ReadLarryPowell.com

GIZMO'S LEG IMPROVING, HE NEEDS A FOSTER; SAVING ANIMALS & ANIMAL PEOPLE

EDITION OF FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Holy gridiron, here it is February 1 and some of us are still talking football.  There's some big  game this weekend, I understand — it didn't appear on the Dallas Cowboys’ schedule (again), so how were we to know?
In hopes that the most inexpensive February holiday isn’t overshadowed (so to speak) by the Super Bowl, let me remind you that Saturday is Groundhog Day. We don’t know, yet, how the Polar Vortex will affect Groundhog Day Celebrations. Oh, this, by the way is a Ground Hog, if you speak literally, i.e., hog on the ground. Well, the closest I could get, anyway. She’s Peppa (169042), a 2-month-old Vietnamese Potbellied Pig available at the SPCA. Small? Now. SPCA says she’ll “get to be 200 to 300 pounds.” She’ll cast a big shadow, but, it’s a friendly shadow, SPCA says.
HERE’S AN UPDATE ON THE DOG
WITH THE PAUL NEWMAN EYES
Our Denton tipster Amy Poskey provided us with an update on Gizmo’s health and asked, “How can you resist that handsome face and those Paul Newman eyes???!!!.” [FYI FOR THOSE BORN AFTER 2008: Mr. Newman (1925-2008) was a movie star. With blue eyes. Look him up. See The Sting; The Verdict, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, etc.]
  Back to Gizmo: When last we spoke of him, he was facing an amputation after being struck by a car in Denton and rescued by an ACO on Jan. 16. The fear was nerve damage was going to cost this handsome guy his leg. 
Amy reports, “He might not need to have his leg amputated, but we desperately need a temp foster to assess and confirm so he doesn’t have to go back to the shelter in this condition.  Bless his heart, he just needs a soft bed, lots of  love, and someone who understands what he’s been through and is going through.  And anyway, how can you resist that handsome face and those Paul Newman eyes???!!!”
Gizmo had begun using his foot instead of dragging it as he walked. The veterinarian, Amy wrote, “said this type of progress is huge and could indicate he may not need to have the amputation.”

He’s getting a little more time to heal. 
Thus, a temporary foster is needed. If you can (and I hope someone already has volunteered by the time you read this), contact these Denton McNatt Animal Shelter addresses:
gayla.nelsen@cityofdenton.com, Randi.Weinberg@cityofdenton.com, dentonshelterdogs@yahoo.com, and/or dentonanimalservices@yahoo.com. Call 940-349-7594.
SAVING THE THROWAWAYS?
AN OKLAHOMA EFFORT!

 Things have been so difficult for Terry Lynn Fisher, the rescuer in Burns Flat, Okla., that the crush of unwanted animals is overwhelming the boarding budget. A friend set up a Gofundme account for her. You can read SAVING THE THROWAWAYS HERE and help the animals Terry Lynn encounters.
As you can tell from this photo, the dogs Terry Lynn gets don't arrive just after a visit to the groomer, a lifetime of vet care or, sometimes, even a meal for a long time.
CONTEMPLATIONS
EX-BAIT DOG’S HAPPINESS; A FORT WORTH DOG’S NEW YORK DATE & A REACTION
This is a good moment to remind people who hate animal abusers to get involved with the Texas Humane Legislation Network. Here’s the LINK. Congratulations, again, to Channel 4, i.e., Fox4, for another great animal story. This one is about a former bait dog, Whiskey, a 3-legged girl who was a “save the dog” project of Bull Luv Able Paws HERE. Watch the Fox4 report HERE  and have a tissue to use while you’re smiling at the dog. And as you watch Whiskey, you’ll note that she lives up to that line I quoted earlier this week: “Dogs are born with three legs and a spare.” She’s happy, leaping, adorable dog.
Don't put that tissue box away yet. Barkleyworld. com's Karen Lee sent us a note about a Fort Worth dog named Effie Brown. “You have got to check this out!!,” she wrote. “Strut your stuff Effie Brown!  Thank you Apollo Rescue for saving this girl!!” The headline on her story reads, “Disabled Rescue Dog To Walk in NY Pet Fashion Show."
OH, AND DON'T FORGET that Dallas Animal Services has a sweetheart of an adoption deal starting February !.
AN EMOTIONAL REACTION: After reading about Whiskey’s abusive history and considering the awful things people do to animals, Readlarrypowell.com wants to say congratulations to everyone who saved Whiskey’s life and to the guys who made her a bait dog and abused her, note this: The Good Guys are coming after you. Believe it.
—- Offer support or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com —-

GOOD MOMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORLD OF ANIMALS AND CHEESE

EDITION OF JANUARY 31, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Let's start this final edition of January 2019 with a happy report. Don’t that beat the heck out of another weather story from the frigid north?
I reverted to my native Northeast Texan to justify the construction “Don’t that.” But let’s warmly move on.
LOUIE GETS A BREAK
In Wednesday’s edition we reported — thanks to the great tipster Amy Poskey — that Denton’s McNatt Animal Shelter was playing host to a 10- year-old Maltese/Poodle named Louie who’d been surrendered because his human was ill. 
Here’s the report from Amy, “I am sooooooooooooo happy to report that this angel boy will be leaving the building today!!!  WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!  Yep, Mike & Mary Frazier with I AM DOG RESCUE stepped up for Louie so he will be loved, pampered, and spoiled rotten!!!

“Once again, I want to thank everyone for your help and a HUGE THANKS TO MIKE & MARY FRAZIER!!!” 

She also says, “If anyone would like to make a donation for Louie’s care, please click on the link below.  I know Mike & Mary would appreciate the help and, remember, no amount is too small.  Thank you!  J Amy.” Here’s that LINK.  
[LARRY ASIDE: Readlarrypowell.com believes in publicizing the organizations and people who rescue animals from shelters. When an organization takes in an animal, it also take in some expenses for feeding and vet care. We encourage municipal and county shelters to publicize the do-good rescue groups so people can support their efforts to keep specific animals off death row.]
MEANWHILE, LOVE IS IN THE AIR
AT DALLAS CITY HALL & DAS
You see first the promotional artwork Dallas Animal Services posted on its Facebook page announcing the $10 adoption special it’ll run from February 1 through St. Valentine’s Day. (See the online adoptables at dallasanimalservices.org or stop by the shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland.)
In the meantime, we saw that DAS had posted an appeal for someone to adopt Panda (A1050495) and isn’t that one heckuva distinct face! Sort of a semi-tribute to Groucho Marx’s eyebrows (you kids look him up). He was described as “our longest stay resident,” at the shelter since November 29. “He’s a love bug,” they said. Three-years-old and 61 pounds.
But, here’s the cool part. He was posted on the 28th and the next day DAS announced this:
“Panda ... is on his way to City of Dallas - City Hall to be fostered by Council Member Philip Kingston and his team! This is a great way for Panda to take a break from the shelter and get a little TLC! If you're interested in meeting Panda or want more information about adopting him (he IS still adoptable!), please email DASFoster@dallascityhall.com!"
Starting Feb. 1, $10.

CONSIDERING TWO FACES:
ONE FOR TV, ONE FOR FILM

Bless our Mesquite Animal Services tipster Judi Brown, she sees dogs that inspire a person to build another room on the house to make sure they have a place to live! 
Here are two cases and Readlarrypowell.com already has all the rooms the lot can hold.
Lovely Lulu is a 2-year-old Shepherd/Retriever mix who came into the Mesquite shelter as a stray on Jan. 23. Judi writes, “As you can see Lulu has beautiful eyes that look like they’ve  been lined with eyeliner and an engaging smile. You can just tell by looking at her face that she’s sweet.” 
Readlarrypowell.com believes Lulu may have a career anchoring the news. Look at that face! She clearly has camera presence and looks as if she’s about to invite you to stay tuned for a story about a happy ending in the frigid north. Judi says the 51-pound dog may need “further dog testing” to see if she plays well with others. Could still be a great only dog, too. She’s #40629301.

