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LET A STELLER DOG SLEEP

Yes, you have guessed wisely. That IS is a sleeping Beagle. But not just any sleeping Beagle.
That is Rory.
And you may have seen Rory's. 
But it is a back-of-the-couch photo that takes the spotlight for this edition of Let Sleeping Dog’s Lie & Napping Cats Nap. 
Rory is the canine companion of our longtime pal and animal advocate and all-round swell person, Melissa Boesch.

"Here are a few pics of Rory sleeping or ‘resting’,” Melissa wrote. “In the first one, she is waiting on set.  Second one is in her dog bed. Third one is on the back of the couch.”

“What’s that?” you ask. “Waiting on set?”
Yes, waiting on set.


A little background: Perhaps some of you will recall the great Nemo, Melissa’s Beagle with the malformed front leg and the giant personality. That is Nemo in the wagon in his “fisherman” costume. And that’s Nemo dressed as a biker. Melissa had fun with Nemo for many years and many of us got to enjoy Nemo’s exploits.


As Melissa explains, “You know, I always wanted Nemo to have a show biz career, but no one wanted to use a ‘handicapped’ dog for advertising or acting.  He did have one paid gig, and that was also for Michael's Halloween shoot. He was a bumble bee.  Of course, Nemo became a star in his own right, appearing on the cover of The Bark magazine with his sister Penny, being featured by you in Urban Animal, and being voted D Magazine's Cutest Dog 2013. 


“Nemo took Hollywood Dog classes with Traci Murdock, and that got us on the casting call list with Paige Anderson's agency.  Through that, I was able to get Colby, my cat, an audition - he has had quite a number of jobs over the last several years, including Sam's, Pier 1, Penney's, Tuesday Morning, PetSmart, Container Store.
“When I was given Rory by my Beagle breeder friends, they said that I had to make her a star.  She has done work for Tuesday Morning & AT&T.  She and Colby did a commercial together for Hexbug, and she made a commercial in Houston for a charity called The 100 Club (that job came thru our breeder, not Paige/Traci).
“I have attached 2 photos of Nemo in Michael's, Rory's 100 Club commercial (the final shot was also used in an ad in the
Houston Chronicle), and a still of the Hexbug commercial.”


Naturally, Dear Readers, I’ve saved a special link for you today. If you click HERE you’ll see Rory’s acting chops. It will warm your heart. That’s a still from the video! It has a great song and a great performance by a dog just waking up.
It’s a good feeling to know that a dog has a human who understands the concept of sharing a life with a canine star. And aren’t all canines stars? The dogs at our house all are waiting for a call, they tell us. Now and then, they take a meeting.
[SEND PHOTOS OF YOUR SLEEPER, NAPPER, SNOOZER OR DEADBEAT RELATIVE IN YOUR PERSONAL RECLINER and the story of your animals to [email protected]. Remember, we’ve been presenting Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap for more than a decade to give insomniacs hope that if they can find the back of the right couch or if they can flop on their backs with their ears perfectly spread flat on the floor, they too can get a good night’s sleep. Now, soon as you finish this sentence, hug your dog or cat or horse or any huggable critter, even a human, and vow to help other people see the joy and value of life with animals.]

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FROM UNWANTED TO NECESSARY: THE STORY OF CRITTERS

EDITION OF FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (PetPowellPress) -- Holy smoke. Last day of September and here comes the first day of the State Fair of Texas and its Military Appreciation Day at the fair -- read about it at bigtex.com. Oh, and Halloween is coming. But before you put on your masks and costumes, read about these animals and how you can help them.


IS THIS NOT A HANDSOME DOG


Looks aren’t everything. There’s a desperate story here. We got it from our longtime tipster and big-time animal fan Dawna Carabajal, president of the Friends of Rowlett Animals. This is a “rescue only” situation, she says.
“I am begging for help here. ... Howdy has found himself on the dreaded list. He needs a rescue group to save him! Howdy is a volunteer favorite. We have taken him to many adoption events and he has always been on his very best behavior. Unfortunately Howdy has been adopted twice and returned twice.
“The first time he was doing very well with his new family, including the family toddler. However, one day another toddler was visiting and they were not being supervised. Something occurred where Howdy nipped the other toddler's finger, so Howdy was returned to the shelter. 
“The 2nd adoption only lasted a few hours. He got a bath at his new home and was trying to settle in. Not sure exactly what occurred next; I was told the adopter was trying to shove something in his face, and he bit the adopter. So once again he was returned.
“Unfortunately since he broke the skin and caused it to bleed he has gone into 10-day quarantine. The shelter is now forced to list Howdy as Rescue Only. He will be in quarantine until the 7th and has until October 8 at 5p.m.to be rescued or he will be euthanized.

“Howdy is a sweet and playful boy. He likes other dogs. He is a 4-year-old Corgi and Heeler mix. It is so unfair that the behavior of his adopters may cost him his life. It does NOT have to be a local rescue. We are willing to put in the work to help figure out how to get him to wherever the rescue group is located.”
Howdy’s at the Rowlett Animal Shelter. To tag him, email Shelter Manager Maria Martinez at [email protected]. The shelter’s at 4402 Industrial Street, Rowlett, TX 75088. Call 972-412-6219. Out-of-the-area rescues should contact Dawna at [email protected] to line up transport.
[LARRY NOTE: Now, dammit, somebody save Howdy. Our house is full or we’d get him and learn about his life and his thoughts on whether the Cowboys belong to Dak or Tony. Howdy looks like a huggable dog -- you just have to know how to treat him -- and by treat him we mean charm him with an educational treat! Mutual trust -- it’s possible between humans and dogs; maybe not between humans, of course, but why bring politics into this.]
A MONTH OLD AND IN A SHELTER?
That’s the story of A957576 from Erica Vega at Dallas Animal Services. She sent this message Thursday afternoon.
“This cute little baby came in to the shelter with no mommy and is need of transfer. Cute little baby is about a week old, we have someone who can take over night but would need someone to pull by COB tomorrow. Please email [email protected] if able to take. Thanks. Erica Vega.”
[LARRY ASIDE: As you may know, Dallas Animal Services & Adoption Center is at 1818 N. Westmoreland at I-30 in West Dallas. Easy off the freeway, easy on. Lots of parking and they’re happy to have visitors. Plenty of inventory for now.]

BUDDY’S PREDICAMENT

We’ve mentioned Buddy before, but Amy Poskey, our reliable tipster regarding matters at the Denton McNatt Animal Shelter, is newly concerned. She writes, “I’m getting very worried about our Buddy cuz nobody has offered to foster this sweet boy.  I would like to emphasize that Buddy is simply misunderstood and is NOT an aggressive pooch.
“Initially, this angel was completely shut down and terrified after being dumped by his family.  He would just lay in his kennel and shake and didn’t even want to look at you. 

“Then, as time passed, Buddy became protective of his kennel and he appears to be aggressive but he’s not.  Unfortunately, that also means he doesn’t show well to potential adopters.  However, several people other than the staff and volunteers at the shelter have made it a point to post their positive experience with Buddy and what a sweet, well-behaved boy he is!”

