ReadLarryPowell.com

WE TRY TO BEAT THE ODDS AGAINST TECHNOLOGY -- PHOTOS ENHANCE THE TEXT WHILE YOU PONDER CRITTERS

EDITION OF MAY 1, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Happy May Day. Social distancing is going to make it a little tough to dance around the May Pole. 
We were so poor when I was a kid, we didn’t have a May Pole at our school. We had to use an old Yule Log that didn't sell at a lumber company. Might have been from a sweet gum sweet tree — we were in extreme Northeast Texas.

Yeah, I don’t know if this will get to the read larrypowell. com website or not…Techno- logy has betrayed me for nearly 24 hours now. But, I’ll keep typing. It’s my mission. They don’t give me $140,000 a year to sit at this desk and smile like an ex-circus clown who can’t quite quit wearing the makeup.
Oh, wait, they don’t give me anything; I get paid in happy endings for animals and in Chocolate Chip Cookies by Martha.…That’s Porche giving me the “stink-eye” after reading this opening — she has literary standards and a lawyer and is familiar with the legal strategy “restraining order.” [That's her in-house counsel, The Senator. Very serious.]
Maybe something I type will inspire someone to adopt a dog or a cat and create a happy ending. So here come assorted notes and we’re hoping that Typepad is fired up and ready to accept the words and pictures:
A GREAT OPENING SENTENCE
IN A COCKER SPANIEL APPEAL
Well, of course, the darned virus canceled the DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue’s 8th Annual Dogleg Golf Classic on April 5, but it may be reskedded in the fall. In the meantime, with the big charity tournament on hold, there’s a need to care for the Cockers and that takes money. 

That great opening salutation and sentence on the rescue group’s latest appeal begins, “Dear Cocker Nation, April seemed like it was longer than 30 days….”
Can’t argue that. 
The reminder is that people, without a golf club in their hand, a ball in the water or an epithet on their tongues (yes, I play golf), can donate to the Cocker Rescue group by visiting North Texas Giving NOW Day. It’s officially May 5, but you can give now — it’s like early voting. When it comes to Cocker Spaniels, my late pal Inky, The Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas, used to say, “Vote early; vote often.” Go to northexasgivingday.org and find your favorite cause.
IN THE AFTERMATH, BEFORE
YOU PICK UP A FORK…
People have been talking about where they’re going first after the big lock-down is lifted. Restaurants come up. Visits with kids and grandkids. I think I might go visit Dallas Animal Services, the big shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland.
Why? Because I’ve never seen a big city shelter with just SIX CATS on its population roster. (That was as of noon on April 30.)
Some of those cats — Rosalina, Craw’Dad and Uncle Carl — we’ve mentioned before. 

And among the dogs waiting? That’s Li’l Twin (A1004216) a neutered fellow who may be about 3 years old. He’s been at the shelter since April 28 — not very long. But he’s adoptable. Email [email protected]. Set up an appointment. See more animals at dallasanimalservices.org. Make those cat listings grow by clicking on them....
[LARRY NOTE: Be nice if the fellow who cut that dog’s ears could undo the shameful act. I’m sure this was done to make a dog look “fierce” but it is just flat creepy to think that humans mutilate animals to make ‘em something they just might not be if they’re loved and taught to behave. You know: like humans.]
WHEN YOU’RE FINDING
MESSAGES IN THE EMAIL…
You know how emails stack up. Sometimes they stack up in such away that you get a message from the emails.
That’s a screen shot of my emails Thursday — Let me draw your attention to the middle one from a neighborhood message service. Someone is appealing for help with a kitten so young that its eyes aren’t open yet and it was having trouble bottle-feeding. The second was from Feral Friends, the noted feline organization, appealing for donations during the ongoing North Texas Giving Day 2020. 
The thing, if only someone would spay/neuter the roving cats and the rest of the housecats, too, then some poor woman wouldn’t face the challenge of trying to find a bottle-feeder and kitten expert to save the life of a cat that would not have been born just to be rejected by its mother.  Bless that angel who took in the kitten. [LARRY ASIDE: 
Geezalou, spay and neuter — how tough can it be? There are entire systems set up to help people with inexpensive spaying and neutering so that puppies and kittens won’t be born just to be euthanized in (usually) overcrowded shelters. Please, someone, help me off this soapbox before a slat snaps and I go tumbling inside the approved social distance between me and my happily sociallydistancedspouse Martha. She’s busy working and doesn’t need the intrusion.]
ON AN UPBEAT NOTE:
FUR BALL DATE SET
Yep, if all went well with technology, you can see the big illustration from the announ- cement Thursday by the SPCA of Texas. Get more details at furball dallas. com.
The 2020 Chair is Patricia Villareal, co-chair is Steve Atkinson, auction chair is Amber Camper and auction co-chair is Rebecca Marabito. 
Who will they be helping?

Ah, we’ve gone to spca.org, navigated to the dogs and cats and found these adorable adoptables.
 Among them are these three: Maple the Dog, Marble the Cat and Marley the Dog with eyes that don’t match but fit perfectly on that adorable dog face. I was going to try to trick you into believing that this was either a trio of Dallas Tabby Cats or Bowie County Big Nose Trufflehunds, but, of course, they’re not. They’re just good souls waiting for the right home. 
I also spotted the pasta connection at the SPCA. We’ve spotlighted Freddy Spaghetti before, but this is the first time we’ve spotted Fuseli. Two distinctly different pastas, er, cats. All at spca.org with many more.
CONTEMPLATIONS
OLD TV, MISSING PEOPLE, THINGS TO WATCH
I GOT UP to check on Martha and the dogs — they’re all sheltering in place — and there was my native-born Ol’ Texas girl Martha sitting with her laptop in front of her and just over it, the big screen tuned to Gunsmoke. The episode was The Busters starring Gary Busey, born in Goose Creek, Texas, as a cowboy who’d been kicked in the head by a horse. It’s just about the saddest Gunsmoke ever. I mean, kick your cowboy heart sad. First shown in 1975; three years later Busey is up for a Best Actor Oscar for The Buddy Holly Story. And, in 2020, there he is on the TV screen as a young cowboy — lot of road between ’75 and 2020. Some was smooth, like his performance as Eddie Lomax in the film The Firm — you know how tough it is to type “the film The Firm” without either an “l” or an “r” error?
TWO REASONS I’LL BE GLAD WHEN THIS VIRUS THING IS OVER: (1) I’m ready to visit with people in public places and (2) the woman of my dreams will stop complaining that I’m not just sheltering in place, I’m crabby in place. I’m going to take her to the Oak Cliff El Fenix on Colorado Boulevard as soon as the OK is given by whoever gives the OK for Tex-Mex food. We courted there; as did her parents, Johnny and Violet Muse. Traditions — you can’t let a virus end everything, even if some developer is warming up a wrecking ball. …