Callie, on the other hand, clearly has a career on the big screen ahead for her. Look at those “publicity shots" -- in the second photo, Callie looks like a great silent film star showing off her profile!
She’s a 37-pound Aussie Cattle Dog — formerly a stray (#40633686) — arrived on January 24. 

Judi says, “This is another one that makes me really wonder why the owner didn’t come back looking for her. If you’re looking for a calm, gentle, sweet natured, easy-going, friend  dog then Callie would be the perfect dog for you. She is affectionate. Her tail wags constantly.”
Call 972–216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com ask about these dogs. Remember you can go to the SHELTER WEBSITE HERE  to see many, many other animals including this cat (40648899), a 5-year-old Siamese Mix who is clearly going to audition for an action movie or try out for center field with the Texas Rangers.
CONTEMPLATIONS
BANNING ABUSERS FROM ANIMAL CONTACT; GETTING THE RIGHT ANGLE & CHEESE IT, SENATOR

We got a note thanking us for posting animals that need adoption — the note declared “Grandpa is so cute!” He’s the older gent in the Carrollton Animal Services shelter — you’ll recognize his mugshot from Wednesday's edition. Then the writer said, "Just read a great proposed plan by Colorado congressman regarding animal abusers. Violators would not be able to own a pet for five to 10 years after committing these crimes. Now that's a great idea.” The Colorado proposal was introduced at the state legislature by Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. Here’s a LINK TO THE STORY. Look up your Texas Legislator and pass along a hint.
 ...
A guy I went to high school with posted this question on Facebook. “Someone tell me how a Hypotenuse has helped them.” And, of course, using my Northeast Texas grammar, I could respond, “I once had a harness-broke Hypotenuse that helped pull my pickup out of a bar ditch. Had to get the right angle, of course.”
...
My cat, The Senator, was all over me while I was writing this Wednesday night. He sat on my lap, he sat on my arm, he sat on my mouse and would, now and then, reach down and nip at my speed-of-light typing fingers. I finally had to pull out the Big Persuader to get him to leave me along. I went to his food dish, coated a spoonful of turkey and giblets pate with grated Parmesan, carried The Senator to the dish and about 5 minutes later he came back to my desk, jumped up, flopped over on a stack of mail and went to sleep. He’s always been a nut for Parmesan. Something else he and I have in common.
— Offer opinions or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —

DOGS & CATS; CRUELTY & THE LEGISLATURE; SHOOTINGS & FELONIES

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019 [PetPowellPress] We have a number of animals in need today. Let me suggest that right now you pause to pet your dog or cat or whatever “emotional support” critter you’ve got. It’s good for both of you. A hug is permissible, too, if it’s OK with the animal. We’ll be reporting on shelter animals, a person’s big dog that is in a tough spot, a followup on the ugly Denton story and other things. Contemplations, even! 
That ol’ dog? Well, that’s Grandpa. He’s one of the senior fellows who’s waiting for a rescue or adoption in a local shelter. Some face, eh? Keeping reading. First a petition tip.

STOPPING THE CRUELTY

VIA THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE
Steffenie Vela, guiding light of the Euless Trinity GAP Rescue, contacted the organization’s attorney, renowned animal law expert Randy Turner, to ask about influencing the Texas Legislature’s animal attitudes. Randy, who talks with the Lege about these things, suggested getting involved with the Texas Humane Legislation Network and signing the petition to strengthen laws governing the care of animals exposed to Texas heat and cold. 
As you know, thln.org is the website and when you go there, the petition is clickable or you can go to it HERE. 
Steffenie suggested sending the information to 10 people. She sent it to Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com who sent it to us. And now, consider this as a note from readlarrypowell.com to you, Dear Reader, so please, pass it on.
Steffenie added, “Contact your state legislator and Gov. Greg Abbott. The governor has indicated in the past he would sign it if it gets to his desk.  Please take a minute and help save our dogs from horrible conditions.”
THE DENTON CASE:
 IS IT A FELONY?

Our former Dallas Morning News colleague, the writer Teresa Gubbins, in a story for CultureMap Dallas, offered, a followup on the story of the University of North Texas student who encouraged dogs to mutilate a raccoon that was then beaten to death by men with sticks. Sheesh. [LARRY ASIDE: I’m angry all over again. Somebody take the case to a grand jury and get an indictment.]
 Theresa cited the interview WFAA did with Kimberly Meeks, an investigator for the Humane Society of North Texas. Teresa wrote that the investigator said “the actions in the video could easily warrant an arrest for cruelty, stating that it appears to show two violations: torturing an animal and causing one animal to fight with another.” 
And this: “It could be a state jail felony of the third degree. It just depends what the prosecutor goes after," the investigator told Channel 8. 
Before you click HERE to read Teresa's CultureMap story, be reminded that this is a brutal tale of human behavior and you, too, may be stirred to anger anew. If you’re the least bit human.
THIS INJURED CAT IS
HIBISCUS OF HOUSTON
Here’s the sentence that caught my attention: “A pair of broken front legs is not a way for a kitten to survive outside!”
 It opened the email I got from our reliable Houston tipster Alexandra Kelsey. The story is that Hibiscus was “being fed by a Good Samaritan out near West Oaks Mall when he disappeared.  Two months later, he was found with both front legs broken. He was very thin and obviously, he couldn’t walk.
“ The Rescue Bank is seeking donations for this kitten.  He will have surgery on both front legs, which is estimated to cost about $2,000.”
 And she added, “Each front leg is broken in more than one place, which makes me suspect injury by a human.”
Here’s the Rescue Bank link: www.rescuebankhouston.org.

BELLA, A LOVED DOG
WHO NEEDS A HOME
Melody Cook sent us a note Tuesday about this girl, Bella, a former rescue who was adopted with love and is still loved. But she needs another place to live. It is a case of the 92-pound dog having a fatal incident with an older, ailing Chihuahua and, later, attacking another small dog in the household. 
Anyone who has been around animals knows these things can happen. You never know what sets the dog off — could have been something in the deep past, mistreatment perhaps.
Melody says, “Our vet thinks she’s not a dangerous dog, but still needs to be re-homed as an only dog. We’ve had a behavioral evaluation which concluded she is submissive and timid.”
Melody and family really want to give Bella a life of kindness and love. To ask Melody about meeting Bella and getting her whole story, email her at emray6000@gmail.com or call 972-235-7587. 
She says, “I think that Bella would be very happy, if her new humans are patient with her until she learns that she is safe again, in a new home as an only dog. She’s loving and gentle, loyal, totally housebroken, her fur is soft and warm…” Adoption is the preferred option.

AND IN DENTON,
LOUIE IS WAITING
We got Louie's story from tipster Amy Poskey who explained that the 10-year-old Poodle/Maltese mix needs a home. He’s at the Denton McNatt Animal Shelter. Amy says, “Bless his heart, he was an owner-surrender due to owner not being able to take him to new residence. Louie is extremely sweet and gentle and he loves to be held like a baby!  I’m sorry I don’t have a better picture but I think you can see how adorable Louie is with that sweet smile and those big, brown eyes!  He would benefit from a grooming and a day at the spa, but I think Louie is precious just the way he is!” 
The contact points are gayla.nelsen@cityofdenton.com, Randi.Weinberg@cityofdenton.com, dentonshelterdogs@yahoo.com, and/or dentonanimalservices@yahoo.com. Call the shelter at 940-349-7594.
MEANWHILE IN CARROLLTON,
FERAL CATS, FRIENDLY DOGS
We have a longtime discreet tipster whose mission is checking for hard-luck or tough-to-adopt animals on area adoption websites.
A glance at the Carrollton Animal Services website Tuesday revealed what our tipster calls “some beautiful feral cats” and some dogs that “deserve a chance.”