And there’s this aspect to Buddy from Amy: “In addition to everything I’ve shared in this email thread, I would like to add a little more info on Buddy:  
“Buddy loves toys and loves to play with someone pulling the toy.  With regard to a ball, he will chase after a ball and grab it into his mouth, and just run around with it.  If you throw another ball, he gets that one too, but he wants to keep it.  He is as smart as a whip and could learn to bring it back with a bit of coaching.  He also walks well on a leash. That being said, please give Buddy a chance before it’s too late.  The clock is ticking on this boy and we are all trying so hard to save him.  He deserves to be loved FOREVER!!!”
Call the shelter’s Gayla Nelson at 940-349-7594 or email Amy at [email protected].


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Plenty of volunteer opportunities with A Different Breed at its sanctuary in Desert, according to our tipster Dinesha Schmidt who sees the needs every day. 
You’ll help keep the sanctuary running and the dogs happy. Pass it on. Call or text Dinesha at 972-896-6313. The sanctuary is north-northeast of Dallas out in the “country.” Might be a nice drive and if you stop to volunteer, you won’t be tempted to cross the Red River and leave all your money in Oklahoma.
Dinesha says the need for volunteers is urgent these days because of the off-site adoptions. Takes people to move the animals and equipment.

BECKETT -- GREAT DOG NAME

Karen Lee, the animal advocate with Barkleyworld.com, forwarded this appeal from Janis Lee about a beautiful dog. This one. In this photo. 
Janis wrote that Beckett needs a new home.“She is a 3-year-old Golden Mix who loves the great outdoors but likes being cuddly and lazy, too!  She loves to go outside and run. She has been on canoe trips and loves to visit lakes and streams and any trails you would want to hike.
"She used to go everywhere with the family but circumstances have changed and she now needs a new home. She loves kids and gets along with other dogs.  She is spayed and  up-to-date on vaccinations. If you know an individual, couple, or family who could give her a good new home please contact Janis at  [email protected].”

CONTEMPLATIONS: A week ago, I was mowing our front lawn and began my usual circle routine beneath our magnolia tree. As I sped up, looking down to make sure I missed no blades of grass or, especially, weeds, I walked top-of-the-head-first into a low-hanging limb the size of a fireplace log. No ill effects, perhaps. I walked top-of-the-head-first into a low-hanging limb the size of a fireplace log. No ill effects, perhaps. I walked top-of-the-head first -- hang on. Maybe I need to undergo NFL concussion protocol. I took a good lick. No blood, just stars. I should be able to start Sunday. Where's my playbook. ...  That’s me and Wendy in a casual moment earlier this year. As I write this, my zanyspouse Martha is in the kitchen washing ditches and singing a song she is writing, “Pretty Pretty Wendy Girl” to, of course, Wendy, i.e., Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden. Now, as I listen, Martha is talking in a high-pitched voice to Wendy. Wendy is accustomed to this behavior although initially she would come to me now and then and ask if there might be a need for special medication for the “performance artist.” Now, after all these years, Wendy sees the singing as a tribute and is convinced I am the one in need of medication. I think she saw me ram the magnolia tree with my head. ... Wendy and those Martha has sung to before and will sing to in the future are the reasons Readlarrypowell.com knows there are angels among the “roaming dogs of Dallas.” Wendy was a roaming dog. That is why saving them is important. They add a needed goodness to the human spirit.
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SAVING THE ANIMALS...NAKED ON MAIN ST.?

EDITION OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 (PetPowellPress) Welcome to Thursday and hello, Dallas. Keep it together.  Some people focus on saving ‘em one at a time. We just can’t take that approach in Dallas.  They’re not lining up single-file to get into the cab that takes them to the airport to catch a ride on Society For Companion Animals’ Canine Refugee Flight Outta Dallas.  All depends on people.
SAVING MOM AND HER PUPPIES

This mom and her pups showed up at Dallas Animal Services and DAS Animal Transfer Coordinator Danielle Fry sent out an immediate appeal for help. And we got a note about Rockwall Pets  from Christina Arriaga that was posted on Facebook and reads, “TEAMWORK at it's finest!!! This mom and her 9 pups were at Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center. One of the pups broke with parvo [Sunday] and Rockwall Pets reached out to our friends at the amazing APA Parvo Puppy ICU who took her today. We then got to work and reached out to our friends at Dallas Pets Alive & Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue. We are happy to say that Dallas Pets Alive will split the remaining 8 pups with us and they found a temporary foster for mom until Badass can take her in the next couple of weeks. The pups will be kept in strict isolation at Premier Vet Care Animal Clinic since they were exposed to Parvo, but we are optimistic that there will be a happy ending for the entire family.
"THIS is what teamwork looks like. We worked together to save them all. Thank you DAS, DPA, APA & Badass and of course our volunteer who drove the parvo pup all the way to Austin today!”

[LARRY ASIDE: And, there you go, anecdotal evidence that you don’t have to just kill every dog you run across in Dallas. Thanks to DAS for setting this in motion -- don’t tell anybody. I’m kidding -- I’m sure City Hall won’t notice and put the quietus on it.]

LT. DAN NEEDS HELP
Forwarded from Dinesha Schmidt of A Different Breed, this note from Allie Sterner, who is a former foster for the rescue group. “I have a foster right now named Lt. Dan. He is a handicapped dog who is ‘paralyzed’ on his back legs. He can actually move them but needs some therapy. He is getting some wheels donated and they should be in soon. I have had him for about a month now. I start traveling and cannot keep him much longer unfortunately. Do you have anyone that can foster him?.” The contact point to help Lt. Dan is 610-781-4432.”
[LARRY ASIDE: For those who wonder, “Lt.Dan” is the name of the veteran in a wheelchair played  by Gary Sinese in the Tom Hanks film Forrest Gump. And that’s all I have to say about that.]
FROM OUT AT THE LAKE
A DOG IN THE HIGHWAY
“OK, break my heart,” began Sydney Busch’s letter about this dog. Sydney as you know, is a guiding light at Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. 
The note continues, “Woman found this Dachshund mix -- maybe a 9-week-old puppy -- in the middle of the highway. She brought him in for the first puppy shot. The vet feels she has genetic deformities in her front legs. she gets around fine, but her legs severely bow out. She was probably dumped by an idiot breeder who figured he couldn’t sell her. The woman who rescued her is overwhelmed -- has way too many dogs now. I will be the contact.”
Here’s are the numbers to offer to help this great dog: 903-451-4701 and       214-808-4701 (cell).
Read about Friends (or donate) at www.friendsoftheanimals.org or go to the Facebook page HERE.

AT LEAST THREE OF 50
SHADES OF GRAY...

These three cats are among the adoptables at Dallas Animal Services right now. They are clearly evidence that when it comes to animals in Dallas, not everything is black and white. And there’s currently a bargain rate for adopting critters through the end of September -- that’s just today and tomorrow in case your calendar fell off the wall. Click HERE to see a cat adoption video.
 CONTEMPLATIONS: This is my favorite “Media Alert” headline this week:
“NEARLY NAKED WOMAN TO DALLAS:
'TRY TO RELATE TO WHO'S ON YOUR PLATE'  

It’s a reference to what the people at PETA are calling “PETA’s Provocative World Vegetarian Day Display” and it’s calculated to “give passersby food for thought when it comes to eating animals.” A woman “covered with little more than barbecue sauce and lying on a giant plate -- complete with to-scale cutlery and a side salad” will be in Dallas for a noon, er, exhibition Thursday (Yes, the 29th! Today!) at the intersection of Akard and Main in Downtown Dallas. World Vegetarian Day is October 1, PETA notes. PETA reminds people that “animals raised and killed for food are capable of feeling joy, love, pain and fear, just as humans are.” I’m a vegetarian. It’s a good life. ... Wouldn’t it be great if the Texas Rangers could play the Chicago Cubs in the World Series? Ah, but first, the early rounds of the playoffs. ... How many books will be written about the 2016 presidential campaign? Too many?
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WILL DALLAS BECOME THE 'CITY THAT KILLS DOGS'?

