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An Earhound, a pet food bank plea, prevention (vaccinations and spays) and Chili Day...

Our topics on this last day of February, 2013, are varied.
FYI: If things go as planned, the next Leap Year is 2016. I knew you’d ask.
Now, moving along toward an Earhound, a food bank and assorted tales of need and astonishment.
TELEGENIC EARHOUND: We’re going to begin with a joy. An Earhound.
I saw this guy on TV last week. SPCA President James Bias was pitching him on Channel 4 during an early morning broadcast and I saw his ears.
Quickly I contacted our SPCA go-to person for Earhounds, Stephanie Daniels, the Communications Coordinator, to ask about the dog. 
Why, because he is that rarest of Earhounds. According to the Handbook of EARS (Earhound America Registry Society), this dog is a prime example of “Fixed Opposite Display,” or FOD.  One ear points one way, the other the opposite way -- forward and backward, as President Bias explained to the TV people. It appears to be permanent -- that left ear won't flop back and the right ear won't flop forward.
This guy’s name is Scruffy Fred, Stephanie tells us. “He’s actually my favorite pup at the shelter right now,” she says. “I have a thing for scruffy dogs – I have a wire-haired Jack Russell Terrier named Apollo.”
Scruffy Fred’s history is light -- he came to the SPCA on Feb. 2 from another shelter. “We don’t have too much history, other than he loves laying in laps, loves to run and also gets along well with other dogs.”
He’s just over a year old and weighs in at about 25 pounds. The theory is he’s a TerrierBlue Heeler mix with a “delightfully rockin’ patchwork pattern” over his face. (Larry aside: I believe that is official Westminster terminology--delightfully rockin’ patchwork.” In pre-show conferences, judges are reminded to look for "delightfully rockin' patchwork." Perhaps I am  wrong.)
At any rate, you can see Scruffy Fred and how to adopt him by going HERE. See more about the SPCA and how to help by donating, fostering, adopting, etc., at www.spca.org. Remember, the best place to get Earhounds appears to be Dallas, Texas. We see them roaming, in captivity and in homes. Sometimes they are on television. 
FIGHTING DISTEMPER: Of all the ugly things that can naturally happen to a critter, distemper is among the worst. Nearly always fatal. Sometimes it’s fatal just because a dog is in the same shelter with a sick dog during an outbreak.
Krista Mc Anally, the director of the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake Shelter, says the Society is taking steps to block such an awful happenstance. 
Here is the letter that is going out to shelter supporters:
“Recently, and for the first time in 6 or 7 years, the shelter had an outbreak of distemper.
This was a terrible experience for all of us and some of our rescue groups.  To help the community and the homeless pets that we care for, we are hosting our 1st vaccination clinic on March 16. We are wanting to give the shots for as little as possible so we are asking our supporters to sponsor a tray of shots.  Please consider sponsoring a tray of 25 vaccines for $75. This is will be a huge help to the community and protect a lot animals from unnecessary suffering.”
Donations can be made at the Society website, www.hsccl.org, or mailed to HSCCL, P.O. Box 43531, Seven Points, Texas, 75143. (Mark “shots” on your donations.
You can call the shelter at 903-432-3422, or you can drive 52 miles southeast of Dallas and visit the shelter in Tool, Texas.
And that little dog is Banner, one of the adoptables at the Humane Society shelter.
HELPING THE FOOD BANK: Cheryl Spencer, founder of the North Texas Pet Food Bank,  sent us a note that was pretty straightforward. She wrote that “donations have been down for the past few months.  We were wondering if you could help us and say a word or two about the North Texas Pet Food Bank? We collect donated pet foods and serve emergency needs for individuals, rescue groups and animal shelters.”
The bank, founded (not making this up) on April 1, 2011, “provides emergency food and supplies to individuals, shelters, and rescue groups.”
She says that in 2012, NTPFB “gave more than 20,000 pounds of dry dog food, more than 1000 cans, hundreds of collars/leashes, and other supplies to many groups, including: Fort Worth Animal Care and Control (emergency food shortage), Everman Animal Shelter, Justin Animal Alliance, Rockwall Animal Shelter, Collin County Humane Society, Humane Society of Flower Mound, Apollo Support and Rescue Group and hundreds of individual families in temporary financial hardship.”
She says that in spite of the depressed donations, “We’ve never had to turn down a request of emergency help and we don’t want to start now.”
Keep up with the bank on its Facebook page HERE. 
Cheryl also sent us this photo. She says it is “of the staff of Pet Paradise Plano who collected 1,200 pounds during their holiday pet food drive for the NTPFB. This load was collected and 700 pounds loaded up to go to an emergency for Tina Hamilton at Happy Tails Animal Rescue in Gun Barrel City.”
Then Cheryl confesses, “I am terrible at taking photos. This food comes in/goes out so fast that it's gone by the time I think about taking a photo. But, I do keep the Facebook page current daily.”
To reach Cheryl to offer to help, email [email protected].
CAT SPECIAL FRIDAY IN DENTON: What? Free kittens in Denton? No! Not in this story. This has to do with preventing free kittens in Denton.
We got this note from Stacey Schumacher of TCAP (Texas Coalition for Animal Protection). It’s about a bargain that’ll avoid a problem -- unwanted kittens. 
The deal is that for $20 (with the purchase of a set of vaccines -- that’s $25) you can get your cat spayed at the TCAP clinic in Denton on Friday. You’ve got to have a reservation -- call 940-566-5551. Each cat has to arrive in her own hard- sided carrier, only 4 cats per owner. The program is only for privately owned cats -- not for foster homes or rescue groups. 
Spay your female cat for only $20 (with the purchase of a full set of vaccines)!  This special event is being held at our Denton clinic on Friday, March 1.  Space is limited, so call us today at 940-566-5551!  Cats must be in separate, hard-sided carriers.  Only four cats per owner.  Additional fees for in heat or pregnant females may be incurred.  This program is only open to privately owned kitties; no foster homes or rescue organizations. 
There are other cat and dog spay/neuter specials coming up in March -- see them at texasforthem.org. I wondered if there might be any cats available in the Denton Animal Control shelter -- yep, there are a few and that cat, young Pam, is one of them. See the inventory of Denton cats and dogs HERE. 
CONTEMPLATIONS: These are not the only stories we’re working on -- and if that prospect should send a chill up and down your spine, well, perhaps your apprehension may prove to be deserved. Ask yourself, “What have I done or not done lately that may prove to be newsworthy?” You know who you are. Maybe. ... Glad to see Psych back for a new season.   Among the most entertaining shows on TV. Bet NBC wishes it owned it. ...  You can find anything on line. For example I found on this site (HERE) that Feb. 28 is National Chili Day.  Falls in the middle of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. No known connection. I’m almost sure.
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Dog with a heart, Earhound with zest, Pier the victim, cats and Big Tex

 

