ReadLarryPowell.com

Assorted notes, a WOOOHOOOO!!!, movies and music

EDITION OF THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- Holy pumpkin, it’s October! Already!  No Blue Bell Ice Cream. No candy. Thirty-one days of dieting. Got to get into shape for Thanksgiving. Now, mood swings aside, here’s our report:

TWO REMINDERS REGARDING ANIMALS

First, the Dallas Animal Shelter Commission is meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday at the J. Erik Jonsson Public Library across from Dallas City Hall at Young and Ervay in downtown Dallas. The agenda is on the city secretary’s page.
Then, we thought it appropriate to feature a DAS adoptable for this particular item and right there on the DAS Facebook site was this photo of a priest doing what I think might have been the “Blessing of the Earhound.” A little investigation reveals that Nini the Earhound was being blessed by Father Christopher Yoder of the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas. He blessed a bunch of animals -- must have been practicing for the Blessing of the Animals at from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the church, 3966 McKinney Ave. in Dallas. All animals are welcome. Dogs dressed as the Pope get extra treats -- I’m kidding, I’m kidding! But I think Pope Francis might have smiled. [LARRY ASIDE: The theology here at Readlarrypowell.com declares “All dogs go back to Heaven” and that cats, being independent, have a choice but generally perform heavenly warmth over Hades.]  

A DENTON REPORT
Amy Poskey who monitors things in the Denton Animal Shelter, sent us this happy note about an older dog we featured Wednesday morning, Molly, the 12-year-old Beagle/Border Collie mix who’d been dumped by her family and, basically, just left to die in a shelter unless someone saved her. Someone did. That’s her “Freedom Pic,” Amy calls it. She writes, “MOLLY HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!!!  WOOOHOOOO!!!  CHECK OUT HER PRECIOUS FREEDOM PIC!  Molly will be staying with a temp foster here in Denton, TX until we can arrange transport to Sharon Rode with Save Our Strays in Sugarland, TX.  THANK YOU SHARON AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED ME SAVE THIS SWEET SENIOR LOVE SPONGE!!!”
That work done, Amy turned to helping a much younger dog, this Earhound Ham. He’s a year-or-two-old Lab mix who was found as a stray in Corinth. Took a couple of days to catch him. Initially he was terrified at the shelter, but he began to warm up to people. He’s heartworm negative, weights 50 pounds and has evolved to the point of greeting visitors, taking treats and no longer flinching “as much” when he’s petted.  Amy’s trying to find a foster home for Ham -- email [email protected]. 

TWO BELOVED CATS NEED A HOME
Dinesha Schmidt of A Different Breed Animal Rescue forwarded this cat note to us on behalf of a woman who is desperately trying to find a place for “my babies” to go. Six-year-old playful Jax is the “creamsicle colored one,” their human Ashley Jones says. Vader, 7, is the dark adorable fellow. Jax plays fetch, is talkative and loves to cuddle. Vader loves to “basked in the sunshine, people-watch and snuggle.”
The cats, who have been together since they were kittens, need to go together and they will  come with a “gaggle of toys, litterboxes and kitty condos.”
Ashley says, “They just need a loving family that can provide them with more stability than I can offer.”
Why are they needing a home? Many of us can relate. Ashley says she divorced nearly 4 years ago and has been “struggling to provide for the three of us. Lat week I lost my job and will need to sell all my belongings and rent a room from someone since I can no longer pay my rent. It breaks my heart to part with my babies.” 

There you have it: how life’s twists and turns affect hearts.  To offer to help Ashley and/or her cats, email [email protected]. 

PERSONNEL NOTE
Many rescuers recall Mark Cooper as a helpful guy at Dallas Animal Services. Then he moved to Operation Kindness for a few years and revealed last week that he had taken a new position. And you may recall that a month or so ago, our pal Patricia Barrington left her Animal Control Division management position at The Colony to become the manager of Lake Dallas Animal Services. On his Facebook page Wednesday, Mark announced that he’s taking The Colony job Trish left.

So Readlarrypowell.com officially congratulates all of them -- people and the cities -- and reminds rescuers that both shelters have some seriously “rescue sensitive” management.
In the interest of promoting both shelters, we chose two grinners to pitch to you (you know how to Google the shelters and contact them). Alfie on the left is at The Colony and Bailey on the right is waiting at Lake Dallas. Got their photos of each shelter’s website. 

YEP, THE SPCA GETS THE CATTLE
You may remember the confiscation a couple of weeks ago when the SPCA and the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office teamed at Van Alstyne to rescue 71 cattle that were living in bad conditions -- little to eat, nearly nothing to drink. Just before the custody hearing on Wednesday, a deal was reached that gave custody of the critters to the SPCA and Precinct 4 JP Rita G. Noel signed off on it and an order that the human pay $2,700 to the SPCA to cover expenses. [LARRY ASIDE: That probably won’t cover it all -- go to spca.org to see how to help or how to adopt  the cattle once it’s OK’s to moo' ‘em out. Yeah, I own a couple of pair of boots. Been on a horse (in my slimmer days). Been to a street dance at the rodeo in New Boston. Hugged a calf, petted goats, fed apples to ponies. Yep, pard, ahm uh Texas-borned vegetarian. Don’t stare directly into the eyes of these cows, they’ll capture your soul.]

CONTEMPLATIONS: Pick one: Irene Dunne/Cary Grant My Favorite Wife  (1940) or James Garner/Doris Day Move Over Darling (1963)? Can’t decide?   The second male lead: Randolph Scott or Chuck Connors? One more castmember: Gail Patrick or Polly Bergen? Ah, classic Hollywood. Yep, decade after decade until this one, maybe? Sure we watch movies at readlarrypowell.com -- you can’t just play poker with the dogs every night. ...    The Texas Rangers -- are they selling antacids at The Ballpark? ... Here’s another space song in honor of the poorly funded 21st Century U.S. Space Program. Ground control, click HERE  and, speaking in terms of current affairs, this guy was way ahead of things, backed up by The Spiders From Mars. 
--- To comment, grab your MultipurposeMouse, work up a really good line, and click below. ---

A meeting, Phoenix the Dog, cats and fun fundraisers...

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- Let’s jump right into the midweek report.
ANIMAL SHELTER COMMISSION MEETS THURSDAY
You can go to the Dallas City Secretary’s site HERE (but first read all of our report) to see what’s on the agenda for the 2 p.m. Thursday meeting. NOT at Dallas City Hall, but ACROSS THE STREET from the Hall in the Hamon Training Room on the 5th Floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library at 1515 Young. [LARRY ASIDE: This is an appropriate venue since the Hamon Training Room is used to teach cats to type. I’m kidding -- couldn’t get the Selectric Grant. (Only a few of you will get that joke, ol’ timers.)] 
This is the final meeting as chairman for Mary Spencer. Others are also leaving the commission, we’re told -- term limits. On the agenda: several money items, the Animal Services manager’s report and other one-line items. Item 9 is “public comments.” Not that any members of the public might have anything to comment on around here, of course.
As of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the DAS listed 169 dogs, 36 cats and 4 “other” for adoption. The “other”? A hamster quartet. That cat with the championship whiskers? That’s A897931, i.e., Socks. He’s neutered, about 5 and living at the shelter since September 16. He is registered for the typing class since, now that he’s neutered, he has nothing else to do in his spare time. 

