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Sometimes sleeping takes sole...

DATELINE: Dallas, Where the Super Bowl Is Someone Else's Party This Century, Texas (Feb. 1-2 PetPowellPress) Readlarrypowell.com proudly endorses dogs on many levels, among them the legendary canine sense of humor.
They can be funny and, unlike certain uptight relatives, they don’t mind being photographed funny. Here’s an example and just in time for our weekend edition of our internationally-read feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
Erin Warren of petsittersplusone.com snapped the photos and is fostering this girl Miley. She sent the full facial photo when Readlarrypowell.com wondered what the dog really looks like.
Here’s Erin’s note that came with the sleeping dog’s face in the shoe. “I am not sure if you can use this pic but I wanted to share just in case you can (you featured some of my foster pups about 8 years ago in this same segment, Mira and Chira.  The color of this pic isn’t very good b/c the lighting was bad but it is still a funny little pic and how she was sleeping. take this as a compliment that my shoes smell good! “
Dog people have a legendary sense of humor, too!
Erin says Miley “was given up by a backyard breeder because they couldn’t sell her, to friends whose apartments would let them keep her because they said she was a Pit Bull.  Ahhh, no! She is a mini bull terrier, so we are told and 14 weeks.  She definitely is a bull terrier but not sure about the mini part (there are mini bull
“terriers, I looked it up!). 
“A former rescuer got wind of her pic on Monday and sent it to me, so the rest is history!  She will be up for adoption thru lonestarrescue.org.”
As for snapping the photo, Erin says, Miley “was sitting at my feet where many of my shoes end up and she went to sleep. She likes to tuck her nose under your arm a lot and kind of hide her face so i think she liked the feeling of the shoe for that reason.”
[Readlarrypowell.com is proud to publish your photos of your slumbering critters in our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. We do it to encourage insomniacs to get some sleep. And, probably right about now, there are insomniacs en route to area malls to shop for “Sleeper Boots”  marketed as "SlumberSoles" to strap onto their faces in hopes of getting a good night’s sleep. Anything for a bit of sleep, you know?]

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Handsome dog, other tales & a Super Bowl cinch...

DATELINE: Dallas, Where If You’re Looking For Mountains You’re Too Far Away, Texas  (Jan. 31 PetPowellPress) -- Whoa, here we are already at the last day of January 2014.  World War I began on July 28, 1914. So, we’ve got about 6 months to figure out how to celebrate. We’ll get to our Super Bowl prediction in Contemplations.
Remember, if you know someone who wants to adopt a dog or cat,  there are no more shelter dogs or cats in Texas -- they’ve all been adopt -- HANG ON. Checking facts. OK, sorry about that. There are PLENTY of dogs and cats available in North Texas shelters. If you know of a town, it probably has a shelter. Stop by, Google, make a call, etc.

MISTER HANDSOME

Is that not a great dog face? My fellow males, wouldn’t you swap you bank account for a mug like that! 
We get the story  on this guy Balto from Patricia Barrington, the Animal Services Division Manager for The Colony. Here’s why this incredibly good-lookin’ little guy wound up in the city shelter and, by virtue of being in a city shelter, on the clock.
The Manager writes, “The people that gave him up said he is 6 months old.  I think he is about 9 months old.  His people called him a Schnauzer.  I think he’s a Cairn Terrier mix. 
“His people said he is good with kids and other animals, but gave him up due to having a new baby.  It’s a confusing situation, all around.  
“But, what matters is he is currently at TCAS and in need of a home/rescue.  Balto is energetic and outgoing.  He’s a great little guy with a nice personality -- he’s a love.  ... He’s really special!”
To ask about Balto or any critter in The Colony’s care, call 972-370-9250 or email [email protected].
OH WAIT! We just opened the morning emails and Manager Barrington reports that Habitat 4 Paws "picked him up at closing" last night. So, (a) there are plenty of animals left at The Colony and rather than get Balto at the shelter, you'll need to go to Habitat 4 Paws! 

CHUY ON THE CLOCK

Courtney Brown of the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center sent us a plea for help with chuy, the Chiweenie.
He’s been there since August and  in spite of the fact that he’s neutered, heartworm negative, up-to-date on shots, microchipped and weighs in at only 7 1/2 pounds, NOBODY WANTS HIM.  (Click on his poster to make it grow.)

He’s slow to warm up. And, indeed, this former street-running stray is kind of testy until he gets to know you and he’s bitten a couple of volunteers -- but they might have been pressuring him when he was not quite ready for a cuddling or a petting.
Courtney says that “due to his two biting incidents, however, my efforts to keep him safe from euthanasia seem to be getting slimmer and slimmer. He only has days left. I have come to adore Chuy and he deserves a second chance at life...Once he trusts you, he fall head-over-heeels in love with you and you can’t help but do the same with him. 

Courtney sent a video of the playful dog -- he’s lively and fun, but I don’t have the techno skills to attach it to this post -- maybe. Click Download Chuyvideo and see if it works. It may be sideways if it does. If it doesn't, Courtney may be able to send a copy to you. To offer to help Chuy survive, email  [email protected] or call the shelter at 972-919-8770.

 

 
FOUND IN TROUBLE

We got the tip on this pup from Karen Lee, the animal advocate, Euless Trinity Gap Club supporter and veteran at helping animals.
She’d gotten the story from Ashley Noel and says Ashley has “been advised to check for a chip, post flyers, check with shelters, etc.”
Ashley explains that “we found a dog outside last night, shivering in the cold, and bleeding a little. We seem to think it got attacked by a coyote. My friend did take it home and bathe it, and she seems very sweet. She still has a few open wounds, though none are bleeding.  We just don't want to take it to the local pound just to see her put down.”
Email [email protected].

 

A ROUNDUP FOR GREYHOUNDS, FERAL CATS AND A FREEZER

--- AN EMAIL FROM GALT (Greyhound Adoption League of Texas) reports that the March 8 Greyt Retired Athletes Dinner & Auction is going to feature two spectacular local athletes in the crowd. GALT writes that “we are excited to announce that we're hosting Randy White of the ‘Doomsday Defense’ and Mean Joe Greene of the ‘Steel Curtain Defense’ at our Greyt Retired Athletes Benefit Dinner & Auction on March 8th at III Forks Restaurant.  White, #54, is in the NFL Hall of Fame and Cowboys Ring of Honor. He's one of the best defensive lineman to ever wear a Cowboys uniform.  Greene, #75, graduated from North Texas State and went on to a Hall of Fame NFL Career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.” [LARRY ASIDE: GALT’s email described the Steelers as “the Cowboys most hated rivals” but, honestly, we’re pretty sure that’s the Washington Redskins.]
Ask about tickets at galtx.org.

-- CONNIE ZIEGLER STOUT reports that a big crowd of animal people showed up at the Bedford City Council meeting this week and, by their presence, convinced the council to study the sane idea of a Trap, Neuter, Release program. More to come.
--A DIFFERENT BREED continues to need two things at its shelter in Desert, Texas (three if you count adoptors!). ADB needs newspapers (yes, for certain natural activities) and a freezer. Call 972-896-6313 to offer to help. A freezer. How hard can it be to come up with a spare freezer this winter? 