Midweek. How-dy. Only one thing to do. Push on. Move ahead. Plow through it. Unless you're in an elevator, then punch that button and ride! Yahoooooo.
The weekend is coming and by then it’ll be March.
Now, let’s talk critters.
Take, for example, the critter in this photo. That, you may recall, is the symbol of the State Fair of Texas, Big Tex, the formerly 52-foot-tall Midway cowboy, currently being “rebooted,” so to speak. More on Big Tex and the State Fair later in today’s report.
DISTINCT DOGS: I had written to the volunteer shelter walker Allison Roberts about a Collin County Animal Services dog we’d featured here before -- Toulouse -- you may recall the backscratching photograph -- happy dog. 
She said Toulouse is still at the Collin County Animal shelter. And then she sent me another photo, declaring, “You’ll love this pic!”
She explains, “We have a new boy that I'm pretty sure will get adopted soon -- everyone is in love with him -- he has a heart on his nose!
“But the high interest in him is a little depressing - I wish other dogs were so lucky to have a heart on their nose to get them noticed.”
And, so, we present these action shots of Toulouse who likes to have her backside scratched and loves to play with a doll and has such a floppy set of ears that she is now officially declared to be an Earhound.
To ask about either of these dogs, email both [email protected] and [email protected]. 
You can see more Collin County animals on the volunteer-run Facebook page HERE . 
THE DRAMA SURROUNDING PIER: This dog Pier is fighting some long odds that got better when he was spotted by Scouts Honor Rescue in Houston's BARC (Bureau of Animal Rescue and Control) shelter.
He had been burned severely.
A front page story in the Bryan Daily Eagle says he was burned when someone “poured accelerant” on him and set him ablaze. (Click HERE to see the story.)
Volunteers pulled together and got Pier into the Texas A&M Small Animal Hospital a week ago. Scouts Honor says he’s been in ICU ever since with 24 -hour care from “an amazing team of vets, vet students and techs.” 
[Larry aside: Any arrests? Are you kidding? This is Texas. That was in Houston. Witnesses? Rare as hen’s teeth.]
The Scouts Honor update reminds us that while Pier seems to be handling the post-fire treatment well, “he is not out of the woods yet. The doctors told us that right now is a very critical time because this is the time that infections will pop up. So they are being very vigilant monitoring his blood work daily and the changing his bandages. He goes under anesthesia daily for his vets to continue to debride his skin and re-bandage him.
“So far, our boy has been headed in the right direction, but he has a very long road ahead. They anticipate that he will be there in ICU for about a month, followed by 3-4 weeks more in the regular hospital.  He really needs everyone to send good thoughts his way!” 
You can track him on Facebook HERE. 
FOLLOWING UP ON KITTY CAT: You may recall this dazed cat -- indeed, Kitty Cat. She was living with a disabled veteran, somehow got out, got injured and wound up in bad shape before Paws In The City found a way to help her.
The longtime Paws In The City animal advocate Becky Haisma told us yesterday that “we found an experienced foster for Kitty Cat to temporarily care for her while her wounds heal. I don’t think she wants her name mentioned but she did say she found out about the cat from you.”
(Larry aside: There you go, Dear Readers, even more proof that the folks who visit Readlarrypowell.com have the biggest hearts in the known universe.)
Becky says the vet decided that Kitty Cat’s awful leg wounds needed to be stiched up (rather than lasered) and she was spayed on Monday and "is doing well. We could still use some donations.” (Go to www.pawsinthecity.org and you can see how to donate to the Wyly Fund.)
You’ll note that we have the same ol’ photo of a dazed Kitty Cat, taken while she was sick. We’re working on getting a new one, but Kitty Cat has other ideas.
Becky has that Kitty Cat has been in no mood to be photographed. “She was freaked out last night when she got to the foster's home and was lunging and hissing at her, so, hopefully he has calmed down.”
Heck, I told Becky, that’s the photo I want to see -- it would be the picture that showed people how fostering is more than just petting kitty and enjoying the company! Takes work. Not for the weak of spirit.
WAITING AND WAITING: We’ve mentioned this handsome fellow before. His name is Churchill and he tested positive for Feline AIDs and nobody wants him.
Now, the deal is he’d make a good only cat and a good cat in a home with other cats in a similar fix.
People say, “Cost me money. Ugly early death.” Not so fast. Maybe not. Depends on how well you feed the cat, how frequently you visit the vet and how carefully you monitor the cats’s sniffles or other issues. Yeah, you treat 'em like a real healthy cat ought to be treated. Love him and make sure he visits th vet regularly. 
You can learn more by contacting Kelly Jo Nial, Churchill’s protector, at [email protected] or calling or texting 817-798-0349. 
Churchill is currently boarded at a clinic but that can’t last forever. He’s about 2 years old, neutered and very friendly. Kelly Jo says, “We had a hard time finding the ‘off’ button for his purr motor and it was a long photo shoot trying to hold him still, as he just wanted us to pet and love him.” 
THE BIG TEX STORY CONTINUES: Sue Gooding, the media relations person at the State Fair of Texas, continues to keep us in the loop on the Big Tex story.
You may recall that Big Tex, the then 52-foot-tall Midway Cowboy and symbol of the fair since the early 1950s, caught fire on the final Friday of the Fair and anything that could burn did.
Sue says people keep asking about the future of the big cowboy and how to make donations. So far the Fair has received more than $45,000 in donations. You cans see how to kick in at www.bigtex.com. 
Sue wrote, “Big Tex wants to give a hand to all his fans and express appreciation for the cards, letters, emails and donations. In 212 days, he’ll return to his official duty as host of the greatest Fair in the nation.”
In the meantime, they’re working on rebuilding his head and features, body structure, boots, clothe and hands.
“The first step in the rebuild requires creating a 3D model,” Sue reports. you can see the 3D animation of Big Tex’s hand HERE. 

Big Tex is scheduled to make his debut on opening day -- Sept. 27. The theme of the fair is dedicated to him. It’s “The One & Only.”
The Big Tex photos seen here today are by photographer Kevin Brown.
Probably no truth to the rumor that the new Big Tex will be holding a corny dog -- the other symbol of the State Fair of Texas.
CONTEMPLATIONS:  Still waiting on a press release about the merger of Metroplex Animal Coalition, the Dallas Companion Animal Project and Dallas Animal Advocates -- we know the release is coming. We’ve been told. Stay tuned, we’re pretty sure. ... We anticipate the joy of the first Texas Rangers spring training victory -- they got whipped 14-8 by the Chicago White Sox yesterday and that makes their winless record 0-3-1 for the Cactus League season. People with the team talked about what a great pitching job Yu Darvish did in his brief appearance -- but don’t you think the team should be practicing winning? I mean, geez, at the end of last season they had nearly 2 weeks to win one game and couldn’t pull it off. ... As long as we’re talking sports, the sportsradio shows talk about Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones vowing to make people uncomfortable at Valley Ranch. That’s OK -- the rest of us have been uncomfortable about the Cowboys since the 20th Century when he fired Jimmy Johnson.
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And now and then there are animals in shelters that need help...if "now and then " is defined as "all the time"

We’re still around 4 weeks from spring so if there’s winter weather, well, seems it be appropriate.
Having made that observation and put on a winter coat, let’s move on. And isn't that a dog who looks like a winter coat is working just fine? Needs a home. Available in The Colony, more on Darling in a moment.
STAR’S NEWS: This was a nice note. It came from Jet Parker, founder of Creature Causes. She wrote, “As of this morning, Feb 25, Star was saved from the Mesquite Shelter. Creature Causes (Jet Parker) coordinating with volunteer and ardent rescue champion, Kelly Ferguson, pulled this wonderful project together. Kelly doggedly tried to save Star and recruited Tammy Aragon to foster her and then was given Jet Parker's name for more help. Jet secured the support of the rescue group DFW Pup Patrol (Lisa Arion) to ensure Star isn't just rescued but also re-homed.  Star has been pulled and taken to the vet and Kelly and Creature Causes have secured initial funds to cover early medical expenses.”
That’s the good news. The other side of the coin is Star needs some regular, nutritious dining and sincere work on an ear mite problem, Jet says. She also says Star is heartworm negative. To keep up with Star or help her causes, visit DFW Pup Patrol HERE.
SPEAKING OF DOGS IN A FIX: Remember this guy from yesterday? Brought into Dallas Animal Services, all battered and nipped from being attacked by another dog, he was in a tough spot. DAS reports that the Humane Society of Dallas County has claimed the dog so he can get some care. The link is www.dognkittycity.org.
Amazingly, this little guy was NOT the last dog DAS has in a fix. It’s a big city. There are lots of people who mistreat, can’t treat or ignore the needs of their animals. There are animals that need help but can’t get it and they wind up in a shelter, roaming the streets, annoying neighborhoods, dodging cars, losing attempts to survive. 
Last night DAS sent out an email with a load of special dogs needing some help. There’s Slider the Dapple Doxie who appears to be paralyzed, but from an old injury -- maybe. Kodiak (left) is a 3-month old pup with a limp -- that’s him on the left --who may have suffered an injury to a growth plate on his left front leg.
And there’s 3 month old Mickey, a little guy (8.4 pounds!) who is microchipped, but his owner just never came to get him -- afraid of loud noises, they say, so a shelter is a bad place for him. And that Shar-Pei mix in the bed is Martha, a 5-year-old who “came in and was super-pregnant,” DAS says. She gave birth to one pup that didn’t survive, then became distressed and had to undergo an emergency life-saving spay because of undeliverable puppies who didn’t make it.
And ... well, the list goes on. To offer to help, email [email protected]. There are several more animals in need of immediate rescue because of injuries or not being compatible with a shelter environment. Oh, what animal is, right?
When it comes to the many, many distressed dogs and cats on the clock, you know the Dallas residential motto: It takes a village of idiots. 
SPEAKING OF DOGS IN A FIX BUT GETTING OUT OF DALLAS: As you may recall the Society For Companion Animals airlifts unwanted Dallas dogs to out of town -- way out of town, sometimes -- sites. It takes volunteers to do this and SFCA founder Tawana Couch has issued another call for help. “We are short of volunteers to transport dogs,” she says. “SFCA needs volunteers to keep dogs overnight, then take them to DFW (Airport).” She’ll help you help the dogs. Email [email protected]. SFCA has helped the throw-away dogs of Dallas find homes in such areas as The Hamptons in New York -- not exactly like life dodging cars and bad guys on the streets of Dallas.
MEANWHILE IN THE COLONY: Patricia Barrington, the Animal Control Division Manager at The Colony, sent out a note yesterday with several dogs and cats that need homes.
Some of these cases are heartbreaking -- oh, anytime an animal is in a shelter and not getting a home, that’s heartbreaking.
Patricia explains, “Three of this lot are owner-surrenders. The rest were picked up as strays -- of which 4 have known owner who have identified them but failed to pick them up thus far.”
Doesn’t really matter which is which when the clock is ticking. Here’s are the stories:
Darling is the big, 6-year-old Chesapeake with the chop-lickin’ tongue. She’s “full of life” and, says Patricia, “This sweet girl has manners and heart.”
That noble looking dog is Chariot, a year-old spayed female Lab-type. Loves to play, knows basic commands. (Because she’s fixed, her fee is $20 -- that pays for her rabies vaccination.)
Patricia writes, “The Earhound Dachshund is Sadie. She is around 6 years old and just as loving as … well, as most every other dog, here.  The people who found her claim she had a seizure, but I haven’t seen one – but still, that is something her people will need to watch.
“The gray and white cat, sort of hiding behind the paper is Great Scott.  ... Great Scott is a shy boy. He is about 2 years old and is just adorable and endearingly shy.
“That silly looking brindle girl with a ridge down her back is Rhoada.  I really like her.  She is goofy.  She is outgoing.  She is vocal.  So – she is just the epitome of a great natured, all-American dee oh double gee.  Rhoada is probably 2-3 years old.”
You can keep with The Colony’s shelter on Facebook HERE  or on PetFinder HERE.To ask about any of the animals, email [email protected]

