ReadLarryPowell.com

Shiloh -- an example of hearts; opportunities for other hearts

Do you ever wonder what happened to the hundreds of dogs and cats we’ve posted on Readlarrypowell.com through the years?
Now and then we learn of a merging of hearts.
That’s the case with this great fellow Shiloh and Becky Dodge of Weatherford..
He is our Prayers & Passages feature today -- you know how to get there (click on the button on the right.)
Shiloh spent his last years with Becky. She saw him on Readlarrypowell.com because the rescuer Nancy Underwood had helped pull him to safety and told us about it.  Nancy, an always-hustling rescuer, had spotted him on Craig’s List -- “a 12-year-old with a 7-year-old cherry eye, matted hair and she [the owner] said she kicked him out of her house when she got a new dog from the pound.”
The woman had adopted the dog at 6 weeks old. And then she dumped him.
Becky and Nancy teamed up and Shiloh benefited.
As you read through our website today, perhaps glance at the photos on the side of the page, too. Maybe you’ll be moved by the story of the love of Becky and Shiloh.
THEY CALL HER BETTY WHITE: This senior dog, named in honor of the TV legend, has been in the Bedford Animal Shelter for a while and is in desperate need for a safe haven right now, according to Team Bedford’s Maryann Izzarelli. Email her at [email protected] to arrange to meet her, to help her, to adopt her or to just encourage Team Bedford to help her.
She’s got some medical problems -- but they appear to be fixable with enough money.
The dog is about 9, everybody guesses. And she hasn’t been properly cared for by anyone -- based on apparently benign masses and dental needs. You can see more photos on her Facebook page HERE.
The bottom line is, she’s a good dog in a bit of a fix.
MEANWHILE IN ROWLETT: The veteran rescuer Dwana Carabajal, our Rowlett Animal Shelter tipster, reports this morning that the shelter has only two kennels open “and those are actually the quarantine kennels. We really need to move some dogs out either by adoption or rescue.”
And you see this dog? He’s the prime target, says Dwana. “The dog at the top of the list is Jet. He is a 6-year-old Shar Pei mix that is very dog friendly. He has shared his kennel with several other dogs and was always on his best behavior. He is small, probably 35 pounds. He has been at the shelter since October and we just cannot figure out why he has not been adopted yet. 
“He does have cherry eye in both eyes but Friends of Rowlett Animals has offered to pay for his treatment once pulled by a rescue group or adopted.”
She says “sweet little Jet ...is a great dog and will make a great family pet.”
FYI, the shelter has an adoptathon scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday the 23rd -- surely Jet will be in a good home by then. At the adoptathon, dogs will be just $25 and that includes shot, testing and spay/neuter. And there'll be a microchip clinic that day.
To ask about helping Jet, email Dwana at [email protected]. Call the shelter at 972-412-6219.
MEANWHILE, FROM BURNS FLAT: Terry Lynn Fisher, the renowned rescuer in Burns Flat, Okla., stepped up to save a dog from a way-off shelter yesterday.
She wrote, “Look at this face...those eyes... This poor precious girl is in a kill shelter near Oklahoma City. She was thrown away because she has a tumor and the owners did not want to deal with it. She is a Golden/Cocker mix, between 15 to 20 pounds, very sweet and loving.”
According to Terry Lynn, the dog was ‘set to be killed” Thursday. But, she says, “Her eyes haunted my soul. I could not stand to think of her dying there like that so I am bringing her here. If you can help with this girl, please let me know. She has touched my heart and I could not look the other way.”
Soon as Terry Lynn has the dog, she’s going to a vet for a thorough checkup. “She will need a safe and loving place to go, even it is just to live her life out.” 
Contact Terry Lynn at [email protected] . Call 580-330-1459.
And that second dog? That’s the rescued Burns Flat dog Petey. One of the dogs living in a metal box on the back of a pickup -- Terry Lynn saved them a few weeks ago. The pregnant, starving Pointer was sent to a Kansas City rescue where, because of malnutrition, she delivered a litter of stillborn pups. Pete still needs a home. Terry Lynn says he’s “starting to get sad” an “It is Petey’s time to shine. ...This boy deserves his shot at happiness.” He's good with kids and loves to be loved, she says.
MERLOT FOR MAGOO? Yep, that’s the name of the fundraiser on Feb. 17, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., at The Dive Bar & Grill, 3685 Preston Road, #167, in Frisco. 
The event, a joint effort by Mazie’s mission and The Dive Bar & Grill, will help fund medical care for this guy Magoo. Mazie’s Mission calls him “the famous Magoo: and describes him as “the amazing dog who learned to walk after having his back fractured by his previous owner.” 
You’ll also get to meet the anti-cruelty team who helped prosecute the bad guy.
Mazie’s Mission says that for a $40 donation you get a raffle ticket, two drinks, appetizers and a good feeling.
CAT NOTE: Putter, the big-pawed polydactyl cat we featured yesterday, has some hope. You may recall he’s losing his home because one of his humans developed an awful medical condition. Our tipster Alexandra Kelsey of Houston reported Thursday afternoon that “Putter is being picked up Monday!  She has a couple of already-approved applicants who are interested in her.” A rescue group is going to monitor her placement. As Alexandra wrote, “Happy Valentine’s Day for Putter!”
BE ON THE LOOKOUT STILL: The Humane Society of Collin County has scheduled 2 searches in Rockwall this weekend to search for Peggy, the missing Bassett we mentioned earlier in the week.
Peggy, who was totally bonded with her mom Georgia, had recently been adopted, but they went on a brief walkabout through a broken fence and only mom was recovered.
These rescuers have been searching ever since. To offer to help with the searches, email [email protected].
TWO CATS IN A BAD SPOT: Our rescue pal Della Wallace is working on saving a couple of car lot cats. Here’s the deal from Della: The cats are Snickers and Delilah and they were born in a shed on the car lot. The mom ran off and the guy “tried to take care of them but he  is not an animal person,” Della says. “I fed them when he went away for Christmas and they are loving cats. He says they have to go as they as climbing under the hood of his cars and he doesn’t want to deal with cat litter boxes or anything to do with the cats. They are so sweet and rubbed around my legs when went to feed them at Christmas, and talked to me. I have to find someone to take them or I don’t know what will happen to them. They can’t stay there. He also said  he just happened to look under the hood before he started a car today, and one of them was there.”
The cats -- a Calico and an orange tabby -- are spayed and up-to-date on their shots. To offer to help, email [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS: Be interesting to see if any upcoming fundraisers -- animal or otherwise -- include cruises in the silent auctions. ... What would be a good song for today? FYI: this is National Flag Day in Canada and the anniversary of Canada dumping the Canadian Red Ensign banner in favor of the Maple Leaf as the Canadian national flag. When? Oh, 1965.  Yep, 1965. Speaking of O, here’s Sarah McLachlan singing O Canada at a Montreal Expos game in 1996.  The Expos were around from 1969 through 2004 when they moved south of the border to become the Washington Nationals. We get the baseball team but they keep Justin Bieber. ... OK, to summarize Friday morning on Planet Earth: A cruise ship full of bacteria and litigation-minded passengers has finally docked. A meteor exploded over Russia, stunning a city. An asteroid is doing a fly-by of earth and some of us are wondering if those things travel in pairs. And the Texas Rangers pitchers and catchers are in spring training. That’s three close calls and a traditional reason to pray.
--- To comment, click below. --- 

Sweethearts and other stories...