CONTEMPLATIONS: Let’s point out that today is 1312014 and I think you numerologists know what that means. I’m kidding. Though it does add up to 12 and that’s the number Roger Staubach wore when he quarterbacked the Dallas Cowboys to glory. I don’t even know how I had the guts in 2014 to write “Dallas Cowboys” and “glory” in the same sentence. Sorry. I got off track here in Super Bowl week.  My prediction. Of course, I’m predicting the Cowboys will win the Super Bowl Sunday as long as Staubach is wearing #12. I will guarantee you that there are people who quit reading this as soon as I mentioned football. No interest at all. Therefore, I will now make my Super Bowl prediction for the benefit of those who need to get their bets down early. Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is crafty and has some helpers. But the Seattle Seahawks are big, tough and fast. Destiny trumps desire, however, so our official Readlarrypowell.com pick is Denver, probably by something like 28 to 18. I mean, geez, Denver beat Dallas 51-48 on October 6 -- the Broncos scored 51 points on that magnificent Cowboys defense -- no telling how they’ll shred Seattle. You real football fans know that last sentence is a joke. Still, Denver should win with a game-long effort and clever Peyton at QB. If the Seahawks knock him out of the game, all bets are off. Got to go, Inky, the Wagering Laureate of the State of Texas, wants to go visit his bookie.
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Expectations, followups and King George...

DATELINE: Dallas, Where the Air Is As Cold As a Politician’s Heart Between Elections, Texas (Jan. 30 PetPowellPress) -- We’re going to start with an Earhound. That should be plain to you.
We got the mugshot from veteran rescuer Jeffrey Hartman who also sent the profile photo! You might notice that this dog, Phara, looks a lot thicker from the side than she does from the front.
Here’s the explanation -- Jeffrey described her as a “possible Earhound” and probably chuckled when he typed it. He and his wife, Debra, are currently fostering Phara. She’s a new arrival.
A challenge? Keep reading.
The Hartmans agreed to foster Phara “at least until her pups, soon to grace our presence, are old enough to be placed.” [LARRY ASIDE: Yeah, Phara isn’t just a chubby street dog. But she is a Dallas street dog. Or, as the Earhound American Registry Society (EARS) calls her, "Dallasatus Earhoundus Impregnata." You says she's just another pregnant stray? What? Not in Dallas. There are no strays in Dallas! Well, not any more, of course -- Phara was the last one and I am a prima ballerina with the Fort Worth Ballet in my spare time.]
Jeffrey says that “a few days ago Tim Reim with Texas Regional Animal Rescue was in the Fair Park area where his group tries to rescue and feed animals in need and crossed paths with this very pregnant female. Tim took her in but his facility isn't equipped for pregnant dogs. So, looking for a solution for Phara, coincidental contact with Marsha Fleming of Before the Bridge was made, and Marsha also having no available space for a pregnant Phara, makes contact with Erin Arnold Johnson of Straydog. Like everyone else, Straydog is also to their limit. One dog maybe, but figure 7 or more mouths soon to be and that's a game-changer. Anyway, Erin calls my wife Debra, and it's pretty much a done deal .. Phara and her soon-to-be family are safe.”The plan for Wednesday evening was to “walk” Phara into the household shower to attempt to wash “that street smell from her,” says Jeffrey. “Fortunately she’s short-haired, so it will dry quickly.”
And he was buying a thermometer, too, because the vet said that when Phara’s temp reaches about 99, she’ll be on the brink of delivery. He said that Wednesday afternoon the puppies were “moving around, probably fighting to get into the exit line first.”
Where’d the name come from? “Deb said she had a face like a the Pharoah dogs, thus Phara.” 
More to come on this story.

NOW SOME FOLLOWUPS

SILLY AND OTHERS: Readlarrypowell.com never met Silly the Dog (left), but when the Carrolton Animal Rescue Enterprise folks sent out word that she was on “the list” at their city shelter, it was simply incomprehensible that such an obviously lively and charming dog would wind up nothing but a bag of bones after a needle in the vein.
So, when the latest load of unwanted animals came around, we wondered what had become of Silly. The answer came from Leticia Beauchamp of Advocates and Rescues for Animals of Carrollton -- the Facebook link is HERE. Silly was in the same boat with Dolly and Patches. Leticia says the same group took all three -- Animals First Foundation of Texas.
Silly is heartworm-positive and is being treated. Dolly will get some training to help defeat her insecurity. And Patches has been renamed Sparrow and is being treated for Demodex mange.
Shakespeare wrote, “All’s well that ends well” and these dogs are nearly there. Leticia notes that the shelter has a whole new load of animals in a fix now.  Here is the LINK to the latest bunch and you can ask about them by calling 972-466-3420 or emailing [email protected]. And, yes, Olivia, who we mentioned earlier in the week, escaped the needle on Wednesday and is still available. She is surely destined to be someone’s beloved dog. For crying out loud.

THE PITS IN SULPHUR SPRINGS: Carrie Sprowl, who tipped us to the two dumped bait dogs at Sulphur Springs, sent a followup note about the one with the eye problems -- not the brown one (see Wednesday's edition), who is simply starved and neglected.
The brindle is under the care of a vet at Bright Star Veterinary Clinic in Sulphur Springs and may lose both eyes. Wednesday afternoon Carrie reported that the dog “was very weak this morning and bleeding from both eyes.”
She said the vet cannot tell yet if the eyes were damaged from some sort of abuse or if an infection was allowed to run wild.
To offer to help this guy’s medical bill, call Bright Star at 903-885-0103. Carrie says, “We are looking for a reputable 501c3 that can step in.” If you’re that helpful non-profit email [email protected].

MORE ON THE BIG SLEEPING PIT GIRL: We were able to get in touch with Cynthia Hampton, the local artist who is one of the humans working to find a safe place for the big Pit girl we mentioned in Wednesday morning’s report. Cynthia, who is currently caught up in a medical challenge, was kind enough to explain the dog’s situation. Here’s what she wrote:
“Her name is Valera because she was rescued from a Valero gas station after being thrown out of a car in the middle of a busy Intersection -- Gaston and Fitzhugh -- at 9 months and a man at the bus stop ran out and saved her.His landlord wouldn’t let him keep her. ... He was tying the dog to a newsstand in front of the Valaro gas station with a sign around her neck saying ‘Take me home.’ My friend couldn’t handle this sweet dog’s face pleading so he took her  and brought her to me. He is a semi-homeless person  who was staying with me. for a short time .so I fostered them both for a while. Then MY landlord said the pit couldn't stay because a neighbor was afraid of their reputation. So off they went and lived in his car for a while, then he found a place to live...long story short they have both been in my life on and off for 4 years.
“A pit rescue guy named Tim...has been keeping her up on her shots. She has been fixed; also she is chipped.
“She has been loved dearly...and we still do...She and her Daddy Richard have been living for a year with his new girlfriend .but the landlord found out and wants $350 deposit and said she had to be out in 24 hours. or $100 per day she is there.
“Well,she is at my house now. I have 3 cats,  2 who tolerate her and Mikey who sleeps with her.”
Cynthia, who is in lung cancer treatment and has heart disease, is trying to arrange a stress-free environment, so she really needs someone good and decent to take over the care of Valera. The cats, she says, are fine with her and she has people lined up to take care of them, also. And Richard the human is moving in with a lady friend, so it’s time for Valera to be in a different place.
“I hate doing this,” she writes, adding that Valera “would be perfect for a wounded warrior -- she is so loving and caring, sweet and positive.”
She has been Richard’s companion happily, though he battles a bipolar condition. He also has emphysema. Cynthia may have more chemo later this year. “I’m very fortunate to be in the shape I’m in,” she says. 
So, Richard’s moving on, Valera needs, too, and Cynthia says, “I’m an artist. I sell here and there, which helps with my living expenses."
To offer to help the artist paint a happy ending for this great dog, email [email protected]. 