or call 972-370-9250.
TWO DOGS IN A SPOT: Our pal Della Wallace found out about the dogs in Little Elm and is trying to help find a place for them to go.
Why do they need a new home?
“The man is not in good health and they are quite active, playing all the time. They need a new home....The owner’s wife made up the flyer for me.”
And there you have it, a quickly-produced flyer to try to help two dogs.
The information is on the poster. 
The dogs are Jack and Jill. Same mom, different dads. Family tree doesn’t matter  -- what matters is they have no place to go. 
The number to call to help them is 214-709-0537 -- leave a message. (It's handwritten on the bottom of the poster, so I figured if your eyes are as old as mine, typing would work better.)
CONTEMPLATIONS: Continuing with my Oscar fog, there were 9 Best Picture nominees this time and we didn’t see any of them. I did see A Good Day To Die Hard and it was like watching a car wreck/shootout that lasted 2 hours while someone slapped you in the back of the head. Probably had a page and a half of dialogue. ... I have actually heard people complaining about Shakespeare In Love winning the 1998 Best Picture. Those people are idiots. And I say that with love. Some of my dearest friends are idiots and, heck, I may be, too. Just not about this movie. It’s great. ... I don’t get enough sleep. I also don’t make enough money. There is no connection. And, no, I don’t lay awake nights trying to divine the right six numbers for Lotto Texas. 

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Rescue -- it's personal...

Every animal rescue experience is personal.
Personal. Rescue is personal. Rescue is not a hobby; it's a mission. Maybe that’s why, now and then, tempers flare, people get catty and things are difficult. People take rescue personally. Lives are at stake.
And you learn from rescue. You develop opinions. You think of things you’d like to see done differently. You think of things you wish you could do -- I’d like to have a nickel for everybody who has told me about the dog ranch they’re opening when they win the lottery.
Still, no matter what’s going on, people keep plugging along. Today we’ll have some examples. Maybe they’ll provoke a good thinkin’ session. Maybe answers will pop up.
That black dog? Symbol of shelters. Lots of ‘em in shelters, lots of ‘em never leave shelters for a good home. More on this guy in a minute. First, some personal experiences.
THE DOGS IN MESQUITE: This comes from rescuer Jeff Hartman. He outlines a pretty rough circumstance and makes a suggestion and tells a story that’s heartbreaking. Here  is Jeff’s report from over the weekend.
“I just picked up two small dogs, the female in heat and an excited male with her.”(Jeff says there was a large male Rottie who “wouldn’t come to me.”)
He continues, “Being on the Mesquite/Dallas city line, I took the two to Mesquite's shelter. Our website has a category where residents can list if they've lost or found a pet. Unfortunately, Dallas residents can't do this because the website has no lost and found listings. Hopefully these dogs will be adopted in Mesquite if the owners don't find them.
“In a similar instance, a few weeks ago I picked up a Maltese hit by a car and left laying in the street in shock and barely alive near my home. My gut feeling was she wouldn't survive. I took her down the street to the Ray Hubbard ER on Beltline Road. Her rabies tag was a Luv-A-Pet but the original owner couldn't be located and there was no chip either. I checked with the ER an hour later and she was so broken up the doctor ended her suffering. Sadly the next morning I checked on Mesquite's website and found the owner who was looking for Mia. All I could do was give her the ER's phone number and tell her she needed to call them.
“The lady called me back a week later and thanked me for what I did and also for the little white cross I put out near where Mia was hit. My motive for the cross was sadness but also hoping that driver would see it when passing down the street.
“One more quick story... Last month an older fellow's dog escaped -- he’d adopted him from StrayDog about a year ago. Only tag she had was the rabies from StrayDog's vet. When she was caught, the person called the vet, let StrayDog know about it and I believe Erin[of Straydog] picked her up and back to Straydog she went.  Straydog called him and let him know, but another house visit was needed to make sure things were OK for the dog to go back to him. Erin, David (the Guy who does the adoptions) and myself went to see him and check out the yard/fence. Saw a few problems and explained what had to be done before she (Suzie) could come back. I also suggested getting an extra tag with his name, her name and his phone number, explaining to him that if Suzie got loose in the evening after the vet has closed, there would be  no way to find the owner after hours, thus the tag with his number that is good 24 hours a day if she's lost. When we took Suzie back to him, he had the tag in his hand ready to put on her collar.”
Here is Jeff’s point: “If you're ever looking for material for a commentary,” he says, “This might be good for one. Get a chip and a tag.  I stress having an extra tag with owners’ phone number whenever I help out with adoptions just for circumstances like above. Without a tag or chip, I'm sure the dogs I found will never see their people. And Mia's owner probably would have been with her in her last minutes. She was only one street away from home.
“At least Suzie will be in good shape to get back home if she escapes again.”
BONNIE AND CLYDE: What else would you name a couple of free spirits in North Texas?
Yep, Bonnie and Clyde. Just like the West Dallas bandit pair from the ‘30s. 
Rosemary Fincher has these two dogs in Richardson and she is trying to make sure they don’t wind up like the original Bonnie and Clyde.
One big difference is these dogs are in Richardson and not in West Dallas.
Rosemary says, “I haven't ever been in a situation like this before where the dogs that I rescued didn't have collars or tags or chips. I usually find dogs that are easy to return to the owners. This is a totally different situation and it has been very stressful. I really appreciate any help that we can get.”
Part of the stress is the two dogs bark non-stop in the back yard. They can’t come into the house because of the resident cats. They’re scheduled to spend Monday in Rosemary’s garage in kennels that were loaned to her. But the barking is a major stress point.
And Rosemary is concerned about a neighbor’s reaction and about the dogs’ future.
“We looked all over the area for any signs and there haven't been any signs for dogs like these two. We listed them with Garland and Richardson Animal Services. Neither one had any dogs like these two as missing. I am really disappointed that a week has passed and nothing has turned up. I am running out of time with them as they have been barking and I am worried about what a neighbor of mine might do as he does not like dogs.”
Email [email protected].
Here’s the way this started early last week. Rosemary, in first asking for help, wrote, “They are in my back yard and doing OK except that they dug out on Tuesday and on Wednesday she got out and we think that she must have jumped over the fence by climbing up on my AC and then going over as we couldn't find any other place that she could have gotten out. The weird thing is that she comes back to my house after roaming around the neighborhood.  A neighbor named them Bonnie and Clyde and the name fits them. We hope that someone will foster them or adopt them. They are nice dogs.”
LAST WEEK’S BIG ISSUE: You may recall that last week the big point of discussion around the rescue world was Dallas Animal Services deciding to leave an apparently malnourished dog with the owner. A day later, DAS took all the puppies and moved them to the SPCA of Texas through a “sharing the intake” agreement. 
Supporters of the DAS decision saw it as a good thing that the momma dog wouldn’t risk a spot on death row at the shelter and that the owner would get an opportunity to become educated and properly care for the dog. People who didn’t support it thought it put the dog at further danger with someone who shouldn’t have a dog. DAS promises to continue to monitor the dog. If you’d like to see Channel 8’s story with photos of the dog and an interview with the dog’s owner, click HERE. Be sure to read the comments. Oh, and be sure to come back to readlarrypowell.com and see some situations that need help now. 
IN THE MEANTIME AT DAS: Over the weekend the DAS Rescue Team reached out to help a little bitty dog with a big problem. And, so you’ll know before you jump into action, DAS’s Danielle Fry says Oak Hill Animal Rescue is pulling the dog on Monday -- and they’ll also be getting Sasha and Sarah, a couple of ultra-bonded sisters DAS has been trying to get out of the shelter for weeks and weeks.
The story on the little dog is he came in with “an obvious head tilt,” according to the DAS folks. “The vets are hoping it’s just a really bad inner ear infection, but we don't have the equipment to rule out something more severe neurologically.”
The little guy was eating and drinking and “producing the aftereffect” just fine. So, now it’s time for a vet with all the equipment and testing capabilities to see what’s up with the little guy. You can contact Oak Hill Animal Rescue at the website HERE.
And then, just before the Oscars started last night, DAS Rescue sent out a request for help with “this little boy.” He came to DAS “after being attacked by another dog,” DAS says. “He is covered in bite wounds. He has some on his legs and abdomen.  Because of the wounds to his abdomen, we are worried about any internal damage that may have occurred.  When he first arrived, he would not eat.  After awhile of being on pain meds, we were able to get him to eat some canned food.  He is very sweet and will allow you to pet him but you can tell that he is uncomfortable.  We have him medicated and you can tell that he is feeling better.”
To help this dog “J” (A771680 INJD16), email [email protected]. 
And, if you want to see who is waiting for a home at Dallas Animal Services, you can go to www.dallasanimalservices.org. 
MEANWHILE IN CARROLLTON: The Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise folks -- that’s the city’s animal shelter team -- will be phasing out their weekly “Carrollton Support List” email in favorite of Facebook. The announcement reads, “We will still communicate our need for support to save animals at risk of being euthanized, but this list will be posted weekly on our Facebook page at ‘City of Carrollton Animal Adoption Center’ [HERE]. Our shelter will continue to send out a ‘reminder’ e-mail with a link directly to our at risk animals on our Facebook page.Even those who do not have Facebook accounts will be able to view the album thru the link. This change will be effective March 1, 2013.”
That brings us to the three animals left on this week’s “list” at Carrollton. And one is that big black dog, Stormy, a Retriever/Weimaraner mix.
The girl is about 8 months old, weighs 44.5 pounds and is an owner-surrender. The shelter’s bio explains, “This young lady was brought here to the shelter by her people who had a 19-month-old child and were not able to care for both.”
Stormy is probably going to be larger. She has some manners, though is a bit rambunctious -- as are most young dogs. She likes toys and people and will “shake” -- “loves toys and people and once she has run her extra energy off, she will sit for you to love on her.” You can see her energetic video HERE.
Then there is the young cat Keith. Keith the Cat. A stray, he was “brought to the shelter by a well-meaning person so hopefully he could find himself a better home than on the streets.”
No dice so far.
He is said to be “friendly, but shy and likes to hide under his blanket hoping the world will not see him.” Once he warms up, they say, he’s all purrs and petting.
Here’s the tough part. The shelter folks say, “The stress of being at the shelter is taking its toll on Keith, and he is beginning to have symptoms of an Upper Respiratory illness, and not eating as well as we would like.”
And Tiger is about 4 months old. He’s a stray, too. Small guy, brought in by the legendary “concerned citizen,” is working on becoming a petable cat.
To offer to help these animals call CARE at 972-466-3420 or email [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS: Monday after the Oscars? Oh, my, that closing number made Ricky Gervais look good. Oh, my. OK, yeah, we’ve celebrated all night at Readlarrypowell.com. Inky the Cocker Laureate of Texas won for “Best Original Dog Story Screenplay” for his pet project “Arfgo.” ... I will miss Saturday postal delivery. Life will not seem American without six days of delivery. Surely the post office can figure out a way to stay vibrant. Of course, I knew something was happening when I dropped by local post offices in off hours and couldn’t buy stamps out of a machine. Service matters. Get ‘em at a drug store now. ... Listened to the first Texas Rangers spring game Friday -- Eric Nadel and Matt Hicks in mid-season form at the microphones. It was a tie game. A tie. The Rangers finished the first weekend of spring season at 0-2-1. Winless for the season so far. Hope it’s not a trend.
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The Ladder of Catnapping Sucess & Another Cat's Progress...

