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FIXING FERTILITY; REPAIRING RINGWORM; HOUSTON CHALLENGES; EBONY'S ON THE CLOCK; MORE ANIMALS; AND A FAMILY WITH A BELOVED DOG

EDITION OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 (PetPowellPress) -- That is one ultra-cute dog in an ultra-intense pickle -- and we have his story in this edition. His name is Hurley. Keep reading.
Oh, and, astonishingly, we have arrived at Groundhog Day Eve. Is it too early in the 2018 Christmas season to go wassailing? That odd note aside, let’s move on.

SPAY/NEUTER STATISTICS

Whoa. We got a note from the folks with the Spay Neuter Network declaring that 2017 was “our most impactful year ever.” 
The list of “impacts” included “fixing” more than 23,500 North Texas animals. The organization’s goal for 2018 is “fix more than 30,000 pets in need.” And the organization needs money to achieve that. Go to spayneuternet.org and click on the “HELP SAVE LIVES” button to donate in several ways.
Other 2017 achievements: Opened a Southern Dallas clinic and “fixed more than 6,500 pets for free”; fixed more than 3,500 feral cats in the Trap-Neuter-Return program (largest provider of feral cat surgeries in North Texas, the organization says) ...The list includes many other things. 
[LARRY ASIDE: I mention all this because Dallas is the MOST FERTILE CITY IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. Anybody want to dispute that? ]

RINGWORM CHALLENGE IN DENTON
Well, heck, look at these babies. They are facing a bad fate if someone doesn’t rescue them.
We learned about them, of course, from Amy Poskey, the volunteer who monitors the Denton McNatt Shelter’s challenging situations. 

She wrote, “OK, everyone, these two little angels need our help!  As you can see, they are PRECIOUS!!! 
"Both pups came in on Monday, 1/29, and Grace, the Husky mix, tested positive for ringworm with only ONE LESION on the inside top of her rear leg next to her belly. 
"Frankie, the Pibble mix, has no lesions but has been exposed since they have been in the kennel together. 
"That being said, Grace and Frankie are RESCUE ONLY.”
]

So, email [email protected], paul.o’[email protected], [email protected], and/or [email protected]
Call the shelter at 940-349-759. Contact Amy via [email protected]

SOME HOUSTON STORIES

Oh, how about these tales of animals in an unexpected spot!

We got them from our Houston tipster Alexandra Kelsey.

 

Of this first pup, she writes, “This dog is adorable.  Hurley is blind and you can tell he needs a spa day, but how cute is he?? He needs a rescue ...”
And here is the important information for people who need to help this dog:

Contact [email protected])

The story from BARC is this: “Hurley’s owner died  and her daughter surrendered him to us.  He is blind, has dermatitis. He walks on a loose leash and responds to name ‘Hurley.’ Walks towards the sound of his name.”
He’s said to be 17, so he’ll need a special rescue that understands a loyal, ol’ dog. Click on that kennel card to make it grow.
THEN THERE’S HEIDI, described as a “shelter fave” at the Bay City Animal Shelter. Our tipster Alexandra writes, “Heidi is HW negative, vetted and well-cared for.  If her owner weren’t 84 and frail, Heidi would still be at her home.  But, she’s not and the shelter is frantic to find help for her.”
Here are Heidi’s helpers: Nancy Sharp at [email protected]) and, at the Bay City Animal Impound, Mick White at [email protected] or DeLana Blalock at [email protected]
Mick says the dog was adopted 3 years ago, is now 5 and is a great dog that certainly does not deserve to die.” And, she was returned earlier this week “through no fault of her own.” Just needs a good heart to match up with her.

MORE NEWS FROM RED OAK:

THE ANIMALS KEEP ON ARRIVIN’
We’ve made the point for weeks now that the Red Oak Animal Shelter is full and needs help getting animals to safety. On Wednesday, Laura Macias, who has joined with Leighann Hayden to try to help the shelter get human traffic, reports,
“We have FIVE new dogs ... and there are 13 MORE CATS COMING IN SOON!”
 To help save the animals, email Laura at [email protected] or CALL OR TEXT 214-949-2726.

THE EBONY STORY
Judi Brown, the volunteer who keeps up with animals in the Mesquite Animal Shelter, sent a note Wednesday that began “I am so sorry to say that Ebony is on the code red list for 9 o’clock Thursday!”
So there’s your sense of urgency for Ebony, the 6-month-old Lab mix who arrived as a stray on the 18th.

Judi writes, “She is absolutely precious but obviously depressed and lays in her kennel not presenting herself well. If she wasn’t so down and out she would get up and people see how beautiful she is.” Outside of the kennel, she is a lively, dear, sweet, entertaining, 40-pound dog. Her ID number is 37639947 -- use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
CONTEMPLATIONS: We get a lot of newsletters and emails from animal people and animal organizations. There are many stories worth repeating and contemplating -- we do our best. In our Wednesday email we opened the newsletter from our pals at Paws In The City. The headline read “ARCHER, FROM RESCUE TO THERAPY DOG.” The attached prose is a wonderfully sweet history of this dog with the ID badge. I found it a bit inspiring and thought it needed to be shared with as many animal-fans as possible. Here’s how it reads, “Hello Paws In The City, I wanted to send you an update on Archer (formerly Cowboy) as today we are celebrating 6 years with our handsome guy. |

“We've moved all over Texas since adopting him - from Dallas to Austin to Houston over the past 6 years - and Archer has been a champ every step of the way. We estimate him to be around 9 years old and although that is considered old, this guy isn't slowing down.

“He has recently begun volunteering as a therapy dog with Caring Critters, a Houston-based animal assisted therapy group. We are currently volunteering at Texas Children's Hospital and Archer couldn't be more suited to the task -- he gives the best hugs. We want to thank you for saving his life and for your continued dedication to the animals of Dallas. Our family wouldn't be the same without him. Sincerely, Laura, James, Archer and Molly" [LARRY CONTEMPLATION ASIDE: Honestly, doesn’t that make you want to hug Archer the Dog! And that line “Our family wouldn’t be the same without him.” -- That line touches the heart -- Who among us “animal nuts” has not encountered that same emotion with a dog or cat or dogs or cats or dogs and cats. Bless Archer and his family and Paws In The City and all organizations working to give people and animals a wonderful relationship.]
--- To comment, grip your CelebrateMouse and click happily below. ---

SECOND WEDNESDAY EDITION:

DRAMA IN ROWLETT; ARRANGING
SQUID THE CAT’S SURGERY
[EARLY MORNING EDITION OF JANUARY 31, 2018 PetPowellPress] Our longtime tipster Dawna Carabajal, a veteran rescuer at Friends of the Rowlett Animals, sent this appeal late Tuesday and the need is urgent this Wednesday morning. 
This cat, Squid, “needs surgery BY THURSDAY and he NEEDS YOUR HELP!” Dawna writes. “We need to raise $2,400 to fix all his injuries.” (Click HERE to donate.)

The story is a tough one for this kitten, Squid, found (and given that name) just a few days ago. The Friends of Rowlett Facebook post reads, “This sweet 3-4 month old kitten hid in the drainage holes of the bridge to keep himself safe until he was rescued and taken to the shelter over the weekend. The Orthopedic Surgeon says he has 4 fractures on one back leg and needs an FHO surgery (femoral head osteotomy) on the other. One of the fractures on the leg is where muscle and ligaments attach, which is why he needs this specialized surgery."

 Go to the Friends of Rowlett Animals Facebook page to see a video of Squid and to keep up with the story as it develops.
[LARRY ASIDE: This is just one more example of the dramatic efforts made by compassionate people (sometimes known as "animal nuts" -- a term we proudly endorse) to help an animal live a “normal” life after having been dumped or ignored or abused by people who just don’t care. Cases such as this must be won by the big-hearted people or the people with no hearts will take over decision-making and it’ll be curtains for a lot of animals that could have been saved. The “It’s just a cat” or “It’s just a dog” attitude is why city shelters have to buy needles and euthanasia juice in bulk.]
--- To comment, grip your RighteousMouse and click below. And save more animals and spay and neuter more of them, too. ---

DOGS AND CATS NEEDING HELP; RATTLESNAKE OR CAT YOGA? & A MEMORY OF ARLO AND A MOTORSICKLE

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 (PetPowellPress) -- The last day of January 2018 -- the big talk is the moon. Or the State of the Union message. But we’re not anywhere near either of those places.
 We’re right here and trying to remember that it’s important to laugh. Who can’t laugh at a goat? Adorable and curious and stubborn -- they’re so human. Can they run for office?
Let me interrupt this goat report to present a note of good cheer: Buckeye the Denton dog has been rescued from death row. More on that in a little bit. Now back to the goats.