It is Valentine’s Day-- as if you hadn’t noticed.
Everywhere you saw an elf two months ago, you’re seeing a nearly naked cherubic archer. How he got into your office today we’ll never know.
OK, so, in the spirit of the day, we dedicate today’s edition of Readlarrypowell.com to the world’s sweethearts. You probably have two lists: The adorable “Sweethearts” and the “Oh, yeah, these are some real sweethearts.”
Today’s edition:
LAST MINUTE VALENTINE GIFT: Note to the romantically impaired who always are a little bit slow on the uptake. You know who if that’s you. Here’s some Valentine Helper.
Look, pretend that you planned this all along. And tell your loved one that you’ve had this set up for a while -- it’s a “guaranteed” good time thanks to people “out at the lake” and by “out at the lake” we mean the entertaining folks with Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake.
As you know, the Friends operate (so to speak) the world’s most successful spay-neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. Also “out by the lake.”
Here’s the deal. The Stop-n-Gogh Art Studio in Mabank is hosting “Painting For Pets” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. It will benefit the Friends spay/neuter clinic.
For $45 you can buy a session of art for your romantic interest -- or yourself, I guess, if you just want your art to benefit a good cause. (For reservations, call 903-229-7112 or email [email protected]. That dog is an example of the work you’ll be taught to paint -- I cribbed it from the Stop-n-Gogh Facebook site HERE.
Heck, that may be self-portrait of a dog who has been happily neutered  by the Friends and now exists without having to worry about all that pressure to perform.
Regarding “Painting For Pets,” the price of a session includes appetizers, two wine glasses to paint (it’s BYOB, by the way), music, art supplies and a instructions. The organizers say it is “guaranteed fun.” And that’s just what you want for your sweetheart, right?
THE PUTTER SITUATION: Our Houston tipster Alexandra Kelsey sent us this photo and the story and the first thing we noticed about the picture was not that the cat was sleeping but the size that paw. So big it couldn’t be kept within the frame.
Here’s the story. Putter is a 3-year-old “darling polydactyl and her family loves her.”
The critical part of these story comes from Susan Kinkaid who says, “Unfortunately, my husband has a lung condition where we have to remove all carpeting and rehome Putter. This is extremely hard for both of us and we will only give her up to a good, safe, and loving home.  She is an amazing little girl, of course, she has been our little girl for 2 years!  She is very adaptable and playful.  Putter gets along with everyone, including other kitties. She  is very sociable and loves to be with family.  She is not picky about her food, and loves to nibble all day.”
Alexandra added, “Contact Susan if you would like to meet Putter, the cutest cat I have seen in a long time!” That email is [email protected].
A RAID NEAR KEMP: The SPCA and folks from the Kaufman County Sheriff's Department seized 22 "cruelly treated, neglected dogs and puppies" from a property near Kemp, in the area of Cedar Creek Lake, about an hour southeast of Dallas.
It’s the usual story -- dogs crammed into impossible living quarters, the stench greeting the rescuers long before they see the animals. Lots of health issues. According to the SPCA, a Basset Hound “had toenails so overgrown that one nail had permanently hooked over another toe and appeared stuck. One dog, a Chow mix, has so much air loss that his raw, enflamed skin is visible over most of his body.”
You’ve heard stories like this before. This one came to light when a Kaufman County Sheriff’s Deputy got in touch with the SPCA cruelty office on Tuesday.
There are ugly details. The photos can be seen HERE. The custody hearing is scheduled at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Kaufman County Justice of the Peace Johnny Adams’ court at 103 N. Main in Kemp.
You can see how to help the SPCA with such animals by going to www.spca.org.
AND NOW, FROM THE MARTHANET: Many of you are familiar with the “Marthanet,” the worldwide connection established by Dallas lawyer Martha Hofmeister to handle problems faced by animals and people -- it’s a mission of the heart.
This time Martha’s sent out a story about a momma dog and pups abandoned at a house in Oak Cliff.
Yes, this family of dogs, described in the note as “a ice-looking momma dog and her two adorable puppies.” 
In the note, the person who knew to contact Martha, says her sister has a co-worker who discovered these dogs. 
“She found them at a neighbor’s house Monday night. Apparently the owners packed up and moved and left the dogs.”
The sister has been feeding them. Only the people who moved know how long the animals have been there. 
These are the same owners who “left a crate for them to get out of the weather.” You may recall recent overnight weather as not pleasant.
The dogs need some help -- a rescue group, perhaps. The contact on this is [email protected]. 
BEAR AND THE SUPPORT: You may recall from assorted TV broadcasts the story of Bear, a Shih Tzu who walked away from his elderly owner’s home in the Ellis County town of Garrett. The little dog returned to the front porch with both his eyes poked out.
Outrage and disgust ignited this story and we understand from Karen Lee’s tip to us that the Euless Trinity High School’s GAP Club (Girls Awareness Program) has raised more than $1,200 to add to a reward fund that is approaching (or may have passed) $5,000 for information leading to the person who tortured this little dog. 
You can do the GAP chip-in HERE.
And you should take some time to read the stories on the WFAA (Channel 8) website HERE.
[Larry aside: Sorry to bring this up on Valentine’s Day, but, I did note that you might make a list of “some real sweethearts.” The jerk who did this is one of those.]
A PIG STORY: God bless D Magazine’s Frontburner blog. Without those folks I’d never have seen the disgusting Channel 5 story about some jerk dumping pigs and then turning dogs loose on them. Why aren’t these backward and despicable people medicated into a harmless zombie trance in a prison somewhere and living off a barely nourishing medical drip? Click HERE to see the NBC5 story.
A DOG STORY: I got a multi-forwarded note yesterday -- and from the looks of
the forwarding addresses you may have, too -- about a 16-year-old little terrier guy who was owner-surrendered at the Garland Animal Shelter.
Why? “Could not afford,” was the reason.
Don’t know how that’ll play when the roll is called up yonder and you’re asked to explain why you took a 16-year-old dog to a shelter and handed him over with a “Good luck” knowing that his chances of surviving are stunningly slim unless a bunch of rescuers send his photo around and offer up prayers on behalf of the little guy. Scooter is his name. His number is A173858. The Garland shelter phone number is 972-205-3570.
PLANNING AN OAK CLIFF DOG PARK: Perhaps my memory is lame but years ago when the City of Dallas (thanks to the leadership of dog lover Eric Nadel, the Texas Rangers radio broadcaster) opened a dog park at White Rock Lake, someone made a promise that Oak Cliff would get a dog park. At Kiest Park, as I recall. But, these days, the target has moved closer to the “richer” area of Oak Cliff and is far north of Kiest at Kidd Springs Park, a perfectly suitable place to let polite dogs romp off-leash. You can follow this proposal on the Fido Oak Cliff Facebook page HERE.
PUGZ LEE’S PROGRESS: You may remember John Terrell’s dog Pugz Lee, the Puggle who has a problem with cats. John has found a foster through San Antonio Pug Rescue and needs to relay Pugz Lee from Dallas to Houston en route to Edinburg. He’s looking for someone who can drive Pugz Lee to Houston on the weekend of the 23rd. To discuss arrangements, email [email protected] or call 214-460-9974. Pugz Lee is a beloved dog -- he’s just can’t abide cats.
THE CHALLENGES OF RESCUE: I get a lot of emails from rescuers and rescue groups and sometimes problems are solved before we can rush the stories into print -- that’s because rescuers and animal advocates have big hearts.
Now and then I find an email that sort of tells the panoramic story of rescue group challenges.
This one arrived last night from Kathryn Davis of A Different Breed Rescue, a group that has been around for a while and experienced the roller coaster ride of North Texas rescue efforts. Here’s Kathryn’s note as she wrote it to the general A Different Breed audience: 
“First of all – thank you everyone who donated food!  Because of you we were able to keep tummies full, but our need is ongoing.  Adoptions are half of what they need to be right now to keep ADB running smoothly.
“This SATURDAY we have a drive at Pet Supplies Plus at Trinity Mills from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.and we need more volunteers. Please let me know if you’re able to help at all!
“Also, we are in search of a web administrator.  Please let me know if you’re interested in helping with the ADB website, or know someone who might be.  It would involve updating information, adding new puppies (and removing the little ones who have been adopted), etc.  Experience is ideal!
“We have 2 Yorkies in our care in need of surgery. The first one – Toby - has a burned jaw from chomping down on an electrical cord, and his cheeks and lips had to be reconstructed. Our 2nd has a broken radius on the front paw and still needs to have surgery.  Please spread the word - donations can be made on the website.  I'll keep you updated on their progress!
“In happier news, Penny the Poodle had 8 beautiful puppies!  She is still in need of a foster home :)
“Thanks and have a great rest of your week!”
If you want to get involved in helping A Different Breed and its animals, email [email protected].
The website that needs administering is www.adifferentbreed.org. That cattle dog mix is Annie and the cats are Frankie (left) and Calvin. All adorable adoptables at ADB.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Hope you enjoy your time at the Downtown Dallas City Hall Valentine’s Day Kissing Booth set up right next to the big fountain. Money will be used for street repair. Wait. I may have made all that up. ... I keep reading stories about Dallas County wanting to set up some kind of sophisticated warning system to detect West Nile Virus. By cracky, I remember 20 years or so ago when the County dumped its successful and very inexpensive “Sentinel Chicken Program.” Sentinel Chickens get their blood tested and if they’ve been bitten by disease-carrying mosquitos you can tell which disease humans need to guard against. Sounds like I’m making this up, but, honest. Sentinel Chickens still serve honorably throughout the south. ... OK, happy Valentine’s Day to everyone who deserves it. And, of course, our staff poet, Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas has this bit of Valentine doggerel:
Big hearts, 
big hugs
to loves
from big lugs.
Now, wag your tail! Jump up and down, pant and yip. (Larry aside: Last line is Inky's suggestion, is optional depending on age and may not apply to some species.)
--- To comment, click below. ---

Farewell to a rescuer...and the mission continues...

