or e-mail [email protected]. You may also call John’s wife, Francis, at 972-675-2510 or (cell)  469-789-6464.
Francis says that the dog “wandered onto our lawn” and they “asked neighbors and no one knew him or had seen him. So my husband took him to the shelter up the street from our house. Well, they told him that the next week he only had one day for adoption or they euthanize. So my husband couldn't have that on his shoulders, so he went that next week to pay for him to get neutered, microchipped and also to get a rabies shot. I work at a vet clinic so I brought him here to get his ears checked out and to finish off on vacc's (1st DHPP & Bordetella). We also dewormed him and started him on antibiotics for his ears. His ears came out neg for mange and ringworm. We have started to train the little guy as best as we can since he's young. We call him ‘Buddy’ for now! I know, how typical! But whoever takes him, I'm sure they will be changing his name.”
TWO MALTESE LADS AND A BOXER MIX: All weekend I got forwarded e-mails about two Maltese boys dropped off at the Granbury Animal Shelter. So I checked with Corinne Hopkins, the shelter volunteer who’d first alerted people to their plight. They were brought to the shelter Friday by their owner who had “lost her job and is moving,” Corrine wrote. “Both are neutered.  Owner says they are ‘current’ and one has a rabies tag but she [the owner] did not bring any vet paperwork in with her.  Buddy is the larger one .... 6 years old, about 10 - 15 lbs.  Chewy is smaller... 2 years old, about 8 lbs.”
When I told Corinne I’d be happy to write about them she told met that she was at the shelter Friday just after the boys came in and the shelter isn’t open on weekends, so they’re probably sitting in the Hood County Animal Control Shelter in Granbury waiting for someone to come get them.
Corinne is confident the two little dogs will get help, but she says, “Actually a dog that really needs help is the very skinny Boxer mix, ID 19376.  The boy was picked up by animal control after breaking loose from his chain he was tied up with. He looked half-starved. ... He has been at the shelter since September 23.  The supervisor loves this guy and felt so bad for him that she is holding onto him longer than normal. He was in the Hood County paper as Pet of the Week but no one has adopted him yet. It would be wonderful to get this guy adopted to a good home.  He is loving, friendly and does well with other dogs.  About 1 year old.  He has a good appetite and is filling out nicely.”
Click HERE to contact the shelter or e-mail [email protected].
THE GOLDEN POSTPONEMENT: That annual Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas Picnic was postponed by the weather Saturday and has been rescheduled for October 30. (I could only imagine Golden Retrievers sitting at the windows Saturday and looking forlornly out at the rain.) Go to the website HERE for details.
VERY PREGNANT IN DALLAS: A lot of people can relate to that description, I guess. At any rate, this is Mossy and we got the tip on her from Jonnie England, the noted animal rescuer who goes to the Dallas Animal Services shelter and takes photos of critters who need homes and help.
Mossy is “ready to op at any minute,” Jonnie reports. The dog is about 9 months old and has been in the adoption program since Sept. 22 – she’s vaccinated and negative for heartworms but also too pregnant to spay. . She needs immediate help so her pups will arrive in a situation other than a cold, shelter cage with all those discomforting shelter sounds and scary situations.  To ask about helping her, e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] or call 214-671-0249 or 214-670-8312 and if you represent a rescue group, e-mail [email protected] or call 214-670-8298.
IN CARROLLTON: The clock is ticking toward euthanasia on Wednesday morning at the Carrollton Animal Shelter.
The animals include this guy with the great dog face, Hugo, said to be a Transylvanian Hound – is that not appropriate for the Halloween season?
The shelter description reads, “This big ole boy was found running the streets looking for a place he could hang his collar and call his home. He is a very friendly boy, and has a very outgoing personality to him. He is neutered already and weighs in at 75+ lbs. Some of our staff think him to be a Transylvania Hound which is specific type of hound which is not listed as an option on the websites. He is a boy who loves to play and gets a bit excited when he finds a toy he can rough house around a bit with.”