THE STORY OF PHOENIX

One of the great pleasures of life is reading the SPCA newsletter, Paw Street Journal. (You can sign up for it on the spca.com website.) The latest one, as you may have guessed by now, has the story of this dog, which we’ll repeat shortly. Also, this edition has a traditional holiday note that the SPCA is presenting the annual Home for the Holidays event at NorthPark Nov. 16-Dec. 23. And you can learn that Liberty Mutual in McKinney will donate up to $20 per insurance quote -- home or auto -- to the SPCA. (Call 972-529-9896, ext. 09014 or email [email protected].)
Phoenix is our contemplation today -- but read these other stories first and see if you can help.

THREE TO GO
These three are “very special seniors,” according to a note from the energetic Amy Poskey, promoter of Denton Animal Shelter critters.

Amy writes, “Once again the shelter is busting at the seams so I’m sending out this special plea for these VERY SPECIAL SENIORS!  It’s just so sad whenever a senior pooch ends up in the shelter, but it’s even more sad when they are owner surrenders and all three of these babies were dumped by their family.”
Amy suggest people “consider saving the life of a precious senior pooch!  Isn’t that what rescue is all about… not just taking the easy, highly adoptable pooches?” (She says she’ll pull and transport in the DFW area to help rescue groups. Email [email protected]. Call the shelter at 940-349-7594 or email [email protected].
Molly, more than 10 years old, was an owner-surrender. One of the photographers wrote for Facebook, “Lots of great dogs looking for forever homes. One hit me particularly hard today. Her name is Molly and she was an owner surrender at 10+ years old. We sat in the grass for a while just talking and snuggling.  If you know anyone looking for a sweet girl, please look at Molly!”
Then there’s Ally, the 10- to 15-year-old Husky/Aussie Shepherd mix. “She’s breaking my heart,” Amy wrote. “It’s bad enough when a senior pooch ends up in a shelter, but when the baby is an owner surrender I just get so upset cuz I know Ally is probably confused and sad.  Bless her heart, she needs to be with a family who will love her and treat her like a princess!”
Then there’s Suzy, the 8-to-10-year old Boxer/Pittie mix who loves to play. N”Not only is she beautiful, but she is a sweetie pie.”
MEANWHILE IN GARLAND
There are several animals on the “urgents’ list at Garland Animal Services, according to Hugo Espinoza, the Community Resource/Rescue coordinator. His not included photos of a kitten who hissed, Chihuahuas who snarled (that's one the left), Pittie-types who are fearful... you know the drill. I picked just one of the big dogs (right) to represent the desperate state of all these animals. This is Kilo (A206068), a 3-year-old Chow mix who, Hugo says, “will not be able to go into our adoption program. He is very fearful and not social. He was surrendered by previous owner who states that Kilo fights with other dogs. He is about 40 pounds or so. Please let us know if you can assist with rescue as we cannot guarantee any additional time without an approved rescue’s tag and confirmation of pick up.” The ONLY way to tag at Garland is to email [email protected].
SOME WEEKEND EVENTS
We’ve got posters for two but, no doubt, there are others we’ve missed this weekend. We’ll mention the Cody’s Friends Rescue group’s Bark-n-Bling event. Get your tickets HERE. Read about the rescue group HERE.
There’s also the Pups & Pints fundraiser for Paws In The City from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Deep Ellum Brewing Co. Twenty-bucks a person and the money goes, of course, to the rescue group. RSVP to [email protected]. 
Click on all the artwork to make it grow like a well-fed puppy.

[LARRY ASIDE: If a portion of what I drank or jewelry I was buying went to animal causes over the years, I’d have had a lot more hangovers intentionally and my funspouse Martha would have so many diamonds she’d glow in the dark, not that she doesn't because of her entertaining personality already! Fortunately, I have outgrown spontaneous moments in bars and jewelry stores. Still enjoy chunking some money toward animal rescue now and then, though. Just got an "Amen" from the rescued cat, Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson.]

 

 

AN IRVING CAT

We spent several years featuring Irving’s unwanted dogs and cats thanks to the great Russell Posch, the man who used a camera to highlight rescueable dogs until Irving Animal Services changed its policies.
So, for old time sake, I went onto the Irving Animal services website and found a cat with a name we’d never before encountered in the decades we’ve been writing about animals. This 5-month old girl is named Grist.
Oh, and that other cat is named in honor of a former Dallas dentist.
She’s “Doc Holiday.”
Irving has pretty good names for cats right now: Charlie murphy, Bon Jovi, Smashing Pumpkins, Def Leppard, Metallica, Green Day, Jessica Alba, Kittie Chat, Ricky, Manny, Danny and Dots. (That’s Dots.)
See them all and how to adopt them by clicking HERE

CONTEMPLATION:
PHOENIX BEATS THE ODDS

This is the story from the SPCA’s newsletter, Paw Street Journal. Not sure who wrote this report, but Readlarrypowell.com appreciated the tale. Please read it and consider all that went into the saving of this dog and getting some justice. The story as written by the SPCA (and here are some of the photos of the pup including one as Phoenix, all dressed up in collar and cuffs, arrives for the SPCA Furball via escalator -- he was invited, his former human, of course, was not.):

“When our Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit found Phoenix, they didn’t think he would make it. The skeletal, five-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix was trapped under a porch with significant scar tissue, along with massive burns, running down his shoulders and back.

“It was apparent that Phoenix would need to be rescued immediately, so our investigators and Dallas County District Attorney’s Office's Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit seized him that same afternoon.

“For three months, our wonderful veterinarians and animal care center staff spent countless hours nursing him back to good health with hydrotherapy baths, a nutritious diet and lots of TLC. It wasn’t long before Phoenix hit the adoption floor, where he’d find the loves of his life, Richard and July.

“ ‘We love our Phoenix,’ July said. ‘He just loves being with us and will lay in bed with us for hours..’
“Today, Phoenix lives on a farm with several siblings who he loves to play with.

“ ‘He is happy just lying out in the grass watching the other dogs play,’ July said.

“Since Phoenix lived most of his life under a porch, he never learned behavioral skills like walking on a leash or what he can and can’t chew on, so July has been teaching him the basics. ‘We have learned to keep our socks up, as he loves to put everything in his mouth,’ July said.  ‘It’s like having a big puppy!’
“July and Richard set up a Facebook account for Phoenix to ensure that everyone who met him could keep up with his story. To see what Phoenix is up to, visit facebook.com/phoenixspca. 