We’ve got a really significant Prayers & Passages today.
Many of you knew this animal fan personally and the rest may have known her by
her email: retmastersgt. If I recall correctly, that was in honor of her beloved dad.
It was a unique email in the animal rescue world and it fit a unique rescuer.
We got word yesterday that Dianne Watson lost her battle with cancer Tuesday morning. Her husband, Ben, wrote a loving note. How a guy can hold it together to do something like that is beyond me -- equal parts of tough and loving, I guess. Like his wife. A great match.
Most of us knew Dianne -- that’s her chatting with friends -- because of her love for Chows and dedication to volunteering with Arlington Animal Services. When “retmastersgt” popped up in the email, you knew there was a dog who either needed help or had just been helped.  She was proud of the hard work her fellow rescuers did.
We’re going to tell more about Dianne on our Prayers & Passages page -- you know how to get there: click on the button in the upper right corner of this page.
Read it, then come right back because you’re going to have the opportunity today to save some animals, to help some animals. And it might just bring an extra blessing to your life if when you help an animals, you look skyward, wink and say, “Dianne, this one’s for you.”
She earned the honor.
And that dog is Toby. (You'll see some of Dianne's dogs on the Prayers & Passages page). Toby is a rebound dog -- adopted and returned -- to West Texas Chow Rescue. Thought we’d mention a Chow in need in honor of Dianne's rescue spirit.
FOUR OF MANY: These are four of many big dogs needing a safe exit from the increasingly crowded Collin County Animal Services Shelter in McKinney.
The dog with the Chamber of Commerce smile is 3-year-old “terrier mix” Sandy. She's spayed, microchipped and up to date on shots.
While Sandy’s smiling, Shermy, a heeler mix, is apprehensive and needs an understanding home. The shelter folks say, “He’s not aggressive, just very scared.” He’s 3, neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.
This guy with the curious tilt is a 2-year-old Staffie mix named Hart. He’s gentle, calm and “very well-mannered," the shelter bio says. 
And, in keeping with the Valentine’s theme, this huggable guy is named Heartthrob. The year old Staffie loves to roll over for a tummy rub. He’s not aggressive, but he must have a history because he winces and ducks when someone moves toward him with an open hand.
There are a ton of huggable dogs in the Collin County shelter. To ask about any of these  email both [email protected] and [email protected]. . To see more CCAS animals, go to the volunteer Facebook site HERE. You can also Google the official CCAS county-generated page and see more animals. There are so many ways to see these animals that it's surprising there are any still in the shelter. Oh, yeah, people keep dropping 'em off.
HELPING SIMBA: This dog is described as a “gem.” And Simba has a problem.
We got in touch with self-described “middle man” Kitie McKenzie who writes, “This fine family has done transport for me in the past. I am with 3 different DFW rescue groups, and two Austin groups. This family is in the DFW area and heartbroken. They have done everything they can to raise this young man up with love and respect.”
The dog has to find a new home because, according to the note, “It’s just the apartment complex where my friend lives does not allow the breed.”
The numbers to call are 972-814-2815 or 360-771-8080. Ask about helping Simba. A gem of a dog.
A DEVELOPING MILITARY CHALLENGE: We got the tip on this from Houston, from Alexandra Kelsey, and she pinpointed the urgency.
The dog is named Piper. 
The situation is this: Jessica Palacios found this girl Pitty in August and since then, she says, “I have struggled to find a home/foster/organization for her to go to. She is a very nice Pit. Strong! I have taken her to get vaccinated, microchipped and spayed. She was left at an abandoned tire shop. Most organizations have told me they do not have room. And she needs a home as I can not keep her. I am joining the military soon and she has nowhere to go.”
“Soon” can be interpreted as “pretty quick” or “everything is signed and orders are coming.”
To offer to help this dog Piper, call 832-314-9823 or e-mail [email protected]. 
Piper is about 2 and about 60 pounds. She’s spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. She’s kennel-trained and house-trained. 
But if you’re a dog fan, here is the real selling point. Piper “likes to roll in dirt -- and believes she is a lap dog.”
CHURCHILL THE CAT: Kelly Jo Nial is trying to  find a good home for Churchill -- obviously this is a distinguished cat with a championship set of whiskers and a thorough knowledge of relaxing.
Kelly Jo says he was “sprung from a rural shelter” and was headed toward adoption when it was discovered that he is positive for Feline AIDS.
That squelched the adoption, but perhaps has opened the door to a new, understanding home for Churchill. To ask about adopting Churchill email [email protected] or call or text 817-798-0349.
Kelly Jo confides, “We had a hard time finding the ‘off’ button for his purr motor and it was a looonnng photo shoot trying to get him to hold still, as he just wanted us to pet and love him. ... We are not asking an adoption fee, but just a loving home, 2nd chance, and someone willing to care and love him for the long haul.”
THE SMILING DOG AND THE BLIND DOG AND NOW AN EARHOUND: We got a great note last night from Russell Posch, the renowned volunteer photographer/shelter-walker at Irving Animal Services. 
“I’ve got glad tidings,” he began. “Midnight and Toby both have adoptions pending!  Thank you for featuring them.”
Ah, the real hero is Russell who makes sure these dogs have a chance to be seen by people outside of the shelter.
Toby, you may recall, was regarded as “the smiling dog” -- such a happy fellow. And Midnight is a blind dog surrendered to the shelter after a lifetime in what he thought was a lifelong loving home.
In the latest batch of adoptables at Irving, there is Wendy, described as a “Rat Terrier,” but oh-so-clearly an Earhound. You can see more Irving dogs HERE.
To ask about helping any Irving animal email [email protected] and [email protected]. Call the shelter at 972-721-2256 or 2257. The shelter after-hours rescue hotline is 972-721-3597.
CONTEMPLATIONS: The Olympics have dropped wrestling? Where will those people go? And how can they drop an original sport? What did they add? Synchronized pole vaulting? Marksmanship ballet? Formation skydiving? ... Every day I look at dozens photos of adoptable dogs and cats in shelters and rescue groups. Where do all these unwanted animals come from? Is someone parachuting them in? ... How about that Westminster Kennel Club champ! The Affenpinscher. Did you figure that? Big week for surprises of a huge magnitude: The Pope gives two-weeks notice and an Affenpinscher wins at Westminster. Rescuers, gird yourselves for an influx of Affenpinschers. That is Inky, our staff impersonator, giving us his impression of an Affenpinscher rushing into the winner’s lounge at Westminster and spotting a big steaming platter of Mom’s Dive-on-in Champ Meatloaf with a side dish of Lap-it-up And Ruin the Grooming Gravy and an agent with a contract for Cute Dog TV commercials. Oh, our dogs slept through the Westminster broadcast. It’s tough when you have to tell your dog that he or she cannot qualify for Westminster based only on adorable chop-licking, dynamic wagagility and lapdogaliciousness.
--- To comment, click below. --- 

A full Tuesday report on a rainy morning...

