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On Monday, some animal and human notes...

DATELINE: DALLAS Where Calendars Are Quick, Texas (Nov uh, hang on -- DECEMBER 1, PetPowellPress) You’ve heard of Black Friday and, of course, this is allegedly Cyber Monday, but in reality it is Moaning Monday as you discover via the ol’ waistband stress test just how much you put on starting last Wednesday when the food began to show up. Now, our Moaning Monday report: 

A DOG IN A SIDEWALK FIX
We’ve written many stories through the years about Tomi Ortiz and her rescue efforts and adventures. Here’s one more. It came in on the  last day of November. The first photo is of the dog as he was found. The others are “after.”
Tomi writes, “We were driving down the road here in Irving and saw a dog laying on the sidewalk not moving. Frank, my husband,  pulled over and we got out to check on him. Another couple who lived across the street came over to help to.  I took him to the Euless Animal Hospital and he was not microchipped and didn't appear to have any serious injuries! Thank God! I wish he could tell me his story! He looks healthy but is not neutered. Of course my dogs won't hear of another dog so I'm hoping to find a foster until I have time to put up flyers etc.”

(If you can serve as a responsible foster for this rescued dog, email [email protected].

A PERSONAL NOTE ABOUT A TOUGH RESCUER
One of our longtime tipsters and a person we’ve admired for her diligence and devotion hit a rough spot during the Thanksgiving weekend. 
Sharon Hoffman wrote to us to tell us that on Friday evening “my sister, veteran animal rescuer Deborah Verner ... was in a car accident last night. She was taken to hospital in an ambulance. She was actually on her way to pick up her son from work, but she didn't show up. No one could make contact with her.  Her son turned in a Missing Person report to the police. 
“She was ‘missing’ for about 7 hours before police informed him that she had been located.  She has a big bump on her head and a big headache. 
“Thank God, she has no broken bones. ... She's shaken and still with some memory loss.”
Those of you who know Deborah know she goes about her animal rescue while using a crutch -- Sharon says, “Her cell phone and glasses are either in the car with one shoe and her crutch, or they're in the street!”
What Deborah needs is a load of “bless you and get well” wishes sent to [email protected]. 
[UPDATE -- We got in touch with Deborah Sunday evening and she is home. She wrote, "I spent Friday night in the Critical Care Unit, then moved to a reg room last night after telling them that I needed to get home."
What can be done to help Deborah as she goes through continuing medical checks after the car accident? "I need homes for Bailey, and probably some more after her.  I'm in need of dry dog food, Purina One Blend Lamb and Rice, is what most of mine eat.  That is what I am in need of." We've mentioned Bailey several times over the past 4 years since she was rescued from a dumping area in southeast Dallas. She was with her mom who was pregnant. Deborah took Bailey. Dawna Carabajal took Sadie who delivered 9 pups. Deborah has been trying to rehome this fun, active little dog ever since. She needs help now more than ever.]

THE IRVING INVENTORY

Yep, those are the dogs currently in the Irving Shelter, according to the note sent to us by the tireless photo-snapping shelter-walker Russell Posch. 

You can read about each of them by clicking HERE. You can see the urgents HERE . See the Irving cats HERE. The Irving shelter is closed on Mondays, but recognizing the reality that animals live in a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week world, the shelter has a rescue hotline: 972-721-3597. Call it, then email the staff at [email protected] and [email protected]. The shelter’s business hour calls go to 972-721-2256 or 57. 

TODAY’S CHRISTMAS FACET

For this holiday season we’re introducing a presentation of holiday facets. As a lifelong fan of Christmas and the joy and goodness of the season,Readlarrypowell.com has collected many facts about this great holiday.
On the other hand, not everything about Christmas has to be true. It could justd be a "facet." Here’s one of our favorite Christmas Facets: 
Holiday warbler Gene Autry rode a reindeer in his first three singing cowboy westerns, The Sioux City Elf Wrangler Rebellion, Saving Saint Nick’s Dude Ranch and Hot Spurs On The Snowman. The Hollywood Reindeer Strike of 1935 opened the door for Champion the Wonder Horse, shown here in a publicity still. (Can’t find these rare gems these on NetFlix.)
CONTEMPLATIONS: Real Christmas trees. Vanishing species? My hollyjollyspouse Martha’s on the lookout for a nice inexpensive flocked fresh-cut tree. We haven’t have “real” tree for years and now we have what can only be described as “needle shock.” Good grief, the price of a tree today would pay for a whole forest last time we bought a real tree. Anybody hear of a bargain, email [email protected] and try not to use the term “season’s credit card greetings.”  ... We had a great Thanksgiving and came back to work though the temptation to remain idle was soundly defeated by the list of chores we’d have had to face had we stayed home. ... Speaking of soundly defeated--oh, why bring up the Thanksgiving Day Cowboys game. Now, it’s on to the Great Shopping Expedition of 2014. Life’s good, isn’t it, when you have a solid game plan.
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The picture of hope...

For this weekend’s edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap we focus on a wide-awake Pug.
You’ve heard of this time of year being called the “Season of Hope.”
This is Tinka, the very picture of hope. It’s a very lousy picture because I had one hand on a piece of pie and the other on a camera phone, but it is expressive.
She’s the entertaining Pug who lives with my brother-in-law James, his wife (and Martha’s sister) Donna and a Shih Tzu name Mitzi.
This photo was snapped as Thanksgiving’s meal was served. Hope appeared on Tinka’s face. We can learn from this pug: Enjoy the season of hope and avoid extra calories.

[Nominate your sleeping dogs, napping cats, celebrating critters of any kind -- elk, cows, peafowl, lizards, reindeer, etc. -- for our weekend edition by sending the photos and information to [email protected]. Remember, we publish the slumbering photos to give insomniacs hope that they, too can sleep, and we publish these holiday photos to give all the rest of humanity hope for a peaceful and properly fed tomorrow! Now, be careful in your holiday travels and shopping adventures -- the city, county, state, nation, school districts, etc., need your continued tax support.]
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A little pre-Thanksgiving thankfulness...