“Just two weeks ago, Phoenix's previous owner pled guilty to Class A Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty and is serving a 2-year probation during which she cannot own any animal.”

[LARRY ASIDE: We don’t know who she is but we’re willing to do all we can to make sure she doesn’t have another animal. Not just for two years. Forever. No sense risking a pup’s well being.]

--- To comment, pick up your JusticeMouse and click below. ---

Boxers; a baitdog named Scout; saving some ferals and Mars and Matt Damon...

EDITION OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- For the penultimate edition of September, 2015, we’re going to discuss the annual flowerful fundraiser for the rescue group with its mission statement in its online address: www.savetheboxers.org. (More on that EarBoxer in a moment.)
And we’ll talk about a race in the mid-cities to beat the wrecking ball to a colony of feral cats.
And there’s a Pittie who survived being a bait dog and needs a home. A moon note and a Mars note, too. Here we go.

MUMS, ROSES, BOXERS AND PUMPKINS?
Not sure who wrote this, but I got the email from legendary Sharon Sleighter of Legacy Boxer Rescue and it opened with this line: “The MOST anticipated EVENT of Fall 2015, don’t miss it!” Now, that would be regarded as hyperbole if it were not true, of course. Never mind the Cowboys, Texas Rangers playoffs or the State Fair -- this sale is the one-of-a-kind real thing!
Legacy, one of our favorite rescue groups (those dogs have great faces!), puts on an annual sale (you see the artwork here) -- it’s more than a flower sale, of course. (Stop by the NRH20 Family Water Park in North Richland Hills from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.)
In addition to mums and roses, there are pumpkins (carving and decorative), patio trees “Knock Out Tree Roses,” opportunities for photography (Boxer Gang Photography $20, half going to Legacy)....You get the idea. It’s a bit of a festival. Prices for flowers and other things range from $5 to a cap at $20 -- except for the HUGE pumpkins that are priced at $50 each.
Also, there are Earhounds in this breed -- Earboxers, perhaps. For example, you see a “Silver” photo of Mulligan, but, then there’s Mulligan with the one-up, one-down Earhound pose.
And that other dog? That older baby is “Cleverley.” [LARRY ASIDE: Wish I’d have thought of that name for a dog!] Cleverley is described as “the happiest, wiggliest cuddle bug you will ever meet!” Again, just follow the mission statement: savetheboxers.com.

SCOUT NEEDS A BIT OF HELP

We got the tip on this dog from legendary rescuer and animal advocate Skip Trimble. We’ve known him for years -- when he makes a pitch for a dog, there’s a good reason.
This dog is Scout. You see here Scout with his tail wagging and, then, “the two faces of Scout!” [LARRY ASIDE: He’s got more than two, but these fit into my screen grab program!]
This dog became involved with a family back in early August when a young man rescued the dog from Dallas Animal Services to “keep him from being euthanized,” Skip’s note says.
Scout is about 4 years old. He was a bait dog. [LARRY ASIDE: The rotten SOBs -- hang on, pardon my incredibly accurate French -- I’ll start again. “The dogfighters” -- on second thought, I’d rather be called a “rotten SOB” than a “dogfighter.” Please allow me to apologize to all rotten SOBs. We’ll use “dogfighter,” one of the most despicable words in the history of humankind.]
So, these dogfighters “had broken out Scout’s upper and lower canines so that he could not harm other dogs that were attacking him. When he was found, he had deep puncture wounds on the back of his neck; multiple scars across his legs and many puncture wounds in the soft area of the inter-thighs.  He clearly had been brutalized by humans and other dogs with no way to defend himself.  When admitted to the shelter he was in acute trauma.
“The amazing thing about Scout is that he is one of the sweetest dogs ever, even after suffering through this cruel torture.”

Scout has had excellent veterinary care and is now in good health. You can get a copy of his vet records.
And word is, “Scout is easy going, loving and friendly.  He’s not suspicious of people or animals, he’s a good sleeper inside the house and gets along with the family pets.”

To arrange an audition to adopt Scout, email [email protected].

OUR USUAL MESQUITE ‘CODE RED’ ALERT
I can’t remember the last time I got a note about the Mesquite Animal Shelter that didn’t have the warning “CODE RED” attached to it.
As you can see below, there is a load of dogs who may wind up on the 7 a.m. needle list for Tuesday at the shelter. To try to save any or all of them, rescuers should tag them by emailing [email protected].
The shelter is at 1650 Gross Road in Mesquite (call 972-216-6283). It’s open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. That includes Tuesday with the 7 a.m. wakeup call. Many of these animals have already been betrayed by humans, so, here’s the chance for humans to reverse things. June, for example, “surrendered because she was ‘not friendly.’” Her behavior has been contrary to her reputation.

FELINE DRAMA IN THE MID-CITIES
We got the tip on this from Connie Zeigler Stout who is vice president of Mid-Cities Community Cats.  Feral cat supporters are working against a deadline to save cats who have been living on the property of an about-to-be-demolished apartment complex, Shadow Creek, in Euless, Connie says.
After some negotiations to gain access to the fenced off property, Mid-Cities CC is getting access Tuesday to begin trapping. To get further info or to offer support email [email protected] or [email protected].  This is pretty urgent because the ol’ wrecking ball is being warmed up even as you read this. You may recall a story we published last week -- Sandy Patterson is trying to find a home for the cats Bonnie Blue and Mitzi. Yep, Sandy says, this is the complex where these two lovebugs were abandoned. (Still available. Email [email protected]  or call 214-717-3356.)  

[LARRY ASIDE: Cats are available all over North Texas. We might have a shortage of water and Blue Bell Ice Cream, but we never run out of spare cats.]

CONTEMPLATIONS: One of the funniest Lunar Eclipse notes showed up on DFW’s FurGotten Friends President Stephen Foster’s Facebook page. On Sunday night he wrote, “We were trying to look at the moon through our camera. I handed it to my wife to look and then promptly fell in the pool.” [LARRY ASIDE: I believe the proper term for this is “splashdown,” right NASA?] ...  What are the odds that while all the publicity for Matt Damon’s latest film The Martian is debuting, NASA comes out with a story that there appears to be water on Mars? Is The Martian surfing on NASA’s water or is NASA riding The Martian’s wave? Has there been a marketing conspiracy -- someone at NASA keeping up with movies and delay an announcement until Mars had our attention? ... FYI, when I weighed Monday morning, I was up about six pounds over the past week -- I don’t think that was a “real” result. I think the Supermoon had toyed with the tide of the fluids inside my massive body and added to the gravity of the situation. Heck, back to NASA: What’s it really like on Mars? Click HERE for an out of this world song that compliments these contemplations. Mars, you know, ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids.

