ReadLarryPowell.com

AND, NOW, SOME RESOLUTIONS...

EDITION OF DEC. 31, 2018-JAN. 2, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Whoa! There’s a transition for you. 2018 to 2019. Two years that sound like science fiction to a Baby Boomer.
 And the question arises, “Will 2019 look like an election year?” [That is Porche Noel demonstrating her “I plan to sleep through the  2019 noise” look. She's resolving to loose a few pounds in 2019 -- it's a household resolution.]
Of course, 2019 will look like an election year! What it won’t look like is a “political year off for the American people.” Lord knows we need a year off from politics. Just run the country and leave the politics out of it, you know? Oh, I’m living in the past, by cracky, when politicians “quietly campaigned back home.” Still, we can look forward to the future. This is where having a furry friend comes in handy.
As you watch the news, you can look over at your dog or cat and say, “Darn, Earl, you can do better than that!” or “Well, I’ll be darned, Kittie Leigh, they did exactly what you said they ought to do!” [That is Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson and her aide contemplating strategy for a political campaign that will launch in the Fall of 2019.]
 So, as we enter the New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day segment of our week, here are some New Year’s Resolutions. Some may fit humans, some may not. You can tell. Here goes:
(1) I will bark louder when I need to go out.
(2) I will stop jumping on the bed at 3 a.m. to see if it’s the dog or the humans who wake first.
(3) I will learn to say “Alexa” so we can change the music the humans leave playing on the Echo.
(4) I will support any organization that lobbies the Texas Legislature to make cruelty laws meaner than algebra. (For example, the Texas Humane Legislation Network at thln.org.)
(5) I will work with community animal activists to protect dogs and cats and any other animals not only from the free-roaming creeps in our towns but also from the taxpayer-financed euthanasia programs in city and county shelters. We have to dump the ol’ Texas theory of animal management: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.”
(6) I will figure out a way to get the don’t care elements of society to wise up and care about animals. (This is a longer shot than the Dallas Cowboys winning the Super Bowl.)
(7) I will be alert — if the doorbell rings, I will sound a sincere warning. If there are footsteps near any door but no doorbell, I will stop purring angrily, wake the dog and let the dog try to earn his keep. [That big dog is Texas Earl the Cheeseman demonstrating his ‘Waiting for the alarm!’ pose.]
(8) I will help take the Christmas decorations down before Groundhog Day — for a change.
(9) I will preach the gospel of spaying and neutering and take up offerings in my new revival tent. [LARRY ASIDE: Wait. I didn’t get a revival tent for Christmas, so we’re putting off opening our Texas Dogs and Cat Spay/Neuter Holy Rock ’n’ Roll Tour until 2020 when money will be easier to access. While there are limits to the amount of money you can donate to a candidate, there are no limits to the amount you can give to a spay/neuter non-profit.]
(10) I will not binge-watch Say Yes To The Dress unless the mood strikes me. (This could be anybody in our house. Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson likes the “ball gown” style because, she says, “Plenty of petticoats to climb on.”)
(11) I will win Lotto Texas. Again, this could be anybody in our household, though not any of our dogs or cats is named “Lucky” and The Senator continually warns us about developing an unwanted “tax burden.”
So, ladies and gentlemen, these may be of absolutely no help to you as 2018 yields to 2019. But readlarrypowell.com sincerely wishes that your 2019 is a remarkably happy year for you and your animals. We’re planning on celebrating quietly. Here is Porche Noel, practicing her QCF — Quiet Celebration Face.
Be kind to animals; be kind to people. Two easy missions to approach resolutely.
—- Offer a resolution or winning lotto numbers by clicking on “comment” below or by emailing [email protected], that’s where readlarrypowell.com gets its mail. —-

HOBO REACHES THE RIGHT HOME

For 2018's final Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, we have a sweet dog, a sweet story and a special category: “Luxurious Earhound.” 
Yep, look at the ears on Hobo! [LARRY ASIDE: Someone get in touch with L’Oréal Paris about their new spokesdog.]
Here’s the story: Hobo arrived as “our new little Christmas elf,” Linda Gabel told us.
She said we could refer to that sleeping photo as either “waiting for Santa or “all is calm after Christmas!”
Hobo, she says, is a “great little guy we got from Operation Kindness this month. He is a senior — 8- or 9-years-old and has some heart issues, but his ‘heart’ is packed so full of love and loyalty. Even my vet and his techs agree that Hobo is about as perfect as a dog can be. This little Dachshund joins three other senior rescues in our home and he fits in just great.”
These “Gathered Around The Tree” photos illustrate that. Hobo enjoyed the “stretch” position in the foreground and in the background are Charlie (15), Gertie (10) and Daisy (16). Linda says, “Daisy came to us around age 4 and the rest were all at least 8 when they moved in. All rescues and all loves! People don’t know what they’re missing when they overlook the seniors for adopting!”
In the second "group photo", Linda says, “Apparently Hobo was through posing!”