Congratulations, you have now reached Tuesday. Please proceed.
We have a varied report today. We’ll start with cats and work toward a blind dog surrendered to a shelter.
We’ll get to the sigh of relief in Everman and the Collin County  Cocker Spaniel, the assorted Pits, a missing Basset girl and dogs we’ll call “others” in a moment. And you’ll just shake your head at the story we got from veteran rescuer Maeleska Fletes about these "others". If you’ve ever fostered puppies, you’re heart will go out to her.
EARLY NOTE:  As this item is being written (we’re watching the Westminster Kennel Club show), we’re still waiting to hear who won D Magazine’s Survival of the Cutest contest -- it ended Friday night.  As the first night of the Big Dawg Show drew to a close we got a note saying the magazine folks are saving the news of the winner until a party in March. Hardly seems right to keep us in such suspense but it’s their contest and, as I recall, that’s the way D handled the Bush/Gore election.
A CLOWDER OF CATS IN NEED  OF A CROWD OF HELP: You’ve seen this story many times. An elderly person dies and leaves behind more cats than anyone should have to deal with. It’s bad for the people, but it’s really not good for the cats.
And here’s what’s happening in a current case being handled by the folks with Texas Pawprints, known as “Your Friendly Neighborhood Cat Ladies.”
The Friendly NCL spokesperson Linda Ashton sent us this note.  “Over the past couple of months, Texas Pawprints has been helping care for a number of cats left behind when their elderly owner died.”
This was a simple, no-more-pressure-than-usual task until last week when Texas Pawprints “learned that all of the cats must be moved out of the owner's home by the end of February as it is being put up for sale.”
There are more than 30 cats. Prince, the black and white cat is among them. So are the two cats cuddling together. Most of the cats are elderly, Linda says. All have been declawed and most are afraid of people.
“Their ages, plus the fact that the owner had them declawed, means we can't look for a ‘barn cat’ type of home for them. All we can do is to hope we can find some kind people who wouldn't mind giving an elderly cat a home for a few years, even though it will probably never be a lap cat.”
Sanctuaries and rescue groups have been contacted. The cats have been visited by a “veterinarian who has kindly visited the property to help us care for them, so most are now looking better than in these photos.
You can see the photos and how to get involved in this case by going to www.texaspawprints.org and clicking on the “HELP” in the toolbar.
[Larry aside: We love cats at Readlarrypowell.com and bagged our limit of strays and wander-ups years ago or we’d take a couple. These cats would seem to suggest that humans might want to try spaying and neutering to keep the number of endangered cats lower. Nah, that would be too smart -- way too logical. Another thing, if you have an elderly person who has more critters than a young person can handle, you have a responsibility to the person and the animals to start finding safe havens for those creatures. They deserve it and your loved one deserves to feel that the animals have been properly protected.]
THE COCKER NEEDS HELP: This is Hudson. He’s 8. He lived in his last home for 3 1/2 years, according to information from our tipster, Allison Roberts, the volunteer shelter-walker at Collin County Animal Services in McKinney.
Hudson was surrendered to the shelter because he has an infection in both ears and the owner couldn’t afford to keep fighting it.
An 8-year-old Cocker is barely middle-aged, so Hudson has plenty of years left if he can just get healthy.
Allison’s late afternoon update yesterday said the shelter had a vet take look at Hudson. “The vet said he is obese and also that he will need surgery to permanently fix his ears so that he no longer has chronic ear infections. he’s currently on antibiotics.”
Now, anyone who knows anything about Cockers know that (a) they always need their ears worked on and (b) they might just tend to be obese.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t excellent companions. Cocker Spaniels are embracingly affectionate.
So, there’s this guy on the clock. He was an indoor dog all his life. House-Trained. Lived with another dog and cat.
And, then, one day, his needs exceeded the budget and he’s sitting in a shelter waiting to see if he gets a home or the needle.
If you can help Hudson, email [email protected] and [email protected]  You can also stop by the shelter at 4750 Community Boulevard in McKinney. Call 972-547-7292.
See more CCAS animals on the volunteer Facebook page HERE or the county’s page HERE. 
BE ON THE LOOKOUT: The missing dog is a Basset named Peggy. 
We learned about her from Stacy Hague of the Collin County Humane Society, the agency that had arranged for Peggy and her mom Georgia to be adopted on Feb. 2.
Stacy says the girls went to a home in Rockwall. 
“Peggy escaped the yard on February 6. There have been no sightings since that day.,” Stacy says. She adds that “Georgia and Peggy are very bonded to each other, so it confuses me as to why she would leave without her mom. I had fostered them for 7 months prior to their adoption.”
Peggy is 4, spayed and microchipped and there’s a reward for her return. She was last seen on Sunny Circle in Rockwall.
“We have plastered the area with flyers 3 different times (for rain and updated with reward),” says Stacy. “We have gone to local vets and businesses. CCHS runs the Rockwall Animal Shelter so of course they have been on the lookout.
“Originally there were 3 of them that were a breeder dump in Commerce. The youngest one is Peggy's daughter. So we had 3 generations of dumped bassets. Peggy's daughter (Lulah) was fostered by another one of our fosters and quickly adopted. Once I saw how bonded Peggy and Georgia were I could not separate them...
“Many volunteers have spent hours and hours searching with no luck. I am heartsick and so is Georgia.”
The girls were fostered in Flower Mound, so the Rockwall turf is new to the wandering dog.”
If you know Peggy’s whereabouts, call 972-603-5239 or email [email protected].
You can keep up with the Collin County Humane Society on its website HERE and on its Facebook page HERE.
THE EVERMAN REPORT: Word from the volunteer faction with the Everman Animal Shelter is that things are looking good now. We asked volunteer Heather Harrison to explain what she was reporting.
She wrote, “Yes, the city has reinstated the volunteer and foster programs!!   The meeting took place this morning (Monday). Gilbert Salas is still the head ACO, however it is said there will now be a new part time officer.
“The city administrator, Donna Anderson, is hugely to thank. She called the meetings this morning in order to get the situation under control. Also [Police] Chief Randy Sanders agreed that the program will remain. There will soon be some new changes, such as tighter guidelines for fostering, adopting, etc., but those are truly much needed anyway!  And lastly, [thanks to] Gilbert, the head ACO, whom never backed down for what he believed in!
“We truly believe that the public outcry was largely to also thank for the decision reversal.  Everman is so thankful to have such a loving, loyal, and dedicated fan base! It truly takes a village to make things happen sometimes, and luckily today we were supported by our village!”
So, don’t start scratching out that accidental motto just yet -- “The Little Shelter With The Big Heart.” See the Everman adoptables HERE. Those dogs are a pair of bonded sisters, Abigail and Bethany.They're waiting for just one home. We mentioned them last week -- they came into the shelter in rough shape after having been used as bait dogs.  
NOW DON’T THAT TAKE THE DANGED CAKE: I opened with a colloquial headline that just about sums up the situation in what I’ll call “Old East Texas Speak.”
Here’s the deal. The Dallas Companion Animal Project was helping someone with these puppies and the guy vanished. 
He’s not a “missing person,” probably just a “got rid of that problem” guy.
Here’s the story from DCAP’s co-chair Maeleska Fletes.
“DCAP delivers pet food to a couple of low-income and homeless food banks. One of the banks contacted me and asked if I could help get shots for a homeless man's pups. The homeless man called and the clinic visit was set up. (Thanks to Animal Allies of Texas for taking care of shots for the pups.)
“When the pups were to be returned we were unable to find the owner. He is not answering his phone. Even though he was asked if he wanted us to find homes for his pups and he said ‘no,’ he must not want the pups any more.
So, DCAP -- specifically Maeleska who is already juggling another pup -- needs someone to step up and either adopt or rescue these two 6-week-old, “super smart and sweet” pups.”
They are Tank and Bella and they are healthy and all ready to go. And with the 3rd pup they are setting new records for -- let’s what’s a good expression here -- ah, “personal production.”
Maeleska is desperate for some relief. Call 214-766-3577 or email [email protected] .
TWO TO GO IN IRVING--HAPPY DOG AND BLIND DOG: As regular readers know, the photographer/shelter walker Russell Posch is always pointing out animals that are getting overlooked in the Irving Animal Services Shelter.
Who know why, but sometimes great animals just don’t catch the right attention.
Here’s what we’ve got right now.
There’s a smiling dog -- a brown and happy and loving dog who can’t get a break. He’s on the clock. Russell called him “smiling and friendly Toby.”
The other dog in a fix is a “special needs dog” named Midnight. “He was surrendered by his owner. Midnight is a very friendly boy but completely blind.”
Yep, someone dumped a blind dog in an animal shelter. Can you imagine how that dog must feel? Everyone is a stranger. Nothing is the same.
To see about helping these dogs, email [email protected] and [email protected]. Call the shelter at 972-721-2256 or 2257. The shelter after-hours rescue hotline is 972-721-3597.
FROM CARROLLTON: We mentioned Gizzy the Cat last week -- on "the list" at Carrollton Animal Shelter. Gizzy got a break .    
Other animals are always available. Call 972-466-3420 or email [email protected]. You can see more Carrollton animals the Facebook page HERE. 
This dog Sebastian is one of four Pit pups on the list for this very evening. He was found wandering Carrollton, wearing this harness and showing evidence of having been attacked by another dog or something. 
CONTEMPLATIONS: Ever hear the term “non-sporting group” and think “Finally, my people.” ... Relax, I am not up for Pope. We’re checking on Inky the Cocker Spaniel’s status with the Church, however. He’s been a member of the College of Cockers for a while. He’s still sore that some jerk docked his tail too short for competition at Westminster, so he’s contemplating a career in a more heavenly line of work than show business. We hear he’s got support of the Archbishop of Cockerbury. Relax. I’m just kidding the Catholics -- I’m was raised a Southern Baptist and easily a third of my family is Catholic. We all hit our knees, probably not as much as we ought to. That's Inky in his Sunday-go-to-meeting attire -- he's never told us which meeting. ... Speaking of prayer, the Texas Rangers catchers and pitchers report to spring training in Surprise, Az., today. ... Some music for the upcoming St. Valentine’s Day? If you’re at the office, crank your speakers way up and hit THIS ROMANTIC SELECTION from 1980 and the J. Geils Band. The best outdoor version I ever heard of this one was by a United States Army Rock ‘n’ Roll Band on a stage next to the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas years ago. Those boys sang with their hearts -- the song made me suspect why they’d run away from home and joined the Army. 
--- To comment, click below. --- 

