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LIKE GREAT DANCERS, GREAT SLUMBERERS KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR LEGS...

We choose to celebrate this final weekend of June 2019 with a focus on our household companions at readlarrypowell.com.
Thus, here are photographs of three very valuable companions. They are the highlighted snoozers in this pre-holiday weekend’s Let Sleeping Dogs Sleep and Napping Cats Nap, our long-running feature that celebrates the glory of happy, trusting animals at slumber.
[LARRY 
FYI: We have never purchased a dog or cat. My persuasive- spouse Martha has, however, used her grown-up voice to convince people to surrender a dog or two, maybe some cats. Heck, I gave her a car once and she wasn’t even talking to me.
]
Yet, there is, however, The Ottoman Incident. 
A few months ago, Martha persuaded me to buy a chair with matching ottoman. Were we in a furniture store? No. Perusing an online catalogue? No.
This is a Dallas adventure. She spotted the furniture in a “going out of business” display outside a thrift store — at the time, she was stopped at a red light on Ross Avenue not far from downtown Dallas. I’ve asked her not to drive near jewelry stores or the famous downtown Neiman Marcus display windows.
This particular day, she was due somewhere for business, so the magic of cellphones was put to use. Upon receiving the instructive call, I happily interrupted work on The Lesser American Novel/ Screen- play/Miniser- ies, to drive to the store, buy the chair and its ottoman partner and cram all of the pretty purchase into the modest freight area of my Ford Edge. Tight fit. 

At home, The Senator almost immediately claimed the ottoman. He likes to snooze with one leg hanging off the padded top of the furniture. I think it reminds him of his service in Washington where he saved American taxpayers money by not staying in hotels, but sleeping in his office when Congress was in session. 
Most of the time, however, he was a guest at the White House where he was helping assorted presidents cope with national, international and galactic issues. Cats aren’t known for negotiating, but they are know for being stern in their responses to suggestions they regard as an affront. Word is The Senator may be appointed Secretary of Galactic Diplomacy. He thinks that field may be more promising than Global Diplomacy.
Not that he’s a trendsetter, but The Ol’ Senator has an effect on young Simon, the bottle-fed baby we rescued from beneath the front-yard shrubbery about 2 years ago. Simon likes to sleep with a dangling leg, too.
Remember, these animals can sleep comfortably in the United States because in 1776 the Continental Congress declared the 13 American colonies were no longer subjects of the British crown. That is why we, the nation that has grown and grown, will celebrate “July 4th” in the upcoming week. The Senator remembers the signing of that Declaration fondly. Simon does not — Simon is a Space Age Cat and his study of basic civics in school has been lacking.

To offer a third version of leg-napping, I present Wendy, full name Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden. She carries that moniker in honor of Ellen Wagstaff Arden, name of the Irene Dunne character in My Favorite Wife (1940) and the Doris Day character in the 1963 remake, Move Over, Darling.

Dogs and cats sleep, nap and own furniture because humans give them safe homes. It’s kind of a nice feeling when you walk through the front door, see the dog or cat on the couch and the critter opens one eye, see’s its you and goes back to sleep.
[LARRY APPEAL: Please send photos of your slumbering dogs, snoozing cats or any other somnolent critter to [email protected]. We’ll use their photos and their stories in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap in an upcoming weekend edition. Remember, you’ll be encouraging other humans to make room for animals who need a place to call home. You’ll also be encouraging insomniacs to believe that they, too, can get some sleep if they cant just figure out how to properly dangle their legs.]


-- Offer an opinion, a suggestion or the winning Lotto Texas numbers by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected]. ---

AS THE WEEKEND ARRIVES, A FULL REPORT, INCLUDING STEVIE RAY TREEBOY

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Final Friday in June, 2019, which has been, as many of you know, “National Adopt a Cat Month.” June 28 is, according to Holiday Insights online, Insurance Awareness Day, International Body Piercing Day and Paul Bunyan Day. Surely all of us can find something to celebrate. Show of hands, how many of you pierced something in June -- intentionally? That’s a rose that surprised me in my front yard Thursday morning -- it was the second biggest surprise in the yard and we'll get to the kitten in Contemplations.
A MEGA NOTICE
Once you get past celebrating all the special days for June, perhaps you’ll want to use your leftover energy touring the available adorables at the Mega Adoption Event in Fort Worth at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Visiting Fort Worth is always a good idea.
Also, if you adopt a dog or cat in Fort Worth, you can give it any Old West name you want to give it. Butch Cattidy and The Sundance Dog. I’ll stop there. 

TWO NOTES ABOUT SHELTERS
AND ISSUES FACING PEOPLE

(A) If you’d like to catch up with the Mesquite Animal Shelter situation, Star Local Media has a feature on the conflict and complaints. HERE.
(B) Our longtime tipster on Lancaster dogs and situations, Tomi Ortiz, sent a note about a petition for reform at the Lancaster Animal Services Shelter which recently cut off access to longtime rescuers over a political argument. People argue; animals suffer. Here’s the LINK.
FOSTERING
: AUDREY'S AVAILABLE
All rescue groups need fosters. Being a foster is a way to save lives — it gets a dog or cat out of a lousy situation and gives them a chance to find a good home.
 Have you ever fostered an Earhound? I’m on a lot of mailing lists and on Thursday I opened an email titled “FOSTER PLEA FOR AUDREY” and found the photo of this genuine Earhound, Audrey. The “very sweet, calm, 45-pound heeler mix with the most beautiful eyes and enormous ears” is available for fostering through Paws in the City. Go to pawsinthecity.org to see how to volunteer to foster.
YES, MEET RUFUS THIS SUNDAY!
The folks at Mazie’s Mission are hosting a fundraiser in honor of this dog Rufus — We rarely get a before/after set of photos but, holy ribcage, celebrate the after look on Rufus’ face! The event is at Zin Zen Wine Bistro in McKinney and tickets have gone swiftly — about a handful may be left by the time you read this. 

According to Mazie’s Mission, “We have had numerous requests to meet Rufus, and since he’s doing so much better we are throwing him his very own Brunch Bash! The $25 cover charge includes a light bites brunch spread, a build your own mimosa bar, a meet and greet with Rufus, and time to mingle with our CEO and Founder (also foster mom to Rufus— Dr. Erin Shults)! 

“When we brought this special guy into our program we were so touched by everyone who showed support, now we’d like to show you exactly how that support helps, at an interactive event with the man himself. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to #Maziesmission so that more dogs like Rufus can have the chance to survive and thrive. Space is limited, to reserve your spot visit https://www.maziesmission.org/ and purchase tickets.”

A REMINDER FROM RYDER
This is some face on this guy Ryder, one of the many dogs in a hot spot in the small shelters on the southern side of Dallas. I posted him once already, but those Earhound Ears deserve a second look.