Possibly you’ve seen stories of “Goat Yoga” -- people do yoga while goats walk on them and around them. That’s a photo off the intergoatweb.
Here’s an idea: Anybody know if there’ll be “Rattlesnake Yoga” at the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup in March? I have no doubt that there would be people who believe they can do yoga in a pit of vipers. If that happens, you’ll have to send word to me -- I always keep several counties between me and that event. Not fond of rattlesnakes; not sure about people who enjoy them. Live and let wiggle away, I say.
 I content myself with being involved in the preparation for a pilot of a proposed PBS weekly program, “Cat Yoga With Kittie Leigh.” That Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson with me as we practice a calming yoga position called “Upward Ear.” She does it much better than I do.
FOSTERING -- EASY TO DO

AND YOU’LL FIND HAPPINESS
We got this appeal for help with fostering from the folks at Paws In The City, the Dallas-based rescue group.
Kermit “would do best as an only pet or with a dog over 65 pounds,” Paws says.
Then, there’s 60-pound Ranger, a 2-year-old Lab/Shepherd mix who loves treats and making friends. He is described as having “a lot going for me with my good looks and my winning personality.” Paws says all he needs is “a family.”

Maverick, all grown up at 65 pounds, is “smart and gentle -- and pretty good on a leash, too.”

Lainey, clearly an Earhound, can sit, shake, lay, stay and “look at me.” Next up are “Heel” and “Leave it.” [LARRY ASIDE: If only my kids had been that well-trained when they were 3 years old.]
And that 2-year-old boy Buddy, sweet and calm, needs a foster to tend to him as he recovers. His right back femur is damaged. So he’s “lame” on that leg. In the mean time, he’ll be recovering from eye surgery (entrophy). Then he’ll have “FHO surgery” to fix the leg. A foster will have some travel time with Buddy. He’s a good rider and is potty-trained. [LARRY ASIDE AGAIN: If only my kids....Oh, I’m kidding the boys. They were as good as almost any dog I’ve known.]

How did Buddy wind up in a rescue group? 
Paws says, “A Good Samaritan saw Buddy running alongside a highway and was able to safely catch him and brought him to PAWS to get the care he needed.”

To ask about getting involved in fostering with Paws In The City -- or even to ask about adopting one of these rascals -- email [email protected].

THE BUCKEYE UPDATE
AND A LITTLE BIT MORE
We helped Amy Poskey pitch the future of Buckeye, the German Shepherd mix, in recent editions and here’s what happened on Tuesday:
 “WOOOOOOOOOOO
OOHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOO
OOOOOOOOO!!!” That’s Amy’s reaction to Buckeye getting rescued by Gail Prather and Raining Dogs Rescue in McKinney. More to come on this, no doubt. The little guy inspired more than $500 in pledges.
And was Buckeye the last dog in the Denton McNatt Animal Shelter? Not by a longshot. So, now, Amy is working with the shelter to find a home for this girl Reba. Amy explains, “She showed up on someone’s porch during the really cold weather and now she’s at the shelter and needs our help!!!  Not only is Reba extremely thin, but now she has kennel cough and has been moved to isolation.  She has not been vetted, yet, so she is RESCUE ONLY.  The shelter is still overflowing so Reba is at risk!”
To offer to help Reba, email [email protected], paul.o’[email protected], [email protected], and/or [email protected] The shelter phone is 940-349-7594. Email Amy at [email protected] Ask any of these emails about this momma dog and her seven puppies. They’re waiting in Denton, too.

DO WE REALLY NEED TO REMIND ANYONE
THAT RED OAK & WILMER ARE CROWDED?
As we’ve mentioned repeatedly lately, the Red Oak and the Wilmer animal shelters have lots of paw traffic but little foot traffic. That means these two little municipal shelters have a load of animals waiting for the needle. People keep surrendering animals to these shelters.
We’ll start with two cats from Red Oak.
That Calico is Alyssa. Her bio says she is “between 1-2 years old and she is loving and sweet and just as pretty as can be.  Her fur is so soft.  She is so cute. She even loaded herself into the cat crate to be rescued.  She is awesome.”

That Maine Coon boy is Boyd. Personable, they say. His bio reads, “And look at that sweet face. He is a bundle of cute fluffy fur. He loves everyone and is he so handsome!  He was an owner release from someone no longer able to care for him.  He's a great kitty.”
The contact point for both Red Oak and Wilmer is Laura Macias at [email protected] or call or text 214-949-2726. And 501c3s can get transport, too.


Turning to Wilmer, we introduce Brandon, a “young male, Doberman or possibly Hound mix,” his bio says. “Just the sweetest best boy -- very loving -- so hoping for a home.” And his note says he is “the most lovable guy you could meet -- he is silly and fun and sweet and everything a dog should be.  Everyone who has met him just adores him.” 
[LARRY ASIDE: To our eye, and it’s weary, this guy looks like a good bit of a Lab mix. And in the second photo he is demonstrating some “scent hound” tendencies. That means if you adopt him and take him home, he can ferret out the chip you drop while the two of you are sitting on the couch and watching a musical, the Texas Rangers or the Dallas Cowboys Off-Season Apology Tour.]

ONE FROM MESQUITE

He's not the only one in Mesquite, just the one we're focusing on in this item. The name is Zane, the look is handsome. He’s a young Pittie/Terrier mix who came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on January 20, our volunteer tipster Judi Brown reports. She writes, “When you go by his kennel he tries to catch your attention with his eyes. He is a handsome guy with gun metal gray coloring that offsets his yellowish hazel eyes. Zane is friendly. He’s looking for love and attention.”
 Call the shelter at 972-216-6383 or email [email protected]ofmesquite.com -- and when you ask about this 66-pound dog who “sits for treats and “will also offer his paw,” use his ID #37655423.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Thinking of forming a Bicycle Kickstand Taskforce, if we can get one of those million dollar City of Dallas Contracts. I’ll employ former local newspaper editors to make the rental bikes look neatly stored rather than like they’ve been abandoned by third-grade boys trying to run to the restroom. Editors -- we know how to make things look good. ... I am willing to swear that this week I heard a TV commercial for a big chain restaurant end with the announcer declaring “Voy-lah!” Phonetically he meant “wah-lah,” spelled “voila” from the French. If someone looks at you and warns “VIOLA!” duck and dodge the flying stringed instrument. ... Let’s close with an observation that there is a TV commercial for a Dallas motorcycle show in which the announcer does not pronounce the word “motor-sy-kuhl” but “motor-sick-uhl.” Which brings us to a song by the great Arlo Guthrie that goes “I don’t want a pickle, I just wanna ride on my motorsickle.” Arlo has, of course, poetic license. The song is from the album Alice’s Restaurant. I mention this to warm the memories of anybody who might have been enjoying college in 1967. We were warmin’ up for 1968 -- remember? As Arlo once said, “If you want to end war and stuff, you gotta sing loud.’’
--- To comment, grip your PeacemakingMouse and click LOUDLY below. ---

YEAR OF THE DOG & DOGS YOU CAN CELEBRATE WITH; HONORING CAROLE SANDERS; AND, YES, ARETHA PICKS A STAR

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018 (PetPowellPress) OK, animal fans, 2016 was the Chinese Year of the Monkey. And 2017 was the Year of the Rooster -- never mind that weekend cockfighting raid in Dallas (2018 you know) -- around 50 roosters recovered by the SPCA and the police. 

Speaking of haplorhine (dry-nosed) primates, did you see the story from China about scientists cloning monkeys? Some of us who, as reporters and interested citizens, have watched politics at all levels in the United States, think this may have been going on a while. Not to besmirch monkeys, of course.
Anyway, our careful research shows that the next Year of the Monkey is 2028. Celebrate. Celebrate. Wait. That’s way far off. Let’s focus on 2018 -- Years of the Dog (that’s artwork from Richland College’s website in Dallas).
In the meantime, seriously, nobody’s helping to empty to the shelters at Red Oak and Wilmer. We’ve posted several photos of the animals at risk. Only humans can save them. The contact point is Laura Macias at [email protected] or call or text 214-949-2726. 
And if you want to get a jump on things, 2018 is the Year of the Dog -- starts February 16. Go ahead and get a dog now from a shelter and you’ll be able to make 2018 The Year of YOUR Dog. You’ll smile. That’s a guarantee.


