ReadLarryPowell.com

O CHRISTMAS TREE, O CHRISTMAS TREE, THESE SLEEPING PUPS ADD UP TO THREE

We’ve decided to go “seasonal” with this first weekend of December edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, our long-running feature at readlarrypowell.com.

Kind of warms your ol’ yuletide heart, doesn’t it?
 And, of course, it’s uplifting to know that these are three rescues. They are the guiding forces in the home of our pals Tomi Ortiz and her hubby Frank.
Tomi sent these photos and wrote, “Just wanted to share some pictures of my dog babies! There’s a picture of Angel before we started decorating and after we ‘somewhat’ finished.
“She then moved next to her brothers (Lac & Boss) who were no help at all…They just laid there as we decorated around them! LOL!

“Angel, my little devil Pom, Lac the Cad, and Boss the Hog! 

“As you can see Boss still thinks he’s the baby and squeezes into the smallest of the dog beds…He cracks me up! He reminds me of me getting into my jeans after Thanksgiving.”
[LARRY ASIDE: I am somewhat comforted in knowing that I am not the only person who faces the “tug-and-button” challenge after Thanksgiving. Or, as I refer to it, “Thanksgaining.”]

You may remember reading about these three dogs because of how Lac got his name. When they rescued him, Frank “owned a Silver Cadillac and the dog got the ‘Lac’ part of the name rather than the “Cad” part.”
 Angel, rescued a couple of months after Lac arrived, has charmed Frank. And Boss made his mark as a weeks-old puppy.
Tomi once explained, “To tell you the truth, before I was blessed with him, I had been terrified of pit bulls! I had heard so many bad things from the media that I would make sure to steer clear of all pit bulls.
“But now my opinion has been changed forever! He is the sweetest and most loving dog in the world!”
You can read a 2015 column about the three dogs and their two humans HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: And, now, we’ll all vow to loose two inches in the waistline so we’ll get into our Thanksgiving jeans by Christmas and not have to face New Year’s Even with a diet of lettuce and water.]

REMEMBER, DEAR READERS, we love to post photos of beloved animals that know how to sleep! It demonstrates to readers around the world that they feel safe at home. And that is a tribute to the humans who love them. Send your photos of your sleepers and the info about their stories to [email protected]. We spotlight these friendships on www.readlarrypowell.com. Remember you’ll be helping someone decide that they, too, can save an animal. And you’ll be helping insomniacs realize they can get some sleep, if they can just get the right number of mood-setting lights on their Christmas tree.]
—- Offer praise or congratulations by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —

ONE STRANGE THURSDAY & SOME YULETIDE NOTES WHILE DALLAS WAS AHEAD...

EDITION OF FRIDAY, LAST DAY OF NOVEMBER 2018 [PetPowellPress] What a wonderful summer day we enjoyed Thursday and not only that, we bought gasoline for under $2 for the first time in…well, I can’t remember the last time I paid less than two bucks for a gallon of gas. Hang on. … Oh, Porche Noel is about 9 and she says she’s never seen the gas price this low. Of course, she gave up her driver’s license when she acquired a chauffeur with a credit card. Now, let’s move on and try to save some other animals just as zany street dog Porche Noel was saved at Christmas all those years ago. When I see the dog sweetly napping in the glow of Christmas lights, it makes me feel like this really is the Season of Miracles. So, the miracle I’d like to see is the opening of the hearts in Texas and shelters and rescue groups finding grateful adoptors who will set the nationwide trend for goodness. Cue the Hallelujah Chorus.
NEEDING MIRACLES
IN LITTLE WILMER
It’s not a big town, maybe around 4,300 these days, but Wilmer has a big opportunity to save some animals. Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden and a few supporters have been trying to hustle animals to safety from the Wilmer Shelter’s isolation for a while now. The big enemy is low human traffic.
As the latest note, directed to rescue groups, reads, “It is not a shelter where people come in to adopt, there are no walk-in's.  Everything that comes in dies, unless someone can help that is with a rescue group.
This is a very safe shelter to pull from - dogs have very low exposure to other dogs due to it being so small, and the dogs and puppies just don't have some of the diseases you see coming out of the larger shelters. It's a great shelter to help save a VERY DESERVING puppy or dog.”

That big boy in the first picture is Boomerang. The puppies in the background are designed for rescue- only, the note reads. The big dog was originally called Daddy but “since he would leave but always come back”, the person who found him changed his name to Boomerang.
The deal is, he’s got some kind of ugly growth on his neck and he needs a vet to take a look at it.
Of course, we’ve mentioned this guy Barkley before. He’s a Lab/Pointer mix, they say. And, “He adores people, other dogs, absolutely everyone.  He has received first set of vaccs and was heartworm tested (healthy! YAY)  … He is such a sweet lovable boy and he would be such a great addition to any family.”
The third pup is Autumn, a female Pharaoh Hound Mix. The bio reads, “Really beautiful dog.  This sweet precious girl was picked up by the Dallas County officers just off the freeway close to where the the Dallas Dept of Health and Human Services office is ... She is just the sweetest thing - does great with other dogs including a German Shepherd that is at the shelter.  She is such a sweet girl.”
To help with any of these or any other animal in the Wilmer shelter, get in touch with Laura by call or texting 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
THE CHALLENGES
OF BURNS FLAT, OKLA.
Most people reading this are in a big metropolitan sprawl. There are options. Options. 
In Burns Flat, Okla., Terry Lynn Fisher IS the option. Lately the responsibility of living up to her mission of protecting the animals is a wearying experience. But she keeps going. Here’s what she wrote earlier this week: “It never ends.... They just keep getting thrown out like the trash... Sweet, innocent lives, that someone just felt didn't deserve to live... But we don't feel that way.... we feel they ALL deserve a chance…. So, here I am... Posting for help... they need fosters... rescues... a safe and loving place to go…”
These are the dogs she’s working with now. Terry Lynn wrote:
“1. CANUTE … This boy showed up at a country home Thanksgiving day... We have searched for the owner, but are pretty sure it was dumped there. He is very friendly and loves children. The people are elderly and just cannot take it on....
“2. ELK BOY... dumped at the Elk City Lake, this poor boy was skin and bones...  This is a place so many are thrown out at... it is where my precious old Chi was found.... This one was picked up and the guy took home to feed. He is gone to work a lot so he said he ca not keep him. I now have him in boarding for awhile as I search for rescue....
“3. FOSS, FEMALE...This cutie was also dumped… She ended up at a small business that is located in the middle of nowhere... At first, she would not come to them. She is now coming and eating from their hands and lets them love her... She stays out there, which worries me, for there are many coyotes. She is only about 25 pounds…
4. LITTLE CHI… This girl is a sweet one. The people found her while driving home out in the country. They brought her home, trying to find owners, but had no luck. They would like to find her a good home or rescue... she is good with dogs, cats and kids.”

To help with any of these or any of the many other animals Terry Lynn is protecting email her at [email protected].