You can ask how to help Ryder and lots of other animals in the small Wilmer and Hutchins shelters by calling or texting 214-949-2726 or emailing [email protected].
See more of these at-risk small shelter animals by clicking back to our Wednesday report.

CONTEMPLATIONS

THE KITTEN AND THE CHALLENGES
On Thursday morning, I stepped out on the front porch to say goodbye to my EmployedSpouse Martha who was leaving for the office before 8 a.m. I said, “See ya around” or some other endearing AM affection and we both heard a cat.
Martha went to work. I walked to the corner of the house, reached up into a mimosa tree and pulled a terrified, yowling little kitten off the spindly branch to which he or she was clinging as if I were the devil himself reaching for him/her. He or she dug the back claws into my hand and I changed hands and got a less ripping grip from the kitten. 
The kitten has an oozy eye, a beat-up nose and a big purr. About 2 hours later we were at the vet’s (Love Freeway Animal Clinic) and solving the big mystery in a human/kitten relationship. The answer is: Boy. 
Having cleared out our front porch feral colony two years ago — took about 20 years — by use of spay/neuter and adoption, I was stunned (oh, not really) to find a kitten in our yard. 
I was, though, caught by surprise by the kitten and I grabbed the first rescue crate I could reach in the garage and only after we arrived at the vet’s did I realize how absolutely filthy and disgusting that crate was! [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, I cleaned it up when I got home.]
Oh, yeah, I also, with the recommendation of the Vet, gave the kitten a bath in Dawn — the same stuff they use to clean up ducks and other critters in an oil spill. This little boy was a walking flea hotel and had some kind of eye discharge that is contagious. [LARRY NOTE: I keep running to the bathroom to look in the mirror, but I think the vet meant “contagious to other cats.” I hope.]

So, in the period of about three hours, I scored many firsts Thursday: (1) I was the first human to touch this kitten; (2) I was the first human to be scratched by this kitten, (3) I took him on his first car ride in his first kennel, (4) I gave him his first bath, (5) I gave him his first store-bought food and (6) I took his first darling little photographs (poorly!). For example, this "circled-up" photo of the lad in his new, larger, open-air kennel. He has a green blankie to curl up on.
And there's that photo of Martha's harp-playing hands, adorned by a wedding ring on the left and her 10-year-service award, a garnet and enamel ring by Hidalgo, on the right hand as she shows just how small this boy is.
What’s that? Have I named him? Yes, at the vet he was listed as “Treeboy” once his gender was identified. Then, as I drove along during the afternoon fetching his assorted medicines, I decided he needed a good Oak Cliff name. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you a little kitten-hairy, six-week-old Oak Cliff stray that you may now call “Stevie Ray Treeboy.”
He’ll be available for adoption in about a month — we’re making sure he’s completely healthy and socialized. And we swear we will not keep him. Swear.
—- Offer opinions and solutions to world problems by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing [email protected]. —-

A KITTEN, A PLAN & FIREWORKS

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 — This will be a fragmented edition. It has been interrupted by the rescue of a kitten from a spindly limb of a mimosa tree in our side yard. 
How this kitten got there is clear — he or she climbed the tree and went out on limb.
It’s so human.

Anyway, this kitten, known as either Treeboy or Treegirl for now, is 10 to 12 weeks old and, as of this writing, undergoing a wellness exam at Love Freeway Animal Clinic. 
Big day for the kitten: First time trapped in a tree, first time touched by a human, first car ride, first vet visit, first time in a “rescue crate” — I keep apologizing for the looks of that thing. It’s pretty “used” looking.
I put this baby in the first carrier I could find — it hadn’t been cleaned for a couple of years. i hadn’t expected a kitten after we finally eliminated our front porch feral colony via adoption and determined spay and neutering. 
Anyway, more later on this kitten — all that speckling on the face is residue of a night in a tree, apparently.
THLN’S CAMPAIGN PLANS
The Texas Humane Legislation Network is about to target “20 key legislative districts” to get more support for strong animal protection laws, according to a THLN news release/donor appeal released Wednesday morning.
This is on the heels of a  big walking insult to animal welfare deciding to leave the Texas House. The Texas Humane Legislation Network is wasting no time in building up financial support for the next session of the Legislature (Jan. 12, 2021/May 31, 2021).
A news release/donor appeal Wednesday begins, “As you know, our fight for Texas dogs came to a crushing end for two sessions in a row thanks to the actions of a single legislator. However, we are glad to report this Representative has announced he will NOT be running for re-election! With this obstructionist removed our hope is greater than ever that we WILL WIN for Texas dogs in the next session.” THLN linked to the Austin American-Statesman’s report on Jonathan Stickland’s decision not to seek re-election in House District 92. The link to that is HERE
The appeal also reads, “These interim months are a critical time for us to ensure success for Texas dogs -- we are so close to breaking their chains! THLN is organizing grassroots advocacy trainings in twenty key legislative districts, organizing candidate forums, installing humane libraries in rural and undeserved districts, and educating animal lovers on the importance of showing up at the ballot box.”
So, as the 2020 presidential election has proved, the 2021 Texas Legislature session will be here before Austin can resupply its liquor cabinets.
HEARTWORM POSITIVE, DRY COUGH,
COUNTDOWN AT CROWDED SHELTER
We got the story on this guy Bruce from Judi Brown, the Mesquite Shelter’s volunteer biographer. 
Bruce (41924847) has been at the shelter since June 11. The shelter is now overcrowded and that means a dog who is heartworm positive and coughing is in very tough spot.
Judi says, “Bruce is a beautiful dog with tawny coloring and expressive eyes. He doesn’t know he has his condition because he’s very exuberant and outgoing . He loves balls and will chase them and bring them back but not necessarily give them to you. He does get  carried away when he’s excited and will jump on you. He’s very friendly and seems to love everyone.He appears very joyful as his tail wags constantly.”
Save this guy by tagging him. Call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS
THLN, SHORT BASEBALL GAME,
THE FIREWORKS IN DENVILLE
One of the things we spotted on the Texas Humane Legislation Network’s website was a roundup on how to get vibrant community involvement in the animal advocacy missions, i.e., making the neighborhood safe for animals and protected by the laws of the Great State of Texas. HERE’S THE LINK. ….. The Texas Rangers beat Detroit last night with Mike Minor pitching a complete game in around 2 hours and 19 minutes — it was almost as if the great Ranger Ferguson Jenkins had come out of retirement and needed to get home early. …. And here’s a reminder that the Fourth of July is coming. We get this note from our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief Andrew Fisher who reports photographically and in text from New Jersey:






“The pyrotechnic season opened last night with the fireworks display at the Denville Firemen's carnival.” That’s across Indian Lake from the bureau. Still, it was close enough for the Fisher housepals. Andy writes, “Poor Chloe [the family cat] sought refuge in one of her sanctuaries and didn't emerge for hours. Maxie [the household canine] slept straight through it.” Remember, fireworks are for people. Only people.”
—- To offer advice or opinions, click on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected]. —-

DOGS AND CATS -- ALL OVER THE METROSPRAWL...