She said she and hubby Larry “hadn't really been pursuing another dog but for some reason checked the Operation Kindness website and saw this little guy.” [LARRY ASIDE: He was known as “Woodstock” at OK. One look, that’s all it took and the visit confirmed the suspicion that this guy was a perfect fit who needed some love and care.]
How’d he get the name “Hobo”? Circumstances. He was a travelin’ man. “He was adopted once, abandoned 3 days later at another shelter, and returned to Operation Kindness — all within a month," Linda told us.
Just before Christmas, Linda wrote, “He is home for Christmas and home for good.”
[REMEMBER, ANIMALFANS: Readlarrypowell.com loves celebrating people who have hearts that are dedicated to helping animals live good, safe, loving lives. Send photos of your slumbering dogs, cats, etc., to [email protected] and we’ll post their photos and stories. The love at your home will inspire other homes to open a heart for an animal who needs a place to love and live. And the photo may inspire insomniacs to believe that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just get luxurious hair to grow on their ears and find the right round bed.]
--- Tell Hobo and his roomies how much you adore their photos by clicking on 'comment' below or emailing [email protected]. ---

WHAT WE MIGHT BE DOING

In the wake, in the aftermath or in the beauty of Christmas, The Senator has suggested that Readlarrypowell.com take few days off and clean out the inbox, re-stack the unread books and magazines and contemplate the rest of 2018, a year that was a roller coaster and has been a joy to know most of the time.
If you have situations that need immediate attention, email [email protected] or click on 'comment' below and tell us about the challenge. One of us will nudge the other awake. Porche may be a Nap Team Leader. She has a knack.
--- Thank you for a Christmas to remember. ---

CHRISTMAS AND THE ANIMALS

Merry Christmas to all the animals who are reading this.
Oh, and to all their humans, too. 
And, especially, Merry Christmas to the Fosters — they nearly always have room in the inn.

Some of you dear animals got your homes because humans made room in their hearts to foster you while you waited for the right person to come along. 
We are celebrating the “Season of Miracles” and Fosters truly make miracles happen.

For Christmas 2018, we’re honoring the Constant Fosters, Persistent Fosters and Situational Fosters. I think that covers three of the main “Foster Categories.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Check with a rescue group, a city shelter, a non-profit shelter — they need fosters and they will help you once you qualify. Never mind what holiday it is, Fosters celebrate the joy of life every day. FYI: You may recall Georgia who now has a litter of 4 boys and 2 girls after giving birth a couple of weeks ago while under the care of the aptly named Stephen Foster, president and founder of DFW’s Forgotten Friends.]
You probably know a Constant Foster — someone who always has an extra animal or two or a litter or two around the house. It’s a lifestyle that gives love. 
Ask Fosters to explain the mission and the Fosters light up with joy when they discuss the animals they’ve helped. You may notice a bit of a tear sneaking out of the corner of an eye. Entirely appropriate.
There’s joy in fostering animals and pride in knowing that they go on to become beloved family members in their forever homes. If you’re on the fence about fostering, give it a shot.
THE KITTENS WE HAD IN 2018
Fostering gets personal, you know. My WonderSpouse Martha and I are Situational Fosters -- we'll foster when the situation presents itself on our porch or under the shrubbery... Sometimes it’s love at first sight.
Right now we have, in our patio cat room, Moms The Feral Cat. We loved her at first sight. She did not feel the same way. (Hence, no photo! That's her son Dragon on the left) Martha calls her Daisy, but I call her Moms. Doesn’t matter. She’s not answering to either one. We’re working on her.
We were able to lure her to safety when we “captured” her four tiny kittens back in late summer. We fostered them until they were old enough to adopt and got them into the SPCA of Texas system. They were sent out to SPCA adoption areas in PetSmarts and were all adopted via the SPCA. 
This portion of our presentation is directed to the people who adopted tabby kittens Ivy, Dragon, Alfie and Qwerty (look at the top alphabet row on your keyboard!). Martha named them and we adored them. ADORED THEM. Why not? They fill the requirements for “adorable.”