A DOG SAVED JUST BEFORE
THE NEEDLE WAS READIED
Sydney Busch, who usually serves as the “voice” of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, also has a knack for encountering the stories of animals that need some help. This is Grant.
 The story is Grant “was saved from being euthanized about 6 weeks ago. He is about a year old, neutered, all shots current, heart worm negative. He knows sit, stay, down and will walk on a leash. Christy can’t keep him, she already has 6 dogs.  Her phone number is 713-446-3053. She would be willing to do a trial visit, she just wants a good home for him.”
  And to see how to help the Friends with their mission of operating the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas, go to the website HERE or go to the facebook page HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE COWBOYS, GASOLINE, AND
A MARY DUNKLIN CHRISTMAS NOTE
This is being written as the Cowboys are leading the New Orleans Saints 13-0. I bought gasoline earlier in the day for under $2 a gallon — apparently anything is possible summer-like Thursday in theJerryworldtroplex. … On Thursday afternoon I was in Duncanville picking up life-enhancing meds from my pals at the Ben Franklin Apothecary and I realized that the office at the north end of that block of Main Street is missing (again this year) a formerly ol’ reliable Santa figure that used to endure the yuletide by waiting next to a box labeled “Letter to Santa.” This was the most un-traditional Santa figure ever displayed in American culture — I’m pretty sure. I mean, geez, look at that photo! Basically, it was kind of Santa Claus in a bee suit. If I’d known it was up for sale, I’d have bought this Santa and proudly displayed him each year. Our neighbors would have been as surprised as they are when I mow the lawn. It’s been years since we had an outdoor decoration. My former PetsittingSpouse Martha wrapped her Range Rover in twinkle lights and parked it in the front yard! That’s some pricey holly jolly. … All this brings me to, perhaps, the greatest one-paragraph description of the season ever written. Our author is the great Mary Dunklin, whose work has been featured here a few times before. This time she wrote an amusing one-paragraph Christmas story. It’s full of a picture of the season. Mary wrote: I never feel more alive than I do the one time a year I go in the attic, pulling out Christmas decorations, fearing for my life, worrying about falling through the ceiling or having a random woodland creature jump out of the boxes at me. Good times.” The woodland creature had me howling. (FYI We wrote about Mary’s animal rescue side a year ago. Read it HERE. And, relax, no woodland creature will jump out at you!)
—- Offer admiration, advice or holiday greetings by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing [email protected]. —-

GOURDS, PUMPKINS, CATS, DOGS & LIONS

EDITION OF THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018 [PetPowellPress] Here we go on the next-to-last day of November, 2018. The only thing I don’t like about my favorite month is it moves so darned fast. I’m still trying to process my Halloween pumpkin harvest. Here’s a photo I shot the day after Thanksgiving.

Usually I get about a six-pumpkin crop from my run amok-vines that covered the front yard.
This time I hit the jackpot with the Jack-Be-Littles. I have no idea what the big things are — but their plants died after that odd frost a few weeks ago and that was it for them. My agrispouse Martha claims she slipped some giant gourd seeds in with my Jack-Be-Littles and I can’t argue that — I’m only a pumpkin farmer. 
I’m wondering if the frost affected the Dallas Cowboys. We’ll see tonight when New Orleans comes to visit America’s Alleged Team.
SEASONAL KITTENS
SINCE IT’S STILL AUTUMN
The great Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake forwarded this note about kittens being fostered by Breanna Smith.
 As you know, the Friends of the Animals operate the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City — and they can always use donations and clinic supplies. Just a yuletide hint.
In the meantime Breanna is trying to help these kittens find a home. They’re six weeks old. How’d she get them? Her note explains, “Their mother showed up in my yard one day very pregnant and I caught her just in time for her to deliver the kittens in my house. They are both very playful siblings, both girls I believe, and very mischievous. They are so sweet and I want to find good homes for both of them, preferably together. Any help in doing so is greatly appreciated!” To help these babies, text 903-880-3262 or email [email protected].


SOME FROM MESQUITE

NEED TO BEAT THE NEEDLE
How about that Tyson! Five years old, 53 pounds, already fixed and surrendered to Mesquite Animal Services on Nov. 19 because “he got into a fight with another dog,” reports volunteer biographer Judi Brown. The dog isn’t big on other dogs, but he is “a lover of people,” she writes. He’s #5258603 in the shelter. [LARRY ASIDE: I don't want to put words into a good dog's mouth, but that photo on the left shows a smilin' dog who's thinking he's about to get adopted and the photo on right shows the dog as he realizes he's in big trouble and needs to get out of the shelter before they get the needle and come for him.]
Josie, the year-old Lab mix, came into the shelter as a stray on the 17th. “She is an affectionate, friendly girl who loves life and everyone in it!. She’s a lap dog wannabe.”
Of course, she also weighs 37 pounds and its “treat-motivated.” Will dance for them. Doesn’t mind other dogs, but, on her shelter tour, jumped back when a cat hissed at her.
[LARRY ASIDE: Don’t we all, Larry knowingly, lovingly, respectfully wrote.] Josie’s ID is
40194512.
And that brings us to Ethan, 2, a 34-pound, already fixed, red heeler who was a stray when he arrived on the 13th. Judi wrote, “When he came in he had some scrapes and open wounds on his rear leg (possibly been hit by a car?). Meanwhile he has been an isolation and being treated. The wounds have healed. Ethan (40164064) is a delightful boy who is extremely affectionate. When I sat down he tried to crawl in my lap. He gives an abundance of kisses. He’s also very alert and energetic but not overly so.” He also looks like he could walk a tightrope if needed!
To ask about these three, call 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. To see more of the adorable adoptables in Mesquite’s shelter, click HERE.

CONTEMPLATIONS
LIONS, POOR KIDS AND BIG D DRIVING

A special thanks to the Oak Cliff Lions Club for a great noontime on Wednesday. The Lions put up with my speech about journalism, animals, civics, responsibility and a few lines that were not quite as funny as originally calculated. Lions are forgiving, clearly. Got to see my ol’ pals Jo Ann Holt and her hubby Durhl Caussey — you can read their work on the Focus Daily News site. Also ran into the Realtor Robert Bown who’s famous among animal folks as being the dad of the great Stacey McCool, the fab foster with Paws In The City. Note to animal rescue groups: A number of the Lions have dogs and cats and some have rescued animals recently and many have made a habit of watching out for the well-being of animals. The Lions might be a good ally in animal issues.  Did you realize that Lions Club was chartered in 1929? A while back. That’s a lot of community service and a lot of laughter. The last time I’d attended a Lions Club meeting was in 1966. The difference was this time there are women who are Lions. Changed in the late ‘80s. For the better, of course. … I heard a radio story about the mayor’s initiative to help poor children. The announcement said one of every 3 children in Dallas is poor. I had two little brothers way back in the 1950s — I think we went 3 for 3 on the poor rating. … A headline on The Big Paper Downtown's website reads “Dallas ranks among the worst U.S. cities for driving in snow, rain, report says.” It’s not that much better in dry weather. Come on down for a visit and bring your insurance cards.
—- To offer an opinion, advice or surrender, click on “comment” below or email [email protected]. —-