A NOTE ABOUT TELEVISION: Modern Family is gone; The Big Bang Theory is in reruns; talk shows are like watching the phone; sports is lame and you’ve already seen everything else, including all those things you binge-watched. So, just what is there to watch on TV these days. Can the news get more monotonous?
My favorite online camera, the Santa Fe Plaza Cam, has suspended its view of the fascinating crossroads in that beautiful city. But, you can still watch — live! (allegedly) —  Old Faithful, the legendary geyser in Yellowstone Park. Click HERE. Stand at least six feet away from the screen to avoid splash.

— Offer opinions and viewing tips by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing [email protected] and we’ll read your email instead of watching TV. —

testing testing woof woof

THIS IS A TEST.

JUST SEEING IF THE FOTOS WILL LOAD.

 

 

 

 

 

ASS0RTED TALES OF CATS, DOGS, HUMANS, VIRAL REACTIONS, ETC.

EDITION OF THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Well, you’ve got to figure we can agree on this: May this be the last day the State of Texas is ever “closed.”OK, let’s jump right into the day's activities. Remember, stand six feet away from the screen... Why are there no photos with this edition -- I can't get them to "load" on my website. Technoskilled people are working on it. But read on, in the meantime....
ADVENTURE CATS
NEEDING SOME HELP
We got the tip on these“far North DFW” cats from 4-Legged Helpers,the group that usually looks after animals in small southern shelters.
But these guys are different. 
The note from Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden explained that two guys caring for an ailing relative in a home spotted 4 “super tiny little babies probably 4 weeks at the most, in the backyard inside the drainage hole of the retaining wall. 
“They had noticed mommy kitty the day before with them but when it rained early yesterday [Tuesday] they were afraid babies had drowned or were lost.  Then they noticed Mommy Kitty ON THE ROOF with them where she took them by jumping up on the fence.What a good mommy kitty. Last night [Tuesday night] before it rained she brought them down.  Two were easily captured by just picking them up.  The other 2 went into a trap safe for kittens that they borrowed.  This family has them in a bathroom but will have no choice but to take them to the local kill shelter that would not be able to adopt out babies this small based on a conversation they had with the ACO. They are still working on catching mommy kitty, who may be feral, but babies are at least eating, so they can be separated and need to go immediately to a rescue.”
Contact points? “CALL or TEXTLeighann at 214-906-7680 or LAURA at 214-949-2726.”
OPERATION KINDNESS DECIDES
TO TAKE THE TELE-ADOPTION ROUTE
And, as the non-profit no-kill organization Operation Kindness notes, this adoption method is adopted just in time for April 30, i.e., National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day.
(In case you wondered, October is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Month — I looked it up.)
Anyway, to ask about adopting a dog or cat or “other” from Operation Kindness 
You sked an online “adoption counseling appointment” by filling out the adoption questionnaire on the OK website HERE https://www.operationkindness.org/..
OK has been closed since early this month due to — you haven’t heard — that darned virus. 
The organization says, basically, that it not only wants healthy animals, but healthy people, too.
We picked a dog and a cat to highlight. These two are available at Operation Kindness. Francine is clearly an Earhound. And the beautiful Mina is a 5-year-old cat, so she knows how to cohabitate with humans. [LARRY ASIDE: Living with cats? Oh, boy. It’s a matter of gently guiding humans through the nuances of the art of living with a cat. There is no handbook — all cats have different standards.

THREE READY TO GO
ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE 
Alrighty, it’s time to visit the Lancaster Animal Shelter on the southern edge of Dallas. We’re “festering in place” in the home office, but the 4-Legged Helpers folks have connections. And here are two dogs who are ready to leave the shelter and a third in a private situation — all three are ready to become blessings for a human home.
First we mention Jason, described as a “baby male Labrador Retriever or mix.” The bio reads, “The ACO checked this cutie pie's teeth and realized he still has puppy teeth.  Just a big sweet lovable puppy at about 5-6 months of age.  He is sweet and lovable and just as cute as can be with big feet and long ears. LOVES everyone and everything.  SO precious and sweet.  ADORABLE.  He is on … stray hold till end of week.”
Then there’s Max, also known as “Jack,” a boy Kelpie we’ve mentioned before. You know the story — out running around and was captured. He’s the do who was picked up by an ACO as the dog romped on a service road next to a busy highway. The blog reads: “The ACO believes someone may have purposely left him there and he was waiting for them to come back.  So sad.  Can you please give him the home he truly deserves?  He is extremely loving. Very chill dog that goes in and out of the kennel with no resistance and walked great on the leash.  We asked weight and ACO said he is very sturdy (SO cute),  LOL, so might be close to 60 pounds just based on his cute body shape. Should probably weigh closer to regular Kelpie size at 40 pounds if he lost some weight.”
That brings us to Beau, young, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated… He’s a Retriever/Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix. 
Bio says, “You honestly won't meet a sweeter dog anywhere than Beau.  He is the best boy.  Beau is not at the shelter - he showed up as a stray at a Good Samaritan's house in the county but he desperately needs a great home.  He is GREAT with other dogs, even very small ones as you can see in the picture.  He is very special, very lovable, and just as sweet as can be.   It has been noticed he may love cats a little too much, if you know what we mean, so a cat free home would be best. Perfect dog for anyone looking for a young dog that just so very much wants to be loved.”
For these dogs, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]
SOME HAPPY NEWS
ABOUT SEBASTIAN’S
LIFE AS MARLEY
Here’s the way this rescue thing started: “This handsome, sweet boy is Sebastian … Sadly, his former owner didn't seem to care much about him so his neighbor bought Sebastian to get him out of his horrible living conditions, but she can't keep him.  Sebastian has had a rough start but he's so sweet and deserves his happily-ever-after!”
And, now, our tipster Amy Poskey happily reports the “ever-after” situation. “Sebastian, n/k/a Marley, has found his happily-ever-after in a big way!!!  A very sweet couple who live in Carrollton, TX adopted him and they just adore him!  They provided a great vet reference and sent a virtual tour of their home before the meet and greet and the rest is history!  Marley has been sleeping with his momma at night so he will feel safe and secure in his new home and he has enjoyed meeting lots of new people (friends & family), going for walks, playing in the backyard and taking naps.  They are treating his HW, as well.  Marley is such a sweet, loving boy with a great temperament and his new momma and daddy are crazy about him!  I'm just so happy for Marley!!!  :) Amy.” [LARRY ASIDE: Don’t you love it when one heroic gesture leads to a houseful of happiness?]

