Litters and big lugs -- all of 'em need homes...

EDITION OF MARCH 23, 2016 (PetPowellPress) --- Let’s just dive right into our midweek report as if the world were a sane place.
Evidence is clear that it is not.
So, we’ll just work around it today.
Keep reading and you’ll encounter the deaf Boxer Achilles, a dog who needs a loving home. But don’t they all?



SOCKS -- IS TIME UP?
“I’m getting very worried about Socks cuz the shelter is filling up again and Socks has been there a VERY LONG TIME!” Amy Poskey wrote in an email urging rescuers and adoptors to help empty Denton’s McNatt Animal Shelter before the needle gets called into action.

Socks (his PetFinder LINK IS HERE is a 2-to-5 year old Pittie/Mastiff mix. Lots of muscles. Lots of handsome.
Amy writes, “I just love those white-tipped toes, that white tuxedo chest, and that big ‘ol loveable blockhead made for kissing!”
He’s 97 pounds of an only-dog attitude. And he’s not happy with shelter life. But he is “a big ol’ goofball who would love a forever home of his own.”
The shelter contact points are these: Phone 940-349-7594 and email  [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], and/or [email protected]. The shelter is at 3717 N. Elm in Denton.
 PUPPIES? IN THE SPRING? IN TEXAS?
AND MOM HAS BEEN A COUNTRY STRAY?

Heather Harrison forwarded this note: “Momma Lab mix w/6 (4wk old) pups is in need of a reputable rescue.
"Momma was has been a stray in the country her whole life.   She is scared of people but was able to be caught.  She has had far too many litters!!   Health is questionable.  
"She is scared but coming around more daily.   Puppies are fat & healthy! The family is in a very temp foster home.   They are needing rescue ASAP!”
 To offer to help, email [email protected]

MORE PUPPIES? IN THE SPRING? IN TEXAS?
YES. OF COURSE.
These pups are in Bowie, Texas, according to a forwarded note. That’s about an hour northwest of Fort Worth on 287. The note that came with the photo reads, “Please help. They don’t get much exposure in Bowie. They don’t have much time there before they get euthanized."
The mom of these two-week-old pups may weigh 30 pounds.
The contact point? Email [email protected] or call 940-841-1425.

NOW, WE COME TO ACHILLES

The actions of humans frequently make life uncertain for the most wonderful of dogs.
For evidence of “wonderfulness,” I cite this photo of the big dog and his pal watching television.

Desiree, the Fort Worth person who has Achilles, contacted Dinesha Schmidt of A Different Breed in an attempt to find someone loving and responsible to take over the care of this dog.
I got in touch with Desiree and asked reporter questions, such as, “Can you tell me about the dog and why is such a wonderful dog suddenly losing his home?”

Bless her heart, she replied, “Yes, of course, you may write about him. He is deaf and likes to chew wood that's about the only thing -- but he only does that if he isn't given enough exercise. 

“My husband left myself and our kids. I may have to move out of the house due to financial reasons. He is a really good dog I just am trying to prepare for the future with the kids. Thank you!” (To help place Achilles, email [email protected] or call 817-980-6906.)

How did Achilles wind up with her family. “He was not from a shelter that I know of,” she says. “Another family had him for about a month but I don't believe they understood the responsibility of having a puppy.”

He’s not quite a year old, weighs about 50 pounds and is an athletic dog who enjoys lots of exercise. He’s learning to walk on a leash.

“Don’t let his deafness fool you,” Desiree wrote. “This boy is smart and knows a total of one hand gesture to sit with more that he is working on. This brainy beefcake is a lot of dog so the handler who is physically strong -- also fair and consistent will be best suited for Achilles. Canine socialization is improving every day ...  He is still getting used to his crate (his crate will be re-homed with him) and although he gets super excited around babies, toddlers and younger children he would not be suited to a home with them.

“One of his favorite things in the world is a piece of ice from your freezer! He also loves playing tug of war and loves to win. One thing Achilles will need when he’s left alone is some chew toys. This doggy Brainiac tends to get bored without his humans and until he figures out how to channel surf or shop on-line it would be beneficial to provide him with entertainment in the form of chew toys to keep him occupied.”
CONTEMPLATIONS: Guacamole or Rotel cheese dip? Sorry didn’t mean to set off cravings. ... Biscuits or bagels? Dang. There I go again setting off cravings. ... This next note definitely won’t set off cravings. Readlarrypowell.com loves cats. We love all animals, though it’ll be a cold day in August before we share the TV tray with the hopeful stare of a snake or an eel. And, of course, there is no movement urging that snakes and eels be spayed and neutered, though, of course, I’d chip in on the Neuter the Snakes Fund. If you love cats, and you have cats that are still doing what comes naturally, here are some opportunities for cut-rate cat fixin’. We have more than enough kittens already around here. Not that this makes a point, but that pair of photos off the adoption page at www.dallasanimalservices.org indicates the city has had so many cats that it may be running out of names. To help cure that situation, see the poster below.


--- To comment, think positive thoughts about the negative people who don’t spay and neuter, grab your Snip’emMouse and clip, er, click below. ---