We opened today’s edition with a mugshot of Grandpa —- that’s him with the great face and the old guy legs. He’s #39763922. You may see him and all of these cats and dogs and how to adopt them on the Carrollton shelter’s website HERE.
FYI: The adoption fee is $10 —and if you’re a Carrollton resident add another $5 for the licensing fee.
These three cats have all been declared “feral,” our tipster reports. Their numbers (in case you can’t see the tiny print are
40621299, 40640430 and 40659916. When you go to the website, it’s easy to match ‘em up. A couple of them look as if there might be a little Maine Coon in the family tree. 
 The dogs include the aforementioned Grandpa (39763922) — no idea how old he is, but he’s distinguished. 

Then there’s Nora (39141942), a spayed Pittie Mix with a great set of eyes and a look that’s magnetic.
Piper (40505- 605), is the female Shepherd/terrier mix (spayed) who has the ability to pose like she’s been to charm school back East. Look at those paws!
And Jordan (40554418) is a neutered Chihuahua who needs a home or a rescue. 

Remember, act swiftly — this is a city shelter and the clock is always ticking.

CONTEMPLATIONS

MARS, HOUSTON AND POLITICS

SOMEWHERE IN THE FUTURE: We mention feral cats periodically and we also mention feral cat colonies. Here’s the question of the day: Once profiteers (like the companies that came to America to set up tobacco plantations) reach Mars and open for business, how long will it take us to get interplanetary messages that begin “Feral Cat Colony on Mars needs spay/neuter donations.”
THE SPARK IN THE HOUSTON VIOLENCE WAS A VICTIM: The news stories on the Houston police/drug shootout report that the violence began when cops opened a door and the bad guys’ pit bull raced through it and attacked them. The dog was killed. Years ago, we got an enlightening interview with the great Angie Manriquez about her rescue work in West Dallas. (She inspired the creation of Angie’s Friends.) In that interview back in the 20th century, Angie told us about rescuing dogs from drug dealers. She said that the drug dealers would frequently stake out Pitties and other big dogs to serve as “alarm systems.” If an intruder — badge or no badge — arrived, the dogs would go ape barking. Maybe it oughta be a crime to use dogs as guardians at drug houses or for drug deals. One more way to put the bad guys in the slammer. And save some dogs.

A NON-POLITICAL NOTE: I’m not sure who all is going to be running for president — or who ought to run, either! — but I do have a current favorite Will Rogers quote: “Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.”
—- To offer an opinion or an objection, click on ‘comment’ below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-

HELPING GINGER & ROXY; PUZZLED BY A YOUNG MAN'S BEHAVIOR; SEEKING CONVICTIONS

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Now, ladies and gentlemen, THAT is a dog nose beggin’ to be kissed. We’re going to explore a mystery of life today: Why nobody’s taking up the offer to foster or adopt Roxy and Ginger, two great dogs. That’s Roxy with the big nose.
And, on the left, that’s Roxy and her pal Ginger on a walk at White Rock Lake.


We’ll also address criminal charges related to “an alleged cockfighting operation in Southeast Dallas in August, 2017.” 


And, we’ll consider assorted other animal challenges and Contemplations. 


Right now we’re going to get into an ugly scene in Denton. 


BEFORE WE GET INTO THE SAVING OF ANIMALS:
Did anyone else see the report on Channel 8 at 6 p.m. (or any of the other news stories in the area) about the North Texas State University student’s involvement in an incident during which a captive raccoon was set free so it could be fatally mauled by dogs? This is a bad thing. Bad. It shows disregard for life. It shows disrespect for animals. It shows a willingness to do harm rather than help. 
Who to contact to make a point that a prosecution is warranted? How about the Denton County District Attorney Paul Johnson HERE.

DA Johnson is apparently an animal fan — his office has been celebrating the arrival of a Goldendoodle therapy dog named Brady who works with crime victims. Here’s the Plano Star story.
[LARRY ASIDE: Why get the Denton County DA involved? Because lawful behavior is too precious to leave punishment up to a university administration. This isn’t an administrative affront, it’s a criminal justice matter. This was a crime beyond a library fine or a campus parking violation by some nitwit kid. This was putting animals together so they could do harm to each other — for the entertainment of humans. Good grief. It’s just a dog? It’s just a raccoon? No. It’s animal cruelty — it may rise to a felony in Texas. Prosecute. This event killed a raccoon and damaged the dogs by inciting a blood thirst. So, so sad.]

STILL NEEDING FOSTERS OR A HOME,
THE BONDED ROXY AND GINGER
Yes, that’s Roxy with her face at the window. What is she doing? She’s “patiently waiting for her doggy treat in the drive-thru lane,” Kimberly Jones explained.
You may recall that Kimberly took over the care of the two dogs after a check on them showed they needed some help. Kimberly had rescued and placed Ginger about 4 years ago and kept up with her. The adoptive family had also acquired Roxy and the two dogs bonded immediately and strongly. Then, the family broke up and they would have been back to the ol’ square one, except Kimberly stepped in to save them from the difficult experience of being separated and place in a shelter or shelters. 
On Sunday, they were guests dogs at a DFW’s Furgotten Friends adoption event where, Kimberly says, “They met some roly-poly puppie and some people. They were very well-behaved and had a good time.”
The bottom line is, Kimberly needs a foster to get them out of boarding (expense-not-needed!) until they find the right home. To help these two loveable dogs, get in touch with Kimberly at kimberlyaj4@gmail.com. And see them on their own Facebook page HERE.
Trust me, you may fall in love with two dogs. Make the right move and enjoy two new friends.
AN ARREST IS MADE IN A DALLAS
2017 COCKFIGHTING PROBE
The SPCA of Texas announced on Monday that authorities arrested Raul Torres-Martinez, 38, “on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, in connection with the case of 95 fighting roosters, 22 hens and seven chicks seized by the SPCA of Texas from an alleged cockfighting operation in Southeast Dallas in August, 2017.”

He was booked into the Kaufman County Justice Center and charged with two Class A misdemeanors, the SPCA reported and said the two charges are "owns or trains a cock with the intent that the cock be used in an exhibition of cockfighting" and "manufactures, buys, sells, barters, exchanges, possesses, advertises, or otherwise offers a gaff, slasher or other sharp implement designed for attachment to a cock with the intent that the implement be used in cockfighting." See photos from the scene of the seizure HERE. 
You’ll see pictures of the slashing instruments.
[LARRY ASIDE: What would the bail be for two Class A Misdemeanors? $1,500, the SPCA reports. Misdemeanors? Come on. Having animals fight to the death surely is worthy of a felony. Get in touch with the Texas Humane Legislation Network and help THLN help the Texas Legislature make things tougher on people who abuse animals. Go to spca.org to see how to help the SPCA keep animals safe.]
Oh, and when the raid was conducted, the SPCA says that most of the birds were in individual pens, a few were tethered by their feet. And there was one rooster who was tethered and on the ground — that’s him — he had a broken leg and that is why he is not standing. Yep, misdemeanors. No idea what that sign means, but I think "Partido el Remolino" translates to, maybe, “The Whirlwind Party.” Perhaps someone can enlighten us.

The SPCA notes that cockfighting is a crime in all 50 states and in Texas cockfighting is a felony “punishable by up to two years in a state jail and/or up to a $10,000 fine.” Other affiliations with cockfighting — spectator, equipment possession, etc. — they’re just misdemeanors even though they inspire and abet felonious behavior. Money changes hands at the cockfights, you know.
BETTY LOU ‘CROSSES THE BRIDGE’
Our Prayers & Passages page (click on the link in the upper right corner of this page) has a tribute to Betty Lou, member of the family of our dear friend Diane Combs. Betty Lou’s ravages of old age took her Monday. She’d lived a long and happy life, even toward the end when love and medications helped her endure. But it was time, Diane told us. And she remembered that back in 2005, Betty Lou had been the featured dog on one of SPCA President James Bias’ TV spots. Four people “checked her out” before Diane met her. She says she has no idea why they rejected Betty Lou, but the fourth person said she didn’t want a dog who weighed over 11 pounds. “Betty Lou weighed 12 pounds — not the least bit fat! Talk about picky!” Diane said. Yes, Betty Lou benefited from that one pound! Please, go to the Prayers & Passages page to read about Betty Lou's importance in a human life.
QUICKLY, WE CITE DOGS
IN WILMER, MESQUITE

Regarding Wilmer, the message from Laura Macias was simple: “If you see any sweet face below you can help, please call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_7@yahoo.com. 
Ben, we’ve mentioned before. He’s regarded as “the BEST — and we mean the BEST bully ever” in messages Laura and fellow small shelter advocate Leighann Hayden have been sending for weeks. He’s adorable. He was found in Wilmer, has passed the Operation Kindness temperament test and is simply waiting for the death needle or a rescue or adoption.