--- To comment, if you are on the International Space Station or if you happen to be on a secret mission to Mars or any other heavenly body, pull your floating SpaceMouse out of the rare air and click below. ---

The house came with a dog; other tales of critters and hobgoblins

EDITION OF MONDAY, SEPT. 28, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- We’re beginning the week with the best house-buying story. In fact, if more home purchases came with a free hero dog, the real estate industry might enjoy record sales!

Maria Ryan's Facebook note caught the attention of Readlarrypowell.com with a grat opening line from a rural home northeast of Dallas. "How many people could buy a house where the previous owner takes the fridge, but leaves a massive intact dog?"

You see the photos.
How about that. So I messaged some questions to Maria.
Maria explains, “The second time we visited our new home before purchasing it, we were greeted by a large dog (shepherd/mastiff mix) roaming the yard and running up to our truck. We would come to know him as Coco/Marmaduke. He attached himself to my 8-year-old daughter who spent the lengthy visit petting and walking with him. He peed on her foot before we left, and I told her it sounded like he was claiming her. I also explained that he did NOT come with the house. Because while people might occasionally leave behind pans in the kitchen or Christmas ornaments in the attic, they take their pets with them.

“The day we moved in, the previous owner regaled us with stories of Coco staying by the side of his late wife while she puttered in the garden, finding her and leading her home when the dementia took over and saving her from copperheads when her wanderings took her to unsafe places. 
“And then he told us that although he was taking his baby Chihuahua, he had nowhere for Coco to go, so he was leaving him behind. Based upon the grey on his muzzle and accounts from other neighbors, Coco/Marmaduke is around 5 years old. We have obviously heard stories of dogs left behind, but this was the first time we have experienced it personally.

“We have four dogs, and four fosters; Coco/Marmaduke makes number nine. He has obviously been prohibited from entering a house, as he refuses to step across the threshold despite the temptation of a cool spot to rest and BBQ dinner.
“He has some scars from scrapes with who knows what kind of animals. He is thrilled to get fresh food and water, as if it was a steak dinner. From his reaction, you would think the moving blanket we put out for him the first night is the finest feather bed. He bolts from the slip lead, so it will be slow going to woo him to a vet for heartworm check, shots and neutering. But just like our other pups, he’ll have all the time he needs to adjust. He has acted as sentry and companion his whole life and deserves the chance to enjoy his old age as a beloved family member, left behind no more.”

[LARRY ASIDE: Nice way to start a Monday. Hero dog comes with the house. And the house has some hearts in it.]

A REPORT FROM SOUTHEAST DALLAS
This one is from a Facebook friend. Surprising report? Not really. Someone should remind everyone that abandoning an animal is against the law in Texas. Still. (Click on it to make it larger.)

CAT NOTE

I don’t know if this cat played for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday -- but if they’d had him, maybe they wouldn’t have cratered. He looks like he could open a hole for a running back. Name is Bubba and he’s been at Dallas Animal Services since the 16th of September. You can see how to adopt him by going to the DAS website dallasanimalservices.org. 

Oh, yes, Bubba is an official Earhound. We’ve only seen his photo, but that left ear makes him an extra special guy. He’s 5 years old and weighs 212 pounds. Wait, sorry. I was guessing. We don’t know how much he weighs. But he looks like he’s substantial.

SIT,  DAISY, SIT!
Yes, as you can see from this photo, here’s a dog who already understands “Sit.”
This is Daisy and we got the tip on her from Sidney Busch at Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. She forwarded the key note in which the story of this pup is told.  

 The reads that Daisy is “a super sweet Border Collie mix 1.5 years old with a face you cannot resist.”

She was in the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake Shelter at Tool when the note-writer spotted her.
“It was something in her eyes that drew me to her.  I noticed her face was swollen and cut and asked what happened.   Another dog ripped her face and  I was told she would not make it and would have to be put down.
“The shelter technician Staci from Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake was her caregiver that went above and beyond with love to give her medicine and patched up her face.    Four days later I returned to the shelter to see that same happy face but this time it was healing and not swollen.  Wow what a Trooper! 

“She deserves a Forever Home. ... I am currently fostering her and she has come along way from crouching down when you approach to wanting to be loved. 

“She is loves to fetch a ball or stick and has plenty of energy to run, play and swim.  She gets along well with other dogs, cats and kids.  She is up to date on shots and I have her scheduled to have her spayed with Friends of the Animals [this week].   I want her to go to a great home so only reply to me if you can provide a loving home for her.  As you can image, I am very protective of her since she is such a Survivor.”
To audition to adopt this sweet pup, email [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS: As we contemplate that the great movie director John Sayles (Lone Star and other films) was born on this date in 1950, let just admit that Monday always seems more organized before you actually get to it. Must have been the aftereffects of the Sunday evening eclipse that make everything seem not quite ready for the week and freeway drivers unable to pick a lane and stay in it. ... There’s a bargain to think about. $25 for dogs that meet the weight requirement at Dallas Animal Services. You know how to find DAS, right? Go to I-30 at Westmoreland or Google the city’s animal shelter. Nobody’s going to think it’s a good idea to advertise Dallas as “The City of Cheap Dogs.” But, after that football game Sunday, maybe we could pitch “Dallas -- Not the Actual Home of the Cowboys.” ... Drove 3 hours to Texarkana and 3 hours back on Saturday and didn’t see a single sign that autumn had arrived. No leaves turning, no chill that wasn’t caused by air-conditioning -- did see some hobgoblins, but as I recall from my childhood, they are year-round residents.

--- To comment, forget that you burned your Cowboys jersey in the 4th quarter and grab your non-partisan mouse and click below, noting of course, that you and the mouse can click but nobody on the Cowboys could after halftime. ---

DAS appeals for help with Yorkie...

HERE'S A note from Dallas Animal Services that arrived about 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
It's a tough case, but it might also have a simple solution. Takes a vet's exam. The appeal:
"Yorkie in need of emergency rescue at Dallas Animal Services Email [email protected] if you can help A909724

"This little Yorkie came to DAS today after he was found having seizures.  He is a stray but needs transferred asap!  He is about 5 years old.  We are not sure what the cause is and he will need further testing to determine the best course of treatment.  He is stable at this moment but if our veterinary staff feels that he is suffering, we will not hold him any further.  We apologize for the picture but wanted to get his info out to you asap.  If you have any questions, please ask!

 Danielle Fry
Animal Transfer Coordinator
Dallas Animal Services
1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.
Dallas TX, 75212 

Office phone number:214-670-8298"

One sleeping, one napping; another dumped; some stagework!

