ReadLarryPowell.com

Glorious trees, fantastic animals needing help, amazing charity and photos

EDITION OF DECEMBER 1, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- When you’re driving around for the next few weeks going all gaga over Christmas lighting, consider that photo of two great trees growing in a front yard on Sylvan Avenue in North Oak Cliff. That is quite the blaze of glory. The point is that humans can really, really decorate a tree once a year, but Joyce Kilmer's famous poetic closing appears to have been correct.*  

HELPING A KITTEN
Janie Perelman, one of readlarrypowell.com’s longtime tipsters and a veteran rescuer, is trying to help this kitten. She explains, “A friend of mine who helps with animal rescue found this tiny kitten named Kate after Kate was apparently hit by a car resulting in a broken jaw and, now, inability to eat.  Kate is set to undergo emergency surgery due to the back of her jaw being broken by the accident but it will cost approximately $2,000 for the surgery and care (if not more). Kitten is in a lot of pain ... Desperately seeking funds.”
The vet is Dr. Bonnie Bloom of the I-20 Animal Medical Center in Arlington -- call 972-263-2525 or 817-478-9238. Contact Janie at 214-621-5263 to learn how to immediately help.

THE OPPORTUNITIES AT FERRIS, BOTH WAITING AND EXPECTING
Laura Macias has been hustling help for the Ferris Animal Shelter and now there are several needing to be home for the holidays. (Click on the cat to the left to look directly into his eyes!) 
Where’s Ferris? South of Dallas on I-45. Not a long trip.
We’re spotlighting just a quartet of a dozen or so.
They are:
Merry, the Calico, who is a “pretty, sweet little kitty. May be pregnant so the aCO is asking for a rescue group that can help.”
Then there’s Gabrielle. And, not that she knows Merry the Calico, but “may be pregnant, so rescue group needed immediately per ACO.” Not a sure thing, but the shelter isn’t equipped for such vet exam. Save one, save a litter. Save ‘em all, right?
Then there’s Nicholas, the 5- or 6-month-old Tiger tabby with eyes of two different colors.
That last dog, the beautiful Claire, is a 10-month-old spayed Lab/Shepherd mix and Readlarrypowell is mentioning her in honor of our late, great wacky dog Claire. Any dog named Claire is always a great dog. It’s a rule in the Dog World.
Laura is the best contact: email [email protected] or call 214-949-2726. 

LET’S TALK FUNDRAISING.
It’s Giving Tuesday and the SPCa of Texas is prepared -- click HERE . Seems to be a pretty widespread outbreak of Giving Tuesday, so check with your favorite non-profit. And, remember, there's no rule against giving to more than one non-profit.  ... Then there’s this Petacular Ugly Sweater Contest and fundraiser at Lee harvey’s in Dallas from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday. Read about it on Facebook. ... The West Side Animal League in Fort Worth will benefit on Sunday when Classic Wine Storage, 2915 Riverglen in Fort Worth, hosts the WSAL’s Third Annual Put A Cork In It Holiday Wine Tasting. Free admission, but they hope you’ll donate “$20 or more if you like). RSVP to [email protected]. They’ll be tasting lots of wines from all over the world -- from everywhere there’s a dog or cat. Well, maybe not THAT many wines. ... And, as you can see from this poster (click on it to enlarge it) the Henderson County Humane Society, based in Athens, is going to benefit Thursday and Friday from this Christmas Bazaar at -- cracks me up -- the Litter Box Thrift Store. I’ll bet people shop there just to say, “I got it out of the Litter Box.” But, all joking aside, the proceeds benefit the animals that come into the care of the Henderson County Humane Society. Email the Society at  [email protected]. 

THE CAT AND THE ANTS

Our pal Sandy Metzger has nursed her cat Babygirl through a rugged health crisis and things are looking better. But something new has popped up and Readlarrypowell.com has no experience in a situation such as this. So, I suggested to Sandy that we turn to you Dear Readers because you all have a lot of experience in the animal kingdom.
Sandy explains, “Babygirl will only eat ‘wet’ food now.. Meow Mix with gravy. She slurps the gravy away and sometimes leaves a little of the chicken.  How do you keep the ants from getting into what is left?  The bowl is up off the ground.. but it get full of ants! Ugh! Of course, she won't eat the rest of it. Got any tips?... Wish I could find just the gravy. She loves it!!  It's like buying babyfood all over again!”
So, if you know how to defeat the ants, email [email protected] or go down to our comments button and leave an idea. Reward? Please. We’re all animal people here. Our money goes to hunting the right gravy. 
*THE TREE NOTE
In case you were absent the day the teacher taught poetry or in case your school didn't teach poetry, here's a LINK to Mr. Kilmer's 1914 poem.

CONTEMPLATIONS: I was watching one of the weekend pro football games when it hit me: Some presidential candidates need to go through the NFL’s Concussion Protocol  ... We’ve been through Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. Coming up next: Flatwallet Wednesday. ... 

 This photo is called “Spot of Red on A Rainy Day.”  Click on it to make it museum-sized, or a little larger. I’m selling the original for $200,000 -- I hope that’s enough to pay off my Christmas purchases -- having to depend on Lotto Texas to pay off the personal debts. That’s at the end our of block in Oak Cliff. Around high noon, when sunlight should have been bathing our half of the planet, I happened to catch a pedestrian, against a dark autumnal backdrop, fighting his way up a steep hill in a weekend rainstorm that was blowing under the red and white umbrella. 

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Pumpkins, pups, cats & pie -- oh, my!

EDITION OF MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2011 (PetPowellPress) CyberMonday? More like Siberia Monday around here. We say farewell to my favorite month November with a Biblical note: I’m not going to say more rain than usual fell on Dallas, Texas, but all weekend the dogs and cats were practicing lining up two-by-two.

That flower? That beautiful blossom, probably 6 or 7 inches aceross, is in one of my front flower boxes.
It was the most glorious thing on any of our recent dreary days.
And, that sad little yellow ball on the brick wall is my 2015 pumpkin crop. Usually I get at least 3 or 4  tennis ball- to softball-sized Jack-Be-Littles, but the dry weather and heat that followed the spring rains combined with my lackluster farming abilities to result in a one-pumpkin crop. I have hopes that others may develop, but not big hopes. After Thanksgiving, some people dream of sugarplums, I dream of an improved pumpkin crop. 

DOG IN A BAG?

Some cute dog. Her name is Gigi and we learned about her from our pal Patty Sprong who is fostering her for Animal Rescue of Texas. “She gets along with everyone, but can have Chihuahua-tude, so she needs just the right home.”
Gigi is 4 or 5 and weighs in at 7 magnificent pounds. When she arrived at ART she had, her bio says, “two bad knees and a torn ACL.”
[LARRY ASIDE: I’m surprised the Dallas Cowboys didn’t immediately sign her.]
She’s had two surgeries and continues to improve. She’s crate-trained, potty-trained, leash-trained and “loves to go for walks and smell everything.”
Gets along OK with small dogs, not big ones. And she’s interested in cats. No small children “because she guards her toys and treats intently.”  Kids don’t understand “Chihuahua-tude,” sometimes. If you are an experienced dog person, email [email protected]. 

SOME AUCTIONS FOR ANIMALS

The probably aren’t all the ongoing animal auctions around here, but we’ll mention two  that we know of -- after all, it is the Season of Bidding, right? Those items on the left are among the many on the auction block for the West Side Animal League in Fort Worth. Bidding ends at 7 p.m. Monday and even though the group is in Cowtown, they’ll appreciate money from Big D. Click HERE   

The items on the right are being bid on at the online League of Animal Protectors auction. It starts at 8 a.m. Monday and runs through December 6.

And if you have plenty of items but still have money, you can donate to these groups and you can also adopt a critter for Christmas.  

SEASONS GREETINGS

To simultaneously say farewell to November and hello to December, I went to the Dallas Animal Services online to see what sort of seasonally named critters I might find.
I’m sure the seasonal monikers will pick up as we get further into the season. Usually there are lots of reindeer names in the mix as the actual holiday approaches. [LARRY ASIDE: And, if the Dallas Cowboys are contenders, there'll be Cowboys players names -- but, of course, this season, you're more likely to find dogs named in honor of Cowboys actions: Holding, Offside and the popular cat name, Encroachment.] 
First, our November nod is #A918053, a cat named Pumpkin. Close as I could get -- nobody names a cat Drumstick or Turkey or Giblets, though all are good names, of course. As is Tater. Pumpkin is about 4 years old and has been at the shelter since November 23. 