HONORING A GREAT HEART
When we opened the email from Nita Burgoon, VP/Treasurer of Animal Angels of Texas, we immediately saw this photograph.
Who knew that little kid would grow up to be an animal rescue role model. Yep, that is the great Carole Sanders, founder of the Animal Angels of Texas sanctuary. And that is the dog that inspired her -- her first pup, the great Pepper the Dalmatian.
 Our animal rescue & advocacy world lost Carole -- and lost is the right word -- on January 5 after she suffered a stroke on the 29th of December.
There will be a “Celebration of Carole Sanders’ Wonderful Life,” organizers are calling it. It’s from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, at Mi Cocina Restaurant, 509 Main St., Fort Worth -- the town where Carole was born, you know. 
You can honor her with donations to the sanctuary at Animal Angels, P.O. Box 336, Jacksboro, TX, 76458. The paypal address is [email protected] Call the message center at 817-792-5122. You can visit the organization’s website at animalangelstexas.org or on Facebook HERE.

THE DENTON BUCKEYE CAMPAIGN
You’d think people from Ohio State would be lining up to help save a Buckeye. So far, no dice in Denton. Our tipster Amy Poskey, who volunteers to try to help get on-the-clock critters to safety, reports that as of Monday, $500 had been pledged to the “reputable 501c3 rescue who saves this lovable, kissable and very adoptable angel.”

She’s anxious to save the middle-aged Shepherd mix who wound up in the shelter. He’s ID 73897 on the shelter’s list of urgent numbers.
 The contacts at the shelter are [email protected], paul.o’[email protected], [email protected], and/or [email protected] Call the shelter at 940-349-7594.
(You might also email Amy at [email protected] to get involved with helping her help the Denton mission of saving animal.)

STILL WORKING FOR LYDIA

Look at that face. That’s Lydia, a dog we first mentioned over the weekend when the great Tomi Ortiz tipped us to this dog’s tough spot in the Lancaster Animal Shelter.
Lydia is being treated for pneumonia. She’s in the shelter -- “The shelter staff and volunteers LOVE her,” the Furbabies of Lancaster Facebook post reads. “And we have been trying so hard to help her get better and to keep her comfortable, but there is only so much that can be done when the animal has to stay in a kennel.”
Here’s the Furbabies LINK -- you can message on that link and a Furbabying rescuer/advocate will respond swiftly.

KENDRA WAITS IN GARLAND
The story is this youngish girl Kendra, a Boxer mix, they say, was "left" at the Garland Animal Shelter and now she's "Code Red" on the tragic list of the needle. To save her, call 972-205-3570 or email [email protected] [LARRY ASIDE: Probably a victim of "Cute Puppy Syndrome." You know how that works -- about three months later, the human suddenly realizes "Puppies aren't forever" and just can't have an actual dog around the house.]

AN EARHOUND IN MESQUITE

How does this adorable Earhound wind up in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Our tipster Judi Brown reports that she was “surrendered on 1/26 due to a death in the family.”
As it turns out, 10-pound Molly, just 3, “is the whole package! She’s absolutely delightful! She’s a darling, affectionate, happy girl with a zest for life. She loves everyone. In most pictures you’ll see her tail is wagging. She gives kisses. She dances for treats. She loves to get up on chairs. She told me she is so low to the ground so if she’s up higher she gets a better view of her own world.”

[LARRY ASIDE: I believe Judi's note. It would not surprise me, based on my experience with Chihuahuas and other members of the canine community, to hear an oral explanation of why the dog was suddenly sitting in a chair.]
Molly’s shelter number is 3701090 -- use that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] to tag or ask about Molly.

CONTEMPLATIONS: Now and then we run across some angels at work in this Big Unruly Town of Dallas. So here’s a salute of appreciation to the Northwest Dallas Feral Cat Coalition. Catching, spaying/neutering and not killing. Why are there feral cats in Dallas? Because there are village idiots in Dallas. Good and decent people have to take up the slack for people who don’t spay and neuter and don’t keep animals properly homed. In case you in a neighborhood where the feral problem multiples, here is the LINK to the city rules for setting up an organization that protects and spays and neuters these free-roaming cats in America’s most fertile city. ... Did you watch the Grammys? Never mind all the awards -- the really big news was that Jennifer Hudson has been picked by Aretha Franklin to play the Queen of Soul in Aretha’s “biopic,” as they say in Hollywood. Read the story on Deadline Hollywood HERE. ] ... Why don’t we end this edition with a great performance by Aretha? Here’s the LINK . The video that follows that one is Aretha singing the song for its writer, the great Carol King. Dang, I’m in tears as I type this. The song is close to my heart. My late pal, the funny and lovable DMN editor Barry Boesch (“It’s pronounced Bush,” I heard him tell hundreds of readers on the phone through the years) and I would, on some mornings, break out in a lovely duet of You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman. Got the day started right, you know?
--- To comment, grip your SoulMouse and click with heart below. ---

 

MOM AND PUPS & SO MANY OTHERS IN CRISIS; HOPE FOR THE FUTURE WITH THE RIGHT LINK

EDITION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2018 (PetPowellPress)  You'll read about that protective new mommy in a minute. We’ve got a lengthy Monday edition to open the week. I tried to write it short, but, then stuff just kept arriving that needs the attention of people with good hearts. And that, Dear Readers, is every one of you. FYI: Make a note that you'll need to read Tuesday's edition to get the goat/rattlesnake idea.
Now, here's Monday's report. There are animals in shelters that need saving, and then there's a conference that may help save animals BEFORE they get dumped or abused and seized by authorities.
SPEAKING OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR
In these unpleasantly violent times of murders and assaults, there may be some hope. The North Texas LINK Coalition’s 2018 conference “Breaking the Cycles of Violence” is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 9, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Richardson. Register and learn more at www. spca.org/w018linkconference.
The event is co-hosted by the SPCA and the North Texas link Coalition. The Texas Humane Legislation Network is a sponsor. Here’s the LINK link. 
And, SPCA President James Bias says, “There is a proven link between violence toward animals and violence toward humans, and sadly the North Texas area does see extreme cases of animal cruelty. Thanks to research by the National Link Coalition and others, it is now widely recognized that mistreatment of animals is often a warning sign that other family members in the household may not be safe.”
OH, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD:

HOW DOES THIS STUFF HAPPEN?
This appeal about a situation in Burleson, south of Fort Worth, is making the rounds -- maybe someone reading can help save “puppies, a momma, a daddy and a young male sibling from a prior litter.” 
The contact is Loretta at [email protected] .

Here’s the story from Loretta: “I was in Burleson and there are 7 pups about 2 1/2 months old, a mama dog, daddy dog and a young male dog (mama’s dog from prior litter) that are free roaming. The neighbor has just abandoned them and a Good Samaritan is feeding them, giving them water but she has a lot on her plate with personal family issues and can’t continue to do so — nor is it a good solution. The pups are full of fleas, are at risk of getting run over or injured by cars, have gone missing—possibly by larger animals, etc. The cycle of pregnancy for mama is endless, as this reportedly her third in last two years. Dogs are friendly, slightly skittish but will come up to you to be pet. They are accustomed to being given food by that Good Samaritan.”

The dogs are out of the Burleson City Limits and, Loretta writes, that the county doesn’t have a program for saving such animals. (The photos are of some of the pups (4 in a dog pile!), brown dog mom and black and white daddy.)

PUBLIC RESPONSE NEARLY NON-EXISTENT
TO APPEALS FROM RED OAK AND WILMER
Two little shelters with no foot traffic exist in two small towns south of Dallas, Red Oak and Wilmer.
No foot traffic doesn’t mean no “paw traffic.” These two shelters have been staying at the “full” level -- dogs and cats. And Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden have been working to help the staffers get the animals to safety for some time now. Sometimes it works. Right now it’s not working, even though these appeals are being forwarded to inboxes all over the region.
The contact for both shelters is Laura Macias. She’s at  [email protected] or CALL or TEXT 214-949-2726.

RED OAK ADOPTABLES: This isn’t all of them, but we’ll highlight three of ‘em.

That Red Oak dog with the "curious look" (left) is Claire, an 8-month-old female heeler mix who is house-trained. Here\ bio says she’s smart, too. She was a stray who “followed some children home but they could not keep her.” [LARRY ASIDE: We’ve had a heeler mix for years. They have a tendency to need a herding job, hence it’s no surprise this girl “followed” children home -- they thought she was following, but really was safely herding them, I’ll bet. Wonderful companion animals.]
 And here’s a Red Oak cat, Zane, a male Lynx Point, they say. He’s sweet, cuddly and has “the biggest, prettiest blue eyes. The writer of his bio describes him as “the cat’s meow -- a mew de amore.”



 

 

 

 

That “Staffordshire Terrier or mix” rushing the camera is Joey, about half-a-year-old. He wandered up to a house and was delivered to the shelter. He’s “actually grinning and running,” his bio says. He also has an eye problem that needs medical attention. [LARRY ASIDE: I used both his photos so you can see that his ears look as if some bleephole (pardon my presidential slip) decided to trim them with pinking shears. I’m glad he’s not at that house any more, but I sure do hope some good hear gives him a lifetime home with plenty of petting and “Good boys!”]