So, what we hope — no, what we EXPECT from the adoptors — is devotion to these souls. We expect that very active Ivy has been exploring the Christmas tree and purring big, Dragon has been aggressively tapping ornaments and purring big, Alfie has been (cue the ‘60s song) wondering “What’s it all about?” and purring big; and Qwerty is being thoughtful and purring pensively.
 We hope they have already become lifetime fixtures in good homes.
THE FOSTER LIFE
On Christmas Eve, Dallas Animal Services posted this reminder on Facebook about getting involved in the fostering program at the area’s most “active” shelter. You could be helping to save lives. It’s not always puppies who need fostering. (Click on the artwork to make it larger.)
Throughout North Texas we know people who only foster puppies, some who only foster older dogs, some who only foster cats and kittens, some who will foster whatever gets picked up off the side of the highway or out of the Dowdy Ferry Road “drop-off zone.” But they FOSTER!
They all have the same goal: Find a loving home for the animals. 
This Christmas there are lots of people who have bought special gifts to put under the tree because they have a dog or cat that was once unwanted but became “must have” because a Foster got involved. 

Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Rudolph was a Red-Nosed Fostered Reindeer.
So, Dear Constant Fosters, your work continues to inspire the rest of us to be better humans.
For you, we offer this: “Merry Christmas With Many Blessings.” And thank you for being there when an animal needed you. Or a litter needed you! You work made someone -- animals and humans -- merry this Christmas.
Merry Christmas, everyone. Hug a critter for Christmas.
--- Offer an opinion or praise by clicking on 'comment' below or emailing [email protected]. ---

AS CHRISTMAS ARRIVES, ANIMALS WAIT FOR SOMEONE (Could be YOU)

Of course it’s Christmas! Here are the signs: We’ve got a Star Wars dog, an Earhound who’s a rabbit, a dog named Mistletoe and cats with classic holiday monikers. Here goes:
JEDI?? (“HE’S THE DOG YOU’RE
LOOKING FOR,” SAID OBI-WAN KENOBE.)
We got back to the inbox Sunday afternoon and found this note about a dog that could use a good Christmas.
 The tip came from the volunteer, meets-the-dogs-she-writes-about biographer at Mesquite Animal Services Judi Brown. Here’s the way the appeal goes for Jedi (38495617):
“Due to shelter overcrowding Jedi is not yet Code red but URGENT!!! Since the shelter is basically closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this will need to be a rescue only at this point. If you cannot tag or rescue please, please network Jedi.

"Jedi is a nine-month- old retriever mix that was surrendered on 12/13. There were two reasons given for surrendering him on the kennel card. 
“One was that he was unwanted, and the other was that he was aggressive to animals.
“On the surrender form the owner stressed his dislike for cats. When I walked him through the bay I did not see a negative reaction to the other dogs. Jedi has a lot of puppy energy and ran with abandon in the yard! You could tell he was just overjoyed to have the freedom of a large yard. He wanted to make friends and would run up to me, linger briefly and then run off.

“He seem to have a lot of nervous energy. It was obvious he still needs time to decompress. All in all, I would say he was a sweet dog with a lot of potential. He wants to please and sits for treats. He appears to be house trained. Jedi weighs 65 pounds. Bonus: he is fixed!”
To save Jedi’s life at Christmas, call the shelter at 972-216–6283 or email [email protected] to tag Jedi.

HUNDREDS OF DAS ANIMALS
NEED YULE ADOPTIONS
, RESCUES
One of the 260 dogs listed on the Dallas Animal Services website Sunday afternoon was a dog with an appropriate name for adoption this week. This is Aussie Cattle Dog/Husky mix Mistletoe. She’s about 3 years old and has been in DAS care since December 15.
And, of course, what would Christmas be without a Tiny Tim. (There were 68 cats listed for adoption.)
And that’s the DAS name for A1050829, the male, white and black Domestic Shorthair who has been in DAS care since Dec. 2 and is only about 8 weeks old. Some pink nose, eh?
 And A1050918 is the solemn tabby Noel, about 3, in the shelter since December 8. Can’t believe someone would dump or not properly care for such a handsome cat. Look at that face! [LARRY ASIDE: Maybe he escaped his home, but, then again, maybe people just BLEEP me off at this, our most joyous time of year.]