And that little dog, A918720, is, we can only assume, named in honor of one of Charles Dickens’ enduring seasonal characters, the little child in A Christmas Carol. Tiny.
Hang on....yes, checking the literary references, I realize that child is “Tiny Tim.”
If you adopt Tiny, you may -- it’s not prohibited by state law -- add Tim.  Tiny is a girl -- but, in a pinch onstage, she can play a boy and deliver the line, "God bless us, everyone. Grrrrr."  She’s 3 and listed as a “tricolor Parson (Jack) Russell Terrier and Chihuahua.” Clearly, she is an Earhound.

Go to dallasanimalservices.org to see how to adopt. Or drop by the shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland.
[LARRY ASIDE: If you’ve never bothered to ask the difference between a Parson Russell and a Jack Russell, it’s political, maybe. Maybe it’s not. But it reads like it is. Google it sometime, but finish Readlarrypowell.com first.]

CONTEMPLATIONS: To many of us, this is the Season of Pie. And during Thanksgiving week my localgirlspouse Martha and I made two traditional stops in Beloved Oak Cliff. This big banner hangs over the kitchen window at the legendary Norma’s on West Davis. And the noontime we were there, boxes and boxes of piled-high Thanksgiving pies were being picked up. I think the pies are delivered in cakeboxes. These Dallas pies are taller than a Fort Worth Stetson. Some of the pies are topped with whipped cream. Some are topped with merengue. And that brings us to a discussion that occurred at the second Oak Cliff tradition we visited that day, Starkey Service Center, the auto repair and maintenance shop just down the street from Norma’s. Ol change for Martha's car. Our conversation turned to this: Some families are whipped cream families and some are merengue families. Some like it really piled up on the pie and some like it slim, unlike many pie eaters (we’re not slim). So, as the Season of Pie is in full bake, what do you prefer? And how do you prefer it. And is the best pie of the Christmas season the elusive mincemeat pie? First discovered in the frozen pie rack at the Texarkana Piggly Wiggly around 1965. It may have existed before that -- but, man alive, was that a good pie and it doesn’t get either whipped cream or merengue, but a big ol dollop of vanilla ice cream when eaten properly.  That’s another point of discussion: Ice cream or no ice cream? Best thing to do? Ignore pie and pay attention to diet. Can I get an “Amen” with whipped cream?

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For Thanksgiving: The Little Dog Who Rode To Safety

 

The joy of Thanksgiving has always been enhanced by who is at the table and who is in the heart.
And, sometimes it is enhanced by who’s on the floor next to the table and looking up with a fiercely wagging tail and eyes bright with anticipation. Not that any of us would, perhaps, slip a bite of something to a grateful dog, of course.
This little dog Amber represents what many rescuers will be thankful for this special American holiday: She’s a rescued dog who has a home where she is loved.
That’s the goal, isn’t it? Happy homes for them all. 
And we’re thankful for those who have been saved and for those who saved them -- from the hands-on rescuers to the hugging and snuggling family that adores them.
For this edition, we’re focusing on Amber’s Thanksgiving story. That big opening picture is where Amber is now -- that's one of her favorite sleeping spots.
Amber's story began back in April and she’s now a member of the family in the happy home of Duane and Amy Guthrie and the kids, Mollie, 12, and Olivia, 10, in the northern Dallas suburb of Allen. That's the young trio on the first day of school. And THAT is a long way from the Panhandle pavement of Amarillo.
We first met Amber when she was named Miley  -- that was her shelter name back in April in Amarillo.
That big photo above shows Amber in her home and enjoying a nap. Obviously she is qualified for the Thanksgiving weekend spotlight of our long-running feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Dogs Nap.
That second photo is one of the first we published with Amber -- that’s my striped shirt and she’s looking up at me as we ride along -- relax, my steeringspouse Martha was driving! My contribution to this story is slight -- I was involved in the “ride along” but I got to be a witness.
In April, this little dog was in the care of a series of strangers. She’d been picked up as a stray in Amarillo.
This good-lookin’, sweet and cuddly girl was a stray! And the clock had moved pretty swiftly. Suddenly, “Miley” was within minutes of something unfortunate happening. 
Connections were made between Dallas and Amarillo. KARTS (Kearns Animal Rescue Transportation Service), a non-profit in Amarillo, picked up “Miley” from the shelter  and drove her to Southlake to meet Paws In The City volunteer, my funspouse, Martha, who would then drive
the pup to Hillside Veterinary Clinic in Dallas.
In that 45-minute drive I bonded with the adorable dog -- I wasn’t all that sure she bonded with me until it came time to separate us at the clinic. She wouldn’t walk on a leash for the vet staffer. “Miley” turned and tugged back to me and the staffer said, “You might need to help me walk her back.” Ultimately, she had to pick up 24.7-pound “Miley” and walk away with her, “Miley” staring over her shoulder at me as I began to mist up. I’m a softie.  -- must be the vegetarian diet.
Fortunately, I had faith the rescue group would find a good home for this baby. After her initial check in at Hillside and treatment for a slight case of kennel cough, the dog was transferred to  Vickery Place Animal Hospital for additional care and spaying.
The whole time, I’m keeping up with her progress through Paws in The City volunteers Heidi Button and Michelle Gray.
Then came the great report: One of the animal kingdom’s favorites, Paws volunteer Stacey McCool, a great foster, sent an email with the subject line “Miley aka Little Miss Perfect.” And she said a family was already interested in Little Miss Perfect. This was occurring BEFORE Little Miss Perfect even got onto the adoption list. Someone told someone about her and connections were made. Record time, you know.
The Guthrie Family adopted her, renamed her Amber for her beautiful eyes and embraced her. It was a mutual embrace. She participates in all family activities, including getting to dress up for Halloween. Amy explains that one photo: “On Halloween with Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger and Amber as The Golden Snitch—all from Harry Potter.”

Amy, the Mom of the household, is a great fan of the Stray Formerly Known as Miley. The pup, she tells us, “ is now named Amber—after her gorgeous amber colored eyes.  She is such a gem! ... ‘Angel’ would have been a perfect name!”

[LARRY ASIDE: Maybe an “angel” had a hand in this. I don’t know -- now and then you wonder about the timing of things.]
Amy says, “We lost our wonderful Chloe Dog after 14 marvelous years this past April.  We could not imagine we would be ready for another dog for a long time after the big empty place she left behind.  Then, one day, a friend sent us a photo of Miley.  We were hooked.  

“She came to us, timid and afraid.  She had been through so much.  She warmed up to me right away. My husband Duane took the longest, but after a snack of ham in the back yard and a good walk, she fell in love with him, too. 
“God sent the perfect dog for our family wrapped up in adorable little Miley.  We did change her name to Amber, for her striking, amber colored eyes.  She wakes up my husband every morning at 5:30 for their 3-mile morning walk.  After I take the kids to school, she grabs a toy and crouches down into ‘play pose,’ ready to be chased around the house.  After lots of naps and trips to the backyard to chase away the rabbits and try to dig holes to China, her ‘sisters’ come home.  “She comforts our youngest daughter, Olivia, when she is sad, licking her tears away.  They like to share snacks together—when I am not looking. 
“My oldest daughter Mollie’s favorite thing to do is to play with Amber.  She probably belongs most of all to Mollie.  They frolic and play, she patiently puts up with dress up play, learns tricks and manners from Mollie, and of course the all important snuggle time.  We know that God sent her to us, the perfect fur baby for our family!”
Amber’s patient, as you see in the photos. Well, maybe she’s not just patient, but proud -- proud to pose with the kids on the first day of school. And she’ll sack out on the couch with that big fluffy tail as her “signature accessory.” You see her sleeping here. And there’s that photo with the two kids as bookends. Amy describes that one as “Happy girls celebrating the ‘birthday we made up’ for Amber, their fur sister -- 11/11/15.”
You see her awake, rolling in the grass like the grateful, happy dog she is! “Playful puppy—my favorite all time pic of Amber,” Amy labeled it. 