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 (PetPowellPress) -- Pay attention to this dog’s story because it has place in the second story in this edition.
The subject line on the email Tuesday read ‘YOUNG SWEET STRAY NEEDS PLACE TO GO! GOOD SAMARITAN CANNOT KEEP! WILL END UP AT DAS!' Yes, this is exactly the sort of unwanted, dumped, unattended or clever dog that roams Dallas and winds up on death row -- or, with luck, a home or a rescue group. Or, sometimes, in a plane being flown to safety like a refugee escaping a war zone.
That’s right. For animals, Dallas is a war zone. Hyperbole? Not really.
Here’s the story on this dog -- we got it from from both Dinesha Schmidt of A Different Breed Rescue and Karen Lee of Barkleyworld.com. The note they forwarded explains, “He has been wandering the Dallas neighborhood for a week. No collar; no tags. Good samaritan took him to the vet for shots and a checkup he is in good health but under-fed. Needs a place to go or will end up at DAS because she can’t keep him! He is very sweet and friendly and gets along with everything just scared. Can anyone help?469-236-9239.”
[LARRY ASIDE: I have seen many current and former Dallas Animal Services employees breaking their backs trying to save animals in Dallas. Hero work, you know what I mean? And, now, saving animals -- NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF PUTTING PEOPLE AT PERIL -- may be facing a challenge in Dallas. Read this next item. Pay attention to the photographs.]

THE MEETING DURING THE DEBATE

While so many of the city's and the nation’s TV sets were tuned to the first Clinton/Trump (alphabetical) debate Monday night, there was a meeting underway at the Dallas Police Station. You’ve read about it being scheduled.
The new managers of Dallas Animal Services, two Dallas Police Officers (bless their newly challenged hearts) were interested in exchanging ideas with the people who have been transferring animals out of DAS to rescue groups or to cities far away so they’d be safe from the needle.
(These animals are currently on the “waiting list” at Dallas Animal Services. I’ll ID them later. Read this entire item first.)

[LARRY ASIDE: The big problem is NOT THE POLICE, of course. The BIG PROBLEM IS THIS TOWN’S IDIOTS (a never-ending supply) who won’t spay/neuter pets, won’t confine pets in a responsible and healthy fashion and who don’t just give a good damn about animals. There is no sermon on earth that can defeat willing stupidity.] 

OK, so back to meeting during the debate. On the Readlarrypowell.com Facebook page we asked if anyone had attended the meeting.
Maeleska Fletes, a dedicated rescuer, member of the Dallas Animal Shelter Commission and a great asset to this city, replied that we should take a look at the report from veteran animal fan and DFW Furgotten Friends Founder and President Stephen Foster who’d attended. 
She said he’d written “a great summary of the meeting and our situation.” 
Trusting Maeleska’s veteran judgement and Stephen’s experience in the field, I am presentng what he wrote:

“After sitting in on the DAS meeting at DPD my fears have become reality. Most sensible animal advocates and rescuers knew if you pushed the hand of Dallas it would lead to the euthanization of thousands of more dogs. The near 8,000 loose and stray dogs in South Dallas are nearing the end of their lives. Local rescues, out of state rescues and many other groups offering help through outreach have been doing all they can with limited budgets and volunteers.

“If the new leaders of DAS and the City Manager think the rescue partners of DAS will be able to absorb even half of the 8,000 dogs they plan on picking up they need to help those rescues find fosters and funds. 

“The call for 46,000 spays and neuters over the coming years is a great idea. Why haven't we thought of that before? Oh, right, we have, with programs like Big Fix For Big D and the Spay/Neuter Network.

“Offering free spays and neuters has been an ongoing thing for several years now.
“Getting the owners of the intact dogs to do it is a whole other problem. I've talked to so many people with intact dogs over the years. I've explained how they can get it done for free. I've explained the health benefits for their dog. What response to I get? ‘I'm not neutering my dog.’ Or ‘We don't want him neutered because he's our guard dog.' 
“But the worst one is ‘We don't care. It's just a dog.’

“Will there be people who do want it [spay/neuter] done? Of course there will. There are people who look at their pets as something more than back yard security but that's a small percentage of the South Dallas neighborhoods.

“The previous approach to the loose dog problem was slow and steady and might have taken many more years to get the results people wanted but it was working.

“Thanks to all the bad press and screaming advocates for the removal of leadership at DAS the city has chosen to take the fast path for a quicker resolution. They got their wish.

“I hope all the people who were screaming for change will get on a foster list with the many rescues we have in North Texas and open their homes to the flood of dogs who come in to DAS. If they don't foster a dog I don't want to see them complaining about the city euthanizing those dogs.”


In these photos you see three animals currently in the Dallas Animal Services Adoption Shelter. These are the types of dogs and cats that will die in record numbers in the Dallas Animal Services Shelter if the Dallas City Council doesn’t abandon it’s traditional method of animal management: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.”  That’s right. Elected officials can make the call on this animal problem -- and they shouldn’t just pass along the “kill ‘em” order to other people. 


Blurry is that young Earhound, labeled as a Toy Fox Terrier -- that is a set of championship ears on Animal #A957055. And check out the face on that wonderful black and white cat and those record-setting whiskers! That is Moonie (#A954959). And that Lab mix with the “Am I doomed? look” is Tita A955698). 
You can see the DAS animals by going to the DAS site and navigating to adoption -- it’s dallasanimalservices.org.
 Click on that DAS Facebook page cat artwork and you'll see that there's a bargain adoption rate in September.

You can see Stephen’s original post by scrolling around on his Facebook page HERE.

Now, here is THE QUESTION: Who are you going to get to shove a death needle into the necks of thousands of dogs? What kind of person will do that? How much will they be paid? How will that weigh on their souls? 
Loose dogs kill one human and that is awful beyond comprehension. Awful. But should thousands of dogs pay for the neglectful and immoral attitudes of people who ignored the welfare of their animals and their neighbors? 

Can’t the City of Dallas, Texas, save more animals than it kills? Do we want to be known as the City That Kills The Dogs? Because, ladies and gentlemen in and out of office, that is what will happen. Bless those animals yet to come.
How do we save these animals and get them off the streets? First, we stop any consideration of killing animals. Then, we think about this. Get experienced people to look at other cities and take the best of all the systems.
Make Dallas the City where Love is more than an airport.

MEANWHILE IN FERRIS
Holy smoke, are the roads to Ferris not paved? Has Suri forgotten how to give directions to a point 20 minutes south on I-45 from Dallas?  
Here’s the deal and we’re presenting it just as we received it from Ferris Animal Shelter advocate Dana Perkins (email [email protected]] and others: “The Ferris Animal Shelter is full. Again. We've doubled up on cages as much as possible, and we are out of room. Packed to capacity. We can't help any more until some are rescued, adopted or fostered. We are urgently asking for your help to share these sweet pets and give us new hope and save these little lives.
“Our shelter is very rural, very isolated, and we receive NO walk-ins at all.
"Because of this challenge, we rely entirely on networking through emails and social media sites like Facebook to help save these wonderful pets. ... We cannot be counted as a 'no kill' shelter if the public and adoptors and visits and help doesn't occur. Our last adoptions were 3 weeks ago at our first public event, and we haven't had a scheduled visit to the shelter to see any of our littles in person in over 2 months. So we are in a critical state.”