Last weekend's edition of Readlarrypowell.com spotlighted a photo of a little Pittie girl snoozing on a big Mastiff.
This weekend’s edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and Napping Cats Nap features one of each, thanks to Sharon Valenti who snapped this photo of warmth.
She explains, “Boo is an estimated 13-14-year-old rescued from a horse pasture by my son, Joshua, back in 2004. Spike is a rescue about 4 months old who was still recuperating from being neutered." [FYI: Sharon says Spike "as well as the other 6 kittens I've been raising will -- when old enough -- be available for adoption through Dalals Cat Lady every Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. at PetCo, Prestonwood. See other adoptables HERE]
As everyone in animal rescue knows, a good pasture dog is a great comfort to kittens and, of course, kittens are a great comfort to pasture dogs. 
In fact, each is a comfort to humans. Lord knows humans need comforting. We have so many things to be unsettled about: politics, pro sports and, of course, medicines you see on TV that lawyers have decided are worth a warning that they will help you but they may make you miserable before they save you. Please, just let me curl up with a good cat and dog!
[WHAT ABOUT YOUR SLEEPING ANIMALS? SEND US PHOTOS! We’re happy to post the photos of your slumbering critters. For example, you see that photo we used last week of Sissy the Pittie having a comfy snooze on Ruger the Mastiff. We’re happy to post photos of sleeping mallards, deer, bobcats, bats, Chihuahuas, Tabbycats, Tortiecats, Hobiecats, Sapsuckers and presidential candidates. Just send us those slumberphotos and a complete explanation and bio of the critters -- [email protected] is the address. Remember we post these inspirational photographs to give insomniacs a reason to get up in the morning. If they ever went to bed at all.]

A DUMPED DOG
Cindy Moreno has turned to a number of people to get some help for a dog that was dumped in her neighborhood and appears to be pregnant.
Cindy’s been feeding her (that may account for the pup pleasantly posing beneath the M monogram on the porch!
The dog has been in the area for a few weeks. At some point, no doubt, there’ll be more than one dog to deal with. This unwanted dog will domino, as we used to say when I was an ambulance attendant.
So, the dog needs a place to go and to offer to help her find that place, email Cindy at [email protected].
[LARRY ASIDE: It could be that someone recognizes this dog as their beloved lost family member and will immediately claim her! And it is, thus, also possible that I will spend Christmas aboard the International Space Station dressed as an elf.]

CONTEMPLATIONS OF THE THEATUH:

THEATRICALLY SPEAKING you’ve got time to watch this just under-5 minutes play written by my former editor during my column days at The Big Paper Downtown, the honorable John C. Davenport, a pretty successful playwright. Neither of us has been at The Big Paper Downtown for more than a decade but, of course, we still have nightmares. John turns his into great stage work.  I'm kidding -- I don't know if HE has nightmares.
This play is about an idea. It’s called Write Me and the video is of the production at The Change Scene Theatre Northwest’s Summerplay One-Act Festival last month in Tacoma. 

Oh, yeah, John is an actual Texan who lives in the Pacific Northwest now -- I think he’s a lumberjack. I’m kidding. He’s a writer.
In the video, Sammy Cattin is the blonde and Alex Harris isn’t. One of them gets to deliver this great line: “You’re not inspiration. You’re a root canal.” [LARRY ASIDE: You don't pick up truth like that without spending some time in a newsroom.] Click HERE  to watch the short play.

Enjoy some theater. It is the place where ideas come to life. (I was inspired to write that by John C. Davenport.)

--- To comment, hit your marks, say your lines, grab your EmoteMouse and click dramatically below. ---

On Friday, The Fair Opens, animals wait and a balanced meal...

EDITION OF FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- Wow, are we rushing toward a busy weekend or what! No time to tarry. We’ll just start typing. Show of hands: Who likes cookies? Mmmm. OK, craving defeated, let’s move on. That photo?
That is our late, great Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas and, for the life of this publication, the staff impersonator. This is an old favorite. Inky gave us his impression of a kid with a fistful of coupons rushing into the State Fair of Texas and spotting a big steaming platter of Mom’s Deep-Fried Meatloaf-on-a-Stick and a Cotton Bowl-shaped dippin’ cup of Big Tex Chuckwagon Gravy.
That girl? Oh, that’s just Stella, found wandering on busy Highway 157 on the Hurst-Euless line. She’s a ward of the Trinity GAP Club whose pet fair is Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Euless Trinity High School. STELLLA! STELLLA! STELLLLLLAAAAAA! HERE.

 IS THAT A FACE OR WHAT?
This is VTI A909119 -- she needs a better name. Probably has one but nobody knows it because she was found by a Dallas Animal Services officer after being struck by a car. She lost that collision - and, according to DAS Animal Transfer Coordinator Danielle Fry, she’s in need of a medical transfer. She’s about 8, weighs a whopping six pounds is heartworm negative and suffering from a fractured pelvis and may have other issues because of the trauma. She needs to be out of the shelter an into safety ASAP. Danielle wrote, “She is very sweet and has won the hearts of our veterinary team that has been caring for her.” To offer to help, email [email protected].

THREE LABS, READY TO GO
Heather Melendrez sent this note on behalf of the trio of Labrador Retrievers who have been living with her aunt. They’re needing new homes because their human is going into assisted living and the dogs are losing their home.
Snoopy is neutered, 5 years old, and Heather says, he is a “loving dog. One owner -- never been abused or violent.”
Baxter is neutered, 2 1/2 years old, loving and the same story, “One owner-- never abused or violent.”
Then there is Patience. Same story for her -- she’s 2 1/2 years old.
The contact point is Heather at [email protected] or 214-498-3570.

[LARRY ASIDE: Three Labs! Don’t you know that’s a houseful of adoration. Labs are such adorable companions. They’re all a nice age, too. It is times like these when readlarrypowell.com wishes that Lotto Texas ticket would come through and allow us to open a rescue ranch and casino so we’d never run out of money or critters.]

A DIFFERENT BREED’S NEEDS
Naturally, the resilient rescue group needs volunteers. These dogs and cats don’t pet themselves. Also, according to a note we got from Dinesha Schmidt, “We currently need NEWSPAPERS (we're going to run out in a matter of days!) along with the following items: Dry Dog Food - Preferably Purina One and Beneful (it's better on the dog's tummies if we keep their food consistent!). Old dog toys or large teddy bears - can be used, but not easily destructed!  These will be for our large breed dogs.” And they’re still working on repairing the sanctuary in Desert -- victim of the spring storms. There’s a donation site at gofundme.com/xe2td5k.
Anybody see any of those shows with that country music star -- what’s his name....oh, yeah Garth Brooks. Here’s his namesake on the ADB adoption list beginning October 1. Yep, named him Garth. He’s from “a litter of 10 puppies born at a high kill shelter. Mom was found as a pregnant stray. He will be available to go into a new permanent home on 10/1/15. Garth so far has shown himself to be ‘The Star’ of the litter. He is quite personable, and always the first one to come out and show off.” ( ADB has an off-site adoption from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday at Petland-Plano, 11301 Custer Road.)