Amy says, “She is an amazing dog!  A bit stubborn by times,  but I think that is usually motivated by fear.  She used to refuse to go into the laundry room because that was the way to the garage and to the car.  She would dig her feet into the ground and refuse to move.  She is getting better with the car, but still does this when she goes into the bathroom where she has to get a bath when she digs in wet dirt— she did NOT want to go there for the tornado warning the other night.”
So, there you have the story of a stray dog who hitched a ride to a loving future.
Amy has a message for all those who had a hand in protecting Amber. “Thank you -- thank you for rescuing her and being her guardian angel!”
All you rescuers from Amarillo to Dallas and from state line to state line all around this state -- you all are guardian angels.
And what does that mean?
It means someone can walk into a room and see a dog or cat flopped down on a couch and immediately identify one of the furrier reasons that they’re celebrating Thanksgiving. It’s because of you. And the dog or cat, of course! 
Amy sent us one more note about Amber -- it turns out to be a reason to be thankful, too. “One thing I left out,” Amy wrote. “When she is REALLY happy, her whole bottom wags right along with her tail. It is so sweet!”
That last photo? That’s me and Amber on her ride to a happy future. And I can guarantee you that both my funspouse Martha and I are giving thanks that Amber has a family she can celebrate with this year.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving. Hug a critter, hug a human. Be thankful and give others a reason to be thankful. 

[TO NOMINATE YOUR SLUMBERING CRITTER for the spotlight of Readlarrypowell.com’s enduring weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send photo and info to [email protected]. We publish these photographs of safely sleeping animals to inspire the world’s insomniacs to believe that they, too, can find a way to get some sleep.  If you find an insomniac taking a Thanksgiving nap, you’re looking at a genuinely thankful individual. God bless our pillows, every one.]

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Bargain dogs and cats; owls and other notes...

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- Here we go with Thanksgiving Eve, 2015. On the day before the high calorie holiday, kitchens already have that great holiday aroma. And, of course, clocks at offices are being watched like they’re part of a movie plot. That MiniEarhound is Ellie and she has a face better than that of any clock. Could be your dog!
Right now, the prevailing phrase in advertising is Black Friday. We will not succumb to the tsunami of shopping, but we have figured a way to suggest that Black Friday is not just for humans.
We’re skipping from Wednesday to Black Friday because these animals are all ready now. Oh, and for Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend, be sure to stop by readlarrypowell.com to read about a dog that dodged the needle, traveled hundreds of miles and became the beloved friend to a family in North Texas.  Now, today’s report. 

THE BLACK FRIDAY REPORT
This is intended to remind people who don’t have Black Dogs or Black Cats that they are available at shelters and through rescue groups and in alleys, parks and medians throughout North Texas.
All you have to do is look. We have looked and found a few here and some surprises, too. You don’t have to wait ‘til Friday to get them --- they’re available on Wednesday.
Here’s what we’ve got. We’ll start in Dallas Animal Services, move just a handful of blocks closer to downtown along I-30 to the SPCA of Texas and then we’ll offer up a video of a dog named Button from Lake Dallas.
The Dallas critters we picked (out of many!) are the black dogs Jazz and Sharon. Jazz is obviously an Earhound and Sharon isn’t, but both are a common enough “speciality” in Dallas -- Lab mixes. [LARRY THEORY: Based on nothing scientific but exclusively on an observational guess, the most available dogs in Dallas, Texas, are Pit mixes, Lab mixes and Chihuahuas. Why? Because people let unfixed Labs and Pits roam and other people treat Chihuahuas like temporary possessions.]
 And then there are the DAS cats -- that black and white fellow is Sawyer and that black kitten is Bo -- ready for action, isn’t he. Looks like he’s tracking the football at the Cowboys-Cam Newton game.
We also checked with the revitalized Lake Dallas Animal Services shelter to see if there were any black dogs available and, sure enough, there’s Button. We featured a photo of Button before, but if you click HERE you can see Button’s video.

In Mesquite, email [email protected], to offer to help this boy, listed as Martian, but also listed as a “Rottweiler Retriever/Lab mix” -- I think probably that’s two out of three or Retriever/Lab need to be reversed. Whatever the case, the guy needs a home.
Then there are the adoptable adorables at the SPCA of Texas.
The dog is Cori and the cat is Dory. Both are available immediately.  Cori and Dory. What were the chances?

And, also available are the cousins Ellie and Snark -- share a look, don’t you think?
And, here’s a key holiday question: How many of you have had a Gerbil named Christmas? He’s available at the SPCA of Texas. 

You know how to get to the SPCA -- spca.org will show you how to get to the facilities in West Dallas and in McKinney.
Yes, I know. Ellie, Snarf and Christmas are not black. But they are available and you might just enjoy their company on Black Friday or any other day of the week.
A PHOTO THAT TELLS A STORY

 

Readlarrypowell.com doesn't know if the dog is still at Collin County Animal Service in McKinney, but that’s where the turn-in occurred Tuesday. If this picture doesn’t touch your heart, you need to get on a transplant list. 

A message on Lisa Drummonds’ Facebook site late in the day reports, “This boy is on stray hold! This person filed a found report on Saturday and brought him today. He's very scared, poor guy. Hoping his owner comes for him!”
At readlarrypowell.com, we’re hoping someone who loves him comes for him and, against great odds, apparently, that will also be someone who loves HIM. 

TWO (AND MORE!) IN DENTON
Hopefully, these two situations have been successfully tended to, but just in case, we’re repeating what we learned from our Denton tipster Amy Poskey:
“Another precious angel needs our help during this busy week of Thanksgiving! Cookie is a 6 mo young female German Shepherd mix who ended up at the shelter with a broken leg. She has seen a vet and the leg has been splinted. The vet believes that it will heal if she has crate rest for about 3 weeks. She has a temp foster through Thanksgiving but will need a rescue and somewhere to go after that where she will be able to heal! The shelter staff will not be able to care for her properly at the shelter.” She’s #60176.

Karen Lee, the barkleyworld.com animal advocate, saw this story about the new family in the Denton shelter and wrote, “There are no holidays in animal rescue--can anyone please help this mama and her puppies?” (The ID is #60394.)

[UPDATE: Amy reports early Wednesday that the Humane Society of Flower Mound is taking this family.] Amy wrote this on Tuesday: “Folks, I know this is a busy week for everyone but Marcy didn't have a choice so I'm hoping and praying someone can help this momma and her one day old puppies!  Marcy is a 1-2 yr young Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees mix who entered the rodeo arena here in Denton and started having her puppies in front of everyone.  Bless her heart, she must have been begging for help!

“She had 8 puppies on 11/23 and she desperately needs out of the shelter and into a safe environment to care for her babies!  Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away and the shelter staff will be unable to care for them. “

Email [email protected]  or [email protected]  or [email protected]  or [email protected] or call 940-349-7594.
CONTEMPLATIONS:  How about that owl photo! It’s from Twelve Hills Nature Center is a space in Oak Cliff that once was the site of what’s frequently described as a drug and criminally plagued apartment complex. The real estate was purchased, the area cleaned up and the Twelve Hills Nature Center is the result. This is the annual fund-raising time for the center online HERE or at Twelve Hills Nature Center, PO Box 224926, Dallas, TX 75222-4926. The non-profit Nature Center is at 817 Mary Cliff in Dallas -- open daily from dawn to dusk. If you want, you can tell people the Center was where owls became the inspiration for Harry Potter. That’s not true, of course. I really have no idea if J.K. Rowling has ever visited the Nature Center and been inspired by the owls. Don’t know if she visited Rice, either. ... The Dallas Cowboys are playing the Carolina Panthers on Thanksgiving Day in Arlington and the Dixie Chicks are scheduled to play the Gexa Energy Pavilion on August 5. Who’s going to have a winning performance, the Cowboys or the Chicks? ... Now, between this moment and the next time we meet, hug somebody you love, maybe hug somebody you don’t love. It’ll keep ‘em off-balance. Have some great holiday conversation -- enjoy the past, gleefully anticipate the future. Remember what a great country this is -- stay vigilant and keep the love of the nation in your heart. It is essential that you watch out for those who would damage the democracy, and I’m not just talking about the outside forces, but the honorable senators and representatives and presidents you send to Washington. You didn’t send ‘em there just to get ‘em out of town (well, most of ‘em). These elected officials have the responsibility of protecting and serving the democracy. You’re their boss. Enjoy Thanksgiving and the American blessings.