DATELINE: DALLAS Where the Foliage Is As Vibrant As an LED Experiment, Texas (Nov. 26, PetPowellPress) -- I found a place online that says November 26 is National Shopping Reminder Day -- like anyone in North Texas would need to be reminded.
But it is the day before Thanksgiving and there are lots of people who are going to be sharing the holiday with their dogs and cats and kids and relatives and loved ones (loved ones and relatives not always being the same thing!)...
You’re probably leaving town or in a hurry as the holiday approaches. That is Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas and our Readlarrypowell.com Staff Impersonator, giving us his impression of a grateful American rushing into the “Big Turkey Big Bucks Big Bill Lounge” at the AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving Day and spotting a big steaming platter of Mom’s Ground Game Meatloaf with a side dish of First Place Potatoes and When You Beat Philadelphia It’s All Gravy. Dessert? Can’t eat another thing, but maybe some of that pecan pie and some ice cream on that pumpkin pie and ... Also thankful for my assorted doctors and their skillful doctoring!
I’ll just mention a few of the favorite things that Inky and I love to do.
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade -- My pal Andy Fisher the Wordsmith of New Jersey says the folks up there who have been around a while refer to it as the Macy’s Day Parade.  I once wrote a novel about a guy who’s goal in life was to get to New York and hold a rope on one of the big balloons. He made it. The journey was the key part of the story. It may have been a novel before its time, after its time or a novel for whom a time would never come. Been so long since I re-read it or tried to re-edit it that that statute of limitations for bad literature may have expired.
Eat cranberry sauce -- not the kind with the berries, but the kind that you slice and it lays on your plate in a big round hoop. I find the cranberry to be an interesting fruit. Anyone else remember the “Great Cranberry Scare of ’59”? I wrote a column about it for the big paper downtown about 20 years ago, maybe. I’d been reminded of the “Scare” by my afternoon coffee break buddy Joe Simnacher, whose byline remains familiar to big paper readers. He pinpointed it and recalled the terror of the bad cranberry.  To see an entertaining youtube report on the Cranberry Scare, click HERE. You can learn the song and entertaining your relatives who won’t leave by performing “The Cranberry Blues.”
Watch football -- Inky loves the pro game -- big fan of linebackers who spot the ball on the ground and go after it nose-first. He calls them the “Spaniels of the Gridiron.” This Thanksgiving there will be the Dallas Cowboys/Philadelphia Eagles game, but also there will be the Texas Longhorns/TCU Horned Frogs game which makes a real fan of tradition wince because the tradition is that Texas and Texas A&M should be playing on Thanksgiving, just as God intended even if He is a fan of Baylor. That’s what I heard from my friends who believe that good ol’ Baylor line.
Finally, the thing Inky and I and our favorite funspouse Martha and assorted free dogs and cats do on Thanksgiving is wish all of you animal lovers and people who ought to be animal lovers and people who will be animal lovers a Happy Thanksgiving.
Remember, you can work off your calories by being an active companion for a new dog or cat or a used dog or cat or any animal that thinks a human’s movement is interesting. They’ll get up and follow you around, whispering to other dogs or cats, “Do you believe this guy?” or “Wow, she is really sincere about this Pilates thing!”
Yes, they are companions. Pick a shelter, find a companion.
And have a Happy Thanksgiving.
I’ll start you list of things for which to be grateful, not in any particular order: Cornbread, biscuits, Cary Grant movies, good Texas Rangers pitching, ice cream of nearly any flavor except BlueBelle’s chocolate malt variety which surprises you with a frozen malted milk ball that chews like a musket ball;
Tacos; rellenos; shredded lettuce; basil; Basil Fawlty; my friend Poh who hates beets and loves comedy; my kids, my grandkids, the fun and zany daughter-in-law Erinn; Mom and her new porch ramp; animal rescuers;
Animal shelters with enlightened attitudes about saving the animals -- Irving, Carrollton, The Colony, Fort Worth, rebounding Garland, Dallas Animal Services; the great  spay/neuter organization out at the lake Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake; the individuals who send me tips on animals stories and you all know who you are on that long, long list of resolute rescuers!
Cellphones; cameras on cellphones; technology that lets me watch almost any movie at any time so that we don’t have to wait for years for it to show up butchered on TV;
Vegetarianism, which has given me a happier life because no critter has to die so I can have indigestion and put on 10 pounds on a single Thursday in November. 

Make your own list. I’ll think of more stuff -- I’ve got an unending list of things for which to be thankful. Readers, especially.
Thank ALL of you who visit Readlarrypowell.com. You help animals by reading their stories, by forwarding their stories or telling other people about their stories. Eventually we’ll fix it so that no critter has to worry about the ticking clock.
Feel free to click below and add things for which we all ought to be thankful.

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Thanksgiving week heroes and some novel ideas...

DATELINE: DALLAS Where Thanksgiving Is Practiced Year Round Just Like Lotto Sales, Texas (Nov. 25 PetPowellPress) -- Who prepares for Thanksgiving by buying larger clothing? Not me. I just saved ‘em from last year. Now we have some literary and heroic stories today. Please read on and remember to open your heart, remind your neighbors and friends to open their hearts and urge your churches, your civic clubs, your professional organizations and your neighborhood watches to open their hearts toward animals, too.
THE HERO IN THE DALLAS SHELTER
We got this from Danielle Fry, the Animal Transfer Coordinator at the Dallas Animal Services. It is a great story waiting for an exceptionally happy ending. There are challenges but they are not so great that they cannot be conquered by the human heart.
Danielle wrote: “What is that you see at Dallas Animal Services?  A bird, a plane, Superman?  This Brindle pitty might not be Superman but to the staff at DAS and the little pup beside him, he is a hero.”
Their numbers are A866545 -- that’s Hero’s number -- and A866546 (the pup).

Danielle continues, “It all began one fateful morning with a little pup who was running around, enjoying the fall weather with his big brindle buddy.  The little pup was not paying attention when he ran out in front of an oncoming car!  The puppy, scared and not knowing what to do froze in the middle of the street.  He closed his eyes and CRASH!  When the puppy opened his eyes, he saw his brindle buddy on the ground in front of the car.  At the last second he had jumped in front of the car to save the puppy!
“The puppy is healthy and happy.  He loves his brindle buddy and gives him kisses!  Unfortunately, the hero in this story is now in need of a hero for himself.  He is not bearing weight on his injured leg and our veterinary staff suspect a displacement or fracture around the hip area.  He will need x-rays to know for sure.  He also has abrasions on his skin from when he was hit.  He is a very sweet boy and the officer who picked him up said that you could do anything to him.  He is the calmest and sweetest boy ever!

“Our sweet Hero clears his stray hold [Tuesday].  We are hoping to have a place for him to go by the holiday.  We are able to place the puppy in adoption but if a group is willing to save the pair, we will release them both to keep them together! 

“Email [email protected] if you can be a hero to Hero!"
[LARRY UPDATE FROM DANIELLE: Hero and the pup are sharing a kennel. And, in a late evening note, Danielle says the pup is a she not a he and there is consideration for naming her "Lois Lane." And that's OK with Readlarrypowell.com. Anything to get these two a super home!]