The contact is Chelcee Juricek, the Animal Control Officer whose phone is sometimes answered by the Ferris Police because she’s out on a rescue or call. Her number is 972-877-4180 and her email is [email protected]. The shelter is at 1200 N. Central, Ferris, Tx 75125. The Ferris Facebook page is HERE -- that’s where you can see animals on the clock such as those three in the photos.

CONTEMPLATION: The folks at Cedar Hill Pet Memorial Park are hosting a Blessing of the Animals at 2 p.m. Sunday at the fabulously restored and enhanced property at 1210 J. Elmer Weaver Freeway (that’s U.S. 67 South) in Cedar Hill.

Go to www.cedarhillpetcemetery.org to see this artwork and read about the memorial park. Gosh, they’ve done a lot of work. And I’m betting --er, I’m expecting -- sorry Father -- that Father Marc Dobson, the Rector from Good Shepherd Church, will mention these heroic park-restoring souls when he officiates at this Blessing of the Animals. Humans are animals, too, so maybe some of that blessing will spill over from the canines, felines, hamsters, reptiles, etc. At the bottom of the artwork, the Park people have included the verse Genesis 1:26 from the New American Standard Bible. It’s quoting God when it reads, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Creeping thing was not specifically a reference to any politicians, but whatever can be done to help them behave gracefully and kindly, you know?
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DALLAS: BIG THINGS HAPPEN HERE....

EDITION OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 (PetPowellPress) -- North Texas temperatures got better. No debate about it. Sorry, didn’t mean to bring up debate. Now, some animal stories and stuff:
A STORY TO READ
This story, in the Big Paper Downtown by a pretty good reporter, Sarah Mervosh, includes the likelihood of what Readlarrypowell suggested a few weeks ago. It’ll be the animals who die because of lousy human behavior in Dallas. Read it HERE. What? Did you think Dallas would abandon its iron-fisted philosophy of animal management? “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.” Immoral. Got to be a better way. Heartbreaking.
MOM AND PUPS AND PARVO

Here’s an example of how things have changed since I started writing about animals in Dallas decades ago. Monday, we got a note from Danielle Fry, the Dallas Animal Services Transfer Coordinator. Danielle, who has sent many of these notes in her career, included the photos of a momma dog and her NINE pups. [COMMERCIAL BREAK: Spay/neuter. Spay/neuter. Spay/neuter.]

Danielle’s note about A949948 and her 9 pups reads, “This adorable sweet pitty family needs the help of one of our amazing transfer partners! This mom has 9 sweet puppies.  She is taking great care of them but we noticed that one seemed to not be feeling so well.  We tested the pup for parvo and it came back positive.  Our amazing vet staff has started her on treatment but she needs pulled asap!  The rest of the family is currently active and not symptomatic.  We are asking that they be pulled by close of business 9/27 to reduce cross contamination and the risk for them getting sick.   
Email [email protected] if you can help this amazing family!   If someone can help the pup that has tested positive, or just the pups please let us know!”
How is this different? Parvo, ringworm and mange used to mean certain death for an animal in a Dallas shelter.
In recent years, the application of heart has been part of the daily shelter routine.
A RESCUE -- YES, A RESCUE
We wrote about this dog, Winry, a Beagle/Bassett mix who, at just under a year old, was about to be evicted from her home. She didn’t have her shots and hadn’t been spayed.
Appeals went forth.  And Lilia Hollis of White Rock Dog Rescue reports that Winry  “has been taken into our program. She is safe. She’s been vetted and will be spayed on Thursday.
And, “She needs a bit of work, but is a sweet young dog, Lilia wrote. Go to www.whiterockdog.org to see how to support the work it’ll take to make Winry adoptable again.

TINY KITTENS LEFT IN TRASH BIN    
Oh, goodness. Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake sent his note. “PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE... Three tiny kittens were left in a box in a Dumpster (grrr) - kind person who found them cannot keep them... Hoping to find homes for them BUT right now they need bottle feeding... Please can someone foster them until they are old enough to eat on their own?  Maybe couple weeks max.”
Email [email protected] or call 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701. [LARRY IRONY ASIDE: Tuesday is the day the Friends operate the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. Yep, some clown didn’t get a girl cat spayed and some clown -- maybe the same one -- didn’t get a boy cat neutered. Birds and the bees, folks, birds and the bees.]

TWO TALES FROM BURNS FLAT

Our longtime tipster from the western Oklahoma outpost of Burns Flat, had two pleas Monday. 

STORY A: SOME JERK STARVES A DOG

Terry Lynn writes, “You look at her pictures and want to cry for her. You see her in person and want to find who did this and hurt them. I will NEVER understand how humans can be so cruel. This innocent girl was found dumped in the middle of nowhere. She is so skinny it makes me cry. We have fed her mini meals over the weekend and I have her on the way to my vet to be checked out and boarded while we search for a rescue. She is very sweet and loving. Adores children and is fine with cats. LOVES other dogs. Basically ignores cows and horses. I am so overwhelmed with too many throwaways and vet cases. If anyone has room for this doll, please let me know.
STORY B: SEVEN DOGS GET ANOTHER BAD BREAK

Terry Lynn reports, “Rescue BAILED on these poor dogs. They HAVE to go, whether it be to rescue or the towns put down...I have no space... no empty pens.
PLEASE, if you can take any of them, let me know.”
Terry Lynn’s descriptions:
“TRIXIE.... Very shy female... she was abused horribly... finally trusting, but now facing death.
“BONGO.... Young, he is a friendly medium size boy.. LOVES kids and other dogs...
“MILEY.... Found with Bongo, he is also great with kids and dogs
“TYLER AND TWILLA... found dumped in the country, they need a safe place asap...

 “ROGER...Sweet precious boy... adores children and great with other dogs...
“SANDY (left)... dumped in the middle of nowhere, she laid there for days, waiting for her people to return.”


These are photos of some of the dogs. Terry Lynn can help you with arranging their rescue from their dire situation in Burns Flat. Email her at [email protected] or call 580-330-1459.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Seriously, isn’t Dallas smart enough to reduce the animal “problem” without becoming a canine killing machine? ... Glad the first debate is over. Surprised nobody is sponsoring it -- Tums, Rolaids or, maybe, Shout. ... Show of hands, please, how many of you have adopted street dogs who are now too dainty to dash out into a drizzle to do their business?
--- To comment, grip your SaneMouse and click below (please leave your solutions for saving the dogs in Dallas before the city sets a record for most canine euthanasias in a fiscal year). ---

BOLO: GORDY IN ARLINGTON; SAVING BUDDY & OTHER TAILS, er, TALES

EDITION OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 (PetPowellPress) -- Let’s just dive into the day’s activities. I’ll try to keep ‘em short because I know everyone is going to be rushing through the day’s work to get to that presidential debate tonight. Or that DAS/Transfer partners meeting at Dallas PD headquarters (more later).  But first, help some animals:
BE ON THE LOOKOUT ARLINGTON
WAIT! GORDY IS FOUND! 