Assorted tales of animals and people...

We’re beginning our Monday with a happy photo.
You may have heard that while Texans were enjoying a spring-like overnight thunderstorm here and some bright skies and wonderful outdoor weather, the Northeast was catching a face full of snow.
Not everybody liked it.
But this guy did.
This is Barley. Usually you’ve seen him in a total state of sleep on Readlarrypowell.com in our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
Not this time. Nope. This is Barley in New Jersey snow. As you may recall, Barley bunks in Denville, N.J., with his longtime mom Annie and her husband, our photojournalist pal Andy Fisher, the former national TV and radio guy. Oh, and Andy spent his early years pounding a newspaper typewriter, too. With that background he’s obviously skilled at reporting and writing and photography, too.
Lately he’s become skilled at walking the dog. When he and Annie married a few years ago, he was new to the household dog arena. He also was new to the household cat arena. Once in the arena, the household critters began to properly train him in their ways, which, of course, would soon become his ways. Or as my funspouse Martha explained it in Star Trek: Next Generation Borg terms over the weekend, “Tell Andy the assimilation is complete.”
So, thus we have these two news photos from the New Jersey point of the big historic snowstorm. Andy got this face-on photo of Barley.
As Andy explained, “Barley is channeling his inner sled dog.”
The cat is Peaches. Andy sent this as the storm was arriving. “Greetings from America's newest theme park, Blizzard Land. Annie has taken Barley for his third walk of the day, and he is flexing his Husky muscles in this rapidly-falling snow. Peaches has chosen to ride out the storm in her favorite chair. It was supposed to be Annie's chair (the pillow bears the crest of her family, the Hurleys), but Peaches is very persuasive.”
So, as you can see, Dear Readers, when it comes to a seasonal storm in the Northeast, some see the glass as half empty and others see it as half full of snow. In North Texas we’re just happy not to have to drive in the stuff.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR PENELOPE: This arrived in our inbox Sunday.
The dog’s name is Penelope -- she’s been Penelope since September, is 6 months old and answers to “Penny.”
Not a rescue dog, but in need of rescue nevertheless.
Her human, Nena Herrera says that Penny and her older sister Sweet Pea “got through a hole in the fence and into the neighbor’s backyard. The neighbor’s backyard is all fenced in and an employee of the neighbor found Sweet Pea but said that she didn’t see Penny at all. So, it’s like she just disappeared.”
There’s a $1,000 reward for the return of this dog. She vanished on the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 3., in a neighborhood on Meadowood, jsut off Walnut Hill and Midway Road. “
If you know the whereabouts of Penelope, call 208-309-3147 or 208-309-1344.
“Our hearts are broken,” Nena told Readlarrypowell.com Sunday evening, a week after the disappearance.
THREE DOGS WITH A HISTORY: We get a ton of emails at Readlarrypowell.com and the constraints of time and space in this universe keep us from reporting all of them. But now and then you run across one that you think will speak beyond the simple “dogs need a home” message. You look at the history of the dogs, the humans who have tried to help them and the future they could have if other humans would simply open their hearts.
That brings us to these three dogs: Bettie, Ruthie and Pete.
Carol and Mike Whatley know these dogs -- there’s a reason.
Here’s their story from Carol of the Humane Society of Van Zandt County, east of Dallas:
“I'm writing in hope that you can spread the word, or direct me in some way.
“Summer of 2011, our group received a rescued litter of Plott Hounds (I googled them and it's a very interesting history). These babies had been thoughtfully placed on an anthill by some loving person; they were rescued before much damage had occurred.  
“My husband and I got them over the ant bites and by the time they were well they developed mange.  We worked on that and then they got mange again.  By the time they were all well and had been spayed/neutered they were well past the puppy-cute stage and had turned into long-legged DOGS.
“Of the litter of 5, we still have 3 - 1 male, 2 females.  I've advertised them as great hunters (which I'm sure they could be if properly trained); I've advertised them as great family pets (which I'm sure they are); I've advertised them as protective of their humans (which they have demonstrated).  They need room to run and a place where they can be contained - fencing, pen, etc.
“They need their own humans, and we need the space to take in more as needed.  They are mostly socialized, leash-trained, housebroken, altered and up to date on everything.
“Any chance you could help?  Feel free to list my phone number - half the people in the county have it anyway. 
“Thank you for anything at all you can do for us.”
So, for the other half of the county and the region that doesn’t already have the Van Zandt County Humane Society number, it’s 903-479-4040. And you can email Carol at [email protected].
[Larry aside: And if you should know the person who “thoughtfully placed” these dogs on the ant beds, why, just let us know. Ant season is coming again and, well, we’re always looking for a good place for jerks and creeps to sit.]
THE PREGNANT LAB MIX AND THE HORSE PEOPLE: You may recall that last week we featured a pregnant Lab mix from Collin County Animal Services -- she needed out so she wouldn’t have her babies in a shelter, CCAS volunteer shelter walker Allison Roberts told us.
Son of a gun if a horse rescue group didn’t ride up and help this dog.
Allison told us that Triple Me Mac was the rescue group, so we got in touch with Dixie Neeley of Triple me Mac. 
She knew the back story on this dog -- yes, that’s her riding off into the happy sunset in a big car, not on a cow pony. (Photo on the right is of the dog posing at CCAS.)
Dixie says, “She was brought to our attention by another dog rescuer and we knew she needed help.  A very kind man brought her into the shelter after finding her, then decided he wanted to adopt her but did not want to raise pups.  So we are going to foster the mama until she has the pups, let her raise them then we will have her spayed before she goes to her new home. Of course we will find excellent homes for the pups!
“Triple Me Mac is predominately a horse rescue but we also try to help in the dog rescue community when we can.  All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. We are currently feeding 30 rescue horses.”
So, go to triplememac.org to see how to help dogs and horses. 
ASSORTED NOTES: The big Westminster Dog Show opens tonight, crowns the champ tomorrow. Read about it HERE. Opening night’s on one channel, closing on another. ... Everman Animal Shelter appears to be undergoing a transition -- based completely on panic-stricken emails, the story is that there is new pressure to quickly get animals moving out of that shelter.  Stay tuned. Briefly it had been known recently as "The Littlel Shelter With the Big Heart." ... The Dallas Animal Shelter Commission had a retreat Friday at Qaitas in the downtown Farmers’ Market. Commission Chair Mary Spencer says a report is coming this week. ... Still waiting on a news release explaining the Metroplex Animal Coalition, Dallas Animal Advocates, Companion Animal Project merger last month. Not one of those things that a reporter can browbeat out of a reluctant source. So, stay tuned. We’ll either hear how it’s supposed to work or witness how it is working. Maybe lawyers involved in writing agreements. Who knows? Busy time of the year, what with the holidays and all.
CONTEMPLATIONS: You have to admire people who get publicly involved in animal issues in a mostly don't-care town.Some people are going to support their efforts (and rightly so), some are going to criticize their efforts (and rightly so) and others are going to remain blissfully ignorant and happily wallowing in a galaxy-sized state of dumbass. Got to figure out a way to involve that third crowd in the minimum stuff: spay, neuter, properly maintain and restrain. And that’s just their kids. I’m joking. I’m joking. ... Is this a false spring or the real deal? Our grass turned green overnight. Now I’ll have to see if the mower works. Darnit. ... Spotted this sign as we drove past a church in DeSoto. The bottom 3 lines read “ATONEMENT/ TRUTH AND/ MERCY” and those 3 lines were stacked under a message that read “ATM INSIDE.” If all you need to get into Heaven is a PIN code...well, what a line at the Pearly Gates.
--- To comment, click below. --- 

The Edge of Slumber...