AND ANOTHER HERO IN HOUSTON
Our Bayou City tipster Alexandra Kelsey wrote this insightful note about a dog who, in her photographs looks as if she’s reflecting a camera flash but, after you read it you, too, will be convinced this is simply a demonstration of the glow of inner beauty.” Oh, and she’s not the hero!
Alexandra writes, “Before you tell another attorney joke, stop and think about Lily.  She was saved on Memorial Drive, in traffic, by an attorney who couldn’t watch Lily become a puddle of eyelashes.  And then the attorney found Lily a great home, with a doctor and his wife.  Lily has been a wonderful family member, friendly and loving, responding to her basic commands.  She’s three years old and a great tote-along size, at only 45 pounds.  She’s house-trained and polite in the house, heartworm negative, fully vaccinated and spayed.  Just a great dog.
“But, Lily now has two twin babies in the house.  She doesn’t mind them, but one day, when the doctor was holding one of the babies, Lily put her feet up in his lap and scratched the baby.  The doctor and his wife are concerned about Lily’s energy level and with 7-week old twins, they feel that it would be best to find Lily a new home.
“If you would like to meet Lily or know more about her, email me and I will connect you with the family.  I think this is fairly urgent, as they have decided that having a dog with the babies isn’t workable.  My email is [email protected].”
[LARRY ASIDE: Kind of wise, maybe. Twins are rough enough on parents. But, seriously, my twins, had dogs and cats, but not until we got over being nervous about fragile infants. Bless Lily and may she find a home with some happily romping grownup kids.]
FOSTERING CHIHUAHUAS?

This note came from Melissa Stiles of Positive Outcome Chihuahua Rescue. (Email her at [email protected] or call 817-266-5580.) She’s looking for some help in the foster and/or adoption areas.

That black and white pup is 3-pound -- THREE POUNDS! -- BELLE. She’s fully vaccinated and scheduled for spaying. And she gets along with other dogs. To offer to foster her, get in touch with Melissa.
That white dog is Miss Rosie, described as “a cuddlebug deluxe who likes other dogs whether big or small.”
And, of course, there are some puppies available and as you can see in this demonstration photo, Chihuahuas make excellent lap dogs for office work. And these Chihuahuas and more are looking for homes for the holidays. Follow this rescue group on Facebook HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: I’ve mentioned this before, but for the first time in two decades we have no Chihuahuas in our home -- just the spirits of Belle Starr Carmelita del Vera Cruz, aka Vera, and the great Rosie, a Kiest Park foundling named after the way she didn’t smell when I ran off some kids who were throwing rocks and sticks at the mange-stricken girl. Both dogs were delightful companions for years -- all they needed was the opportunity to capture a human heart. You should give the Chihuahuas a chance. All we are saaaaying, is give Chis a chance. My apologies to John Lennon but I think he’d understand.]
CONTEMPLATIONS: We’ve decided, as Thanksgiving approaches, to present a few opening lines from novels-based-on-fact about the Great American Holiday. Here they are:
“The kindness of the neighbors was legendary until that Thanksgiving Sid snapped and shotgunned the gas tank on Tom’s car because it was blocking his drive and that gunfire setting off an explosion that just ruined the holiday for everyone, even the relatives who’d counted on staying at Tom’s rather than having to find a motel.” -- From Things Were Cooking at Thanksgiving  by Retired Police Sgt. B.G. “Hands” Kuff. 

“Suddenly the turkey rose off the table and terror struck the hearts of all stunned humans brandishing a fork. They knew they’d never be a match for the Headless Avenger.” -- Revenge of the Gobblers by  E. Rhee Riter.
“Grandma looked around the Thanksgiving table at the family smiling at her and said, ‘Of course I remember all of you. I just don’t like you. My money is going to the Committee To Clothe The Kardashians.’-- Granny Gives Thanks by the Rev. Idryss Neyce.
“Helen snatched the mixer out of her sister Jenny’s hand and shouted, ‘For 30 years I’ve had to put up with lousy half-mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving. You serve lumps this year and you’ll be wearing them’.” from Family Dining: A Cookbook For The Unpleasant by Saul T. Pye. ... All may eventually be available on a Thanksgiving app. ... And, a reminder, we are planning on celebrating the upcoming yuletide by running photographs of festive animals. They can be wearing tinsel or they can be snoozing beneath the Christmas tree as our big orange and white cat Griffin Oliver Powell was a few years ago. He has always seen himself as a genuine gift to mankind. And, of course, he is correct. Send your festive photos to [email protected]. We’re happy to celebrate the greatness of animals.

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Some animals need some help, from dogs and cats to pigs and turkeys...

DATELINE: DALLAS Where the Thanksgiving Countdown Is On (Nov. 23,  PetPowellPress) -- Run, turkeys! Run for the hills! You ham-carrying porkers need to get a move on, too.
The preceding passage brought to you by the CVSR (Confirmed Vegetarian Side of Readlarrypowell.com).  More later. Now, for some animals we just don’t think about eating I hope.
ANOTHER APPEAL FOR BAILEY
Readlarrypowell.com has written about this dog since nearly the day our pal Deborah Lynn Verner got involved with her when she was dumped with her pregnant mom, Sadie. That was in July 2010 and Deborah Lynn has consistently worked to find a place for this dog. No dice. No home. And she has continued to work to save this dog.
But things have changed.
In a note she sent to Readlarrypowell on Sunday, she wrote, “I had medical issues affect me yesterday that make it imperative that I rehome her NOW!! Either a good home or a rescue.

“Bailey has been waiting for her forever home for over 4 years now.  In July 2010, Bailey was rescued from a desolate back road outside Seagoville, at what’s called the Tree Farm. She was dumped with her pregnant Mom, Sadie, out in the middle of nowhere with no food, water, or shelter of any kind.

“Bailey is approximately 5 1/2 years old, petite Pitbull/Boston Terrier mix female. She has high energy, plays fetch, loves squeak toys, and loves to snuggle.  She is very sweet, and is a ball of endless energy. Bailey gives high fives with her right paw, and shakes with her left paw.  She gets long with other dogs, and cats, with the only exception being a slight food aggression with other dogs (but, not people). She is heartworm negative, spayed, up to date on shots, microchipped, on heartworm preventative, and weighs 46 pounds.  She needs a yard with at least a 6 ft. fence, due to a prior incident where she climbed out.  Also, it needs to be a home with no more than one other dog, preferably a smaller dog.
To offer to help Deborah Lynn with this email DT[email protected] or call 214-546-2772.
MEANWHILE AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES
Some dogs were saved after an appeal by Dallas Animal Services Transfer Coordinator Danielle Fry as we entered the weekend. Now, as the weekend has ended and we’re entering a holiday period, there is a new appeal. Click on the art to make it larger and try not to tear-up when you read about that sad-faced Hannah.
Danielle wrote, “Thanks to the groups who did step up to help the few who will be in a home this Thanksgiving! Dallas Animal Services would like to wish everyone an early Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for all of our amazing transfer partners, volunteers, networkers, and supporters!  We couldn’t do all we do without you. If you are still in town for the holiday please consider helping one of the sweet dogs.
"All of these dogs are urgent.   The shelter will be closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday.  This means that any stray animals that are picked up next week will need to be held an extra two days to give owners a chance to find their lost pets.  We need the space to hold these animals for this extra time which means the dogs below need somewhere to go.  We would love to see ALL of them walk out the doors and be in a home for the holiday!”