AND A WEATHER-ORIENTED TV POSTPONEMENT IS REVIVED -- Remember when last week the lousy weather scuttled the Be Pawsitive party with Channel 8’s Daybreak on Victory Plaza? Reskedded for 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday the 31st.  Get the details of this rescue-friendly event on the Immotion Studios Facebook page HERE. 

CONTEMPLATIONS: Coming up during the Super Bowl and making the rounds on the internet right now is the very disturbing Doberhuahua commercial from Audi. Probably funny if you’re not involved with animal rescue and maybe even a little funny if you are! It does have Sarah McLachlan in it in a role that is nowhere nearly as depressing as her charity dog spots on TV. In case you want to see an interesting music video with Sarah, click HERE for a duet with Pink. ... Ever listen to KNON? Thanks to Pippin’s show -- the KNON (89.3 FM) Blend show during Wednesday morning’s drive time -- I have been introduced the singing talents of Dave Alvin performing Johnny Ace is Dead. Worth a listen HERE. ... Aw, heck, let’s just have a total musical contemplation today. If you click HERE, there’s a song that mentions my hometown. I’d like to dedicate your clicks to anyone I’ve ever been married to -- even the funspouse who’d become my ex in a heartbeat if she could trade up to King George. I own a couple of guitars, but, as my swoonspouse might say, "It just ain’t the same, cowboy."
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A midweek gathering of challenges...

DATELINE: Dallas Where Heat Is Abundant in July If You Can Wait That Long, Texas (Jan. 29 PetPowellPress) -- Number of items on the agenda for today. Let’s dive right in like polar bears in the arctic or the Trinity River.  Oh, yeah, The Colony is running a one-day-only special today. Keep reading and you’ll learn about the special event.

FROM ARCTIC HOUSTON: MR. BILL GATES 

We got this from the Bayou City -- maybe that’s Snowbank City now -- and our tipster Alexandra Kelsey.
She writes, “January 23, 2014, was memorable in Houston.  We had our little peek into Arctic weather, and it was a night that we all were bundled up inside, after making sure our plants were covered up.  Well, not all of us, actually.  One Houston person was busy dumping a puppy out in that rainy sleet. 
“Luckily for the puppy, a really nice guy I know saved him from being frozen into a popsicle last night.  The puppy was wearing a collar (no tags), as if that would be a big help in a freeze.  I called the pup Bill Gates, because any puppy sitting by a computer just looks like a Bill Gates to me.”
The story is that as the ice storm came through “quick-thinking Bill cozied up to a kind homeowner with an available horse stall. Mr. Bill's good fortune was about to get even better. As it happened, Bill's rescuer lived next door to a fellow that has a habit of collecting foster pups.
“On a night that dipped into the 20's, with ample amounts of freezing rain, our fearless 12-week-old puppy was snuggled amongst 4 new furry friends, and a new human protector.
“Bill Gates is sweet, goofy, adorable, cuddly, loving, and healthy. All the right adjectives, without any of the bad ones. Weighing in at 9 pounds (without pocket protector, or spectacles), Bill will be receiving his first round of vaccinations ... One look into those beautiful grey eyes and Bill Gates will wiggle his way into your heart. Then, he will burrow his way under your covers.”
To ask about offering a great home to Bill Gates, email [email protected]

BAIT DOG AND PAL DUMPED

Carrie Sprowl sent us a note about a couple of male Pit Bulls dumped near Sulphur Springs. Tuesday night she wrote, “They are hiding in a hay barn for now. I don’t have possession of them but am in contact with the lady that does. This dog is starving and looked to be used as bait. There is a sever injury to his face and eye. The other is just very skinny.”
To offer to help these dogs, email [email protected].

LIVELY ROGER FINDING DEPRESSION IN SHELTER

Dallas Animal Services is trying to find some help for this dog Roger who came in as a stray.
The Tuesday night note from DAS reads, “We all instantly fell in love with his calm demeanor.  He loves to be outside and loves playing with other dogs.  We were so excited when he was adopted.  Roger was super excited as well….so excited to have a new home that when his new owner had to go to work, Roger wanted to go, too.  He jumped out of the window to get to him.  The new owner loved Roger but could not work with his separation anxiety.  Roger is a great boy.  He weighs about 75 pounds.  He is getting depressed here at the shelter, being in the kennel all by himself.  We think that he would do great if he had a K9 friend to spend his day with.
Roger is neutered, up to date on shots and heartworm negative -- plus a “guardian angel” will donate a hundred bucks to the rescue group that takes him. To help Roger beat the odds, email [email protected].

CHARLIE ON THE CLOCK

We learned about this little guy from Heather Harrison, the volunteer who hustles
to get animals out of the Everman Animal shelter. “Li’l Charlie is in need of rescue ASAP,” she says. “His hold time is up so he is at risk now!”
He’s a 3-year-old Doxie fellow who is a little timid but warms up quickly.  “He is on guard when first met like most Doxie's but quickly becomes your friend.  Picked up as a stray, no known vetting.   Appears to be healthy.”
And he apparently has no problem riding in a car. To offer to give him a ride home, contact Heather at [email protected] or call 309-299-5665.

 

A DOG IN NEED?
Maybe the humans in this story are taking uncertain steps. Who knows? The humans have ways of getting help for themselves. It’s the dog that needs help. According to the note forwarded to us. The original note came in during the noon hour and had this declaration, “I have 24 hours.” Yep, one of those deadline notes where people find a deadline for finding a place for a dog to go.’
So, there’s your first pressure.  Help the dog.
Then the note introduces the second pressure. The woman writes, “I’m sorry to put this on you. But I am in Stage 4 cancer and can’t foster her. I am doing this for the owner who has basically been fostering her for 4 years. He even lived in his car for a while because the places he could afford wouldn’t let him bring a Staffordshire in.”
The rescue group the woman contacted has no room but forwarded the note in hopes finding some way to help the dog. The dog’s contact is Cynthia at 214-221-4976 or email [email protected].
Cynthia sent these photos late Tuesday to Readlarrypowell.com. We can’t report authoritatively on any of this, but the dog does need a safe place to go. No word on the cat. And, sometimes people overestimate their abilities to care for animals during a personal crisis. Where can people in such a fix turn for help? We'll see, I guess.

MEANWHILE IN THE COLONY

That’s the poster (click on it to make it larger) that went out Tuesday. There are plenty of critters at The Colony’s shelter. The shelter people would rather know that they are in good homes than on the clock. the small print says you can adopt a dog for $20 thanks to a donation from Hawaiian Falls. Cool. Or cold, I guess.
Call the shelter at 972-370-9250. It’s at 4720 E. Lake Highland in The Colony.

SMARTEST RESCUE GROUP IN TEXAS

CLASP (Cowtown Loves Animal Shelter Pets) was going to have its first meeting of 2014 Tuesday night, but the whole thing was called off, as they say. It’s been rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 at Family Pet Care, 1501 Handley Drive in Fort Worth.
Why was the meeting postponed? This is where the smart turns up. CLASP President Karen Westmoreland explains, “We have several people under the weather and didn’t need to be getting out in the cold. Also a couple others are going to Bedford City Hall for the hearing on the TNR they are trying to get set up. With temps low and winds high, we agreed to postpone.”
See, no harm done and Bedford feral cat folks got some extra support.