MEANWHILE IN WILMER

Here are two of many in the Wilmer shelter.
We’ve pitched Kody before. His bio describes him as “just the best boy ever. Such a great dog. Really cute with big, pretty brown eyes. Very friendly, very loving, very sweet.” About 50 pounds. “Sadly sweet Kody has an owner that chose to not come pick him up.” He’s been at the shelter second-longest and that moves him toward the front of the needle line.
Then there’s Braiden, “just as cute and as completely lovable as can be.” He may be a Pointer mix or he could just be someone’s best friend.
AGAIN, THE WILMER/RED OAK CONTACT IS Laura Macias. She’s at  [email protected] or CALL or TEXT 214-949-2726.
[LARRY ASIDE: Note to Red Oak and Wilmer residents. Based on years of observation, we’re starting to think some of you people are behaving just like Dallas residents. Dump the animals and move on without a hint of a conscience. Sorry to insult you, but maybe that’ll get three towns thinking about personal behavior.]

ONE FROM WILMER MATCHES

ANOTHER ONE FROM MESQUITE


I was going through notes from Leighann Hayden about Red Oak and Wilmer and from Judi Brown about Mesquite when I spotted these two dogs. How about those faces! That dog on the left is waiting in Wilmer. She's Abby, described as a young female Aussie Shepherd mix and “the sweetest of the sweet -- just the cutest best girl." (Ask about her through Laura’s info at  [email protected] or CALL or TEXT 214-949-2726.
.]
That dog on the right (above and here) is Pete, described as a year-old Rottweiller/hound mix. Our volunteer Mesquite shelter tipster Judy Brown’s note says, “He has the coloring and face of a Rottweiler but the body of a hound. This combination is very adorable! I call him a squatty Rottie! Pete is very friendly. He gets so excited whenever anyone pays attention to him. He is frisky, fun loving, and playful.” Call the Mesquite shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] and use Pete’s ID number: ID 37491866 to ensure proper tagging.
[LARRY ASIDE: If we had room, I’d adopt both of them just to show them off. I’m the father of twins, you know. Identical? One’s lefthanded, the other isn’t. They’re as much fun as a couple of pups, too.]

THE DENTON CRISIS 

Yeah, shelters north of Dallas gather ‘em up, too. Maybe this “Dump the Animals Syndrome” is epidemic in North Texas. We’ve certainly seen the evidence.
And Amy Poskey’s latest email referred to “12 pooches” nearing the needle in the university town, Denton. 
She also sent a “special plea for Buckeye,” describing him as a “must save!” and writing, "He is an absolute LOVE and would melt into your soul if he could!  He is just so sweet, submissive, and LOVES attention!  Oh my gosh, look at that face begging for love!!!”
In a late Sunday afternoon email, Amy wrote that there are “$200 in donations to the reputable 501c3 rescue who saves Buckeye.” He’s also adoptable, but “he is currently in ISO with kennel cough and the shelter is overflowing so he is at risk. Kennel cough is easy to treat and Buckeye will be good as new in a matter of days, so PLEASE save him before it’s too late!”
 He’s may be 5, he may be 8, but he is a young-acting German Shepherd mix who is healthy, house-trained, and dog- and people-friendly at 72 pounds.
Email [email protected], paul.o’[email protected], [email protected], and/or [email protected] Call the shelter at 940-349-7594.
Oh, and use those Denton shelter contacts (above)  to help Mama and her seven under-a-week-old puppies. Amy says Mama is being “very protective of her puppies.” She also says, “As we all know, the shelter environment is not the best place for this little family so we’re hoping a rescue group can give them a loving home. (You might also email Amy at [email protected] to get involved with helping her help the Denton mission of saving animal.)
[LARRY ASIDE: OK, maybe I’m hyperemotional these days, but when I see a mother dog like this one and a load of unwanted puppies, I just feel like crying. How awful is this situation! Born just to be killed -- unless someone steps up. If I could shame the person who didn’t honorably take care of this female, I’d do it right here. But the reality is, if you don’t have a conscience, you can’t feel shame. Please, spay and neuter dogs and cats.]

MEANWHILE IN OKLAHOMA:
SHOOT THIS DOG???
The note from Terry Lynn Fisher, our longtime tipster in far western Oklahoma begins --- and you rescuers outside of the Sooner State have probably said this yourselves -- “It just never ends.” 
Here’s the deal, “Transporting six babies to rescue ... my phone starts going off like crazy. I pull over and this is what’s sent to me. 
“This girl is about a year old.  She has been hanging around two country houses.  Their answer?  Shoot her.”
 [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, the ol’ Texas theory of animal management: “Got an animal problem, let’s kill it.” We see it in shelters, on the streets and in dumping areas. But back to this Oklahoma dog.]
Terry Lynn writes, “She is so hungry.  Tired.  Cold.  Coyotes are so bad this year, I’m surprised she hasn’t been killed by them. She weighs 26 pounds.  She is a sweetheart and just wants love... and food.
“So, I do what I have to.\  I have her picked up and taken to my vet. I know... I’m stupid... I’m poor... I’m swamped... I don’t need another dog to worry about...
"But saving these innocent babies others throw away isn’t what I do -- it’s who I am.”

To help Terry Lynn by sponsoring or rescuing this girl or any other animals in her care email her at [email protected] or call her at 580-330-1459.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Can we be this close to the end of January already? ... How about that Super Bowl! Oh, sorry. Wrong weekend. It wasn’t yesterday, it’s this upcoming Sunday. Good luck to the Dallas Cowboys! Oh, wait. They started their off-season around a month ago. ... Just FYI: As of this point in the week, readlarrypowell.com does not anticipate presenting a response to the State of the Union message unless somebody brings up a bill to make dogs and cats an income tax deduction. Now and then I daydream.
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THREE TRANQUIL SLEEPERS; LYDIA IN LANCASTER; TRINITY GAP’S CATS-ONLY EVENT & RED OAK’S CLOCK TICKS TOWARD BAD ENDINGS

FIRST UP: SOME SLEEPING DOGS!
Might as well label this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap “Tranquility Base.”
 Three tranquil dogs.
And our longtime tipster and animal fan Tomi Ortiz explains, “I was finally able to catch all 3 of my babies asleep at the same time.  LOL! At least in the 1st picture.

"Usually one is on watch while the other 2 sleep but this was one of the rare moments.

“Boss is the Lab/Pit mix I rescued from the Dallas Animal Shelter (He’ll be 6 years old in April). We kid around about him and say he suffers from Penitentiary Syndrome. He’s very cautious of people and always looks like he’s sizing them up!

“Lac is the Red Pit from the streets of Garland that my husband rescued at 2-3 weeks old (He’ll be 10 years old in April). He suffers from not knowing he’s a Pitbull and thinks he’s a human.”
  Lac got his name because, when he arrived, hubby Frank owned a silver Cadillac -- the pup got “Lac” instead of “Cad.” Tomi says that “Lac should have been named Garfield ‘cause he acts just like a Fat Cat!”

And that brings us to the third sleeper.
Tomi says, “Then there’s Angel who came from a rich neighborhood. I thought she’d be a prissy little thing but instead she’s more ‘ghetto’ than both her brothers! She is a tough little Pom and thinks she’s a big bad momma; she bosses the other two around! She’ll be 10 years old in June.

“My husband, Frank, and I laugh because all of our kids are now grown but we still can’t plan any vacations, etc., unless we have a babysitter for these 3…but, oh well! They’re worth everything we have to compromise. They keep us entertained every day and we love them!”
[Ah, the loveliness of happily sleeping dogs! Send photos of your slumbering critters to [email protected] and we’ll post them in the long-running Readlarrypowell.com weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be inspiring people to give a critter a chance as a “home companion” and you’ll be inspiring insomniacs to think that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just find the right big dog bed and the right spot on the living room floor!]

LYDIA IN LANCASTER


One of the reasons we know Tomi Ortiz is her devotion to helping animals get out of the Lancaster Animal Shelter, just across I-20 from Dallas. Because she monitors the Furbabies of Lancaster Facebook page HERE, she told us about Lydia, a dog who is in a tight spot and has health issues. 
The Furbabies site reads that the “adorable dog...need a temporary foster ASAP. She has been ill ever since she was received at the shelter and she just is not getting better there despite the loving care and medical treatment that she receives there by ACO Katherine and the other shelter staff and volunteers. She is so loved! That is why she needs to go to a home that she can be cared for properly and kept warm.
She has been to the vet and is on antibiotics.
"But she is still really sick, and running a temperature. You can see it hurts her to breathe. It takes a while to bounce back from pneumonia.” 
Six-year-old Lydia would probably do better “in a loving home,” the Furbabies say. Go to the Furbabies Facebook page HERE and you can click on MESSAGE -- the Furbabies have a reputation for prompt responses.