ASSORTED AVAILABLE ANIMALS, A LIM-ERIC! BOOK AND SOME CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018 [PetPowellPress] — We have some firsts today including Baseball Half of Fame Broadcaster Eric Nadel’s Big League limericks and a cat described as “big boned.”
 Usually, “big boned” is a description reserved for “tending to be large” children such as myself. But that’s between me and the shrink who can successfully bid for the long-term therapy contract. We’ll even discuss music and dogs and other things. Here goes:
THE BIG CAT AT THE BIG SHELTER

AND A DOG WITH A HOLIDAY NAME
So, how did Dallas Animal Services do with its elongated “Black Friday” weekend? The answer was posted on DAS’ Facebook page and it read this way: “Over the course of the last four days, animal lovers like you saved the lives of 361 pets -- 257 dogs, 103 cats, and a pocket pet!”
So, Dallas is now completely out of animals — hang on a second. Nope, I checked the list on dallasanimalservices.org and the shelter still has quite a few. And, of course, it has the needle.
On the DAS Facebook page, the featured cat is this one, Kitty (A1049720). DAS describes here as “a total sweetheart” and then says, “She's a little ‘big boned’ but that's just more of her to love! Kitty is looking for a home where she can relax in your lap while you binge your favorite TV shows or conquer your new video game. She would do best in a calm home with adults where she can reign.” 

You might wonder how that dog could possibly be related to Christmas. Well, her name is Marley and that’s one of the character’s in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This Marley (A1013420) is described as a “female, tricolor Australian Cattle Dog and American Bulldog.” She’s about 2 and has been at the shelter since November 21.”

For either of these sweethearts or any other animal call the shelter at 214-670-6800 or drop by the big shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland. Go to dallasanimalservices.org to see so many other dogs and cats that need a home that it’ll make you ashamed of the people of Dallas who dumped them, let them run free or ignored them until they got picked up by the “authorities.”
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE

Well, of course, the ol’ Code Red list has been active in Mesquite Animal Services lately. Too many animals — surrendered and strayed, they wind up on the clock.
This girl is Cookie (40233449), an 8-year-old, 27-slim-pound Shar-Pei mix surrendered on the 24th. Why? Her story, provided by the volunteer biographer Judi Brown, says she was surrendered “because the owners no longer had enough time for her! They had her for three years and said she was four years old. However her muzzle is turning gray and her teeth show her to be older. To meet this dog is to love her! She is very soft and very sweet. She follows you around and stays close. She’s very calm and gentle. She’s well mannered. She sits for treats. She also knows to stay and go inside or outside . She is very mellow with a relatively low activity level. Her previous owners said that she’s good with other dogs and children. They said she was an inside dog only. You probably noticed that she’s too thin and could use some groceries. She also has some crusting around her eyes which the vet is going to look … A cat hissed at her and she jumped back.”
To ask about Cookie or any animals in the Mesquite shelter, call 972 –216-6283 or email [email protected].
It’s frequently not the dog or cat you see that is destined for you, it’s the one you find waiting for you in the shelter. Here’s the link to see the animals in Mesquite’s shelter. Among them is this guy Jelly Bean (40194144), a 4-month-old “Domestic Medium Hair Mix” who is house-trained and small. But doesn’t he have a “big presence” in that photo! He’s been in the shelter since November 17 and that means his clock is ticking no matter how charming he is.


THE BOOK IS PUBLISHED,
THE MUSIC IS READY
All during the Texas Rangers season radio listeners on the team’s network could hear Hall of Fame broadcaster Eric Nadel providing limericks to celebrate the game — and the Rangers’ games frequently needed a diversion to celebrate. It was appropriate, then, that Eric, a noted dog fan, by the way, would announce the arrival of this book with a limerick. Here it is:

“So finally we have a book.
And I’m surprised how long it took.
But now that it’s here
There’s one thing that’s clear.
You all really must have a look.”

The official announcement notes that the “witty and thought-provoking limericks about baseball and a world of other subjects” are accompanied by gorgeous illustrations by Arthur James” and that part of the proceeds from the sale of each $19.99 book will go to The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.
||
And the LIM-ERIC! release party is on Wednesday, December 5, at The Kessler in Dallas. The show features Pedigo's Magic Pilsner, Whitney Rose and Joshua Ray Walker. Part of the proceeds from the show also go to the Foundation. Here’s the BOOK LINK and here’s the PARTY LINK.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED NOTES ABOUT ASSORTED TOPICS
You know what’s going to keep me from fretting over the likely smothering of Dallas by New Orleans Thursday night? The fact that the Texas Rangers haven’t made a sincere move to improve pitching. Yeah, they hired a new pitching coach. But so what? Oh, my, I’m already negative about the Texas Rangers and spring training is still way off — about two weeks after the Feb. 3 Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta. … My son Bart called and asked what I was doing. “I’m writing a speech,” I replied. “What’s it about?” he asked. “Not sure yet. But animals and journalism.” And he said, “Yeah, they both need rescuing.” … Isn’t it amazing that mankind can send the InSight Lander all the way to Mars? Astounding. If they’d had to send it through the downtown Dallas freeway system first it would have never gotten off the ground.
—- To offer a rebuttal or an opinion or advice, click on “comment” below or email [email protected]. —-

SAVE SOME ANIMALS; CONSIDER A SANTA FILM; CONTEMPLATE SOME FRUITCAKE

EDITION OF TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2018 [PetPowellPress] Maybe your Thanksgiving was peaceful -- not political wisecracks or arguments. Our most vigorous discussion during Thanksgiving breakfast was launched by this assertion: “Apricot jelly is for old people.”
Let that settle on your biscuit for a while. You can’t really call that assertion “ageism.” No, aging is more likely linked to preserves.
REPORT FROM DAS
Here’s the opening passage from the Facebook page report Dallas Animal Services presented Monday as the Black Friday Adoption Event stretched into the Cyber Monday arena. It read: “So far our Black Friday Adoption Event has saved 286 lives -- 203 dogs and 82 cats! The event continues today and we hope to cross the 300 mark."

 A quick look at Monday night’s DAS listings on dallasanimalservices.org showed this girl Chelase (A0960855), about 4, a spayed German Shepherd, is available — she’s been in the shelter since Sunday. Got to wonder about those circumstances.
Do they have any cats left at DAS? Yes, indeed, we have Ed Sheeran, mentioned in Monday’s report, and this cat Trey, in foster care, but available. Both lads are in need of permanent homes. And in a metropolitan sprawl that has millions of residences, surely there are two that have room for cats. At least two. Wouldn’t you think?
AN AVAILABLE CAT
FROM OUT AT THE LAKE
Great lookin’ cat, don’t you think? The back story is he lived in a garage for the first 8 months of his life. Family member dropped him off at his current foster’s home. Sydney Busch, the reliable voice of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, tipped us to his story and says, “This adorable, loving little guy is being neutered tomorrow [Tuesday] and will be available for his forever home later this week.”
Where’s he being neutered? Where else? The Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake Spay/Neuter Clinic — it is, of course, the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
The little guy is said to be very sweet and word is he “was only fed left-overs and human food. We got him to eat kitten food. All he wants is love. He craves it more than most cats. Sadly we cannot keep him. We live in an apartment too small and have a kid on the way and will not be able to afford the love and care he will need.”
To ask about giving this cat a home or rescuing him, email
[email protected] or phone 903-340-4150.