Same situation for Kimber, this adorabe Bully mix. She’s described as “SO CUDDLY, so SWEET, and just completely lovable. This is the sweetest little girl. Cute as can be. SO very huggable. She is a young dog — we are guessing a year old or so, and she has recently had pups, but none were found with her.” [LARRY ASIDE: Don’t get me started on the number of free-roaming idiots in North Texas. For crying out loud, spay and neuter.]

REGARDING MESQUITE, here are two not yet Code Red dogs but if no one helps them, it’s the needle.

Israel, 9 months old, is a brown and white Pittie mix who was adopted, then returned on January 14 with “no reason given,” says the Mesquite Shelter’s volunteer biographer Judi Brown. She writes, “The one word that best describes Israel is EXUBERANT! He leapt and bounded around the yard with joy. He found toys and happily entertained himself. He would chase balls and bring them back but wouldn’t give them to me.” 
And that is the reason I included the photo of Israel with his tennis ball. He weighs 61 pounds and is a little lighter because he’s neutered.
(He’s 40411692 at the shelter.]
I’ve used two photos of 10-year-old-plus Chihuahua “Pudgy” because they show his ability to pose — note the cute paw lift in the second photo. Judi says he’s “an adorable little guy with an equally adorable personality.” (He’s
40411692 at the shelter.]
Pudgy is a stray who came in on January 22.
[LARRY ASIDE: He’d probably love to hear someone call him by the name he’s known for a decade. I’m betting “stray” can be translated as “dumped” or “set free” in this case. Who would NOT take care of their happy ol’ Chihuahua?]
He’s perky, alert, tail-wags constantly, walks “very well” on a leash, is neutered and weighs just 16 pounds. He’s 40621079 at the shelter.
To ask about either animal in Mesquite, call 972–216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS

THE DENTON INCIDENT
First, I’m a former police reporter and former ambulance attendant who has seen humans do some really bad, intentionally ugly and stupid things — I’ve picked up bleeding people, moved bodies, walked into a murder scene where people shot it out at a filling station over noontime insult in their kids’ school cafeteria — and I’ve covered animal cruelty cases. Lots more mayhem is in my memories. 
So, based on my experience with human behavior and human attitudes, the video of the clown letting the dogs attack a raccoon isn’t completely unexpected violence. 
It is, however, a needless violence. And it makes me angry and wanting to make sure that there is a properly prosecuted legal case. Write to the Denton County DA on behalf of the animals, on behalf of society.
This behavior in the video isn’t something that should get the “second chance” approach. Anybody who treats animals in such a shabby fashion needs at least a day in court. Anybody who treats children or grown-ups in horrid ways needs at least a day in court. We need to rise above “minimum sentences” to make a point — at least to the guilty, if not to the potential offenders, though, of course, I have little hope for the really bad guys.
We have a system. Use it. Teach lessons on campus, but out in the real world, use courthouse convictions to emphasize that such behavior is criminal and unwanted in our society. My God, what sort of synapse was firing in that brain?
Dear Readers, I get upset periodically — maybe daily — at the way animals are treated by thugs and idiots. This incident has upset me more than anything in recent memory. It represents a Roman Coliseum attitude that is perfectly happy watching any living being fighting for its life.
 Facing some heat from inadvertent publicity, the confessed bad guy in this case “issued an apology” to the university — let’s see him bring the raccoon back to life and apologize to it. 
And then, if this sorry behavior were not enough to sicken a relatively sane human, there’s the horrible shootout in Houston. Suspects dead. Police officers are shot. Families are stunned and in despair. The term “law-abiding” suffers another blow in a state that struggles to maintain itself as a safe place to live. We’re more violent than the Old West.
—- Offer agreement or opposition by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

A LONGISH MONDAY EDITION; BLAME A DESIRE TO SEE KIND HEARTS SUCCEED

EDITION OF MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 [PetPowellPress] We enter the last few days of January thinking it feels like it was just 30 minutes ago that we were counting down to midnight on New Year’s Eve 2018. Was Washington that distracting? 
Speaking of expecting, as the weekend arrived we got a photograph that can only be described as “the very picture of pregnancy.”

Our Denton McNatt Animal Shelter volunteer tipster Amy Poskey sent the appeal for help with Mama May.
 Holy smoke. Nobody wanted this momma dog and nobody wanted her puppies and, apparently, nobody wanted to spay her or neuter her consort and here we go with puppies that, for a while, were going to be born just to die. Read on for the rest of the tale of Mama May. We have other challenges, too, in this edition.
ABOUT MAMA MAY AND GIZMO
Both of these dogs were in their own personal desperate situations. You can see in the second Mama May photo that she’s substantially pregnant, even when stretched out. There’s good news.
 On Sunday, Amy sent the note reading, “I am very happy to report that Mama May has left the building. Aaron Ogden with Guardian Pit Bull Rescue of Houston sent a team member to pull her Sunday morning so she is safe and in good hands. Now this sweet girl can bring her little family into this world in a loving foster home.” [LARRY ASIDE: Amy included the Guardian website, http://guardianpitbullrescue.com, so people can donate to the care and health of Mama May or maybe line up to adopt Mama or a puppy. No telling how many puppies are in there and, as anyone who has been involved with a litter of puppies can tell you, they’re practically free but you have a tendency to give them everything they might need! I’m kidding. There’s nothing free about a litter of puppies or kittens or kids (I had twins — they’ll laugh at the litter joke.)]
Now, Amy is working on helping Gizmo, this striking Bernese Mountain Dog/Aus- tralian Shepherd Mix. Amy reported Sunday afternoon that there had been “two rescue offers” but what is still needed is “a foster home to make that happen.” 
The report is that badly injured Gizmo — apparently struck by a motor vehicle — had been picked up by a Denton ACO on January 16 and has been in the care of the Animal Hospital on Teasley Lane. The hope was his injured leg would not require amputation. But the nerve damage was too great and Gizmo’s quality of life would be better without the leg.
Gizmo’s surgery may be next week. He’s about 5 and will be available for fostering and adopting. He’s got a good temperament, Amy’s note says.
To offer to rescue, foster or adopt Gizmo, email gayla.nelson@cityofdenton.com or Randi.Weinberg@cityofdenton.com or call the shelter at 940-349-7594.
[LARRY ASIDE: A vet friend of mine and I were discussing 3-legged dogs and he said, “There's an ol' veterinarians line that 'Dogs are born with 3 legs and a spare'.” Sure enough, in my time writing about dogs, I’ve noticed that when 3-legged dogs are in a multiple mutt situation, the 3-legged dog tends to be the leader of the pack and will run to win all races. Then they wait to be hugged and loved. Bless their darlin’ hearts!]
EVERMAN SHELTER IS FULL?
YES & FEES ARE WAIVED?
At Everman, on the southeastern side of Fort Worth, there is a full city shelter, we’re told in emails from the reliable tipster Heather Harrison.
 She wrote to her contacts about this handsome 3-year-old German Shepherd, Reaper. The note said, “Had an owner, but he never came for him. [Reaper] is very active and energetic. Needs some manners.” 
To rescue him or adopt him into an exceptional home — no idiots need apply — contact the Everman Animal shelter at 817-561-5495. Same number and “No Idiots Rule” for Rocco.
FYI FROM LARRY: I looked Reaper up on the Everman shelter’s website and saw a lot of adorable adoptables waiting for a decent break in this world. One of the dogs I spotted was this handsome guy Rocco, an owner surrender. He’s 6 or 7 years old and if that owner surrendered him, you have to think Rocco’s Rottweiler heart is breaking. 
He weighs 95 pounds is neutered, microchipped, up to date on shots. And the shelter says, “We were unable to verify if he is heartworm negative due to stubbornness at the clinic,….Rocco is a happy, happy big boy who loves being the center of attention and being around people. He is good with all dogs, even puppies….”