The best thing that could happen would be if they all could be pulled by the end of business Monday. These are just a few of the faces. Click HERE to see the rest. It’s long so scroll and read. To help these animals email [email protected]. Remind your friends and neighbors that if they don’t join the effort to save the animals, the animals will not be saved.
A CORSICANA NOTE

We got this from Sydney Busch of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake which operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. She’s always getting tips on dogs in a fix, though this one has not been fixed. 

The note reads, “This big beautiful white Lab just became too big for the owner who was in poor health. She was taken to the Corsicana Animal Shelter this week - this is a high kill facility and the dog is a big, intact Lab - not much chance for finding a home.” 

Oh, and Sydney added some editorial comment: “Grrrrrrr,” she wrote emphatically.
The shelter is at 617 S. 12th in Corsicana -- that’s an hour south of Dallas on I-45 and almost an our southwest of Gun Barrel City on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake. Call the shelter at 903-654-4928. If you need some help navigating things at Corsicana. Get in touch with the Humane Society of Navarro County at www.thehsnc.org. [LARRY ASIDE: On that website you’ll see a photo of a dog named Gauge who came into the care of the shelter with a bullet lodged in his shoulder. Gotta love those Texas dog snipers. Real geniuses.]
A COUPLE OF DOGS ON THE CLOCK IN IRVING AND A ‘THROWAWAY’ CAT
Adoptions and rescues cut down the number of “urgents” at the Irving Animal Shelter over the weekend -- only one was euthanized and that was a Border Collie with a deteriorating heart, the vet said, according to our report from the shelter walker/photographer Russell Posch.
The dog on the left is Deus (24222366), and American Bulldog mix who, at 18 months and 60 healthy pounds, is in the shelter because he “escapes” too much. Makes you wonder about the people he’s running from, doesn’t it?
The black dog with the grin is Rock, a year-old, 50-pound Pit boy who “shows cage aggression” and that make him “rescue only.” Why is he in the shelter? Owner surrender because of “moving.”
And, regular visitors to Readlarrypowell.com know we celebrate these black and white cats because we believe they have entertaining personalities (oh, heck most cats do when you give ‘em a chance). But here’s a really great back-story for people who have a cat and need some ice-breaking stories for office parties.
The story from the Irving shelter cat site: “This beauty was thrown out of a car in the Irving Animal Services parking lot. IAS took him in and made sure he was well and now he is ready for his purr-fect home where he will be loved fur-ever! Monkey is one of those delightful kitties that is so happy to see you, and rewards you with instant purrs. His hair is very silky and soft, and he seems to know that he is gorgeous! He is a very loving kitty and would be a great addition to any family.’
Russell provides THIS LINK to the Irving inventory of dogs and THIS LINK to the Irving cat supply.
The shelter is closed on Monday, so use the rescue hotline to help an animal -- 972-721-3597. The shelter’s business phones are 972-721-2256 or 57.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Don't forget to send [email protected] photos of your Christmassy animals -- with a tree, in the tree, pulling down the tree, in a Santa suit, etc -- so we can feature them in our weekend combined edition: Let Holiday Animals Be Festive or Let Sleeping Dogs Sleep and Napping Cats Nap. We want to be festive as an elf riding a reindeer through the aisles at Neiman Marcus! That's our late pal Cosmo who never rode a reindeer but did enjoy shopping for ties at Neimans. ... After years and years and years of being a vegetarian, I am tempted by only TWO items from my carnivorous past: the double-meat and cheese Whataburger with a jalapeno pepper on the side and the holiday turkey. My temptation to backslide is generally doused by the fact that I believe animals are not here to be eaten. It sounds almost tree-huggerish, but, really I am ashamed that I have eaten cows and turkeys-- and as a Northeast Texas Southern Baptist Boy, there’s no telling what kind of dent I made in the chicken and fish population of Texas. I enjoy greens and vegetables and they don’t have to have their heads lopped off  -- well, except for lettuce -- to make humans happy. And, of course, I list my favorite vegetable as the apple fritter. You might wonder about that pig. I photographed him -- I believe he is a Dark Barrow -- as he was romping free on the grounds of the State Fair of Texas. He was being moved from the Swine Barn to the display area for champions. He’s a champion. He might have slipped his leash. He simply made his way from one spot at the Fair to the place he was planning on going to pig out, so to speak -- just like a human looking for a corny dog or a serving of fried cheesecake. This pig was headed for two bales of hay. Now, I am not enough of a farm boy to know why his ear has been worked over with pinking shears. And I don’t know if it’s already too late to keep his championship ham from winding up on a holiday table, but I sure hope he has a long and comfortable life.  Those camouflaged individuals? They are Texas turkey hunters, according to the web images page from which I cribbed the photo. As you know, turkeys are incredibly smart animals and if a hunter is not camouflaged, the turkeys will spot them and make sport of
them for failing to blend in. This hurts the hunters' feelings and makes them unsure about their efforts to control the turkey population and keep the savage fowl from storming suburbs and taking over privacy fences and low-hanging limbs and perching on cellphone towers and disturbing worldwide communications. That’s what I heard, anyway. The birds blend in, the camo-clad hunters blend in. Now, if the turkeys and hunters both had some paintball pistols, I’d say that was more fun than either expected to have. Enjoy your vegetables on Thursday.

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Puppies in dreamland and a dog in tinsel....

For this pre-Thanksgiving edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap we turn to some babies.
These have one thing in common--they’ve all in the Dallas Animal Services Shelter.
But, before we get to those still in need, consider this tale of tails: You remember, perhaps, the six pups found in a bag in Kiest Park.  The yet-to-be-weaned babies were taken to DAS and Transfer Coordinator Danielle Fry issued an appeal for help.
Our pal Patty Sprong, the longtime rescuer and animal advocate, tipped us to the “what happened next” on the dogs. And, it involves teamwork by DAS, DFW Rescue Me and Mazie’s Mission. Oh, those puppies aren’t sleeping but the probably were right after this photo was taken. We’ve got more sleepers coming up. But first the Bag Puppy Story.
From the DFW Rescue Me Facebook site, here’s the story: “Mazie’s Mission posted on their Facebook page last week that they were on puppy watch. They had a Pit mix, heavy with pups. On Sunday they posted the sad news that two puppies were stillborn. An emergency c-section delivered two more pups that did not survive.
“Our FB Moderator shared the news with our Intake Coordinator. Yesterday, Dallas Animal Services sent out a plea for a litter of puppies that had been found in a plastic bag in a park. DFWRM tagged them and would bottle-feed them. And then the thought came. Maybe… just maybe… the momma dog that had lost all her babies would be willing to help. One of our volunteers transported the puppies to Mazie’s Mission. A few more pups came from another litter that was without a mom. It was so sweet to see this momma dog immediately begin to care for ‘her’ babies.”
Now, that’s a bag o’ pups being cared for in a most maternal way.
That brings us back to Danielle’s efforts to help dogs in the Dallas shelter. First up is A863521 and two puppies.
Danielle wrote, “This sweet momma adopted her two little babies.  They came in with no mother, she came in with milk and no puppies…it was meant to be!  These two pups are doing great and growing big!  Momma is sweet as can be and loves getting attention.  The second she sees you she is at the door begging for some love.  She has been so generous by caring for pups that were not hers, please open your home so she can have a chance at being adopted!”
Then we turn to A866252 and six puppies. “This little girl is Polly.  Polly is about 3 years old and weighs about 29.2 lbs.  She is not big at all!  Polly and her little family came to us as surrenders when the owner could not longer care for them.  Polly is new to the shelter so can be a little barky but if you go in her kennel and give her attention she is sweet as can be.  She will nuzzle you if you stop petting her…adorable!  She is taking great care of her pups but needs out of the shelter to continue to do so.”
To offer to help these slumbering pups find a happy place to sleep for the rest of their grown up lives, email [email protected]. And to see more animals that Daniel is trying to help click HERE. It’s a great letter to scroll, especially if you want to help the dogs find a home. 