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Holy smoke, how fast can a 30-day month move? We’re already on the brink of July 4. Is it too early to remind people to protect their animals from fireworks? 
See that dog? Has nothing to do with fireworks or holidays, but, here, in the waning days of June, that summer-faced big ol’ dog remains at peril in a shelter — he clearly needs a home with air-conditioning. More on him in a minute. Keep reading.
COWTOWN’S CATS: SUDDENLY
THE SHELTER GETS A BUNCH!
Ginger Leach of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control reports that “21 cats, mostly young adults surrendered due to an eviction” have arrived at the city’s shelter. Also, she writes, “All have upper respiratory infections, thin, deformities, hair-loss but on the plus side, they are friendly.” 
Her  message is, “If you can help, please come down and pick some out.” 
Don’t call the shelter; email [email protected] to ask about animals at the shelter or stop by to visit. The FWAC&C Chuck Silcox Adoption Center is at 4900 Martin Street in southeastern Fort Worth.
EARHOUNDS AVAILABLE
AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES
Just a reminder that this is the last Wednesday in June, thus the last $1 Dog Day in the May-June promotion. Also, you can get dogs and cats for $10 at DAS.

 The dog with the “Hey, I’m thumbing a ride with my ear” look is DJ (A1031390. He’s already neutered, is about a year and a half old and has been in the shelter since June 5.

That UprightEarhound is Mrs. Chan (A10561359), just over a year old and in DAS care since June 13 (She’s at the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center, 16821 N. Coit Road, in Dallas.). With a set of ears like that, how else could she be described other than a “brown and white Pointer.” [LARRY ASIDE: No telling what she’s pointing at. Not sure I've ever seen a Pointer with upright ears but who am I to argue with DAS breed-guessers?] 
Go to www.dallasanimalservices.org to see the “adoptables” and go to DAS's PetHarbor link to see MORE of the shelter's dogs and cats. The dallasanimalservices.org page lists 228 dogs, 264 cats and 9 “other” as of this morning. The DAS Pet Harbor page lists 463 dogs, 418 cats and 11 “other” in care of the city’s shelter at Westmoreland and I-30. Call the shelter at 214-670-6800.
ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF DALLAS

Here we go with another note about the un-noticed animals in the small shelters on the southern side of Dallas.
Laura Macias, Leighann Hayden and others work to get these animals some attention. To ask about these animals call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. Remember, Wilmer and Hutchins have shelters and they have animals, but what they don’t have is humans stopping in to adopt or even just look. Thus, the small shelter advocates are working to expose these animals through the modern miracle of internet communication.
That 85-pound big ol’ dog, formerly known as Sampson and “Big Red,” is know listed as Marc Anthony. He’s a French Mastiff/Bulldog Mix, according to Leighann’s note. And the story is his name was changed to Marc Anthony because ”he looks so much like the cute cartoon dog from Looney Tunes from a long time ago.” The cartoon dog, the note recalls, “finds a baby kitten and tries to hide it from his owner.” [LARRY NOTE: We explain in Contemplations.]
The other photos sent by the advocates include: Caine is the “Setter/Rottweiler” mix or “Long-haired Rottweiler.” [LARRY NOTE: The long-haired Rottie is as rare dog, so I’m betting mix, though you never know what purebred will show up in a shelter.]
That Puppy is the little girl Piper, a Lab mix — about 3 months old. Pierce, with the perky face and dots over his eyes, is a young Shepherd mix.
Tyler, the dog with the distinct facial speckles and spots, is a Lab/Border Collie mix.

Ryder, of course, is an Earhound, and also described as a Lab/Shepherd/Boxer mix who is about 5 months old.
And, then there’s Boomer, the dog with great eyes and a set of ears that are mismatched, thus they match Boomer quite well in the category of “UP’N’DOWN EARHOUN'.”

 

 

 

MEANWHILE IN LANCASTER

The population in the Lancaster Animal Shelter is getting some help from the small shelter folks who’ve been helping Wilmer and Hutchins and other small shelters. The latest collection of photos of dogs in the the shelter include Rowan, described as an “Aussie Cattle Dog or Heeler Mix. He’s a “big, sweet loveable” guy, according to the appeal note. 
The note also reads, “Sadly, this shelter needs your help more than ever. …. Shelter is still full. There is no room. Four new dogs came in just today.” To offer to help the small shelter advocates save animals in Lancaster, call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].

MEANWHILE, IN EULESS
THERE ARE PLAYFUL DOGS
Playful dogs, sweet dogs, sit-by-your-side dogs, ride-in-the-car dogs, etc., at the Euless Animal Shelter, and according to its rescue partner the Trinity GAP Club — yes, the rescue arm of the Euless Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program — the shelter needs some help.
A GAP rescue post reads, “The Euless Shelter is completely full and is Code Red. We have to get some dogs into foster homes or adopted. If you can help please come by the Euless Shelter or call Jessica 214-709-3332.”

Among the animals available are these two.
The story on their post reads, “They may look like twins but they are actually just best friends! Storme is a Pit Bull mix and Colt is a Border Collie mix and both are looking for forever homes but in the meantime, they are making the best of it with some summertime water play at the shelter! Available at Euless Animal Shelter. For information contact Jessica 214-709-3332.” Read about GAP Rescue HERE and see Trinity GAP Club on Facebook, too.
 (Click on that collage to make it grow!)

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
These two beautiful dogs are described as “most critical” in notes we got from the Mesquite Animal Shelter’s volunteer biographer, Judi Brown. Why “most critical”? “Shelter overcrowding.”

Marci (41905003), a 5-month-old Pittie/Retriever mix, came to the shelter as a stray on June 10 and nobody has been looking for her. Yet, she’s still loves humans. Judi writes, “She’s all over you with kisses. When she’s around you, she’s so excited her whole body wiggles like a wiggle worm. She definitely wants to please. She would make a wonderful family dog. She went nose to nose wagging her tail with many of the dogs in the bay.”

Roxie (41885667) is in the same “most critical” boat. She’s a 36-pound, perhaps 2-year-old or younger, Pittie who came to the shelter on June 11. The story is “she was abandoned in a house without any food or water.” She recently had pups, Judi, reports. Yet, Roxie still is a “happy, wiggly, friendly affectionate gal with a bigger than life personality.” 
Judi writes, I fell in love with her and I know others will also.”

o ask about any animal in the Mesquite shelter, call 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
See more Mesquite dogs and cats in need of homes by clicking on the shelter site HERE.