Then there’s Chaney (upper right), the retriever mix who has a kind of look resembling that which you’d get from former Vice President Dick Chaney if you asked a question he’d rather not answer. He came in as a stray.
Then there are two dogs who came in together when they were surrendered by their people. Blanca is a Lab mix described as “the braver of the  
two, walking right on up to a new person to get all the loving and petting she can get. She does well with her playmate and reportedly with other dogs as well.” Sandy is the standoffish Shepherd/Lab mix. Both are about a year old and weight just over 50 pounds.
And, from the cat side, there is Sushi – an older cat with a magnificent set of whiskers, a great face and a problem hitting the litter box every time.
Here’s the shelter report: “This older gentleman was originally found as a stray wandering about without a place to call home. Some people had taken him in and tried to keep him as their new pet, but he did not work out so they brought him here to find a new home where he might have a better life. He is
estimated to be at least 13 years old and is neutered, has current vaccinations and is front declawed already all of which makes him an easy adoption and an easy fit into any home.  His previous owners said Sushi has trouble using his litter box.  From what we have seen here at the shelter, although he tries his best to use his litter box, he is such a large cat that he sometimes misses hitting inside the litter box.  It is possible that this big ol' boy could just need a large covered litter box to help with this problem.”
To ask about any Carrollton animal, e-mail [email protected] or call 972-466-3420.
THREE DOGS IN COLLIN COUNTY: Our tipster DeDe Whitcombe sent us notes about these three dogs.
One was “hit pretty bad by a car” (right) and “a nice lady paid $500 for her to go to the emergency room and patch her up.”
The irony is, of course, she’s been made healthy and if no one claims her, she will be euthanized.
Not every animal who comes into the shelter has a compelling story. But DeDe mentioned these two – a Catahoula mix and a Hound mix – because they are so “ordinary” that they get overlooked. She calls them “my two favorite mutts.” The note read, “Nothing special looking about these two so they are easy to pass over, that is until you meet them.  These two are so loving, and docile.  Each one is so surprised if you stop to give them attention, and so grateful for every moment.”
To ask about helping them, e-mail Lisa Drummonds at the shelter at [email protected]  or call 972-547-7298.
CALENDAR CRITTERS: The Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake’s 2011 Pampered Pets calendars are available for sale and that’s the cover of the latest edition of the group’s “biggest fundraiser.” (Thanks to Friends’ Sydney Busch for forwarding us the photo of the big ol’ happy dawgs.)
As you may know, Friends operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas.  Proceeds from the calendar support the continued success of the clinic.
Where can you get a copy and how much does it cost? Ten bucks. Just ten bucks. And you can buy copies at the Syler Veterinary Clinic in Athens, Bluebonnet Emporium in Gun Barrel City, Solar Screen in Gun Barrel City, April’s Pets on Highway 274 at Seven Points and at the Friends clinic in Gun Barrel City from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.  If you want to order  some or arrange to have them sold at your place of business, e-mail [email protected].
SANGER REPORT: You may have seen KTVT-TV’s report (HERE ) about the operations of the Sanger Animal Shelter. Maybe read some other things or heard other things. In response to those criticisms, Sanger has appointed a committee to look into improving operations at the city shelter and work is underway on upgrading operations and procedures. More info to come, no doubt.
CONTEMPLATIONS: How about those Texas Rangers! They’re playing “small ball” – running the bases, getting singles that matter, etc. Should match up well against a National League team. Dare we predict a World Series triumph? Too soon to get giddy. ... How ‘bout them Cowboys? Play tonight. On ESPN. Against the New York Giants. Remember when Monday Night Football mattered? ... At a computer store over the weekend I heard a woman ask a clerk if he had a GPS that also has a radar detector. I thought, “There’s someone who may not know how to get to where’s she’s going but she sure wants to get there in a hurry.”
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THE TEXAS RANGERS