We got the happy update just about the time we hit the "go" button on this edition. so, I'm leaving the original here because it carries a reminder every person who adopts a new dog ought to remember. And down in the body of the story, we have the photo of Gordy's "I've been rescued!" photo from Sunday. So read on with some relaxation and remember to be careful with critters.
(Original text follows)
Oh, brother, this is one of those “how could that happen" deals. It happens because, as Readlarrypowell.com has consistently warned, “Dogs are too clever for their own good.”
As our pal and Euless Trinity GAP Rescue supporter Karen Lee explains, “Gordy was adopted from the GAP Pet Fair on Saturday and escaped from his new home in South Arlington [Saturday] night—PLEASE be on the lookout for him—we are all heartbroken!”

Gordy may have no idea yet that his name is Gordy. He was last seen in the Winston Terrace area of southern Arlington in Zip Code 76014. That's the general area between I-20 on the south, Arkansas Lane on the north, Matlock on the west nad Collins on the East. Lots of residences and Vandergriff Park, too. Lots of traffic -- it's near Arlington Highlands. If you’ve seen him, call 214-693-6000. Or email Karen at [email protected].
[LARRY ASIDE: That Gordy looks like he was born to ride in a car and look at the passing world! Bless his heart for getting back to where he belongs! Long and happy life for you, Gordy! And all you humans? Take a nap and enjoy the relief!]

HEADS UP FOR A GOOD CAUSE


Takes money to make a sanctuary work. This is the logo for Animal Angels of Texas, the organization founded and run by the renowned rescuer Carole Sanders. Click HERE to see not just HOW but WHY to help Animal Angels, the legendary sanctuary near Jacksboro. 



THE BUDDY SITUATION

Amy Poskey, the reliable tipster who monitors the goings-on at Denton’s Linda McNatt Animal Shelter, sent this appeal on behalf of a dog named Buddy. 
“Missy Redding with Bull luv able Paws and Chi Wawas Rescue in Dallas, TX has stepped up for Buddy but we need a foster to make it happen!  We can save Buddy’s life if we can find a foster, so please spread the word far and wide!  We just have to save this wonderful boy who has been dumped and misunderstood!!!  PLEASE give him the chance he so deserves!!!” Amy says the contact points are [email protected] and [email protected] or call shelter Kennel Supervisor Gayla Nelson at 940-349-7594.
Buddy has been a little fearful in the shelter, but also has come around to being regarded as a “sweetie pie.” Amy included a note about Buddy’s good behavior in the crowded shelter. Gayla reports, “They were finally able to test this dog with a ball ... It has been so busy in here ....  He loves toys and loves to play with someone pulling the toy.  With regard to a ball, he will chase after a ball and grab it into his mouth, and just run around with it.  If you throw another ball, he gets that one too, but he wants to keep it.  He is as smart as a whip and could learn to bring it back with a bit of coaching.”

[LARRY ASIDE: What a handsome dog. Clearly the shelter folks have fallen for him. Buddy will be 4 in mid-October if nobody is forced by circumstance to shove a needle full of death juice into his neck to kill him and make room for the next unwanted dog in Denton.]
WINRY. THE UNWANTED DOG

This dog is getting evicted on Monday, according to the note we got from Dinesha Schmidt of A Different Breed Rescue. This is a pass-along story because ADB is full and the dog needs quick help. 
The note Dinesha forwarded reads, “Her name is Winry; she's a Beagle and Basset Hound mix. She doesn't have her shots and she's not spayed. She's good with kids, very friendly, very high energy.

"Just under a year old, she was born in November last year. She's been around cats, the cats don't care for her but she really wants to play with them. She's kennel trained and mostly house-broken aside from the occasional accident.”

The email contact is [email protected].

I KNOW ANIMAL PEOPLE NEVER DEBATE
LIKE POLITICIANS WITH A MEAN STREAK

That Dallas Animal Services, Transfer Partners and 501c3 Rescues meeting is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Dallas Police Headquarters, 1400 S. Lamar. Deputy Chief of Police Rob Sherwin, leading the new era at Dallas Animal Services, promises an “open discussion.”
[LARRY ASIDE: My advice is be polite, think about what you are going to say rather than letting your heart do the talking and remember that they have holding cells in that building and it takes a while to process a bail bond. I’m kidding. This is a serious issue in this town and the city will find that the best advisors with the most accurate information are people who are involved in the animal issues without drawing a check from city hall. Pro bono is the theme of their lives.]
IF YOU STILL NEED MORE DEBATING,
THERE IS ALSO A NATION AT STAKE

If you want to watch the Presidential Debate Monday night with a crowd of globally aware people, the non-partisan, non-profit World Affairs Council is hosting a debate-watch party at the Angelika Dallas. Here’s the LINK for informationg about attending the broadcast of this historic debate on the big screen!
Might be more entertaining than a Cowboys game -- don’t know if the candidates will be able to throw a red bag toward moderator Lester Holt and get a replay.
CONTEMPLATIONS: I missed my high school reunion over the weekend. But I want to say hello to the members of that class at Texas High in Texarkana, Texas. It’s the greatest class ever produced by a school district in the United States and perhaps anywhere in the world. It had passion, it had romance, it had industry and it had people with dreams. Every member of that class was born in the 1940s and grew up to rock the world. I have a theory about why we rocked the world: Don Henley’s band The Four Speeds played at our high school prom, plus we all learned the alphabet and the multiplication tables AND Texas History. I’d tell you which class it is, but some classmates may be sensitive about revealing their ages. I’m not sensitive -- though I may be when I finally turn 40. That's me at a journalism conference with my teacher/hero Joy Arnold -- I haven't changed a bit, said the bearded (since 1971) hefty-man. ...  This is Johnny Appleseed Day and if you don’t know who that is, activate your Google Inquisitor Protocol. Apple core, Baltimore, etc.  ... Speaking of Apple, September 26 is the anniversary of the date in 1969 that Abbey Road, the final album recorded by The Beatles, was released -- it was on, of course, Apple Records. My era was swept up by The Fab Four. Here’s the United Kingdom trailer for Ron Howard’s new film, Eight Days A Week. 

--- To comment, grip your GoodSenseMouse and encourage the DAS meeting participants to help the animals in this town by clicking below and leaving words of wisdom or best wishes. Who wants to live in a town known for being lousy for animals? ---

RADIATING HAPPINESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Meet Harley May Quinn, she is my little pudgy baby.”


That was our introduction to this edition’s spotlighted dog in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, our long-running weekend feature at readlarrypowell.com. 

The author of the sentence is David Maldonado who clearly has a soft spot for Harley May Quinn and her canine companion, Skye.
Oh, and you see that beautiful photo of the sitting, smiling Haley May Quinn? That mugshot on the right is what she looks like when she’s totally asleep and upside down.

Here’s the Sleeping Dogs story from David:

“Harley is my 9-month-old Lab/Ridgeback Mix, I adopted her from Dallas Animal Services approximately a couple of months ago when she was a wee little skinny pup. Fast-forward 6 months and she is now my big pudgy baby.
“Her full name is Harley May Quinn. Her original name was solely Harley Quinn which is one of my favorite comic book characters but I decided she needs a middle name since my other dog has a middle name (Disclaimer: my other dog actually has a couple of names ‘Skyler Rene Nicole’ but Skye for short.) so I decided she would be Harley May Quinn.
“Harley is my second ever dog in my life. I worried about adopting a second dog since I got really lucky with my first dog but surprisingly I am 2 for 2. She caught on to the rules of the house really fast. Just from watching Skye she was potty trained the 2nd day of her being home. I didn't have to teach her to go to her crate she just automatically goes when I tell her to.