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A Tuesday collection and opportunities to help, plus a veggie note

EDITION OF TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (PetPowellPress) -- Anybody reading a book right now? Just wondered. Here are some critter reports, maybe a human note. No politics. Unless you just want a punchline. Here’s one now: “I will eat no pie on Thursday.” No politics in that recipe.
Before we go any further, please remember that Woogie the Poodle is still missing after being stolen from a car in Dallas. One of the saddest stories we've reported in a while.
Remember also that rescuer Rebecca Kornblum needs help placing two dogs she’s been fostering for a while. Scroll down to yesterday’s report to get the details. That’s the missing Poodle with her heart-broken human.

DOGS AND HOW DEATH AFFECTS THEIR LIVES

THE VETERAN’S DOG
Dinesha Schmidt of A Different Breed, forwarded this note from Joe Picardo writing on behalf of a dog that was loved by a World War II veteran.
Joe’s letter reads, “Spike is a healthy 14-year-old male Min Pin. He has been fixed. He is great with all people, adults and children. He has been in a one dog home his whole life. He has a non aggressive temperament and is housebroken.

“Spike was my dad’s dog, my father passed away on Wednesday night. He was a WW2 veteran. Spike was his buddy, and I know my father would want to make sure Spike was taken care of. We would be willing to give a donation for his care.”
EMAIL [email protected] or call 972-460-5200 or 972-282-8888.

NOAH AND TOVAH -- NEEDING A HOME

Here’s one for you: A couple of dogs down on their luck and they need to stay together. That's Noah on the right and Tovah on the left.
The short story, forwarded by several people in Houston, reads, This bonded pair of dogs was left at a Heights Vet on Shepherd by family after the owner died. They are only 25 lbs each and 7 years old and have lived with cats. Desperately looking for a foster situation. Vet will provide 6 months of heartworm preventative and flea treatment. The male is worse for wear since being kenneled at the vet. Showing some negative reactive behavior. So right now does not show well at adoption events. They are both confused.  PLEASE broadcast!!  ANY of us could be in this situation with our angels in fur.  Please, please send to all your great contacts.  It truly does ‘take a village’.” To help, email [email protected] or [email protected].
Tovah means ‘good’ and Noah means “rest, comfort,” the note says. The dog’s human was a veteran rescuer. Got to be some way to help just two dogs. There are 254 counties in Texas -- surely someone has a spot for a pair of 7-year-olds. 

BIDDING FOR TAKE ME HOME PET RESCUE

The bidding is still underway for many items in the auction raising money for Take Me Home Pet Rescue.

That’s the organization’s logo, one of the more entertaining in all of rescuedom.
And this “Red Bow Dog” is one of the items up for purchase.


Botox, an Aston-Martin item (you fans of Bond, James Bond). Lots of stuff, all being sold to help animals. Click HERE to see the items and bid.  

MEANWHILE, THE CLOCK TICKS IN MESQUITE

You’ve grown accustomed to these Mesquite countdowns, no doubt, but familiarity doesn’t mean the animals aren’t at risk. These are.

“Need adoption interest/rescue tags emailed to the shelter before 7 a.m. 11/24,” the note read. Of course, the shelter is open 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, so email is the miracle connection that stands between these animals and the needle. The Shelter is at 1650 Gross Road. Call 972-216-6283. But, especially, email [email protected] to save lives.

THE PRESSURE OF THANKSGIVING

That’s Suzy, a dog that has bounced back and back and back at the Denton McNatt Animal Shelter. 

Didn’t get along with someone in the house hold or didn’t please a human -- whatever the reason, this ol’ girl is ready for a real home now, reports our Denton tipster Amy Poskey. Suzy is way sweet in spite of her reputation.
Amy says, “We have 20 hopeful souls with one more chance to make it out before Thanksgiving, but they need our help.  All they need is for someone to fall in love with them, take them home, and spoil them rotten!   And, PLEASE don’t forget about our senior pooches, Suzy, Duke, and Bugsy!”
Among the dogs is this kid -- a young Lab/Shepherd mix, Caesar, not a fan of cats, but a fan of people.
To offer to help any critter in the Denton shelter (they’re all worth a look), email [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], and/or [email protected]. Call 940-349-7594.

A RESCUER NEEDS SOME HELP

We’ve been writing about the rescue adventures of Pam Silva for years. Now and then she pops up with a challenge. This time it’s a big one.
She explains that she and her mom, “who left me this two acres in Seven Points, usually kept the cats that came here caught up with spays and neuters and any medical care they needed.  And, I took them and the dogs I took in to rescues in DFW. Some of the cats who were feral, we have always taken care of. I like to think that because my husband, Rene and I, have done the same , and a couple of my other neighbors, they have lived a longer and happier life than most ‘outside’ cats. 
“The cats who wanted company I found homes for away from Cedar Creek Lake.”

Things change. And now Pam, who is struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, can’t keep up. She can’t trap because she can’t operate the equipment. And people keep dumping unfixed cats.
You know how this goes.
She’s got a young foundling dog who “needs three surgeries. Plus I am scheduled for one myself.”
Basically, this rescuer needs some help with rescuing and placement. “I need a couple of volunteers to help me trap the sweeties. I can’t do it without help. ... The coyotes live here as well and I have lost two (cats) in the past three weeks.”
Circumstances cause change. Pam and Rene are “moving in a few months and I cannot leave them here to starve. I would just not do it.”
To offer to help Pam, call 903-432-3898 or email [email protected]. 

CONTEMPLATIONS: You know what the Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton are having for Thanksgiving? Yep, toasted Cowboys. ... Some of the personnel at Readlarrypowell.com were watching a news report on Monday morning when some anchor recalled the joy of watching The Wizard of Oz on television every Thanksgiving when she was a child. One would hope her news reports are more accurate than her recollections. As for us Baby Boomers, we remember watching It’s a Wonderful Life -- it WAS on every Thanksgiving and nearly every channel until NBC bought it and the spoilsports kept us from enjoying a piece of Americana every day from around Halloween through New Year’s night between football bowl games. ... As a vegetarian, there are just two meat dishes I would backslide over: a double-meat and cheese Whataburger and a Thanksgiving turkey -- but I haven’t had either in two decades and I feel bad for people who can’t see the joy in spinach, pasta and a salad! Best place to get a good salad? Steakhouses. How’s that for irony. My favorite vegetable? The hot biscuit.  
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Stolen poodle, hurting heart; saving some dogs and cats and Thanksgiving notes with no calories...

EDITION OF MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- We’re in a holiday week and we’re holidaying. To my fellow dieters, God bless us everyone with careful use of fork and spoon.  We’re going to press early with our Monday report -- maybe some of these situations can still be settled on a Sunday after the Cowboys game. Now, our report:

LOOKING FOR WOOGIE, JERRY’S DOG

This is a case that reaches from a new parking garage in Dallas to a heart in Canton.
We learned of it from two of our reliable tipsters, Sydney Busch of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake and Stephanie Muzney of C.L.A.W. (Citizens League for Animal Welfare).
The story characterizes this as a “theft,” but now and then, well, there are rescuers who spot a dog in what they perceive to be a bad situation and they’ll get the dog. Responsible rescuers will leave a note. Or stand around with the dog and wait for the human to return. This case is an odd one. A dog was taken but a pistol and a computer were not -- most evil thieves would take the pistol and computer and leave the dog. (Securities cameras didn’t catch anything, Stephanie says.)
She explains, “This male Poodle was stolen out of its owner's car while at a doctor appointment in Dallas this past Monday, 11/16. ‘Woogie’ is a 10- to 15-pound Apricot Poodle -- but looks almost white;  neutered male. He is on a special diet and was due to have surgery on a large cataract in his left eye, so it is imperative we find this little guy!!! He is the faithful friend of a gentleman in Canton.
“Woogie has never been away from Jerry. He took him everywhere! Jerry was at UTMC and parked his car at the new 8-story Parkland garage across the street on the 2nd level. Little Woogie was in his big feather bed.  Someone broke out the window and took Woogie!!  Jerry is devastated, in tears and said, ‘If there was a surgeon who could cut the pain out of my chest I might be able to sleep.’ He is offering a reward!!!  
“They did not take his pistol or his computer worth about $900.00, just the dog. Stolen last Monday- Jerry has done all he knows to do.
“This dog is Jerry's heart!  He is a single senior and Woogie his constant and beloved companion!”

