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SAVING SOME ANIMALS IS EASY; SOMETIMES MAYBE NOT; APRIL FOOL'S NOTIONS AND A BLESSED BIT OF HARMONY, TOO

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 [PetPowellPress] I was going to take off for this edition, but how in the world can a guy who writes for fun and profit take April Fool’s Day off? 
I’ll get to this pair of beautiful dogs in just a second.
First, remember that for April Fool’s Day we’ll try to illuminate some facts (No foolin’!): 
I walked into a convenience store Tuesday morning and saw a guy in a mask behind the counter. Two months ago, I’d have assumed I’d blundered into a hold-up. But, nope, it was the clerk trying to protect his life with a pair of rubber gloves and a store-bought safety mask. 

HAZEL THE REALLY CUTE DOG
GETS A REALLY GOOD BREAK
(CONGRATS GOES TO DENTON!)
As I said to Amy Poskey after I opened her email about Hazel the Puppy, “You’ve posted another dog I’d adopt in a split second if I hadn’t already adopted the town limit!!!” 
That emotion was not limited to Hazel the Puppy, the dog who was at Denton’s McNatt Animal Shelter and in desperate need of an understanding home.

The explanation read that Hazel “is deaf and has some sight issues, mostly in the sunlight.  Hazel is a 10 wk young Aussie (mix?) who was found as a stray.  Her temp foster, Kim Gaffey, reports that she has done well with other dogs, is crate-trained, working on potty training and knows sit, shake, down which was taught by luring and hand signals. Hazel is an energetic puppy who loves to run and play in the yard and also sleeps through the night in her crate!”

Well, don’t even bother to call  Denton about adopting Hazel. Or Pumpkin, the big dog with the little puppy. Amy reported Tuesday afternoon (not long after the appeal went out), “HAPPY TAILS RESCUE in Oklahoma will be taking Hazel!  They specialize in blind/deaf dogs!  THANK YOU, HAPPY TAILS!!!  AND, THANK YOU, KIM GAFFEY, FOR TAKING THIS ANGEL HOME FROM THE SHELTER AND GIVING HER THE CHANCE SHE DESERVES!”
If you want to help make things economically smooth for Hazel and the Happy Tails team, click on this link: https://www.facebook.com/happytailstees/ You’ll see a lot of white and deaf dogs who are getting some help.
So, what about Pumpkin? Another Kim Gaffey Heroic Story.
Amy says Pumpkin is “a Pittie mix and extremely sweet!  Kim brought her home from the Denton shelter a couple of years ago when she was pregnant.  All the puppies were adopted (no shock there), but Pumpkin decided she wanted to stay with Kim along with her pack-o-pooches … So, I’m not sure if Pumpkin is being Hazel’s guide but it wouldn’t surprise me.”
 [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, two dogs I’d have taken if we hadn’t already bagged the limit in split-second decisions on dogs and cats.]
AMONG THE ANIMALS
WAITING IN MESQUITE
We got the tip on Rusty’s situation at Mesquite Animal Services from shelter volunteer biographer Debra Chisholm.
Rusty (#44068303) is about 3, weighs 70 pounds and is “not yet neutered.” But, Debra’s note says, “This boy has a laid-back, well-mannered and calm personality. He is, however, active and alert.” He might be "kennel protective," so he’s being counseled and tested. To ask about adopting him, use his ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. [LARRY ASIDE: I picked that photo of Rusty because I think it shows he may have a career in dancing! We’re convinced he has a future in a loving home.]

Then there’s Sasha (#44072025), the Siberian Husky mix who came in as a stray on the 24th. The 40-pound, 3-year-old “walks OK on a leash” and “barking dogs” in the shelter make her uneasy, Debra says. But she has one blue eye and one brown eye “that add to her beauty,” Debra says. She also says Sasha “appears to have lived outside because her coat is scraggly, she looks unkempt, and she has tick and tick dirt in her fur.  However, she is a darling girl who enjoys affection and attention.  When I sat on the bench in the yard, she leaned up against me to be petted and then tried to crawl into my lap.  It is obvious that she enjoys human companionship.”

 And Debra also cites #44071294, a 47-pound, 2-year-old ex-stray who came into the shelter on March 24. The shelter lists Brody “an American Pitbull Terrier mix.” [LARRY ASIDE: Look at that great mask on his eyes! What a face! And a long tail, too. If I’d been guessing, I’d have guess Bird Dog mix, but I’d have just been guessing.]
 He’s a nice leash-walker, knows “sit,” is “moderately active, frisky and perky….He is a friendly boy with an outgoing and confident personality.” He’s really friendly, Debra says. “He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the yard during his photo shoot and it was fun to watch him stretch his legs and enjoy his freedom. There is so much to like about this youngster.”

With all of these animals, use their IDs when you contact the shelter to save their lives: Call 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
You can see more adorable adoptables in Mesquite’s shelter by clicking HERE.
Among the cats on the list? This fellow SKAR (44027228), a 2-year-old “large” boy who came into the shelter on March 14 and he’s a handsome grey and white Domestic Shorthair ready to become someone’s housecat. He has a championship set of whiskers. Can groom them himself, just FYI.
CONTEMPLATIONS
TREATMENT OF CATS; BELIEVE IT OR NOT: AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC


OK, you see these photos from the Nextdoor page that feeds into my inbox. It’s a Fort Worth neighborhood so, Dear Dallas, you’ll know that not all the bleeps are in Big D. Some are in Cowtown — but so are many of the animal-protecting angels. Without you angels, Dallas and Fort Worth and points in between and around would be up a creek when it came to saving animal lives. Things are the same all over: When it comes to animal lives, some people get it and other people are willingly, proudly, resolutely, absolutely clueless. 
That cat was dumped in a city park with kittens, according to the posts. The kittens were saved, the momma cat was picked up later. The guy posting her photos wrote, “The cat is in my sunroom right now. We're feeding her tonight. If anyone is getting her, let me know tomorrow. I just don't want her to get hurt being out tonight. She seems like an inside cat.” May she find a home that has no human who thinks “dumping” is an OK way to treat any living being. And, thanks, Mr. Angel, for picking up Momma...
IN CASE YOU’VE NOT BEEN DRIVING ON I-30 in Grand Prairie lately, my lousy photos show a development at the old International Wax Museum, now known as Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. As one rolls past the enduring tourist attraction, you’ll see that the big sign out front reads “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” across the top and, in the middle, “TEMPORARILY CLOSED” — believe it or not. ….
Our consistent tipster from Houston, Alexandra Kelsey, gifted us with a genuinely calming link Tuesday. You’ll hear some of the sweetest voices in Nashville performing as what is called “an epic cell phone choir” — the song is It Is Well With My Soul. Whether you’re a believer or a doubter, you may just find some calm comfort in this difficult era. Click HERE and listen and watch. [LARRY FYI: My Uncle Charles, a Baptist deacon, nicknamed me “Preacher” when I was a toddler — It didn't 'take,' but I am considering the urge to pass the offering plate. Just listen and enjoy the beautiful harmonies. Sure, send money if you want to -- rather see it go to animals, however.]
—- Offer a favorite song or surefire Lotto Texas numbers by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing [email protected]. —-

ANIMALS, COMEDY, PEOPLE, BLUEBONNETS, CHALLENGES, CONTEMPLATIONS....

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Holy smokin’ shoe soles, speedy! Have we moved this quickly through March 2020? Last day. We need some levity. 
The time change, the constant virus threats, the household plumbing failure (hot water pipe spewing into the interior of the bathroom walls), assorted paperwork generating challenges…a person needs something to smile about. 
And that photo? It’s a reminder that spring is beautiful in Texas. Feeling anxious about life? Just blow that photo up and consider how beautiful Texas is in spite of my lack of photographic skills.
Ommm. Ommmmm. Ommmmmvrrrrrrrroooooom. That’s where Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid would picnic while dreaming up train robberies. I’m kidding. It’s next to I-30 at Loop 820 — not exactly a pastoral place to reflect on the peaceful moments of existence. But it is Texas and that’s what you always want to be deep in the heart of. Even if it does make you end a sentence with a preposition.
BLAME THE VIRUS
Tawana Couch and her supporters at the Society For Companion Animals held out hope for about as long as they could and then emailed this message around Monday afternoon. We’ll keep you posted on devlopments … In the meantime, always check your favorite group to see what’s happening with “routine” actvities. FYI: The SPCA of Texas has changed its routine — go to spca.org to see how. 