“Now when I call her my little pudgy baby I mean it. She eats anything you will feed her and she isn't the typical active pup. With Skye I can go on 6-7 mile walks/hikes and she will still have energy but when Harley came around we have to take a lot of breaks.
“There is something about this dog that just radiates happiness. She is always so happy to see me. As soon as she hears my car alarm she runs to the window and I can see her through the blinds just peeking at me. Its a mystery how she came in as a stray to the shelter. I don't know how someone could leave this adorable baby out in the street.”
God bless David Maldonado for being there when Harley May Quinn needed a sidekick named Skye, a good name and a good home with a place to sleep. And bless that Harley May Quinn for radiating happiness!
[WE LOVE THE RESCUE STORIES at readlarrypowell.com and they always make great subjects for our weekend Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Send your photos of your slumbering critters and your stories to [email protected] and we’re more than proud to show them off to the interconnected world. You’ll also be providing inspiration for the insomniacs of the planet -- they’ll learn from your animals that sleep is possible if you can find a place that makes you feel loved and give you a chance to love back. It’s not complicated -- it’s just nice.]


HERE ARE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
TO RESCUE A DOG, HELP A SHELTER
AND ADD A NEW LOVE TO YOUR HEART

THE DENTON CROWD

 Our Denton tipster Amy Poskey writes, “Eleven love sponges are waiting for their furever homes and PLEASE consider giving our Missy a loving retirement home!
“As a reminder, all the pooches at the Denton, TX Animal Shelter are FULLY vetted before they are placed for adoption, AND 501c3 rescues can pull for FREE!”
The Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center is at 3717 N. Elm St. in Denton. It’s open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Email these addresses: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], and/or [email protected].
Call 940-349-7594.
Missy is $23, a Jack Russell Terrier mix “who loves people (including children), and is housebroken!  She is such a sweet girl and would probably do best as an only fur child.  Missy also needs to be fed a grain free food.”
Greta’s the chubby Pitty girl waiting for a home.
Then there are these two:  Princess sitting and Prince, posing. They were brought in as strays. Is that Prince not majestic?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REMINDER: This is just a “sampler platter” of the “11 love sponges” Amy and others are trying to save. Pass ‘em on to people who don’t yet know that they need a dog. Or to people like you and me: People who once thought ONE dog was enough. Hah.

MEANWHILE IN EAST TEXAS


Marie Garza, who networks on behalf of East Texas shelter pets, sent around this appeal: 
“RUFF Rescue, Inc., is saving14 dogs, puppies, cats and kittens from the East Texas Shelters!  Many are already vetted thanks to the shelters and volunteers!  But we still need funds for transport which is costing approximately $1200 by the time we pay the driver, gas, van rental and several other expenses that will incur.  No amount is ever too small to donate!  Every dollar always adds up when it comes to helping these precious pups have a jump start for a new life from Texas to Colorado!”


That’s one of the East Texas Earhounds. Email Marie at [email protected] and click HERE to see how to help these people help these dogs.


FROM BOWIE,
BEYOND THE METROSPRAWL
Amy Poskey forwarded this appeal from Sierra Sharon and the subject line reads “Bowie Animal Shelter Full, AGAIN.”

The note reads, “This is Sierra Sharon again, with the small animal shelter in Bowie, Texas. We are totally full again and have been code red for 3 weeks :( . We are paying for 2 in boarding right now to keep them alive. We have had a few out to rescue and a few adoptions, but get twice as many in and cannot catch a break. We have to have some out this week or will have to EU :( . Is there anyway you could maybe send out an email to see if there are any rescues or adopters out there that could help? Thank you so much!
Here is the link to the album.
If you can help, email Sierra at [email protected] and Amy at [email protected]. 
That Earhound is Olga. She needs someone to save her life.
--- To comment, grip your ItsBeyondMeSpouse and ask, “How can the shelter in a town of under 5,500 have a consistently filled animal shelter?” and then remember that it’s close enough for people from Dallas to drive there and shove dogs out of the car -- oops, I mean click below... ---

GAP FAIR, DAMAGED RADAR, BLIND CAT & OPPORTUNITIES

EDITION OF FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 (PetPowellPress) -- Show of hands? How many of you are going to spend the next two days cleaning the North Texas Giving Day appeals out of your inboxes? Whew, what a tsunami! And Readlarrypowell.com hopes every critter charity got so much more than expected that the IRS has put a “review” tag on the group!
Speaking of bona fide rescue organizations and an inspiration for young people: The Trinity GAP Pet Fair -- rain or shine -- is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Euless Trinity High School, 500 N. Industrial Blvd. in Euless. (Click on the art to make it grow!) 
We got the Fair report from big-time GAP supporter Karen Lee who wrote, “The Garage Sale starts at 8 a.m., so come early for all the good stuff and then stay for the Fair!”

This fair grew out of the Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program, an all-female community service organization that, in addition to hosting this event, does a lot of other stuff plus partnering with the Euless Animal Shelter to save animals.
How successful is that? Karen reports, “Last year approximately 340 dogs and cats found homes with the help of Trinity GAP.”

The fair is open to people and leashed pets. There are low-cost vaccinations thanks to TCAP (Texas Coalition for Animal  Protection), $20 micro-chipping thanks to Great Dane Rescue of North Texas and “beautiful Pet Photography by Jim Stevens for $10,” Karen’s note read. There’s also dog bathing, nail clipping, raffles, vendors, food, pet adoptions and the traditional :more.” 

Importantly, “All proceeds funnel into the Trinity GAP Club vet fund to help Euless Animal Shelter pets.” And, the Fair is a collecting point for pet food donations for the Don’t Forget To Feed Me Food Pantry for North Texas animals. Want more info? Email [email protected] or go to the website trinitygaprescue.org or go to Facebook HERE.
What? Of course!  GAP has animals waiting for adoption on that Facebook site: That beautiful kitten is the wonderfully named Deja Blue and that dog is Austin, a Cocker-Pug mix -- A Cockug? A Pocker? Whatever he is, he’ll add some happy to your household.
AN EXAMPLE OF GAP CONNECTIONS WITH HEARTS
People who hear the story of Radar cringe. It’s an emotional thing -- you want to undo what happened to this dog.
Karen Lee sent a note about this pup because GAP has a hand in what happens to her -- she was rescued by a Euless police officer and another officer, who fosters for GAP, is trying to help find a suitable home for Radar. Some homes won’t be suitable because of what happened to Radar, a 2-or-3-year-old Beagle mix who is sweet and lovable at certain time and terrified at others. 
The story from goes:
"She was a rescue dog found in a home with over 50 additional animals all in kennels. Radar was in deplorable conditions and was stabbed with a knife by her owner before she was rescued. She is extremely loyal and affectionate once she is comfortable with you. She does great with other doggies.  Uncertain about little humans because she tends to be skittish from previous abuse and needs gentle attention.
“She is scared of men with deep voices and is scared by shouting. She thrives around women and soft spoken males. The only behavior issue we have is her running away when she is home with my adult son. He has a loud voice and she will not go near him when I am not there, however she will happily sit on his lap and approach him for treats while I am home. While we love her very much, our goal is to find her a home where she is completely comfortable and happy. She is fixed and a healthy dog. She does require toys to chew and play with or she will chew.”

The contact phone number is 682-465-9033.
[LARRY ASIDE: If you are DOUBLE-PEEVED -- I cleaned that up -- at the human who did this to the dog, that is an entirely appropriate reaction and, at some point, we hope to legalize the Readlarrypowell.com Two-by-Four of Enlightenment just for these special  moments with such awful people.]