CONTEMPLATIONS

HAIRSTYLES, THE DAS CAT & SCARY MOVIES AT NIGHT….
On a lark — well, not actually on a lark, that would be cruel to the bird…So, on a whim, I looked at Holiday Insights and discovered that the online calendar lists April 30 as Hairstyle Appreciation Day. So, celebrate! Celebrate! Either celebrate the hairstyle that’s evolved during the shelter and grow in place or celebrate the one you’re going to get as soon as you can secure an appointment once the governor decides Texas hair matters….
In Wednesday’s edition I went on and on about the little cat killed by stubborn behavior at Dallas Animal Services in 2010. Probably the last time I will do that. Who knows? Every time I think about it, I get mad all over again. The cat needs to be honored for making a difference that may have saved so many other animals. Don’t think part of my Lotto Texas winning isn’t already spoken for under “Budget: Memorials, The Dallas Cat…” Might write a book about it. And FYI: This cat, 10-year-old Craw’Dad, is still waiting — see him at dallasanimalservices.org. …
A favorite memory from the 1960s: For no particular reason, this just popped up in the “Perpetual Flashback Drive” that runs my brain between actual thoughts and strategic planning. Back in the ‘60s, For a few years on Saturday nights KSLA-TV (Channel 12 in Shreveport) presented a late night ( 10:30 p.m., “late” for the ‘60s on the edge of the Old South) movie program hosted by Evilun. A bunch of us church kids, probably around the end of junior high and start of high school, would gather at some church friend’s house and watch the scary movies. Some kids thought they were funny. At least one wasn’t quite sure that there was a line of demarcation between movie monsters and the late night shadows along Hazel Street in Texarkana. That kid was an insomniac. Thank you, Doctor, for allowing me to bring this up in the group session today. Sign me, still creeped out by the first Invasion of the Body Snatchers. In this era of people in masks, try not to wonder about space aliens walking among us. 
—- If you ARE human, feel free to leave an opinion or treatment by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

DAS POPULATION THINS; SPCA HONORED, SETS ADOPTION PLAN; A CAT WITH A PUNCHLINE; AN IMPORTANT SHELTER EVENT 10 YEARS AGO

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020 [PetPowellPress] One hundred and 35 dogs and 10 cats — that was the total listed at dallasanimalservices.org Tuesday morning — I copied that chart right off the website.
I realize the numbers could change upwardly by dozens by sunrise Wednesday, but, honestly, in my entire time of monitoring DAS’ population and volunteer/professional efforts to keep the shelter population down, I never thought I’d see such small numbers.
Where have all the dogs and cats gone?
There can’t be that many people fighting a virus by adopting a shelter animal. Robust foster and rescue partner programs? Devoted hearts challenging the virus to save lives of dogs and cats? Fit ‘em all for halos. 
Here’s the daily report card from DAS for the 27th.
All of this is available to the reading public at dallasanimalservices.org — you click on the “ADOPT-A-PET” button on the left on that page— that’ll get you to the dogs and cats and “other.” No “other” right now, of course. 
Back out of that, then go to the left again and click on the ABOUT DAS button and that opens a whole bunch of statistical info for you.
You can set up an appointment to adopt, rescue, reclaim. It’s all explained at dallasanimalservices.org.
 That beautiful “red American Pit Bull Terrier” is Ramona, about 7 years old and in the shelter since March 8. Her # is A1085941. She’s available to rescue groups only — email [email protected]. [LARRY ASIDE: She’s 7. How many people have said they’d love her forever and how many didn’t?]
And that Siamese cat is Posh Spice (A1100274), at the shelter since April 23. The shelter thinks she’s 7 years old. Seven. Needs a home that will adore a Siamese — and who wouldn’t adore a Siamese? 
Craw’Dad (A1099691) is still waiting. He’s about 10. He came in on the 25th and is on stray hold. But, seriously, shouldn’t the people have already, desperately, checked with DAS to find their boy? 
And they’re not all old — this last girl is Rosalina (A1095900), about 9 weeks old and in the shelter since the 25th. [LARRY ASIDE: Her hairline resembles that of my senior advisor, The Senator, but that would be impossible to link up the two in a father/daughter way since The Senator had his surgery years and years ago. “It allows me to keep my focus on the political issues of the day without straying,” The Senator once explained during an appearance promoting spaying and neutering and responsible government budgeting. I might have made that part up — larry.]
MEANWHILE, THE SPCA OF TEXAS
HAS BEGUN APPOINTMENT ADOPTIONS 

(PLUS, ONE MORE HIGH POINT)
Before we get the adoptions-by-appointment plan, on Tuesday afternoon we got word from The SPCA of Texas that the legendary non-profit has been honored with with its “fifth consecutive 4-star rating” by Charity Navigator, “America’s largest independent charity evaluator.” The organization says it awards a 4-star rating to “only 15 percent of the charities [it] evaluates.” The news release praises the SPCA’s “strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.” [Read more about the SPCA and how to get involved at spca.org.]