American League Champions

 

 

Such a triumph renders some longtime fans speechless.

A rescued trio embracing the wonderful art of sleeping...

There are some weekends when sleeping seems to be the thing to do.
This is one of them. And because it is, we’re going to present some dedicated sleepers.
This trio has been nominated for our feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap by veteran rescuer Cathy Burk who believes in the “shelter” concept and in the “sanctuary” concept and, especially, the Earhound concept.
How do we know? Because two of these sleepers came from the no-kill shelter Operation Kindness in Carrollton and one came from the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.  And Cathy has made regular trips to Utah her home in North Texas  to work as a volunteer at the world-famous facility.
One of the nifty things about running the photos of the two older dogs is this: Both Sam and Bailee have been featured in Readlarrypowell.com before – they were designated Earhounds back in July of 2009. It’s always good to see that a formerly featured critter is still enjoying a hallowed place in a household. (As you can see in the Earhound photo, Sam can wink and Bailee can lick her chops and they both have impressive sets of ears.)
Cathy sent the slumber photos and wrote, “I have some sleeping dogs for you.  They are Sam (he is the light colored dog) and Bailee (the dog with the black spots).  Both dogs came from Operation Kindness - Sam 11 years ago (he will be 12 in December) and Bailee last year (she just turned 3).  You have featured them as Earhounds before!
“I went to Best Friends again over the Labor Day weekend and on Friday, September 17th, Cash was flown to Dallas and became a new member of my family.
“He is a cockapoo and was rescued from a puppy mill in June of this year.  He is 2 1/2 and has lived his whole life in a cage.”
(FYI: Cathy sent a link to a story about Cash on the Best Friends website and explains “I believe the picture shown in the story is actually Lincoln, but they are talking about Cash.  Lincoln who also came from the same situation is being adopted by a friend we met at Best Friends in February.  She was there over Labor Day also and fell in love!  Her name is Rita Burke - no relation!” Click HERE but only after you’ve finished looking at Readlarrypowell.com!  The part that got me was the description of the dog auction and how prices started at a dollar a dog and went down – if a dog didn’t sell, well... oh, my, it’s ugly. That's Cash sleeping NOT in a cage but in a proper dog bed at Cathy's house! One of the most active anti-dog auction sites in the nation can be linked through hard-working Mary O’Connor-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs in Ohio. Link up HERE for Mary’s group and at the “Ban Ohio Dog Auctions” site HERE.)
Cathy also says, “Cash has been like a puppy since all he ever knew was living in a cage and it has worn me out!  It's been so wonderful seeing him make progress every day, but it's been tiring.  I can't imagine a litter of puppies.”
Now, it’s not like Sam and Bailee took a limo to Operation Kindness. Nope, they had pre-adoption challenges, too. Cathy says Sam “found his way into my heart 10 years ago. He is a terrier-Spitz mix. Bailee joined us at the end of April [2009] and they estimate her age to be about 1 1/2 years old.
“Sam was on the street for about 7 months and Bailee was dumped at a truck stop, but I don't think she was out for very long. She was not spayed, had never had puppies and was heartworm negative!”
And, now, Cathy’s Trio sleeps like they were born to inhabit the couch, naturals for the soft mattress and built for snoozing. 
It’s comforting to see that dogs formerly “at risk” found the right human heart to help them realize their full potential whether it’s as sleeping lumps of pup-on-a-couch or happy-to-see-ya Earhounds and their little buddy, the unpurchased dog.
So, when you think about all the rotten things that humans can do to critters, it’s kind of a big ol’ Texas-sized relief to see Cathy’s three dogs sacked out like they own the place. Which I'm pretty sure they do.
(To nominate your snoozing critters for spotlighting in our weekend feature , send the photo or photos and info to [email protected]. Include the contact info because we’ll have questions. And remember, photos of sleeping mammals are a great comfort to the insomniacs of the world – it gives us hope that some day we, too, can flop over upside down on a couch and snooze like an Earhound.)

 

On Friday, a gathering of results and a few other things related to the animal kingdom but no reports of finding six lucky Lotto numbers

We’re going to have a long report today – but I’ll try to make it a quick read. If I get verbose, e-mail a complaint to the AAVL (American Anti-Verbosity League) and turn me in. Oh, yeah, the AAVL office is closed because everybody is getting ready for the Texas Rangers playoff game tonight.

REMINDER: This dog Daisy was stolen out of a car at a restaurant  in Lewisville, Texas, on Sept. 26. We posted the story yesterday afternoon, but it never hurts to remind people to be on the lookout. When you get to the end of today’s report, scroll down one more notch to read about Daisy and how to contact her heartsick human.

GARLAND ACTIVISM: Dr. John Pippin, who is one of the leaders of the movement to get Garland to stop using gas to kill animals in the city shelter, has issued a call for protestors for Saturday morning at the Garland Neighborhood Summit. The plan, according to his note, is for protestors to gather at 7:30 a.m. and “greet attendees as they arrive.” The mayor speaks at 8:30 a.m. and, the note says, “we will be finished by 9 a.m.” The Granville Arts Center is at 300 N. Fifth St.

Why the protest at this place? The note from Dr. Pippin reads, “To make attendees aware of the abominable Garland Animal Shelter, and to keep the heat on Garland city officials.”  (To ask about participating, e-mail [email protected].)