 AN ORANGE CAT NEEDS A PLACE TO GO

Our longtime tipster Deborah Verner (used to be Trevino) sent us a note Tuesday about a “stray cat” that needs some help.
“On my street, there is a orange, un-neutered male cat that comes to my house looking for food. He used to belong to my neighbors across the street, but they dumped him outside a few months ago. He's probably just over a year old.  They got him when he was just a kitten.  
“Last night, I found him huddled up on my front porch trying to sleep in one of my planters.  So, I brought him inside and kept him in a large carrier overnight.  He stayed quiet the entire time.  I can NOT keep him inside, because he does NOT like dogs (hisses, scratches), and he's not real friendly.  He likes to be petted, but does NOT like to be picked up or held.  Therefore, he'll be going back outside when it warms up.”
You an offer to help Deborah find a home for this cat by emailing [email protected].

FYI: Back in August we wrote the story about Deborah seeing a dog named Bella as she was struck by a car on a busy north Dallas street. Debora reports that in Novemberj Bella “was deemed totally recovered from her injuries sustained from being hit by a car back in August 2013.  Her foster family fell in love with her during the time they fostered her. They officially adopted her the day before Thanksgiving.” How’s that for a great ending to a potentially tragic event.

A SWEET STRAY NEEDS A BREAK

Megan Farley moved to Dallas about 3 years ago with a rescued stray cat she’d picked up while going to college in New York. Yep, welcome to Dallas. In the time since then she’s “rescued and kept/returned/found home for 5 stray cats and 3 stray dogs. About 4 months ago, a stray dog wandered into the hospitaI worked in and w were unable to find a suitable home for him so we took him in along with our two rescue cats.”
You getting the picture? It’s the Dallas Syndrome. Unwanted animals everywhere.
And this one is the latest.
Megan explains that on Saturday “we were at White Rock Lake and came upon an emaciated female dog wearing a red collar. Assuming she was lost, we picked her up and gave her food and water. It took me a few days but I was able to track the owner through the 2011 rabies tag on her collar (she had no other tags or microchip). His phone was disconnected but we got his address and drove to his house and he denies owning her. Basically, he dumped her.
“We are planning our wedding, money was already financially tight after getting our first dog all of his vet care/neutering (and monthly meds for our ... cat who is having lung issues), and we were definitely not in the market for another dog.”
Add the dog’s separation anxiety in a household with working people and you’ve got a bad mix. So this sweetheart needs a place to live. To offer to take in the sweetie, email [email protected].

THE BIG CONFERENCE IN AUSTIN

There’s the poster for this year’s Texas Unites. You can get the details by going to texasunites.com. Deadlines are approaching for deals on hotel rooms, etc.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Honestly, regarding Alexandra Kelsey’s story about Bill Gates, I never thought I’d hear of dog being rescued from an ice storm in tropical Houston. Still, I am not prepared to blame Global Warming. I am old enough to remember newsreels in the ‘50s that showed snow storms threatening citrus crops in Florida, if I recall correctly.  ... Favorite current sitcom? The Big Bang Theory or Modern Family? Any other nominees? ... Oh, and feel free to send the address www.readlarrypowell.com to people who don’t even like animals. Maybe we can convert some people and then I can get a cable TV channel and begin my life as Reverend Doggy Dogg Cat and make a buck or two. We’ll be selling prayer collars and anti-flea pamphlets. Can I get an “Arfmen”? Our mission will be to get animals to not go forth and multiply.

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The winter, warm dogs and warm hearts...

DATELINE: Dallas Where Winter Socks Can Never Be Thick Enough, Texas (Jan. 28 PetPowellPress) -- Once that relatively meaningless football game with Denver and Seattle is out of the way, New York will really brighten up! The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is February 10-11. 

There may be dogs in the show that will pose for photos but I am almost certain there will be none like Gulliver who will allow himself to be photographed with a member of the opposite species.
Is that not a great photo? Gulliver apparently is a camerahound.
Note the photo of the dog in the shades!
Here’s the story We got the first photo from rescuer/animal advocate Kelly Bond who wrote, “Just thought I would share a new picture of Gulliver, a Pit Bull I begged for someone to take and another Homeward Bound foster did.
“Ten months later she is still fostering him, Just love this picture. Hope it helps get him adopted!”
If that doesn’t maybe this testimony from Homeward Bound foster Kristen Hill will help. I asked Kelly about the name of the cat and here’s what we learned. The cat’s name is Moto and Moto is Kristen’s “personal kitty.”
Though, of course, Moto would appear to be Gulliver’s personal kitty in this photo.
Kristen has fallen for Gulliver. She writes, “He is the BEST dog.  So, so loving and fun.   Makes us laugh everyday with his awesome personality. I'm going to have a hard time finding a home I think is good enough for him! I'm so picky when it comes to him.”
(If you think you can pass the audition, email [email protected] or [email protected].)

WYATT NEEDS HELP NOW 

Fiona Green, who hustles to help animals get out of the Keller Animal Shelter, sent a note Monday saying, “The shelter is now full so we need to get Wyatt out ASAP! One of our volunteers offered to foster Wally, the Chow mix but so far we have nobody for Wyatt.
You may recall that Wyatt was described as a “shy...gentle giant.”
He’s the guy who ran away from the office cat.
Wyatt is a softy who came in as a stray -- and because this is North Texas, he is, of course, heartworm positive.
To offer to help Wyatt, call the shelter at 817-743-4517 or email [email protected]. Or you can email Fiona at [email protected].
Handsome dogs are not hard to come by around here, but handsome dog’s homes certainly are hard to come by.
Maybe there’s a heart out there that sees Wyatt as the perfect dog for the home that needs a dog.

A FACE FROM CARROLLTON


There are a number of dogs and cats on "the list" for Wednesday MORNING -- WEDNESDAY MORNING -- at Carrollton Animal Service. Email [email protected]. Call the shelter at 972-466-3420.
Among the animals on "the list" is this 63-pound, gray-muzzled girl named Olivia. She was found on the mean streets of Carrollton "after getting tapped lightly by a car," the shelter reports.
Then there's Deuce the Black &  White Cat, a stray. [Readlarrypowell.com endorses black and white cats.]
And there's Maine Coon mix Bagheera, found in a field where he'd been living off the mice of the land, the shelter says. [Readlarrypowell.com endorses Maine Coons.]

Hey, wait, yeah, now we remember, Readlarrypowell.com endorses all cats. All dogs, too. We especially endorse animals on "the list" at city taxpayer-financed animal shelters where, because of poitical blockheadedness and irresponsible residents, the prevailing theory of animal management is this: "Got an animal problem? Let's kill it."

A NOTE ABOUT DOODLE

Our pals David and Della Wallace have experienced a loss, their chicken Doodle. Della has written a tribute to this family member and we have it on our Prayers and Passages page with some photographs of the remarkable little hen. Click on the Prayers and Passages “button” in the upper right corner of this page.