Well, here you go. Cirque Du Cat Lay.
Yes, that is a cat atop a ladder.
The cat’s name is “The Honey Badger.” Might have a little show biz in her. Or some dairy products.
Her name used to be Blue Bell. There’s a story. And it’s part of the reason this cat is in the spotlight for this edition of our Readlarrypowell.com weekend feature, “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.”
The cat was nominated by her foster mom, Linda Ashton of Texas Pawprints. You probably know Texas Pawprints by the neighbor’s explanatory tag: Your Friendly Neighborhood Cat Ladies.
The Honey Badger came from Carrollton Animal Control, Linda says.
“She is one of those cats who is charming until you take her to an adoption event - then she promptly morphs into a hissy cat. I'm guessing this is why she didn't get adopted while at Carrollton (where her name was Blue Bell - seems she was found under an ice cream truck). But as soon as I get her home, she turns into sweetness and light and begs for belly rubs.
“Currently I'm redecorating, and of course The Honey Badger is supervising. What's odd is that she actually likes sleeping on a five-foot ladder. Which is kind of like us deciding to sleep on the roof, confident that we won't roll off. 
“I'm hoping that someone who would like a bob-tailed cat with redecorating skills will consider adopting her.”
So, to  ask about adopting The Honey Badger and, perhaps, buying a second-hand cat ladder, check with texaspawprints.com and email [email protected].
And if you want to meet The Honey Badger, Linda says “I’m taking her to our our adoption event Saturday. So she’ll be at the PetSmart at 500 Greenville AVe. from noon onwards -- without her ladder."
Yeah, Linda says you can adopt the cat, but the ladder isn't for sale.[To nominate your sleeping critter -- on a refrigerator, atop a treehouse, at the top of a conning tower on a submarine or just on the couch and dreaming about skydiving -- send the photo and info to [email protected]. Remember, we publish these stories and photos as encouragement to our fellow humans who suffer the torture of insomnia. If a bob-tailed cat can sleep on top of a ladder, a hefty fellow with a small pillow and a good sense of balance should be able to sleep, too.]

CATCHING UP WITH KITTY CAT: We mentioned this cat earlier in the week -- belongs to a disabled veteran but somehow suffered a horrendous leg injury and needed immediate and serious veterinary care.
Becky Haisma, the longtime Paws In The City volunteer, sent us the note and said the hope was to get the healed cat back into her home.
Two things have happened. One is a bit of a miracle. “Looks like I found an experienced feral foster to take care of her! YAY!” Becky reported.
She also got a second opinion on repairing the cat’s hideous wounds and says the vet “recommended doing surgery to stitch the wounds with laser therapy so we are doing that on Monday. It will cost $400 and we'll also need to spay her. We already spent $200 cleaning the wound, vaccinations, testing and antibiotics. So we'd like to raise a little bit to cover the extra costs. Total costs will likely be $700-$750.”
Donations should go to pawsinthecity.org and “donate under the Wyly Fund,” Becky says.
As for the special foster,  Becky says the woman “has been doing it for 30 years but has retired, burned out and is only open to short term situations like this now.”
Yep, just another one of your magic moments in the world of cats when someone who’s burned out says, “OK, I think I can do this one.”
Hearts may get fatigued, but in animal people they're too big to burn out.
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New home -- that's the theme...and a broken leg and puppies and trying to dodge a bullet...