In the meantime, that may resemble a sheet of cat stamps, but really, it’s just a portion of the available

felines at the SPCA of Texas. If you click on it you can get a better look at the "mug shots" and see the incredible variety of “cat faces.” We’ve featured one or two of them before — Freddy Spaghetti, I remember because of his name. 
The SPCA has developed a way to adopt animals without breaking any rules or regulations. We got the news of this in an email from the SPCA of Texas.
According to the announcement, The SPCA is “now offering adoptions on an appointment basis, as we continue to have many wonderful animals in need of new homes. Adoptions will be available by appointment only every Thursday and Saturday. Adoption counseling will be done virtually, and curb-side pickups will be offered whenever possible so that in-person meet and greets can be kept to a minimum. Adopters will need to submit an adoption inquiry form in order to begin the tele-adoption process and schedule an appointment to complete the adoption.”
More details are available at spca.org and you can see the available animals at spcafindapet.com. And the SPCA says, “Please browse our available animals and visit spca.org/dogadopt to inquire about a dog or spca.org/catadopt to inquire about a cat.”
As you can see from the “postponed” artwork, the SPCA’s really popular annual event Strut Your Mutt (postponed in March), is moving from the original date, May 9, to the fall — so, yep, you and the mutts will ease through summer and get to strut in cooler weather! Maybe.
And here’s a snapshot of some of the many dogs waiting for homes at the SPCA. Dogfaces — a great reason to fall in love with a dog!
Remember, a dog's face is a reflection of your soul...Oh, there's probably no truth to that, but didn't it sound wise? Maybe the dog you adopt will turn out to show the pathway to your heart.

ONE DIVINE LOOK
AT THE ROLE OF CATS

We spotted this wonderful story because our pal Lisa Konkoly Buick. the animal advocate, tipped us to the tale.
I hope you enjoy it. Click on it to make it grow big enough for anybody old enough to know there's "large print" books to be able to read it.
And I hope you take your good humor into our Contemplations, the feature that follows it for this edition.

[LARRY ASIDE: As our Dear Readers know, Readlarrypowell.com is consistently a big fan of cats. The fact that the cat in this story is funny comes as no surprise to the staff at Readlarrypowell.com. We've seen cats at work.]


CONTEMPLATIONS
A CAT NOTE — A SINCERE ‘OK, WHY CAN’T WE DO THIS?’
We’re coming up on a 10-year anniversary of despicable human behavior in the City of Dallas. It’s the anniversary of the May, 2010, death of a cat — an event that changed the way Dallas Animal Services operates.

I’ve only been writing about DAS for a couple of decades, not nearly as long as some rescuers and advocates who fought the great battles. Anybody remember that dinky, smelly, dark and depressing, perpetually underfunded and overloaded shelter that was on property adjacent to the Dallas Zoo? It hardly invited potential adoptors to stop by. 

The “new” Dallas Animal Services Shelter and Adoption Center at I-30 and Westmoreland opened in 2007 and is a triumph of municipal democracy. People made their wishes for better animal services known and the city government (finally) responded to positive votes in bond elections years earlier and built the new shelter. The “animal people” forcefully, relentlessly influenced the city into creating a respectable place for animals “not yet wanted” or “dumped” or “ignored” by some of the stellar “don’t care” citizenry of Dallas.
In May of 2010 there was this one frightened cat — we don’t even know what it looked like; could have looked like your cat — that escaped the grip of an employee and fled into the space above a loose ceiling tile then, dropped in to the space behind the wall of the employee break room.
The city didn’t euthanize this cat. It also didn't rescue the cat.
Consequently, the ugly death of this cat made things different for all animals to come after May 2010. Nobody in charge would kick a hole in the cheap wallboard and let the cat out. 
Oh, yes, testimony in the subsequent felony cruelty trial in January 2011 showed that employees tried to get the OK to help the cat out of this terrifying situation. No dice. After several days, the cat quit crying, quit scratching, quit breathing in the cramped, dark space inside a wall. Why did someone finally cut a hole in the wall? Because the rotting corpse gave off a horrifying stench.

Once again, we must note that virtually none of the kind and decent advances in animal control would have happened if not for an unpleasant death at the new shelter. 
And since that day in 2010 and the trial the next year, no telling how many people have adopted cats and dogs without knowing that one of the reasons the shelter is animal- and people-friendlier is a dead cat made the city government look at the way things were operating.
The felony cruelty case led to a trial and that produced disgusting testimony of human behavior and, yet, an unexpected not guilty verdict. No matter the verdict, the facts were established and the cat was still dead.
 But there were post-event personnel changes and city sensitivities that changed and that all evolved into policy changes. And, yes, more voter eyes have the opportunity to watch the DAS and city officials (hired and elected) at work — there are public Dallas Animal Commission meetings, you know, when there aren’t virus challenges.

So, here we are 10 years after the most dramatic changes in Dallas Animal Services and animal-protecting history in the town and there’s not a damned thing that has been done to honor the cat who, because of human cruelty, ironically had its life taken in a place called a “shelter.” How do you like that, Dallas taxpayers?
That unknown cat — nobody knows or could testify if it was a boy or a girl or a feral or a stray — deserves to be honored at the shelter in some way that confirms that in Dallas an animal’s life is respected by the city and its citizens. 
You wouldn’t think that would be a difficult thing to do, right? 
A nice statue with a plaque at the entrance to the big shelter — that would be a good start and it would speak louder than words. It would represent all animals that come through the shelter and, yes, all people who come there seeking companionship, and, yes, all people who do honorable, kind, protective work for the City of Dallas and its animals.
The inscription could read:

“For Rescued Cats, Dogs and Other Animals and the Humans They Comfort.
This monument honors a Cat That Was Not Loved But Made a Difference With Its Life.
— Remembering May 2010, When The Shelter Changed.”

Call it a “reminder” to always do the right thing.
—- Offer opinions or ways to accomplish this recognition of a key moment in animal life in Dallas by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing Larry Powell at [email protected]. And for additional information on this incident, read writer Andrea Grimes’ insightful January 2011 story in The Dallas Observer HERE. God bless that tortured cat. —-

SOMETIMES THE HUMANS HAVE THE HEARTS AND THAT'S A GOOD THING FOR THE ANIMALS...