CALL THIS AN ‘MMWTWSA’ SITUATION
The appeal for this fellow came from Vanessa Johnson, Senior Animal Care Specialist at the City of Carrollton.
This dog is Bullet. See his shelter info HERE.
The story is Bullet’s an 8-year-old neutered, healthy male Pittie. Why is this 67-pound dog currently in a city shelter? The note reads, “He is a sweet boy, who was surrendered when his owners no longer had time for him. [The owner’s] son actually owned the dog and moved, and did not take Bullet with him.”

[LARRY ASIDE: “MMWTWSA” is not an authorized American Shelter Designation, but I think some of you, having read why Bullet was dumped, will agree with me that it is spot-on for the emotion you feel when you read Bullet’s story: Makes Me Want To Whip Somebody’s Ass. I mean, seriously, people, how can you dump an 8-year-old, healthy, loving dog in a city shelter where a countdown clock could reach “go” at any moment?]
The adoption fee for Bullet, in the shelter since March 19, is $5. FIVE LOUSY BUCKS to get a great dog and save his life. Bless the Carrollton shelter's heart!

Vanessa’s note says, “He has no idea of his age, and he is able to keep up with playtime like the best of them.”
Here’s the shelter’s rule: “In response to COVID-19 all adoptions will be done by appointment only. Please contact us at 972-466-3420 with any questions or to schedule an appointment to visit this animal.”

[LARRY ASIDE: For those of you who are not Boomers or who may have forgotten your childhoods, Bullet was the name of the dog star who made movies with Roy Rogers, “The King of the Cowboys.” I’ll bet this Bullet’s dumping would give Roy a case of MMWTWSA.]
TWO MORE FROM MESQUITE
The info on these two pups comes from volunteer Mesquite Animal Services biographer Debra Chisholm.
First up is “this adorable youngster” Fergie, described as a formerly stray mixed-breed girl who came in on March 21. She’s spayed, about a year old and weigh 36 pounds.
Debra’s note says, “This youngster is spunky and lively but not hyperactive.  She walks nicely on a leash and did her business outside in the yard.  When walked through the bay she did not react to the other dogs.  Fergie likes to play with toys.  She knows the sit command and will happily sit for treats.  She is a friendly pup with a pleasant and charming personality--a real charmer!  Please help Fergie out of the shelter and on the way to her forever home by networking or tagging at [email protected], typing in the subject line TAG, ID 44062017. For more info email that address or call the shelter at If further information is needed, please email the address above or call at 972-216-6283.
Same numbers and e-mails you’ll use to reach the shelter and discuss adopting Winnie (44061097). She’s 8 months-old, spayed and weighs 40 pounds. Yep, another Mesquite stray. 
Debra’s note reads, “Winnie does ok on a leash but appears to not be used to walking with one.  She is one tail-wagging, happy-go-lucky, high-spirited youngster.  She has an outgoing and confident personality and is a
friendly sweet little girl.  Winnie did not seem to have any reaction to the other dogs when walked through the bay.  She does jump on you, so obedience classes would be in order for her to be more adoptable.  She loves treats!  Winnie would be great for an active person or family who would be willing to exercise and play with her as well as teach her some manners.”
See more Mesquite animals by going to the city’s shelter site HERE.

For example,
this is Rory the Cat. The shelter lists the Domestic Shorthair as being “2 years, 17 days” old. [LARRY ASIDE: How did the shelter manage to pinpoint that age? Easy, Rory had his driver’s license with him. That’s all I can figure.] FYI: Big Tom, who we posted in the previous edition, is still waiting in Mesquite.
CONTEMPLATIONS
BOB DYLAN; OUR TIMES; SPECIAL DAYS…
I’ve been listening to the long, long set-to-music poem that is the latest recording released by Bob Dylan — Murder Most Foul launches a bunch of different directions from Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas. It opens with “It was a dark day in Dallas, November ’63…” That November 1963 was also the time of release for the comic film It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World. Los Angeles on the 7th, New York City on the 17th, Chicago on the 19th. Oh, my can you imagine a comedy going into general release on Friday, Nov. 22, 1963? I think I saw it two months later when it finally made it to Texarkana. It’s showing on Turner Classic Movies on cable this week. I tried watching it and it just seems to not be as funny as it was when I first saw it at the Paramount Theater in Texarkana, Texas. No idea how the box office was affected by the assassination.
Maybe, like today, we just needed something to laugh at — though you can bet I’m not picking IAMMMML for 2020. I’ll take Young Frankenstein. … 
Kind of sick of the errands-only, no Big League Baseball on TV lifestyle. Tired of walking into grocery stores and seeing empty shelves where once we had a selection of paper towels and bath tissue. Heck I even walked into a grocery story that was out of bananas — never seen that before. …
In search of something to smile about, I went to Holiday Insights, the online calendar to see how it’s marking March 31. And some of you will chuckle, maybe: This is National Bunsen Burner Day (that’s for all of you Boomers who took chemistry in high school); National Clam on the Half Shell Day (never seen a clam on any shell; no oceanfront property in Texarkana, Texas); National Crayon Day (bought my granddaughter Hannah Rose the Artist a 64-pack of Crayola’s for her birthday last Saturday — what every registered-to-vote in Texas 19-year-old needs); and the 31st is World Backup Day — that’s not a note to dodge people driving on freeways in Dallas; it’s a reminder to backup up critical computer files. Like we need to back up any of our computer files before some hacker makes them disa

ppear…
—- Offer computer, lotto or driving advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected]. —

AND FOR MONDAY, SOME CRITTERS ARE SPOTLIGHTED, A PUZZLE-NIBBLING PARROT & A THEORY ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 [PetPowellPress] We’re going to open Monday’s edition of readlarrypowell.com with two opportunities at the big Dallas Animal Services & Adoption Center in West Dallas. There are many more, as those animal totals suggest.

Back to adoptables: I went to dallasanimalservices.org Sunday afternoon and clicked on the “ADOPT A PET” button and then on the “Search Adoptable Pets” button and found an old dog that’s rescue only (not adoptable yet). How’s that for irony. Possibly I’ve rarely seen a more depressing photograph of a Dallas shelter dog. 
His name is Heiner and his number is A0614137. 
The dog came into the shelter on Friday. The staffers think the already-neutered, brindle and white Pittie mix is “about 14 years old.” [LARRY BLUNT ASIDE: Not to speak instructively, but that kind of crap shouldn’t happen. A 14-year-old dog ought to be cherished every day of his life. Who knows what all he survived in Dallas to get to 14.] Ask about helping Heiner by emailing [email protected]. |
Still waiting is this cat in what appears to be a tam o’ shanter. He was wearing a green tam o’shanter as DAS approached St. Patrick’s Day — but since this is Texas, probably nobody said, “Hey, wait, laddies ’n’ lassies, a tam o’ shanter is a Scottish hat — check with the poet Robert Burns.” The cat’s shelter name is Jericho — neither Irish nor Scottish. He’s listed as A1094741 and he’s just over 2 years old, currently in a foster home. Tabby cat, you know. They’re always photogenic in stylish headgear. He’s in a foster home — email [email protected] or call 214-670-6800.
A HEADS UP FOR TUESDAY
IN GUN BARREL CITY….
Word from Sydney Busch of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake is the spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrell City will be open Tuesday but not for spay/neuter.
She says the clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday “for non-surgical services (vaccinations, heartworm testing, etc.).”
Rules? “Everyone entering the building will have her/his temp taken and anyone with fever will be turned away.  And no more than 3 clients at a time will be allowed to be in the building.”
Sydney adds, “Please plan to be patient and understanding!  Questions?  Call Sydney @ 903-451-4701.”