Friday finally got here -- how can a 4-day workweek be so long?
So much for temporal puzzles, let’s see what’s on the agenda today.
Oh, wait! The theme for the day is “FIND A NEW HOME!” You’ll see why as we discuss the Second Chance SPCA and the puppies of that Duck Team 6 Dog. And there's this dog with a broken-leg (that's him, Murdoch, at the Dallas animal shelter). Read on.
FIRST, SECOND CHANCE SPCA: Great news in the inbox this morning. You may recall that about a month ago we mentioned that Second Chance SPCA, the rescue group in Plano, was losing its physical address and needed a place to go.  Here’s some of the personal note this morning from Anne Bracken of Second Chance SPCA: “We had all kinds of folks reaching out to help us and I know that is in part due to your posting.” Yep, you Readers rock.
Here’s the update from Anne, “Four weeks ago today we sent out a plea asking for assistance in locating a new home for our organization. The response we received was more than we could ask for; we heard from former adopters, supporters, volunteers, other rescue groups and concerned citizens simply wanting to help out. Since then we have followed every lead working non-stop to locate a new home and we are proud to say we have found it.
“We have found a wonderful property in Plano that meets all of our needs and will give us room to grow. Starting today we are kicking off a 30-day campaign to raise $30,000 toward the purchase of the property. So we ask for your assistance once again to help us reach this goal so we can purchase the property and set up a permanent home for Second Chance SPCA....With your assistance we can make it happen.”
You can see how to help by going to www.scspca.org.
AND THEN THIS HAPPENED WITH THE DUCK TEAM DOG PUPPIES: Things changed for some puppies yesterday. Big change. We’re not sure who gets the credit for this change -- could be a group effort. But someone made a persuasive point and puppies are safe.
You may recall that people in the animal rescue world were raising questions about Dallas Animal Services leaving an obviously starving dog with a guy who didn’t know anything about taking care of such an animal. DAS said it wasn’t a thoughtless decision and promised sincere monitoring of the situation.
For lack of a better handle, the dog is being called the “Duck Team 6 Dog.” Why? Because there’s a connection to the local rescue group, Duck Team 6 -- the dog’s story first appeared on the groups’ Facebook  page on the 17th.
The story includes spotting the dog, appealing for help from Dallas Animal Services, DAS deciding to leave the malnourished dog and apparently healthy puppies with the owner, then both some outrage and some agreement with the decision.
Ah, but things have changed.
Some people thought educating the guy was a good idea in spite of a chance of endangering the already weakened dog and some people didn’t. Some people questioned leaving the puppies with the guy with the starved dog. Others asked why wasn’t the dog spayed. Lots of questions and opinions.
Rebecca Poling, the Dallas Animal Shelter Commission member who also works as the social media person for Dallas Animal Services, sent Readlarrypowell.com a copy of what was posted on the DAS Facebook page by Thursday afternoon. Basically, there was a “re-visit” and the puppies are now at the SPCA of Texas.
The note from Rebecca on behalf of DAS reads:  “City leaders want us to be a resource in the community and educating people on how to properly care for their pets, and encouraging them to come to us when they need help with their pets, is part of that job. Earlier this week, the folks at Duck Team 6 brought to our attention a situation involving a very skinny mother dog and five puppies. We sent an Animal Services Officer experienced in cruelty cases out to investigate and he was able to speak at length with the dog's owner -  a young man who has never had a nursing mom before, who did not realize she needed extra food and care to stay healthy while lactating. The young man was compliant and eager to learn more about how to properly care for the dog and her puppies, all of whom appeared to be in very good health.   
“Our officer determined that this was not a cruelty case, but an uneducated owner who very much wanted to do the right thing for his dog.  Had we simply seized the dog without doing any education on proper pet care, the owner may have gone and gotten another dog and treated that dog the same way - the cycle of uneducated ownership would have been repeated and the idea of pets as disposable property would have been, sadly, reinforced. So keeping all that in mind, we decided that leaving the dog in the home, and conducting follow-up visits to make sure the owner does what he has been told, was the best course of action.”
That is also a version of what had been posted earlier on the Duck Team 6 page as a way of explaining why the starving mother was still with the guy.
Here’s the new part (and it explains those group photographs). Rebecca writes, “As promised, DAS officers monitoring the situation were back out this morning and spoke with both the young man who owns the dog and the property owner. Both expressed their desire to do the right thing for the dog, who they clearly care about. (The dog's owner has already begun free-feeding the dog, so she has access to as much food as she wants.) Again, Our officer discussed the importance of good nutrition with the owner this morning, routine veterinary examinations and the legal requirements for pet parents in the City of Dallas.  In an effort to help them come into compliance with the law, we also scheduled the dog for a spay surgery, vaccinations, and registration through the Big Fix for Big D. 
“During the discussion,  the dog's owner agreed to our offer of to help assist them in placing the puppies in responsible forever homes.
Since DAS has been working with The SPCA of Texas to help divert intake of owner surrendered animals, so we thought this would be a great opportunity for both agencies to collaborate once again. The SPCA agreed, so the puppies are now further along the road to their furever home!”
So, we asked about the “intake diversion efforts” and got an explanation from Dr. Catherine McManus, the DAS Operations Manager.
She explained, “We have a verbal agreement with the SPCA of Texas to divert some intake of healthy owner surrenders.
They will allow us to send them about 5 animals per day when they have space. It has been a great opportunity to lessen our intake (which is unfortunately increased compared to last February), and provide them with some healthy, adoptable animals.
“We need more resources in place in this community to divert or prevent intake. We have lots of spay /neuter options but no behavior resources and very limited medical options for owners that do not want to surrender their pet but otherwise cannot afford care.
“We push the envelope to do what we can to keep pets in their homes (leg amputations, wound repair, etc.), but we could save even more lives and limit intake if more resources were available.
“Our numerator (adoptions, transfers, etc) will max out at some point so we (the community) will need to intensely target the denominator (intake) to save more lives and be a humane community.
“We will only be successful if we do this together.”
The photographs provided by DAS (and you can see them on the DAS Facebook page, too) include a “group shot” of the puppies in one cage and, according to Rebecca’s note, a photo showing “the DAS officer who has been working with the dog’s owner and the great SPCA of Texas staff that will be caring for the puppies.”
She adds, “We will continue to follow up but so far the owner has done everything request of him and [we] are glad that in this case we were able to preserve and strengthen the human-animal bond. Because that is what it is all about.”
Oh, and that last dog photo? That is a dog named Murdock who came to DAS and has what may be a broken leg -- DAS can’t tell for sure because it doesn’t have an x-ray machine. In the meantime, DAS Rescue’s Danielle Fry says they’re keeping him comfortable with meds while seeking someone to get him out into a happier situation. He’s “sweet as can be,” about 3 years old and weighs 65 pounds. He can’t stay in the city shelter forever. To get him out, email [email protected]. 
Call it a chance to strengthen the  human-animal bond for Murdock the dog.

NOT ALL STARVING DOGS ARE IN DALLAS AND THEY'RE LOADING THE GUN: We got the story on this fellow from our Burns Flat, Okla., rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher. There’s a threat to this dog beyond starvation.
Terry Lynn writes, “This boy was found in the country. The lady took him home and has taken care of him for three weeks. He was skin and bones when she found him. He has put weight on and is looking better and better each day. She took to the vet and he is NOT chipped. He IS, however, neutered. They asked me to help place him and I have been trying. He is great with other dogs and loves kids.
“Tonight [Thursday night] they called me and told me if I can’t take him TOMORROW [Friday], they will take him out and shoot him. I guess THAT is how they deal with sick, injured, or unwanted animals.
“PLEASE, if anyone has a safe place for this boy, let me know. I am full at the shelter and all extra kennels so I cannot take him.”
Contact Terry Lynn at [email protected] or call 580-330-1459.
WHAT? MORE PUPPIES? IT’S NOT EVEN SPRING! Yes, I don’t know how Punxatawny Phil pulled this one off, but whatever he saw on Groundhog Day appears to have resulted in an early puppy season. You see the combo DAS/SPCA above and here are a bunch of puppies from a home in Garland.
Rescuer Nicole Austin is trying to help these puppies.
Here’s the note: “These cuties are free to a good home. They [the family that has the mother] believe the daddy was Lhaso Apso and the mother is a mix with some Pit Bull in her. She is about 50-60 pounds.”
[Larry aside: We’ll stop right now to suggest that some spaying and neutering would be helpful in this neighborhood, perhaps some locks on gates...and we’ll also announce that the Lhaso Apso may be up for Ambitious Dog of the Year. Moving along...]
The pups are weaned, on dry dog food, ready to go. Two are short-haired, five are shaggy -- the black and white is the only boy in the crowd.
To offer to help these dogs find a home, txt 972-904-0483 or e-mail [email protected].
TEXAS UNITES DEADLINE: Texas Unites For Animals 2013 (March 16-18 in Austin) closes its bargain online registration on Monday -- bargain price online. Texas Unites has “40 workshops in 5 tracks” and those tracks are Communications & Outreach, Health & Behavior, Personal & Organizational Development, Adoptions & Promotions and Operations & Fundraising. And there are 2 “optional pre-conference workshops” at additional fees: Compassion Fatigue and Cruelty Investigations for ACOs. The website is texasunites.com  and the contact is, wearing yet another hat, Rebecca Poling -- click HERE or email [email protected].
EASTER VOLUNTEERS: The traditional Easter In The Park & Pooch Parade are scheduled March 31 -- yep, Easter Sunday -- in Lee Park in Dallas and Tawana Couch says the Society For Companion Animals needs volunteers to help with its display. The work starts about 8:30 a.m. with unloading and carrying tables and chairs.
There’ll also be “setting up tent” time, and before that can happen, Tawana writes, “We are also in need of a tent to borrow or to purchase if we have some donations.” She’s hoping to get a 10-by-10 tent with all the stakes and equipment needed to hold it in place.
To volunteer to work, email [email protected]. To help the SFCA transport dogs from Dallas to a local airport and, thus, to safety out of town, email [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS: Regarding Tim Tebow canceling his appearance at First Baptist Dallas, this theory: He got a call from the Vatican. Something about an interview for a position. ... Can you believe that NBC, the powerful TV network, is 5th in national ratings for February? How can this be? I’ll tell you. God bless Jenna Elfman, but it’s 1600 Penn. That sitcom plays like some NBC executive’s son needed a job and they gave him a sitcom. It’s grindingly uncharming with actors who perform as if someone with a gun is keeping them from escaping the set. Bad judgement at the network. Oh, the ratings? Went like this: CBS, ABC, Fox, Univision and then NBC. My theory of the first words out of an NBC exec’s mouth when he saw the ratings: “Whew! At least we beat PBS.”  CBS shouldn’t relax -- some of its shows are so bad they ought to be on NBC. ... Booing Josh Hamilton, the former Texas Ranger? It’s not about his leaving or his comments. It’s about not catching that easy fly ball. It’s about not hitting at key moments. It’s about becoming an “if” on the field. It’s about baseball.
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Ah, the season continues and so, too, the stories...