THE PILLOW STORY: You may recall  this little dog – an ailing woman and her son saved the dog in the alley of their home after some jerk in a car took two runs at the puppy and missed. Nice, huh?
The dog wound up in the care of Halteman’s Haven, originally a rescue focusing on injured and ailing cats. But Keli Halteman made room for the puppy. If only rescue bank accounts were as big as rescue hearts.

That was several weeks ago.  And when first in a vet’s care, Pillow had an allergic reaction to a med, then had another one later. Her medical care bills are skyrocketing but she’s not in an alley dodging wheels.

The initial emergency care soaked up most of HH’s medical funds. And Keli Halteman, who has been working three jobs to pay for her rescue expenses, is trying to gently close Halteman’s Haven.  The little dog has been adopted, but Keli wants to make certain her medical care continues, so she’s monitoring that situation.

Then, a recent article about Keli in the local paper had an effect she didn’t expect: “Once the article came out about me...I had 16 cats and kittens dumped on my doorstep. I am worn out, but am continuing to try to get the babies placed.” (To offer to help Keli, e-mail her at [email protected].  Donations for this pup can be made at VCA Beltline East Animal Hospital in Sunnyvale. Call 972-226-0265 and ask about the Pillow Fund. The clinic is at 2555 N. Beltline Road, Sunnyvale, Texas, 75182.

A SAVE IN FARMERS’ BRANCH:  A couple of days ago Kathy Nichols of the Farmers Branch Animal Services Shelter wrote to us about this heartworm- positive young pit fellow.

Heart worm-positive, stray, city shelter – three things to overcome. Bad odds. And, yet, that afternoon, she sent me a note that reads, “Are you sitting down? We have rescue for the pit bull!! Woot! Woot! Woot!! Not only that, a lady called with an offer to contribute toward his medical expenses. Blessings all around. It's a good day.”

Of course, that wasn’t the only animal in need of rescuing at the shelter. You can see more by clicking HERE.
WHAT’S UP WITH THIS DOG? On October 14, we ran this photo of this Catahoula mix from the Collin County Animal Services Shelter. DeDe Whitcombe, the shelter walker, wrote< This girl is about to bust pregnant and her back foot in injured. She is the most beautiful silver color – I have never seen this. She is so incredibly sweet and loving.”

She also was on the clock. But calls were made, things were set into motion and this girl went into a rescue situation just in time. In fact, on the 18th, CCAS staffer Lisa Drummonds e-mailed us that the dog “had 7 puppies last night – all are doing great.”

The saving of this momma dog and her subsequent litter of seven was arranged via Koni Perkins of Fort Worth who got Lynda Rhoades and hubby Rex to foster the dog who then became a momma with seven puppies. (Koni says,” This is the 4th dog I have rescued from CCAS and I love working with Lisa.” Lynn, who usually focuses on Wise County, and Koni connected through a Facebook site, Pawsitively Texas.)That’s a photo of the litter – or “wad of puppies,” perhaps. The pups were 24 hours old when that was snapped.

About the momma dog, Lynn says, “We have not named her because she is supposed to be a foster. I have a feeling she is going to be named before this is over.”  She confesses that “she is so sweet and loveable and naming her will mean she will be staying.”

Now, like all good fosters, Lynne says she and her hubby and all the humans involved are “concerned over the placement of her and her pups....Christmas is about the time these pups will be ready, we don't want them given as gifts. Too often a pet given as a gift becomes a burden after the first month. Momma will be fixed before she leaves here; this was not her first litter of pups.”

This batch of pups appears to be Catahoula/Border Collie and “will be very smart,” Lynn says, adding that they’ll need to go to homes that understand both breeds.

As for Mom, her back foot may have been caught in a trap – two toes are damaged and there may be tendon damage, too. All of her work is being handled by Cross Timbers Veterinary Hospital in Bowie, Texas.  (There is a fund set up for “Silver Cat” and pups  c/o Cross Timbers Veterinary Hospital, 1403 Highway 59N, Bowie, Texas, 76230-3014. Call 940-872-2161.

And to ask about auditioning to adopt a pup or mom, e-mail [email protected].