Stephanie urges anyone with knowledge of Woogie’s whereabouts to contact her at [email protected] or via her cell at 214-232-3644.

TWO DIVORCE DOGS IN EULESS
Karen Lee, the Barkleyworld.com animal advocate who closely monitors things in the Euless Animal Shelter, sent this story about two dogs who fell victim to divorce. 

She writes, “Axle and Jack were brought to the Euless Animal Shelter on Saturday as owner surrenders due to divorce of their human parents.  So sad for these boys……They are available for adoption, foster or rescue and would love to have a home before Thanksgiving. 
“The Euless Shelter will close Thursday, November 26th and will reopen on  Monday, November 30th.  That’s a long lonely ‘holiday’ for the shelter pets.  Please consider being a ‘Holiday Foster’ to give these boys and others in the shelter a loving place to stay while the shelter is closed.  ‘

Currently, and there may be more by Wednesday, there are 4 dogs available in the shelter, Ace, Maple May, Axle and Jack and 2 cats, Champagne and Caviar who are very sweet and get along great together—hint hint!”
Get the foster application and see more critters at the Trinity Gap Rescue site HERE. Email [email protected]. GAP Rescue is on Facebook, too.

OLDER DOGS AT DAS
There are several adoption specials at Dallas Animal Services as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. On the DAS Facebook site Sunday, we spotted this photo of Tigger, said to be a 9-year-old Pit Bull. “She is a little thin, and has a little cough, so we’ll send her home with meds, but otherwise she is in good shape. Her adoption fee is waived.” Yes, she’s a free dog. She’s A914742. Go to the shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland -- you can’t miss it. Go to www.dallasanimalservices.org to see how to adopt, how to volunteer, how to help, how to visit, etc. And, if you have a heart at all, you will need no instructions on how to help Tigger have a good life.
Sunday afternoon, as the Dallas Cowboys were playing in Miami, there were 156 dogs, 81 cats and 3 others gathered around the DAS TVs watching the game.  The “3 others” were 2 rabbits and a defensive back who gave up a touchdown. I’m kidding. The third other was a guinea pig of “unknown” gender. Both rabbits are neutered boys. [LARRY ASIDE: No, readlarrypowell.com does not know how to check the gender of a guinea pig -- we thought they were like Tribbles.]
STILL LOOKING FOR RAZ 

We reported the escape last week of Raz the Pointer Mix. Still on the loose in Lewisville and there have been sightings, says Mike Moon who had her when she took advantage of a “moment” and vanished. She has been seen near the West Corporate/S. Edmonds intersection -- that’s west of I-35E north and north of Round Grove Road. In other words-- Raz, who probably doesn’t even know her name, has plenty of room to roam, alleys to hide, homes to be adopted into on the spur of the moment.

This is the 6-month-old girl -- blue collar and skittish. When you see her call or text 972-743-9616 or email [email protected]. 

TWO FOSTER DOGS THAT NEED A NEW PLACE

Our longtime tipster and veteran rescuer Rebecca Kornblum is in a spot with two foster dogs -- they are aggressive toward cats and have demonstrated in a most tragic way.
They must have a new place to live ASAP, Rebecca tells Readlarrypowell.com.
Their story i a long one, she explains. They showed up in 2009. Rebecca took them in to shield them from lousy circumstances while she tried to line up a place for them to go. She was on the brink of trapping Honey when another dog, OSB (Old Stripey boyfriend) showed up. Together they worked. A third dog named Dolly showed up. Dolly was adopted. But, “I couldn’t seem to find any help for the dogs no matter where I turned.” Patience is part of the rescuer’s code, however, and she’s been patient with these dogs. Unfortunately their “prey drive kicked “ and now it is time to find a place for these two where they can lie without cats.

“While we have had Honey and OSB here, they have blossomed. They run to greet us to be petted. OSB watches constantly hoping one of us will come out to pet and love on him. He is the gentlest of creatures. Since we have had them (four years now), my husband and I have independently rescued and placed over 80 cats and dogs. I have had a baby. My father-in-law passed and we almost lost my mom. We have barely been able to get done what needs to be done and there has been no room, time, or money for extras. I haven't been able to work with the dogs to help them be more adoptable. They are not house-trained (though they don't potty in their little room) and do not know any commands. They only know our family and their enclosure. I have only been able to provide the minimum for them.
“OSB is desperate for love and attention. ... He will definitely bond with an experienced dog person and become the amazing creature I see in him waiting for the opportunity to shine. Honey gets extremely scared away from us and OSB and her enclosure. I worry that she will shut down unless she is with someone who really knows what they are doing and can spend a lot of time with her. I am a good and responsible rescuer. I am experienced and have connections. I am at a loss. I am offering to tap into my retirement savings to make donations for these dogs to get into a good place. I will drive them anywhere in the country. I just need a place for them.”

Email [email protected] or call 214-293-5787.

CONTEMPLATION: There almost isn’t anyone who has been in rescue who hasn’t run into these unfortunate, surprise situations. Years ago we had to quickly find a home for a dog named Dottie (God bless, Sandy Laird at Operation Kindness!). Dottie suddenly decided she hated our Chihuahua Rosie -- just a “thing” you couldn’t love out of the dog. Readlarrypowell.com knows this pain of having dogs who have a flaw. Dottie was a street dog, too, just like these dogs. The people who should be suffering this anguish are those jerks who let their dogs roam until they became homeless. A dog without proper supervision is a sin on the head of the human. It’s tragic. Somebody step up and help Rebecca. She’s done great work with cats and dogs for years and years -- she deserves some peace of mind with Honey and OSB. ... Many of you are already on your Thanksgiving vacation. I hope you’re enjoying with some great animals and, of course, some great people! ... I’m on a medical email list and I got this note with the subject line “Most fattening holiday foods.” So, even though I knew opening this note would be like opening Tolstoy’s War and Peace or James Joyce’s Ulysses, I clicked and the first thing I see is “The Naughty List of Holiday Foods.” Then I see a line that says (and some of you will relate with me on this) -- I see a line that says, “The average person puts on a pound during the holidays.” Ladies and gentlemen, I am WAY above average. Pass the pie, please. Seriously, I wish you all wise eating and careful dining and a holiday season in which laughter draws more attention than the next bite.

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An ankle sleeper who triumphed over misery; some angelic opportunities for the halo-minded...

AWWWWWWW....

Thought I'd just get that out of the way for you.

How secure does a puppy have to be to fall asleep on his back between someone’s ankles?

There you have it, the question that made this pup the spotlighted rascal in our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.

 Erin Warren, his foster mom, forwarded the photo and the other photos of Sleeping Carson.

 

And, as you may have suspected, there is a story. And here is how it started -- this is the message sent out by the folks at Dallas Animal Services Rescue. Click on it to make it large enough to read (maybe) but you can guess that it's a dire tale.

Danielle Fry and the DAS rescue team have appealed to people and saved quite a few dogs and cats -- dumped, found, surrendered, whatever the case, down on their luck. All sorts of broken bones, odd ailments, traditional critter medical problems and just so cute that they needed to be saved -- that’s who shows up at DAS. And, as you can see in this DAS photo Erin sent: MANGE. The world's most needless animal ailment.

 

So, there were two dogs in a heap of trouble. Carson and Claire. And Erin Warren with Dallas Pets Alive had the good fortune of getting to know them. 

She says that Carson “and his sister, Chloe, came into DAS almost hairless and her jaw was broken in two places. They might have been 8 weeks at the time.  They had sarcoptic mange.  
They are both actually adopted now. Carson [went] to his new home on Friday but I thought he is too cute not to share and it shows what kind of dogs you CAN find in the shelters :)
“Ten pounds of adorableness and a personality to match! i wanted to send you these pix a couple of weeks ago when you highlighted Maggie Dahl's Saint but time got away from me.”
[LARRY THEORY: Time flies when you and the dog nod off! I speak from experience!]