CONTEMPLATION
ANIMALS, PEOPLE & CARTOONS
On Tuesday an appeal was issued for bottle-feeders to help save two kittens in desperate condition at the Lancaster Animal Shelter. I emailed Leighann Hayden, the small shelter advocate who wrote the appeal, to see if they’d gotten help. And here’s the good news. Leighann wrote, “Yes, thank goodness. Gail Prather knew someone that bottle feeds so they took the two and also took poor little baby Landry that was the last kitten there. ;-).” You may remember Landry. That’s his photo. Feels good to know that little kittens can get a break in a region that needs more Spay/Neuter and fewer cats challenging the record for “Most Kittens Born in a Texas County.” … Our item about the Wilmer Dog Marc Anthony: Here’s that explanation. Marc Anthony was the co-star of the 1950s Warner Bros. shorts Marc Anthony and Pussyfoot. You can read about them HERE . …Just a reminder: This website is dedicated to rescuers, fosters and animal advocates who work to save the lives of dumped, abandoned, strayed and neglected animals. And, if the right numbers fall in Lotto Texas tonight, well, as a suddenly wealthy individual, I’ll continue to admire the pro-animal community. I’ll simply “admire with cash.” It’s a daydream. I’m not the only person with that daydream — so if I don’t win, I hope one of you will.
—- Offer support or lucky numbers by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing [email protected]. —

ON TUESDAY: AN ASSORTMENT OF SITUATIONS

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Let’s get right into the day’s agenda. Helping animals, helping people who help animals and contemplating life as we know it on this planet.
REGARDING JONATHAN STICKLAND
As you no doubt know by now, the House District 92 State Rep. Jonathan Stickland isn’t seeking re-election. Rather than go into why a guy who is neither genuine Republican nor Democrat and has just been awarded the “Cockroach” label by Texas Monthly would not run again, we’re going to honor the dogs of House District 92.

This dog is the poster pup for the Dogs of HD-92 June Mutt Mingle from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at Euless Bear Creek Dog Park. Here’s a FACEBOOK LINK to the Dogs of HD-92 announcement. 
[LARRY ASIDE: You might help the Texas Humane Legislation Network prepare for the next opportunity to get the Lege to make tethering dogs and failing to properly house animals a law any District Attorney will be proud to prosecute.  Go to THLN.org.]
CATCHING UP WITH
THE PREGNANT DOG
Back in May, our longtime tipster, animal rescuer and advocate Deborah Verner became concerned about this dog Ruby wandering a Garland neighborhood. Authorities were called. Not much happened. On Monday, Deborah wrote, “Tonight, it's been learned that this pup is Ruby, and that she had 4 pups two weeks ago. Ruby is back to being skin and bones again. Ruby is said to be only 4 years old. Her owner is now willing to surrender to a rescue once her pups are weaned. Need an interested rescue!!!”
You can message Deborah on Facebook HERE. 
[LARRY ASIDE: There are so many low-cost and free to nearly-free spay/neuter movements in North Texas that one can only conclude that people whose big ol’ dogs get pregnant failed the the junior high course, “The Birds & Bees & You.”]
WAITING FOR HELP
IN DENTON’S SHELTER
Amy Poskey, the volunteer monitor of Denton’s McNatt Animal Shelter, sent this appeal for an “incredibly sweet boy” named Bender who “in spite of being hit by a car, still has that sweet Pittie smile and a tail that wags at least 100 mph!”
 You see the mugshot and the tail-wagging photo — both with the dog wearing the famous collar of confinement.

Amy writes, “The shelter staff and volunteers have fallen in love with Bender and just want the very best for him.  He is such a special boy and all he needs now is someone to believe in him and give him the love and care he deserves!
“Bless his heart, as a result of being hit by a car, he suffered a craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation of his left hind leg …” 
There’s a more extensive explanation of the injuries, but we’ll shorthand it by saying the dog may need some expensive hip surgery or amputation. What he needs MOST OF ALL is a rescuer to help him. He’s a 43-pound, under-2-year-old Pittie mix. No idea of any other medical conditions because the leg problem is paramount to his future.


Here are the contacts:[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], and/or [email protected]. Call the shelter at 940-349-7594
BIG DOG IN HOUSTON
NEEDS A HOME
Our Houston critter confidant Alexandra Kelsey begins her note, “The weather in Houston is not great and this poor soul has been living outside for a couple of weeks now.  Can anyone help? Contact Sheila at sjvasquez@ sbcglobal.net."

That’s quick and to the point about this handsome fellow. The story is he likes kids and is “indifferent to an outside cat and puppy in the area.”
How did he get there? 
AK included Sheila’s note. It reads, “This dog was dumped in our neighborhood over a week ago.  My husband saw him going to house to house looking for his owners.  I am thinking he was an indoor dog so the heat will be hard on him. … He was sitting in their garage one day just calm as could be when while the boy was working in the yard.  He even lets the boy, Kevin, pet him. His parents do not want another dog. One neighbor had a friend that supposedly wanted the pup but I guess that did not pan out because he was released back onto the street.”

There you have it — finally, a good reason to drive from Dallas to Houston in the middle of the week.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
The Mesquite Shelter’s volunteer biographer Judi Brown sent us this photo of Alpine, a 6-to-7-year-old Alaskan Husky who is awaiting rescue or adoption. He came into the shelter as a stray on June 17. 
Judi, who spent time with him, reports that the “beautiful guy with pale blue eyes…is mild-mannered and easy-going like a real southern gentleman. He’s friendly and affectionate. He knows to sit and once he realized I would give him treats if he would sit it was hard to get pictures of him standing up because he kept sitting. It’s obvious he wants to please.”
Forty-five pound Alpine is #41972737 at the shelter. 
To ask about him or any of these Mesquite animals, call 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

Judi also is hoping to help this girl Queen (42024830) a 45-pound, 2-year-old Golden Retriever Mix surrendered on June 22 because “she didn’t want to stay home and kept running of.” Judi says Queen is a “Velcro dog” who craves affection and has a really waggy tail.