JENNA AND BARKLEY:

TWO FROM WILMER


 Laura Macias and her colleagues on the small shelter mission have been trying to hustle up homes for these two for weeks now. They’re in the small Wilmer Animal Shelter just south of Dallas on I-45. Lots of paw traffic, not much foot traffic. So people have to jump onto social media and make like town criers to get some attention. It’s fatiguing, but if it’s not done, the needle stays busy.
Jenna is the youngish Aussie Shepherd/German Shepherd mix who had puppies several weeks ago. Her reward was being picked up as a stray. She’s said to be a “precious sweetie” who is “very, very deserving” of being saved.

That boy dog is Barkley, said to be a Lab/Pointer mix. Healthy dog. Just needs a human to save his life via adoption or rescue.
Help these dogs by calling or texting Laura at 214-949-2726 or email her at [email protected]. And, yes, transportation can be arranged.

CONTEMPLATIONS

Loving Dallas; Enjoying Kurt as Santa; Fruitcake Craving
Ah, Dallas, I loved you for a reason, but I can’t remember what it was. Anyone want to help with that? I’ll start with (1) Dedicated animal rescuers who have all won Lotto Texas; (2) Two Guys From Italy (that’s in North Dallas) and Gonzalez on Jefferson in Oak Cliff; and (3) the always fluid Dallas traffic patterns. … 
As a sucker for Christmas-themed movies, I watched The Christmas Chronicles starring Kurt Russell on Netflix. Yep, I liked it. Several reasons, among them Kurt Russell’s version of St. Nick and his performance of Santa Claus Is Back In Town that echoed both Elvis’ version and Elvis’ role in Jailhouse Rock. I realize this sort of review introduces several foreign concepts to people born after the arrival of the 20th Century: (1) Disney films without animation, (2) The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters (1963-1964) and Elvis A. Presley (1935-1977, allegedly). Oh, yeah, the other thing I liked was the performance of KImberly Williams-Paisley — she pegged “angry mother of teenage boy” perfectly. Keep in mind, I’m not a professional movie critic. Mostly I just complain about the price of popcorn and Coke in a movie theater. Fortunately, I watched The Christmas Chronicles on my Kindle. Popcorn was cheap. … 
Not to set off any cravings, but what’s your favorite Christmas treat? It’s OK to say “fruitcake.” The affection for fruitcake runs in my family — we had an aunt who baked one for us every year. Three little boys loved it. Never grew out of the affection for a good fruitcake. Oops, there’s a qualifier that’s hard to defeat.
—- To offer an opinion, a solution or a fruitcake recipe, click on “comment” or email [email protected]. —-

WHAT A COLLECTION OF DOGS! PLUS A SPECIAL APPEAL FOR ED SHEERAN

EDITION OF MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2018 [PetPowellPress] This edition took a lot of work involving my ComputerSpouse Martha and my patience with the 21st Century. We updated the computer’s operating system on Friday and, at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, we think it’s finally working like it’s supposed to work. We’ll see. What an ordeal.
Being of a suspicious mind, I think this is one of those deals where a company hands out its latest new and improved update and then, rather than hiring people to test it, it simply lets all us mokes with no computer sense discover the shortcomings and tragedies. Free repair advice.
And, there you have it. Now, we’re going to dive into such things as Giving Tuesday, interstate dog rescue and assorted contemplations. And we’ll tell you about that dog with the trimmed ears, too.

  Before we move on, I want to point out that here you have two photos labeled Ed Sheeran.
One is of a neut- ered Orange Tabby who is about 9 months old and has been in the Dallas Animal Services Shelter since Nov. 9. (See his story and how to save him at dallasanimalservices.org or call 214-670-6800 — ask about A1048872.)
The other Ed Sheeran is the rock star from England, a genuine ginger with lots of fans who adore him.
He last played Dallas in 2017 during a long, long global tour. Opening act was The Geezinslaws. I’m kidding. But they’ve opened for a lot of people. (More later.) Let’s get back to animals.
 
GIVING TUESDAY? ALREADY?
HERE ARE SOME GOOD REASONS
Yeah, I know, some people are still rattled from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but this is important. This one’s for the non-profits. Check to see if your non-profit is on the Giving Tuesday list. We know of two and both of them are involved in rescuing and saving animals. The SPCA of Texas — we told the story last week of a rescue of 90 animals in Van Zandt County — has been ultra busy saving dogs, cats, pigs, horses, chickens, donkeys, etc., in the North Texas area. That isn’t done without expense. So, the SPCA of Texas is on the Giving Tuesday list. And the SPCA says, “On #GivingTuesday, gifts made online at spca.org/GivingTuesday will be matched dollar for dollar up to $9,000, thanks to a generous gift provided by Northern Trust."
While the SPCA is usually working to save animals that are already in the general vicinity of Big D, the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas is awaiting a “tsunami of Greyhounds” from Florida which has voted to ban “commercial dog racing involving wagering” by December 31.
According to GALT, “The legislation provides no support or funding to assist the hounds displaced by the closing tracks. While it remains unclear how the legislation will be implemented, GALT anticipates a significant increase in volume of retirees coming into its program between now and the end of 2020. Three displaced hounds have already arrived (Seth, Laura and Erica) and more are on the way!”
GALT is working increasing its capacity for hosting Greyhounds. And, you can giving to the GALT Giving Tuesday effort through November 30. See the details by going to this SITE.
 
SWEET AND UNCLAIMED,
A DOG NEEDS A HOME 

Our ol’ pal and colleague at The Big Paper Downtown, Dr. Tracy Everbach, the seasoned journalist and veteran professor at the University of North Texas, has a mission aside from education: Save and protect animals.
 Here’s the latest dog she’s trying to help. 
She needs a “foster for this extremely sweet and friendly dog. She is housebroken and loves people -- gives lots of kisses. She knows commands and enjoys going for walks. No one has come forward, she does not have a chip, and we have posted her all over social media sites, reported her to DAS and have distributed flyers. She is in a no-kill shelter at the moment but it is not the best situation as she is anxious and lonely. She would be better off in a home. We want to get her vetted and with a rescue group. Money is not a concern--we have enough people willing to pay for her care. She is very sweet and loving. However, she did not get along with our small, aggressive terrier mix dog, which is why we had to opt for the shelter as a temporary measure. Her weight is about 45 lbs., she is 3-4 years old, and she is well cared for. If anyone is interested or knows someone who is interested in fostering, email me at [email protected]." 
[LARRY ASIDE: Dr. Everbach’s succinct, heartfelt appeal should show that there is a good side to veterans of the field of journalism. Wouldn’t you think?]

MESQUITE FOLLOW UP:
THE TEXAS SIX PLUS ONE
You may recall from editions before Thanksgiving that several dogs from Mesquite were saved by the teamwork of Kansas Second Time Around Animal Rescue (KSTAAR) in Dwight, Kans., Town and Country Humane Society
in Papillion, Neb., and hard-working volunteers with the Mesquite Animal Services Shelter.
These are some of the rescued dogs in foster homes. Laura Oeterhaus of KSTAAR sent us the photo of the big dog lounging on the couch. She wrote, “Sherman was one of the six dogs that came to KS from Mesquite on the 17th. He made it to NE just before today’s blizzard and as you can see he’s being treated like a king in his new home.”