GAP AND CATS ON SATURDAY
The persistently great Trinity GAP Rescue, created at Euless Trinity High School via the Girls Awareness Program, deals with all sorts of animals and it also partners with Euless Animal Services. 
But this time they’re going “CAT’S ONLY” for an adoption event.
The adoptable cats will be at the Pet Supermarket, 8850 N. Trinity Parkway, #703, in North Richland Hills from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 
You can see all the GAP Rescue cats (and dogs, too) at http://trinitygaprescue.org/  .
We’re highlighting two of the GAP cats -- the one who appears to have settled into an impromptu “Cat Flat,” i.e., a livable basket, is young Teddie. 

Kayla (#17607) and her four kittens came into the Euless shelter as strays. The GAP report is “Kayla is so loving and so wants and gives attention. ...She must have been loved on at some point.  She raises her sweet face to look at you, and she raises it for head kisses, too.  Kayla is a gorgeous dilute calico with the cutest streak of pink going down her nose.”

MEANWHILE IN RED OAK
The space-based shelter is full, reports the facility’s volunteer public awareness advocate Laura Macias. On Friday she wrote of the dogs and cats waiting in the small shelter south of Dallas, “These guys are in an already-full shelter and they keep coming in! Can anyone save one? This is panic mode!!!! Please help.”
We’ve run photos of Red Oak shelter animals throughout the week -- only one has been tagged, Laura says. So, if you’re saving an animal from the needle, does it matter what the living being looks like? The thing to do is to contact Laura and arrange a rescue.
She urges, “EMAIL LAURA AT [email protected] or CALL OR TEXT 214-949-2726. TRANSPORT CAN BE ARRANGED TO YOU IF YOU ARE A 501c3 RESCUE.”


[LARRY ASIDE: And there you have a weekend worth of animal celebrations and crises. Some of these animals are “mixes” -- mutts we used to call the dogs, lovable mutts -- and some are purebred (there’s a Husky -- has chip, no one responds to calls -- in Red Oak). And there are the cats, such as Mickey. The thing is, all of the on-the-clock animals deserve a better, longer life. Humans put them in this horrifying predicament and only humans can get them out of it and into safety.]

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WE'RE PLANNING AN OMMMMM FRIDAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET A GRIP

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018 [PetPowellPress] OK, we’re going to experiment as Friday arrives because most of us are heading into our weekend -- I say most of us because I spent many years working nights and weekends and I know that a whole boatload of the people who make this country run like a top aren’t working 9-to-5 Monday through Friday. So, a shout-out to the night shift and the weekend workers -- first responders, shelter personnel, medical folks, waitstaffers, salespeople, mommies, daddies, petsitters, artists, decaying writers, etc.
Still, we all need some “Om” time. Know what I mean, jellybean? Call this version “reaching for a calming effect.” One little “Om” won’t do it for most of us. So: Ommmmm. Ommmmmmmmm. Ommmmmmmmmm. That’s when you need to stretch a little more.
[That’s my cat The Senator practicing his Omming. And as I was typing, I felt someone staring at me. That’s my beloved Porche Noel, in her usual place, meditating while I write. Staring at me -- as if I’m interesting.]

OMMMM DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES


As was well publicized, Wednesday was “Change a Pet’s Life Day” at Dallas Animal Services. Adoptions were free. 
According to the list at DAS Thursday, Ghost, that great speckled dog is still there. So is the oddly named Sponge, a LabraPittie. Adoptable at DAS -- see HERE.
And here’s the adoption report from DAS’ Facebook page: “We had an amazing day at DAS yesterday [Wednesday] - 164 animals were adopted! Thank you to everyone who adopted a new pet, and everyone who spread the word! #changeapetslifeday.
:
And here’s the Wednesday “Report Card” off the DAS site at dallasanimalservices.org. Someone must have “rounded up” on those adoptions.
Oh, and here’s the “Report Card” from Sunday when 62 dogs and a cat were euthanized.
You have to ask “Why?” Check out the totals for the month. They’re addin’ up in the town that named its airport “Love.” 
No, we can’t bring the slaughtered animals back, but as long as people outside of the shelter are treating animals like trash, apparently the city has no choice -- what else is the municipal government going to do with these unwanted animals if the rescues are full and you can’t fly ‘em out of Texas fast enough to stay ahead of the Death Needle in Big D?
[LARRY OMMMMM: Ommm. Ommm. OmmmOmyDallas. Drat. I cleaned that "Drat" up for the sake of Omming.  Got to be some answers somewhere. We could ask people who don’t spay/neuter their animals or keep them properly restrained to get out of town. There’s an idea -- losing your Dallas privileges. Probably not constitutional. Ommm. Ommm. The Readlarrypowell.com Two-by-Four of Enlightenment also is not constitutional but it is certainly effective if applied correctly -- but that would be as wrong as killing a dog to keep the bureaucratic stats moving and looking like something sane was being done to protect animals and people.]

OMMMM RED OAK 

Oh, for crying out loud. The dogs and cats are overflowing at the Red Oak shelter, as we mentioned in Thursday’s edition. Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden continue to work hard to get public eyes and hearts interested in the animals that are on the clock in the small shelter just south of Dallas. That’s Tonka, one of the many dogs on the clock.
To offer to help him or any other Red Oak sheltered animal (dogs and cats), email Laura at [email protected] or call or text 214-949-2726.
Ommmm. 
And here’s an extra Ommm for Maggie -- she was tagged, Laura says. That’s one out of a score of animals, at least.
FYI: If you’re a bonafide rescue group, Laura reminds us of this: “We transport to rescues who will take our dogs. As long as no more than 50 miles from Red Oak. We provide transport to the fosters or rescues in Texas. Just need address to bring to and them tagging!” (Get in touch with Laura at the above contact points.)
And, overnight, we got a note about this dog Zara in Red Oak's shelter. The report is she was "found as a stray an everyone was very excited to learn she was microchipped. However, after repeated calls, no one has come for her. This gorgeous, sweet, lovable girl adores people and other dogs."

OMMMMM SHELTER IDEA
Just wondering. Is there a way for shelters to post the animals in order of likely euthanasia so rescuers and volunteers will know how urgent a particular dog or cat is? I know most shelters operate with limited staffs and lousy budgets, but maybe there’s a volunteer who can do that job so that rescue groups and taxpaying citizens won’t get caught by heartbreaking surprises and the animals might have a better chance at existing safely. Ommmmmcommoncourtesytoalivingbeing.

OMMMMM WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD
FOR THE PUPPIES AND KITTENS?
What the past has recently held has been awful and awfully expensive, too, for Road Trip 4 Paws, the North Texas organization that transports local unwanted dogs across the nation to places that -- get this -- “have a shortage of adoptable pets.”

Like everyday life for us all, now and then there’s a hitch in the plans. Most recently Road Trip 4 Paws has been dealing with parvo-stricken pups from East and South Texas -- two different batches. There were 8 who became ill -- three were lost. Kelly Bond of RT4Ps declares, “It’s so heartbreaking... but some have a stronger system than others. Unfortunately there are still costs involved for the unfortunate ones as well.”
You can donate to RT4Ps to help with this unexpected medial expense at the organization’s PayPal account HERE. That little guy is Rocky, a rugged survivor.
The Parvo vet bill is going beyond the $5,000 mark. Nobody at RT4Ps has won Lotto Texas lately. Maybe ever. To ask how you can help in not only donations but other ways, email [email protected]
Kelly, a veteran rescuer and critter transporter, says, “Sadly there has been no break in puppy/ kitten season. We have had to put our Colorado transports on hold due to medical expenses on our pups that are here for local adoptions. Also, it is impossible to rent a cargo can in DFW from mid-November to Mid-January because of Fedex and Amazon. They rent all of them.” 
But that heavy season is about over and RT4Ps is about to get busy with the travel.
See how you can join in at www.roadtrip4paws.com. Oh, and you can also see available animals such as Leo the Cat whose magnificence was captured by the great Teresa Berg, photographer and cofounder (with DSO PrincipalOboe Erin Hannigan) of Artists for Animals.
[LARRY ASIDE: And, of course, Kelly’s observation about no break in puppy and kitty season adds support to the Readlarrypowell.com theory that Dallas is the most fertile city in America. Ommmmmspayandneuter. Ommmmmmspayandneuter.]