Remember, back on Feb. 2 Punxatawney Phil predicted an early spring. What does a Pennsylvania groundhog know about Texas weather? Let’s get our winter coats out of premature storage and move on.
We’ll start with two souls who need a break (our pal Jeneva O’Connor and her adorable foundling Ellie) and move into some rescue work for a cat, an unclaimed dog named Star and touch on a starving dog story.
ANOTHER PITCH FOR ELLIE: Bless Jeneva O’Connor’s heart. She’s still plugging away at finding Ellie a good home. We mentioned this back around Christmas when Jeneva, a legendary Dallas petsitter, found the dog out in the street2, puzzled and perhaps injured.
Here’s Jeneva’s appeal on behalf of Ellie. “Help me help her. Just read this and pass it on. Obviously almost everyone that is receiving this has a pet! But think of others you know who might want this sweet little girl!
“Ellie has been with me since Dec.18.  Although she is a darling, funny, and affectionate little Spitz, there are too many other dogs and cats in my house. She becomes overwhelmed with excitement and has difficulty calming down, and she transfers her play to my 15-year-old Beagle-- this is not acceptable.
“Although she is barely a year old, she would do best in a home without other pets, at least until she settles in for a while. She can learn a new routine and is very happy to be quietly playing with her toys, or just lying next to someone. At barely 22 pounds, she is a perfect size.
“She is playful ,and perhaps has suffered a slight head trauma, as she loves to stand up on her hind legs, but frequently loses her balance and falls over. That, and a slight head tilt, make her appear very cute. Also, if you hold her head she becomes very still and looks at you with the sweetest expression.
“She is housebroken, and completely vetted and spayed. She will be a fine companion for someone. Please help me get her out of this confusing household and into a home that suits her.”
To reach the famed N-Trust-Ur-Pet sitter Jeneva, email [email protected] or call 214-352-7700 or 214-727-7903.
AN INJURED CAT GETS A BREAK, NEEDS ANOTHER: We got this report from Becky Haisma, the longtime stalwart rescuer from Paws In The City, the Dallas rescue group.
Here’s the deal with this cat: I’m not running the photo of the awful leg problem. It’s too much. So you get the wide-eyed mugshot of this cat.
Where did the cat come from? A Southeast Dallas neighborhood, Becky says. “The neighborhood is boarded up with lots of homeless people and gangs. She lives with a disabled vet inside but he lets a homeless man stay with him sometimes and he let's her out sometimes.  Don't know what caused the wounds.”
The deal is Kitty Cat needs a foster for at least two weeks. The disabled vet is ailing right now and has no transportation. “Something happened to his cat’s leg and it was getting worse so he reached out for help,” Becky’s note reads. “With a police escort into the scary neighborhood, we were able to get the cat to a vet yesterday [Wednesday]. the leg has severe abscesses that were growing bigger and getting badly infected.” 
The cat’s wounds have been cleaned and she’s on antibiotics. She's’ vaccinated and negative for the bad cat diseases. Becky says, “She needs a safe place to heal. The man is not able to provide this and the wound will likely get re-infected if we return her to him now. She is very scared although she lets him pet her. She is acting feral at the vet.”
To offer to help this cat, email [email protected]. She says Paws In The City is helping with the vet bills -- the need now is a safe place to recover.
THE DOG, STAR: Remember the dog Star we featured a couple of days ago?
Everyone who meets her loves her. She’s in the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
Our tipster, rescuer Rebecca Mandeville told us yesterday, “The youTube video’s been viewed about 100 times since your article was published. . . . .unfortunately, I just talked w/the shelter and they’ve not received a single inquiry.” Here’s that video link. In case it helps.
And here’s the contact: [email protected].
CONTEMPLATION: Today’s contemplation directs you to a discussion underway on the Duct Team 6 rescue group’s Facebook page.
We learned about this from several emails. DT6 posted a plea for a foster for a starving dog on Feb. 17. But that situation changed after Dallas Animal Services became involved -- as you can see by reading the Duck Team 6 comments and explanations on the Facebook site HERE. Best way to tell you how to find it on the DT6 site is to say “look for this photo and start reading.” There are more than 80 comments.
Many animal people see a starving dog and want to take it away from the person who is allowing the dog to suffer. Yet, this dog was not confiscated, but was left with the person who reportedly said he didn’t know that a nursing dog with a litter needs more food to keep from starving. 
Of course, as anyone who has ever picked up a starving dog can tell you, it takes more than overnight without a bowl of kibble to get to the state in this photo.
Someone purportly with Dallas Animal Services posted a couple of explanatory notes on the Duck Team 6 Facebook page HERE. No name signed to the notes. Probably you should read it all yourself on the DT6 site.
But in case you're in a hurry, this is the first “DAS response” -- it appears to have been posted  on Feb. 20 via a DAS Facebook link (that's it in the blue type, as lifted off the DT6 page). It reads:
“Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center All - We appreciate everyone's concern, and thank JP [Bonnelly, the rescuer] and DT6 for bringing this to our attention. We sent an Animal Services Officer experienced in cruelty cases out yesterday [Feb. 19] and he spoke with this dog's owner. The owner is a very young man who has never had a nursing mom before and he simply didn't realize that she needed a lot of extra food to help her stay healthy while she is lactating. The young man was compliant and eager to learn more about how to properly care for the dog and her puppies - all of whom appear to be in very good health.
“City leaders want us to be a resource in the community and educating people on how to properly care for their pets, and encouraging them to come to us when they need help with their pets is part of that job. If we just seize the dog without doing any education on proper pet care, the owner will just go get another dog and treat that dog the same way - the cycle of uneducated owners is repeated and the idea of pets as disposable property is reinforced. That is not our goal. Keeping all that in mind, we have decided that leaving the dog in the home, with follow-up visits to make sure the owner does what he has been told, is the best course of action. Our hope is we can turn an uneducated owner into a responsible, educated owner, and keep a dog in her home. And yes, the owner received multiple citations.”
Now, in an effort to be helpful to those of you who live in Dallas and may not know about your city government, you can click HERE to see who your city council representative is and how to contact that council member and Mayor Mike Rawlings. You can see how to contact the shelter at www.dallasanimalservices.org.
 I’m sure you’ll want to tell the council how grateful you are that, as elected city leaders, they’ve encouraged the animal services folks to educate residents via citation and consultation rather than confiscation. (Larry aside: We’ve sent queries to DAS personnel to determine if the note on the DT6 page was an actual DAS response and also to ask what citations were given to the dog’s owner. We’ll let you know.)
Now, if a dog doesn’t go into the city shelter, it doesn’t become a DAS intake statistic or a euthanasia statistic or, for that matter, a live release statistic, either, and taxpayers have avoided the cost of feeding and vet care. 
Of course, if the dog was a baby human it would be immediately moved to a safe haven and the caregiver would be thrown into the slammer for investigation of abuse and neglect. But this is just a dog. And if it dies, well, we’ve all learned a lesson, haven’t we, and we sure won’t have to worry about this dog any more.
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Earhound, old guy, endangered roaming Pit, and a great scratching photo...