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE:
THE CLOCK IS TICKING....
You know how the Mesquite Animal Services Shelter has a Code Red list that helps rescuers know who is in a countdown at the facility. Over the weekend we got notice of several dogs on the clock for Tuesday.
Jetta is on the Code Red list for 11 a.m. Tuesday. She’s a year old, a Pittie mix and a stray who arrived on January 3. Judi writes, “Jetta’s low-to-the-ground, full-figured body make her adorable!…I fell in love with her almost immediately. Her pudgy little body wiggles all over with excitement when you pay her attention.” The 45-pound dog wags her tail constantly, Judi says, then adds, “She throws in some kisses as a bonus.” She’s #40487185.

We mentioned Lucy (deadline is 2 p.m. Tuesday) before she made the list. Judi Brown, the volunteer shelter biographer, wrote, “This is one heck of a sweet dog. Not only that ....she’s gorgeous. I don’t understand why she still there. If you cannot tag or adopt please network her.” [Her # is 40581025] The shelter “noise and confusion” made her hazel eyes wide with excitement — and concern.
Henry is also on the 2 p.m. Tuesday list. Judi says the shelter’s “Rescue Coordinator absolutely adores him and had him hang out with her today in her office. When I walked into his kennel yesterday he was standing up and he wagged his tail. I did not have to carry him out into the yard!!!. He is still very shy and fearful but he absolutely adores having his ears scratched. The progress he’s made so far on a scale of 1 to 10 is a seven. I absolutely adore this dog. You will too when you meet him.
“ Henry is a 2-year-old Lab/Pittie mix who came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/16 as a stray. Judi says, "He is not showing well in his kennel because he’s obviously depressed. He is very listless in his kennel.”
 Henry weighs 60 pounds and Judi asserts, “I am confident that he will blossom into a very loving affectionate pet.” Since coming into the shelter, Judi says, Henry has gone from laying in the volunteer room and having to be carried outside to do his business, to “standing in an almost frozen position in the yard to relaxing a little.” He’s #40581001. 
To save any of these lives, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. You can see the adorable adoptables in Mesquite by going to the shelter website HERE.
And just so you won’t think Mesquite only has dogs, this is Cat #40603373. She’s a little over 2 years old, is an orange/black Domestic Shorthair Mix — mixed with what we don’t now. She’s already spayed. And she’s available for rescue or adoption. Clearly she’s a girl who doesn’t mind a firm hug when she’s being held. 
[LARRY ASIDE: Dogs and cats — save ‘em all at Mesquite and you’ll get a gold star on your permanent record. Pretty sure that’s a rule.]
CONTEMPLATIONS

GOVERNMENT, A DOG’S FATE & KINDNESS
There’s no doubt in my mind that with the federal government back at full operation, we’ll be rockin’ like the middle-aged Rolling Stones in no time. (Remember this quote from the Cowboy Philosopher Will Rogers (1879-1935): “Be thankful we’re not getting all the government we’re paying for.” …
And we have to remember, my fellow humans and other beings reading this, we ought to be kind to animals. FYI, Will Rogers was from Oklahoma, so I’m turning the spotlight on Oklahoma right now thanks to our Burns Flat tipster, the resilient rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher. She’s got a load of animal challenges —dogs and cats — and you can find out how to help her by emailing her at remembering_ oddball@ yahoo.com. In the meantime, she’s desperate to get some help for a “very fixable dog” who was brought into her sphere of influence by the animal control officer in Elk City. This dog had been hit by a car and, Terry Lynn says, the officer “knew the owners and the [Elk City authorities] have had several issues with them in the past. They would not claim her. He rushed her to the emergency vet which happened to be my wonderful vet, Doc Noble [Dr. Bill Noble, Elk Creek Animal Clinic].”
  The officer explained that the city couldn’t do anything because the dog was on stray hold, and he asked if the Clinic could give her something for the pain. “Of course, my vet did and made her where she was resting.”
 The officer said the city “does not have the funds to do anything so they would put her down,” Terry Lynn says.
 She called the vet and learned the dog has “a very badly broken leg and her jaw is broken. She has a huge open wound on her face and several other areas that need to be stitched up. They said she is so sweet and gentle and very fixable."
Terry Lynn says, “I am giving her a chance. How do I not? But I have to ask for help.”

Yes, Terry Lynn will apply donations to help this girl survive and find a good home. Email her at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com. Here are the contact points: 
ELK CREEK CLINIC, 1301 AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL, ELK CITY OK  73644 (CALL 580-225-4863); TERRY LYNN FISHER, P.O. BOX 578, BURNS FLAT, OK., 73624. (CALL 580-330-1459); TERRY LYNN’S PAYPAL is bfvfd_109@yahoo.com.
This girl’s challenge is one of many Terry Lynn is facing this week. She’s working to help two dogs that belonged to an elderly woman who died and also left behind several cats she’d rescued. 
Terry Lynn writes, “So, here we go again.... and again... and again... I wish I could just lay down and sleep — to not see all these innocent eyes filled with pain and confusion; to not wonder how I am going to continue this. I have several in boarding... I need to get dogs to Dallas... dogs to Denver... dogs to Santa Fe... And somewhere, I need to be here for my personal fur babies. So, yes, I am asking for help with this baby who had her body ripped apart and was left to die in the middle of the dark road.”
What are we contemplating here? The massive amount of emotional stamina it takes to be a rescuer. Every now and then readlarrypowell.com gets a note from a rescuer who is heartbroken and defeated. Most of the time, they bounce back. God bless their wonderful hearts and I hope they all know that what they do is appreciated as “the work of the angels.”
It would be nice, every now and then, if we’d hear that a rescuer has won Lotto Texas — wouldn’t bother me if an Oklahoma rescuer won Lotto Texas. Now and then, surely, some Texans bring home money from Oklahoma casinos. Surely. 
And we’ll close with a Dalai Lama quote: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
—- Offer a response or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ or emailing dallrp@aol.com - we’ll kindly read your note. —-

THEY'RE CALLING HER SUNSHINE...

For this weekend’s edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap we focus on a dog who demonstrates potential.
They all do. But this girl has her own tale of triumph. What we know about her has been gleaned from a series of emails that say such things as “Very sweet. Gets along with other dogs.”
And the subject line of the emails explains, “Stray Lab needs home! Young female.”
What you see in these first photos is a dog whose potential has nothing to do with the word “stray” and everything to do with “lap dog.”
 Clearly she has an understanding of the purpose of a dog — to give stability to the couch!
 Call these “Demonstration Photographs.”

Where is she now? 
The last email in the original cycle of appeals had these words of relief. “I have her with me,” wrote Tina Austin, the founder of Cody’s Friends Rescue.
So, this girl is in good hands. And may she always be so relaxed that she can nod off on the couch with someone she trusts.
What’s her name? Tina says, “Sunshine — because everyone who sees her lights up!”

And Tina adds, “She has come so far since we got her! She cried for the first week we had her…Don’t know if she missed her puppies or what.” 
[LARRY ASIDE: Got to be some tears from the writer and the readers now, I figure.]
There is a high point in rescuing animals that goes beyond the “gotcha” moment. It is that moment when a dog or cat says, “I feel safe. I trust these people. I believe this is a good time to nod off.” 
Tina sent us these last four photos Friday afternoon and noted that there were signs this girl had recently had pups. The sweet dog “was petrified at first,” Tina wrote, “Probably she was dumped after taking her puppies. She was petrified when I first got her and now she is playing with other dogs and living large.”