IN A TIME OF CRISIS, MESQUITE
CONTINUES TO SHOW OFF ADOPTABLES…
We continue to admire animal volunteers who, in the face of circumstances hustle on behalf of the animals. 
Our Mesquite tipsters include the hands-on animal biographers Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown. These three came from Judi.
Poppy, a 3-year-old Boxer mix girl, was surrendered to the Mesquite shelter on March 23. Why? “Due to aggression with their other dog,” the humans said. And Judi notes that the surrender occurred after they’d had Poppy for three years.” Only friendly with male dogs, they said. Didn’t hit it off with the new girl dog. So, she’s now in a shelter where she’s a little timid but after a while will roll over for belly rubs. Wants to be an indoor lap dog, apparently. She only weighs 37pounds -- her tail is docked. (Her # is 44066465.)
Who is that Chihuahua/Doxie mix? That Chiweenie is Pixie Dust (44001917), a 10-year-old reddish girl. Her story? She’s been “in protective custody due to the fact that she was found abandoned in a home and has not been on the database. Now she is on the database and can be either tagged or adopted.” The owners moved and left her behind by herself — she came into the shelter on March 11.
Judi adds, “I would like to note that she was definitely feeling better [Friday] and did a little happy dance when she saw me. She’s perky and she gave me kisses. She is warming up!  Because of her age she does have some dental issues.”
She’s getting over the insult of being left behind in a house without her humans. [LARRY HOPEFUL ASIDE: Just in case someone knows who left a dog inside an empty home, tip the Dallas County District Attorney, would ya? I think animal abandonment is, even in the time of a threatening virus, against the law in the Great State of Texas and, also, in the County of Dallas.]
The 10-pound dog, Judi wrote, “seems to have some curvature of her spine, but not sure whether that’s the result of being fearful or her recent surgery.”

That brings us to Karma (44056122), a 40-pound, year-old “Terrier Pit/Staffordshire Bullog mix” — how’s that for a family tree? She came into the shelter on the 20th as a stray. And she’s clearly an Earhound. Judi writes, “Her stand up ears and Boston Terrier-like markings make her adorable. She’s friendly, happy, outgoing, easy-going, and very playful. She loves toys and if you throw a toy she will run and get it but she will also find toys and entertain herself with them. If you’re looking for a playmate or someone to go to the dog park with, Karma would be an excellent choice. That way you could get your exercise at the same time.”
See more Mesquite animals by going to the city’s shelter site HERE.
Among the cats is #43972737, a 5-year-old boy known as Big Tom — he came in on March 6.
Remember, ask about Mesquite’s animals onine by emailing [email protected] — call the shelter at 972-216-6283. Use their shelter ID numbers to enhance the process.
[LARRY ASIDE: Here’s a special note to people who leave a little dog living in fear alone in a house: “Dear Creeps, !#%%&^***+#%^&-))78^ in a Texas prison without air-conditioning.” Pardon my French.”]
CONTEMPLATIONS
ELVIS THE PARROT, SIGNS AND TEMPERS
You may remember that a couple of weekends ago we posted photos of the critters who live with former Dallas Morning Newsers Walt and Sandy Stallings in rural Bandera. One of those critters is a parrot named Elvis. On Sunday Sandy posted this.
When I sent Sandy a note about using Elvis’ photo she wrote back, “I literally put the last piece in place and he started eating the puzzle.” Timing — parrots must be known for their timing. Elvis is, of course, a hunka, hunka of feathering love.
…Our pal Diane Combs, the veteran critter advocate, went past the Walnut Hill Rec Center over the weekend and spotted a sign that read, “If at first you don’t succeed, don’t try skydiving.” Now, that’s some humor for the viral era — you’re not going to walk into a crowded store and come out with a case of skydiving.

We’re on one of those neighborhood message sites in Eastern Fort Worth and Sunday I saw a message that read: “Tempers on the Rise. While taking dogs for their stroll we decided to take Meadowbrook to avoid all the loose dogs in the neighborhood. Well, we didn't even make it half way before we encountered two seperate situations of people screaming at each other and about to start a physical altercation. Social distancing was definitely not on their minds, lol. We decided to turn back because we were unsure of what may happen next ... didn't want to wait to see if guns would be drawn. Hoping everyone can try to keep themselves together for the good of the rest of us.Staying home is boring I understand but for heaven's sake if you're coming out if your home please be on your best behavior.”
But one guy, perhaps, pegged this correctly when he wrote, “I think things are as usual. We just have more free time to post.”
—- GIVE US YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD BY CLICKING ON ‘COMMENT’ BELOW OR BY EMAILING [email protected]. —-

SHELTERING IN PLACE? GO AHEAD AND NAP...

For the final weekend of March 2020, we present our Shelter in Place Edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. And, as you possibly know, travelers from New Jersey are being told they have to go into quarantine once they get to Texas.
That’s the way thing are going right now, but that does not keep us from appreciating this report from Andy Fisher, executive director of our Eastern Seaboard Bureau on beautiful Indian Lake in the Garden State’s town of Denville.
We’ve posted photos of these two Jersey rescued souls before so you may be familiar with the dog Maxie and the cat Chloe. They are setting the theme for this edition, i.e., sheltering in place at the lakeside estate and allowing their staff — Andy, Annie and Ian — to tend to them during these interesting times.
Andy titled Maxie’s photo “The Lakefront Squire” and wrote, “Maxie, out for his afternoon stroll around the yard, takes a break under the big old maple tree.”
 The second photo, that of Chloe turning a long flat box bottom into a place of sheltering was taken on March 25 which, in the Catholic Church, is St. Dismas’ Day, honoring the repentant thief who was crucified with Jesus, according to church history. Andy wrote, ”Chloe just thinks it’s Boxing Day.” (LRP NOTE: Every day is Chloe Day at Indian Lake, so the fact that Boxing Day is the day after Christmas does not affect her idea of sheltering in place in a box.]
In keeping with the sheltering in place theme exhibited by the wonderful Chloe and Maxie in New Jersey, we cite some Lone Star State residents who also have spent their years learning how to “shelter in place” while disguising it as a nap.
You see my sturdy and wise companion, the famed black and white cat The Senator, sheltering in two different places. One is in the U.S. mail receptacle on the table in our breakfast nook. If it looks like a box, The Senator will try it out. 
In the second photo, The Senator discovered a due-to-be discarded box that once held frozen chocolate croissants that were used at an office gathering. Martha put the box on the floor so I’d put it in the recycle bin. The Senator saw the pastry box as an opportunity to “shelter in place” and curled up inside the cardboard cube. Only a veteran cat can curl in a cube.
FYI, when the senator was done sheltering, Martha flipped the box over, reinforced its seams with tape, cut a circular hole in the bottom the size of our Rottie Earl’s dish and turned it into a reliable table so the ol’ fellow wouldn’t have to bend down so far to eat his meals. [LARRY ASIDE: If you have to shelter in place, you want someone with you who knows how to convert trash into a practical implement.]
The final photo is that of our Border Collie/Chocolate Lab mix Dudley the Angel as he shelters in place on the living room rug. He’s in front of the big cabinet that features a cubby hole in which my yulespouse Martha keeps a display of miniature Santa Claus figures. That almost gets us to Chloe’s “Boxing Day” celebration.
As you can tell from the look on Dudley’s face, he has embraced the great quote given to Ebenezer Scrooge by author Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol. Mr. Scrooge said, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
Of course, Scrooge never had to cope with empty paper product aisles and, when he wanted, he could step out of his London abode and walk down to El Palacio Tex-Mex de la Reina for ale and chips. 
Some day my chips will come.
[DEAR READERS: Email photos of your slumbering, sheltering in place dogs and cats and any other critters or in-laws to [email protected] and readlarrypowell.com will spotlight them in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dog’s Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Remember, you’re setting a positive example for people who wonder if they need a cat or dog in their lives. And you’re helping insomniacs believe that they, too, can catch some sleep if they can figure out how to compress their bodies into a box built for compact frozen pastries.]
—— Offer opinions or tips for sheltering in domestic tranquility by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

FOR FRIDAY'S EDITION: Animals saved; some are waiting; and we contemplate a kid's birthday

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Here we are, reaching Friday -- completing an entire workweek of "shelter in place" and anxiety and disruption. In this emotionally amped-up state, trying to avoid chocolate takes up all my energy. While sheltering in place, who needs to be adding poundage in places? I sure wish Major League Baseball had opened Thursday -- just like the schedule said it would. Stadium's might have been safe -- surely no virus could afford an opening day ticket plus pay for parking. [That photo? That's my confidant, The Senator, giving a good stretch on Thursday afternoon. He's a darned good companion. Inspirational. Makes me want to learn to nap on demand and stretch like a cat.]