ANIMALS BEFORE THANKSGIVING: Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter has a bunch, Arlington might have a few, Irving has some, The Colony’s got some, Carrollton, Fort Worth... Google “animal shelter Texas. You’ll see there are animals aplenty as Thanksgiving arrives. Holidays are sometimes rough times in shelters -- populations increase and foot traffic decreases. The odds are lousy for lots of great animals. I know anyone who has just read this passage probably already has a houseful of critters. But if you know someone who doesn’t, tip them to the opportunities to find good hearts to join them for the holidays and beyond! Only good hearts need apply. ‘
AND ONE MORE NOTE THIS WEEKEND: Earlier this week readlarrypowell.com made an appeal for photographs of animals in holiday costumes, situations or, let’s face it, holiday tinsel or twinkling lights. There are those of us who have such wonderful relationships with our animals that the dog simply loves to dress up for the holidays. You see here a photo from many years ago of our late dear pal Cosmo. He was a black dog with the body of a Lab, the ears of something else and the legs of, possibly, a Basset, though the ears would indicate otherwise. Ultimately, he was simply, perfectly Cosmo. He inspired Martha, my tunespouse, to write a song in his honor and perform it on the harp. It’s called Cosmo’s Smile and when you click HERE you can hear one of the early and, as Martha called it, “rough versions” of the song. You may not have written a song for your festooned dog, but you may have turned your dog or cat into a walking wagging or purring symbol of Christmas. Please send us a copy of the photos -- we’re hoping to help people smile by showing off your merry critters. 
[PLEASE SEND SLUMBERING PHOTOS OR FESTIVE PHOTOS to [email protected]. Our theory is that if the insomniacs in our readership see puppies sleeping, they may find inspiration or at least some hope that if they find the right mother figure to cuddle, they’ll nod off fat and happy, too. And, by seeing your celebratory critter photos with the tinsel and twinkles, the insomniacs among us may be inspired to sleep and have dreams of sugar plums dancing in their heads. Or at least they’ll grin. Grin? There's a reason. That's off the Mazie's Mission Facebook page -- that's the recently adopted Paco. Click on his photo to make it larger and read the caption. Slumber envy arises.]

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A bag of puppies? Assorted situations and contemplations...

DATELINE: Dallas Where the Sun Shines on Turkeys and Giblets Alike and Interpret That As You Wish, Texas (Nov. 21, PetPowellPress) -- Here we are on the last day -- maybe the last half-day -- that a lot of people will work before the Thanksgiving holiday celebration begins.
And by "Thanksgiving holiday celebration" I'm not suggesting that the Dallas Cowboys will win the traditional Thanksgiving Day game. They still have to face the New York Giants Sunday night.
There could be an exceptional reason to give thanks if someone can swiftly step up and offer to foster a special Dallas Animal Services dog and a bag of puppies. Yes, a bag of puppies -- more on that in a moment.
Now, for those of you who are taking time away from work, be careful on the streets and roads and in the shopping centers and malls and in the grocery stores and department stores -- that cover it? Remember, this may be Dallas' last Thanksgiving to get plastic bags at a grocery store!  Another holiday tradition gone with the wind, so to speak.
 Now, our report.
SEND ANIMAL PHOTOS: In the more than a decade of posting photographs of sleeping dogs, napping cats and (from last week) slumbering hootowls in our weekend feature, we may have used up every sleeping critter in town. We do still want to publish those snoozing photos but, starting this weekend we're going to expand our rules just for the holidays.
If you have a critter that looks like a turkey or is a turkey, if you've got a dog that looks like a reindeer or a cat that looks like an elf, or an animal that enjoys being festive and twinkly or festooned with tinsel, send those entertaining photos to [email protected] and we'll publish them.  We'll MERRILY publish them!

THE INJURED/AILING DOG AT DAS NEEDS A BREAK
We mentioned this Husky mix fellow in yesterday's edition. He has something amiss with his main boy part. And he needs medical care.
We contacted Danielle Fry, the Dallas Animal Services Transfer Coordinator, and she's been trying to hustle a way out of the shelter for him in between working for other animals, such as a big litter of puppies found in a bag in Kiest Park.
There could be a break coming if Dallas Pets Alive can find a foster person. That's their only hold-up in rescuing his guy. Rescue Director Elina Kanevskaia of Dallas Pets Alive sent us this LINK  to the foster application.
Any group that takes this dog is likely to have some medical expenses right away.  You can read about Dallas Pets Alive at dallaspetsalive.org.
And, if you want to ask about the dog, email Danielle at [email protected].
One more thing: Danielle reports that Chi Chi, who had an old leg injury but still romps happily, has been taken in by the Humane Society of Dallas County. 

ONE RELATED NOTE: During the day Thursday Danielle was busy, also, trying to hustle a place for a special litter. She wrote, "These 6 little babies were found overnight in Kiest Park. A citizen was walking through the park when she noticed a plastic bag on the ground that was moving! She went to investigate and found 6 little puppies inside! These babies are only about 15 days old. They are super cute. We aren’t sure what breed they are but think that they might be Chihuahua/Terrier mixes. There are 3 boys and 3 girls in the group. They should still be with a mother so need someone who will bottle feed them!" Again, to help email [email protected]

[LARRY ASIDE: Kiest Park is my neighborhood park. It is a place where dogs have a chance at survival because good people walk and run there. But, from my heart, if I saw some jerk dropping off a bag of puppies like they were trash, I might not wait for my newly ordered Two-by-Four of Enlightenment before I attempted to influence someone’s thinking with my bare hands. But that would be wrong. You have to wonder what kind of heart beats in someone who would do this to puppies? Good Lord, I hope they don't have kids, too. And I hope that momma dog gets into a safe home, too. If anyone suspects who did this, call the police and turn them in. What they did is against the law.]
A PITBULL WARNING IN GARLAND
Our pal Tomi Ortiz usually contacts us about animals she’s found in trouble. She’s now worried about animals that vanished and are in trouble -- this is one awful tale if you’re a dog fan.
She writes, “I would like to send out a warning to Garland residents that own Pitbulls, especially younger ones! Last week my brother-in-law left his Pitbull (1yr old) in his fenced backyard to play, etc., and left to the corner store.