The picture of the two in a less-ragged pose is from 2 weeks after she took over care of the pups. “Just 2 weeks after we got them out of the shelter, post-treatment. Then there’s Halloween. ... Amazing what a little medicine will do, huh?” Erin wrote.
At the Dallas Pets Alive site -- www.dallaspetsalive.org -- you can see how to volunteer to be a temporary sponsor during the holiday season. And you can also see how to adopt animals.
In the meantime, consider what has meant to these two dogs to have a place where they can trust the human to love them, to make sure they have everything they need and to give them a comfortable place to snooze. When you’re fostering , you’re doing the work of angels.
Yeah, Carson even has a "sleeping vest." 

[To nominate your snoozing critter -- adopted, available or just renting space in your home -- send photo and info or photos and infos to [email protected]. As our wonderful Readers know, we post Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap to encourage insomniacs to believe that they, too, can sleep. Of course, after reading this edition, they’ll be running around trying to find the right set of “Snooze-o-matic Ankles.” Got to be on sale somewhere online or maybe through the American Podiatric Slumber Society. Maybe they'll settle for the Carson Model Green Sleeping Vest.] 

FOUR READY TO GO AT LAKE DALLAS

The call went out to help seven dogs at Lake Dallas. Three of them were “little cute dogs” and four -- the most urgent of the canines -- were not. 

So, of course, the three cuties were quickly tagged. 

That’s the way it is in the world. My pal Patricia Barrington, a great philosopher who has years in shelter management and currently runs the Lake Dallas Shelter, says that it’s a case of “if you want a cute dog, you have to go to a rescue -- if you want a Pit Bull, you go to a shelter.”
Sometimes, when the little cuties leave, that takes the pressure off the big dogs, but only for a little while.
So, here’s the deal, as this is being written there are four bigger dogs that need an authorized escape route from the shelter. You can offer to help them (they’re shown here and so are their stories) by emailing [email protected] or calling 940-499-7090. Call and get the dog on Saturday and you’ll have all-day Sunday to explain the Dallas Cowboys to the pup. Or, maybe, just take the day to get acquainted and help the dog feel comfortable enough to nod off.
Here are the pups, courtesy of the veteran animal fan Barrington who’d be quite happy to watch them walk out of the shelter with someone who appreciates a good dog.
That brown, short-haired Earhound is Nelson, an intact male, possibly 2 years old, 13 pounds and “maybe a Chihuahua Corgi Shiba Inu mix?” the shelter director wonders. Nelson “does well in playgroups. Tolerant; probably a good candidate for a family with kids.” [LARRY ASIDE: "Intact" means ... well, you know. Candidate for canine corrective surgery -- never thought of using that to refer to neutering a pup. But, look, if dogs are going to roam, they should not also be able to make more dogs who aren't wanted. It's flat cruel to have puppies born just so they can die of neglect or a needle.]

 We’ve mentioned Sunshine [upper right] before. A pretty girl. She’s 9- to 11-months old, weighs 35 pounds and possibly is a Heeler-Pointer-Lab mix. Rest of the report? “Social, playful, ball and squeak toy crazy.  Very active mind and body – doesn’t show well in a shelter as the energy is all pent up and she jumps, runs and plays a little too much when shown.”

Ah, Button, a “little rotund,” Patricia says. The report: “Spayed female, 5ish years old, fully vetted except microchip, 41 pounds.  Social, gentle, well mannered, low maintenance.  Probably a Labrador Pit Bull mix (small dog – just a little rotund).  This dog will do well anywhere; a home with other dogs and cats, an apartment where she is crated 8 hours a day, a family who wants a dog to use as a pillow and leg warmer – she is a wonderful pet quality dog.”
Then, there’s Friday the Culvert Dog who we highlighted in our Friday edition. Astonishingly, still not takers. Got a great cocktail party story, though.
It reads, “Female, 8 or so months old, 28 pounds, Border Collie mix.  Friday was dumped at the shelter when we were closed.  After a few days and lots of effort we managed to trap her.  She tried to kill each of us about four times, but after 24 hours and some chicken broth soaked dog bones, she became quite the love-bug.  Friday was seen at the vet yesterday and did well with the staff.  She is being treated for Demodex mange and has been heartworm tested (negative) and vaccinated.  Friday is a very loyal and good girl who has had a, quite obviously, rough start to life.”
[LARRY COMMENT: So, here is the opportunity to demonstrate that you are an angel and you know some angels. Four dogs. Ready to go. All with good points. In fact, you could run any of these dogs for president and not be afraid that your candidate might embarrass you. None of these dogs have a Super Pack. And, if you take one or more in, or any of them at at all, Readlarrypowell.com promises to run their happily sleeping photographs the minute you produce them. Let's all work toward some critter happiness. ]

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A pre-holiday week cavalcade of cats and dogs and an important contemplation ...

EDITION OF FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- Thanksgiving has already started for some people. So, be careful on Friday. Thursday’s evening rush hour was awful enough and those people were just trying to get home. Lord knows what they’ll be like trying to bolt out of town on Friday. 
That cat is above the fray -- posing at the Euless Animal Shelter. Just walk in and yell for her, "STELLLA! STELLLA!" We’ll discuss this cat and many other animals as we proceed through this edition.
And, we have a particularly touching Contemplation today. It’s a Contemplation that will need some help. 

Now, our report (and, of course, our reminder that calories do not count between evening rush hour Friday and morning rush a week from Monday). Here goes:
THE RINGWORM DOGS
You remember this situation from our previous edition. Eight pups turned in at the Denton animal shelter. Ringworm. Needle being readied. EIGHT. 

Amy Poskey reports, “Thankfully, one of our AWESOME shelter volunteers and a friend of our on-site vet tech will be pulling these puppies today [Thursday] ...  We had to go to ‘Plan B’ cuz nobody stepped up to foster them ... So, as soon as the puppies are well, they will be placed for adoption.”
This one is Captain. Beyond cute. 

HOLIDAYS ARE TRADITIONALLY
ROUGH TIMES FOR ADOPTIONS

We’ve gotten notes about Lancaster, Mesquite, Euless and Lake Dallas. Which shelters are not in need of adoptors? The ones on Mars, as far as we know.
    FROM LANCASTER -- Our reliable Lancaster monitor Tomi Jasso tipped us to this note posted on the Furbabies of Lancaster Texas site: “EMERGENCY AT THE LANCASTER ANIMAL SHELTER. Thank you SO SO much for sharing but we still need your help. Please do not give up--please share and spread the word in hopes of saving these precious pets. RAINING CATS AND DOGS IS WILLING TO RESCUE THEM ALL BUT THEY MUST HAVE FOSTERS. The shelter has no more space. If one more arrives, we all know what that means. Please help us. We NEED ADOPTERS AND FOSTERS NOW!!” The shelter is at 690 E. Main. To volunteer to help or foster, call 740-403-8070.
    FROM MESQUITE -- The usual tone is evident in the Mesquite advocate’s note: “ THE MESQUITE SHELTER IS COMPLETELY FULL!! MANY CODE RED'S FOR 7AM, FRIDAY, 11/20! NEED ADOPTION INTEREST/RESCUE TAGS EMAILED TO THE SHELTER BEFORE 7AM 11/20! ... TO TAG FOR RESCUE - SEND EMAIL TO [email protected]. PLEASE NOTE, "TAG - ID NUMBER & DESCRIPTION/BREED OF DOG/CAT IN THE SUBJECT LINE". See available animals online HERE. [LARRY ASIDE: That's Lady, a Collie mix, surrendered because she "was too active." Give me a break. Give me a bleedin' break. Well, at least they didn't drop the dog off somewhere in southern Dallas.]