The one “other” is the Great Yuletide Rabbit Earhound of the Metroplex, Hazel, a spayed, 5 month-old short-haired rabbit who has been in the care of DAS nearly all her life. [LARRY ASIDE: You remember Hazel — the rabbit whose job is to hop out of the sleigh on the first pass, land on the roof and use her ears to help Santa with a perfect landing. Hmm, I may copyright that.]
Remember, DAS is running adoption discount specials through the end of the year.



—- To offer advice or suggest better lotto numbers for me, click on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected]. —-

AND THIS IS HOW SMOKEY WAS FOUND

More on the recovery of Smokey, the dog the burglar/burglars took from a family in North Dallas:
We asked Diana Alvarado how this sweet dog managed to triumph over absolutely rotten circumstances. It was, to borrow from Tennessee Williams, “the kindness of strangers.”
Lots of people sent the appeal around. Apparently the right eyes spotted one of the notices.
And Diana told us in a Friday night message, “A guy called me today and said he had Smokey. I immediately left work to get Smokey!! He found him Monday or Tuesday. Stated he was running around with 2 other dogs. The other dogs seemed a little aggressive but Smokey was nice. We are very happy to have him home!!!”
— Offer happy reactions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing [email protected]. —-

SMOKEY IS BACK AT HOME

Smokey the Burglary Victim Dog is back at home. Here's what Diana Alvarado posted on Facebook Friday evening.

"We want to express our sincere gratitude for all the love and support we received during this difficult time, we are truly blessed. Thank you for helping us find Smokey🐾 by posting and sharing our story. Our girls had one wish and you guys made it possible. Our hearts are overwhelmed with Joy to have Smokey home again! Smokey is home after a couple found him in Balch Springs,Tx. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts."❤❤

THE SLEEPING DOGS WHO CAME TO STAY....

The photos for this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap came from our pal Lisa Konkoly Buick who, after decades of life in Texas, recently moved to Tennessee with hubby Mike and their dog Esther.
Yes, there are now two dogs in the family canine photo. Read on.
What you see in the big photo is explained in this paragraph from Lisa: “First of all, everything in our house is a mess; hence, the fitted sheet on the furniture.”
They’re all in transition — after all, moving from the tranquility of East Texas to the tranquility of Tennessee takes some adjustment. Fortunately, Esther and Daisy Mae are able to demonstrate the achievement of tranquility.
That second photo of the oddly curled dog? Daisy Mae, the Treeing Walker Coonhound, is “in her usual sleeping position, ‘The Coonie Curl’.”
Lisa told us, “Living in Texas for 35 years was probably the best 35 years of my life - I met a lot of wonderful people there and made some very good friends.  And besides all that, I can't find a good bowl of red anywhere near here.” [LARRY ASIDE: I always have secretly thought that pursuit of a “good bowl of red” was the deciding factor in former U.S. Congressman David Crockett of Tennessee decision to come to Texas.]
About these two sleepers, Lisa says Esther, the Catahoula, has been around for several years and Daisy Mae, the Treeing Walker Coonhound, is the newest family member.
“Ironically, when we moved from Dallas to East Texas, the first week we were in our house, Esther walked up and decided she wanted to stay.  Here we are now, 7 years later, building a house in East Tennessee and half-way through the process, Daisy Mae walks in and says, ‘I think you could use a little help with some of your decorating, so I'm here.’  Not sure I like the used fitted sheet as a couch cover, but Daisy Mae and Esther seem to find it quit comfortable.
 
“Daisy has two speeds - full throttle and out like a light. Obviously, the switch has been turned off at this point.  Esther is just doing what she loves best.  