OMMMM MESQUITE


One reason we post Mesquite animals is there’s a system whereby a volunteer with a heart -- Judi Brown -- is making an effort on behalf of animals in the shelter. She’s trying to bring attention to these animals so that they don’t wind up an EU stat on the city's reports. Here are several animals at the shelter now.
For all of them, if you’re interested, stop by the shelter or call 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]

We opened with Chico (37664437), a 5- or 6-year-old, 11-pound Chihuahua surrendered on the 22nd “due to the health of his owner,” Judi writes.
“Unfortunately Chico has not had a good life. He was one of many dogs in a hoarding situation. It’s obvious from working with him that he’s not used to interacting with people. People scare him. With time and patience, I have been able to hold him. However he does not relax. If you put him down, he retreats and you have to start all over again.”
That handsome guy is Max (37677096), a neutered year-old Shepherd mix surrendered on the 23rd because of the darnedest reason: “He escapes.” Judi’s note reads, “He was also kept the entire time outside away from his family. He’s only one years old and he’s already been with two families! ... He’s also a happy, easy-going dog that appears to be enjoying life in spite of the circumstances. He’s frisky and playful. He’s friendly and appears to love everyone.” He also knows “Sit.”
And this 3-month-old Doberman mix is Dobby (37699393), a stray Earhound who arrived with his odd set of accessories on the 24th. He’s described as “a typical friendly, affectionate, fun loving, energetic, wiggly puppy. He’s highly motivated by treats and will dance for them.” How big is he? Fourteen fun pounds.
 

CONTEMPLATIONS ON OMMMMDAY:

What we have here first is a note from someone who was appalled by the death of Daxxie in Denton. In a heartfelt expression to animal advocate Leighann Hayden and others, “Lisa” wrote, “I’m so sorry these horrors go on. It’s enough to make us scream, pull our hair out and throw a well-deserved hissy fit. The stress of it all makes me feel the need to puke, but I now I’m telling y’all something you probably live daily a million times over. I feel I want to crawl in a hole and not come out. I realize Daxxie is just one poor soul out of millions who find themselves homeless, but still I can’t look at the big picture of I go insane. I’m 61, my husband is 65 with Type 1 diabetes. Life is a daily struggle along with all over horrors happening in the world. And yet, I know there are so many people/animals far worse off than my family. Not sure exactly where I was going with this but guess I needed to vent. Thanks for EVERYTHING y’all do. I suspect we ALL are overwhelmed and at an emotional breaking point. Peace & Love, Lisa.” [LARRY ASIDE: Ommmmmm. I’m with you, Lisa. The Good People have to win at this level or we’re all going to lose at a bigger level when lives and hearts stop mattering.] ... In case you’re wondering about “Om,” I’ve plucked these two informative bits of Om writing off the internet. Huffington Post is HERE 
and a Yoga explanation is HERE I believe it suggests the proper pronunciation of "Om" is "AUM," but, of course, I'm using the Texas pronunciation. Ommmmmmy'all.... Ommmm. Ommm. Oh, and on January 26, 1926, a Scotsman, John Logie Baird gave “the first public demonstration of television in his laboratory in London.” The refined version of electronic TV -- the one with the screen and the signals through the air and the profits -- well, that was demonstrated in 1927 by Philo Farnsworth in the USA. And, as you look at what’s showing on your TV and declare “There’s nothing to watch tonight,” thank these fellows for their efforts and hit the Ommmmmmm button on your remote. Ommmmm.
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A THURDAY POTPOURRI FROM DOWDY FERRY TO MESQUITE DOGS, A RED OAK BLUE LACY & CHILD AND A DALLAS CONTEMPLATION

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018 (PetPowellPress) What's up with this cat? That's Itty Bitty, 7, surrendered to the SPCA of Texas because his owner developed allergies. (Go to spca.org to see how to adopt.) We're using Itty Bitty to launch a report on animals in need of loving humans. And we'll mention some others, too -- those not fortunate enough to be in the SPCA shelter. Here we go:
On some issues, Dallas has a reputation of moving with glacial speed. Remember how long it took to get a modern shelter built to replace the old “pound” versions? Generations of animals met their fate before the city broke ground on that big shelter.
How about how long it took the city to OK running adoption specials at the shelter? How about ... well, the list goes on. It's like the ol' Soviet Union and it's "Five Year Plans" that stretch into a decade. So, what brings this up? An old story done anew, that’s what. WFAA’s investigative reporter Charlotte Huffman, declaring “we’ve followed this problem for months,” introduced a report with “gruesome pictures” and the story of the volunteer “Dowdy Ferry Animal Commission” work. Other people have followed this story for years. Here’s the Channel 8 STORY.
It’s a report on an awful topic. No doubt it will come as a surprise to a lot of people who pay no attention to anything not in their neighborhood -- maybe even surprise some of those who hold elective office in Dallas. And it's good to hear the helpful
How do we know this isn’t a new story? See that cross? That’s one of around a hundred put out along Dowdy Ferry Road in April 2016 by animal advocate Stephanie Timko and other advocates. They were trying to bring attention to the animal abuse and live- and dead-animal dumping problem in the area. 

People are keeping up with this problem. Not elected people, necessarily, but people.
[LARRY ASIDE: In case you wondered, there are places to keep up with DAS shelter statistics, i.e, go to www.dallasanimalservices.org and click on about to see the numbers. You hope someone is studying the stats to determine whether recent neighborhood sweeps and other activities are driving up the euthanasia, rescue and adoption rates. Numbers matter when you’re dealing with life and needles full of death juice.
]
You can monitor the Dowdy Ferry Animal Commission Facebook page HERE.

And along the same topic as the Dowdy Ferry issue, anybody remember this name: Gorge Spears? 
He’s the guy who was videoed (a Dallas Marshal hidden camera) dumping Claira-Belle out of his car last summer. Remember that? Made the news across the country and even got special treatment by People Magazine. This photo of the dog being left behind is part of the video that was posted on the SPCA’s Facebook page HERE.
This dog was lucky -- she was found and taken in by the SPCA of Texas and now has a home where she’s known as KD. That’s an SPCA photo of KD’s happy adoption -- look at that dog’s face.
These animal that are dumped along Dowdy Ferry may not have been victims of fighting rings -- they may be victims of neglect. Maybe they froze outside just weeks ago. Maybe they died from failure to get heartworm treatment. Maybe they died from starvation or lack of water or being ignored.
So, what happened in the Spears case? We asked Maura Davies of the SPCA of Texas who reports, “Gorge Spears pleaded guilty on Monday, September 25, to a Class A Misdemeanor charge and received 2 years’ probation with no contact with animals in addition to time served, which I think was around three weeks or so.”
The case went to trial swiftly -- yes, swift justice in an animal case. [LARRY ASIDE: I’ve covered some of those animal cruelty trials that happened months and months after the charge was filed. Now and then you get a defendant who is ready to get the whole thing behind him.]
 Maura says the SPCA was caring for Claira-Belle and was “so happy that she found such a wonderful home! Claira-Belle, now named KD, is living happily ever after with her loving family.” Here’s LINK to some happy photos.

[ONE MORE LARRY DOWDY FERRY ASIDE: Back in 2016 when the dedicated advocates were getting some ink and electronic publicity for the display of crosses, Readlarrypowell.com noted “there have been efforts through the years to get public officials to pay attention to these problems. It’s hard for animal people to get across the Don't Bother Me Moat and visit anyone elected at city hall.” We also wrote, “How many ‘faces of cruelty’ do we need around here before we start doing something about this deadly and harmful animal situation?” PAY ATTENTION: If you know someone who is participating in dogfighting or dumping or poorly treating animals of any kind anywhere in Texas, contact law officers near you AND the SPCA of Texas cruelty investigations people online at spca.org or by calling 214-461-1850. And, once again, follow this rule: Be kind to animals and be stern with people who aren’t. Also, be helpful to politicians who need to see the light. Be polite, be informed, don’t be emotional. Be factual. Be registered to vote, too. That’s more powerful than an undignified shouting of the word “dumbass.”]
SOME ANIMALS TO SAVE?
ALL OVER NORTH TEXAS...
Ever think about how many animal shelters and rescue groups there are around here? How about how many animals in need of rescue? How about how many people you know can’t take one more dog or cat in their home because they’ve reached either a city limit, a dwelling limit or a financial limit? First we visit Mesquite, then we go to Red Oak. Then you think of other places and try to help them -- there’s a lot of money in it for you. Oh, wait. I’m wrong about that. Nobody does this animal thing for the money -- you do it because it’s the right thing to do.
IN MESQUITE, THERE ARE MORE THAN THESE FOUR:
Our Mesquite tipster Judi Brown sent a note about Solo, a 7-year-old Chihuahua/ Yorkie mix. Why is he available? Same reason Prince, the Rottweiller-Pittie mix is in the Mesquite Animal Shelter: Both of their families are moving and neither is taking the dog. How crappy is that? [LARRY ASIDE: Sorry, but “crappy” seems to be an entirely appropriate expression.] 
Solo is 7 -- had the same humans his entire life. The shelter noises are freaking out the 10-pound dog, but he’s not being aggressive about it. Judi says he “is very timid so his way of protecting himself is to retreat. ... He is so sweet! He lets you hold him and seems to enjoy being cuddled. His owner said he’s fine being left alone in the house. “
Know what else? Judi says, “He pranced on a leash. He shares his kennel with other dogs without a problem.” Solo is 37649030.