    FROM EULESS -- Yes, this is a one of Euless’ homeless cats. How about those marking! Stella! STELLA! One of our favorite all-time humans, Karen Lee, the tipster and advocate of animals, the Euless shelter and the Trinity GAP Club, wrote, “If you have room for one more around your Thanksgiving table, why not adopt a homeless shelter pet?  There are no holidays in animal rescue—the need is constant to find homes for so many dogs and cats.  Holidays in the shelter are long and lonely for these pets so please take a look and consider making your holidays brighter by adopting, or fostering, one of these cuties.  Fosters are always needed and appreciated so if you can’t adopt, can you please foster?  There is a foster application on our website at http://trinitygaprescue.org/    on the right hand side, scroll down a little…Just complete and return to us at  [email protected]  or contact us for more info! Please follow and share GAP on  Facebook HERE." For pets in the shelter, please contact the Euless Animal Shelter at 817-685-1594 and REFER TO THE PET ID# when calling.  The Euless Shelter is open weekdays from 7  a.m. until 4  p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Closed Sunday!    The shelter is located at 1517 Westpark Way in Euless, TX.   For information on any pet, contact [email protected].
That dog? Oh, that's Mable May, also known as MeMe -- dumped at the shelter door during off-hours and wearing a collar and a halter. That's it. Great face -- Hollywood make-up eyes.
    FROM LAKE DALLAS -- Lake Dallas is overloaded with unwanted animals and the Animal Shelter Manager Patricia Barrington is more than concerned about more animals coming in and none going out. No adoptions this week and, yet, people still decide this is a great time to dump a dog or cat. The shelter is on Facebook HERE. This dog? That is “Little Friday, The Culvert Dog.” Yep, tells a story, doesn’t it. Still waiting for the happy ending. The dog was “apprehended last Friday,” according to the Lake Dallas report. She’s about 8 months old, vaccinated and heartworm negative. But she’s ready for adoption. “She does have Demodex mange, which is being treated and is not contagious. Her adoption comes with her mange treatment. Please consider giving this former street dog a home! What a great story she has!”
To offer to help with any critter at Lake Dallas, email [email protected] or call 940-499-7090. The shelter is easy to get to from anywhere in North America. Take I-35 to Lake Dallas and go to Swisher Road. Trish says, “We are right near the toll bridge off Swisher Road - less than 3/4 mile from I-35.” Easy to adopt at Lake Dallas. You just have to stop by.

MEANWHILE IN BURNS FLAT
There are so many rough animal stories from Oklahoma that I have become convinced the roaming jerks from my native State of Texas have crossed the border and are spreading their stupidity throughout the Sooner State. For a while I considered the idea that Texas should demand royalties anytime someone does something stupid in the United States -- but, of course, we’d go bankrupt from all the paperwork. Now, here’s what our favorite Burns Flat, Okla., tipster Terry Lynn Fisher has run across. Her words:
“This story breaks my heart. A friend went to the hellhole of a pound 20 miles from me to take pictures of the dogs out of time there. Curled up next to two puppies was this baby. As you can see, there is some type of injury to the front leg. The cat is also skin and bones. This is a nasty dirty pound with very little chance of getting out. I am so grateful the cat never made its way into one of the kennels with some very aggressive dogs. I had it rushed to my vet. They said even though you could tell the cat was in pain, it never stopped purring. It will be at my vet at least a week for treatment, but I have no place for cats. If you can help me with this baby, please let me know.”
Email Terry Lynn at [email protected].

A CONTEMPLATION OF THE HEART

We have some experience with these human medical situations at Readlarrypowell.com. And while this nation is blessed -- here comes a reason to be thankful -- with fantastic, just nearly Star Trek medicine, there are challenges that knock the wind out of you, break your heart, disrupt everything.
Our pal Alexandra Kelsey lives in Houston and works to help animals there. Here’s the story from Alexandra:
“Larry, my rescue friend in Nacogdoches, Diana Hensley, has breast cancer and it is time for her to close her rescue and sort out her fosters and then her personal cats.  I know it is hard for anyone to take on another cat ... I don’t know if you might have room sometime soon to post some of her cats.  Below is the first group of fosters Diana wants to place.  ... Diana has a pair of Siamese cats (her personal cats) she will want to place later, but she wants to keep them with her as long as possible.  I might make a friend of hers the contact, b/c I think she is going to be having some treatment away from home.”
[LARRY ASIDE: People pull together in life all the time. Sometimes the life involved is a human. Sometimes, by association, the pulling together involves many lives that someone has been trying to save.] Alexandra continues:

“These darling babies are fully vetted and super sweet.  They are the first ones she wants to place. They are cats from a disabled woman who lives out in a trailer park in the country somewhere near Diana.  They are fully vetted, vaccinated, chipped, negative on combo tests and very sweet.  They are currently living in a metal building outside the lady’s house, and I think it gets really cold up in that area. 
“Diana wants to place these and then will start on the other fosters, followed by her personal cats.  Below are details on the kittens.  If you can help with any of them, that would be wonderful.  That little Rocky is beyond adorable.  I will arrange transport.” [Her email is [email protected].]
The descriptions:
“Sunny, the orange and white, has diarrhea but her fecals are negative. We have started her on Flagyl, Probios and powdered pro pectalin and her poop appears to be firming up. Unfortunately, this woman cannot feed good food to these fosters so that might be the issue. The kitties are all litter box trained and just lovely.

“The first four kitties' estimated DOB is 6/1/15 and here is their info and some pictures:
“1) Macy - Tabbico female - loves her belly rubbed
“2) Max - drop dead gorgeous Merle tabby male
“3) Jasmine - adorable Calico female
“4) Sunny - very sweet and loving orange and white female
“5) Rocky - adorable round headed grey tabby male. Estimated DOB is 8/13/15 and he's had 2 FRCP and 1 FeLV and is scheduled for his last set within the week. He will also be ready to neuter shortly thereafter.
“6)  Darby - solid blue and white DMH estimated DOB 8/4/15 was found on the side of the highway right after a huge rain storm. Evidently he had been rolled by a car and suffered severe damage to one of his rear legs and it was amputated on Tuesday. Darby has completely bounced back, has learned to navigate well on 3 legs, and is eating up a storm. We also had him neutered at the same time. Here a few pictures of Darby before. I've asked for after pictures but then again it took this woman months to get me pictures of the above 4!
“We have a number of other fosters but am waiting on current pictures of them before networking.
“Thanks so very much for spreading the word. I'm happy to serve as contact while I still can.”

Diana is the Founder and President of the O’Malley Alley Cat Organization. It’s mailing address is P. O. Box 633452, Nacogdoches, TX 75963-3452. The phone number is 936-556-2754. Email [email protected]. The website is www.omalleyalleycat.com.

The slogan of O’Malley is “Colonies of People Helping Colonies of Cats.”

Strong people. Strong people are the backbone of animal rescue. Contemplate the strength in this challenge. 

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Ringworm threat, animal travel, a missing dog and musing

EDITION OF THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015 (PetPowellPress) -- Hard to figure the world these days. Let’s just see what’s up in our local zip codes.

PUPPIES IN 76207 AT RISK OF NEEDLE

Readlarrypowell.com has repeatedly counseled against the use of the traditional Texas theory of animal
management: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it!”
It’s politically, financially expedient. And, outside of a genuine need for euthanasia (as it’s defined), it's downright cruel and morally wrong. 
So, that brings us to this tip from Amy Poskey who monitors things at Denton’s Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center. 

“I’ve been told that these babies only have until noon tomorrow, Thurs 11/19!” Amy wrote.
These babies are eight 3-month-old Heeler-mix puppies.
Look at their photos and guess why they’re on death row.
Ringworm. Easily curable ringworm. But shelters can’t afford to have the incredibly contagious ringworm -- a skin ailment -- running through the inhabitants.
And there’s added pressure in Denton -- the place is overflowing with animals right now, Amy reports. That means the first animals to go will be the sick and the unadoptable. 

It’ll take a rescue group -- maybe a couple or three of them -- to save this many puppies.
Amy explains, “We think these precious angels have ringworm, but it hasn’t been confirmed, yet, cuz they were just dumped and it will take two weeks for the results.”
The shelter is at 3717 N. Elm St. in denton. Email [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], and/or [email protected]. Call 940-349-7594. For advice or info, you can also email [email protected].
[LARRY ASIDE: Remember, these Denton shelter folks don’t want to kill these puppies. But the combination of a people dumping animals or letting animals run free has put new pressure on the shelter’s decision-making process.
Yes, at the heart of EVERY animal problem, there is a human. AND, remember this, too: At the heart of EVERY ANIMAL SOLUTION, there also is a human. It’s a different human, of course. God save these puppies.]