EDITION OF TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Our stories today take us on a journey that introduces dogs with something in common -- experience with the human heart. Oliver and Mack (the cat), are looking for the right hearts.
Fat Daddy has had a wrenching experience with a human heart. But a little guy named George Bailey turned out to have a great big heart -- and the hearts who love him know it. Read on...
HERE’S A DOG, OLIVER,
& AN EARHOUND, MACK
You know how a photo of a critter can catch your eye? That’s what happened when a few people linked me up with this guy Oliver, currently in the care of the Oak Hill Animal Rescue Inc.
Look at that happy face — he’s clearly a fan of going for a car ride. I think, if I read the note properly, this was posted by Janet Newell Stovall. And it reads, “Such A Charmer Love Him….God. he’s beyond Sweet...full of hugs kisses. see pics on comments. He needs deserves to be in a family. dog friendly.  he's waiting for you!!!!

“❤️OLIVER ( “But YOU Can Call Me Ollie”) has run away with my heart❣️ Boerboel Mix ( from S. Africa)... Loyal, Social, Confident. Loves People and Pets! Sharing this Lover-of-a-Boy to find a Lucky Foster—Nobody can Luv ya’ back better....❤️ Come on Texans.... A Boerboal is The Best Pup You Will Ever Know❣️Look at That Face.... Foster or Adopt Ollie..... He Has The Heart To Be Family🧡❤️🧡”
His original foster family — he’s been waiting a while — said Oliver is “loving and likes to play. He’s housebroken and crate-trained. No whining. He’s learning to sit and stay. He likes to lay outside and enjoy the sun.”

No cats, they say. 
But if YOU want a cat, Oak Hill has several including this guy Mack —he’s blessed with not only great whiskers but with a sensational set of ears, too.

To ask about either of these two cuties any other Oak Hill dog and/or cat, you can call 972-287-9150 or email [email protected]. Just Google Oak Hill Animal Rescue and you’ll see a couple of ways to see the available adorables.
THEY CALL HIM FAT DADDY
BUT HE’S REALLY ‘SWEET BOY.’
[LARRY ASIDE: My Dear Animal Respecting Readers, grip your gracefulness because parts of this story are really going to pi — hold on, I mean really going to “tick” you off. I’d call it like I see it, but I can’t use the words.... OK, I’m letting my heartsickness for this dog get in the way of finding a home for Fat Daddy. Here’s the story.]
We got this from Debra Chisholm, one of the volunteers who continues to hustle on behalf of Mesquite Animal Services residents in this time of limited access to the personalities in the shelter.
 She reports that the owner who surrendered the dog gave this handsome “American Bulldog/Olde English Bulldogge” mix the name Fat Daddy. 
The sweet boy arrived at the shelter on March 30 and went into bite quarantine. Debra writes, “The bite was a minor one and involved him jumping on a senior citizen from excitement and accidentally scratching the person.  Though the shelter staff has contacted the owners, they opted not to reclaim.  He weighs 68 pounds, is about 5 years old and is neutered.  The shelter staff member who did this evaluation reported the following:  He is so sweet and can make you smile, no matter what.  He loves to play, is very treat-motivated and takes them gently.  He walks OK on a leash but will pull when seeing other dogs or small animals.  He is very friendly and will go up to everyone to greet them.  He was dog tested with a female dog and did fantastic. … He leaves his kennel clean and does his business in the yard, so may be housetrained.  He can be mouthy sometimes but will stop immediately when instructed to do so.”
 Now here comes the other “rub” about the owner and this dog: Fat Daddy is heartworm positive.
That’s fixable. All he needs is a human who actually gives a hoot about him. 
His shelter number is 44097326. Use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or [email protected]. In this Era of The Virus, you need to make an appointment to get to know this great dog.
[LARRY IN RETROSPECT: Possibly it is a good thing that his owner didn’t want him back. That may have saved his life. He’s got shelter people on his side and maybe some other people, too!]
CONTEMPLATIONS
A REALLY HEARTFELT
TRIBUTE TO A LITTLE DOG
AND HIS WONDERFUL LIFE
I saw this on the Facebook page of an ol’ colleague in journalism, Raul Reyes. The veteran reporter wrote movingly of the day he and the missus, Lynda Vaughan, a great editor who is also a former colleague, got this dog. We’ve written before about their love for animals. This time the focus is this wonderful little dog and his moving on last week.
The blanket photo below was taken all those years ago in Dallas. The first photo more recently at their home in Galveston. Grab some tissue and read Raul’s tribute:

“In 2000 we drove to Oklahoma from Dallas and rescued this scared little boy who had been used for hunting bait. He was under the covers on Linda’s lap and poked his head out as we crossed the Red River back to Texas. We named him Bailey after the character George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. He’s been with us all these years until yesterday. He was a yapper, a feisty little guy who loved to sit in the sun, run with the big dogs and always looked forward to dinner. At more than 20 years of age, he faded this week and we gently said goodbye to him yesterday. Bailey had a wonderful life just like his namesake.”
[LARRY POSTSCRIPT: I’m not sure we need any other contemplations today. It’s a good time in our lives to think about how we humans treat animals. “Hunting bait” becomes a wonderful little guy in Raul’s recollection. In Debra’s appeal for a shelter dog, the guy who should have loved his dog forever signs the pup over to a shelter locked up in the American battle against a lethal virus. 
How do we persuade our fellow humans to be the guardians of the animals? To be the dependable souls? Isn’t there something in their hearts that says, “I sure want that dog to love me” or “It would sure be a tribute if that cat crawled up in my lap and began to purr during the evening news.”
Every time I think I’m simpleminded about this animal adoration, I get to read something written by a writer with a heart — like Raul Reyes. It is there that I clearly see the connection between a human and a dog. Bailey wasn’t just a piece of property — he was family. May Fat Daddy soon find himself feeling just like “family.” If you know the right human, tell ‘em their dog is waiting.]
—- Offer an opinion or a solution by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