“When he returned his Pitbull ‘Red’ was gone!
“He went around the neighborhood looking for him, called the Garland Animal Shelter and also posted on the Lost pet website. He has had no luck!
"Then yesterday another man was walking around the neighborhood asking if anyone had seen his Pitbull puppy. He said he put him in the backyard to play and do his business. When he went to call him in he was gone! He was taking him this weekend to the Vetto get micro chipped but now it’s too late. I HATE to imagine what this thief or thieves are doing with these dogs! It just breaks my heart! So I wanted to tell people in the Garland area to PLEASE be very careful if they have Pitbulls!”

MEANWHILE IN IRVING.
Rescuers saved a bunch of Irving dogs but there were three that didn’t make it. Aries is the  2-year-old, 54-pound Heeler mix who was in the shelter because her owner surrendered her with the note that she “escapes.”  Then, in the middle, is 45-pound healthy, firendly, 18-month-old stray Charles. And on the right there is Doc, a year old, 65-pound, healthy, friendly stray. Three young dogs who could not depend on humans to protect them from themselves. Well, some people will be comforted in knowing that these dogs are no longer available to roam the city. Read about them HERE. What do they have to do with these four?

These four could be next. They are, from left, Buddy, Deus, Harold and Rocky -- Harold and Rocky are on the list for Friday. Deus has the notation “escapes” on his card. Buddy is a victim of “owner moving” as is Rocky. Harold, a Chihuahua mix, is shy and shows “cage aggression.” 
Russell Posch, the shelter-walker with the life-saving camera, sent us these photos and others. See Irving’s dogs HERE and Irving’s cats HERE. It’s a holiday week -- traditionally rough on shelters. More animals come in, fewer go out safely. People -- that’s the factor that is flawed. To ask about a dog during off-hours, call the rescue hotline at 972-72-3597. Email both [email protected] and [email protected]. The Irving Shelter’s business numbers are 972-721-2256 or 57.  

CONTEMPLATIONS: That is Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas and our readlarrypowell.com staff impersonator, giving us his impression of a hungry relative kicking through the front door of a dark house for a surprise visit shortly after midnight Thanksgiving morning and spotting a big steaming platter of Mom's Not For You Tofurkey Meatloaf , a pan of ready to heat brown 'n' serve rolls, a boiler of finely seasoned green beans and a big cake pan upon which sits the specialty of the holiday house, The Gobbler Meringue Coconut Cream Pie. ... A holiday appeal: Shop now for Thanksgiving Day so poor saps like me who get sent to the store on the night before won't have to spend hours waiting in line to buy one can of whipped cream, a package of paper towels and some antacids. ... Enjoy the weekend. Consider it a warmup for a great week. 
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Husky situations, Greyhounds & Santa, Assorted Opportunities To Make Life Better

DATELINE: DALLAS A Sunny Town Now and Then, Texas (November 20, PetPowellPress) -- Let’s just dive into today’s report:

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH HUSKYS? HUSKIES?
Never mind the grammar. For some reason we’ve had an unusual number of Husky reports coming through in recent days.
First thing we got was an appeal from Cate Connors, a member of the board of Texas Husky Rescue -- wanted us to post the group’s website in the list of rescues on the left side of our opening Readlarrypowell.com page. We did -- we’re happy to help rescue groups. The eye-catching thing was the sensational Texas-themed logo! Isn’t that great? The State of Texas and a great dog face! We asked Cate who put that logo together and she immediately credited boardmember Mary Bolton. People who do those things ought to get credit. 

In the meantime, we’ve gotten two Husky rescue notes, one from Dallas, the other from North Richland Hills.
The Dallas situation: Danielle Fry, the DAS animal transfer coordinator, sent a note about this pup who is in need of emergency transfer because of a medical challenge. 

He’s 2 and sweet and he’s A865959. He’s on antibiotics and pain meds because he’s got some kind of unfortunate problem with his main boy part. This is a pressure-packed situation.
According to Danielle’s note, “If his condition worsens, we will not be able to hold him much longer.” Email [email protected].
The NRH situation: Karen Lee forwarded this one to us and it came from Peggy Smith who wrote, “A stray Husky was trying to dig her way into my North Richland Hills back yard in the Smithfield area on Sunday, November 9. I've hung flyers up in the neighborhood, contacted 3 city shelters at NRH, Watauga and Keller and posted her via Facebook. She did not have a collar and she is not micro-chipped.

“She is a very friendly dog. She is well behaved. She sits for treats and since I've had her inside the last few cold nights, she seems to be housebroken. I'm pretty sure someone had taken good care of her. Not sure why I cannot find anyone looking for her.”
Peggy has been working hard to find a place for her. Call 817-875-6384 or email [email protected].

AN IRVING UPDATE
Pebbles the American Bulldog and Bella the Boxer girl were among the many dogs rescued, adopted or reclaimed at the Irving Animal Shelter after they appeared on the “urgents list.” You can see the saved critters HERE.
You can see the NEW urgent dogs HERE.
Russell Posch, the photo-shootin’ shelterwalker, provides the information and photos. You can see Irving’s cats HERE. 

To ask about a dog during off-hours, call the rescue hotline at 972-72-3597. Email both [email protected] and [email protected]. The Irving Shelter’s business numbers are 972-721-2256 or 57.  

MEANWHILE IN CARROLLTON

Amazing faces. See more of these endangered animals at Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise’s Facebook site HERE. Call CARE at 972-466-3420 or email [email protected].
CARE works hard each week to get dogs and cats into good homes. It's not easy in North Texas where there are so many animals competing for so few spots in homes. 
Consider Chloe the Dog -- owner surrender -- and this young cat Falcon. Great faces, no homes. The clock is ticking. 

A NOTE FROM A VETERAN RESCUER

 These are the dogs in need and here’s the note from Becky Haisma, longtime rescuer and animal advocate. She explains, “I am sending out a plea for money to be donated to this family. If you can't donate, please share it with someone who might be willing to do so.
"They have 3 dogs. The wife is very sick and husband lost his job.  They lost their home and car.  He is attending an 8-week truck driving school now and they will be able to find another home after he gets his first couple of paychecks.  The wife is currently living in a pet friendly motel in Addison while the husband is out of town in school.  A donor paid for the first 3 weeks. The hotel costs $229 a week.  Our goal is to raise $2000 to cover this expense for another 7 weeks and raise more for food. We would like them to have some kind of holiday season. This family is on their way to being gainfully employed, but they have some immediate needs.
“The dogs needed to see the vet. Paws in the City paid for those vet expenses and the dogs are now all neutered, vaccinated, heartworm negative and on prevention, treated for fleas and skin issues, nails clipped and bathed (thanks to Claire for transporting them to the vet!).  