LET'S TALK DALLAS ANIMALS
AND THE TELE-ADOPTION DEALS

Two things. First, Dallas Animal Services has a quarterly report HERE and that's a copy of the cover. Then there's this note: Through April 3, DAS "will be doing only 'tele-adoptions.' You can now make an appointment to speak to our adoptions staff over the phone by clicking HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: Do we not live in astounding times -- a virus moves the animal shelter even further into the 21st Century's sophisticated communications. It's like we're all stuck on HAL 9000's spaceship Discovery 1 in 2001: A Space Odyssey. We're just waiting to make human contact again -- and maybe even adopt a dog or cat while we're doing it.]
That cat? No name, but a number: ID#A1098779. This handsome fellow may be 10 years old, the DAS staff thinks. He's been at the shelter since March 17. Neutered already, he's listed as a ""black Tabby and brown Domestic Shorthair."
That girl Sapphira (A107229) is a spayed Cane Corso, the shelter says. She may be 8 years old. Came into the shelter on March 23 and as of Thursday evening was on "stray hold" with a "pre-adoption pending." Still might need an adoptor. Email DASadopt@ dallascityhall.com.

Remember this: You can click on dallasanimalservices.org and see the animals currently waiting for adoption in either the shelter or a foster home or an off-site adoption facility. As of around 3 p.m. Thursday, DAS had 181 dogs and 30 cats waiting for homes --- way, way down from pre-virus numbers. The single "other" listing was for a female Guinea Pig and she is listed as "adoption pending."
MAGNIFICENT MILLIE
GETS A BREAK!
Tami Kukla first tipped us to the case of Magnificent Millie, "The Cadbury Rabbit Dog" in Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. Millie, in the shelter for 5 months, was on the brink of a needle.
But Tami reports, Magnificent Millie has acquired a foster. And how about that!
Every now and then, a shelter dog finds a different place to shelter. (See Thursday's edition for Millie's background information.)
THE SCOOBY SITUATION
IN WOOD COUNTY, TEXAS
Oh, boy, we told you about this one earlier. Remember? Scooby was confiscated and cared for by the Wood County Sheriff's office. An attempt was made to get him back to the people who once had him, but that fell through and Scooby was given a Friday euthanasia date. 
But there's good news from Gail Whelan and CAN Adoptions. She'd been hustling up interested in this boy. Here's the story from Gail: "A wonderful young man and his girlfriend came to meet Scooby today.  He has extensive experience with Pits and is willing to see if Scooby can be adoptable.  I need to have Scooby neutered, vaccinated, and heartworm tested on Monday (and could really use financial help).  The sheriff has agreed to let him stay one more week while he recuperates from his neuter surgery.  Then the young man is going to take Scooby for TRAINING and foster him."
In her note to people who pledged on Scooby's behalf and to people who forwarded his story around the universe, Gail wrote, "I CANNOT GIVE ENOUGH THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR CARING ABOUT THIS THROW AWAY DOG OUT IN THE COUNTRY!!!!"

Gail frequently needs help getting other animals to safety. Keep her contact information handy -- she could use a "way to go" note every now and then. Call 903-967-3226 and [email protected]. She periodically runs into tough cases made tougher by don't care people.
THEN THERE'S BENNETT,
A CALM AND GENTLE YOUNGSTER
This pitch for a Mesquite Animal Services former "stray" comes from the volunteer biographer Debra Chisholm who says Bennett (44056414) is an "adorable boy" who came in as a stray on the 20th. Mixed breed fellow. Weighs 51 pounds, he's about 3 and not neutered.
 Debra writes, "This youngster is delightful--has a well-mannered, calm and gentle personality and is a sweet-natured fellow.  He knows the sit command, loves to receive treats and takes them gently.  He was interested in exploring the shelter yard and enjoyed stretching his legs during the photo shoot.  He walked nicely on a leash and when led through the bay he did not react to the other dogs who were barking at him."
 Debra says, "Please help his stay at the shelter be a short one."  [LARRY ASIDE: Look at that face! Perfect for taking in your hands and nose-nuzzling, right my fellow dogfans?] Use his ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE TIMES, THE TWIN CITIES & THE KID
OK, I'm sick of "living in interesting times." And that reminds me of the virus and it's alleged origin. For many decades I've heard the line, "There's a Chinese curse that says 'May you live in interesting times'." But I did some research and it appears to NOT be a Chinese curse. Here's a link to The Quote Investigator. ...
I still read The Texarkana Gazette, my first newspaper, and nowadays you can get news bulletins from the paper. Late Wednesday an alert read that the mayors of the Twin Cities -- Texarkana, Texas, and Texarkana, Ark. --- had teamed to establish a "curfew affecting all citizens of both cities." They must stay in their homes from10 p.m. until 6 a.m. daily. The curfew went into effect immediately on the Texas side and the next day on the Arkansas side. Don't know if this has anything to do with that, but the Arkansas side has all the liquor stores. ...
My final contemplation for the day is a "Happy Birthday" for our eldest grandchild, the fabulously artistic Hannah Rose (yellow sunglasses in black and white pose), older sister of tennis player Emily Grace and jazz pianist Connor "Crash" Powell. On the 27th Hannah Rose turns 19, is well into her "College Era" and has a wicked sense of humor. It runs in the family. A caution for those of you who have brand new kids and grandkids, 19 years goes by in a split-second. That toddler photo was Hannah Rose about 17 years ago watching our twins -- Hannah's dad Bart and his brother Bret, known as "Uncle Buck" since she was born -- play softball.
For people who are actually 19? My advice is watch your step and pay attention to Baby Boomers' advice because we are some wise-ass people. Pardon my entirely accurate French.
--- Offer opinions or protests by clicking on 'comment' below or email [email protected]. ---

HIGHLIGHTING ANIMAL OPPORTUNITIES AND REMEMBERING A VETERAN...

EDITION OF THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 [PetPowellPress] I mowed the backyard Wednesday afternoon and the whole time was listening to news about the virus and, you know what, it depressed me. Might have been the unexpected heat of the day that got to me. But, then, when I came in I got some news about honoring a Marine Vietnam veteran who became a journalist and a set a high bar for husbands.
ONE MORE LOOK AT SCOOBY,
DOG ON A FRIDAY DEADLINE
Yes, we wrote about this guy for our most recent edition but things have changed. Donations are well beyond the $350 mark to try to save his life. He was confiscated by the Wood County Sheriff's office, a deputy fostered him, people fell for Scooby and, yet, there has been no life-saving adoption. Friday is his last day, according to our tipster Gail Whelan of Can-Adoptions. Offer to save Scooby's life by emailing Gail at [email protected] or call 903-957-3226.
The clock is ticking. This isn't anything to ignore. Scooby's got to have a hero.
TAKE A LOOK AT THESE PUPPIES
;
AND READ ABOUT THEIR MOMMA
These are more dogs in East Texas and have you ever seen a more beautiful litter? 
We were tipped on these pups by Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com. She'd gotten the info from, yep, Gal Wheelan. 
Here's the deal: These pups are 6 week old and have had their first vaccinations. Gail says they'll be adoptable after their 2nd set of vaccinations in 3-4 weeks: They're getting all the life-protecting measures puppies ought to get. How did they come to be? 