CONTEMPLATIONS: A private note to the young woman who is a "color creator" in a store inside a big box store near the SPCA’s Village Fair Wellness Center in Oak Cliff: Thanks, dear, for the business card with your phone number on it. I shoved it into a bag of cat food and forgot about it until Martha presented it and asked something like, “Can you explain this?” Coming from a husband, even an innocent laugh can  sound guilty. So, again, thanks. Fortunately, Inky the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas vouched for me. ... Need we point out that the Big Show is still in New York and not in New Jersey. What? The Super Bowl? No, that really is in New Jersey, it’s the Westminster Kennel Club’s 138th annual dog show that is in New York. Just kiddin’ my Jersey friends and anyone stuck in traffic on the George Washington Bridge. ... About the weather -- is this more Fort Worth Stock Show Weather? Sunny enough Sunday to stand around and marvel at the beauty of the day, yet cold enough on Monday to send you to the airport looking for a quick flight to Ecuador. What native Texan ever thought there’d come a time in life when you’d look forward to August in Dallas! 
A SPECIAL NOTE AT THE END: Bless Pete Seeger. Gone now at 94. Died yesterday in New York. If you don't know who he is, Google him. Now, for all the old "peacenik" friends and fellow believers in the long-shot prayer that all of mankind will some day embrace peace over war, here is a video of Pete singing Where Have All the Flowers Gone. Maybe you heard it by Joan Baez, The Kingston Trio or Peter, Paul and Mary -- maybe you heard it from a crowd of "radicals" in the late '60s and early '70s. Click HERE. Think peace. Pray for the people of the planet. For Pete's sake.

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Opportunities to help, occasions to recall...

DATELINE: Dallas, Where Weather Has a Mind of Its Own, Texas (Jan. 25 PetPowellPress) — Odd thing happened over the weekend.
I got responses on some emails that were sent in December. Why is that odd? Because  even though I sent them in December, they didn’t arrive until Sunday, January 26. Maybe they got lost at the airport.
Something odd was going on with AOL, apparently. So, if you got an old message from me over the weekend, why, think kindly of me. I don’t remember writing anything unpleasant, so, probably I won’t be hearing from anybody’s lawyers. Maybe. Now, let’s get on with things for this first edition of the last work-week of January 2014. Can the days be moving so swiftly? Seems like I can still hear New Year’s fireworks. … That dog? That's Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas and our staff impersonator giving us his impression of an internet service provider employee rushing into the break room and spotting a big steaming platter of Mom's Desktop Meatloaf with a ladle of Key Operator Gravy on Big Byte Mashed Potatoes and a desert of Spam-Filtered Pudding.
Let’s do this briefly for a Monday.
OUT AT THE LAKE
: The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is in a bit of a crunch with animals -- losing some space -- so there’s a quick and urgent need for help moving dogs to safety.
Rescuer Rebecca Mandeville sent the note Sunday evening. She says some longtime residents at HSCCL’s shelter in Tool are likely to be euthanized when the building is lost on Tuesday. She’s helping because Shelter Manager Krista McAnally “helped me transport a little Mesquite Shelter HI foster to NOLA around New Years’s and I returned the favor by driving out to video evals of all 7 ‘long-timers’ (AKA ‘shelter favorites’ scheduled for EU when the building comes down.”
Here are the YOUTUBE links and the dog’s names.
FRISCO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OPLZvaPXPk 
CASHMERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OPLZvaPXPk 
BUNNY: http://www.youtube.com/watch feature=player_detailpage&v=U3_MIJ2IOVM 
CLARENCE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_mZ55EjfQM 
MUD BUG: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EQ-TVJB-I4U 
CLOWN:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlPeFNjHGPU 
KODA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=O2uVXuwiZA0.

If they don’t work when you click on them, just cut and paste.

ADORABLE AND HOMELESS

Rescuer Debra Myers sent this note out over the weekend and that is one good-looking dog. 
Debra wrote, “I'm sending this to all my dog loving friends.  This pup was dumped in my friend’s neighborhood in Lancaster, Texas.  My friend is keeping her in the garage because she has two unfriendly dogs of her own.  She cannot keep her much longer.  We don't know a lot about this pup, but it's a female, about 10-12 months, 10-11 pounds and very, loving and sweet.  She also likes being in a crate.  For anyone willing to help her, I'll be happy to cover the cost of vaccinations, being spayed...whatever is needed.”
Email Debra at [email protected] or call 940-367-4627.

CAT CRISIS

Stacey Carney, AKA “Stacey The Stylist,” sent a weekend note that says a “lady who volunteers with Meals on Wheels...had an elderly lady she is working with beg her to find somewhere for her two cats. She can no longer care for them but desperately wants them to go to a good home and would like to keep them together. They have never been apart. They are both fixed and not declawed, but have always been kept indoors. They are NOT current on vaccines.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Stacey’s note says Chelsea is the female and Mutton is the male -- I’m guessing the black cat is Mutton, but we don’t know for sure. Based on my personal experience I suspect that until they know they have trapped a new human, they will answer to “Kitty. Kitty.” After they’ve established the pecking order, they’ll let you know when they need you.]
Email [email protected].

SPECIAL SHADOW?

Fiona Green sends this plea on behalf of Animal Advocates of North Texas.
The note reads, “We can't deny it! We are all in love with Shadow. There is something special about this sweet, young dog. It could be the fact that he has the most gorgeous brown eyes that will melt your heart. It could be the fact that he always seems happy and loves to play, play, play. Perhaps it's because he gets along well with all the dogs he has met in his current foster home as well as any visiting dogs. Or maybe part of his appeal is that he is very smart and eager to learn or that he showers you with affection when you have been gone for any length of time. Whatever the reason, we love this boy and are hoping to find him the special home that he deserves. Shadow is hw negative, current on his shots and he has been neutered. He would do well in a home where he has another young dog to play with and would also benefit from being with a family who have time to give him the training and the opportunity to use up his energy that every young dog needs. Shadow will make a wonderful pet for the right family.”
To offer to give Shadow a home, email [email protected].

SOME EVENTS

You’ll note the big Martinis for Mutts poster -- you can make it larger by clicking on it. This is a January 30 fundraiser for Paws In The City -- you may recall that this group recently took some of the dogs that were needing a place to stay other than the Camp Diggy Bones property at Lavon. Takes money to run a rescue group or a rescue facility. You can read more about Paws In The City HERE. .... The folks with CLASP -- Cowtown Loves Animal Shelter Pets -- have scheduled their first 2014  meeting on Tuesday, according to a note from CLASP Prez Karen Westmoreland. The meeting is at 6;30 p.m. at Family Pet Care, 1501 Handley Drive in Fort Worth.  ... The Bedford City Council meeting (6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the city hall, 2000 Forest Ridge Dr.) will feature a presentation on Trap Neuter Release. Connie Ziegler Stout and Dr. Rebecca Epps of the Bedford Animal Shelter Advisory Board  will be making a pitch on behalf of TNR -- it’s a public meeting and she could use some support. Repeating: It’s a PUBLIC MEETING. That’s how democracy works, in case you skipped your government classes in high school and college. 

SPEAKING OF EVENTS
We’re gathering the March-April-May and beyond animal-related events for FREE listing in Urban Animal Magazine. Send your info in a VERY SHORT NOTE to [email protected]. Just the basics: Who, what, where, when, why and include a contact point. THANKS.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Oh, my, we’re counting down to the Super Bowl and looking forward to seeing how Dallas Coach Jason Garrett will guide the team -- WHAT? The Dallas Cowboys AREN’T in the Super Bowl? ... Was Sunday not the most beautiful winter day you could imagine? A bunch of newspaper people and family members and admirers gathered in Grand Prairie’s Mike Lewis Park Sunday afternoon to dedicate the Terry Kelly Tree. His co-workers at the big paper had put together a fund to honor Terry in a very appropriate outdoorsy way. Terry was a reporter and editor in North Texas for more than four decades and STILL he was young when cancer claimed him last fall. He was just about the fittest newspaper guy I ever knew -- running, biking, climbing and literary, too. Husband to Janet, dad to Nathan and Jonas -- a role model guy. Not only did I work with him at the big paper downtown for decades, I also worked with him at The Fort Worth Press in the early ‘70s. We were assigned to cover the courthouse one day when Terry the Reporter scored a big scoop! He got a tip that the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, our giant opposition, was being sold by the Carter Family which had owned it since 1906 or thereabouts. He led me on a hike across downtown Fort Worth to the Star-Telegram offices in time to see  employees pouring out of the building under the direction of the fire department. Someone had phoned in a bomb threat. While other media types -- TV and radio -- gathered at the front of the building, Terry looked at the other entrances and spotted owner Amon Carter Jr. by himself, leaning against a car and watching things. Terry, as only Terry could do, introduced us to Amon and began an exclusive, charming interview about the sale. We were a PM paper; the  Star-Telegram had a PM edition. But because of the bomb threat, the Star-Telegram couldn’t publish quickly and The Press could and Terry’s hustle helped the little tabloid Press scoop the big Star-Telegram on its own sale. Our pal (and editor) Bob Trimble always called him “Terry Newspaper.” It fit. He loved newspapering. ... It’s a good day to remember people we love. Maybe it’ll help make us better at being human.