In the meantime, because this stuff never ends, Koni is trying to help some shelter dogs in Wise County and she has other dogs in boarding that need foster homes, too. There’s no “off-switch” on animal situations in Texas. You can offer to help her or you can ask questions about getting involved by e-mailing [email protected].
PARTY TIME:  There are so many things going on this weekend. For example, A Different Breed has a big garage sale this weekend (see HERE) and the 11th annual Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas Picnic at Lake Grapevine is Saturday – details HERE.). I know I’ve missed some things. If  your group has something planned and I haven’t mentioned it, use the COMMENTS button at the end of the report to list it. Thanks).

--Angela Hildeson sent us a note about Sunday’s 2nd Annual Lost Paws Rescue of Texas Howl-O-Ween at Lee Harvey’s, the distinct bar and grill just south of downtown Dallas.

She included this photo of last year’s winning team in the costume contest, a dog fan who came dressed as the Grinch Who Stole Christmas and her dog who was dressed as the Grinch’s dog, complete with the single reindeer antler.
“He traveled in a little sleigh,” Angela says. So the bar is set high for the costume contest. The Howl-O-Ween event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Angela says, “For the dogs, we will have a costume contest, bobbing for hot dogs, and plenty of off-leash play.  For the humans, we will have a silent auction, DJ, and drink specials.” Get more details HERE.

--Rescuer Rekka Melby sends word that Take me Home Pet Rescue is hosting a family- and pet-friendly Halloween party from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Black Finn Restaurant, 4400 Belt Line Road, in Addison . Get the details by going to the Take Me Home site HERE.

For a $10 donation at the door you get a wristband entitling you to a chance to win a Southwest Airlines round-trip ticket, $3 drink specials, a one-dog entry in the costume contests and access to the quesadilla bar with chips and salsa.

The costume categories include funniest, scariest and favorite – enter more than one dog with $5 per dog. You can stuff the ballot box by buying six ballots for $5 and voting for your favorite pup.

And, yes, that is one of the dogs Take Me Home is helping – that’s Pippa and Pippa is today’s official Earhound.

--And, from Becky Dodge of Weatherford we hear about two adoptions involving Parker County dogs on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  the Humane Society of North Texas and Parker Paws (the group that pulls dogs from the Parker County Shelter) will team up for an adoption event on the parking lot at Billy Bob’s in the Stockyards in North Fort Worth. Parker Paws also will be at the Weatherford PetsMart from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HORSE CRISIS: DeDe Whitcombe, the rescuer of dogs and cats, has a soft spot for horses, too, and sent us a note about a seizure 10 days ago by the Collin County Animal Services folks.

As you can tell from these photos, the horses came in two styles: Ribs showing from starvation or ribs obscured by pregnancy.

The quarterhorses included five stallions, 17mares and 3 colts.

DeDe writes, that  “CCAS would prefer they go to rescue as there is going to be a lot of rehab involved. They were kept in stables in literally feet of their own waste unable to move, so many have no muscle tone at all and have trouble walking any distance. Their hooves and teeth all need attention, as well as many wounds.

“Despite all of this every single horse is affectionate and craves your attention and love.

“I am very proud to be associated with the caring individuals at CCAS. We are in a rural area where animals are typically nothing more than property to people. This wonderful shelter is setting the standard and saying ‘NO, it is not OK!’”

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

MEANWHILE, IN THE MATERNITY WARD: Oh, boy, you just never know what’s going to show up in a shelter.

Consider the critters at The Colony.  Not only are there dogs and cats but there are soon-to-be mommas now and then.  I’m not sure how long puppy and kitten season is these days but Cleo is not only pregnant, she’s imminent.

The Colony’s Animal Control Division Manager Patricia Barrington says Cleo is due any moment.

Cleo is a Sharpei mix and, according to the veteran manager, once the pups are delivered she’ll be the “size of a small Heeler or a large cocker Spaniel.

“She’s a very vulnerable little thing with sad eyes and a sweet heart. Ms. Cleo walks out into the backyard with me every day.  She will take about 10 steps and then lean on my legs for a little support while she catches her breath then we go 10 or so more steps.  It’s terribly endearing.  Cleo needs a home that will let her muddle through this stage and live the good life she deserves when she sends those pups packin’!”

You can see that the shelter has other critters available, too.

And, says Patricia, “The shelter inventory changes on an hourly basis.”

To ask about helping Cleo or any of the animals in the shelter, call 972-370-9250 or e-mail [email protected]. And that cat is Sweetbear. No known negatives except for the need to either give or get affection. What a burden, eh?