LANCASTER’S CROWDED SHELTER
Tomi Ortiz, our reliable tipster and the animal advocate who monitors the Lancaster Animal Shelter and the Furbabies of Lancaster Facebook page, sent us a note about this crowded situation. And we grabbed these photos of an available Earhound and a handy kitten. Both are waiting in a tight spot.
The text on the Furbabies site reads, “The shelter is OVER CAPACITY, EVERYONE IS AT RISK!! Please, if you have been thinking about adopting or fostering, step up now. There is no more room at the shelter and we must have kennels open, both dog and cat. We do HAVE a few RESCUES but we must have FOSTERS. Remember the rescues pay for vetting. These are only a few of the animals looking for their furever homes.”  Here’s the LINK  to the Furbabies page. The shelter is located at 690 E. Main St., in Lancaster. Call 972-218-1210.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Ah, finally, it’s opening day for the State Fair of Texas. It’s the greatest non-national tragedy attraction in Dallas, Texas. Maybe in the state. Years ago my sons, Bret and Bart, won the “Most Alike Twins” for their age group, 5 or 6, I can’t remember. Couple of years in a row. Always good when you kids are "Best of Show." They'll really appreciate that phrasing. Dog fans, you know. ... An NFL statistics site HERE shows that in 2014, the Dallas Cowboys attendance totaled 720,558. In 2014, the State Fair of Texas’ attendance went beyond 3 million. Comparing deep-fried apples with oranges on a stick, I guess. Too bad the City of Dallas didn’t figure out a way to keep the Cowboys in Big D. All that tax money on refreshments might have made fixing potholes a lot easier. ... That artwork? I designed it and photographed it while fighting a craving. It’s a Cadbury chocolate, cream-filled egg, sitting on top of a can of Coke Zero (no caffeine, no calories, no sugar). I call this work of art “Balanced Diet.” Order your giant craving-fighting kitchen-appropriate copy from readlarrypowell.com. Or, just walk 2 miles and get rid of that craving.

--- To comment, step away from the computer and put the candy bar down next to the mousepad, grab your Calorie-Free Mouse and click below. ---

Two special dogs, assorted cats and topics and "racing lemurs"

EDITION OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- I saw a note online that says September 24 is National Punctuation Day. Comma blunders are rampant in this nation. Don’t get me started with the outbreak of exclamation points!!!!! 
One thing I’ve noticed in editing other people’s work lately is that the younger they are the more they tend to drop commas as if they aren’t important. My punctuation isn’t perfect, but the comma is a clarifying tool in the great ocean of miscommunication. I blame TV. And radio. And the internet. That dog? From the SPCA of Texas. His name is Exclamation Ears. I’m kidding. He’s Hank the Cowdog. Available. Like the comma. 

TWO BLIND DOGS
This hasn’t happened in the long history of Readlarrypowell.com: Two notes about blind dogs arriving within the same publishing cycle. Their stories will touch hearts and that is what needs to happen.
Both tips came from Barkleyworld.com animal advocate Karen Lee. One dog is little. One dog is big. Neither can see and both need homes.
Earl is the senior Poodle. Karen forwarded a note from Sherry Green, a friend and animal rescuer who got him from a shelter after he’d been returned.
Sherry’s note explains that Earl was “adopted from a shelter about three years ago. The people that adopted him kept him for three years, then returned him...The vet says that his heart and lungs are good. He weighs about eight pounds and has a really good appetite. He is not much trouble at all...loves to be held..   .  Sadly, I believe that he requires  more  special attention than I can provide for him.  Hopefully, we can find someone that just wants  to sit and hold little Earl all the time!  He is so deserving of a forever home and someone who will love him till the end."
To ask about Earl, email [email protected].

Tobin is the English Pointer. Karen forwarded the note from Lisa Landers, the contact point at [email protected].
The explanation is that 5 1/2-year-old Tobin “recently and suddenly lost his sight.” It developed after he was diagnosed with a thyroid problem -- might or might not have caused the problem. The note reads, “Tobin doesn’t understand how he just woke up one day and was blind. It has been a struggle for him to adjust and to get around.  He seems very confused and is constantly running into walls and sliding down the stairs until I am seriously afraid to leave him alone.  He can’t see the cats and often steps on them and they let him know it, but he never retaliates or shows any aggression towards them.  He is so sweet natured. 

“We are gone so much and he is just too big to kennel, plus that would be sad since he’s never been kenneled in his adult life for long periods of time and he just doesn’t understand.  We have rescued dozens of animals over the years and this totally breaks my heart because he is only 5 ½.   My family and I have discussed what to do--the kids, especially my middle son has been quite upset seeing Tobin slip down stairs and run into walls. 

“I feel really badly about this.  I have always looked down on people who gave up on their pets.  We have had all kinds of animals and have worked thru situations but I just feel that Tobin needs so much more than I can give him.  I feel so helpless.  Believe me, I have gone over it thousands of times. We aren't the family who gives up on pets….we are the ones who borrow money from our 401k to pay the vet!”
As you can see, this is not an easy situation. “He used to chase squirrels and I used to complain about how hard it was to walk him because of squirrels.  Oh how I wish he could be that dog again.  I know he does too…. Tobin is a beautiful dog- not a mean bone in his body.  He was crazy fun and hyper before losing his vision and now just walks around in a daze and sleeps mostly.  He seems terribly depressed and it’s tearing us up.”
The challenge is to find the right home for Tobin. Again, email [email protected].
THE CARROLLTON LIST

Here are some critters on the clock in Carrollton. Call CARE (Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise) at 972-466-3420 or email [email protected].

Two-year-old Perelli was brought to the Carrollton Animal Shelter because she didn’t get along with the kids in the house. Now she’s on the urgents list at Carrollton along with these two great faces. Princess was dumped at the shelter because her humans were moving and couldn’t take her. And, of course, Paco is clearly an Earhound. An available Earhound. See the Carrollton urgents HERE.

WHO GOT THE BOTTLE BABY?

Remember this cat? Needed bottle-feeding. Dallas Animal Services’s Transfer Coordinator Danielle Fry issued an appeal late Monday and the great folks at Second Chance SPCA stepped up and the cat is now being cared for and fed -- we don’t know the name yet, but we’ll find out. [LARRY ASIDE TO SECOND CHANCE: Name that cat yet? He was formerly known as both “Mr. Sister” and “Mr. Snow.” Too cuddly to be "Mr. Frost," too cool to be "Mr. Sizzler."]

QUICK REMINDER
The GAP Club’s Fair is this weekend. Fun, animals, services, chips, etc. And it’s autumn! Probably won’t need a sweater! But you may find a dog or cat you need! 