“Just want to add that you probably don't want to be napping at the time the light is turned on because her baying can be heard all the way to Dallas.”
And, of course, since this is the Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap edition the weekend before Christmas, we’ll include Texan-in-her-Heart Lisa’s wish for all, “Have a Merry Christmas, my friends.”
[Remember, send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or slumbering whatevers (I’m sure you can snap pictures of your in-law whatevers on your recliner this week—or maybe even a selfie of yourself on your in-law’s recliner!) to [email protected] and we’ll feature them in our internationally read weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be inspiring people to open the hearts and homes to loving animals. And help insomniacs believe that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just find the right fitted sheet and comfy bodily curl.]
---Offer admiration and congratulations to the sleepers by clicking on 'comment' below or emailing [email protected]. ---

EDITION OF FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 [PetPowellPress] We have wonderful Santa photos today courtesy of the holly jolly critter fan Beth Leermakers! And other notes, too, about animals and people. And the Extreme Cookie sale and a tiger’s pose. And an Oklahoma challenge. And Irene Dunne and..well, just read on. It's Friday and you're in no hurry. That's our dog Wendy -- full name Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden, in honor of a character played by Miss Dunne in My Favorite Wife. so, read on.
A SMOKEY DEVELOPMENT
You may have seen this on our Facebook page earlier Thursday. No harm in repeating it. After all, the mission is to find Smokey and get him home safely.
Diana Avarado posted this note on her Facebook page Thursday morning about Smokey, the family dog taken in a North Dallas home burglary. She wrote, “The couple who had Smokey, no longer have him. They dropped him off somewhere in Balch Springs TX but could be anywhere. Please be on the look out for Smokey. $2,000 Cash Reward for Smokeys safe return, NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Please call 214/450-6520.”
SANTA AND THE GANG
AND THAT YULETIDE FEELING
You know its Christmas when Beth Leermakers’ photos with the animals pop up in the inbox. It’s such a joy to see these.
And an additional joy to know that there are fosters and rescues involved!
Beth writes, “I currently have 4 foster dogs (all pictured with Santa) available for adoption through Legacy Humane Society (www.legacyhumanesociety.org). 
“Here's the rundown (in order of attached photos):
“Oliver aka Ollie (one-eared pitbull on the R) and Zena (recently adopted by a wonderful family!) posed with Santa Chuck Lee. Photo taken by Brad Barton to benefit Lone Star Pyrs and Paws. 
“Ricky (Left) and Lucy were photographed by Pennywhistle Photography to benefit the Coppell Humane Society. Lucy and Ricky were rescued from the Waco shelter, where Lucy was #2 on the EU list because she was too scared to leave her kennel. Thanks to her ‘emotional support dog’ Ricky, she's blossomed and turned into ‘Miss Sassy Pants’ (in a fun way).
“Rosie posed with Half Price Books Santa, benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. I adore this Santa, whose smile comes from his heart. I've been taking one lucky foster dog to see him each year for the past 4 years. Rosie waited patiently in line for 45 minutes. 
“Oliver, Ricky, Lucy and Rosie (all terrific, dog-friendly pups) are available for adoption through www.legacyhumanesociety.org.  
“And last but not least, my 10-year-old boy Sparky, who's tired of posing for pictures after so many years of ‘model duty.’ I have to promise him a cheeseburger to get him out of the car. 
‘Sparky with the Grinch at Three Dog Bakery in Uptown, benefiting the Duke & Oliver Foundation (supports local rescue groups).

“Sparky with Santa, photo taken by the amazing John Sealander, benefiting Dalmatian Rescue of North Texas. I've been taking my personal dogs for Santa photo sessions with this group every year since 2014. Amazing Santa, photographer and volunteers!"

We’re closing this one with a personal message from Beth that I think perfectly fits the moment: “Thank you, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my pack to yours!”

A MERRY REPORT
FROM THE BAKERS

I checked in with Corby Bryant at Venable Royalty/Venable Oil to see how the “Extreme Bake Sale” — the 11th annual Bakers For In-Sync Exotics Sale — went Monday. The event benefited, you recall, the animals at In-Sync Exotics in Wylie. [LARRY ASIDE: That Bengal Tiger is Cincinnati, rescued from a house with 10 tigers in Van, Texas, and his pose suggests to me that perhaps American Housecats are hired to teach “household relaxation poses” to the big cats. My evidence is this similar pose by Porche Noel. She never relaxed until she moved into a home with housecats who taught her the “cuteness” of posing while relaxing.]