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Parvo pups triumph; a winter risk pays off for 2 dogs

As you can see in this lead photo, some dogs sleep, some dogs keep one eye open. Maybe two.
That’s black and white Frodo peeking at the camera and Sienna snoozing comfortably.
Obviously they are perfect specimens for the gentle spotlight of our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dog’s Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
How did I come in touch with Frodo and Sienna? Ah, blame the uncertainty of Facebook and the helpfulness of Stacy Smith of the Humane Society of Flower Mound.
I was looking at the Mazie’s Mission Facebook site -- at least I think that’s where I was -- who can really tell about Facebook? It’s like walking into a cocktail party where everybody individual is having a different conversation. But, never mind my opinion, let’s get back to the dogs. And, if Facebook helps animals, organize and crank it up! Back to my original point.
I was looking for some Mazie’s Mission info about the new rescue vet clinic set up by Dr. Erin Shults, and one of my clicks took me inexplicably to a non-Mazie’s Mission photo of a sleeping black dog with pointy ears, name of Spooky, I think. And I think it was posted by Kate Larkin, so I messaged Kate. (When I clicked away from it by accident, I was unable to click back -- pilot error, no doubt. I’d study how to work Facebook but I’ve already studied Algebra I and II and Latin I and II in my life, so I don’t know how much comprehension I have left.) Back to my message to Kate:
Before Kate could reply, I got a note from Stacy Smith of the Humane Society of Flower Mound! She included that photo of Sienna and Frodo and explained the Sienna/Frodo photo.
Stacy wrote, “These are littermates to the dog I ‘think’ you were asking Kate Larkin about…all six in the litter were taken in by HSFM and almost immediately broke with parvo. 
“After a harrowing and expensive week in the ER, all have recovered and as you can see are adjusting well to the good life. Their treatment was paid for through our Mercy Fund, which has taken quite a hit lately… Donations gladly accepted at www.hsfm.org.”
How did the HSFM folks wind up with these dogs?
Stacy explains, “We took them from the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter a few weeks ago.  Six of them, four months old, just about the most beautiful litter I've ever seen--Basset/Aussie is my guess and each one unique and stunning.  Two days later...parvo.  
“Kate has one of them (Bruno).  He recovered pretty fast and is leaving for New York next week.  Four of the others got pretty sick and had to spend several days in the ER (including the two I sent you, Sienna and Frodo) and one never got completely down and was treated at home.  I'm not sure what our total ‘investment’ is in these guys. I know it's over $5000 but they are so worth it. “
Now, these dogs are going to sleep whether or not you donate to the Humane Society of Flower Mound Mercy Fund. But if you do donate to the fund, members of the Society may sleep better at night.
You can contact the Society by going to www.hsfm.org or by going to the Society Facebook page HERE. 
Heck, you might even want to adopt one of these beauties. You know Sienna and Frodo already. The one stretched out in the cage is Bruno -- note the ear hanging out of the cage! The sweet face against the bars in the cage is Buttercup. The one being doctored is Champ. That’s Paloma in the shoulder pose.
Stacy is absolutely correct -- these are great-lookin’ sweethearts.
What? No, that last photo has nothing to do with the parvo pups except that she's under the care of the Humane Society of Flower Mound and the website has her -- the name is Kinsey -- listed as a Rat Terrier/Dachshund mix, but in reality it is clear that Kinsey is a bona fide Earhound. I couldn't resist using her picture. 
Oh, and we still haven’t found that wonderful photo of the pointy-eared black dog possibly named Spooky sleeping in somebody’s living room. The quest continues -- it’s keeping me awake at night.

[Readlarrypowell.com is proud to post photos of sleeping animals whether they belong to someone or are simply waiting to belong to someone. Nominate your slumbering critters for Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap by sending photos and explanations to [email protected]. We post the photos of these sleepers and nappers as a way of giving hope to our fellow insomniacs -- some day they, too, may be able to nod off. A caution to them -- don’t try to come down with parvo in an attempt to get some sleep. That’s a bad idea. Just sip something at room temperature and read poetry -- no, not Edgar Allan Poe’s.]

A PICTURE WITH A STORY...

You may recognize these two dogs.
A family of rescuers, facing the worst Texas winter storm in a while, risked their lives to save the dogs.
They are Scarlett and DeBow, the two Pits that were in the Garland shelter -- we mentioned them last week. The story was that their human was a wounded soldier and his mom, in her 80s, was unable to care for the dogs, so she took them to the shelter.
Pits in a city-financed animal shelter that keeps getting crowded have lousy odds.
Miracles are needed.
We got a note Friday night -- special thanks to Rebecca Mandeville -- about these two dogs. (Scarlett to the right, Debow with the big dawg lick, left.) We clicked on the link for Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue’s Facebook site and there was the miracle photo. That’s it. Two dogs and a kid lounging -- the way God intended
Here’s what the site said: “Scarlett and DeBow are safe and sound! Katie and her family had a rough time driving in the ice but they made it safely! They're waiting to get a bath because we noticed lots of fleas and ticks, but we will get them bathed and taken care of!”
Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue wants to foster the dogs together -- they should stay together. To offer to help, email [email protected]!
Readlarrypowell.com will attempt to identify the family that drove through the snow and wintry assault to get the dogs to a safe place. In the meantime, we should be able to spot them because their halos are glowing a little extra this weekend.
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Smart dog Wyatt, survivors, handsome Sir Irish Tom and buckaroo contemplations

DATELINE: Dallas, Where It’s So Cold You Could Skate on the Trinity if the Pollutants Wouldn’t Melt Your Blades, Texas  (Jan. 24 PetPowellPress) -- In Thursday’s edition we celebrated National Pie Day.
Wondering how the calendar can follow an act like that? Let me suggest that if you celebrated National Pie Day with enthusiasm, you’ll be in good shape to celebrate today’s special day: National Global Belly Laugh Day. I’m not kidding. Keep reading.