 

CATSITTER NEEDED OUT AT THE LAKE
Sydney Busch, our reliable contact with the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, sent a note about a special need of the organization that operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.

Her appeal for this volunteer with a particularly special talent reads, “Are you available on Tuesdays from noon-3? We need a catsitter!!  About noon each Tuesday, cat surgeries are all done and the cats are waking up in individual kennels...The morning volunteers usually need to be out of there (they've been there 6 hours already!) so we need someone to be in the cat room watching the
cats wake to make sure they are doing OK.
Sydney emphasizes that this is a “COMMITMENT” -- in the words of Readlarrypowell.com, “Yes, a commitment -- not a LARK.”  Variable Tuesday schedules -- 1st and 3rd, every other, etc., can be arranged -- it all depends on the number of volunteers. Email [email protected] or call 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701. 
[LARRY ASIDE: That cat? One of the patients -- back in July a volunteer caught a closeup of this kitty waking after surgery. Some humans understand that look -- probably have seen it in a mirror when Saturday night on the town is becoming Sunday morning at the medicine cabinet!]

CONTEMPLATIONS: Back to the opening rant about punctuation. Readlarrypowell.com is officially opposed to the Oxford comma. The same people who won’t use commas correctly when writing about a date or a town and state, i.e., “September 24, 2015 for example” and “raised in Dallas, Texas where animal issues are political issues”, have no problem using the needless Oxford Comma in any list, i.e., “cats, dogs, fish, and goats.” The reality is in such a construction, the comma is an “and.” That list thus reads “cats, dogs, fish and and goats.” Sorry comma where’s the Excedrin question mark. ... We got a fun note from longtime animal fan Maria Valtadoros about a story featuring a man who “takes his rescues for a ‘train’ ride every day.” Maria said, “I thought you’d get a kick out of this” And she was absolutely right. Click HERE. ... After a particularly long and busy day Wednesday, my funspouse Martha and I were in our usual spots -- she in her chair, me at my computer.  I was reading a story on line and said to Martha (who was reading something else on her iPad), “This story says Kirstie Alley raises lemurs!” “She races lemurs?” Martha responded with the indignant tone of an animal advocate! “No, no!” I said, “Raises! Raises! Their saddles are too small for racing.” Marriage -- it’s all about communication.
--- To comment, grab your Racing Mouse and click below ---

Array of opportunities; Sly & The Family Stone

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- The first day of Autumn and here we are. Let’s dive right into the midweek column before we have to go out and rake the leaves. (We may have some time -- this isn't New England.)
IRONY OR COINCIDENCE: PUDDLER AT THE LAKE?
We got this note from Patricia Barrington, the manager of the Lake Dallas Animal Shelter, and the subject line read “Little Puddle Maker in Lake Dallas.”
That is, of course, this cute little dog.
Trish sent an explanatory note to Readlarrypowell.com, “So, shockingly as it may be, nervous peeing isn't exclusive to Cocker Spaniels and Chihuahuas.  Little mixed up mutts are pros at it, too!  Little Sabrina is a Dachshund Terrier mix.  She's estimated to be around 6 years old. She is active, vocal and loves love. This cutie is ready for adoption at LDAS ... and someone needs to come scoop her up!  Reckon you might give her a nod?”

Reckon, indeed. To offer to adopt or help Sabrina find a home, email [email protected]. Call 940-497-7090. Or just stop by at 687 N. Lakeview Drive.
[LARRY ASIDE: Lakeview! Relax.The street was already named when Puddles, I mean Sabrina, arrived.]

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE & GARLAND
Our tipster who monitors things at the Mesquite Animal Shelter sent a note with a bunch of photos, but also a fetching picture of Poncho, an Earhound Chihuahua who needs a break.
Animals are also available in Garland. You know how to Google both animal shelters and see the list. Below is a bunch of Mesquite dogs.
So, if you’re looking for animals to adopt or rescue on the east side of Dallas, keep Garland and Mesquite in mind. The both have 7 a.m. “urgent” lists.

 

ROUNDUP IN GRAYSON COUNTY

More than dogs and cats can face animal cruelty in Texas. The SPCA of Texas, with the help of the Grayson County /sherif’s Office in East Texas, rounded up 71 head of cattle from a property near Van Alstyne on Tuesday.

The SPCA news release read, “The cattle were found on almost 100 acres of nearly bare pasture land. Many of the cattle are severely underweight. The owner admitted to authorities that he had given the cattle six round bales of hay in the last approximately 1 week period. An appropriate amount of food for 71 head of cattle would be 20-30 round bales of hay per week. The remnants of the six bales of hay on the property were moldy, and the cattle had been attempting to eat around the mold without success.

“The owner also admitted that he knew that the stock pond on the property did not have sufficient water for the cattle and that he needed to bring more water, yet he did not do so. The one stock pond found on the property did not contain enough water to properly sustain 71 head of cattle, and was stagnant. The water troughs found on the property were bone dry.”

Authorities had been working for a month to convince the owner to bring the care of the cattle into compliance with proper standards. No dice. So there was the seizure.

To download photos and video (you’ll see cowboys at work), go to this  SITE. 

The custody hearing is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Grayson County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Rita G. Noel’s Court in the courthouse at 117 S. Main in Van Alstyne. 

[LARRY ASIDE: Remember yesterday when we were reporting on the astounding amount donated to the SPCA on North Texas Giving Day? Yep, this is where some of it goes -- caring not for dogs and cats who need adoption, but tending to a herd of cattle rescued from a gloomy situation. See how to donate or help at www.spca.org.]

THEY’RE NOT ALL DUMPED IN SOUTHEAST DALLAS
Yep, not all are dumped in Southeast Dallas but, seriously, there are more than enough. Steps are being taken, we’re led to believe.

In the meantime, Heather Harrison who monitors things in the Alvarado area south of Fort Worth, sent a note about these two dogs:
“Two Hound mix pups were dumped in the country.  A woman watched a truck pull up, get out, open other door then get back in & leave.  Shortly after 2 pups came into her yard :(     They are guessed to be about 10 months old.  Sweet.  Don't like leashes.   

“She is feeding them but will NOT let them in the house... they are FREE ROAMING near a highway.    Time is of the essence! Does anyone have space for these babies? 1 male, 1 female.” 

Email Heather at [email protected].
[LARRY ASIDE: Woman probably didn’t have enough gas to drive to either Southeast Dallas or Cedar Creek Lake over by Gun Barrel City!]

RAT FLYER

Stephanie Muzney of C.L.A.W. rescue sent us this note with an attachment titled “RAT FLYER.” You can imagine the thoughts that went through the twisted canals in my brain when I read “Rat Flyer.” Turns out there’s nothing at all rodent about these Rat Terriers. They just need a home.