Dawn Pointer, our other contact with this effort, sent a photo of Spice, the girl with the “cropped ears” who’d been on the Code Red list before she was saved. She’s taking it easy with a larger dog in her foster home.
Remember, these two out-of-Texas groups also haven’t won Lotto Texas lately and could use some donations. Click on the organizations’ names to get to their websites.

MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE

CODE RED FOR TUESDAY…
We have some Code Red dogs to mention. Now, in this report they're not all Code Red — yet — in Mesquite.  Matter of time, of course. But any time you adopt or rescue a dog, it takes pressure off the shelter to cram one more in before they kill it.
We’ll start with these two spotted by the volunteer biographer Judi brown. They are (left) Belle (40193485) and Tinker (40193492), a couple of Schnauzer/Terrier sisters — under 3 probably, and in the Mesquite shelter after spending their lives together. “They came in to Mesquite Animal Shelter together on 11/17,” Judi writes, “They have probably been together their entire lives. They sleep curled up together. Both needed time to decompress as they were not happy finding themselves in a noisy shelter. With time they have settled in. Both are very timid and will need lots of TLC.. These dogs are small. Probably would do well if adopted together.
Hershey (40181750) is this 6- to 9-months-0ld Chocolate Lab mix who came in as a stray on the 15th. He’s “extremely sweet and affectionate” but when scolded becomes timid. So, Judi writes, “He will need someone who is very sensitive and aware that he has trust issues.” He is 22 pounds of wannabe lab dog.
 (That's baby Hershey on the right and anxious Hershey on the left --  looking for some help, no doubt.)
Then there’s Benji, a year-old terrier mix who came in as a stray on the 19th. Puppy energy. Alert, Gentle. Needs a laid-back household. Weighs 35 pounds. Looks like a movie star dog, doesn't he?

Estrella must be the most expensive ol’ Yellow Lab in the world — her own- ers surrendered her to Mesquite Animal Services because, they said, they “could no longer afford her.” She’s 75 pounds, about 2 or 3 and bewildered that she was dumped. She’s 40228390.

For any of these “not Code Red yet” dogs, call the shelter at 972-216-62-83 or email [email protected].

AND NOW SOME CODE REDS

And that brings us to these three who are CODE RED “due to shelter overcrowding” and available until 11 a.m. on Tuesday — that’s “Giving Tuesday” and I know nobody wants to be giving a lethal shot to these dogs. 
Evie (40105665) is the first up — a Retriever-Boxer mix in the shelter since 11/6. Came in as a stray. Judi says, “She’s very gentle and stays close when she’s not looking out the gate. I got the feeling that she was looking for the owners that did not come back looking for her. … She just had a litter.” She’s a 66-pound, lovable, tail-wagging dog.
Ollie (40091709) is energetic, playful and “extremely photogenic because he’s very striking,” Judi writes. He’s a 64-pound dog who’d “make a fabulous family pet.”
Toby (40049718) is 48-pounds of Shepherd/Rottweiler with a great tail. He’s about 2, maybe younger, and came into the shelter on October 30. He’s “friendly” and “perky and playful.”
Also, Judi writes, “He loves balls! He found balls all over the yard. He fetches and retrieves and doesn’t seem to tire of it. He sits for treats.”

Here’s the LINK to Mesquite Animal Services’ many animals.

Once again, the important number to call is 972-216-6283, the important email address is [email protected]. Make the call, email the shelter or the dogs are dead. Bottom line: Humans have to save the dogs other humans betrayed.

CONTEMPLATIONS

Assorted topics
Do you read based on clickbait or on your own personal interests or is clickbait what you’re interested in? If it’s clickbait, then I’m about to get a lot of readers with this phrase: “SEE HOW SEX KITTENS DOG AMERICAN MALE MINDSET.” That’s using a phrase “sex kittens” from the last century with “dog” as a verb and “American male mindset,” which we all are concerned about in today’s world. For as long as I can remember, someone has been concerned about the American male mindset. 
Now that I have your attention, let me remind you that Dallas Animal Services is running a “free special” through the end of Cyber Monday. There's the Facebook illustration from DAS’ Facebook page. And it sort of melds just perfectly with this illustration we copied from the Great Foster Patti Sprong’s Facebook page. Yeah, empty the city shelter to make room for the dumped dogs and cats…… And in honor of Ed Sheeran, here’s a link to THINKING OUT LOUD, a love song.. In honor of The Geezinslaws, beloved Texas performers, here’s a link to You Call It Country, I Call It Bad Rock and Roll. Ya’ll enjoy.
—To offer solutions or advice, click on “comment” below or email [email protected]. —

ON THANKSGIVING, REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR THE LIVES WE HAVE SHARED...

EDITION OF THANKSGIVING, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 [PetPowellPress] For this edition we offer our thanks for our readers and their animals. Yes for our readers and their hearts. For all you tough and tender people who keep working to save more and more animals.
I don’t know if you’ve done much reading about Thanksgiving, but did you know there were dogs and cats on the Mayflower when it arrived late in 1620? (Here’s some reading.The story is by Linda Cole for Canidae Pet Food.)
Two of the dogs were a Mastiff and a Spaniel -- names unknown. Also there was a Calico cat whose presence on the voyage was recorded in a family Bible. And, get this, the cat gave birth soon after it arrive in America. These facts are reported in many stories through the years.
 [LARRY ASIDE: It is important to note, we think, that dogs and cats were already on the continent. The Norsemen may have brought cats on their journeys. Cats were great rat exterminators on ships. And Native Americans had dogs before the Pilgrims arrived.]

A lot of people think the First Thanksgiving was the Pilgrims’ big feast at the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. 
But there was that 1598 event in Texas. You may have read about it. This is from the 1990/91 Texas Almanac -- a Thanksgiving history written by my late colleague at The Dallas Morning News, the Texas Almanac Editor Mike Kingston: “A new Thanksgiving tradition has taken root in Texas. El Paso residents now claim the first Thanksgiving in North America. The modern event, first observed in April 1989, commemorates a day of thanksgiving celebrated by Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate and his expedition on April 30, 1598.” Read that assessment HERE.
We’re thankful for history at readlarrypowell.com. We’re also thankful for these animals who live with us. They are the featured animals in this Thanksgiving column which we’re stretching through Sunday as our “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap” presentation.
 As you know, Thanksgiving is a genuinely American family holiday. Our family has always involved humans, a lot of dogs and cats. Many through the years -- and many are gone, having fallen victim to old age. We never don’t miss them and we are, like so many of you, so very thankful that they became a part of our lives.
The animals featured here are from our past -- unless otherwise noted and, of course, they are still with us. I don’t mind telling you that when I opened that photo of our ol’ girl Claire looking out the window from the back of a long-ago couch, I teared up like the day we lost her -- a long, long time ago. Same thing for that photo of Vera -- Belle Starr Carmelita del Vera Cruz, my first Chihuahua, a rescue. We called her Vera and I taught her to growl when anyone said “Richard Nixon.” That’s also Vera with the late Baby Jane Doe, a dog I picked up as a puppy as she sat stubbornly at about 8 puppy pounds, in the northbound lane of Marsalis at Colorado out in front of a bus stop. Cars drove around her. Not me, man, I know a friend when I see one.
The dog with the Batman pose is my second Chihuahua, Rosie, rescued from Kiest Park with a spectacularly horrible case of mange. I’d run out of names for rescued dogs in those days two decades ago. So her vet, Dr. Catherine Marr, said, “Let’s call her Rosie, because she doesn’t smell like one.” She was the sweetest little girl. 