You can’t really call Wednesday midweek if you’re just working a 4-day week, can you? Midweek would be sometime around midnight tonight, right?
Of course, Readlarrypowell.com actually doesn’t know when you’re reading this paragraph. Could be right now. Could be five years from now. Can’t have been yesterday -- that we know of, yet, my time-traveling friends. Here’s today’s report, unless it actually is five years from now for you and then...well, just read on.
AND NOW, WE HAVE AN EARHOUND: Oh, man, is that ever an Earhound!
This great dog comes to us from Stephanie Daniels, the SPCA of Texas Communications Coordinator.
Obviously, this dog is a spectacular example of the fabulous division of Canis Cutus known as the Earhound.
Stephanie wrote, “One of our sweet pups, Amelia, caught my eye this morning. She’s ADORABLE and, most definitely, an Earhound. I’m thinking her nickname should be – drumroll, please – Amelia EARhart! Have you ever seen or heard anything more perfect, because I sure haven’t!?”
So there you go -- an opportunity to adopt a sensational example of an Earhound. Amelia EARhart. See how to adopt her at www.spca.org.
The Earhound American Registry Society (EARS) designates her as an “Aerial Flap Up/Flap Down Variety.” Wherever she goes, it’ll be a happy landing.
AND THEN THIS DOG ZEUS WANDERED UP: One of our reliable tipsters, Lacy Milani-Ingalls, has a new adventure. She’ll mention TNR and GSD in this story -- for those of you who are as slow as I was on the acronyms, it’s “Trap-Neuter- Release” or "Trap-Neuter-Return" and “German Shepherd Dog.” Took me two years to get GSD and I had to ask somebody.
OK, so here’s her story: “I was doing TNR in South Dallas Sunday night and this stray GSD boy came up to me.  He was SO sad looking, had nails that were 2 and 3 inches long, and was missing patches of fur all over his body.  We named him Zeus.
“He stayed in our backyard overnight and Monday morning he went to Hillside Vet Clinic in Dallas.  He got a Capstar, Frontline, skin scrape (that revealed no mange but a bad yeast infection that caused thickening of the skin) and a general check up.  He is estimated to be about 8 years old and is not neutered.  I don't know what to do with him as I do cats only.
“If anyone can help take him in, please let me know!  He is pure GSD and has the sweetest personality.  He let us touch all over his body and pick him up to get in the car.  He is great on a leash and just wants to follow people around.  He is 92 pounds and does not seem underweight...just BADLY neglected. No microchip.””
To offer to help Lacy help this fellow, call 214-228-7936. Email [email protected].
PUZZLING OVER A DOG: Debbie Farrell, the veteran rescuer, forwarded a note about a “stray red and white Pit Bull in Lake Highlands.” The person trying to help this dog is Lisa Goin, who confesses that “we are not dog people” and, thus, she doesn’t really know what to do -- except reach out for help to save the dog. She says the dog has “roamed this area for weeks, maybe months. Many of the neighbors are talking about him and frankly are scared of him. I’ve never seen him be aggressive or bark or make one peep. He is super quiet.” And he appears to be smart and a “survivor.”
The dog had chosen Lisa’s yard as the place to sleep for 4 nights in a row. She’s says, “Now I’ve kinda come to the point when I don’t see him I am worried he got hit by a car or something.”
Lisa writes, “I’ve researched online to find out who can come get him and make sure he finds a place to stay that will take care of him, feed him, keep him off the streets and not destroy him. I’ve talked to many people on the phone, none with much help. ...I live on a busy street, so this isn’t the best place for this poor dog. I’ve contacted many rescues and shelters that, sadly, are all saying they are 200 percent  overfilled and cannot possibly come get him nor take on more dogs. I don’t want to be the one to make the call to a shelter that would put him down after a few days, but I am also concerned if he doesn’t get help that a neighbor will do so, if they haven’t already. .. Earlier tonight [Tuesday], there was some food/trash in the middle of a 4-lane busy street...and he kept going out to the middle to eat it and the cars all kept honking at him and the dog just kept going out there.”
Debbie, the veteran rescuer, got involved because when Lisa went to a nearby PetSmart to seek help, the personnel put her in touch with Debbie.
So, if you can help save this dog, email [email protected] or [email protected]. [Larry aside: We’re working on getting a photo, but, honestly does it matter what the dog looks like when it needs help?] 
THE BIG DOG SCRATCH: I don’t know if you’ve ever had one of these big ol’ Staffie-types around the house, but this photo demonstrates just how much like real dogs they are. Oh, wait! They are real dogs. Look at the happiness from that hip-scratchin’. This dog is Toulouse. She’s 2 and on the clock at the Collin County Animal Services shelter in McKinney.
The story is she loves to play with people and likes to “throw toys in the air and do twists and jumps and all sorts of acrobatics.” She’s also a big kisser. She’s officially #396775.
To ask about helping, email [email protected] and [email protected].
And, to see more CCAS animals, there’s a volunteer-maintained Facebook page HERE.
ON THE BORDER AND TCAP: The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection -- those folks are big on spay/neuter -- will benefit Feb. 26 when the On the Border at Fossil Creek on I-35 in far north Fort Worth hosts a charity day. On Tuesday, 10 percent of your ticket goes to TCAP. You simply have to handover a copy of the special little handbill. Click HERE to get to the flyer and print it out.
THE CAR LOT CATS: You may recall that last week we mentioned Della Wallace was trying to help two cats who’d been born on a car lot and worn out their welcome.
She managed to help them and reports, “Great news! They are now in foster care with the Frisco Humane Society. They were picked up today (Tuesday).
The cats are Snickers (left) and Delilah. And if you want to help Frisco Humane Society help them, go to the FHS site HERE. 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP DOGS GET OUT OF TOWN:  Tawana Couch of the Society For Companion Animals is looking for volunteers to help with the basics of shipping Dallas dogs to safe haven out of state.  Tawana explains, “Spring is fast approaching and it is a busy time for SFCA needing volunteers. There are two ways to volunteer. One is transporting dogs the other is crate set-up.” She’s happy to tell you what she needs -- email [email protected].
STILL LOOKING FOR LUCY: The folks with Duck Team 6 and other rescuers continue to look for former West Dallas dog Lucy. She’s the dog who was rescued, underwent surgery and, as soon as she saw daylight, ran to it. That was back at Christmas.
In a note yesterday Melissa Ruiz reports, “Unfortunately our little Lucy is still missing. We had a call in the middle of the night that someone thought they saw her at the Walmart off 75/Lemmon in Dallas. This is the same Walmart where the search dog tracked her early on so there's a chance she's living in that area, maybe at the neighboring cemetery. The person seemed interested in the reward money so it might have been a prank call but you never know. Please continue to share Lucy's flyer and keep an eye out. She is friendly but shy so will likely hide or run away so please try to take a picture/video if you think you see her and contact us right away. If you live near 75/Lemmon, please print and post her flyer (put in a clear, plastic sleeve) and staple to telephone poles. Lucy is about 40 pounds and has a white patch on her chest. Thanks for helping, we're hoping to still get our miracle and have her back home soon!”
If you see this dog, call the numbers on the poster and email [email protected].
KEMP CONFISCATION: The SPCA of Texas was awarded custody of those 22 cruelly treated dogs seized from property in Kaufman County last week. Judge John Adams also awarded $5,767.36 to the SPCA but it’s a restitution payment the SPCA doesn’t expect to get. You can see how to help these dogs by going to www.spca.org.
CONTEMPLATIONS: If you get a chance, watch the Showtime two-part documentary on The Eagles. Fascinating and it’ll remind some of you of songs that set the tone of your young life and some of you whippersnappers need to listen to Hotel California.  ... I read online somewhere that J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, gets $100,000-plus per speaking engagement. Just FYI: You can get Larry Powell who has never read a Harry Potter book all the way through for a lot less. I’ll be enthusiastic, charming, funny and inspirational or you get your $10,000 or your entire $10 back (depends on the contract you worked out). Play your cards right and my pluckspouse Martha will play harp while I speak -- or while I sing, To get me to not sing costs extra. ... The only good thing about freezing weather around here is it might cut down on the flea population. It probably wasn’t global warming that got the dinosaurs, it was probably fleas.
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Feels like a Monday, but...