CONTEMPLATIONS: This was the email subject line Tuesday evening: “NASA Scientist Discovers Anti-Wrinkle Secret at Bottom of Glacier.” The readlarrypowell.com theory of how this works: First, lay down on your back in the path of a glacier. Then, remaining absolutely still, allow it to glide over your face for 500 years. ... It’s the time of year when I miss getting to write school reports. Though, looking at my handwriting, I feel as if I owe every teacher in my 12 years of public school an apology. Penmanship -- the elusive art. Typing is much betttttter. Sorry, nodded off between consonants -- something I hope none of you will do while reading what I write. ... This is the first day of the wonderful season of Autumn. Let’s start it with a farewell to summer from a Denton, Texas, native, Mister Sly Stone. 

--- To comment, grab your colorful Autumn Leaves Mouse and click below. ---

Chairty (charity-- my mind was on purple hair), bottle-feeding, assorted animal notes and parades...

EDITION OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- We’re going to talk fundraising styles and critters in this edition. There’ll be pictures and prose and other musings. 
MONEY-RAISING STYLES
This combination of stories cracks me up and the good thing is it’s a happy presentation! We’re going to examine two very different styles of fundraising on North Texas Giving Day last Thursday. These styles may generate ideas for next year beyond the barrage of emails that arrived in the inboxes of everybody who switched on a computer that day.

Early in the day this appeal arrived -- it came from Holly Forsythe a veteran rescuer who was locked in a dog kennel at Operation Kindness and couldn’t be released until she met the “adoption fee” of $5,000. She said she’d agreed to do this even though “I am claustrophobic and highly allergic to concrete and steel bars!”
How’d she do? Raised around $6,400. What else can you say except Holly rocks the donors!
The entertaining caption under her Giving Day “Adopt Me Challenge” photo read, “House trained.  Plays well with others. Very loyal! Prefers playing outdoors, long walks, running, frisbee, hiking and swimming. Needs the occasional belly rubs. Would prefer to have a male companion. Gets along with cats, but not good with young children! ; )” 

[LARRY FYI: I cleared this with my funspouse Martha before publishing it, but we have to be honest about Holly being a very appealing jailhouse model. Unlike Holly, there are other people in North Texas whose looks and behavior have inspired us to find a way to pay money to keep ‘em locked up. Holly and I were emailing about this and she suggested this might be a good way for other rescues and non-profits to raise money next North Texas Giving Day.
That was her really nice reaction to my cynical suggestion that we raise money by creating a list of people who ought to be locked up and then doing it. Stop -- I know some of you immediately started to form your list and you know it’s probably not legal. The Texas Legislature isn’t in session for another year, so we can’t appeal to those officials for help, and, besides, some of them would have to exempt themselves.]
The next style involved a daring stylistic presentation. ANDREA ALLEN, the veteran rescuer, has seen many things during her time as an animal advocate, but this photo she posted might be a first. Yes, that is the world’s greatest SPCA President James Bias on North Texas Giving Day. The story is, he promised to dye his hair purple if the SPCA passed the $50,000 mark on Giving Day. Yep, there he was at the SPCA booth on giving day, living up to his promise. Not sure how long that TCU purple is going to last -- after all the SPCA’s final total was around $230,000. That’s a lot of purple dye. The goal was $185,000, the SPCA’s Facebook page says. And, last week the SPCA had 98 adoptions BEFORE giving day. Still got animals to adopt. See them at spca.org. For example, that cat, Mr. Smee, has a coat that would go nicely with the shade Permanent Purple. And, in case, you just want to help an ol' dawg, that is Queen E, a 10-year-old Lab mix who came to the SPCA in one of those raids on a place with unhealthy conditions.
Animals such as these are the types of individuals upon whom Operation Kindness and the SPCA of Texas spend that North Texas Giving Day money. FYI: You can continue to donate to rescue groups and shelters year round. In case you hadn't figured that out.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO NAME A BOTTLE BABY

Danielle Fry, the animal transfer coordinator at Dallas Animal Services sent a late evening appeal on behalf of this cat -- the kitten needs a transfer to a rescue group or someone who can bottle-feed the rascal. And, there is a name challenge.
The note reads, “He was found by a concerned citizen who kept him full and hungry for a few days.  When she had to go back to work and could no longer keep up the bottle feeding, the kitten came to DAS.  We found someone who could care for the kitten overnight but can’t keep him after tomorrow. 
“The kitten has already had a few names.  He went from Snow to being named Sister.  Yes he is a boy but as we all know, if you foster an animal and have children…they get to pick the name. Please help Mr.Sister, formerly Mr.Snow!” (Email [email protected].) 

Danielle says, “If you foster, you win the rights to give him a new name.”

DALLAS ANIMAL SHELTER COMMISSION?
Whoa, things are getting interesting when it comes to Dallas Animal Services: the roaming animals in town, the dumped animals (dogs, cats and a horse this week!) and the people who dump them and political pressure to do something about the situation.
Earlier we’d reported that the Dallas Animal Shelter Commission’s next meeting would be Thursday, September 24. Checked the city secretary meetings schedule page and nothing’s listed yet. Here’s the LINK. The reason is the meeting has been rescheduled for Oct. 1, reports Commission Chair Mary Spencer. (Her last meeting as chair, fyi.)

CONTEMPLATIONS: I was 10 minutes into the season’s first episode of The Big Bang Theory when, at 7:10 p.m., I got an email from CBS telling me that The Big Bang Theory’s season premier was scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday. This is what we ol' newhounds call “blowing the deadline.” ... In Monday’s edition we mentioned the rushing of the holiday calendar. I missed this one, but I can understand it. It’s from my hometown, Texarkana, Texas, and its conjoined sibling, Texarkana, Ark. They are, as you probably know, joined at the State Line. This announcement was reminding people to register to participate in “A Magical Christmas,” the Main Street Texarkana organizations 31st annual Christmas Parade on December 7. I’ll tell you how long I’ve been gone from Texarkana -- never been to one of those parades. I left in ’68 -- so long ago that Santa’s beard was black.  Oh, if you’re going to enter a float or something in the parade, here’s the Magical Christmas LINK. All entries  have to be lighted and there’ll also be camels and Clydesdales at the event, and bothToys for Tots and Harvest Texarkana will be collecting -- toys for the tots and canned food for the Harvest. Appropriate since the Twin Cities’ motto has long been “Twice As Nice.” [LARRY ASIDE: Most people my age, by cracky, remember our hometown by two other labels: "Double Dynamic" and "The home of the Phantom Killer.”]... Never mind planning a Christmas parade, it may be time for preliminary planning of a World Series parade, not to jinx the red hot Texas Rangers. We’ll just boldly dedicate THIS SONG to the rest of the American League West. 

--- To comment, just shake your head at the way things work out, grab the Mouse of Reality and click below. ---