“That dog Cosmo, in the holiday collar, was such a blessing -- he inspired the story “Christmas on Mo Corner” and that (left) is his photo on the cover. We found him sitting on the corner of Ledbetter near Polk after a summer rainstorm. Such an eternal gentleman.
That fluffy black and white dog, Nicki, is playing with Puppy Annie, now 15 years old, a heeler mix. Nicki was our first dog together. Martha adopted her at a Merchant’s Fair nearly 27 years ago. Martha was there to promote her PetPowell Pet Sitting Service and adopted Nicki. I stopped by to check on Martha on a hot August day and she sent me over to a rescue booth to pick up our new dog. Nicki was beyond dear, more than sweet and a wonderful lady.
You see two sleeping/napping photos with a big orange and white cat -- he was a giant of a fellow, Griffin Oliver Powell. A rescued kitten -- one of our early, early front porch ferals. He was feral for about two seconds and after about 12 weeks, you needed two hands to lift his mammoth girth. 
As you see, he became a pillow for Vera and a pillow for our late cat Spike, the toughest cat in town. Our former vet, Dr. Marr, was tending to him -- some kids had pelted this tiny, tiny kitten with rocks and broken his leg. She put him in a chest and leg cast -- when he walked it sounded like pad pad pad THUNK and stunned the other animals. Spike quickly became the alpha animal in our home. That was nearly 27 years ago. Each Christmas for years, Spike would curl up in our replica of Bedford Falls from It’s a Wonderful Life, a traditional Thanksgiving Day film years ago when the movie was in the public domain and shown repeatedly on the holiday. Spike, by the way, always made sure he was touching Martini’s, the village bar. I think he might have been dreaming of his life with the Pilgrims who must have loosened up a bit after they landed on Plymouth Rock and needed to celebrate.
There are so many more we have loved. Many we kept for years; many we handed over to other people to keep for years.

Just so you know what we expect to see on Thanksgiving and for days after the big meal, that’s our girl Porche Noel on the back of the couch just before she nods off. And the lower photo is Porche Noel sharing a nap backside-to-backside with my personal editor, The Senator. You see him in editing position at my keyboard -- sometimes, when he doesn’t like what he’s reading, he’ll nip me. Honest. That’s the only reason I can figure out. And, of course, he knows how to tell me “It’s time to publish.” You see him there with his watch crown in the “pay attention/I’m serious” mode.
So, these are some of the animals from our past; some from our present. There are some dear, dear family members not mentioned here. Maybe I’ll put the book together. I’ll have to check with The Senator regarding my schedule.

I mention all these animals for this Thanksgiving edition so anybody who has ever had a dog or cat they love will now that it’s OK to declare out loud how much you miss your friends who’ve gone on and how much you love the friends you have now. You might even extend that affection beyond the animals and declare that you also have Thanksgiving in your heart for some people, too. Yes, celebrate Thanksgiving. Give some safe treats to animals and humans and then find a place to take a nap. Follow the lead of your dog or cat -- they know how to take a holiday nap.
[SEND SLUMBER PHOTOS AND BIOS of the dogs and cats and other animals in your life -- we love to post them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, our long-running feature at Readlarrypowell.com. Email the info and photos to [email protected]. Remember, your love for your slumbering critter affects the hearts of others and may lead them to save the life of a shelter dog or a foundling or a free-roaming dog or cat. It's magic. Plus, it inspires insomniacs to believe that they, too, can sleep if they can just find the right big ol' tomcat to turn into a pillow.]

--- To offer an opinion or a story, grip your ThankfulMouse and click on “comment” below or email [email protected]. ---

SPCA'S SEIZURE: 90 animals recovered alive, 4 dead in Van Zandt County

EVENING EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2018 [PetPowellPress] As you prepare for Thanksgiving, perhaps you’ll remember the animals and the rescuers who met up on a property in Van Zandt County on Tuesday. 

It's a case of tough life meets tough rescuers.
The SPCA of Texas, Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, and Van Zandt County Constable Pct. 2 seized “94 allegedly cruelly treated animals.” 
Four were dead.
 The 90 survivors included 60 pigs, 9 dogs, 8 horses, 5 donkeys, 3 goats, 3 chickens, a turkey and a cat.
They’re now in the care of the SPCA. The custody hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Novemer 30 in the court of Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Sandra Plaster at 250 E. Grove St. in Canton. 
See more photos HERE.
Criminal charges are expected in this case, the SPCA news release said. It also read, “The pigs, chickens and turkey were found confined to various separate pens with little to no access to food or potable water. Some of the live pigs were kept in pens containing deceased pigs. The horses were confined to pens and small pastures. Four dogs and the cat were found inside the residence, which was filled with debris, urine and feces. The remainder of the dogs were found roaming free on the property.”

And there’s this paragraph: “The animals appear to be suffering from various health conditions, including eye discharge, nasal discharge, cracked hooves and long nails, and the majority of the animals appear to be significantly underweight.”

The first complaint was received on October 15 -- an SPCA cruelty investigator visited the property the next day, but the owner allowed him only to see animals in the front of the property. The owner agreed to improve the situation of the animals. But on a visit on November 19, the investigator had access to the entire property, including inside the house. And that is what launched the seizure.
See how to help the SPCA continue this important anti-cruelty work at www.spca.org/helptheanimals.
--- Offer an opinion or a solution by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. ---

CROSSING THE LINE; A PRE-THANKSGIVING REPORT: THE TEXAS LUCKY SIX AND #7 SPICE

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2018 [PetPowellPress] We’re closing out our work week early -- call it an odd moment at readlarrypowell.com. But we expect to win Lotto Texas Wednesday night. Like the Dallas Cowboys, I’m celebrating a Season of Delusion. We are starting this report report with a fantastic story of rescue. Please read on.
THE JOURNEY
OF SPICE THE DOG
A few issues ago we posted the plight of Spice, this stray girl with the mangled ears and the bad luck.
 We don’t know how she came to have butchered ears and no human. But the good fortune of rescue connections has blessed this 2-year-old Pittie mix. And we’re telling her story as inspiration this holiday season for those of you who work so hard to save animals. Your dedication is the foundation, your heart is the fuel for this mission of goodness. And it’s not limited by state lines -- keep reading for a Kansas/Nebraska/Texas solution! 
Spice, who we first heard of on October 24, became “Code Red” on November 13. That term is the Mesquite Animal Services shelter notice for “get the needle ready.” Too many strays, too many surrenders have engorged the shelter’s population. Don’t blame the shelter -- this is a human population problem, i.e., too many people who are irresponsibile with the lives of others.
Despite being lovable, sweet and “an all-around great dog,” Spice was in mortal danger. But, the volunteer shelter biographer Judi Brown and others were determined to get some attention for her. We wrote about Spice and couldn’t shake her out of our mind. She has a special beauty -- the I-can-be-your-friend look. 
After the Code Red deadline passed, I found enough courage to ask Judi about Spice’s fate. Trust me, as a guy with a full-limit of dogs and cats, asking that question is tough. Many times the answer is not the one I want to hear. Judi said she’d check and get back to me.