Hudson (41990052) is a 59-pound Golden Retriever/Sheepdog who came in as a stray on June 19. Judi writes that, during her visit with Hudson, he “preferred to stay close for for extra attention. He even rubbed noses with me! It was fun to pet him because he’s so soft. I can just imagine how wonderful it would be to snuggle up with him on a cold night.”
And this fellow is Oscar, around 6 years old and 60 pounds and already neutered. Why is such a cute dog in the shelter? His owners “surrendered him because they were moving.” They’d only had him for one of his six years, Judi says, adding, “Oscar is really sweet and gentle. He’s friendly. His tail wags constantly. He’s rather slow-moving in a laid-back way. He just takes in the world at his pace.”
See more Mesquite dogs and cats in need of homes by clicking on the shelter site HERE. Among those cats are a dramatic load of kittens, including 41907698, a boy who is 2 months old and clearly among the cutest kittens ever born in the Greater Mesquitroplex.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Special days, Scam Likely & Calls
June 25, according to Holiday Insights, is Log Cabin Day. The holiday website credits the Log Cabin Society and the Bad Axe Historical Society with declaring Log Cabin Day on June 25, 1986. On June 25, 1987, President Ronald Regan proclaimed National Catfish Day in honor of “a uniquely American food delicacy — farm-raised catfish.” At readlarrypowell.com, we’re happy just to have cole slaw, hushpuppies and tartar sauce — set the fish free. Probably unrealistic to adopt, spay & neuter catfish. … Anybody name a dog or cat after your most frequent caller: “Scam Likely”? Maybe “Scamp Likely.” … Tuesday morning I answered a “Scam Likely” call from someone who declared herself to be so proud of my record of paying my credit card bill on time (I haven’t used a credit card in years). I said, “Please take me off your call list.” She said, “Hold for a representative.” I did, the guy came on, I said, “Please take me off your call list” and he said, “Thank you for your patience. This will only take a few minutes.” I said, “You have the number. Take it off the list. I’m not spending any more time on this.” And I clicked off the call, fully aware that tomorrow about the same time I’ll get another call about my exemplary credit card usage. I’d write someone in Congress, but “Scam Likely” may be serving this term.
—- Offer opinions or solutions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing [email protected]. —-

LANCASTER ANIMALS NEED HUMANS; FRED & GINGER; CONTEMPLATING A MURAL

EDITION OF MONDAY MID-MORNING, JUNE 24, 2019 [PetPowellPress] En route to several hours away from the keyboard I took one more look at the inbox and found yet another appeal for animals in the Lancaster Animal Shelter.
Remember, it’s OK to send nice letters to the Lancaster mayor, city council, etc., to remind the city that people are watching how Lancaster rebounds with its shelter issue and helps animals find homes rather than scheduling them for the needle.

Here are three animals among many waiting in the Lancaster Shelter. (The shelter is at 690 E. Main St., Lancaster, TX 75146. Call 972-218-1210.) To ask about one of these animals, call or text 214-9492726 or email [email protected].

You may recognize that little bitty kitty — that is Landry. Still waiting.
The Lab/Boxer mix with the great eyes and the toothy grin is Jenna. She’s described as a “very sweet extremely lovable girl.”
And, we’ve posted Emmie before. She’s a Lab/Shepherd mix who recently had puppies. Alas, no puppies arrived at the shelter with her.
[LARRY ASIDE: Remember, kindness is good for people and animals. And sometimes it works better with animals than it does with people, but why bring up politics when we’re focused on helping animals.]
FROM SOUTHEAST TEXAS,
THE PLIGHT OF FRED & GINGER
The great Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com sent this note about Fred and Ginger. Gingers on the left — they two older Chihuahua currently in the care of the SPCA of Polk County in the Livingston area over in the tall trees of Southeast Texas.

hey were “left behind after a violent domestic event,” Karen wrote. The contact is the SPCA of Polk County Executive Director Carl Feren at 936-933-6888.

This portion of the director’s note will tell you what a close call these dogs are having: “Because one of the family members was expected to reclaim the dogs after being released from the hospital, the PCSO  [Polk County Sheriff's Office] held these little guys for 27 days longer than the customary 3-day stray hold but their time had run out after the owner indicated that he would not be able to care for them. The day before they were scheduled to be euthanized, Animal Control called the SPCA of Polk County to alert them to their impending fate and a volunteer with the organization rescued them shortly before they were scheduled to be put to sleep.”
Read more about the SPCA of Polk County at spcaofpolkcounty.org.
CONTEMPLATIONS

ONE OF THE GREAT OAK CLIFF MURALS
This is vibrant artwork is of my favorite Oak Cliff murals. (Click on it to make it grow like a northern suburb of Dallas.) It’s on the north side of a building that is on the west side of one-way north Tyler Street at 7th Street. Confusing? Yes. So, the deal is you can see it clearly only if you are on Davis or 7th or going the wrong way on Tyler -- and that happens now and then. Or you can see it when you are leaving Starkey Service Center (right, in that Google mapshot) where my pickup is being repaired currently. That’s where I was this morning when I took time to snap this mural and study it long enough to pick out the images of  two Oak Cliff notables, the guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan and the actress Yvonne Craig, i.e., Batgirl of the late 1960s Batman TV show. Nothing makes my mind wander like a Monday morning pickup repair and a wall full of images.
—- To offer opinions or murals to visit, click on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected]. —-

LANCASTER; RESCUES; DOGS, CATS & CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2019 [PetPowellPress] Generally we spend our Sunday worktime deleting old emails and trying to de-clutter the office. We were distracted Sunday morning by two almost impossible-to-believe postings about the Lancaster Animal Shelter. 
Leighann Hayden, a veteran at trying to help animals in small shelters, sent us links to two stories of tragedy in suddenly controversial Lancaster Animal Shelter. 
You will want to take time to read these stories. Perhaps they will encourage you to demand public accountability for municipal organizations that handle animals. 
Story One — the Dallas Dog Rescue Rehab Reform reaction to a nearly-rescued dog’s death, is HERE ON FACEBOOK and Story Two, the appeal from Leighann, is HERE ON FACEBOOK. That post has contact points at Lancaster City Hall.
Remember, municipal shelters are not immune to investigations of animal cruelty and unwise management. 
[LARRY ASIDE: Someone should remind Lancaster of the unpleasant attention Dallas got when a cat was allowed to die in a wall of the shelter and how Garland had to make changes at its shelter when animal people began to picket council meetings. As we have noted previously, the Lancaster shelter animals appears to be caught in the middle of a political dispute between pro-animal people and the local politicians. When people argue, animals pay the price. That is wrong. There are people willing to help Lancaster’s shelter become a leader in helping animals. And that is the right thing to embrace.]
A GOOD BREAK FOR ‘HEY, HONEY,’

THE DOG NAMED ‘BEEMER’
You remember the story, no doubt: A person moves away and leaves this dog in the care of a new tenant with the instructions to euthanize the dog if she can’t find a home for it. Theresa Butterbaugh discovered the situation and stepped up as the caregiver for the dog.
 The great Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com reports that Theresa, “Beemer’s Fairy Dogmother, has been working diligently with the new tenant in the house where Beemer was abandoned AND the tenant has agreed to bring him inside her home to recuperate following soon to be scheduled mast cell tumor surgery.

“Theresa said she is a really sweet woman with a big heart and she wants to help but she admits she has an irrational fear of Beemer.  She loves dogs but Beemer’s appearance was frightening to her.  Beemer is dog aggressive but loves people. Theresa has been going every day to see Beemer and then this miracle happened yesterday!!  