THE ‘DARLING, BLIND KITTY BOY’S 
PLANO PREDICAMENT

While the cat’s in Plano, the tip on the predicament came from our reliable Houston (And Beyond!) source Alexandra Kelsey. 
Her note reads, “This sweet boy had a great life until a snippy neighbor ruined things.  Mr. Kitty lived outside at a nice lady’s house for about 18 months, he followed her and her dogs on walks and he got to sleep in his favorite flower pot…until that neighbor decided that the area should be cat-free!
“Now, to keep this kitty safe, Christine has boarded him.
“She urgently needs a great place for him.  Mr. Kitty likes dogs and he likes to be petted, but he’s not one to be picked up and cuddled.  Does anyone have a safe place where this guy could enjoy life and some companionship without being expected to be a lap cat? He has been fully vetted and is FIV/FELV negative.”
The contact is Christine at [email protected] or you can call or text 972-612-8937. Transport’s available and you can donate to boarding. 
[LARRY ASIDE: I don’t know what you can do to help the anti-cat neighbor. Is there a special prayer?]

PUP SQUAD’S PLAN
Pup Squad Animal Rescue in Houston is working on a photo/sponsor program. Donate $50 and “one of our adult dogs’ will get new, professional photos courtesy of photographer Robyn Arouty  -- let me rephrase: “a bit of a famous famous photographer and writer Robyn Arouty.” (Check out the work at the website robynarouty.com where the first big words you see are “Photographer Writer Dog-Lover.” ) 
Here’s the deal, donate $50 and Robyn shoots the photo that makes these unwanted but loved dogs “shine.” The Pup squad note says, "Some of these dogs have been waiting years to find their forever homes.” 
For info, email [email protected] or go to the Facebook site HERE or write to PupSquad at 448 W. 19th St. #262, Houston, 77008.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Remember these three former breeder Schnauzers (Gizmo, Oprah and Rambo, 2 pregnant, all three 9-years old) who were an emergency rescue appeal from Denton? Contemplate this: “YAY!” Nice word to contemplate. Yep, from an admiringly enthusiastic Denton animal shelter monitor and critter advocate Amy Poskey as she announced that “Operation Kindness has stepped up for these angels and will be pulling them today.” So, if your question was “Where can I adopt some middle-aged Schnauzers or possibly Schnauzer puppies?”, the answer is Operation Kindness, the no-kill shelter in Carrollton. Well, that’s the answer to saving the dogs. The real answer is “Some people should’t be allowed to have animals.” ... Why are British TV mysteries so darned entertaining? Dialogue? Characters? Plots? Accents? ... So, a 2.4 magnitude earthquake hits Irving on Thursday morning and it was recorded somewhere in the vicinity of State Highway 114 and -- get this -- California Crossing Road. Irony? Of course, it’s near the now-empty site of Texas Stadium, so, probably, rather than being caused by fracking, it’s probably just the earth shuddering as the 20th Century Cowboys Super Bowl Spirits are trying to escape from the hole they been buried in by lousy management decisions and bad luck since 1996 -- yep, last time they were in the big game was 20 years ago. Ah, but the Texas Rangers -- how about a Rangers/Chicago Cubs World Series. Would that sell tickets, get viewers and break hearts at the end?
--- To comment, grip your GoRangersMouse and click a Rangers roundtripper below. ---

On GIVING DAY, AUTUMN ARRIVES AND ANIMALS AWAIT

EDITION OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 (PetPowellPress) Can you believe it? Autumn arrives on North Texas Giving Day. More on autumn in Contemplations. Maybe this will be the last time this year anybody asks, “Hot enough for you?”
But, first, think about these stories
THE LINEUP IN FERRIS

These dogs are all on the clock in Ferris, just a few minutes south of Dallas on I-45. No traffic except on the freeway, that’s the prob with the Ferris Animal Shelter. 
The latest note about the Ferris Shelter (thanks to the Legendary Jonnie England for forwarding) outlines the dire situation. It was written by Dana Perkins of Ferris Shelter Pets to help Chelcee Juricek, the ACO at Ferris.
Dana, wrote, “We've been so so sooooooo quiet again at the shelter.
"No traffic, no calls, no visits. And we are full again... So is the nature of shelter life....
"We desperately need your help to share and network our little ones, ASAP.
“Our shelter is very rural, very isolated, and we receive NO walk-ins at all.
Because of this challenge, we rely entirely on networking through emails and social media sites like Facebook to help save these wonderful pets.
 “It's been a long long time since we've had to face any tough choices at our shelter, thanks to awesome people and rescues who have really shared and adopted and rescued...and every time we save 1, it seems there are 10 more that arrive.  So we are asking for your help again... these little ones need it...Little ones like ‘Wendy’. [top left in the big collection]”

Contact Dana at [email protected] or reach ACO Juricek at [email protected] or call 972-877-4180. The shelter is at 1200 N. Central in Ferris.
[LARRY ASIDE: While some of you city folks may be askeerd of travelin’ into an area called “rural,” let me assure you that Ferris has paved roads, restaurants and places to buy lottery tickets. Combine all that with an animal challenge and those folks might as well be living in Dallas. But they’re not moving to Dallas, so it’s up to Dallas folks to drive to Ferris and bring back one or more of these dogs -- like little Wendy in the chair.]
WE INTERRUPT THESE STORIES...
To bring you this announcement as it appeared on the Dallas Animal Services Facebook Page. Click on it to make it even larger. 

Reading that, you'll see how much courage it takes to be a Deputy Chief of Police in Dallas -- Rob Sherwin’s announcement has promised an “open discussIon” in a room filled with animal people. [LARRY ASIDE: That’s a joke, folks. We know animal advocates are all timid, quiet, reluctant to speak...and I am an Olympic diver! Look, I have both peace officers and animal nuts in my family. And some of the peace officers have been animal nuts, too. I suspect that’s the case at the Dallas PD, too. In fact, I know it is. Remember: “Save the Animals” is a righteous mission. One more thing from Larry: This meeting is going to be at DPD Headquarters. Take a card and write “thank you” on it and leave it where an officer will find it. Shake some officers' hands. These peace officers need to know how much we appreciate the peace they keep. Peace is hard to keep in Dallas.]

MEANWHILE IN DENTON

Amy Poskey sent this note Wednesday afternoon. She got the alert from Gayla Nelson, the Denton McNatt Animal Services Kennel Supervisor. 
That means she deals directly with the animals on the clock in Denton. Takes somebody tough to do that job. And when she appeals for help, you know some animal has touched her heart. These three dogs are Gizmo and Oprah in the top photo and Rambo. They’re all about 9. Gayla’s note tells the story and, as animal fans, you should be prepared to relate to Gayla’s expression of disgust.

She wrote, “We received 3 healthy Schnauzers, all heartworm negative, well-groomed, but they are seniors.  Here’s the kicker:  Gizmo and Oprah are pregnant.  The owners were dog breeders and were ‘finished with them.’  Makes me sick.  Anyway, we will not abort these pups.  I believe Rambo is the father.  He is pictured here.  He was neutered today ... The females were postponed in hopes that they can go out quickly to rescue.”