The answer on the dog nicknamed “Miss Wiggles” came on November 16. Judi wrote, “Spice is going to get out alive as she has been tagged!”

“Who tagged Spice?” I asked and the answer was KSTAAR. The Kansas-based group also tagged at least two others that she knew of, Judi said. (Keep reading -- there are MORE tags.)

She put us in touch with KSTAAR Inc. and Laura Oesterhaus, a director with KSTAAR, replied that she’d tagged “Spice and 5 other dogs for a rescued called Town & Country.” Dawn Pointer and Laura worked to get the dogs tagged and saved. Lori McGee “rounded up the fosters for the dogs and she drove the last leg of the transport.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Laura suggested this: “Maybe you could write about the need for more fosters in that area. I know rescues that would like to help the dogs in the Mesquite/Garland area but they can’t find temp fosters nad most rescues can’t afford to pay for boarding while transports are arranged.” Yes, there’s your oh-so-important message: Without fosters, dogs and cats and other animals just don’t have good odds in North Texas. Get in touch with a rescue group and volunteer. It’s a blessing on your heart.]
Laura put us in touch with Dawn who told us the story from her vantage point. She said Laura sent her an email around November 5 “about all these Texas dogs that needed help, so I had Laura tag three dogs because I hadn’t worked with or rescued from Mesquite, and Laura helps dogs from my hometown of Pittsburg, Kansas. Then I tagged three more [Texas] dogs, so six were saved.

 “I saw beautiful young dogs that would probably find great indoor homes in Nebraska through Town and Country Humane Society, a no-kill, all-volunteer based humane society.  
“The Texas Lucky Six made it to Kansas and we are making plans to get them to Nebraska soon.
“Melinda Peinado, a rescue friend in Texas, knows Laura O, sent her this incredible write-up story about Spice and I wracked my brain how I could help her. I’m already full. I foster, too. Melinda put out a plea and had a foster home for her in Texas until I was not as full. Then, that night, I decided, ‘I’m doing it, I’m helping Spice!’ I told Melinda I would help her and I’m a woman of my word. Laura O tagged her.”
Spice will now go on to Town and Country in Papillion, Neb., to be put up for adoption, Dawn says.
“That’s how she got saved. I sent her pic to my friend in Ponca Hills, Neb., and in mid-December we shall see if that is her new home. 

“I have a huge heart and Spice needed to be tagged so I stepped up. I know we can find her a good home.

“We need TIME AND FOSTERS. I also tagged more of the great dogs at Mesquite, Texas, and they need good homes, too.

“I thought Sweet Spice looks like a ‘Nora’ to me.
“Town and Country ... ok’d me to tag the first six dogs, and that boarding bill to save the first Lucky Texas Six was $554.

“Spice is Lucky Number 7.”
You can see more Mesquite adoptables HERE.
For example consider these (3 of them are CODE RED for 11 a.m. Wednesday):


Sasha, 2, adopted from Mesquite when she was a puppy, ended up at Dallas Animal Services and was sent back to Mesquite where she waits. Ask about 32014438, a dog who is an “absolute delight” and “wiggles all over with excitement just to be in your presence.”
Simba, a 2 or 3-year-old Min-Pin/Chi mix is on the CODE RED list for 11 a.m. Wednesday. Surrendered on 11/17 “because his owners had a change of lifestyle.” Ask about 40194603. 

EVIE (left), a Boxer/Retriever mix who arrived as a stray on the 6th, is on the CODE RED list for 11 a.m. Wednesday, as is the young guy Ollie. Evie weighs 66 pounds and Ollie is 65. Both are pretty, affectionate and playful. Evie is 40105665 and Ollie is 40091709. For any of these Mesquite animals, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

[LARRY ASIDE: Ladies and gents, there are bound to be foster homes and adoptive homes in Dallas/Fort Worth, a region with around 7.5 million people. With spaying and neutering and responsible owners, we ought to have to fly adoptables in from other states, but that, sadly, is not the case. Rescuers, advocates and officials are working on promoting those elements. It all depends on opening receptive hearts and heads in the Metrosprawl. Like the Dallas slogan goes, “Big Things Happen Here.” Sometimes the big things are good, sometimes the big things are mystifying euthanasia and surrender stats in local shelters.]

THEY’RE NOT ALL IN THE
METROSPRAWL

Yep, here are two that aren’t close enough to Dallas to be kept awake by the traffic. We’ll do the dog first, then the cat.
RINGO, SADDEST FACE IN THE LONE STAR STATE?
Oh, goodness . Get this story. It was forward to us by Karen Lee, the barkleyworld.com animal advocate, who gleaned the original note from Susie Amerise. 
This is 4-year-old Ringo, “dumped at the Big Spring Shelter by his owners.” As of this writing, Ringo was in Kennel 4 and his sibling was in Kennel 5 (No photo yet on Five -- couldn’t find one on the Big Spring website.)
 Susie’s note said the two "have well over $500 in pledges ... Both like kids and dogs.”
 The email is [email protected]. Call 42-2645-2372. [LARRY ASIDE: If you Google the Big Spring shelter, you’ll see a number of dogs and cats waiting for rescue, adoption or some kind of miracle.]
PRINCESS GRACE, A YOUNG, HARD LIFE
This note originated from one of our longtime contributors, Gail Whelan of CAN (Companion Animal Network) Adoptions. She writes that Princess Grace, a 14-month-old “delightfully playful and affectionate kitty”, was “saved from a dangerous situation where people were shooting cats.”
She also writes, that Princess “follows me around and loves to cuddle either on me or nearby. She enjoys napping in sunbeams and playing with toy mice, mylar balls and plastic springs. When she gets excited, she snorts, which I find adorable.”