The sale went great — “about $1,000 more than last year, so we are very pleased,” Corby says. And she says some more donations are anticipated.
How about the merchandise? Any favorite items? Corby says, “One of my new favorite recipes is the Salted Caramel Shortbread. It will definitely return next year! And I also love the Caramelized Onion Sourdough Biscuits, even though they weren’t a huge seller, and the hot salsa we had for the first time this year.”
 Mark your calendar for December 2019 and the 12th Bakers Sale (the Bakers’ Dozenth Sale?). [LARRY ASIDE: I made that up and “dozenth” may not be a word. And Porche did sort of wake up when I typed the word “Biscuits.”]

AND HOW ABOUT THOSE NAMES
East Lake Pet Orphanage sent out an appeal for financial support and cited the momma dog Joy “who was rescued as a stray by a Good Samaritan from the countryside, just a day before she gave birth to 7 beautiful puppies.”

How long in labor? Seven hours. SEVEN HOURS. The result? Seven puppies. And their names? Kind of seasonal: Gabriel, Faith, Angel, Emmanuel, King, Shepherd, and Star. 
See how to help or adopt HERE.  [LARRY ASIDE: We’ll leave this item with TWO messages: (1) Spay and neuter and (2) a quote from Tiny Tim: “God bless us everyone and all the critters, too.” Pretty sure Charles Dickens was an animal lover.]

AN ADVENTURE NOTE
FROM BURNS FLAT, OKLA.
The stories continue to confront the resilient rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher in Burns Flat, Okla. Her latest email begins with a question so many of us ask nearly every day — most of us don’t face it like Terry Lynn does. Read on to see what Terry Lynn wrote:

“I seriously could sit down and just cry. I’m so overwhelmed right now. How are there so many uncaring people around our area?”
 [LARRY ASIDE: Burns Flat is in western Oklahoma, in an area that could pass for Texas if you didn’t read the highway signs.]

She writes, “I went and picked up a beautiful dog I’ve had in boarding for a long time to take to Oklahoma City to meet transport to Tulsa. So excited for that’s one less in boarding. (I have several there already).

“On the way, I get a picture of a German Shepherd, which I learn was probably dumped in the country, for it had been seen out there for a month now. I guess she finally made her way into town. She is starved. And sadly, terrified.They took her to the pound. My friend went up there and this dog is so terrified she screams.

“Then, while still driving, I get messages and calls about a momma pit with three little babies walking on I-40. I’m almost a hundred miles from home so I pull over and send out texts  for help and call my wonderful lady that boards my pound dogs.
“Her husband went right away and picked them up. They were actually RIGHT on the interstate, with cars driving 70 MPH past them, swerving to miss them. He said he watched a semi pass so close, one of the babies actually blew over. He got out, praying they would not run more into traffic and be killed. Instead, the momma ran to him with babies right behind her.

“Meanwhile, we find owners and it isn’t a good situation for them to go back there. She said she kept them all chained up but they break lose and her husband was going to probably ‘get rid of Momma’ which from what I heard meant SHOOT her, for they have done it with others. She said they were trying to get rid of the ‘damn pups’ but still had these three. So, I had them surrender momma and babies.

“THEN — My son and I  stop for gas and I get a call about an owner-surrender little Chi. OMG!!!   So I called the owner. She said she just doesn't like house dogs. If she doesn't make it home all day, ‘the stupid thing’ pees in her house (can you imagine?) She wanted her gone NOW.

“I explained I was out of town and would not be home until late — could she keep her until today? She said that was fine. This is a FOUR-pound little girl… An hour later she called me and said she would like to just drop her off at the pound NOW. I have to admit, with all I was facing at that time, I WENT OFF. So, she agreed to keep her and I am picking up this morning. She actually called me back  and apologized for trying to dump at pound.

“So, this is what I am facing. One leaves, and six come in. Right before Christmas. If anyone has room for these poor creatures, please let me know.
“My heart aches. How do all these dogs end up with nobody caring. I’ll never understand it.
“So now I urgently need help placing and possibly boarding. Yes, I know, it’s Christmas time and money is short But I can NEVER turn my back on them. It isn’t who I am.”