For many people it’s the first day back at work after a 3-day holiday week. Thus, this question is appropriate: Ever sit down at your desk chair and reach to buckle your seat belt?
Having confessed to that, I’ll put on my typing helmet and continue with a report that touches on mange, fleas, an Earhound, etc. When it comes to animals, the world is a variety pack. For example, that is a dog named Star. Next up is a dog named Seagram. Variety. Keep reading.
SEAGRAM’S SITUATION: First, this dog is currently safe. It was a close call. The owner too the 7-week old dog to a vet. The vet said the dog has mange. And the woman who had the dog said, “Euthanize her.”
Euthanize her? For mange? What in the world is the matter with people?
We got the word on this dog from Carol Eicher, who is the administrator of the Diane Rabon Fund in Fort Worth and also helps pet owners and helps find homes for pets. The clinic the Fund uses, Family PetCare in East Fort Worth, got in touch with her about this dog Seagram.
This little girl “is about 7 weeks old,” Carol says. It’ll be about a month before she can be placed in a home. In the meantime she can be visited at Famiy PetCare at 1501 Handley Drive on the east side of Fort Worth. 
“She is a Heinz 57, but they think that she has some Retriever in her.  She will be fully vetted before going to her new home.  Feel free to contact Cindy at 817-451-7818.  She is taking care of the puppy and is the one who saved her.”
FLEAS? IN DALLAS? Pshaw. You might as well try to tell me there are strays in this town.
Well, of course, this has been an awfully mild winter -- except for maybe a day or two -- and that means that the ol’ population of bugs will be exploding.
The population of puppies is already substanial and it’s not even “spring puppy season yet” -- just take a look at the DAS site HERE .
You’ll spot this little girl -- her name is Shilo and she’s a Lab mix. In this photo, she’s getting some kind of a makeover from the DAS staff -- not that a dog this beautiful needs any sort of extra help. And that pink-nose tuxedo girl with the championship whiskers? That’s the adorable adoptable Kizin. Kizin Cat. Also at DAS.
Anyway, I was e-shooting the breeze with the Dallas Animal Services boss Jody Jones and asked how the city shelter will hand the big flea and tick onslaught. 
[Larry aside: They’re going to schedule a “You Scratch My Back, I’ll Scratch Your's Festival”...I’m kidding. The entire city is going to get a flea comb in the water bills. I'm kidding. Oh, you caught me again.]
The real answer from Jody is that the DAS could use some help. She notes that DAS “treats for fleas and other parasites on intake thee days” but the shelter always needs help keeping that bug population under control.  Maybe spray donations or money for supplies.
And, of course, if you know of a dependable spray that keeps the little jumping pests off people who go into flea-filled houses and property on rescue missions or investigations, the shelter could use some of that, too.
Get in touch with the shelter to help -- see how at www.dallasanimalservices.org. 
Larry reminder: Do not herd your fleas into a corral and then stage a flea drive from your house to the shelter. You might as well try to teach cats to knit. Though, I guarantee you, a diligent Border Collie will take a sincere stab at headin’ ‘em up and movin’ ‘em out.
AND A DAS FYI: Coming up Wednesday at the Dallas City Council briefing, a report on the Dallas Animal Services progress for the past year. Not sure what time -- but it’s the City Council and those people run on a 24-hour clock.
Anyway, the link to the agenda is HERE but the more important link to the report is HERE. It tells about such things as adoption and live-release rates. 
HELPING A DOG NAMED STAR: There’s a video of this dog. I watched it all the way to the end -- where the evaulators left the dog in the cage and had to walk away. I’ve never seen a dog who looked so awful in a cage. I’ve also never seen a dog who looked good in a cage, either. But after watching Star out playing, a cage was an act of cruelty. Even the people working with her were moved by the sadness.
Rescuer and volunteer Rebecca Mandeville sent us this information about this dog Star. currently waiting at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. The story starts with a bad event. “Star’s owner died and, the people ... who got her, neglected her to the point where a cruelty case was warranted.  In the shape she was in, however, she would have died before the case was resolved so, the shelter made a deal to drop the charges if the owners surrendered her. The shelter took her on 2/07 but, she was so skinny and sick looking, they had to keep her out of the public view until she could gain a few pounds.  They tell me she’d gained a good 10 pounds by the time I got there to evaluate and photograph her.... There’s a lot of rusty flea dirt and a little related hair loss (on back, near tail) but, she’s all white, with pretty light brown eyes and a red nose.  She’s a sweetie pie…..Very treat motivated but has SUCH a soft mouth. ... She seems good with other dogs. Was totally none reactive to the barking and lunging as we walked her down the isle of the kennels past everything this puppies to Pits. 
“The first time we took her by a particular little Min-Pin; he jumped up on the bars, barking and snarling. The first time, she just stood there and looked curiously at him. When we tried to bring her back to film the reaction, she avoided him altogether. We could not get her to stand still in front of his cage or even do more than glance at him. It appears she may be potty-trained  because, before she got interested in playing with us or taking treats, she pottied and poo’d in the play yard many times when we first let her out of the kennel.
Star is around 4, has had “many litters of puppies and we coiuld not feel a spay scar. We spent about an hour with her and she really enlyed the time she spent hanging out and playign with us during the evaluation. She didn’t want to go back in the kennel but she did it for us. We didn’t want to leave her, but we had to.”
You can see a video of her HERE.
To help save her life, contact Mesquite Animal Shelter: [email protected].
WHAT TO DO WITH A DOG? Anita Butler is a cat rescuer, but she’s spotted this dog in her neighborhood. The dog appears to be living in an alley on Pacific Drive in Richardson.
Anita explains, “I feed stray cats morning and evening and have left food and water for the do so that she has plenty to eat and drink. She has a low, flabby belly with protruding teats." No idea whether she has pups or has had pups or was simply "turned out" because the people who had her were "done with her."
Anita reports this morning that the food she put out for the dog was not touched overnight. Possibly she has been picked up by Richardson Animal Control. Or perhaps by another rescuer. If anyone knows, get in touch with Readlarrypowell.com at [email protected] or contact Anita at [email protected].
Could also be that the dog delivered and is too busy with puppies to get food right now. Whatever the case, she needs some help.
NOT TALL, BUT BIG IN THE HEART: Sharon Coker forwarded this note to our pal Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, which operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
This year-old dog is barely knee-high.
Sharon filled in the details on the dog on Monday afternoon. “She is at the vet’s office. A friend and I rescued her Thursday but did not have a place for her. The vet kindly kept her but [on Tuesday] she will have to go to our shelter here in Corsicana. She is only about 15 or 16 pounds and so sweet. There were several large males we had to fight to get her away from and she just remained calm through it all.” 
No foster home or adoptive home and she’s off to the local shelter. (To offer to help, email [email protected].)
EARHOUND FOUND: We got this photo from Maeleska Fletes, the veteran rescuer and member of the Dallas Animal Shelter Commission. And, as you may recall, she’s already got a couple of “just learning to be a puppy” pups she’s tending to -- they may have a place to go.
But this one -- this great Earhound -- is a foundling and Maeleksa is looking for the dog’s humans. (If you recognize this dog, email [email protected].)
This dog was seen in the Little Forest Hills neighborhood but finally captured in Forest Hills -- those neighborhoods are near White Rock Lake. He had a red collar, no tags, no microchip.
If you know where the dog goes or if you’d like to have the home the dog goes to, contact the Little Forest Hills Animal Alert at 214-930-5910 or email [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS: Earlier in today’s report we mentioned the Diane Rabon Fund in Fort Worth. You can read about it HERE and one of the things fans of all things Texas might smile about is the fact that the late Diane not only was a great animal fan, but also was a former Watermelon Thump Queen in Luling, Texas. I have a theory about why there’s not a Diane Rabon-type fund in Dallas -- Dallas doesn't have a Watermelon Thump Queen. Anybody? ... We must note the passing of Tony Sheridan -- people who know The Beatles will know the name. Here’s a LINK. ... OK, I’ve been waiting for 3 years for a country singer named Ashton Shepherd to come through here and sing her heart out. Thus, this open letter: “Dear Ashton Shepherd, Please come to Dallas and bring your dynamite pure country voice. I will buy at least one ticket. Thank you. Haybale.” (That's the name I use when I'm writing country songs. Haybale Pickit.) For you people who need a genuine country conversion here’s a video that’ll make you want to go sit in the pickup and day dream. Click HERE and marvel at the country voice.
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The Red Chair Sleeper...

[Larry note: We're taking this Monday holiday off at Readlarrypowell.com, but we're monitoring emails and trying to make sense of the world. It's Washington's birthday so around sunset my foundingspouse Martha and I, in our best white dress wigs and post-Colonial garments, will join others at the Trinity River Bottoms Pageant of Patriotism and Legends and perform our traditional reenactment of George Washington explaining to his wife why he cut down the cherry tree in their front yard. Or, we could have some of our history mixed up. And some of that preceding scenario may be fiction. Enjoy your holiday whether you're at work, whether you're a teacher on an in-service day or somebody who just wanted to have a Monday layabout session. God bless America and her Americans. That is our Readlarrypowell.com staff impersonator, Inky, the Cocker Laureate of Texas, giving us his impression of Martha Washington listening to George explain the cherry tree incident.]
From the weekend:
If you’re seeing this wonderful bit of art, two things may have happened:
(1) We’ve started our holiday weekend at Readlarrypowell.com and/or
(2) You are into your holiday weekend.
We decided to simultaneously demonstrate how artistic my giftedspouse Martha is while suggesting that we could use some more actual photos of slumbering dogs, cats and other critters for our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.  (Send your fotos and nominee info to [email protected]. FYI: We have a service that tracks cities and countries from which we are clicked and it shows this weekend feature is read around the world. So, yeah, we’ll take pictures from anywhere and show off critters to people around the world.)
You might wonder just what is in this Red Chair.
That is Porche, our model dog -- and I use the term “model dog” not as an assessment of behavior but in recognition of her ability to present a striking pose while walking, doing a runway trot or sleeping.
Martha created this after catching Porche Noel in a genuine canine slumber in one of our living room chairs. The chair is actually black, but Martha is a sucker for anything red except politics and my nose.
Speaking of red noses, Porche got her name because she showed up on our front porch at Christmas. Porch. Noel. See? 
She was limping, one of her 3 legs wasn't working and she was starved so cruelly that her ribs were showing -- only one ear would stand up and I don’t know if that’s because it was weak from lack of food or if, even in a crisis, Porche is studiously cute. 
She was clearly the victim of some sort of battering or attack. 
She was so thin she squeezed through the front gate bars on our porch, ate the feral cat food -- all of it -- and then could not squeeze out again even though she was not keen on being around any humans. She was desperate to escape until more food appeared.
Then she decided to stay.
That was just before Christmas in 2009. By the time we got her healthy nobody we knew wanted her and, besides, she was home.
She’s calmed down since then -- in the early going she was a sincerely food aggressive, jumpy dog. Not pleasant at all to human or animals. 
And she couldn’t bark. She could only rasp. (That’s a recent photo of her after she was awakened while snoozing on the back of a living room chair.)
She would stand at the back fence and rasp vigorously at the neighbors who, trying not to hurt her feelings, would turn away to hide their shoulder-shaking guffaws. Seriously, what else are you going to do when you encounter a vigorous tailwagger with one up ear, one down ear and a bark that sounds like she’s been up drinking whisky and smoking cigars during an all-night poker game in a flu ward. 
Yes, those are her two ears peeking over the arm of the chair. She’s out like a light. 
That second picture was taken recently after she was awakened while snoozing as she balanced on the back of a living room chair. Learned that from one of our cats.
How did we get Porche Noel? Sheer luck.
But we must cite a question once asked by movie great Ernest P. Worrell as he pulled a Jack Russell named Rimshot out of a trash can in the movie Ernest Scared Stupid. He asked, “What kind of person would throw away a perfectly good dog?”
The other possibility is Porche wasn’t thrown away -- she escaped. Noble heart, clever mind, adorable lifelong rasp. She sleeps easily at night -- I hope the person who mistreated her hasn't had a wink since Christmas 2009.
[To nominate your sleeping dog, napping cat or snoozing beast of any type for our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send photo and info to [email protected]. We’re proud to use your photos as demonstrations that give hope to the world’s insomniacs. And, yes, Porche sleeps in the family bed. She’s the one who gets a pillow and doesn’t snore.]
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