“North Texas Pet Food Pantry gave them 2-3 months of food, new collars and leashes and treats. (thank you Cheryl for all you have done and are doing for them!)  They are also going to match up to $500 raised!!  So PLEASE donate whatever you can, $10, $15, $20, $50 etc.... no amount too small.”
Here’s the LINK and be sure to note that it is for “Family in motel with dogs.”

CONTEMPLATIONS: Movies are made for animals and so are the video cameras on cellphones. In the first instance, as the artwork indicates, there is a certain amount of fund-raising affection now for the great Disney film Lady and the Tramp. Here’s the info: 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, Bowen House at 2614 Boll Street in Uptown offers $5 spaghetti and meatballs and $5 chianti and free admission to the film!  (Click on the artwork to make it grow.) Ah, but 15 percent of the food and drink proceeds benefit Paws In the City -- the rest of the experience benefits anyone who loves dogs and an evening of Italian! ... You’ve seen those events where dogs sit in one place and don’t move until their human tells them to? Yeah, I’ve never had a dog like that, either. But Huffington Post had a video of a dog obedience contest and while some of the dogs were well behaved, there’s a Golden Retriever who, essentially, went nuts for the treats and asked, “What? You thought I was some kind of dull dog?” Watch it HERE. ... Locally, you’ve got to love Greyhound Adoption League of Texas. Those folks know how to photograph Christmas. Here are some examples. It’s the faces with the Big Red One. And, as you can tell, Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick is also enamored of Earhounds. GALT is scheduling Santa photos and family holiday photos and you can see some of the photoshoots HERE. For info, go to galtx.org or call 972-503-4258. And remember, Clement Moore may have picked 8 tiny reindeer because he just didn’t believe Greyhounds can fly. Ask anybody who has one -- if they’ll get off the couch, they can really fly. If they'll get off the couch. That's what I've heard admiringly from humans devoted to these Greyt Dogs.

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Winter, a cat alert, dogs in need and assorted contemplations of the 21st Century

DATELINE: DALLAS Where Some People Are Helpful And Some People..., Texas (Nov. 19, PetPowellPress) -- Oh, but why complain about the great riverfront city Dallas when the weather is beautiful and the slopes and lodges are open for the first time this season!
Yep, “Ski Dallas!” (FYI: 2018 Winter Olympics are scheduled for South Korea, if governmental rivalries don’t melt the snow. And 2022’s site hasn’t been determined though the only remaining nominations are Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Beijing, China. Unless Global Warming gets a grip on Big D, keep the Olympic Snowplows handy. It’s an unsettled world.)

You may recall this rendition by Olympic Village Artist-in-Residence Ivana Pencilanarubel of USA Ice Fishing competitor Inky from earlier this year. Though he did not win a medal, neither did anyone else. No fish. Lake Sudsinski, as it turns out, was developed by the Russians at Sochi from runoff from a nearby car wash. Part of the preceding passage may not be true.
Now, today’s report: 

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CHEETAH, A PRESTON HOLLOW CAT
We spoke to Donna Garrett Tuesday afternoon and she is very concerned about her beloved 6-year-old-indoor Bengal cat Cheetah. These photos are of Cheetah in his natural habitat -- on a couch -- and curled up with his younger brother who, Donna says, has been frantic without Cheetah.
The 6-year-old cat had been missing for more than 24 hours when we spoke. He’d darted out the front door when wind blew it open. He’s very familiar with the Preston Hollow Neighborhood. He grew up there, and Donna says she even takes him on walks through the neighborhood. He was last seen in the area near the intersection of Glendora and Hillcrest. He may have been trying to stay warm in this cold spell and may be waiting to come home.
Donna has put out some of his favorite things on the porch near the door. She’s walked the neighborhood and enlisted the aid of the Preston Hollow Neighborhood Association which is how Readlarrypowell.com got news of his disappearance (we have a reliable tipster in the neighborhood.) If you know Cheetah’s whereabouts, call 214-802-3405.
LET’S PLAY MATCH THE PHOTOS

 

Those first photos include some of the urgents on the clock for 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Irving Animal Services Shelter. Urgent means if they’re not out by 5 p.m., they get the needle. By looking at the lower photo, you can see that some of them have already been saved. We got this collection of photos from photo-takin‘ shelter walker Russell Posch.
To read about the urgents, click HERE. Click HERE to read about the animals adopted, taken by rescue or reclaimed by their humans. 

To ask about a dog during off-hours, call the rescue hotline at 972-72-3597. Email both [email protected] and [email protected]. The Irving Shelter’s business numbers are 972-721-2256 or 57.  

MEANWHILE IN SNOWY BURNS FLAT, OKLA.
These animals inspired this report Tuesday evening from our relentless Western Oklahoma rescue tipster in Burns Flat, Terry Lynn Fisher.
She wrote, “Today, I saw these babies running wild around town.... They, along with their momma, seemed so hungry... I tracked down owner. Mom is kept on a chain. All are kept outside. ... They agreed to let me have her spayed, so I am going to work on that but they asked for help finding a place for these eight babies...They are under 3 months.”
They deserve to live longer in good homes. To help Terry Lynn find those homes, email her at [email protected].
[FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WONDER ABOUT BURNS FLAT: The town of around 2,000 people, is named for postmaster Sarah Burns and the terrain. And, to the knowledge of Readlarrypowell.com, Burns Flat is Oklahoma’s only designated spaceport. Anybody ever blast off from Burns Flat? Hmmm, maybe. Here’s a look.]
CONTEMPLATIONS: Etiquette question. What is the proper reaction when one of your own, up-to-date on shots cats takes a nip at you when you try to move him
off your mousepad on a wintry day? The Senator is so named because his forehead looks as if he’s had plug implants, like half the guys in the U.S. Senate. He was resolute about staying on the pad. The thanks I get for rescuing him from the great outdoors is confirmation that he is a stubborn individual. The joke will be on him if some sort of bacteria costs me use of the hand that holds the can of food while the other hand pulls the lid off. Let’s see if Senator No Thumbs can open a can, right? ... Where do stray cats come from? There’s a question for you. Are they delivered to Dallas by boxcar from some secret Stray Development Agency in Kitcatistan? ... How about a song for the day? Hard to figure, Chase’s Book of Days says November is Banana Pudding Lovers Month, National Novel-Writing Month, Peanut Butter Lovers Month and Vegan Month. Our choices are Yes, We Have No Bananas, Paperback Writer, Peanut Butter by the Marathons from 1961 or this rarely heard 1967 number from The Beach Boys.  Mmmm, set off a craving for succotash?