There you have it. She’s trusting humans. Makes your human heart warm, doesn’t it! 
To ask about adopting this girl or helping Cody’s Friends with the funding of medical bills and feeding, email ta.austin@att.net

[REMEMBER, DEAR READERS, send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or any other slumbering critter — and their stories! — to dallrp@aol.com and we’ll post them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Napon our website, readlarrypowell.com. Your story will inspire others to open their homes to animals and will also inspire insomniacs to believe that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just find the right rescuer to let them stretch out on the couch!]
—- Offer opinions and celebrations by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

NOON FRIDAY EXTRA EDITION: HELP GINGER & ROXY; SEE THE FERRIS DOGS & IN DALLAS SEE 2 COPACETIC CATS

EXTRA EDITION OF FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018 [PetPowellPress] On a cold Friday morning, at the desk with a cup of hot coffee within reach, we find ourselves (all of the personalities that inhabit me!) focusing on two animal situations. 
One is this extra special pair of dogs that Kimberly Jones has been working with for weeks — efforts to help these dogs are gathering some steam, but genuine commitment is needed. (DFW Furgotten Friends has stepped in to help.) 
The other challenge is the loaded shelter at Ferris, Texas.
There surely are some unoccupied human hearts who have room for these animals, maybe some unoccupied dollars that can help rescuers with the Ginger/Roxy situation. Read on.
GINGER AND ROXY: TWO DOGS

YOU CAN MEET SATURDAY
We first wrote about these dogs when Kimberly Jones, the noted strong-hearted rescuer, had just acquired them. Reacquired Ginger, in fact. She’d rescued Ginger years ago, but Ginger and her best friend Roxy — very bonded — were in need of new care, so Kimberly took them into her “sphere of influence” and had them properly vetted. 
They’ve got a display venue this weekend. The great Stephen Foster, founder and president of DFW’s FurGotten Friends
is involved in helping Ginger and Roxy. (You may remember his recent adventure: fostering pregnant Georgia who delivered a dynamic litter of puppies for Stephen to socialize and adore.)

Ginger’s the 6-year-old Pittie mix with the white stripe on her cute noggin and Roxy is a 12-year-old Boxer mix. Two dogs, once loved, now the product of a “broken home.” But there’s hope —depends on humans, of course.

“My rescue is working on this,” Stephen told us. “Kimberly has gotten them updated on shots through DFW’s Furgotten Friends. Both heart worm neg and now on preventatives. I'm basically doing the guest dog thing on these dogs. They will be at our adoption event on Sunday at Pet Supplies Plus, 6060 E. Mockingbird. The event is from 11 to 2:30.”

While a foster home is needed for the two very bonded dogs, donations are important, too, because both dogs are in boarding until a foster or adoptor steps up. Offer to help with that expense or by giving a good foster or permanent home to the dogs by contacting Stephen at stephen62@att.net or Kimberly at kimberlyaj4@gmail.com.
Two good people trying to help two good dogs. Got to be someone in the land of millions people who can be the happy solution.
THE FERRIS ANIMALS

In Friday’s inbox we got a number of emails about the dogs in the Ferris Animal Shelter in the small town about 15 minutes south of Dallas from the I-20/I-45 crossing. Yes, Ferris is the next town south of frequently mentioned Wilmer and its low-traffic shelter.
Ferris has the same challenge. According to the note from our small-shelter advocate contacts Leighann Hayden and Laura Macias, Ferris gets “zero walk-ins and it’s currently only open by appointment since the prior ACO left months ago.” 
The shelter is interested, the note says, in working with rescue groups. The contact for getting involved or for helping any of the dogs here or on the extended list HERE is Scott McDonald at 972-877-2725. 
The first photo is of a dog called “Wolf” but who knows what his real name is? He’s been roaming in the area for months — captured December 11, and fearful, apparently. The note reads that the volunteer taking photos was “able to stroke his nose through the pen fencing. The city workers that feed the dogs, have been calling him by the name Wolf, and are afraid of him and will not go in his pen." The volunteer explained to them, that he is just afraid.”
That big black and tan guy — maybe a Shepherd/Dobie mix, though there could be Rottie, too — is called Rocky and he is “sweet and friendly.” He has been in the shelter since May 18, 2018, and still is a good boy. 

The little black and tan guy is known as “Pete” or “Shorty” and was surrendered to the shelter in June 2018. “Very dense short little guy” who weighs 42 pounds and has great over-the-eye accessories.
And the raggedy looking but beautiful boy has no name on his pen at the shelter. He’s very thin. He was an owner surrender. [LARRY ASIDE: Geezalou, how can someone walk away from their dog? Someone has to be his benefactor.]

We’ll close with bulldog mixes Bianca and Tank (the tan boy). Both have been “fixed,” the note says. They were “owner releases months and months ago.”
These dogs and several more are currently awaiting human hearts at the Ferris Animal Shelter. That contact point is Scott McDonald at 972-877-2725.
AND IN CASE YOU NEED A CAT

Yes, there are people who need a cat — or cats. We’ve mentioned this boy before. He’s Ritz (#A0509138), currently a resident at Dallas Animal Services. He’s about 11 years old and has been at the shelter since December 15. Call the shelter at 214-670-6800 and ask about him or do yourself a big favor and stop by the big shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland to meet him in person.

You might also want to meet Vin (A0580011), age about 10, in the shelter since January 20. He’s clearly handsome.
[LARRY ASIDE: Why does someone need an 10- or 11-year-old cat? Because that’s a cat who has acquired the household wisdom it takes to keep things calm and copacetic. All these two need is a home in which to practice their tranquilitizing skills — not sure tranquilitizing is a word. May just be a condition.]

--- Offer advice, support for a feline theory or opinions by clicking ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com where the old cat reads the email. ---

A FRIDAY CAVALCADE OF CRITTERS & CAREFUL CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018 [PetPowellPress] In Thursday's edition we teased you, Dear Readers, with this photo of a guy named Champ. Here's the story: The first time we mentioned Champ was a couple of weeks ago when he made his second of a few appearances on the Mesquite Animal Services Code Red list. On the right is the photo we used earlier in the when Champ was a stray who'd found himself in the care of Mesquite. And to the left is that full photo of former shelter dog Champ enjoying a little relaxation time at his foster's home.
Somebody Upstairs must have been looking out for him because he was pulled by a Angels 2 The Rescue, a wide-ranging group of people who take in animals off death rows in several states and get homes for them elsewhere. On their Facebook page you can see Champ and other dogs rescued from Mesquite’s shelter — some have found homes in Kentucky among other places.
Timing was the key to Champ’s situation, according to our contact with Angels 2 The Rescue, Helen McClain of Marianna, Ark. 
The foster had pegged another urgent dog, but he was suddenly tagged, so Helen got the foster to take Champ instead — this happened right at 11 a.m. — the “go time” for Code Red that day. 
So here we have some photos of Champ now taking it easy in his foster home in Irving — he’s clearly at home even when trying to nap in that collar!
Somebody who has a dogless home take the hint and get this homeless dog. He’s about 2, weighs 38 pounds and gets excited when he sees his people. He had been in the Mesquite shelter since November 29 — charmed his way into the rest of his life.
To help Angels 2 The Rescue with Champ’s future or to help the organization with other animals, email Helen at helen.mcclain@sbcglobal.net. Keep up with the group on Facebook HERE
. The organization was founded in 2013 in Massachusetts “by Debbie Kelley,” Helen says. “She passed the torch to me in late 2017.”
Helen also says that “Mesquite is the shelter I seem to lean towards but we've also pulled from Garland, Fort Worth, some of the small shelters in the suburbs; Carrollton, too, and we actually just applied at Dallas Animal Services — one of our fosters offered to foster one there but she's been pulled now (thank goodness!)”
[LARRY ASIDE: Yep, the unwanted animal population is so legendary in Dallas that it draws attention from all over the country these days. Thank heavens for the American hearts and for the fact that dogs and cats and other animals cause us to rise above politics and focus on the mission!]
FERAL TOM CATS,
LADY CATS FOCUS
OF BISSELL GRANT TO SPCA
The SPCA of Texas announced on Thursday that it has received a $15,000 BISSELL Pet Foundation grant that will “fund a new spay/neuter surgery initiative for feral cats. This initiative will help control the growing number of free roaming cats in Southern Dallas and surrounding areas and help keep cats and kittens out of shelters.”