This edition of "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap" may touch your heart.
We got the story on her three dogs from Beth Leermakers who is obviously enamored.
Here’s the first step of the story:
"I rescued Sparky from The Colony Animal Services in early October of 2011, in response to [The Colony’s Animal Control Division Manager] Patricia Barrington's plea in your blog.
"Unfortunately my dog Snowie (a jealous mama's boy) didn't accept Sparky, so I had to keep them separated for many months while I took Sparky to adoption events through Paws In The City. Sparky had two families interested in adopting him, but sadly neither home worked out (not Sparky's fault in either case).”
[Larry aside: We’re about to mention Beth’s dad -- not by name just yet, but keep reading. I’m building suspense by telling you we’ll give her mom’s name, too. Keep reading. And, fyi, Dad plays an important part in this story of love and so does Mom.]
Beth continues:
"In July 2012 my father stayed with my 3 dogs while I was on vacation. I gave him explicit instructions for keeping the dogs separated. “Apparently one day my father got confused about where the dogs were, and he left Sparky and Snowie (left) in the bedroom together for several hours. Gulp.
"Luckily they didn't hurt each other, and so began a  'cease-fire' on Snowie's part.
"Snowie and Sparky eventually learned to share the couch (and they even gave me a tiny spot -- less than 1/3--on it). I finally decided to keep Sparky, who is a terrific snuggle bug and lap dog -- all 65 pounds of him. Sparky is truly a wonderful ambassador for the American Staffordshire Terrier. You couldn't ask for a sweeter dog.”
[Larry aside: We're nearly inclined to describe the situaton as an accidental "Father Knows Best" incident.]
Explaining the “sleeping photo,” she says, “Sparky opened his eyes when I appeared with the camera, but I figure he's close enough to sleeping. The first photo is his picture from the shelter (September 2011), and the other 2 pics show him as a beloved, spoiled member of my pack. He loves to lounge on the fainting couch and keep on eye on the neighborhood.”
[Larry aside: Anyone who has ever had a dog around the house knows they can have their eyes open but be totally out like a light. It’s a blessing we humans rarely possess. See Sparky on the right.]
Now, there is more to this story. And it has to do with sweet Snowie. The beloved dog died unexpectedly a few weekends ago. 
Beth explains, “I took him to the vet, thinking he had a respiratory infection, only to discover that he had cancer that must've spread very quickly to his heart and lungs. My sweet dog died while the vet was trying to administer oxygen (so I could take him to the specialty vet for emergency surgery).  I never got a picture of Snowie and Sparky together.  I so wish I had.
“Snowie spent his last night sleeping next to Sparky, instead of next to my bed (where he usually slept). Perhaps he received some comfort from Sparky that he couldn't get from me.  Losing Snowie so suddenly reminded me to appreciate every minute I have with my dogs.  You just never know what day will be their last.  Snowie was only 7 years old, and he walked happily for 30 minutes the night before he died.  I had no idea he was so sick."
Beth also attached a picture of adorable Snowie (left) posing with Zane (right) and the Grinch (center, as if you couldn't tell)-- that was taken at a December 2012 fundraiser for the Flower Mound Humane Society. "Sparky missed that photo opp," she says.
Snowie was a 7-year-old, 60-pound Flat-Coated Retriever/Chesapeake Bay Retriever mix. How does Beth know that? “The DNA test from the ART (Animal Rescue of Texas) fundraiser,” she says.
Snowie was rescued from Dallas Animal Services in November 0026 -- she fostered him for Paws In The City and “wound up keeping him when I lost my Gold Retriever (rescued, of course!) to bone cancer in January 2007. Snowie was a fabulous swimmer/retriever and loved all the dog swimming events at the end of the pool season -- we attended 5 last August/September, including Wags & Waves, of course.”
Sparky is around 4 years old, weighs in at 65 pounds and is an American Staffordshire Terrier rescued from The Colony in October 2011.
And Zane is an 8-year-old, 65-pound Husky/Shepherd mix adopted from Keller Animal Services in October 2005. “He still loves to run. We go to Grapevine Lake for a 60- to 90-minutes walk (for me)/run and swim (for him) every weekend.”
We promised we’d identify the folks. Dad is Stephen Leermakers of Orlando, Fla. Why was he in town?
“He flew in to be ‘Grandpa Daycare‘ for 10 days. He even learned how to cook eggs for the dogs. My mother was supposed to come with him but couldn’t at the last minute, so he had his hands full. He did very well under pressure evening managing to walk all 3 big dogs most days. What a star!”
After reading that email about Dad, I sent Beth a reply. “Want to name Mom, too?”
And she replied, “Mom is Anne Leermakers. She deserves credit for teaching Dad how to prepare the eggs!'
[REMEMBER: To nominate your slumber critters and your entire helpful family or friends or neighbors for the spotlight of “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap,” send photos and information to [email protected]. We’ll use your pictures and story to help insomniacs learn that sleeping is possible. You just have to find the right fainting couch.]
--- To comment, click below. --- 