Here's the story from Gail: "A beautiful little dog was seen for months living in a cemetery in a small town. A wonderful woman spent 4 months feeding her every day to gain her trust and eventually was able to bring her home. Ten days later she gave birth to 8 gorgeous puppies. There are at least 3 or maybe 4 fathers in this litter and we have no way of knowing exactly who they were. The mom is a Red Heeler and Basenji cross. She is about 25-30 pounds.
"These puppies have been hand-raised -- loved, cuddled, and touched since the day they were born. They have been inside only. We believe they will all be medium sized dogs.
"If you have interest in any of the puppies, we are taking applications so that, hopefully, we can have homes ready for them." You'll have to sign a contract to finish their vaccinations and spaying/neutering. Email Gail at [email protected].
Here's the ID on the puppies: Reese, Blossom, Bonnie, Buster. Then, Cinder, Oakley, Racer and Rayban.
And the momma dog? Gail says, "Yes, she is keeping momma dog. Poor little angel.  Brenda put collars on the puppies Monday so we could take them to the vet and momma dog came up to her, put her paws on her knees and waiting for HER collar!!!   She wanted one, too!!!"

God bless the soul that saved these babies.
AN INFLUENTIAL VOICE
FROM DALLAS' PAST
Readlarrypowell.com and many other animal-advocate types always enjoyed running into James Bias when he was the top executive at the SPCA of Texas. Now, in these tough virus times, he's taking a guiding role in Connecticut where he's Executive Director of the Connecticut Humane Society. 
Click HERE to learn how he's guiding the Connecticut Humane Society through these trying times.
MAGNIFICENT MILLIE
READY TO AUDITION
FOR LIFE AS A DOG
The girl is Magnificent Millie, a resident of Fort Worth Animal Care and Control. The story of her desperate spot came from Tami Kukla and was forwarded by a lot of people. Here's Tami's note: 
"Magnificent Millie has been waiting 5 months for a home. Patiently. And we only have 9 hours left to save her. We have to save her. She doesn't understand why no one hasn't adopted her yet. She truly could try out to be the Cadbury Bunny. And she is just gorgeous and loves to cuddle. This girl has heart. We need a creative solution and someone to at least decide to let her do a sleepover for a week to start. Between everyone we all know there has to be someone who is ready to foster or adopt and wants a bff. Or someone who may have another pet but could keep them separate. We need your help and a tag sent to [email protected] by 8 am tomorrow [Thursday]. 5 months is too long to wait and we can't let her down now and lose her."
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE MARINE WHO BECAME A JOURNALIST
This is a very personal Contemplation about a guy I met in the mid-1970s when we were both youngish and happy to do journalism at whatever they'd pay us. Here's what sent me reeling down my own memory lane.
 His wife Carol sent an email with the subject line "In memory of Bob Bocell." It jarred me. She wrote, "Just wanted you to know. Some of our best 'early married' days were spent with you."
 That was way back in the mid-'70s when I was named editor of the Grand Prairie Daily News -- Bob was the city hall reporter and Carol Chapin, the Missouri veterinarian's daughter, was reporting on several things. All three of us had basically just met at the newspaper in downtown Grand Prairie. Pretty soon Bob, the Vietnam veteran Marine, was head-over-heels and so was Carol. 
My little boys were about 4 and became enamored of Bob and Carol. It was a loving, entertaining time for kids and grown-ups.
But on Wednesday afternoon, Carol's note read: "My beloved Bob peacefully passed away this beautiful Texas morning, March 24, 2020. Shortly thereafter, in a moving Final Salute at Arlington Memorial Hospital, Bob was honored for his service in the United States Marine Corps. More than 50 hospital staffers and nearby friends lined the long hallway as the flag-draped gurney passed by."

Bob was born on Sept 23, 1948 -- about six weeks before I was born. We worked together at not just the Grand Prairie paper, but also at The Dallas Morning News. And we laughed a lot. He could tell stories, he could make wisecracks, he could be sweet and understanding. Will people talks about all this stuff at his funeral?
Carol's note carried this information: "A customary memorial service with family and friends is not possible during our current national health crisis. Instead, please consider honoring Bob by flying your American flag this Saturday, March 28.

"The family respectfully requests no flowers or food gifts. Memorial contributions may be made to Mission Arlington at missionarlington.org."

Then Carol's note gets to the explanation of circumstances: "I am immeasurably grateful for your friendship, prayers and support as Bob lived these last 25 years with Huntington's Disease."

She closes with this: "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28

I included those last two paragraphs because Bob and Carol are not the only people in the nation to have encountered this misery-producing Huntington's Disease. The folk singer Woodie Guthrie, Arlo's dad, was a victim. Maybe you'll find comfort in the Bible verse in these odd times in our nation.
Maybe you, too, know Bob and Carol -- they have lived a genuine love story.

Bob and I -- back in the days of using film in cameras -- used to develop news photos in the little lab at the Daily News. Were we proud of that work in the darkroom? Sure. But what really made us proud was the time someone in advertising complained to the publisher that we were laughing too much in the dark room and nobody should be laughing that much at the newspaper. Hah. I'm still laughing. It's a tribute to a Marine who earned the right to laugh.
-- Click on "comment" below or email [email protected] --

ASSORTED ANIMALS IN A FIX; STUFF TO PONDER

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MARCH 24-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 [PetPowellPress] We're a little late getting off the starting line for this edition -- it's not the virus, it's the household plumbing. Someone soldered a pipe in a wall long before we bought the house and, yep, the unfortunate repair blew up behind the shower wall late Friday and spewed hot water into the area inaccessible by anything except a hammer or a Star Trek phaser.  We called a genuine plumber who knew what to do. It will come as no surprise to anyone who's seen me stumped by a screwdriver that I do not possess keen knowledge of plumbing. My range of knowledge is this: It works. It doesn't work.
Is that not a cute dog? Has nothing to do with a virus, but I need a photo in this spot. Read on.
HERE'S AN IDEA: People who are sheltering in place and who are prone to dumping animals or not properly tending to escape-prone animals should change their ways and shelter smarter in place than they'd planned to do. Take this time off from your usual "too busy to care schedule" or "too dense to think about it" plan for the day and show some responsibility with your animals. You could be the critter hero of the pandemic.
[LARRY ASIDE: If this appeal works, somebody let me know. I'm not holding my breath.]

MEANWHILE IN EAST TEXAS,
NO MORE REPRIEVES FOR SCOOBY
(UNLESS ONE GOOD HEART SCOOBY DOs THE RIGHT THING)...
This is a story that has been going on for a while. The dog was confiscated by the Wood County Sheriff's Department, fostered by a deputy and is apparently a pretty swell dog. 
An attempt to reunite the dog with someone from his past went awry (not the sheriff's fault!), so now Scooby's on the clock. He'd gotten one euthanasia reprieve until March 20, but now the absolute euthanasia date is Friday the 27th. NO MORE REPRIEVES unless that special person steps up, reports Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network. (She's got transportation for the pup.)
 And, someone made a $200 donation to help this "incredibly sweet, young, male dog" beat the odds.
To help save Wood County Scooby's life, email Gail at [email protected] or call 903-967-3226.
NEW ARRANGEMENTS
FOR FRIENDS OUT AT THE LAKE
The Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake are determined to continuing helping animals during this virus thing.
The note from Friends' legendary spokesperson Sydney Busch reads, "Starting next Tuesday, March 31, Friends [Clinic in Gun Barrel City] will be open from 10-2 for non-surgical services (vaccinations, heartworm testing, etc) EXCEPT FELINE FELV/FIV TESTING. Dr. Robert Garcia, who has headed the non-surgical services for Friends since 2015, will continue doing so."