Bunch of Chihuahuas in the shelter, too -- Bruiser, Lucy and Ricardo. Never ends, does it?

MAKING A PITCH FOR CLIFF LEE: John Terrell pulled this dog from the Garland Animal Shelter as it was facing death at the end of a needle. The dog is now called Cliff Lee, after the famously effective Texas Rangers pitcher.

May they both have more good fortune.

John is trying to find a good home for this foster dog. He writes, “Calling him a Saint Bernard mix but he only weighs about 45 pounds. Probably has more Aussie/Golden in him than anything.
“He is a little scared but coming around. He was most likely mistreated or neglected by his previous owner. He does not try to bite,  just either cowers or lays on his back.

“I worked with him all night and he is still a little afraid of me. Lauren petted him for 2 minutes and he started following her around the house. I can only foster him for a few days since the baby is en route. He was schedule to die last night [Wednesday] so I offered to take him in until another foster/rescue/forever home can be found.

To help Cliff Lee in relief, e-mail [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS: Things I have noticed include (1) even in my early 60s I still can’t snap my fingers on my left hand (right hand is like a crack of lightning, but the left hand is like hitting a bowl of dough with a frankfurter); I can no longer make either the 3-fingered Boy Scout sign or the 3-fingered Boy Scout Salute – too many years of typing have frozen my little finger in a permanent “strike the key” position. .... Until the Texas Rangers hit the playoffs, the biggest anxieties in my life were (1) Would my smartbabe Martha actually marry me and be my funspouse? (2) Awaiting the birth of my child only to learn after delivery in January 1971 before Star Trek medicine that the one expected baby was twin boys. (3) Weighing in at my doctor’s office. All those anxieties have moved down one notch. Playoff anxiety – it’s time. ... That photo? That is the Readlarrypowell.com staff impersonator Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas, giving us his impression of a Texas Rangers fan with a VIP pass rushing into the winners’ locker room and spotting a big steaming platter of Mom’s Sweet Taste of Texas Victory Meatloaf with a side of Green With Envy Yankee Beans all served up by the famous Major League Baseball chef, Big Homer.

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Bichon stolen from car, reward offered

This is one of those “be on the lookouts” that involves crime.
Rotten crime. A thief. And a Bichon from Temple that was taken from a car in Lewisville.
The incident happened on Sept. 26  in the busy Vista Ridge area of Lewisville on I-35, just north of Dallas.
While Becky Garth and relatives and friends were dining inside the Le Madeleine Restaurant, someone broke the left passenger side window out of her red Buick Enclave – an SUV – and took Daisy the Bichon Frise. (That's Daisy with her late human, Bell County County Judge John Garth.)
Nobody reports having seen the dog, but someone may have seen the break-in and that could provide a clue to Daisy’s whereabouts.
Becky says the front windows had been left “cracked” on the nice fall day as a breezy cold front came through. She would not have been left there if the temp had been dangerous. But someone smashed the window and reached in and grabbed the dog and a backpack off the back seat. They did not take a purse on the seat nor did they take a laptop computer, Becky says.
Because the property was left behind, Becky says one theory is the dog was taken by someone who thought the dog was in danger. There are some animal people who will actually take dogs out of cars rather than wait around and monitor the situation or call the authorities for help.
A police report was filed, but nothing has come of that. Shelters and vets and rescue groups have been checked repeatedly. Nothing. The restaurant did not have a video surveillance camera.
Daisy is not chipped, but she is spayed (she won’t be any good for a breeder) and she was wearing a collar with a tag that had her name and her home phone number on it.
This is a much beloved dog – Daisy who is 5 now was the beloved companion of Becky’s husband of 46 years, former Bell County County Judge John Garth, who died of cancer two years ago.  The family sees Daisy and feels that a part of John’s heart is still with them.
The little dog weighs just under 15 pounds. She’s “set in her ways, so her confusion must be enormous,” Becky says.
If you know Daisy’s whereabouts, call the number on her collar – 254-742-0487. There’s a reward.
Maybe you know someone who suddenly has a new 5-year-old Bichon or you’ve seen one in a shelter or a rescue group has one. And, if an animal “rescuer” broke into the car to get the dog, let us know. That’s bad behavior and stealing is a crime. Animal rescuers are often called “nuts” for a reason – but this shouldn’t be one of those reasons.
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