HANDSOME DOG WITH GOOD SENSE

I am typing this with hands afflicted with the scratches that can only be delivered by a kitten that decides halfway through a comfort session that he or she doesn’t want to be held all that much.
Therefore, based on experience, I am declaring this dog, Wyatt, to be one smart dog.
Fiona Green, the animal advocate/volunteer who promotes helping critters in the Keller Animal Shelter just north of Fort Worth, sent us the story of Wyatt. He’s described as “unbelievably sweet and shy. He even ran way from our office cat the other day! He is a big, cuddly boy who was obviously greatly loved in his previous home. Wyatt loves to receive praise and affection and is probably wondering why on earth he is at the shelter instead of lying on someone's warm bed. He was picked up as a stray several days ago and sadly nobody has come looking for him.”
The big challenge is he’s heartworm-positive, so, obviously, a rescue group is his best shot at a home. Call the shelter at 817-743-4517  or email [email protected].  
Fiona says Wyatt “was brought in to the shelter by a lady who found him as a stray. She brought him in with a small Terrier but she didn't think they came from the same house. I guess she must have been out scouring the neighborhood for lost dogs and found 2! The Terrier was adopted today [Thursday]. I met the lady who found him as she came back yesterday to see if he was OK. She had also apparently fallen under his spell but can't adopt him as she has 2 Yorkies and I think that's all she is allowed where she stays.”
So, Wyatt’s on the clock and waiting for either a home, a rescue or the needle.

SAVED FROM PARVO, STILL ON THE CLOCK

These two Lab mix pups are waiting at the Everman Animal Shelter just south of Fort Worth.  Heather Harrison says they’re about 5 months old and arrived at the shelter with parvo but “appear to have recovered. They are still very thin and need some nutrition. Both are sweet but scared.”
A little happy, careful, comforting human touch should help them rise above their early lives. 
Email [email protected] or call 309 299 5665.

A DISTINCT CAT

Someone forward a load of photos of cats in the Irving Animal Shelter -- not sure what the source was, looked like a volunteer-organized web page. Anyway, this guy caught my eye.
Going by the blaze on his chest, he may have a family tree that crosses branches with Wyatt the Dog from the first item today!
Three years, 8 months, 12 days old -- that's his listed age though I have no idea how the shelter figures that out unless this guy had his passport and birth certificate on him when he turned up. His name? It indicates why he might need a passport. It’s “Sir Irish Tom.” He’s #16169906. 
Sir Irish Tom -- is that not a cool name? Wish we'd thought of it.
The shelter numbers are 972-721-2259 and 972-721-2256. The Irving shelter is at 4140 Valley View Lane.Anybody know how a black and white cat got the name Sir Irish Tom?  

RODEO PROTEST NOTE

One of our readers, appalled by what all goes into puttin‘ on a Texas rodeo, wondered how to shut down one of the most famous of all, the Fort Worth Livestock Show Rodeo. [LARRY ASIDE: Fat chance in Texas, we told her. She said, basically, keep watching.] So, PETA sent a note Thursday announcing that members of the animal organization and Animal Connection of Texas, will demonstrate against the rodeo by gathering near the rodeo rink -- wait, that's rodeo arena, sorry -- at the Will Rodgers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave. in Fort Worth, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday. To ask about joining, contact [email protected] 

CONTEMPLATIONS: Not to frighten anybody currently holding office around here, but is it my imagination or are more animal people openly and proudly involved in supporting candidates this election? I’m getting the emails and, oh, my! ...  As a native Texan, rodeo seems as natural to me as walking in boots, which I might put on once or twice a year when I’m in a cowboy mood and going to a honky tonk. Haven’t been to a rodeo in decades. I don’t like seeing the calves roped. I figure it’s probably cruel to incite a horse or cow to buck, too. But I also figure the bulldogging and bull-riding are events where the animal has a better chance at dealing some pain back to the humans. I think cowboys know the odds, but pay no attention to them. Broken ribs hurt. Hands get smashed, fingers broken, a leg now and then. A face will get smashed by a big animal head raring back. And I knew a guy who caught a hoof in the buckarooregion once and enjoyed some serious surgery and subsequently performed with a group called The Rodeo Tenors. I’m kidding about the musical group. We don’t want anyone hurt, but the bulls don’t run under those cowboys and yell “COWBOY UP!” It’s the cowboys who volunteer to take the wild ride. They make the decision. Too bad the animals don’t get a vote. Here’s my confession: I do enjoy watching the barrel-racing. I think the horses like to run and I think the cowgirls look great, every last one of ‘em. Hmm, I think I might wear my boots today and daydream of cowgirls. Whoaaa, cowboy! I think I heard the rodeosweetheartspouse clompin’ down the hall and she wears the boots around here. ... We opened with a tease about Global Belly Laugh Day. Maybe you got it when I mentioned the guy who caught the hoof in the buckaroos. Anyway Global Belly Laugh Day sounds like something I’d make up, but it’s not. The link is www.bellylaughday.com. I’m not sure it’s celebrated in Washington. If you catch those people laughing, hide your life savings.

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Pups and pies -- it's quite a day...

DATELINE: Dallas Where The Merengue Is Fluffy And So Are Some of Us Residents, Texas (Jan. 23 PetPowellPress) -- This is National Pie Day. I’m not kidding. More on the celebration later today. [Oh, and after we went to press, we got a note from Carrollton about Silly and the other 3 female pits on the clock at the city's animal shelter. "We were able to give them a couple of extra days -- they have to be tagged by Thursday at 6 p.m," read the response to my mid-week question. Silly (right), Dolly, Patches and Cassie -- ask about saving them by calling 972-466-3420 or emailing [email protected]. (Scroll down to  Candles, Animals and a Bake Sale to see the quartet of endangered dogs.) ]

We were able to give them. An extra couple of days they have to be tagged by Thursday at 6 pm

 THE EARS HAVE IT

Our SPCA tipster Stephanie Daniels has been out of the office a while -- got married, you know. Back from the honeymoon. As a veteran husband I am moved to point out that Stephanie's job title is “Communications Specialist” and that certainly does come in handy in a marriage, as my funspouse Martha will tell you after 22-plus years, or, as she describes it, "22 lonnnnnng years."
Stephanie sent this photo of Christina, a 4-month-old Shepherd mix. The earhound was spotted by Meaghan Swan who snapped the picture of Christina at her most adorable. You can get Christina’s info HERE and see how to adopt her at SPCA.org.

AN EARLY GATHERING (Or a chance to wake the dog for a change)

Big pre-dawn funtime planned at about 5 a.m. Friday -- it’s News 8 Daybreak’s Party on the Plaza -- that’s Victory Plaza in Downtown Dallas -- and the host is the Dallas-based gourmet treat company Be Pawsitive -- look for founder Travis Watson’s interview on TV.  All sorts of dogs are expected to be on display -- rescue groups have been invited to bring foster dogs to the show. (Email [email protected] and put “Daybreak Dog” in the subject line in order to reserve a spot on the plaza.)  You can read the official news release HERE  and get more info on the Facebook site HERE.
Remember, the camera adds 10 pounds so some of you are going to look like you’ve got a 22-pound Yorkie or Chihuahua. The Rottweilers, of course, will be sucking in their cheeks like a New York runway model!