“So we are going to schedule the tumor surgery at Central Animal Hospital as soon as we can. THEN if the lady isn’t totally in love with him, we think Beemer will have a better chance at finding a foster or a home once we get some of his medical issues behind him.  He is on 6-month Heartworm preventative and will be checked again to see if he is still positive.

“Theresa has never given up on him so neither will we at Barkleyworld.  If you’d like to donate a few dollars for Beemer’s approximately $800 surgery, donations are gratefully accepted here:   http://www.barkleyworld.com/    There is also a facebook fundraiser at https://www.facebook.com/Barkleyworld/?ref=bookmarks.
"
Karen also writes that she’ll update Beemer’s progress and “and if anyone is interested in adopting this really sweet to people but animal aggressive dog, please contact Theresa at [email protected]."

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
As we noted last week, the Mesquite Animal Shelter is undergoing some tension but work continues on getting animals into good homes.
The volunteer biographer Judi Brown, who meets the animals she writes about, sent us these two dogs in need of homes. 
Tawny (41984577), a year-old, 54-pound Pittie/Boxer mix came in as a stray on June 18. Judi writes, “Tawny has a rich, shiny fawn-colored coat with alluring grey eyes. She’s a sweet girl who wants to stay close. It was difficult to take pictures of her because she stuck to me like Velcro. Even on a walk she would press her body up against me and walk between my legs.  She’s friendly, wags her tail constantly, and wants to please. She sits for treats. Being a pup she sometimes get overly excited and jumps on you but because she’s highly motivated by treats she could be easily taught not do this.”

 Maggie (42009028), 45 pounds, under 2 years old and already spayed, is a Foxhound/Beagle mix who was an owner-surrender on June 20 — she was described as “dog-aggressive.”
 Judi wrote, “They had other dogs so I don’t know if Maggie was aggressive with them or other dogs she came in contact with. When I took Maggie through the bay, I couldn’t even get her to acknowledge  other dogs. Then when walking her she went up to the gate and went nose to nose with another dog that was in the yard without a problem. I suggest further dog testing. The previous owners wrote a glowing report about her saying that she was an indoor dog and is housebroken. They said she was raised with teenagers. They also said she knows lots of commands like sit, stay, fetch and bedtime. I found her to be a very gentle, friendly dog that was a little on the shy side.” 
For either of these adorable dogs, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. And to see other animals in the shelter, click HERE.
In addition to many other dogs, you can see a boatload of cats and kittens. There are big ones and little ones and cats and kittens of all designs and colors. And we cite with envy (we’d adopt her in a split-second if we had room) this little-bitty girl Opurra (41814680), a 2-and-a-half-month-old beauty with fantastic eyebrows, whiskers and paws to dress up that great black cat suit! 

CONTEMPLATIONS
PupPup, Santa Fe & My cat
We’ve been following the story of a dog who was once on the brink of being adopted at Dallas Animal Services, PupPup. That’s his photo. His supporter and our tipster Marlee Payne is keeping us in the loop. He’d been loose after the big storm, then he’d been on the clock at DAS, then he was about to be adopted when his owners reclaimed him. And, Marlee reported, he’d vanished again. But now he’s back and she sent this photo of the happy dog in his backyard. Marlee sent an note at 6 p.m. Saturday that “he is back with his owners behind our home. My lawn guy saw him this afternoon as they let him out to go to the bathroom. I’m not sure what to think, and hope if they actually care for him, he will no longer be kept out in the small kennel all day.” Then about 90 minutes later she messaged, “Confirmed he is there. I was putting up a mesh barrier where my fence came down due to our fallen tree. And there he popped up.” May PupPup have a long, happy life and be loved every single moment. … On Sunday, my napspouse Martha nodded off while watching the New Mexico episode of Aerial America and while listening as I typed, I developed a great craving for some splendid food from New Mexico. I’d move there if I could afford it. Would I be rejecting Texas—heck, no, I’d be embracing land that once was a cherished part of Texas. It is the Land of Enchantment. Oh, my. There is a livecam focused on Santa Fe Plaza — bless Santa Fean Magazine for sponsoring it — and HERE’S THE LINK. It’s been down now and then for two weeks. I may have to drive out there and change the batteries. A dream trip for me! … While watching CBS Sunday Morning, I teamed up with my personal cat, Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson, to enjoy the show and some cuddling and day-dreaming. These are her one-pawed selfies. Kittie Leigh loves to nuzzle my beard. I think it reminds her of her carnival years when she traveled with the Bearded Lady except, of course, I’m no lady. And, just FYI, I didn’t grow my beard in my twilight years, like so many men do. I grew mine in 1971, when a fellow could get fired for having unruly hair and a beard. Enjoy this song from 1969, when I was still shaving and razors only had one blade. Thank you, MARY HOPKIN.
—- Offer opinions on topics, songs or beards by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and giving the codeword: Hirsute. —

ONCE UPON A SPRINGTIME...

It seems almost like a fairy tale now -- a coolish, breezy day designed for outdoor lounging. But that -- as in this photo --  was Spring and this is Summer. Perhaps, in the heated vanguard of the new season, it is already time to look back wistfully at the chill that was Spring, 2019. We’ll do so with this photo we’re presenting in our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
The photo came from Cheri Fults, co-founder of Recycled Pomeranians & Schipperkes Rescue. She described the "action" in this photo this way: “Enjoying the cool, breezy weather since the sun went down.”
Cheri says that the group photo (click it to make it grow like a big breed puppy) was “taken on the last cool day before the summer heat hit us.  It was a beautiful breezy day to lay around outside.”

So, who are these dogs? Cheri IDs them starting with the top level of relaxing dogs:
Level 1: “Rosie (Miniature American Eskimo), Sweet Pea (black female nearly invisible under Rosie's chair),  Ruby (red and white one under the chair)  and (separate photo) Sallie (Black and white).

Level 2: “Chloe and Singe

Level 3: “The white one is Chanel."
Ruby under the chair and fluffy Singe in Level 2 “are mine,” Cheri says. The rest are adorable adoptables.
[LARRY ASIDE: I took the liberty of separating segments of the photos to show off the pups — I wish I
could sleep with the apparent joy I see on Chanel’s face!]

You can see how to adopt from Recycled Poms, as it’s shorthanded, by going to recycledpoms.org. You can also ask about fostering — giving a temporary home to animals is a key part of the life-saving mission of rescue groups.
When you think of dumped or abandoned dogs, you may think of Pit Bulls. But, any dog can be the victim of human folly or circumstances.

Cheri says, “Our intakes are off the charts.  Shelters are packed and so are we. Our foster parents are taking in more dogs than usual.  And, of course, hardly any adoptions during this dreaded time.