The SPCA says that while “there has been a very successful campaign to spay/neuter dogs,” there are currently “a limited number of North Texas organizations offering affordable spay/neuter surgeries for roaming cats.”
Thanks to the BISSELL grant, the SPCA says it “will be able to provide spay/neuter surgeries, rabies shots and ear-tips for 600 feral cats.” 
FYI: That cat with the tipped ear is Sassy (149778), a small girl just over 6 years old who is “soft and sweet.” She’s at the SPCA cat adoption area at the Lakewood PetSmart. Sassy may have been a feral cat at some point — based on the tipped ear. As you probably know, that’s done so at a glance someone can tell if a free-roaming cat has been fixed. But, you know, sometimes free-roaming cats wind up being the most perfectly loving and adorable housecats. 

The second cat — you can see his face if you’ll follow the stripes — is a boy named Zoe (151354), just over 2, an a resident of the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center at the SPCA — he’s a “sweet, snuggly kitty” whose human became ill and had to give him up to the care of the SPCA. What he shares with feral cats is this: A need for a good home.” Go to spca.org to see how to adopt.
[LARRY ASIDE: As a household that has experienced the feral cat phenomenon in southern Dallas, we can testify that there is a need for this feral spay/neuter program. Also, we can promise you that there are a lot of people around here who get cats and clearly need to review what they know about how the birds and the bees team up to make kittens at a non-stop pace in Dallas, the most fertile area of the universe. Once again, this is not a cat problem, it is a human problem!]

THREE IN WILMER, INCLUDING
BEN THE GENTLE DOG
As we head into Friday and the weekend, the little shelter at Wilmer, Texas, one ‘60s rock song south of the Dallas city limits on I-45, has three dogs for which “NO INTEREST” has been shown, according to our tipster, the small shelter advocate Laura Macias. There are but 8 kennels in the shelter and there is no walk-in traffic, so the thing to do to help these animals is to call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.

We’ve mentioned Ben (right) before. Laura’s note says he is “THE BEST and we absolutely mean the BEST bully ever.  Seriously, if you have ever wanted a bully, then this is your boy.  HE LOVES AND ADORES PEOPLE, LOVES OTHER DOGS INCLUDING MALE DOGS.  We are so very impressed with him.  Operation Kindness came out and temperament tested him and he passed with flying colors.  This adorable sweet boy is named Ben for a reason - he is a gentle Ben that is so very loving.
"
Then there’s this German Shepherd guy Luka, described as a “super sweet and loving boy and cute as can be.  Has a big adorable grin and is a beautiful dog. We think he is around 2 years old and is extremely lovable.” His owners were found, but he may not be going back to that home.

Beth is possibly a Heeler/Cattle dog mix and there’s a “flinch” reaction in her life. Her bio reads, “Sweet Beth desperately needs someone.  She is precious.  Bashful, but very lovable.  Poor baby flinches if a hand comes at her quickly to pet.  What happened to her?  She deserves so much more than this.”

AN OLDER GIRL
WITH A LIFETIME LEFT
Yeah, Fir is an older dog, but she’s healthy, too. We learned of her plight from the animal advocate Amy Poskey. She writes, “I happened to see this sweet baby posted on petfinder and fell in love with that beautiful face!  And, when I read her story it broke my heart so I decided I would try to help her find a home.  Thankfully, she is in a loving foster home with Legacy Humane Society but Fir needs to find her forever home so her foster mom can continue to save more pooches!  Her foster mom reports that she has adjusted very well to living in a home and loves her comfy warm bed.   Fir is a gentle, sweet girl who is just looking for a friend to cuddle with and love.”
Here’s the back story about this 12-year-old. The Legacy bio reads, “Her owner loved and cared for her the best she could for 12 years but circumstances had recently changed and the owner was living in her car.
 She did not have the funds to even feed sweet Fir or herself so she did the only thing she could for her baby and asked the shelter for help. 
The volunteers and staff at the shelter were saddened by the tragic situation and put out a plea for rescue so this sweet older lady would be in a foster home on a soft bed instead of a noisy and scary shelter.
 Fir is crate- and house-trained, she is quiet and gentle and she would make an excellent companion for anyone needing a loyal friend to snuggle with and love.”

To ask about helping Fir, email contact@LegacyHumaneSociety.org or call 
469-609-7387.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A WORK OF ART, AN UNEASY DOG & A STATEMENT
Contemplations don’t always have to be words. After all, one picture is worth a thousand of them, as the ol’ line goes. So, here’s a photo of Bacon, the Pet of the Week this week as designated by Furbabies of Lancaster, Texas --  click on the linke to see how to get in touch with Bacon's rescue folks who are evolving into a new name, Paws-itively Takes A Village. Bacon is 70 beautiful, healthy pounds of dog. He’s 4, a Pittie mix and up to date on shots. He’s house-trained, walks on a leash and is “responsive and calm.” [LARRY ASIDE: I believe he was even “responsive and calm” when the refs blew that interference call in the Saints/Rams game — I’m kidding, but this is a contemplation and I couldn’t resist the wisecrack. Two of our dogs are still testy about the call. Besides, just look at Bacon’s beautiful face — he looks like he should be starring in a hero-dog movie.]
CONTEM- PLATING HEROES takes us to this photo of our pal Mark Verma, the hard-working, animal-hustling president of Paws in the City. When you read this paragraph about Tallulah, you’ll see just how challenging fostering a dog can be, and how rewarding for the human heart. Mark’s caption reads, “Meet Paws In The City’s Tallulah who was so scared last week when I transported her from the shelter to one of our vet partners that she wouldn’t eat for the first 3 days. She is looking much better today! Next step is a foster home and then adoption events to find her forever home!” [LARRY ASIDE: I’d take my teary eyes over to meet Tallulah and hug her if that wouldn’t set her back three days!!! Good grief, dogs are such good souls and the don't care people can sure do a number on them.]
THE RIGHT FORMULA? I’m going to close our contemplations with something Cheri Fults of Recycled Pomeranians and Schipperkes Rescue posted on Facebook. And it’s the kind of contemplation my rescuespouse Martha and I went through years and years ago before we married. It cracks me up because it is spot-on. Enjoy it and contemplate it.
—- Offer your opinion, advice or winning lotto numbers by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

Pregnant Daisy, Matted Mickey, Desperate Layla, Sleepy's Rescue & Contemplations

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 [PetPowellPress] You may not recognize this dog right away, but he’s Champ, and we’ll follow up on his escape from the Code Red list in Mesquite in our next edition. For this edition, we’re going to focus on Daisy, a pregnant girl on the Code Red list. And some other things, too. The world of animal advocacy is always busy.
THE DAISY OPPORTUNITY
AND THE MICKEY SITUATION
We’ve mentioned Daisy already but there’s a new angle. She was already on the Code Red list (she’s expecting FIVE puppies) and, now, her situation changed. She’s been extended to 4 p.m. Friday. 
The 6- or 7-year-old Pittie girl arrived as a stray on Nov. 29. Our Mesquite source, the volunteer biographer Judi Brown, says, “She has been given many extensions and I’m told her time is running out. Look at this face and try to turn your back on her. It’s hard to do as she is so appealing! She has been in a play group with other dogs and done fine. She is an exuberant dog that has managed to keep a positive attitude in spite of the fact that she’s been at the shelter for weeks. If you cannot tag or adopt please network her.”

Daisy is # 40270181. She weighs 48 pounds. And she’s expecting. To offer to help her, call the shelter at 971-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Use those contacts to asked about this guy, too. He’s Mickey, 2, a standard Poodle. He’s available now — not Code Red just yet. Judi says Mickey arrive on Jan. 14 as a stray. She writes, “As you can see he is severely matted and has to be very uncomfortable! Understandably he was not a happy camper when he first came to the shelter! It took me three days of smooth-talking and bribery to get him to change his attitude. On the fourth day he decided to come up to me, smell me, wag his tail, and then wash my face with kisses. Now we are BFF.”