Prince is on the Mesquite “urgent list,” Judi reports. He’s a 4-year-old who has known two homes -- the people who surrendered him say they previously rescued him, Judi says. He was an outside-only dog. “My heart just went out to him as it’s obvious he hasn’t had the life he deserves,” Judi wrote. “Even his posture and demeanor indicate he’s feeling downcast.” He’s 37558544.
To ask about any of these four dogs, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]

These other two you’ve met before. They are “Deddie” (left) and “Teddie” and they are “suddenly CODE RED,” Judi writes. She says she was shocked to see that designation. They are 9-year-old owner-surrenders -- their human died and the granddaughter brought them to the shelter. Deddie is 376387342 and Teddie is 37638722.

MEANWHILE IN RED OAK
This is really rich. The Red Oak Shelter is a small facility with a big population and pressure to keep the dogs moving, i.e., use a needle to open a space for the next unwanted dog.
In this case there’s a family situation. We learned about them from Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden who work with smaller, low-traffic shelters to enhance their presence in the minds of rescuers and adopters. 
That big dog is Lacey who, according to Laura’s note, is a “Blue Lacy.” And that, as you may know, my fellow Texans, the Blue Lacy has been the official State Dog Breed of Texas since 2005. The story is, the note reads, “Blue Lacys are great dogs and they truly are the perfect companion. As you can see, they look somewhat like a Weimaraner but with different ears.   Lacey is stunningly beautiful and was found out and about with her baby Curtis.  She appears to be about 2 years old and she is very loving and incredibly sweet.”
Curtis, a youngish fellow, is also available. Cute boy.
Your Save the Texas State Breed Lacy the Lacey contact points are Laura Macias at [email protected] Call or text her at 214-949-2726.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Isn’t it interesting that people can work so hard to protect animals that are being dumped, yet, so many wind up in the custody of the City of Dallas and get the needle? Is Dallas trying to play to a tie or win? How will Amazon feel about this attitude? Oops. Sorry, didn’t mean to link quality of life to quality of taxes in Dallas. ... Now and then I get miffed at Dallas, but somehow the town always manages to charm me again. I’ve lived in Oak Cliff since the ‘70s, and that means I’ve seen it change a lot -- new confusing freeway exits and routes, new businesses, new residents, old attitudes...well, no city is perfect. ... About all those bicycles left laying around -- it makes the city look like the 1950s when kids used to ride home from school, cross the property line, jump off the bike and let it roll into the flowerbed -- you know, just before Mom or Pop would come storming out of the house with a firm lecture about taking care of personal property. So, to summarize, today’s society needs to make everybody take a civics course and learn to put the bikes in a proper place. The civics course is important in such a volatile political era. Oh, and if the bike riders don’t put the bikes up properly, maybe we can ground ‘em. That used to work. FYI: On Wednesday, I drove down Lamar, the street with Dallas Police Headquarters. With the exception of one rental bike, they were all lined up nicely, orderly and ready for renting. Location, location, location, I guess.
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DEDICATED TO DAXXIE: IN TODAY'S EDITION THERE ARE ARRESTS, DOGS AND CATS FOR FREE AT DAS, A RETURNED PARISIAN DOG, A PREGNANT MESQUITE DOG AND A CONTEMPLATION WITH A HEARTBREAK

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 [PetPowellPress] This is not going to be an easy edition to get through, but keep going, Dear Readers. I’m dedicating it to a dog only a few of us ever met-- Daxxie. That is her. 
Keep in mind, there is hope in the world, even this very moment, but when you get to our Contemplations, there will be a sadness and you will wonder “What else can we do? What else?”

In the meantime, read the stories that precede the Contemplation. They are human stories of animals. Sometimes the humans are angels. Sometimes they are not. And the story of a dog named Rocky will get to you. If you have a heart. (That’s the traditional Dallas caveat.)

CHANGE A PET’S LIFE DAY

When I clicked onto the Dallas Animal Services website Tuesday, the first thing I read was “Helping Dallas be a safe, compassionate, and healthy place for people and animals” followed by this: “FREE ADOPTIONS: January 24th is 'Change a Pet's Life Day] - we are making that easy with free adoptions for all animals at both locations.” (The locations are the DAS shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland and at the DAS PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center, 16821 N. Coit.)

May each person who adopts a free animal realize how much value there is in the heart of that dog or cat.

Ghost (A1019172) is one of the adoptable dogs. That’s Ghost peeking out of his shelter cage -- probably like he might do when either an adopter or rescuer comes to visit or when the shelter staffer comes to lead him to the euthanasia room because nobody wants him. DAS says he lived his first year of life on the streets. 

That cat is named KK -- she is one of many available cats at DAS.
It has been our experience at Readlarrypowell.com that when you adopt an animal, you change that life and that life changes your life, too.
THE CHALLENGES OF ENFORCEMENT
The big challenge in these two disgusting cases is reminding yourself that the criminal justice system has dibs on punishing people who abuse animals -- though now and then, one might like to be the entire jury. Now, we have the stories of two alleged abuse cases -- “cruelty to non-livestock animals” -- the felony is in Dallas, the misdemeanor in Fannin County. We get the story from the SPCA of Texas whose Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit was instrumental in making the cases and arresting four people -- two in each case. Both cases are awaiting a trial date.

THE FANNIN COUNTY CASE: The arrest of Cindy Oliver and Mitchell Gilbert came from a January 6 case -- a Class A Misdemeanor case. According to the SPCA, “The Fannin County Sheriff's Office and the Honey Grove Police Department seized and the SPCA of Texas took custody of 140 allegedly cruelly treated animals from an alleged puppy mill--including 117 dogs, 21 puppies and two cats--from a property near Honey Grove, Texas.” These are some of the photos of that situation and you can see more HERE. The situation? The usual. Filth, health problems, etc., at a puppy mill. You see the “stacked” animals in one photo and the sad face of another ailing big dog in the second.
THE DALLAS CASE: Arrested in this case and charged with Third Degree Felony Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals were Anthony Terry Nichols, Jr. and Jamine Teara Sadler. 
You see these photos. More are HERE. 
That dog sitting and looking into the camera is now known as Rocky, according to the SPCA‘s Maura Davies.

When investigators arrived at the Southern Dallas property, “one dog was deceased and the other was so emaciated that every rib and hipbone was plainly visible through his skin. ... “The dogs were found inside wire cages in the back yard of the property without access to shelter, food, water or care. The dogs were both emaciated, with ribs and hip bones protruding. A necropsy was performed by a veterinarian on the deceased dog, and the cause of death was determined to be from complications related to starvation and dehydration. This dog's entire gastrointestinal tract did not have any substance for nourishment.

 “The living dog was examined by a veterinarian, and this dog's health condition was determined to be extremely poor. He was suffering from starvation, dehydration and diarrhea as well as being emaciated, with a body condition score of one out of nine (with 1 being emaciated and 4-5 considered normal). He was weak and could barely stand, and was covered in mud and diarrhea. As investigators were carefully removing him from the location, he screamed in pain every time he attempted to walk as he fell over several times.”
That dog, Rocky, is now recovering under the care of the SPCA. Maura told us, “I’m happy to report that he is on the long road to recovery at this point. It is a miracle, to be honest!”

You can see how to help the SPCA with such cases as these by going to spca.org/helptheanimals. Learn more about the entire organization and see the adoptables at www.spca.org. And, if you know of animal cruelty, call the SPCA Cruelty Officers or the Sheriff or the local Police or a constable or someone who wears a badge. It’s the right thing to do so animals like Rocky won’t scream in pain when they’re simply trying to walk out of a crime scene.

THE DOG IN AND OUT AND

IN AGAIN IN PARIS
Our Paris Animal Shelter liaison, Stephanie Ann, sent a note about this guy and included the explanation: “Adopted on 1-6 and found dumped in the back pen on 1-20. This big boy wasn’t given a chance to settle in before he was dumped back in the shelter. I got him tested and he is heart worm negative. He won’t have long and everyone seems to pass him by!” To ask about rescuing or adopting this dog, contact the liaison at 903-784-6774 or email [email protected]

EXPECTING IN MESQUITE SHELTER
Be better if Weda was expecting NOT in the Mesquite Shelter. But, for now the people at the shelter are caring for her and trying to make sure she has every opportunity to find a good, safe home. 