WINE ON ROOF OFF ROOF BUT IT'S ONLINE; DOGS, CATS; JERRY'S BOAT, MUSIC & NEIMAN MARCUS

[EDITION OF MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020] Before we get to the untamed virus that has resulted in the first Wine On The Roof OFF The Roof But Online fundraiser for East Lake Pet Orphanage, allow me to direct your attention to the photograph on the right.
You see there a bit of phonecam artwork that has been titled Total Eclipse of the Cat.
On Saturday night I glanced across the room and saw Martha multitasking on the OTHER side of a mountain of cat. We were watching Father Brown and she was looking at photos on her Kindle while giving some expert ear-scratching to Simon, the formerly tiny kitten. 
As we have done for many cats and puppies through the years, we’d have been proud to get ELPO to place Simon, but things kind of worked our for him at our house and he fit right in at any size he was becoming.
I’m surprised he didn’t need a fork lift to get up on the arm of the chair. He’s some boy — maybe the biggest cat cuddler we’ve ever had.
 And he is evidence that (as many animal people will tell you), having all this time with your companions is a great opportunity to consider how each has blessed your days and your life.
Whoa! That sounds entirely too serious for a Monday, but, when I was looking for light-hearted ways to make a point, Simon sat on my six-volume copy of the Encyclopedia of Serious Moments. It’s a 10-volume set, but the dog ate four of ‘em. That’s what Simon says.

TAKING WINE OFF THE ROOF
AND INTO AN ONLINE SPOT, or
‘ONE MUST MAKE ALLOWANCES WHEN WE ARE UP AGAINST A VIRUS….

In each of the previous 18 years, East Lake Pet Orphanage has hosted a big party on the roof of the facility at 10101 E. Northwest Highway in Dallas. But this year — well, darnit — this year that virus has changed human behavior, so the 19th Annual Wine on the Roof party, originally set for Saturday night, has been converted to an online fund-raiser. 
It will run through Cinco de Mayo, also known this year as “North Texas Giving Day” or, as some would call it, “May 5.” You can bid and donate online.
Here’s the way Dr. Karen Fling explained the change: “Wine on the Roof is our primary fundraiser for the East Lake Pet Orphanage and I’m so grateful to our generous supporters for helping us rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for stray and abandoned dogs, cats, and other animals. Every year we try to make the event just a little bigger and better for our friends – both old and new. This year we need your support more than ever. We have been inundated with pets being surrendered by owners due to the Pandemic.”

Between now and the May 5 deadline, there is online bidding for all sorts of human activity, artwork, prizes, etc. You can even bid on Alamo Drafthouse movie tickets — you may want to show your faith in the future by bidding on movie tickets! Go to www.wineontheroof.com or call 214-342-3100.
The theme this year is “Diamonds Are Fur-ever.” At the online site, you can look at the inventory and you’ll see the whimsical oil-on-canvas painting titled “Twelve Emotional Dogs.” [LARRY NOTE: My techno skills may have diminished the impact,  so go to the online sight and get a better look at those faces! People are bidding on it.]

Our ELPO tipster, the animal fan/public relations executive Vicki Young of The Young Company, sent word of this change in “method” over the weekend. The event helps dogs and cats, puppies and kittens, pigs now and then, and other animals find homes where they’ll be loved. 
A lot of those cats arrive as kittens. For example, those little black cats — On ELPO’s Facebook page, the text read, “House panther fans rejoice! We have a spectacular litter of SEVEN black kittens. They are only about 4 weeks old, so it will be a few weeks until they are ready for homes, but we’re taking applications now.” Call ELPO at 214-342-CATS or fill out an application at ELPO.org. 
And that last photo came from ELPO’s Facebook page — it was the celebration photo of the wonderful moment a family adopted an ELPO favorite cat, Simba.
Those masks may be able to keep a virus out, but they’re sure not hiding the happiness of Simba’s new family, are they?”

THE CLINIC IS OPEN;
THERE ARE RULES
The Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, operators of the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas, will be on the job Tuesday. 
Our tipster, longtime Friends spokesperson Sydney Busch, says your critter can get “low-cost vaccinations, heartworm testing, microchipping, other non-surgical services” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Clinic. Questions: Call 903-451-4701. The rules are you have to behave and mind the guidelines for the virus era in Texas.
TWO DOGS AND UNCLE CARL
FROM DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES
Just for the heck of it we went to dallasanimalservices.org Sunday afternoon to see the count on dogs and cats as the weekend was ending. There were 14 cats and 139 dogs. And among the dogs is BB, this 10-year-old, brown brindle, already spayed Mastiff mix. (She’s A1075926.) Came into the shelter on February 12. [LARRY THEORY: Before the virus, when the shelter was hosting hundreds of dogs at a time, 10-year-old BB wouldn’t have lasted very long.]

The little guy with the sad face has a name that would virtually guarantee an adoption in late November through Christmas — George Bailey (A1085226). He’s a 3-year-old tricolor Beagle mix who came into the shelter on Feb. 23. Perhaps soon he’ll be able to send a postcard to DAS and declare, “It’s a wonderful life.”