To offer to help Terry Lynn with this load of “needs,” email her at [email protected]. [LARRY ASIDE: And, maybe, say a prayer for Burns Flat and the surrounding area that Terry Lynn AND the animals will get some blessed relief. Seems like the thing to do if you didn’t win Lotto Texas Wednesday night and you’re tired of delivering your Texas money across the Red River to Winstar or Choctaw.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
MOVIES, THAT BUZZING & CULINARY CAUTIONS
The dogs like to sleep while there are old films playing on the TV, so Thursday morning I tuned to Turner Classic Movies and while every mammal but me was catching some extra Zzzzs, I did some writing. The great Irene Dunne starred in three movies in a row: No Other Woman (1931) with leading man Charles Bickford who was once mauled by a lion); My Favorite Wife (1940) with Cary Grant, Randolph Scott and the great, elegant Gail Patrick; and A Guy Named Joe with Spencer Tracy, Ward Bond, Van Johnson and Barry Nelson who, I’m sure many of you know, was the first guy to play James Bond on screen (1954, the TV show Climax! presented Casino Royale with Nelson as 007). Yeah, there’s more to old movies than the script. Comfort, enjoyment, wit, also. Some day someone will watch Pulp Fiction and declare wistfully, “They don’t make ‘em like the used to.” Maybe. … Saw an email subject line that read “Firefighter Beats His Tinnitus With This Easy Trick” and, as a guy with tinnitus, I thought, “I haven’t tried leaning down in front of a fire hose, shoving it against my ear and yelling, 'Let ‘er rip'.” …
FOOD, HUMANS AND ANIMALS? As I was doing some morning reading, I ran across this paragraph: “Certain foods can be fatal. Alcoholic beverages and coffee are exceptionally dangerous, as are onions, salt, yeast, fatty foods, macadamia nuts and chocolate.”
 I have participated in the intake of all of those. And don’t act like you’ve never had chocolate with coffee. OK, the next sentence from the reading gives you the clue as to the intended audience: “Keep pets out of the trash can; spoiled and moldy foods can also cause digestive problems.” Another good rule for humans. Yep, this is one of the holiday safety tips from the SPCA of Texas. Here’s the NEWS RELEASE.
— To leave advice or marvelous expressions of joy, click on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] —-

SAVED DOGS, WAITING DOGS, AND CLOWNS, CAROLS AND COYOTE CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018 [PetPowellPress] I could start this with a witty collection of oddball items, but I think we have two notes that gloriously prevail over just plain stuff! We’re talking saved dogs. They beat the odds. Keep reading.
 Oh, and I needed a cat note for this edition, so go to a shelter, adopt a cat and have some supportive companionship. That's me and Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson. We're pals.
JOSEY IS FOUND
You may recall the story of Josey, the Mini Australian Shepherd. As readlarrypowell.com has frequently noted, “Dogs are too clever for their own good.” Josey, in transport, managed to run to daylight near Mineola in East Texas last Thursday.
 So, she’s been found — we got word on this miracle from Gail Whelan of CAN Adoptions who’d been involved with getting Josey into a new life after her human died. Gail had alerted us when the dog slipped away from the transporter. 
Josey was found near where she was last seen. It was one of those deals of “camp out,” set up cameras, put personal familiar items in a cage, etc. It all fell together and Josey was back in custody and moving into the next stage of her life with MARS — Mini Aussie Rescue & Support, an organization with regional representatives. (You can read about MARS, see how to volunteer, donate or adopt here.)
You may recall that Josey, two other dogs and a cat had lost their home when their human died. Gail had been working with the family to make sure all the animals were safe. They are. And to demonstrate that rescue never, ever ends, Gail writes:
“I took a cruelty confiscation last week … Her name is Marlo and she is an Australian Shepherd, 2 years of age.  HW neg., up on all vaccs.  Testing to see if she is spayed.  If not, we'll do that before adoption.”
Reach Gail at [email protected] and 
www.ca-n.petfinder.com
TYSON WAS CODE RED — AGAIN;
THIS TIME, WELL, SEE THE PHOTO!
We’d been writing about Tyson for a few weeks. He had pledges, but was Code Red for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Mesquite Animal Services. Then, suddenly, he was moved to a 9:30 a.m. time with short notice. The worst was expected.
But on mid-afternoon Tuesday, our tipster, the volunteer shelter biographer Judi Brown, sent us a note that read, “I literally have  tears in my eyes. Just walked into the shelter and receive the news that Tyson has been tagged!!!”
She followed up with this description: “He is exiting out the front door! He is absolutely overjoyed and giving everybody huge hugs. He wrapped his arms around me and wouldn’t let me go.
“He had been at the shelter since 11/19 and yet he never lost his loving spirit. I don’t know when we’ve ever had a dog that’s been on the code red list so many times and missed the bullet. It was because the shelter staff loved him.
“I will sleep better tonight.”