Our Mesquite tipster Judi Brown says the year-old Shepherd mix was “surrendered on 1/19 because she’s pregnant. Her coloring, which is a mixture of cream, tan, gray, and black, is very unusual. On top of that her eyes are a penetrating light blue. She’s an exceptionally good looking girl! Besides that she’s friendly and affectionate. She’s also very alert. She checked out everything in the yard with her nose.
"She’s spunky and playful. She chases toys but doesn’t know how to retrieve them. However as alert as she is I’m sure she could learn quickly. She sits for treats. She had no problem meeting other dogs in the bay.”
To ask about rescuing her, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] Use this ID number: 37644413.

CONTEMPLATION: DAXXIE AND ALL THE OTHERS
The saving of an animal’s life is a thing to celebrate. Rescue groups, individuals, shelter workers who juggle the calendar and double-up the cages -- they all contribute to getting animals to safety. 
Sometimes things are looking promising. For example, yesterday, we got this note from Amy Poskey, the volunteer who hustles to help animals in the Denton McNatt Animal Shelter find a safe route to a new home.
She wrote, “HAVE RESCUE OFFER BUT NEED FOSTER!!! FW: $725 DONATIONS AND OFFER TO HELP WITH HW TREATMENT!!! FW: URGENT!!! DENTON, TX ANIMAL SHELTER: DAXXIE, THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER/SHARPEI MIX, NEED OUR HELP!!! Importance: High.
”
You may remember Daxxie, the big ol’ dawg who, a couple of weekends ago, left the shelter for a bit of pet store toy shopping and a visit to Whattaburger where she enjoyed a double-meat burger. She celebrated by wagging her tail and smiling and being gleeful at being out of the shelter. That was the story from Amy who, for weeks, continued to pitch this girl as a dog who deserved a happy home. On Tuesday morning, Amy sent this note:
“Our Daxxie was EU this morning after three long months at the shelter.  I’m in tears as I type this and my heart is broken.  We tried so hard to save this beautiful girl but we didn’t get our miracle this time. I want to thank Mike & Mary Frazier for offering to save her [all they needed at I Am Dog Rescue was a temporary foster], everyone who offered pledges, everyone who networked Daxxie, everyone who offered to help with suggestions and ideas, AND Gayla Nelsen and Paul O’Neill at the Denton shelter for giving us extra time to try and find Daxxie a home or rescue.  Be free, sweet angel girl… Amy.”

Daxxie wasn’t the last dog in a spot in Denton’s shelter or in anybody else’s taxpayer-supported municipal shelter. But, what can you do when the calendar runs out on the dog or cat? It happens every day. There has to be some way to save them all. There are at least 6.4 million residents in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. Surely there was a home that had room for Daxxie. How did we miss that home?
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CATS BLEND; THE BIG LAKE GALA; SAVING ANIMALS & AN UPLIFTING TALE OF RUSH HOUR

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2018 [PetPowellPress] At Readlarrypowell.com, we’ve had cats for decades. And here’s a truth: Cats will blend in with the furniture.
This “blendable” cat is not one of ours. This is Cammie, a former stray who is now an available adorable at Dog ‘n’ Kitty City, the no-kill shelter operated by the Humane Society of Dallas County. She is a Dilute Tortoiseshell, which I believe is also a style of sofa available at major furniture stores. Now, we’ll focus on assorted animals and a fundraiser. Here goes:


THE BIG GALA AT THE LAKE!
Can this be the SIXTH ANNUAL WHISKERS AND WAGS GALA? Yes -- the event, which benefits the non-profit Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake and the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake, is scheduled April 21 at the CR Legacy Event Center in Gun Barrel City. Dinner, auctions, raffles, dancing , cash bar, and live music by Citizen Rockers -- more things, also. Get tickets, see how to donate auction items, etc., by going to whiskersandwags2018.org.
In case you wondered, the HSCCL “was established in 1983 as a non-profit to serve the people and animals of Henderson and Kaufman counties, and its surrounding municipalities. We rescue and care for over 2,500 animals annually!
" And, the great Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, which operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas, has performed more than 40,000 spay/neuter surgeries since 2002.
The gala’s proceeds go to help both organizations continue their beneficial work on behalf of animals and the people who love them.

MEANWHILE IN RED OAK AND WILMER
We’re highlighting a mere few of many animals awaiting a helpful rescuer or adopter at the Red Oak Animal Shelter and the Wilmer Animal Shelter -- two small facilities on the southern edge of Dallas. 
Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden have teamed to help these low-traffic shelters get some attention. Both are full. And for both shelters, the contact is Laura at [email protected] or call or text 214-949-2726.
We opened with photos from Red Oak of the Pittie boy Jet and Jordi the Chihuahua. They were both strays and they’re both in need of homes.

These two Wilmer dogs have been available for a while -- the clock is ticking on Jamie (left) and sweet Kody. Remember, just contact Laura to offer to help. 
Both shelters are enduring a population squeeze.

DEXTER, TIMID AROUND MEN,
WAITING IN RICHARDSON
Amber Norman of the Richardson Animal Shelter is trying to find some special help for this boy Dexter, a German Shepherd Mix. She’s hoping to find “someone who is able to work one-on-one with him and be in a less stressful environment.” She says Dexter “is a sweetheart who works best with women as he is timid around men.”
 Amber says Dexter “has come around since he first came in due to us working with him but he still requires some training. I am hoping that if anyone is interested in taking a look at him or taking him under your wing, you will email back stating that you would like to make a difference in this dog's life.” Here’s the email: [email protected]

MEANWHILE IN BURNS FLAT
The veteran, resilient rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher out in Burns Flat in western Oklahoma, has two little wanderers who need help, an appeal for doghouses and a puppy/mama report.

(1) Terry Lynn says this “little black and white girl was found roaming streets... I never posted her for I honestly thought someone would come get her... never happened... She is a sweet little baby... just wants love and cuddles.... maybe 4 months old.
“The bird dog-looking one is beautiful... He was picked up running down street... He is very timid but loving... he sits on command and is very well behaved. I am trying to move them before they fill me back up with more. I honestly do not know where the heck all these dogs are coming from.

(2) “This may seem like a weird request,” Terry Lynn writes, “But I am looking for 5 dog houses and some fencing. We have an offer from a lady to put some pens up and she will help with the overflows of several small town pounds. ... So, if anyone has any large dog houses they can part with, please let me know.”

(3) She is also working with 3 girl and 2 boy puppies who “will be ready to go on February 13.” And she’s trying to help momma, too, because the family that gave up the litter is keeping Mom. “I’m am working on getting her spayed to prevent this from happening again,” Terry Lynn says. 
To help with any of these situations, email her at [email protected] or call her at 580-330-1459.

AN EARHOUND
AND HER FAMILY TREE
When I first encountered Sally, it was via her mugshot and I thought “bloodhound” -- I mean, geez, look at that face!
But as you can tell from the second photograph, this Operational Kindness adoptable has a different family tree. The one with “Basset Hound” in it. (She’s 37605603 at the shelter.)
The 2 1/2-year-old girl weighs in at 66 pounds. See her online at operationkindness.org. Her bio says “she is perfectly polite” and “loves watching the squirrels run by” at the shelter. She’d enjoy “just being part of a family,” the OK folks say.

CONTEMPLATIONS:
ONE RUSH HOUR IN DALLAS
There won’t be any photographs with this because you will get the picture just by reading this artful vignette by our pal Diane Combs. She's always mindful of animals (and has Larry, the little Dachshund King of Public Relations). Here’s what Dianne encountered earlier this month:

“I basically stay on one long road all the way home (15 to 20 minutes rush hour).  It's a fairly busy street but not a freeway or highway by any means - lots of stop lights.
“This afternoon on the way home, at three different stop lights, three different cars ended up behind me - all of them with one person inside the cars (all males).  For lack of anything better to do, I was watching them in my rear view mirror.

"The first man had a look on his face like he was in deep thought about something very serious.
“The second man at the next stop light had a scowl/frown on his face like he was mad at something or someone.
“Then a third guy pulled up behind me at the next light. Sitting right next to him (their bodies were touching) was what looked like a tall Beagle mix (their heads were at the same height).  The whole time we were stopped, the man had his arm around the dog scratching/rubbing his dog just under his neck.  BOTH of them looked so relaxed. 
"The man was definitely smiling, and I swear the dog was smiling too. Right before the light changed, I saw the man lean over and kiss his dog on the top of the head.  Awwwwww.

“I went through the green light with a HUGE smile on my face ! You just can't beat a dog when it comes to putting us in a good mood can you?”


And there you have it. An evening rush with a guy and his dog. Maybe there is more of this sort of thing going on in big ol’ sweet Dallas -- maybe we’d see it if we weren’t so busy grimacing behind the wheel and dodging the people who haven’t calmed themselves by having a dog as a co-pilot.
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