To ask about auditioning to adopt Princess Grace, call 903-967-3226 or email [email protected].
CONTEMPLATION
PRE-THANKSGIVING
Pumpkin pie. Cornbread dressing. Biscuits. Green beans. Chocolate pie. Carrots. Soy-based fake turkey. Lemon meringue pie. Wait -- that is not a balanced diet. Well, I’ll exercise starting Friday and running through Christmas Eve. Now, everybody hug, save some anmals, convince some people to become vegetarians and be safe. I’m thankful, Dear Readers, for every one of you and your dogs and cats, too! -- Larry

--- Click on "comment" below to offer opinions or solutions or email [email protected] ---

THE THANKSGIVING OPPORTUNITY; CELEBRATE MERCY; WILMER DOGS; WHITE LION

EDITION OF TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018 [PetPowellPress] Ten days left in November after this edition. Must we move this month so swiftly? Is there an enjoyable pace in a traditionally full holiday week? Ommm. Ommm. Ommm. That slow it a little? 
If you want to really slow things, go stand in a grocery store line on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Too many shoppers make it seem like your standing in line to get a driver’s license. Or counting votes in Florida, maybe. Here’s Larry’s Rule: I no go to grocery store on the day before Thanksgiving. Life’s too short and the lines aren’t.
Stay home and watch TV with a dog or cat -- that’ll make the speed of the universe proper.
Now, here are a couple of properly autumnal faces -- dominant orange and colorful and available. Flower the Cat is just over 2 and Marlow the Beagle mix boy, is just six months old. East Lake Pet Orphanage is the place to ask about them -- go to eastlakedallas.com or stop by the Orphanage at 10101 E. Northwest Highway in Dallas. 
[LARRY NOTE: You have to be careful with what you and your pals watch on TV. Their systems are sensitive and a Dallas Cowboys game has way too many roller coaster moments. Avoid the news, too. Heck, watch old movies and eat popcorn.]

WHAT HAS HAPPENED
TO A SHELTER EARHOUND
Patty Sprong, the constant foster, tipped us to the latest chapter in the life of this Earhound, Mercy, currently in the care of Animal Rescue of Texas. 
The story began “Mercy Monday” in a posting by ART. Then the story reads, “This adorable pup has come a long way from her humble beginnings at Dallas Animal Services. Mercy is about 3 months old, and we think she might be a Shepherd/Lab mix, may- be with a little bat thrown in!
"She is an extremely sweet, smart, curious little girl who has loved every person and dog she’s met. She is going to make someone a wonderful companion.
"If you think that someone might be you, click here for more information,"

AS THANKSGIVING APPROACHES,
DOGS THAT’LL MAKE YOU GRATEFUL
Of course, right now is the perfect time to bring new dogs into your home. You’ll have time off, you’ll have extra treats and you’ll be in need of a lovable companion who doesn't care if Washington surprises Dallas on Thanksgiving.
What? Oh, yeah, those circumstances and the happy dog will work every day -- well beyond the holiday season. But it’s nice to have a dog or a cat sharing the couch with you. But first, you have to save them from the needle.
These dogs are in the Wilmer Animal Shelter, the small, low-to-no adoptor traffic facility run by the City of Wilmer. As the note from the volunteer Wilmer Shelter advocates Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden reads, “Wilmer Shelter is a very small, very old shelter just South of Dallas.  They were a 100 percent kill shelter by heart stick up until we (3 volunteers) began helping 3 years ago.  Yes 100% kill.  And such a terrible way to be euthanized. It's actually why we decided we needed to do something and began helping posting these dogs. 
“This small city has a contract with Dallas County, so any dog picked up by the Dallas County officers (2) in the Dowdy Ferry, Malloy Bridge, Seagoville, etc. known dumping areas, or the City of Wilmer by their ACO, ends up at this shelter. Owner releases from Wilmer also come into this shelter.
"If you follow the stories on Dowdy Ferry, then you know many dogs dumped in that area are often not alive.  And these dogs are so fortunate to be found alive.  Which makes it just heartbreaking that any dog that has been through so much would be euthanized.  They deserve so much better.  And they are just precious.  We have helped at varied shelters in the DFW area in the past, but we have noticed something very special about these dogs - they just know.  They are sweet, and loving, and full of unconditional love. THEY KNOW WHEN YOU SAVE THEM - They are SO BEYOND GRATEFUL.  We hear repeatedly from people that have rescued and later adopted, that they are "the best dog ever." 
As you may realize, it takes volunteers to connect the shelter dogs to people who will love them. For any of these dogs or any animal in the Wilmer Shelter, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].

In order of appearance in today’s item, these dogs are:

Melissa, maybe 8 months old, a Black Lab or a Lab mix. “Really just a big puppy,” the note reads and adds, “ADORES everyone.  Seems to have a very gentle and loving spirit.  Found off Dowdy Ferry Road so some miserable person probably dumped this very sweet baby.   Please help save this BEAUTIFUL sweet girl!
"
Jenna is an Aussie Shepherd, German Shepherd Mix whose puppies were taken in by a rescue and Jenna was left at the shelter. She’d been picked up by the county officer and delivered to Wilmer. Been there a while. Dodging the sad inevitable for about as long as is possible.

Barkley is a Lab/pointer mix who “adores people, other dogs, absolutely everyone. He has received first set of vaccs and was heartworm tested (healthy! YAY). Photographs dark brown and darker in some pics - this is the same dog.  Please help save him! He is such a sweet lovable boy and he would be such a great addition to any family.”

Ava, the Lab girl, is described this way: “Adorable.  Just sweet, and loving and precious.  Loves people, other dogs, cats, absolutely everyone - SO CUTE.  She is a really pretty girl. Tested for heartworm and is healthy!  Received set of vaccs.  Please help save her!”

Again, just in case you missed it the first time around: For any of these dogs or any animal in the Wilmer Shelter, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected], Help create another good reason to be thankful -- get the dogs to safety for Thanksgiving.

CONTEMPLATIONS

THE DEER AND THE LION
For some reason, I’m fixated by deer this week. Probably has to do with the near miss of a highway-crossing deer in downtown Johnson City about one in the morning Sunday. Why anybody hunts deer -- or anything else -- is beyond me, but I’m that rarity: a native Texan who’s a vegetarian. 
I realize I can’t stop hunting, but maybe I can help stop one hunter -- have you seen the story about the auctioning of a white lion named Mufasa for a guaranteed kill in South Africa? Canned hunting. Hah -- that’s not “hunting” that’s “ambushing.” 
So, Mufasa is a rare white lion -- so what? Why kill any lion!
[LARRY QUESTION: Anybody remember that white Boxers were once -- and may still be in some places -- killed at birth? You can look it up. Start with Legacy Boxer Rescue, the local protectors of the breed, who have a page devoted to the White Boxers on their site savetheboxers.com. This guy, by the way, is available through Legacy -- he’s 3-year-old Mason, currently enjoying the affection of a foster family.] 

Here’s the NBC story of the global rise against this White Lion event. Here’s a story on the appeal -- this is from The Daily Mail. There are many other stories online about this bewildering plan, including this ONE from “Animal Channel.”
Why this lion's life matters more than others? It doesn’t matter more; it matters AS MUCH AS ANY LIFE.
[LARRY ASIDE: This is our white cat Simon, a flamepoint cat who beat the odds as a feral baby in Oak Cliff. We’re for saving not just the big cats but the little cats, too.]
I’ve lived for decades in a profession that involves a lot of witnessing of man’s inhumanity to man and beast. I’ve seen victims, I’ve seen the killers. The rock-solid truth I’ve learned from exposure to both life and death is this: Life is too precious to take in anger or for sport. 
Why add to the killing on this violent planet? Add to love and to life. Do something that’s really hard to do: Stalk the good side of yourself and keep it healthy.
 We’re not against guns; we’re against killing. It can’t be good for the soul, can it?
--- To offer an opinion or a solution, click on “comment” below or email [email protected] and, if you must shoot, aim at a clay pigeon or a paper target. ---