Assorted items: Dogs saved, Mittens found, Nemo voting & an Earhound

Yesterday I saw a woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty standing out in front of a place that helps you fill out your tax forms. Something ironic about that.
And this pregnant dog from Collin County Animal Services has found a safe place to go -- we’re working on getting that info so people can help.
And before I get to the good news that dogs were saved and Mittens The Cat has been found, we need to note an event of happy anxiety.
Last day of voting in the 2013 D Magazine Survival of the Cutest contest and our pal Nemo is in the voting with a dog named Cooper whom we’ve never met but love anyway. We love all dogs. Doesn’t matter how cute they are.
If you’re reading this, you probably feel the same way.
So, in honor of of all cute dogs everywhere, we present the link to the voting area in the D cute contest HERE.
Nemo’s human Melissa Boesch, sent out a note this morning reminding people to “vote from every possible device - computer, phone, iPad, Kindle, etc..” and to “share on your Facebook page, email all your contacts and ask for their votes.”
Then she adds, “Nemo and I appreciate your faithful support throughout this process.  Team Nemo rocks!"
That is the ultra-cute Nemo giving us one of his traditional Beagle-on-the-Couch poses. Note that he appears to be preparing to croon. Or maybe he's getting ready to pucker up for a really cute kiss.
[Larry aside: Somebody asked me, “What does the winner get?”  I did some research. The winner of this contest becomes the “Cute Party” candidate for Mayor of Dallas. I’m kidding. They won’t let dogs run for mayor of Dallas. A human would never again hold the office. D’s Frontburner blog says the winner “will appear in the pages of D Magazine.”]
THE MITTENS TALE: You may recall that Mittens the Cat, who bunks with Andrew Hewitt and his wife “Sweet Jenny,” took advantage of a door being opened for the dog Charlie Brown and went on an unauthorized “walkabout.”
The neighborhood was papered with posters, the good Mr. Hewitt visited shelters, calls were made, emails sent, etc. Our Dear Readers sent messages of support and suggestions for luring Mittens back to her home.
Here’s what happened, according to a note we got from Mr. Hewitt.
“First of all, thank you for helping by publishing and suggesting ways to regain Mittens. Sweet Jenny, this morning (Thursday), unable to sleep ... was up on her computer around 3 a.m. when our Russian Blue, Jewels, came in to bug her.
“Following him to the backdoor, there she discovered our little Mittens on the porch sleeping in a chair. That idea of leaving personal human items and food on the porch worked like a charm.  Again, thank you.”
And late last night he sent a one-sentence followup: “We are feeling PPPPUUURRRFFFEEEECCCTTTLLLYYY wonderful.”
TWO DAS DOGS: We’ve run into the stories of two dogs lately -- both have Dallas Animal Services ties.
You may recall the nameless dog we posted a couple of days ago -- the dog who was abandoned in an apartment and wound up in the shelter.
That’s his photo -- he’s the one on the shelter bed.
 That other dog is Coco. She was surrendered to Dallas Animal Services yesterday after she was struck by a care. DAS Rescue sent out a note that said, “Coco needs to be pulled ASAP so that she can be fully diagnosed and begin treatment.”
As you know, DAS doesn’t have the x-ray machine needed to work on some of these animals.
Still, a note from DAS Rescue gets a lot of mileage. And sometimes with all that travel, things wind up in the same spot.
Last night, my funspouse Martha and I dropped by Breadwinners just off Lovers Lane for an evening social session with volunteers from Paws In The City, the local rescue group.
There was a little extra excitement in the crowd. It turns out that both Coco and the unnamed dog had been claimed by Paws In The City.
Coco is getting her vet care and that nameless dog from the apartment is in a foster home with humans and other critters and his name is now Jagger.
You can keep up with these dogs -- volunteer to help them, etc. -- by monitoring www.pawsinthecity.org and the Paws In The City Facebook page. And you can monitor Dallas Animal Services’ triumph and social media elements by going to the DAS Facebook site. Google those Facebook sites and they’ll pop right up.
BROADWAY JOE: Of course, we’re always happy to run a photo of an Earhound
on the cyberpages of Readlarrypowell.com.
What caught our eye was the name in the subject line on the email. “Broadway Joe.” Must have been named by a football fan -- you know, Broadway Joe Namath, the famous quarterback.
Nope. This Earhound was found last night on the parking lot of Fort Worth’s Broadway Baptist Church. Thus, Broadway Joe.
“Definite lap dog,” the note from  Rescue Connections’ Karen Langston says.
We think that the Earhound American Registration Society (EARS) may describe him as an “HRTS Earhound -- High-rising Thinly Stretched Earhound.”
The note says they’re looking for a foster to hold him while they try to find his family. If you know where he belongs or you want to help, email [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS: Is this a rule? Warmer winter, more fleas and ticks in spring? My apologies to folks in the Northeast for brining up this warm winter problem. ...   Gasoline prices are dropping this weekend? Yeah, and I’m a runway model. ... Check back later today or later this weekend. We know we’ll have a Sleeping Dog or Napping Cat and maybe some other stuff, too.
--- To comment, click below. --- 

Expecting in McKinney, Nemo on TV and stories of humans helping animals

It’s February 7 and there are many things to note: it is the birthday of both writer Charles Dickens and farming hero John Deere and the anniversary of The Beatles’ arrival in the United States in 1964.
It is also National Fettuccini Alfredo Day and some of us now have cravings but we’ll try to get past them by humming The Beatles’ hit “Carry That Weight.”
That dog? That beautiful dog? She’s a very pregnant Black Lab mix currently at the Collin County Animal Services Shelter and she needs out because the shelter is “very full and the last thing we need is pups born in the shelter,” wrote Allison Roberts, the volunteer shelterwalker at CCAS. (To help this expectant mom, email both [email protected] and [email protected].
Now, some other animal stories:
NEMO IN THE FINALS: Melissa Boesch excitedly emailed us last night. “Nemo made it to the final two -- against Cooper the Border Collie” in the D Magazine Survival of the Cutest contest.
Voting is underway right now. It started at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and goes through 11:59 p.m. Friday. You can vote once per electronic instrument per day, i.e., vote many times on many different gadgets. To do that, go to the Magazine’s site HERE.
You get this far into a popular competition and you start attracting the TV cameras. Nemo and Melissa are going to be on Texas Living at noon Thursday --- that’s KTXD and it’s Channel 44 on most “providers,” Melissa says, and it’s on 22 on Charter, 24 on Time-Warner and 18 on Verizon.
That is Nemo in his fishing outfit. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have a weekend fishing show on TV -- yet.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT: THE SEARCH FOR GIBSON: This dog Gibson vanished on January 27. Here’s why postings about his disappearance are just now getting out.
He’s from DASH Dog Rescue (Dallas Australian Shepherd and Herding Dog Rescue).
Sara Shepperd of DASH, one of our longtime tipsters, explained that “we waited a week because we assumed that with a collar and tag and microchip he would be returned! This has never happened in 4 years -- even when fosters get out or escape, somewhere, somehow they are returned.
“I personally worked with this guy, Gibson, for months to train him and make him adoptable. He finally got adopted and we were only ‘babysitting’ while his new adopter traveled.”
What happened? Gibson “pushed the window button of my friend’s car at the gas station near The Colony and hopped out! It was near Stewart Peninsula, lots of creeks, trees and a lake -- his favorite place to play.”
If you know Gibson’s whereabouts, call these numbers: 214-783-6268  or 214-549-9905.
THE MITTENS SEARCH: We heard last night from Andrew Hewitt that he and his “sweet Jenny” continue to search for Mittens, the cat who slipped out their home while Charlie Brown the Dog was going outside.
They’ve posted signs, put out food and a litter box (as per a suggestion from a Reader of Readlarrypowell.com) and contemplated other measures to lure Mittens back to safe haven. Nobody has seen her for sure, but a cat was spotted though the theory is it was a neighbor’s smaller cat.
Mittens was last seen in the 15000 block of Cypress Hills Drive, just north of Preston at Beltline. If you’ve seen Mittens, call 214-647-1512, 214-542-7126 or 214-500-5323.
Andrew sent me a note that read, “I took Mittens posters to both SPCA and Dallas Animal Center (Westmoreland/30) this morning [Wednesday]. And, boy, are those people nice. Saw a couple or three Tuxedos, but, no Mittens.”
A WALK-UP HUSKY: Now, before you yell, “I’d love to have that dog,” keep in mind that the person who has this dog is being very, very careful about where the fellow Sam goes.
Linda Cooke explains, “A young male Siberian Husky came up to me during my evening walk in NW Dallas on Friday (Feb. 1) and I've been looking for the owner ever since.  ‘Sam’ was wearing a fairly new reflective collar without tags and a scan at the veterinarian showed no microchip.  He is about 18 months to 2 years old. and has not been neutered.
“I've had no response to signs put up in the neighborhood, postings at vets and PetsMart, online ‘lost dog’ listings, and a DMN news ad that started running on Tuesday (the soonest it could start). Right now Sam is in a very temporary foster situation.”
If you know this dog, email [email protected].
CUTE DOG, TYPICAL DALLAS SITUATION: We mention Tawana Couch here all the time. She’s the rescuer who founded the Society For Companion Animals and arranges to have the unwanted Dallas dogs flown to safety all over the place.
This one isn’t going anywhere soon and needs some help.
“Duck Team 6 and myself rescued this sweet girl this past Sunday. She is in need of a group to take her. She is already fixed, all shots, and heartworm negative. She is about 2 years old. She likes other dogs and cats. She is ready for a home. Dora is 45 pounds shepherd mix.”
Tawana says she’ll donate to any group that will take her into rescue. Email Tawana at [email protected].
ANOTHER CUTE DOG: This little guy is Pugz Lee and he needs a new home. Our tipster John Terrell has him for now, but Pugz Lee is a terror to cats.
It’s a situation that is beyond difficult and the solution is to find a place for Pugz Lee that will allow him to either live alone or with a friendly dog, but not with cats. 
Pugz Lee is a 2 1/2-year-old Puggle who generally is “sweet and energetic” and “the perfect Southern gentleman” as long as he’s the center of attention and there are no cats. He knows basic obedience, walks on a leash, and is both house- and crate-trained.
Pugz Lee is a big fan of John’s 2-year-old son and the son adores Pugz Lee, so, as you can see, this isn’t a move that is being made in haste. Work has gone into the relationship, but sometimes things just don't work.
To offer to give Pugz Lee a good place to live or a spot in a rescue group, email [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS: In case you’re still caught up in a craving for fettuccini alfredo, click HERE to listen to Carry That Weight. ... Does this look like the beginning of a tough season for the Texas Rangers? Pitchers and catchers reporter to spring training in Surprise next week. May be delayed because, as they're getting the stadium ready, nobody can find the plate. ... Cheesecake. Blessing or sin? Again, “Carry That Weight.”
--- To comment, click below. --- 

A Wednesday assortment...Mittens, Nemo and some tales...