That cat? The orange fellow plastered against the wall? That is “Uncle Carl,” (A1100302), currently on “stray hold” — he came into the shelter on April 24, so either nobody’s missing him or they’re waiting to say, “Yeah, we used to have a cat. He never came back home. I don’t know whatever happened to him. Cats are pretty easy to replace.” [LARRY ASIDE: Perhaps I am wrong. It’s just that I’ve seen such behavior out of people. It’s the reason I fantasize about applying the 2020 Model of the Readlarrypowell.com Two-by-Four of Enlightenment. But, of course, that would be wrong. Wrong, but right.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
JERRY’S YACHT, MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS, NEIMAN'S? REALLY, NEIMAN MARCUS? SAY IT AIN’T SO!
WHEN IT COMES TO THE NFL DRAFT, WE ARE WONDERING. Yes, the big question right now is how did sea captain/Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones get that 357-foot yacht, the Bravo Eugenia, into White Rock Lake for the NFL draft. Easy. Not a lot of traffic on the highways these days, so he just drove it up from Florida on a flatbed, to Central to Mockingbird, then east to the lake and backed it down a boat ramp into the lake. You have to be able to do that to get a driver’s license in Arkansas. The City of Dallas is trying to work a deal to sell tickets for “Sail the Lake With Jerry” tours through the start of two-a-day workouts at The Star in Frisco. I'm kidding -- that's not Jerry's pickup with the yacht -- may not even me White rock Lake. But the story sure sounds like it could happen, doesn't it. Like the Cowboys going to a Super Bowl ever again.
ON HIS REAL NEWS PR daily “Rundown” of news, our pal, the animal fan/veteran broadcast reporter/consultant Jeff Crilley includes a segment called TOTALLY RANDOM TRIVIA. On Sunday the question was “Saturday Night Fever (1977) is the second bestselling soundtrack of all time. Can you name #1?” Yeah, that’s a tough one, isn’t it! You ain’t gonna believe it. Here’s a hint: Houston. Speaking of Texas, Number 14 on the list of best-selling soundtracks has a Texas connection. It’s King George’s 1992 movie, Pure Country, according to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America. The guy who wrote the roundup typed, “Not bad for a movie that only grossed $15 million (and one you’ve probably never heard of.” I checked the byline it wasn’t “By Buddy Jackson.” Here’s THE LINK to the list.
THE NEIMAN MARCUS QUESTION arises in my world: Would the World’s Greatest Department Store and Legend from Dallas be undergoing these “bankruptcy” challenges if Stanley Marcus were still with us? Neiman Marcus still means something to Dallas, doesn’t it? Of course, stores have changed. But here’s a quote from Stanley Marcus that explains some of that: “Consumers are statistics. Customers are people.” “Mr. Stanley,” as he was known, wrote a book called Minding The Store; the comic actor Jerry Lewis made a movie called “Who’s Minding the Store.” Not sure which one is at work right now.
—- Offer opinions or solutions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] —-

KALI: AN INSPIRATIONAL DOG DURING A WORK-AT-HOME TIME IN THE WORLD

As we endure another weekend of sheltering in place, perhaps we need an uplifting approach to being at home with our furry family members.
Fortunately, when I opened my computer for business during the week, I spotted rescuer/advocate Amy Moore’s wonderful tribute to the spectacular Kali, one of the family dogs. 

Kali is an ideal subject for our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. And, more importantly, perhaps, you’ll see that she inspires a happy human existence. Here’s how Amy expressed the emotions of a person working at home with Kali nearby. Amy wrote:

“I love being able to work from home right now. I get to spend time with my ❤️ furbabies ❤️. Kali is such a sweet old girl. She is so misunderstood by so many. God brought her into our lives because he knew we would love and protect her forever. She is so grey now. Arthritis is setting in (we believe). She cries long and loud sometimes (have started her on meds to help with that). She just looks so peaceful right now. Makes my heart ❤️ happy.”
We first wrote of Kali for our Aug. 14, 2015, edition of Let Sleeping Dogs, etc., This is the photo we used — it is Kali continuing to sleep even though she has Amy’s big right toe in her mouth.
How did Kali wind up with the rescuers Amy and David?
For our 2020 edition, Amy recalled, “Kali came to me in 2013 when her owner was being deployed to Iraq.   We quickly found out she had some fear aggression, but we work with a behaviorist and our veterinarians to keep her happy, well balanced, and safe.  
“While some people thought she was disposable and thought she should be euthanized, we knew she was safe and happy in our home.   So we fought, with the help of many, to keep her.  Seven years later, she is loving life.   She gets pure joy out of sleeping on our bed or sofa; or hanging out with us wherever we go in the house or yard.  Each morning after breakfast she gets the zoomies with her brothers and wrestles for a good 5 minutes, then they are out for the rest of the afternoon. :)
“I've never had a giant breed live into the double digits.  She had heartworm treatment when she first came to us at the age of 3 and that hasn't stopped her.  At the ripe ol' age of 9.5, she is graying, but she doesn't let that slow her down.  She is the one we swear will live forever!” 

And that other sleeper? That’s the household goose — wait, let me rephrase. That is the household’s Goose. Amy says he’s a survivor of the devastating tornado that hit Moore, Okla., in May of 2013.
 She also says Goose is “rotten.” That probably was the goal. Spoil him rotten. She says, “He has had 2 knee surgeries and he is diabetic. Every time I say ‘Poor Goose,’ David says, ‘Yeah, poor Goose! So mistreated. Just look at him!’ “
And, there you have it, two dogs who have mastered the art of “Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie…”
As you read this, look around your house and be grateful for the animals that are keeping you company without asking, “Where’s your mask?” or “What is your temperature?” or “Do you have any more Shelter in Place Treats?”
[PLEASE SEND photos of your slumbering dogs and cats to Larry Powell at [email protected]. Readlarrypowell.com will post them in our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be inspiring other people to give animals a chance in their home and you’ll be persuading the Global Insomniacs that they, too, can get some sleep if they’ll just find the right spot to shelter in place and ignore the world. My cat, Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson, in a full-on nap in this photo, encourages you to send those photos and bios right now -- before you have to go back to work and you lose track of the pleasures of life -- again.]
—- Offer ideas or confessions by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

FROM MOWING WE MOVE TO BIG BOY, RUGER, TWO CATS, BIG TEX AND CONTEMPLATIONS...

EDITION OF FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 [PetPowellPress] I could have sheltered in place Wednesday, but the day was Thursday. I’ve been confused lately. Anybody else encountering Shelter-in-Place Calendorical Disorientation? Oh, I made up “calendorical” — the real word is calendric.
Anyway, on Thursday, I decided to mow in place. We have a big yard. A couple of hours later, I was back in the house, still sweating in place and grateful its April and not August.
While it wasn’t quite a visit to the Dallas Arboretum, it was a nice experience. I didn’t have to stay 6-feet away from the daffodils. The dogs and cats were asleep in the house. Martha was at work in her office. 
It was me, the mower and the bugs. It all seemed so normal. For these days.
That’s my darlin’ Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson who said, “Please don’t tell me another story of your tough childhood” and shoved her head into my neck. Then she whispered, “I was a front porch kitten — at least you were born in a hospital.”
A RIGHTEOUS DECLARATION
FOR A DOG WHO IS LOVED.
Ginger Leach, our longtime tipster with Fort Worth Animal Care and Control, forwarded a report on a dog and had what may be the greatest declaration of love you can see for a big ol’ dawg. She wrote, “I love this big ole meat head.”
And FWACC’s Paige King provided the bio for Big Boy (#43350173), a 6-year-old, 63-pound Pittie mix who came into the shelter on — get this — DECEMBER 3. There’s a video of Big Boy HERE.
Paige’s report reads, “He’s very sweet and I’ve taken many random videos of him in his kennel (he will always sit for his treats) but this is the first time I’ve taken him out.
“I’m not sure why he’s still waiting because he was really good. He’s big but he was good on leash, sat for his treats and was very friendly.
“He has a yellow dot which means he’s been out with other dogs but his size and energy level may have caused issues. He isn’t dog aggressive or reactive but he’s a lot of dog. I love him!”