How will they pull this off? Aha, here's the answer: "Every person who plans to attend this will have her/his temperature taken before entering the building – and only 3 clients at a time will be allowed to enter.  Anyone with a fever or showing symptoms will be turned away."
Details are at friendsoftheanimals.org.
[LARRY ASIDE: And here is one of my favorite Friends of the Animals' rules: "There is a surcharge on every service for those animals not spayed/neutered.  This surcharge is refundable upon proof of this surgery (and does not have to be done by us). Questions?  Call Sydney @ 903-451-4701." Yes, it's a Clinic with a spay/neuter mission.]
MEANWHILE, GET THIS:
A STRAY HAD NO CHIP!
Yeah, what are the odds in North Texas, right? Anyway, Amy Poskey, the veteran Carrollton animal-in-a-fix spotter, sent this note: "Hey, everyone, this handsome boy was found as a stray and, unfortunately, he's not chipped.  His caregiver, Sara, reports that he's a very good pup, loves animals and people, walks beautifully on a leash, and is doing great with crate training and learning commands.  He's very young so he's still working on housetraining, but is showing improvement.  He's probably not neutered or vaccinated, but Debra Myers has graciously offered to cover that cost if a reputable rescue is able to make room for this angel."

Here's the contact; Debra at 940-367-4627 or email [email protected].
 [LARRY ASIDE: In that second photo, the pup looks as if he'd be right at home on an air mattress in somebody's hot summer swimming pool!]
SPAY NEUTER NETWORK
HAS SOME NEW STRATEGIES
This notice arrived Tuesday afternoon from the enduring Spay Neuter Network: "Our Dallas clinic and Fort Worth clinics are currently closed through April 4. Our Crandall clinic will be closed March 30 through April 3. Flea prevention and heartworm medication can be ordered by emailing [email protected]. You can find out additional information about how to schedule spay-neuter surgeries or safety protocols for walk-in vaccines by CLICKING HERE. Remember, things change in the viral world. Maybe for the better at some point!

THIS IS LIZZIE,
A GENUINE EARHOUND
One of our Mesquite Animal Services volunteer biographers, Debra Chisholm, sent this note about Lizzie (see our opening photo today), described as "an American Pit Bull/American Bulldog/Staffordshire Bull terrier mix." Clearly Lizzie is, more succinctly, an Earhound of the Cutely Lop-eared Variety.
The 56-pound girl came in as a stray on March 20. Debra's note reads, "This little charmer walks nicely on a leash and when led through the bay, she did not have negative reactions to the other dogs.  At this point, she is a bit standoffish.  She has a calm and laid-back personality.  She is sweet-natured and is cautiously friendly.  During the photo session she did her business in the shelter yard so may be house-trained.  She appears to have had a litter.  My heart went out to this youngster because she seems so unsure of herself and why she is at the shelter.  She is calm and gentle and oh-so-sweet.  Please help her out of the shelter front door by networking or tagging at [email protected], typing in the subject line TAG, ID 44042131.  You can contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email the address above.  There is currently a special on adoption fees of $20."
Then, there's the SAGA OF APOLLO, another Mesquite dog, but this guy has a bad luck story. Biographer Judi Brown writes, "I’m sending out Apollo again because he was adopted and then surrendered through no fault of his own. Although  the potential adopter was told that a big dog like Apollo would not do well in an apartment, he was adopted anyway. The apartment manager said that he exceeded the weight allowed in their apartment. He’s a beautiful boy that needs a second chance! This time hopefully someone will have a large yard for him to run in when he’s not sharing the couch with them.  Apollo is a 2 to 3-year-old husky/shepherd mix that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/3." The 64-pound dog is already fixed. His ID is 43709800. Call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
AND THEN THERE'S HERO. Judi says the 3-year-old, 48-pound Cane Corso/Staffie/Bulldog mix has been at the Mesquite shelter since the 19th. "This is an exceptional dog," she writes. "He captured my ❤️ from the start. For one thing he’s absolutely adorable with a personality to match. He’s very friendly, without being overly so, affectionate, sweet, obedient, mannerly , calm, and very alert. He wags his tail constantly and sparingly gives you kisses. When you sit down he comes to you to be petted. He also checked out the yard and liked to watch the people outside the gate. He sits for treats. He didn’t have a problem meeting other dogs in the bay. He particularly spent time with some smaller dogs. ... How can you not love that face? Hero weighs 48 pounds. He could be your hero!"

Call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. Be sure to mention his ID: 44053519.
MEANWHILE AT DAS
You can see slight adjustment in the number of animals at Dallas Animal Services on Tuesday afternoon. These figures are available at dallasanimalservices.org -- that's where you can see how to adopt and who's available. 
Among the cats? This guy. He's got a striking face.

But we couldn't resist posting the 3-year-old because of his name. Someone naming incoming cats must be a fan of movies and maybe even Ghost or Roadhouse or To Wong Fu, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar.
THE VIRUS GETS IN THE WAY
OF HELPING COCKER SPANIELS

The great group DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue has postponed the 8th Annual Dogleg Classic. Why? Here's the official announcement: "To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will practice social distancing. We have decided to postpone the 8th Annual Dogleg Classic until further notice. (hopefully Sept/October 2020 time frame).
"This year we had a tremendous response with 21 teams (84 players) registered. Thanks to everyone that had committed to support this wonderful cause as our organization continues to work tirelessly to rescue pups in need of finding their fur-ever home."

Read about the group or see how to adopt or help by going to dfwcockerrescue.org. 
We'd be remiss if we didn't highlight a couple of Cockers who are available -- the girls are (left to right) 10-year-old black and white Cocker Phoebe and Ollie, the 4-year-old buff girl.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A COCKER IN THE HEART; A TV SHOW; TRAINING FOR THE OLYMPICS
We have enjoyed life with a Cocker Spaniel -- Inky, the Cocker Laureate of Texas. The greatest thing is Cocker Spaniels own your heart. Forever. I haven't seen Inky since 2014, but I know he's still with me -- I can feel him and sometimes I even seem to maybe see him in the shadows in the early morning, along about the time we used to get up together and pad quietly down the hall toward the kitchen. Sorry, I felt like crying, so I did.] That's Inky giving us his impression of a hungry baseball player dreaming that he's rushed into a big league stadium and found the concession stands are open and serving Mom's Get To First Base Meatloaf. Inky had a knack for predicting the future. ...
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING? We're watching episodes of Bosch, a cop drama with personality presented on Amazon. The great Titus Welliver has the lead role as a grumpy but smart cop. One of the supporting roles in the police department is played by the splendid Amy Aquino -- she was the mean Girl Scout troop leader who made Ray Romano's character quake over cookie sales in Everybody Loves Raymond. Yeah, there's bad language and ugly events -- it's got the flavor of "reality." And I say that as a former reporter who worked the police beat off and on for years. ...
BIG ATHLETIC NEWS? Doesn't involved Major League Baseball so how big could it really be? Anyway, the 2020 Summer Olympics have been moved to 2021 -- this gives me time to train either to run the Olympic Marathon or to become an ultra-sleek, well-muscled 25-year-old gymnast. Fat chance, as they say.
--- OFFER TV ADVICE OR READING SUGGESTIONS BY CLICKING ON 'COMMENT' BELOW OR BY EMAILING [email protected] ---

RECORD LOWS AT DAS; MISSING CHIPS; THE VIRUS CHANGES AN ENDURING SCHEDULE; CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020 [PetPowellPress] OK, nobody at our house got up and rushed into Dallas Monday morning for work. The officials call it “shelter in place” but I think it’s more like “fester in place.” It’s ticking me off not to have any place to go that I’m not already sick of seeing.
Show of chip-less hands, please, how many of you will be heading toward your favorite Tex-Mex place as soon as this virus thing is lifted? I have optimism. Blind optimism. To quote a favorite Disney song from 1937’s animated Snow White, “Some daaaayyy my chippps will come….” Store-bought chips and guac just don’t have the same allure.
OK, let’s talk miracle numbers.