TRAVEL PLANS FOR DOGS

Readlarrypowell.com has been fascinated with the success of the Society for Companion Animals -- the guiding light in the organization is its founder Tawana Couch, the veteran animal rescuer and animal advocate and animal transport organizer!
The latest email from SFCA says the organization has rescued 334 animals this year -- that means 334 area animals have been removed from peril. “Removed from peril” means they’ve been taken away from Dallas/Fort Worth and sent off to other states and areas that want the animals.
Sometimes SFCA needs shorter transports -- you don’t have to file a flight plan. For instance on Friday, the SFCA needs volunteers to pick up dogs at a local kennel, take them to a vet and return them to the kennel. To offer to volunteer, email [email protected], 

In addition to volunteers, the organization also needs some travel supplies: old blankets, large and small used dog sweaters and large and small crates. Check out the organization's website at societyforcompanionaninals.org.

[LARRY ASIDE: The SFCA became an official 501(c)3 non-profit in 2005 -- can a decade have passed? And still there are unwanted dogs in Dallas? Holy smoke, what are we doing wrong, people?]
BE ON THE LOOKOUT LEWISVILLE
You know how it is with dogs, as Readlarrypowell.com has frequently declared: Dogs are sometimes too clever for their own good.
This dog is an example. She’s rescued dog, but took the opportunity to escape at a bad moment. She’d just been pulled from the Lewisville Shelter and rescuer Mike Moon still had her ID tags in his pocket. She vanished in the Corporate Drive/Edmonds Lane area of Lewisville.
She is microchipped, however, and the chip is registered with Mike’s phone. Raz only got that name after being turned over to the shelter -- so don’t call it, she won’t come. 

This runaway Pointer mix is a skinny 6-month-old with a blue collar. She’s skittish until she warms up to you. 

If you know the dog’s whereabouts, call or text 972-743-9616 or email [email protected]. 

CONTEMPLATIONS: Ever get those emails that say “Six things to end wrinkles” or “Five ways to get fit”? I got one Monday that read “7 Exercises to Stop Doing” -- I was already way ahead of ‘em. ... In my time as a consumer, I’ve seen many thing go away that I miss: Montgomery Ward, Polar Bear Ice Cream in Oak Cliff, Guy’s Orange Stand and its Texas Cheeseburgers in Texarkana, etc. And now, there has been a great miracle. Radio Shack is making a comeback. If it’s even close to the original, it’ll be great. ... Watching all the big mess all over the world, I am moved to ask, Dear Readers, if you think that at the Pearly Gates there’ll be a line labeled, “EXPLANATIONS: WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING?”
--- To comment, gently pick up your PeacefulMouse and click below. ---

Lake Dallas foot traffic, Dallas dogs and a Bay City story...

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011 (PetPowellPress) -- Hot chocolate. Too early in the season? Let’s jump into the day’s activities, careful not to spill the cocoa.
LAKE DALLAS -- HOW TO GET THERE

There are two ways to get to the Lake Dallas Animal Shelter.
One is be a stray dog or cat and get picked up. The other is drive on I-35 to the
W. Overly Drive exit and take Swisher Road to 687 N. Lakeview Drive.
What’ll you find? You’ll find a shelter with little foot traffic and a lot of adoptables.
Walking through a shelter is a great way to meet a dog or cat who is destined to be your lifetime friend.

Our pal Patricia Barrington, the manager at the Lake Dallas Animal Shelter, has a lot of experience in shelter work. Lot of experience in picking critters, too. She only recently arrived at Lake Dallas after a long career at The Colony Animal Shelter. And now she’s trying to get foot traffic, volunteers and public attention for the shelter. Call 940-497-7090 or email [email protected] to adopt, volunteer, donate or to help the shelter and its animals any way you can. 

The shelter  has been experiencing a lull in adoptions and now there are dogs that, as the shelter’s Facebook site explains, have been in the shelter “so long that shelter life is starting to wear on their body and mind.” 

We’re citing those two. Adopt them and you accomplish two things: You save them from the needle and you make room for another set of unwanted animals that may be easier to adopt.
Who are these hard-to-adopt dogs?
Jax is the big brown one -- he likes to play but also loves to nap. He’s probably around 4 years old and weighs in at 65 pounds.

That other perky dog is Sylus. The story on Sylus is “This little girl was an owner surrender. She was given up when breed restrictions started being enforced in the apartment complex she called home for some time. She is a very good and loyal girl but generally doesn't do so great at first meeting; she takes a few minutes to warm up. We would love to introduce you to this girl - all she wants is a good pettin' and a comfy couch and she's happy as a clam.”
That cat is Dawson who came in as a stray. “He is either very scared or feral,” the shelter report reads. So, the plan is “to adopt him out as a barn cat.” (There’s a Barn Cat Program at the shelter.”
Now consider this: There is no sense waiting to celebrate a Dallas Cowboys victory, you might as well celebrate Christmas. And you can do that while helping the Lake Dallas Animal Shelter. On December 4, the Lake Dallas shelter is going to benefit from photos with Santa, low-cost vaccinations and a silent auction to raise money for the years’ shelter vaccinations, spay/neuter, medical, pharmaceutical and nutritional expenses.

Companies and individuals can donate items to the silent auction. (Contact [email protected] or call 940-497-7090 and arrange pickup or ask questions.


BARGAIN CRITTERS, UGLY SWEATERS

Two notes related to Dallas:
(1) There’s an Ugly Dog Sweater Contest (hope that means ugly sweaters and no ugly dogs, though I’ve never seen one) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, at Lee Harvey’s in Dallas (sort of behind the Dallas Police Headquarters across I-30 from downtown. This event benefits Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center, North Texas Pet Food Pantry and Dallas Fire & Rescue -- they’ll buy oxygen masks for pets in a fix at a fire or wreck or whatever. Learn about it online HERE.
(2) DAS is running half-off and two-for one and no-fee-at-all specials right now on adoptions. See the offers HERE.
As of Tuesday evening there were 157 dogs, 53 cats and 2 Thanksgiving Rabbits (kidding -- just seeing if you read this far) available at Dallas Animal Services.
And some are seasonal -- three dogs and a cat named either Coco or Cocoa.
That beautiful cat is Coco (A916285), a spayed, 3-year-old, longhair at the shelter since Nov. 12. Cocoa (#A864757) is a spayed white and brown Pit mix -- look at that wagging tail! -- about 3 and at the shelter since OCTOBER 7!
Now that dog’s photo may be labeled Shay but the online listing IDs her as Cocoa, A903995 and she’s a spayed Black Lab nearly 2 years old -- at the shelter since October 28. 

The final dog is Coco, A915534, a spayed chocolate Pittie mix, about 3 and at the shelter since November 5.
Go to dallasanimalsservices.org or stop by the shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland to see how to adopt. 

CONTEMPLATION: THE DIFFICULT TRUTH

Our pal Alexandra Kelsey of Houston sent this to us. She was moved, just as you will be when you read the story of how this little puppy came to be held in two protective, human hands. Have some tissue handy.
The note was originally sent by Mick White of the Bay City/Matagorda County Impound southwest of Houston, according to the email labeling. The subject line was “OUR PROMISE TO A FERAL DOG.”

The email reads: “Animal Control tried for seven years to catch her; she was feral, never touched by a human.  A feral dog’s fate is sealed.  Today we euthanized her.

“As the sedation was taking effect, she struggled to her feet again.  She picked up her blanket in her mouth and managed to stumble back to her only puppy . . . and she covered her baby with the blanket.

“And our eyes filled with tears.

“Impound . . . euthanasia . . . none of it is easy.  Today it is just a little bit harder.

The puppy is just days old.  A little girl. 

“We will try, Mama Dog.  We are so sorry.

“Puppy was taken home by an animal control officer to be bottle fed.  We will keep her warm.

“If anyone can help this puppy, contact us.  Please.”

That phone number is 979-323-1706. If someone beats you to this puppy, there are other animals there to adopt.
--- To comment, shake your head at the plight of so many Texas animals and click below. ---