She says Tyson went to a rescue named Awwdoptable, Inc — here’s the LINK .
Judi says, “For some reason Tyson’s eyes spoke to someone in the organization. I don’t care what it took Tyson is out of the shelter and sleeping in a home this evening!”
He’s not the only animal who needs help getting out of the shelter. Mesquite Animal Services has a link HERE .
Among those animals are Dasher, (40373147) a 2-year-old 15-pound brindle Chiweenie who arrived as a stray on the 14th. A perky guy who’s a constant tailwagger.

That grey Pittie is 7-year-old Gorda, described by Judi as “a low rider, almost scraping the ground, and built like a tank.” Surrendered because “she escapes.” She’s a 55-pound, mellow sweet dog who is a family dog, if she can ust find the right human. Her ID is 40382601 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. 

Gwen (40243676) has moved onto the Code Red list, Judi reports. She’s a 3-year-old, 56-pound Retriever mix who came in as a stray. She’s high energy and “has a sweet and outgoing nature.”
HOW THE HOLIDAY BREAK
IS A THREAT TO ANIMALS
We got the tip on this from Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden who work to help the Wilmer Animal Shelter save the animals in the low-traffic facility.
 It has low human traffic, but a robust animal traffic. And the latest note reads, “The shelter is going to have to be closed very soon due to the ACO being out for the holiday and we truly have only through this Friday to try to get these dogs out and safe.”

Readlarrypowell.com has featured several of the dogs before, but for this edition we’re focusing on Saint, a Hound/Lab mix who came into the shelter after another dog attacked him. He’s a “medical urgency” because he’s got a wound “so close to his eye that it is something that could result in him losing that eye if a vet doesn’t see him immediately.” He’s a puppy. 
Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. 
You can see the rest of the email from Laura by clicking HERE.
It has photos and bios of the other dogs waiting for either rescue, adoption or the needle.
[LARRY ASIDE: Yep, a shelter full of dogs because of humans, now waiting for humans to save them. It’s the “Circle of Irony.” I may copyright that term and sell it to a political campaign.]


CONTEMPLATIONS

A CLOWN’S FATE, FRETTING & CAROLING
We’ve preached the gospel of Pegasus Theatre’s Living Black & White™ productions for years. for years. The first one A Trifle Dead, debuted in April, 1986. And now here comes Clowning Around With Murder, the 20th Living Black & White™ show and it’s once again written by the innovative Kurt Kleinmann. As happy veterans of watching these productions will tell you, the actors and everything on stage are dressed as if they’re in a black and white film from the ‘30s and ‘40s. Add Kleinmann’s witty script and it’s entertainment on many levels. (The dates are on the artwork and you can click HERE or call the Eisemann Center at 972-744-4650 for reservations. 
What’s the tale? Ah, the Pegasus people explain: “Our story takes place in 1935 at the Fripson Clown College. Someone has murdered the Founder and Head Professor of the Clown College. Harry Hunsacker, world famous detective and aspiring actor along with his paid-by-the-hour assistant, Nigel Grouse, meet a variety of clowns, clues and a copper in disguise on the trail of a murderer in clown white!”
THINGS TO FRET OVER? The minute everybody quit worrying about Amazon locating in the Dallas area, we got whole big load of things to make us all a little bit nutty. The Cowboys can’t score. The Rangers sign a pitcher who is an experiment for their Tommy John Surgery Squad. And he gets $30 million for three years. I’ve not had arm surgery, but I can throw a ball beyond the 60 ft., 6-inches required and I’ll do it for $15 million for 3 years and promise that if I don’t win, I’ll turn in my uniform and the team can have half of the money back.
CAROLING: As I’m typing this I’m listening to an old, old LP, Album 2 of Goodyear’s The Great Songs of Christmas from 1962 — you’d buy it at Goodyear stores only. Get a set of whitewalls and buy an album, too. Holly jolly. This reminds me that today, according to Holiday Insights, is Go Caroling Day. Should be safe now to go caroling in Frisco.
 Too bad the coyote couldn't be saved. But, you know the ol' Texas theory of animal management: "Got an animal problem? Let's kill it."
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