GOOD, GRIEF I NEVER THOUGHT
I’D SEE THESE NUMBERS IN DALLAS
In the years I’ve been writing about animals — decades, really — the only time I ever saw such low counts at the big Dallas Animal Services Shelter and Adoption Center was when it was under construction and nobody was there but stray mutts, curious cats and foraging o’possums. 
Those numbers were posted on the dallasanimalservices.org site Monday morning. K
eep in mind that at DAS “all adoptions will be free until further notice,” DAS has announced. Go to that link to fill out an adoption application ahead of time.
Here are some of the critters still waiting. That dog with the magnificent face is Javi (A1045136), a 3-year-old “blue and white Pittie” who came in as a stay on the 19th.
The only “other” on the critter list Monday morning was A1098766, this really attractive female Guinea Pig. No name yet, but if I adopted her, I thinl I’d give her a hopeful name. How about “Remedy Pigedy.”
We’re citing two cats. I’m particularly partial to Dallas cats — live with a few of them, you know. Also I’m a fan of Tabby cats — they’re interesting in a pensive way (and they know how to nap, a pursuit I may attempt while festering in place). 
The big cat is A1098779, a neutered fellow, who is thought to be 10 years old. That’s prime age territory for a tabby boy. He came in on the 17th as a stray. No name. But “Huggy Bear” comes to mind. (Shout out to Starsky & Hutch.)
And that little guy is A1097550, an 8-week-old orange Tabby who arrived on March 4. No name, either. But I think I’d go with Catster until he works out his personality.
[LARRY ASIDE: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, when all this viral stuff is over, DAS could never have dog and cat and “other” populations higher than the list it has this very Monday morning. You’d like to think Dallas could have a low shelter population without having to kill animals to make room for more unwanted animals. You’d like to think this could be achieved without having the whole damned nation living under threat of death-by-disease. Help me off this soapbox before a board snaps and I surprise a sleeping cat.]
MEANWHILE, OUT AT THE LAKE
THE VIRUS CLOSES THE CLINIC

AND POSTPONES A GALA
The Friends of the Animals Spay/Neuter Clinic in Gun Barrel City is pausing its long-running routine because of the virus threat.
An announcement on the Friends’ site reads, “In the interest of safety for our volunteers and staff - and our clients - we will be closing until further notice.  Please watch the website for more information.”
 That's friendsoftheanimals.org.
Also, the threat of Covid-19 has led organizers to reschedule the 8th Annual Whiskers & Wags Gala benefitting the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake and the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. Originally scheduled for early April, the Gala is now on the calendar for September 26. Click HERE for tickets.

VOLUNTEERS KEEP REVIEWING
AVAILABLE CRITTERS IN MESQUITE
The great thing about animal people is they just keep working — the animal are important to their hearts. The Mesquite Animal Services Shelter has volunteers who maintain the focus.
Here are some of the animals in the shelter that we have learned about thanks to Judi Brown, Debra Chisholm and others. Here we go:

That first dog is Brite (ID 44042318), a year-old, 68-pound Pointer/Dalmatian/Pittie mix, according to Judi’s hands-on report. Brite came in as a stray on March 17. Judi writes, “The owners didn’t come looking for him which is really surprising. Their loss will be your gain because this is one heck of a great dog! He’s a true southern gentleman. He’s on the timid side but definitely friendly, loving, social, gentle, calm, sweet and extremely good looking! You can just tell by looking at his sweet face that he’s a good boy. He has gorgeous brown eyes! He gives kisses and his tail wags constantly.”

This is Binky (ID 43977655), about 8 years old and a slightly chubby 13 pounds, Judi says. This Yorkie came in as a stray on March 7. You’d think someone would be missing a Yorkie, right?

“Can’t you imagine just how much cuter he will be once he gets groomed?,” Judi writes. Wants to be a lap dog. He’s rescue only right now because he has dental issues and “an enlarged prostate, possible liver disease and a collapsing trachea.” Judi emphasizes, “This seems so overwhelming and yet this little guy just keeps on trucking!” 

Then, there’s Dallas (ID 43997548), a 70-pound, 5-year-old, already spayed, retriever mix who was surrendered to Mesquite on March 10. Why?
The story reads, “The man that surrendered her was an uncle of a niece that had dropped her off for him to take care of and then never came back for her.  Since the niece’s name was on the microchip she was contacted and said she would come, but sadly she never showed up! In spite of this sad story...Dallas seems to be happy. Fact, she seems to be grinning. I think she’s thinking positively and thinking she will get a forever home this time. She’s a beautiful reddish golden color with squinty eyes. This makes her very unique. She’s timid until she gets to know you. …She likes to play Frisbee.”

For any of these animals, call the shelter at 972-216-6284 or email [email protected]. Be sure to use the ID number for the animals.
And you can see more at Mesquite’s LINK HERE.
Take a look at the cats and you’ll see that this boy Cornelious (44025750), nearly 3, is still waiting in the Cat Room for a new home. He’s quite handsome. And he’s listed as “large.” [LARRY ASIDE: A cat is only as big as you need him to be — it’s the ol’ how big is your heart thing. Is your heart big enough to live with this cat? If you think you have a smaller heart, maybe you’ll take on Stormie Dae (440523540), 8 months old and “small”. She came in on March 19 — a gray domestic shorthair. Waiting in the Cat Room.]
CONTEMPLATIONS

WEATHER, ALTERNATIVES AND DIAMONDS
Let’s talk weather. Nah, let’s talk Spring: The Old Farmer’s Almanac has a story that says 2020’s spring is the earliest one in more than a century. Here’s the LINK. We have no other springtime notes. Except, all the rain is really making the grass grow in our yard and I’m about to have to mow it again —I’m bettin’ I won’t have to mow it every 5 days after July 4 through Labor Day. …
Things people can do online because of the virus? The Scardello Cheese people in Dallas are teaching Virtual Cheese 101 online. Hosted by “Head Monger Rich Rogers and Sommelier Marco Villegas! Much like our traditional Cheese 101, Rich and Marco will guide you through the eight cheese types, paired with tasty accompaniments to showcase the different attributes in each cheese type. And the best part is, you can participate in your own home!” … The Plow & Hearth website is conducting its “first-ever Stuck At Home Sale.” I once bought some solar-powered birds from that site. Couldn’t get that out of the old Sears & Roebuck Christmas Catalog. …
And, in closing, we have a baseball suggestion for jewelers. To celebrate the return of Major League Baseball, allow people to put diamonds on lay-away for use in wedding proposals made during the first Opening Day of this season. Here’s the theme: Honor The Diamond With Love. Free usage of that marketing idea in exchange for a nose ring for my dog Porche Noel. She’s a hip chick — she’d like something silver and red. Bright red. Perhaps a glamorous ruby that dangles but won’t clang on the water dish. Here she is posing for a fashion shoot by an undisclosed magazine but we think it might be an outfit called Fuffy Rug Passion. Porche will be happy to sign autographs.
—- Offer ideas or objections by clicking on “comment” below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

FOR SPRINGTIME 2020, WE TAKE A LOOK AT LITTLE OLIVE LITTLE, A WELL-BALANCED CAT....

For the first weekend of Springtime 2020, we spotlight Little Olive Little in this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.