MEANWHILE AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES 

DAS Transport Coordinator Danielle Fry sent a boatload of dog photos Wednesday -- some are injured, some are merely homeless, all are in a shelter and don’t need to be. So, rescuer or adoptor, it’s up to you to help DAS empty the cages without loading the needles.
For example, this is A821504, a “stray” or “loose” dog who was suddenly not “loose” because he was caught in a trap -- the trap took a big ugly bite out of the dog’s side. The Collie/Shepherd mix is “a submissively sweet boy that warms up quickly if given the chance,” Danielle says. “When in the kennel with him he tried to crawl on my lap if I stopped petting him.  He even has a little heart shaped spot on his side!  He is a sweet heart but
with his shy side, will have a hard time getting adopted in a shelter.  We believe that he would do great in a foster home.”
The neck-nuzzling dog is A818597. Danielle writes, “She is pretty fearful but likes Dr. [Deborah] Thorne.  If given the chance to get used to someone, she is a sweetheart.  She just becomes fearful around strangers.  She is a gorgeous Chi mix and would make a great companion for someone.  She just needs someone who will give her that chance.  She is about a year and a half.”
And, she is an Earhound, it is quite obvious. Not only has a big set of ears, but likes to be cuddled next to them!
That third dog actually has a name, Gumbo (A820864). The 72-pound dog is “gorgeous and friendly” and is missing his right back paw. “But that doesn’t slow him down at all. Webelive he was born this way and has learned to live with his disability.”
To ask about any of these animals or to ask Danielle about any animal in the DAS universe, email [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS: Exclusively about pie today. I’m still craving a mincemeat pie. And it’s not mincemeat season. I may have to make do with the sugar-free blueberry pie at Norma’s in Oak Cliff -- if there’s any left. You can read about the American Pie Council’s National Pie Day HERE. ... A pie theory. This is something I discovered when I married into Martha’s family and was served chocolate pie with whipped cream. My family makes chocolate pie with merengue. Ergo, some families are merengue families and some families are whipped cream families. Then, of course, some eschew both and are slim families. ... Are there great songs about pie? Pie Me To The Moon. The Beatles’ I Love Pie (Yeah Yeah Yeah). Gaga’s Piepierazzi. Stevie Wonder’s I Just Called To Say I Love Pie. From the BeeGees we have Pie Talkin’ and Pies on Broadway. And, of course the Rolling Stones’ tribute to my mincemeat craving, You Can’t Always Get What You Want. OK, I’m done. And as Little Miss Dynamite Brenda Lee once sang, "I'm Sorry. So Sorry. Please Accept My Apielogy.”

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Quakes, ticking clocks, saved dogs and other notions on Wednesday

DATELINE: DALLAS Where the Hot and Cold Wind Blows In and Out of Political Season, Texas (Wednesday, Jan. 22 PetPowellPress) --  Let’s examine the landscape.  OK, there are no mountains in North Texas. That’s an indicator that we’ll never host the Winter Olympics, though, if the earthquakes continue in Wise, Parker and Tarrant counties, you never know. We may be living atop an Olympian Fault. OK, enough fantasizing, let’s move on with today’s report:

THE LATE NOTE FROM CARROLLTON

Remember those four female Pit Bulls from the Carrollton shelter we posted Tuesday?
Here’s the lousy late Tuesday afternoon note from Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise, the animal shelter people. “Closing time here at the shelter and all 4 Pit Bulls are still here hoping for a last minute rescue….If you can help PLEASE email us by 7 am tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Thank you.”
That email is [email protected]. The phone number is 972-466-3420.
The chances are lousy. Scroll down and look at their photos, read about ‘em. They’re each one needle away from the end. I’m just running the photo of Silly in this edition. She’s lively, friendly and, apparently, doomed.
It’s the Texas theory of animal management, as endorsed by elected officials in city halls across the state: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.”

TWO DOGS IN A FIX

We got a couple of notes about these two dogs, Scarlett (right) and Debow. What’s their story?
Not sure -- except for this fact: Both are in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. (The website has them listed as “on hold.” I hope that’s a good thing. You can see the list HERE. You can also see their YouTube video HERE.
The original story says the dogs were turned over to the shelter on Jan. 14 when the 83-year-old mother of a critically injured American soldier surrendered his dogs because they were too much for her to handle. [LARRY ASIDE: We’re attempting to confirm and identify because the humans may need some help, too. Readlarrypowell.com believes that animal-people are also some of the best people-people.]
These two dogs are young and lively and no matter what their circumstances they should not be waiting for a needle. That’s just not right for any animal in a taxpayer-supported animal shelter. 
The Mesquite Animal Shelter & Adoption Center is at 1650 Gross Road in Mesquite. Call 972-216-6283. 
And remember: Even if you don’t get there in time to save these two, there are always plenty of homeless animals in government-run shelters. 

WALLY’S IN A SPOT

Fiona Green, our reliable tipster who monitors the Keller Animal Shelter, is working to find a spot for this guy Wally.
He’s got some challenges -- he’s in a public shelter and he’s heartworm positive. Needs a break.
Here’s the note Fiona sent:
“Look at this little teddy bear! Isn't he one of the cutest little guys you've ever seen? We thought so when we met him last week at the Keller shelter. He is so easy to walk on a leash, loves to give and receive affection and will make a great pet for some lucky family. Wally, however, is hw positive and we need to find a rescue group to care for him as soon as possible. If you think you might be able to help, please contact us at [email protected] or contact the shelter directly at 817-743-4517 or at [email protected].”

DIESEL GETS A GREAT BREAK

In our January 14 edition we posted a note about Julie Frazier of Kingsbridge Animal Clinic in Garland trying to find a home for a great Pitty named Diesel, handed over to the shelter in hopes that it would help Diesel find a good home. Here’s the great update from animal fan Heather Perdue. “He’s being adopted!” she joyously wrote. “My friend Michelle Shelton here at the office has a Pitty Boxer mix that needed a play buddy.”
We believe in promoting pro-animal offices, so that office is Anchor Risk and Claims Management in Dallas. Good animal people there.
Heather forwarded the Diesel story to Michelle and “a few days later she came to my desk and told me that her family was adopting him!
“He just got fixed today and will be ready to go home on Friday. So excited for him and his new family, who are amazing people.”
And bless Kingsbridge for working to save this Pitster Diesel. [LARRY ASIDE: Readlarrypowell.com anticipates getting some “happy ending” photos which we’ll share. Bless that Diesel’s heart!]

SIMON AND THE CAMERA

You may remember the story of Simon. He was, in the first week of the new year, a “blind orange kitten from the Wharton shelter.” 
That’s him on the left before treatment.
Our Houston tipster Alexandra Kelsey sent this followup message and photo Tuesday. 
“Simon was neutered, vaccinated and microchipped Jan. 11.  He did great and is a very good patient. I am sorry these pictures are so bad. [We’re just publishing one of the “after” photos here.] You can’t get this kitty to get far enough away to take a good picture! (And I am a terrible photographer.)
“This kitten is super sweet.  He clearly felt awful this weekend and slept curled up in a pink, fluffy blanket all weekend.  He is good about having the ointment put in his eyes, which is great as it’s a very frequent process.  Last night, he started being interested in food and being more active.
“Simon is a major cuddler, purrs a lot and makes biscuits, and I have to say he is a charming little guy.
“Simon will have his booster vaccinations weekend after this one, and then the next step will be to see the eye specialist.  The granulations in his eyes have almost entirely diminished, so he looks like a cat now, though his eyes are still cloudy.  He is a good patient, is very nice about having ointment applied in his eyes so often and is an all-around treasure of a cat.”
To offer to help or to adopt, email [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS: We suffered a temperature dip in Dallas Tuesday -- I’m almost certain I should complain about it but I don’t want to stir up any of the weather gods and get another ice storm. ... Favorite place for vacation? We’ll nominate some: Big Bend, Santa Fe, Rocky Mountains, Savannah, Niagara Falls, Fort Worth. Wait, that reminds me, the Fort Worth Stock Show is underway and that makes us all vulnerable to what the old-timers call “Stock Show Weather.” Ninety in the morning, snow drifts by noon. ... Speaking of earthquakes (today’s lead paragraph), Texas is no stranger to them. Click HERE for a bit of history and, for a great earthquake explanation, click HERE.

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