Email [email protected] or Amy at [email protected].
 As Amy wrote in her portion of the appeal, “Gizmo and Oprah need our help so they can have their puppies in a safe, loving home!  And, I’m sure Rambo would love to be in a loving home, too!”
CONTEMPLATIONS: We’re going to cite some important history on this first day of Autumn 2016 -- arrives at 9:21 a.m. Dallas time.  On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the early version of the Emancipation Proclamation. That set the date for the freeing of more than 3 million slaves in the U.S. as Jan. 1, 1863. This emancipation news reached Texas on June 19, 1865. What’s that, whippersnapper? Social media? The closest thing to social media in those days was church gossip, barroom rumors and a message in a bottle thrown into a river. It’s hard to think anybody looks at that era (or EVER looked at it!) as the “good ol’ days.” ... Want some entertaining reading? Check out the budget story in The Big Paper Downtown, in particular the part about Dallas Animal Services. Why is it entertaining? Aw, you know. Remember, it’s up to animal advocates to make the City of Dallas abandon the ol’ Texas  Method of Animal Management: Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it! ... For a little while it looked like the Texas Rangers would clinch the American League West in the actual summer season, but, nope, that clinching will have to come in Autumn -- the Rangers are off Thursday, so maybe they can celebrate Friday night with a victory in Oakland -- will it be fall in California by then? Be great if Texas can win the World Series in the place once known lovingly as “The Ballpark in Arlington.”


--- To comment, grip your FreetheMoneyMouse and click below. ---

SAVE SOME ANIMALS AS SUMMER ENDS

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 [PetPowellPress] How about that summer heat! We’re just warming up for Autumn -- due in North Texas at 9:21 a.m., Thursday, September 22. What should we look for? Not a sweater, that’s for sure. 
Now, some animal stories and contemplations:
A RESCUER’S ECHO: ONE MORE THING

This is a photo of Gigi and the person holding her is wearing a shirt with the Animal Rescue of Texas logo. 
Two people are involved in this story. One is Paige Anderson, the respected animal advocate who was president of ART, and the other is our pal Patty Sprong, a veteran rescuer and foster mom for critters. 
Back at Christmas 2015, Patty email us a photo of Gigi with Santa. She was fostering Gigi and trying to find a home for her, too. Then, on April 20 this year, Patty emailed another appeal. Patty explained, “ Would you mind mentioning her again? I've had her a while and she is just a tad too attached to my family.”

Gigi had what Patty called “Chihuahua-tude.” And Patty confessed, “I'm almost hesitant to let her go because she fits in so nicely at my house, BUT, I know the goal is to help more dogs."

Yes, that is the foster goal: Help more dogs. It’s tough when you’re heart embraces the animal like family.

There has been a development in the Gigi story.
Patty, who has been mourning the passing of the inspirational Paige on Sunday, wrote, “Here’s the incredible part: The day before Paige died, I found a home for Gigi after over a year of trying! It’s like Paige had one more thing to handle before she moved on. Paige was the one who authorized me pulling Gigi from the shelter. The adoption will be completed this Saturday. I sent Paige a text on Saturday telling her the good news, but I’m afraid she didn’t get it. Either way, she knows!”
The life of Paige Anderson echoes in the hearts of rescuers, fosters and the animals they’re helping. It is a wonderful legacy.

TWO OF MANY IN MESQUITE

Wow. If you go to the City of Mesquite “Animals-In-The-Shelter” listing HERE
you’ll see a lot of unwanted animals.
[LARRY ASIDE: You’d think that Mesquite was close enough to Dallas to get some of the spillover from the 8,700 roaming dogs that study alleged. Estimates aside, there are animals in the Mesquite shelter that need homes and the good thing is that ever since the highways were paved you can easily go to Mesquite and adopt an animal.]
The notes about these two animals were forwarded from animal advocate Jamie Dotson. They’re both on that Mesquite "Animals-In-The-Shelter" site. 
That big dog looking in the window is named Chimper but ask about #33460423 when you email [email protected]. The shelter number is 972-216-6283.  
This boy is a year-and-a-half-old Shepherd/Chow mix who weighs in at about 70 pounds with a great look and wonderful ears. He’s happy, well-mannered, frisky, affectionate, walks on a leash, etc. A great dog to have around the house, is the best summary.
That Earhound is called Kristle in the email, but the key number is 33465540. (Email [email protected]. The shelter number is 972-216-6283.) Kristle is a 2-year-old German Shepherd mix -- weighs about 75 pounds and is “a gentle soul, well-mannered and sweet-natured. She enjoys running and playing in the shelter yard.”

[LARRY ASIDE: Of course, with a full shelter, you don’t know when it will be the last time the dog gets to run. The summary reads that she “is an affectionate girl who loves to be petted, hugged, snuggle and be close.” That, of course, will come in handy when a technician needs to shove a poison-filled needle into a dog that is happy with the attention right up to the end. It angers me to even think about it. Someone who doesn’t already have a houseful of critters needs to be inspired to help Mesquite re-home these animals. Otherwise, Mesquite will apply the ol’ Texas Theory of Animal Management: "Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it." Makes me ashamed.]
A CAT AND A SITUATION
Karen Lee, the animal advocate with Barkleyworld.com, sent us this note about “a precious sweetheart of a kitty named Sandy.”  Here are the contact points: 
[email protected] or call or text 817-798-1677.

And here is the story from the note and it will explain why that cat has such a forlorn look:
“The current owners have a 1-year-old baby and the kitty adores the baby.  Sandy likes to curl up and wrap herself around the baby's head or cuddle on the baby and hug the baby. . . She will wrap her cuddly paws around the baby and sleep with her.  SO CUTE.

“We have all seen adorable pics like that on Facebook, but sadly this baby is allergic and becomes very congested.  The owners have attempted to keep the kitty out of the baby's room and away from the child, but the kitty just adores the child, so it isn't working. Sadly, they feel that due to the young age of the child and the breathing issues, and the fact that this kitty ADORES people, children, etc., a better home would be someone that loves a kitty that wraps around their head or under their neck, and loves to cuddle and/or has children that are big enough to really enjoy a cuddly love kitty.”
 [LARRY ASIDE: Already got one like that, but let me endorse cuddly cats as a great comfort. You could cuddle worse individuals on this planet.]
CONTEMPLATIONS: Karissa Condoianis, spokesperson for the Big Tex 2016 Presidential Campaign -- oh, I’m kidding. Karissa is the PR person for the State Fair of Texas and she sent a note Tuesday tipping journalist types and other interested parties that at 10 a.m. Friday, Big Tex will be “installed” at Big Tex Circle in Fair Park. When I put on boots, jeans, a snapbutton shirt and cowboy hat, I am a pretty big cowboy, but when the cranes hoist Big Tex, they’ll be lifting a cowboy who weighs about 25,000 pounds. That’s a lot of Midway corny dogs and cotton candy. Speaking of which, thanks to Karissa, if you go to this LINK you can see a list of the new foods at the fair including a few that a vegetarian can dream about, i.e., Deep Fried Cannoli Bites and Dr Pepper Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, though, of course, the vegetarian with no discipline at the Fair will soon be dining under doctor’s orders.  ... Every time I type 2016 I feel as if I’m working on a science fiction novel. But did you the last kids born in the 20th century are already 17? How can that be. How fast IS the earth spinning and going around the sun?  ... In the reorganization of Dallas Animal Services everybody involved -- including the city council -- should remember that the goal is to help the animals. That’s why animal people worked so hard for decades to convince the city to build a big, modern animal shelter that would save more animals and help more people find a companion that makes them happy. It’s a noble, righteous mission. Don’t lose sight of it.
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