The humans involved are some longtime friends of readlarrypowell.com, Sandy and Walter Stallings. I met both of them when we all worked at The Dallas Morning News starting way back in the 1970s. They now live in Bandera and, as you can see from the photos, their current companions are critters. Their kids have grown up.
Sandy, the former copy clerk, has the sense of humor that gave us the caption for the photo of Little Olive Little in the pot on the fence. "I'LL HAVE TO REPOT HER," Sandy wisecracked. Walt has the sense of humor that allowed us to post that photo of the crack security unit -- the family dogs -- guarding their favorite guy. I'm sure they're in a state of "alert." 
[LARRY FYI: Sandy, Walt and I go so far back, as people say, that when my kids were little and we came upon some unwanted kittens, we managed to unload, er, give one to Sandy.]
What sort of critters does she have today? "Seven dogs and four cats. And a cussing parrot, three horses and a chicken."
That's the parrot Elvis who, Sandy swears, Walt accidentally taught a word that, in polite company, can best be described as an "unfortunate expression" from a bird.
[Sandy and Walt also have grown-up kids, Katie, who's a mom, and Meg. And there are grandkids, too: Charlie, 8; Jay, 5; and Bradley 3.]
So, here's the story of Little Olive Little. Sandy says, "Olive was apparently dropped by her negligent mama (or fell from under the hood of a car), under a bridge in San Antonio. Katie and I literally ran OVER her. Walt was following, so I jumped out at a light and saved her. We took her to have her euthanized, as she had an obvious head injury, but she was fine." 
And now Little Olive Little is at home relaxing in a flower pot.
Now, about that photo of Walt with the dogs. He's no short guy. Sandy caught the tall fellow on the couch with the gang. As she explained, "You'll love this -- it's a terrible picture, bu it made me laugh (very quietly)." 
[LARRY ASIDE: Walt, who I met when he was an editing intern from UTA, was a top editor for many, many years -- he's earned every nap he can get. That's the couple caught on camera.]

Sandy gave us the IDs on the dogs you can see with Walt. "Tippy is on the back of the couch. Rudy is under Walt’s arm. Casey is the baby—little tan fella, and Huey is white. Mac is the old man of the house. He’s pushing 15. ... Casey is the newest addition. After he had emergency surgery in January, he’s worth about $1,200 a pound!"
We'll close with the tabletop photo.
"This is Rudy," Sandy says, "He's sleeping on my 10-foot picnic table." She says the table has usually been occupied by grandkids, but business interests have taken Katie and family to another state. And Sandy really "misses my babies," she says.
Rudy apparently likes a little elbow room when he's a sleeping dog.
And, FYI, Sandy works for a veterinarian. She's always got a connection in the animal world. Not that unwanted dogs and cats ever show up unannounced at vet's office!
[SEND US PHOTOS of your slumbering dogs and cats and their life stories, too. We'll proudly post the pictures and their stories in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You'll be inspiring people to think about adopting a household companion and you'll be inspiring the world's insomniacs to believe that they, too, can get some peaceful sleep if they can just figure out a way to balance a flower pot on a fence rail and cram their bodies into it. Balance -- insomniacs seek comforting balance.]
-- Offer thoughts or emotions by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and we'll respond sweetly. ---

GOT TO BE SOME WAY TO SAVE 'EM ALL INCLUDING THESE CRITTERS...AND A HOME OFFICE TRANQUILITY TIP FOR THE VIRUS ERA

EDITION OF FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Let’s see what we can do in this edition to give us all a little respite from talking about the biggest news of the month….Superstar QB Tom Brady going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yeah, I know. How goofy can an opening paragraph be these days? OK, get serious. We’ve been spoiled by a “quick click/instant answer” 21st century lifestyle and some things just don’t work like that. Darned virus. We’re concentrating on something that might be fixed by a quick click or two: Save this dog Dusty.
We’ve already written about him once — he’s 11-years-old, is one of the rescued “Joe’s Dogs” in the southern part of Dallas County and he doesn’t have much of a chance if he’s not adopted or taken into a rescue group that’ll make sure the cheerful, congenial ol’ pup has a good home. 
Key passage from Laura Macia’s 4-Legged Helpers appeal for “Joe’s Dogs” left behind after Joe died: “The dogs have to be off the property or will be shot or euthanized by the new property owner who is apparently building some type of warehouses. If we can catch the other dogs, they at least have a place to go, but we wanted to do a special plea for this guy.”
[LARRY ASIDE: There’s enough killing in this world. The times are threatening enough already. It’s time to save lives, protect lives. Do something good. Elbow tap a salute to a good deed.]
Ask about helping Dusty or any other threatened dog by calling or texting Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
A CRISIS OUT AT THE LAKE:
FOSTER COORDINATOR NEEDED
A Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake weekend adoption was canceled and HSCCL’s Lanette Ainsworth issued an appeal that said as a result of that act things are about to get tougher. “With the ASPCA transports and adoption events being cancelled, this will not have a good outcome for fur babies at the shelter,” she wrote. “We need a Foster Coordinator! … I think this would be an hour to two a day for a few weeks in an effort to get this rolling.  Is there any of you that can help with this for a few weeks?  Or If you know someone that you can reach out to that would be the right person.”
 Email [email protected] to get details of the job and see if you match.

That intent little Tabby girl is available for adoption at HSCCL — she’s Deanna (#29-2559).

And there are many dogs along with the many cats waiting for home at HSCCL. The dog on the left is Athena (20-0597), listed as a “baby Belgian Malinois." The dog on the right is the big German Shepherd boy Judd (20-0438). 
There are many others — and, of course, readlarrypowell.com spotted a fantastic dog face — this is Albus (20-0447), listed as an adult “male Labrador Retriever” and I’m betting that’s a fellow we’d refer to as a mix. But he’s got a a great face that cries out to be loved by a human with a good heart. Don’t they all. 
The HSCCL shelter is at 10200 CR 2403 in Tool, on the southern end of Cedar Creek Lake. Call 903-432-3422.
[LARRY ASIDE: Be a sinful shame if we humans couldn’t figure out a way to keep the renegade virus from standing between us and saving the lives of animals.]
LET’S BOUNCE BACK TO WILMER
AND AN EMACIATED FELLOW…
Another report from Laura Macias with the 4-Legged Helpers, this time from Wilmer south of Dallas where this emaciated dog with leg lacerations arrived Wednesday. Some kind of Spaniel/Golden Retriever mix maybe. 
“Everyone says he’s so sweet,” Laura writes. CALL or TEXT Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
You know the situation: Small, underfunded, understaffed, under available to the public shelter in a small town on the south side of I-20 from Dallas. Other animals are waiting and 4-Legged Helpers works to get them out, but it takes other people to help, too.
[LARRY ASIDE: At some point, SOMEONE wanted this dog. Now, someone apparently DOESN’T WANT HIM. Know what that’s called? “Betrayal of the heart.” Makes me wince.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
AN ASSORTMENT, PLUS MARITAL ADVICE FOR WHEN EVERYBODY'S WORKING AT HOME...
Need some springtime sounds other than a government press conference about a virus? Try Chris Jackson’s DFW Urban Wildlife website HERE. Texas birds can be quite relaxing — unless you get a Mockingbird who thinks his job is to rattle windows. Those little rascals can shred the morning quiet. We had one at our Dallas house and I miss him. He taunted the feral cats -- inspired them to wear helmets because he wasn't too shy about dive-bombing a sauntering, inattentive cat. …
I think we reported this already, but because of the way things have been working out lately, we can get away with mentioning that the Holiday Insights online calendar people list March 9 as “National Panic Day.” It was NOT created by the Charmin people in case of a run on the product. And, it was just ONE day -- not a combination of months, so let's lay off the panic now, OK? …
A lot of people are staying home from the office these days — that means there could be two people per household staying home. That’s the case at readlarrypowell.com. But I’d like to cite this note I saw on the Facebook page of local writer Mary Dunklin —her hubby Reese Dunklin has a reputation as a pretty swell journalist, too. On her Facebook page this week she posted this entirely appropriate-for-the-era note: “
Pro tip for couples suddenly working from home together: Get yourselves an imaginary coworker to blame things on. In our apartment, Cheryl keeps leaving her dirty water cups all over the place and we really don't no what to do about her."  [LARRY FYI: Martha and I are trying to engage the right personality for the job at our house -- probably a disgruntled former presidential nomination candidate. In the meantime, things go like this: Martha walks from her office in one end of the house, I stumble from mine at the other end and we meet in the kitchen like two colleagues running into each other in the break room and arguing over who should have bought the coffee supplies. It’s still fun to see her. We elbow bump, of course.]
—- Click on “comment” to offer psychological help or arguments about government decisions or email your gripes to [email protected]. —-