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Animals and lingo -- it's all in the understanding...

DATELINE: DALLAS The Town Without a Square, Texas (Nov. 18, PetPowellPress) -- Fort Worth has a downtown square. Southlake has a square. Santa Fe, N.M., has a great square you can watch  on your computer.
Why doesn’t Dallas have a square? Readlarrypowell.com has a theory. A town square is for people who are staying put. Dallas was built as a place for traveling through or turning around and going back. Native American trading paths, wagon trails, railroads, highways, airports. That’s today’s historical theory. No charge.
Why was there no great war fought for Dallas? I found a WEBSITE that says that the area was a “mixed buffer zone that no one tribe ever really claimed.” How’s that for one swell historic note! Dallas -- the town nobody wanted.
That is our Readlarrypowell.com historian and staff impersonator, Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas, giving us his impression of a pioneer rushing into the Town U-Turn Saloon and spotting a big steaming platter of Mom’s High Traffic Meatloaf with Pioneer Rebound Biscuits and Backhome Gravy. As Inky says, “You’ve got to be able to chew the tough grub to stay in Dallas.”

SPEAKING OF DALLAS

While perusing the Dallas Animal Services Facebook site we ran across a note that those of you who have indoor dogs and cats (if you don’t shame on you) and indoor kids will appreciate. It reads, “Please note - the DAS PetSmart Charities Adoption Center will be closed tomorrow 11/18 all day and Wednesday 11/19 until 3 p.m. We're getting the floors redone!”
Seasonally speaking, there is a festive dog available for adoption, according to the DAS Facebook site. This is her. She is -- start the carols -- Sugar Plumb, a 3-year-old Cairn Terrier. Because she’s been in the shelter for more than 2 weeks, “her adoption fee is waived,” the DAS site says. See her at the Dallas Animal Services Adoption Center at I-30 and Westmoreland. 

And the website has this COLD WEATHER NOTICE: “See a dog out in the cold without shelter? Don't post is on your Facebook page! Pick up the phone and dial 311. It's as simple as that. Yes, they'll tell you it could take 24-48 hours, but when it's this cold out, we prioritize those calls.” Read the rest of that note at facebook.com/dallasanimalservices. 

THREE GIRLS NEED HOMES AND SO DOES A CAT

This story was sent to us by Sydney Busch of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake which operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas.

[LARRY ASIDE: You might see three puppies and wonder how their mom missed the efficient services at the clinic. The mom didn’t; the idiot people who had control of mom are to blame.]
Dorothy Kroger wrote asking for help. She explained, “These friendly female hound mix puppies need loving homes. They were found 11-7-14. I am guessing that they are 6-8 weeks old. They were wormed 11-9-14. They got their 1st shots 11-11-14 at F of the A .  They are crated at night and learning to be indoor/outdoor dogs.”
[LARRY ASIDE: “F of the A “ -- How would that look on a t-shirt?]

To ask about any of these dogs, email [email protected] or call 903-849-2432.

Sydney also forwarded a note about this cat that we’l refer as a “Tabby In Tool.”
Carol Thompson’s note explains that the cat “showed up at our front door crying early on the morning of the 14th. I believe it is a female.  She is very friendly and not wearing a collar.  She was cold and hungry but not skinny and her fur seems healthy.  She might have a possible injury in her lower back or base of her tail as she isn't moving her tail well, but she moves around fine and  doesn't seem to be in pain.  We are at 2300 N Wind Dr in Tool. This is near Avant Road, Wildwood Acres, and the Lucky One Stop.  Our neighborhood is mostly weekend homes with just a few full-timers.  I've checked with the  neighbors nearby and none of them recognize the cat.  We have had a feral cat problem in our neighborhood in the past, but this cat is definitely not feral.  She is very loving and seems quite comfortable around our dog and cries and cries to come in our house with us. We have provided her a warm box with a heat lamp in a protected area on our front porch.  Our problem is that we have a 10 year old cat that is disabled.  She is traumatized about being around other cats and doesn't want to go outside at all because of this cat.  I am having a difficult time keeping the 2 apart, and I am afraid my cat will run.  We also have had problems with feral cats and wild animals  in the past anytime we feed animals outside.  I cannot keep this cat much longer.  Any help or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated!”
To offer to help the Tabby in Tool, call 918-424-5026 or email [email protected]. 

LOOKING FOR A CAT FOSTER
Karen Lee, the noted animal advocate of BarkleyWorld.com, forwarded this note from Cathie Carroll who is looking for a foster for this 8- to 10-year-old boy cat with a Texas Department of Transportation history.

Cathie’s note explains, “Will is one of our TxDOT (used-to-be) ferals that has been in the hospital with a severe upper respiratory infection.  Last Wednesday we thought he wouldn’t make it through the night, but he did.  We did blood work on him – everything came back fine.  The vet re-hydrated him and put him on antibiotics and brought him back from the very brink of death! ... Will is ready to be released but cannot go back out in the cold right now.  We need to give him time to build up his immune system.   He’s a sweetheart, beautiful boy – fully vetted – Siamese mix with crystal blue eyes – he talks a lot!’
Foster will last a few weeks and you get the whole cat set-up -- litter box, food, purrs...Email [email protected].
CRIME
Alexandra Kelsey, reliable Houston-area tipster, sent us a note from KHOU-TV about an awful story involving a woman attacked and stabbed in the back while  feeding cats in a park in Dickinson, Texas. A 17-year-old has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. We don’t have the name of the victim -- bless her heart and if she needs donations for medical care, let the animal world know. You can read the KHOU story HERE. 

 

CONTEMPLATIONS: Today’s contemplation tickles me because it focuses on human triumph and human failings. ... In the news (1) A Dallas woman visiting St. Louis bought a Powerball ticket at a newsstand and won $202.6 million.  Congratulations to the Internal Revenue Service, of course. And we'll note that opportunities to buy a winning ticket at a newsstand in Dallas have been diminished for decades by the disappearance of newsstands -- yes, who doesn't miss the Commerce St. Newsstand? (2) The AP reports that a 26-year-old woman named Afton Elaine “Star” Burton and the infamous Charles Manson, 80, have a marriage license. How do we summarize these two events? How about “One woman won a jackpot and the other didn’t.”  ... Overheard on a downtown elevator, some young people not from Texas discussing going to a Tex-Mex restaurant in Dallas. One said, "I can't speak Spanish" and said that made him reluctant to go to a Tex-Mex place. This is what we call a pre-misunderstanding. He already doesn’t understand before he has the opportunity to not understand. I just didn’t have the heart to kindly explain that the waitstaff wants to make money and will help the puzzled gringo pick something from the menu and that there’s always someone in a Tex-Mex restaurant who can help you understand the choices and probably speaks better English than you do! I don’t know if this guy has ever dared to go to P.F. Chang’s. If quesodillas give him chills, Sichuan may terrify him.
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