“There shouldn’t be this many unwanted pets in the world. Every time I get a glimmer of hope for change, my soul is crushed.  
“Over 10,000 puppy mills in America and countless, unlicensed, backyard breeders make change impossible.  
“Recycled Poms Rescue is very fortunate to have as many dedicated foster parents as we do.  So far, we have been able to rescue every Pom or Schipperke that needs us.  We have not been forced into an intake freeze... yet.”

So, here’s your opportunity to help a small-dog rescue group with a big challenge. Become a foster. Become an adoptor. You’ll sleep like a happy puppy.
[LARRY NOTE: At readlarrypowell.com, we publish Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap to spotlight the affection people have for their household companions and the trust the animals have in the people who love them. Send photos of your slumbering critters to me at [email protected] and we’ll post their stories. You’ll be helping people understand why they need animal companions in their homes and you’ll be encouraging the global insomniac population to have faith that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just find the right porch, on the right day, with the right companions on cool day in Texas. FYI: That is my dog Porche Noel, neither a Pom nor a Schipperke but an Earhound always willing to demonstrate her ability to nod off. ]
—- Offer opinions, wishes, stock tips, household de-cluttering ideas, etc., by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

BE ON THE LOOKOUT: NEARLY-SAVED PUPPUP HAS VANISHED IN NORTHWEST DALLAS

EXTRA EDITION FRIDAY MORNING, JUNE 21: [PetPowellPress] This is a Be On The Lookout that need not have occurred. 
PupPup, about 2, and possibly a Boxer Mix or English Mastiff Mix, was on the brink of being adopted from Dallas Animal Services on Wednesday when his “owners” showed up and reclaimed him. 
That very night, he got out of the yard and vanished into the Mixon Drive neighborhood in Northwast Dallas, east of I-35 and northeast of Bachman Lake.
 Now, the woman who’d first gotten the dog into DAS in hopes of saving his life tells us, “I have been looking for him for days! Dallas Animal services is also looking for him.” 
PupPup has a chip, she says.
If you have seen this dog or know his whereabouts, email [email protected], [email protected] or get him into Dallas Animal Services and make sure they know he is PupPup and his advocates need to be contacted.
ONE MORE NOTE

 Animals in the Lancaster shelter and the Hutchins shelter continue to face a bad fate unless people help them. Offer to get involved by contacting Laura Macias at [email protected] or by calling or texting 214-949-2726. She can fill you in on the animals. Ask for her emails to see photos from several small shelters that have no foot-traffic.
—- To offer opinions or advice, click on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected]. —-

SUMMERTIME: IS A TSUNAMI OF UNWANTED ANIMALS RAGING ACROSS NORTH TEXAS?

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 [PetPowellPress] On this, the final partial day of Spring 2019 — Summer arrives in Texas and surrounding states at 10:54 a.m. — also, this will be the longest day of the year. Sixty-three hours. I’m kidding. It’s the longest daytime of the year — sunrise is 6:19 a.m. and sunset is 8:38 p.m. 
As spring evolves into summer, animals will be waiting in shelters for rescue, adoption or the needle. That’s why this edition is so long. And we’ll close with a contemplation about dogs who don’t like men, though that dog, Bruce, in the sophisticated Teresa Berg pose, has changed his mind. Read on.
THE ADOPTION SPECIALS
AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES
We’ve mentioned this first special before. And the Wednesday’s $1 a dog special too. Just a little money for these specials.












But check out the newest…the 2nd big piece of art.

 

The new one is this “Kits ’n Caboodles” weekend with “free adoptions on all animals all weekend at all locations” and that includes the more than 100 kittens coming back to the shelter after being fostered. 
So how many animals are in the Dallas Animal Services care? At dallasanimalservices.org, the adoptions site listed 240 dogs, 294 cats and 4 “other” at about 5 p.m. Thursday. On the PetHarbor site for DAS HERE  the official listing was 437 dogs, 457 cats and 7 “other.” That's a lot to chose from.

So we went to the dallasanimalservices.org site and found that pink-nosed “neutered brown and tabby domestic shorthair,” the 2-year-old fellow named Spike (A0999991. Spike came in on June 17.

We also spotted Orion (A0877220), believed to be about 4. He arrived on June 18 and is listed as a “Black and White Pit Bull Mix” though I think I see some Great Dane in those eyes and ears and his muzzle.
[LARRY ASIDE: Lord knows why such a good dog and handsome cat are in a city shelter that buys euthanasia juice by the barrel. Surely good people will show up for the free adoption specials. Be interesting to know, wouldn’t it, how many dogs and cats are dumped at shelters because the humans are going on vacation.]
SAVING KITTENS IN COWTOWN
We got the tip on this from the great Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com, noted animal advocate and devoted critterfan.
 The report is that Sylvia Hill and hubby have been saving kittens in West Fort Worth on Lake Worth. In a note to Karen, Sylvia wrote, “My husband and I started feeding a young stray cat that turned up in our yard some months ago. Long story short, she had four kittens in an outside shed.  When they were big enough, we moved mama cat and kittens to a safer place and continued to feed them and look after them.  We found a wonderful home this week for two of the kittens (together) and now need to find a good home for the remaining two. Would love to find them a home together but obviously separate homes would also be welcome. The two kitties are beautiful, solid black and are litter trained and now eating solid foods.  We plan to get mama cat fixed and keep her.”

To audition to adopt these little beautiful kittens, email [email protected] or call 817-734-5932.

MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE, PART I
There appears to be a movement of change at work in the City of Mesquite. We’re not privy to all the details, but we have been tipped to an effort to change the way the Mesquite animal shelter operates. 
This LINK will take you to a Facebook page that is focused on “Reform Your Shelter Now,” as indicated by this artwork.
This LINK takes you to a page that is more specific with complaints.
And this LINK takes you to a petition page that alleges some unpleasant situations.
[LARRY ASIDE: Virtually all animal shelters have periods of unpleasantness — the key for people not involved in the fray is to focus on saving the animals. At readlarrypowell.com, we believe in putting the animals ahead of the disagreements. But, we ain’t real stupid, so we know how these things can explode.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE, PART II
We really are indebted to the hardworking Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer biographer Judi Brown who meets the dogs and tells their stories in hopes of finding homes for them ASAP. It’s a mission that affects the heart and the tear ducts. Anybody who has ever been in rescue knows the feelings.
Here are some of the dogs that need a path to a good home. Judi meets each one to see how they are with people and situations.