Alright, ladies and gents, here comes our midweek report and there are some

stories we can’t get to, but some we can and in between there are some that are being worked on.
Free kittens to everyone who helps us. Kidding. I just like to imagine the gasps in the animal community.
Just for fun, we're posting the new logo from the State Fair of Texas -- a sign that things are returning to normal for the legendary extravaganza. Big Tex is making a comeback. And, as we reported yesterday, "The One & Only" is the 2013 theme. Yeah and it's an opportunity to point out that so far he's the only high-profile Dallas Cowboy likely to have a good season in 2013.
THIS GUY IS CASPER: Yeah, he’s in the Dallas Animal Shelter. And Dallas Animal Services is trying to get him a break.
The note from Danielle Fry of the DAS Rescue team read, “This sweet boy is named Casper!  Don’t discriminate against his breed, he is friendly…just like Casper the friendly ghost!  Pit Bulls & Casper the Ghost: Often misunderstood but if you take the time to get to know them, they can be your best friend!”
This Casper is a big kisser, shows no sign of aggression, wags his tail, etc.
But as you can see, he has a history. He came to the shelter with an array of facial bite wounds. “He may have a corneal ulcer on his right eye, but as you can see in the pictures it is looking much better,” Danielle wrote. “He also has a tear in his left lower eyelid. We were going to neuter him and suture his eyelid at the same time but the poor boy came down with an upper respiratory infection!  We are currently treating him but we need him out of the shelter ASAP.  He has already been here for 17 days and he will recover much quickly in a home environment.  Our offer still stands that once he is over his cold, we will neuter him and suture his eye lid.  We just need this boy pulled by Thursday (2/6/13) afternoon.”
Yep, a chance to save a healing dog’s life. Email [email protected] or [email protected]. 
A MISSING CAT QUESTION: As I was looking at this story of Mittens the Missing Cat, it struck me that my best advice to Andrew and Jenny Hewitt was to put cat food and catnip near the door the cat slipped out of and monitor the area carefully for meowing cats wanting to be let in.
Anybody add to that advice while we wait for Mittens to show up?
Mittens silently slipped out the door Monday night -- the theory is this happened as Charlie Brown the Dog was being let out. Usually when Mittens does this, she doesn’t go far and comes right back. But since she wasn’t noticed, nobody knew to wait for her.
She’s a beloved cat. In fact, last night after 6 p.m., Andrew sent me a note saying that it was too quiet at their house because that was about the time “Sweet Jenny” summons Mittens in the house by singing ‘It’s kitty treaty time! It’s kitty treaty time.‘ Today, outside, it did not work.”
Mittens was last seen in the 15000 block of Cypress Hills Drive, just north of preston at Beltline.
Andrew spent part of Tuesday papering the neighborhood with notices. If you’ve seen Mittens, call 214-647-1512, 214-542-7126 or 214-500-5323.
And if you have some tips on luring cats back home, please click on "comments" below and leave them for the rest of us. Thanks.
NEMO AND THE VOTING: Our pal Melissa Boesch continues to work hard to get her cute Beagle Nemo into the finals of D Magazine's Survival of the Cutest dog contest.
You can vote via just about any electronic gadget -- and you can vote once per gadget, so if you have a computer, an iPhone, an iPad, a Kindle, or any like instrument, you can vote once per instrument per day.
Where do you vote? Vote HERE. That's Nemo in one of many cute incarnations.
FROM EVERMAN: We mentioned this guy before, but holy batinertia, there’s no movement on the part of this 6-year-old Shar-Pei mix named Alex. 
And our tipster Heather Harrison emphasizes that the Everman Animal Shelter, “The Little Shelter With the Big Heart,” is hustling to find a place for him to go. 
She write, “This guy is in DIRE need of rescue!!!  He has a severe skin issue, that the pound does not have the money or manpower to treat!  He is negative for mange (been to the vet a few times)  He is currently on 3 antibiotics and a medicated bath.  HIS SKIN IS BLACK, CRACKED, AND BLEEDING. THIS GUY IS IN PAIN!   He has been pleading for help for 6 MONTHS NOW....STILL NOTHING!”
The good irony is he’s a “total sweetheart who just wants to lay on your lap and cuddle.”
Alex is neutered and up to date on his shots -- but he’s also heartworm positive, the traditional kink in every otherwise easy North Texas rescue story.
To ask about him, email [email protected]. The Everman shelter number is 817-561-5495. YOu can also email [email protected].
In the meantime, the shelter is also trying to find a home for these 2-year-old American Bulldog sisters, Abigail and Bethany.
They are “very bonded.”
There’s a reason. They apparently went through hell together. The story is they “came into the shelter near death. They had been used as bait dogs. Some wounds were to the bone. They have healed beautifully and hold no grudges. All they want to do is being loved and petted.”
MEANWHILE IN CARROLLTON: Happily Duke, the happy looking Chamber of Commerce-type dog, found help from a rescue group that spotted him in the Carrollton Animal Services Shelter.
But the CARE (Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise) folks are still hustling to find homes for the several dogs and cats that remain on the “list” for Thursday at the city shelter.
Among those animals are the handsome formerly stray pit Hightower and the dumped by his people because the other cat was beating him up feline fellow Gizzy.
To help save the lives of the Carrollton animals via adoption or rescue, call 972-466-3420 or email [email protected].
You can see more Carrollton animals on the shelter Facebook page HERE.
A NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND’S SAD STORY: Our pal Dwana Carabajal, the veteran rescuer and foster mom and hustler for homes for critters, is working on another challenge.
Here’s the story: “I was contacted by a mutual friend of a friend. She (Jennifer) is trying to help her grandparents place their dog, Enga, in a new loving home. Enga is a 5-year-old male Norwegian Elkhound. His best friend in the world now has advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and he has been moved to a nursing home. His wife is elderly and frail and cannot care for Enga by herself. So, Enga needs a new home and family. Enga is up to date on his shots, he is neutered, and he is good with kids (he does not know his own strength and can accidentally knock them down though). He is not aggressive at all. He is currently in Groesbeck (45 minutes east of Waco). He has not been around other dogs or cats so it is unknown if he would get along with them.
“Enga loved his master very much and misses him.”
The goal now is to get Enga into a “safe and loving home.”
To ask about adopting or rescuing this handsome dog, email Jennifer Clements at [email protected] or email Dwana at [email protected].
[Larry aside: Dwana’s email address tells a story -- she took in a momma dog and 9 pups. Met the challenge.”]
CONTEMPLATIONS: We got some comments on the Texas Humane Legislation Network/Responsible Pet Owner Alliance contemplation from yesterday. Scroll down to yesterday’s edition of Readlarrypowell.com and you’ll see the story. ...  Again, I don’t know why I call my six twice-weekly favorite Lotto Texas numbers my “lucky numbers.” I’m still sitting here with a bucket of wish and a wheelbarrow full of losing lotto tickets. ... Let’s get serious about this gasoline thing. The week before Christmas a gallon of regular gas was priced at $2.91. Now it’s pushing toward $3.50 and beyond. Yet, the only sign of an international power problem between Christmas and now was the power failure at the Super Bowl on Sunday. Ergo, the answer must be this: Gouging, heartless -- well, I can’t type the third word in that expression, so you go ahead and fill in your own “blankety-blank.”  Anyone got an alternative theory? They’re raising money to help the poor? Building up bank accounts so they can drop the price back to $2 a gallon for Memorial Day? 
--- To comment, click below. --- 

Whoa! Big Tex!

This just in from the OPL (Office of Publicity Legend) Sue Gooding at the State Fair of Texas: The theme for the 2013 run of the annual autumal extravaganza will be "The One & Only."
Yep, in honor of Big Tex, the Midway Cowboy, who by then will have more traditional "smoldering good looks" after that awful flame incident as the 2012 Fair was drawing to a close.
For more info, visit www.bigtex.com.
--- To comment, click below. ---