THEY’RE NOT ALL
WAITING IN A SHELTER
Layla, a 7-year-old Balinese, is in a fix at her home. 
We got her story Wednesday from Pam Kowalski who explains both the history and the present in hopes of coming up with a wonderful future for Layla. 
“She was rescued back in 2011 when she was just a kitten. She went to live with a new family who had other cats,” Pam says. “The family has since contacted me to tell me that she is now attacking their other cats and despite all efforts will not stop. She also does not like dogs.
“They called me as last resort to putting her down. She is a beautiful girl who really just wants to be the only feline in the house. She is vaccinated, FELV/FIV Negative and spayed. After her spay her belly hair never grew back, leaving her with a naked belly!
“I asked the family to allow me to network her to see if we might be able to place her in a home without animals. Possibly a quiet home without cats, dogs or small children. Please network to any cat loving folks. I would like to save her life if at all possible.”
To help Pam save Layla, email her at felines2u@yahoo.com or call 214-797-8246.


SLEEPY GETS A BREAK
In our Wednesday edition we posted a note about Squeaky, the 8- to 10-year-old Yorkie girl with mammary tumors and a need for a home or a rescue group to help her find one.
Our tipster, the great Amy Poskey, sent a followup Wednesday. It reads, “Sleepy has left the building!!!  UNITED YORKIE RESCUE INC. showed up at the shelter bright and early to pull this precious little angel, so she is on her way to being pampered and spoiled rotten!  I want to thank everyone who offered to save Sleepy, all the networking, and all the prayers!  As always, it takes a village…  THANK YOU!!!  J Amy.” 
[LARRY ASIDE: Maybe I’m getting too sappy for this animal mission, but I got a little bit teary eyed when I thought about somebody pampering and spoiling this little dog. I sure want it to happen to every dog and cat and any other critter we all run across.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
COLD, KITTENS & CONSEQUENCES
It is too cold for me these days. And I feel guilty complaining about it because I’ve lived many, many Texas Julys and Augusts and they always include days that could use a 40-degree temperature plunge! Just for a day or two. … The Dallas Animal Services people posted a note with two very scary words: “Kitten Season.” Gave me a shudder. After all, Dallas is the most fertile city in the United States of America. Turns out DAS was making an appeal for people to get involved in the city’s foster program. Nobody’s been waiting around for kittens to appear — they’re here year round. That’s how these two cuties are already in the city’s foster program. E-mail dasfoster@dallascityhall.com to explore doing this wonderful work on behalf of kittens and cats. You’ll be saving lives. … When people don’t spay and neuter, there are consequences. The shelters around here only have so much room for consequences, so spay and neuter your animals. It’s simple, inexpensive and the right thing to do. “Simple, inexpensive and the right thing to do” — that’s an easier concept than running for office.
—- To offer advice or explanations, click on “comment” below or email dallrp@aol.com — we answer all email, some of it politely. —-

HELPING SOME ANIMALS, A HALL SHORT OF ONE BASEBALL STAR & PLAY IT, SAM

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 2018 [PetPowellPress] Let’s turn our attention from politics in the democracy to animals in the shelters today — including a little girl in a fix in Denton and a big guy waiting in Wilmer. We’ll get to a Contemplation about I-30 later in this edition.

THE SPCA REVEALS ITS BOARDS;
CITING SOME ADORABLE ADOPTABLES
The SPCA of Texas announced its new Executive Board Committee members and Board members for 2019. The story is HERE with all the names.
But, of course, the boardmembers would think readlarrypowell.com heartless if we did not note that there are adorable adoptables currently available through the caring hearts of the “leading animal welfare organization in North Texas.”
That’s Apricot the Hamster (169505), about 2 months old. You can see her at the SPCA’s Jan Rees-Jones Animal Center in Dallas. The red nails do not come with Apricot, though, no doubt the SPCA will offer some red polish if you’ll promise to give Apricot a great home. Just a theory.
The 4-year-old, orange-and-white feline is Thor (169699), described as “friendly, chatty and curious.” He likes to explore and gaze out the window. He’s also FIV positive so he needs to be an only cat or to live in a home with other FIV cats. He’s at the Rees-Jones Center, winning the hearts of staffers and practicing his “lounging” poses.
Sally, 6 months old, is #167996, a Vietnamese Potbelly Pig. She’s at the Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney. [LARRY ASIDE: To echo one of our late pals who was an all-varieties pig rescuer, “She’s a pig. Of course she’s large! Pigs are large! No such thing as a “teacup pig.”]
And, if you’re in a porcine mood, this is Piggie, not a pig. She’s listed as an “American Pit Bull Terrier, about 4 1/2 years old and “medium” size. Look at that face! Look at those ears. And she has skills: “Sit, down, shake and roll over!” Also, she tends to prefer being an only dog, prefers teenagers over younger kids and needs a fenced yard to play and romp. 
Remember, go to spca.org and see the online list of adoptable animals and where to find them — the SPCA has adoptables in Dallas, McKinney and in PetSmarts in the area.
BEFORE AND AFTER,
SLEEPY THE YORKIE
Holy smoke. Holy smoke. What a change! In that first photo you can’t even see Sleepy’s Smile.
The great Amy Poskey, who monitors situations in Denton’s Linda McNatt Animal care and Adoption Center, tipped us to this baby with this note: “OK, y’all, this ADORABLE little angel needs our help!  RESCUE ONLY!”

Here’s the inside story on this 8- to 10-year-old Yorkie girl “who has multiple mammary tumors.” Amy explained that the “shelter vet did not feel comfortable vetting her so she has not been HW tested, either.  Sleepy is SO SWEET, but she seems depressed at the shelter and/or is not feeling well.  As we all know, the shelter environment can be scary and depressing so Sleepy needs to be in a loving home with a nice, soft bed!”
The contacts are gayla.neson@cityofdenton.com or randi.Weinberg@cityofdenton.com or dentonshelterdogs@yahoo.com and/or dentonanimalservices@yahoo.com. Call the shelter at 940-349-7594. 
And see Sleepy’s online profile HERE. 

MEANWHILE, IN WILMER:

THE GREAT BEN WAITS
Laura Macias, who works to help animals get attention in the small but busy Wilmer Animal Shelter, again cites this dog Ben, a Pittie mix who is gentle and loving. He’s about 2 and “adores everyone,” she writes. “We really can’t say enough great things about him! … He is definitely a shelter favorite. He’s been there at least 3 weeks and is starting to get depressed… This boy was found in Wilmer and he desperately needs out of this tiny shelter.... Passed Operation Kindness’ temperament testing.” 
To offer to adopt or to foster or to rescue Ben, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS
I-30, BASEBALL & OSCAR
Here’s a question: Would you rather be on jury duty in a tedious civil lawsuit over intellectual properties or drive back and forth between Dallas and the Arkansas line on I-30? Relax, I kid the highway department — still building, rebuilding, repaving and rerouting that interstate since sometime in the 1950s — hello Royce City and enjoy the temporary route! I have a ringing in my ears because some of my high school pals and I snuck onto the under-construction I-30 on the north side of Texarkana in 1965 and shot off some fireworks. When one of my firecrackers didn’t explode, I leaned down to see why. I used the glow from my “punk” to illuminate the short fuse. It was a brief illumination followed by a dramatic explosion! No burns to me, but my shirt looked like someone had tried to put out a cigarette on it and my ears have been ringing ever since. So, kids, if a firecracker doesn’t work, don’t explore the situation. Walk away. Walk away. … And about the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. I on’t care who they put in it, unless Roger Maris, hero of the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees, isn’t in it, the Hall is not complete. … Oscar nominations? Didn’t see a single nominated film. So, I’ll just watch 1942’s Casablanca (Best Picture Oscar) again. Here’s lookin’ at you, kid. 
—- To offer suggestions or scolding, click on “comment” below or email dallrp@aol.com. —-