Beautiful Blue (36879325) is a Blue Heeler, a stray who arrived on June 11. The shelter lists him as 5-plus years old but Judi says, “He’s probably closer to seven years old judging by the fact that his movements are slow. Blue is friendly, loving, calm, and very sweet! All this in spite of his skin condition which probably is making him very uncomfortable.” Blue walks well on a leash, wasn’t interested in arguing with any other dogs in the shelter, weighs 39 pounds and is fixed already.
Fifty-five-pound Joey (41939679), about 2, came to the shelter on June 13 as a stray. Judi says the shepherd mix “is a beautiful boy with dark brown almond shaped eyes. He displayed good manners. As a matter of fact he has a lot of southern charm. Joey is very loving and friendly. He stays close for human interaction. He sits for treats. He walked well on a leash. … He should be easy to train as he is very alert and has a strong desire to please. He had an interesting reaction going through the bay. He touched all the dogs with his nose just momentarily and then went on.”
That Yellow Lab is 52-pound, year-old Baby Bear (41891141), also a stray and already neutered. Came in on June 7. “Bear is a gorgeous boy with beautiful brown eyes. He seems to be smiling most of the time. That’s because he appears to be a very happy, easy-going, fun loving dog that absolutely loves balls! He found several balls in the yard and entertained himself. He wanted me to throw them but did not want to give them up. He has one of the strongest ball drives I’ve seen in a long time. He’s very rambunctious and energetic and would need a very active family that would be willing to put a lot of time into playing and exercising him. … If his energy were channeled he could possibly be something like a search and rescue dog.”
This beautiful 26-pound, six-year-old Dachshund/Black Lab mix is Luna. 
Judi says, “She was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on June 10 because she got in a fight with another dog. Yet, on the surrender form they also said she was raised with dogs and was friendly with them. I don’t know if the dog she got in a fight with was one of their dogs. She is very mild-mannered and seemingly laid-back. She did not have any reaction to the other dogs walking through the bay.”
 She’s had puppies (was spayed this week), she’s timid but wags her tail, likes children and she’s got a sweet disposition, Judi says.
For these dogs or any animals at the Mesquite Animal Shelter, call 972-216-6283 or email
[email protected]. 
You can see more Mesquite animals by clicking on the shelter’s page HERE.
 What you’ll see is lots of dogs and lots of cats including this guy Sharkey (41827135), a nearly 5 month ol domestic shorthair mix who can be seen in the lobby of the shelter. He arrived on May 31. How cute is that face! One of many feline faces at Mesquite.
TWO DOGS ON THE CLOCK
AT THE CLEBURNE SHELTER
Christine Kallas has been working to help Amanda Peart get these two dogs out of a rotten spot at the Cleburne Animal Shelter, south of Fort Worth. The short story, from Christine, is this: “They were trapped, fortunately; unfortunately, they ony have two days left before they are euthanized.” (To offer to help, email [email protected] or call 817-909-3128 and ask for Amanda or call 817-308-2114 and ask for Dory Ann.)

Amanda’s note says the year-old dogs are brothers and, since arriving at the shelter, they have gotten veterinary care, they’re up-to-date on shots and they’ve been neutered. The heftier dog is A41991318, the other is A41998423.

“They are both scared, but show no signs of aggression at all,” Amanda says. “The healthier-looking pup will even eat out of your hand. The emaciated baby is a little more timid. WE DESPERATELY NEED A RESCUE. … They are brothers but don’t have to go to the same foster. Rescue will pay for everything and will offer all support needed. Transport to and from adoption events will also be provided if needed. We will keep reaching out until the very last minute they have left. These two brothers have been failed already. Let’s not fail them again.”


HELPING WITH SUPPLIES
OUT AT THE LAKE! 

As we have authoritatively declared many, many times, the non-profit Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake operate, so to speak, the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas— it’s a pleasant one-hour drive southeast of Dallas on U.S. 175. 
Sometimes they clinic needs supplies -- dedicated donors helping dedicated volunteers.
So, here’s what’ needed right now, according to the Friends longtime spokesperson Sydney Busch: Isopropyl alcohol - 70% strength; bleach; old thin bath-size towels; garbage bags (39 gallon or 13 gallon only); individual cans of soft drinks or individual bottled water; distilled water - gallon size and reams of copy paper (8-1/2x11).
And there’s this highlight for donations: Sydney says, “A generous person has donated a Keurig coffee maker - so we can use some coffee pods for that.”
 Yes, the clinic runs on volunteers, donors and coffee!
Take donations to the clinic (122 Old Gun Barrel Lane, near the intersection with Main St.) on any Tuesday before 4:30 p.m. or they can be left at Flair Printing “in Gun Barrel city across the street from the Dairy Queen.” Online? www.friendsoftheanimals.org.
CONTEMPLATION
THE DOG WHO WAS AFRAID OF MEN

[LARRY ASIDE: It always disturbs me to run into a dog who is afraid of men. Someone has done something awful to that dog and I am ashamed to admit it is someone of my species, the male hominid. Probably men lead the charts in animal abuse cases. Not that women are free of this awful behavior, but men can be horrid. Horrid. Now and then, though, we hear of a triumph. It’s worth contemplating. Read on.]

Our pal Mark Verma, the energetic, dedicated president of Paws in the City, the Dallas-based non-profit, has been working with this dog Bruce. 
In an explanatory note, Mark wrote, “So, Bruce was scared of men when we rescued him from being euthanized in an overcrowded shelter.” At an adoption even a couple of Saturdays ago, Mark says, “We were very careful when men approached him as his trust was beginning to rebuild. I brought him on The Russ Martin Show [Eagle 97.1 FM] on Friday [June 14] which put him in a small studio with a bunch of crazy guys...lol." [That's Mark holding Bruce as the pup gives a big smooch to Jerry "Cyberpunk" Caldwell of the show's cast.]
Mark says that after that visit, Bruce "spent the night and loved hanging with my 5 dogs (includes 2 fosters). There are a number of things I do to gain a dogs trust and accelerate their trust in other humans. By the end of our adoption event yesterday [15th] at Frisco Rail Yard, Bruce was approached by a group of guys who were showing up to buy drinks from our event sponsor Tito's Handmade Vodka. 
“Bruce actually approached them to say hello and to get a few pets from them. His trust in men is nearly back for, although some people suck (as we all know), dogs have it in them to forgive and to trust humans once again. Paws In The City’s Bruce is available for adoption.”
Bruce is a 33-pound possible Miniature Pincher/Manchester Terrier Mix. The bio reads he was surrendered by his owner who “made sure to let the shelter know that it was in no way Bruce’s fault. Bruce is housebroken, bonds quickly with women, thinks dude are fine and, as long as kids are chill, he is cool. He also gets along with other dogs and cats.”
So, that’s the story of a dog who once didn’t like men, but is coming around. He may be among the adoptables you can meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday when Paws In the City’s adoption event is hosted at the StarbucksStarbucks, 5960 W. Parker Road in Plano, i.e., the Dallas North Tollway and Parker Road.
On the Paws In The City website, you can see other

adoptables, including this 6-year-old girl known as Jellybeans.
I don’t know how Jellybeans feels about men. Or dogs. Or women. She clearly understands the value of a good lie-down.
—— Offer opinions or real estate flipping tips by clicking on “comment” or emailing [email protected]. —-