He can be adopted, fostered locally or rescued. Contact the Fort Worth shelter by email only: [email protected].
LOOKING AT THE COUNT
AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES
We keep up with Dallas’ numbers by going to dallasanimalservices.org and clicking on “adopt a pet.” On Thursday afternoon, the count for dogs waiting was 131 — there were just 16 cats.
One of those cats is this handsome fellow Oliver (A1100122), a 14-year-old tabby currently in a foster home. A 14-year-old cat oughta be lounging in place on somebody’s couch.
We’ve mentioned Craw’Dad (A1099691) previously — he’s in a foster home, too — he is 10 years old. Again, a 10-year-old cat oughta be lounging in place on somebody’s couch — could be Oliver’s couch. Two cats can be a great bit of fun. [LARRY ASIDE: And as someone who has older cats, there is a certain philosophical benefit to seeing “older cats” moving like you wish you could move. Our cats give me hope that I will, at some point, be playing softball on a team again. Might be a bad team, but it would be a team with heart.]

HERE’S ANOTHER DOG
WHO JUST ‘SHOWED UP’
This tale is from over in East Texas where Gail Whelan rescues animals and helps them through Companion Animal Network.
Gail took him to the vet Wednesday. She says, “He showed up on a woman's porch.  GREAT DOG.  But BIG.  He will need an experienced adopter or foster.  He is one year of age and the vet thinks Boxer/Catahoula/Lab/whatever.  He is 75 pounds and full of p___ and vinegar.  Sweet boy!  Did great at the vet.  He has had his vaccs, hw test negative, being wormed.  Will be neutered soon. …Named him RUGER.” To help the Companion Animal Network with placing him, call 903-967-3226 or email [email protected].
[LARRY ASIDE: Is there any particular reason people dump animals on rural roads in East Texas? Do they think all dogs go to the house they were dumped at and live happily ever after? Or, are they cousins to the village idiots who dump dogs and cats in big cities? This is all another one of your mysteries of human behavior.]
THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS:

BIG TEX LITTLE LONE STARS CLUB
How about this. Got kids 12 and younger that you know? This info came from the State Fair of Texas on Thursday. And the opening paragraph of the explains the mission: “We could all use a bit of cheer right now, which is why Big Tex has a special announcement for cowboys and cowgirls ages 12 and younger. The State Fair of Texas is excited to introduce the Big Tex Little Lone Stars Club. This brand-new club is a free membership for young fans of the Fair aimed at keeping Little Lone Stars busy at home, while learning about all things State Fair.

“Each summer, from May to September, the State Fair of Texas will deliver free, fun, Fair-related activities for your kiddos straight to your mailbox. Each member of the Big Tex Little Lone Stars Club will receive their own package – so be sure you register each individual child in your household. A few days before the mailings are scheduled to be delivered, parents will receive an email reminder, so you can be on the lookout for that special delivery from Big Tex.”

There you have the basics. And the release from the State Fair's PR Executive Veep Karissa Condoianis also says the “Little Lone Stars will receive a special sneak peek of the upcoming Fair in September and a birthday card from Big Tex, himself! Birthday cards will be sent out every month throughout the year, starting May 2020.”
Click on bigtex.com/LittleLoneStarsClub to register. Limited number of memberships, the Fair says.

[LARRY ASIDE: What’s that? When’s the State Fair of Texas 2020 — runs September 25-October 18. And, readlarrypowell.com is looking forward to it. The theme is “Celebrating Texas Icons.”]

CONTEMPLATIONS
MOWING IN THE ‘60S; LISTENING TO THE DELAY; MASKING THE FACE
HOW DOES a grown man mow the giant yard in 2020? Had my cellphone tuned to the ‘60s on 6 channel on Sirius XM. It was like being a teenage boy all over again, except in that era I mowed with a transistor radio until the 9-volt battery died. The only thing in orbit, probably, was the American communications satellite Echo and maybe a Russian cosmonaut or an American chimp or, maybe, a human member of the Mercury Space Program. Not sure any kid who mowed lawns to make money ever made it into space. FYI: These days there are things a lot like my teenage years: My evening meals can be handed to me through the open window of my car. …
MICROPHONING IN PLACE? The only variety in a shelter at home life on TV is whether Ryan Seacrest will co-host with Kelly Ripa on Live with Kelly & Ryan. On Tuesday, Seacrest had the day off and the sub was Kelly’s hubby, the previously un-mustachioed Mark Consuelos of Riverdale. So? Well, here’s so: Usually there’s a disturbing satellite or online delay between the comments of Ryan and Kelly. But with her stand-in co-host/hubby in the same room on the same mike, no irritating delay!!! And, isn’t that what we all want in this time of the Corona Virus? NO IRRITATING DELAY.
A THEORY? Beat the virus, then open the bars, er, churches — let me rephrase: Open the churches, then the bars, stores, parks, restaurants — anything that’s been closed. open it again and drive up the price of oil. But, seriously, does the price of gasoline have to go back to the upper $2 mark? Here’s the deal: Open those things when we’re definitely safe from this virus. I’d be wearing a bubble boy suit if eBay had one in my size. My sewingspouse Martha keeps me in masks, but, after weeks and weeks of no break from my mug, she may make masks because she’s sick of looking at me.
—— Offer enlightenment by clicking on ‘comments’ or emailing [email protected]. —-

INSPIRATIONAL MOMENTS; SAVING ANIMALS IN SPITE OF/BECAUSE OF HUMANS; CONTEMPLATING EARTH DAY, HISTORY & BIRDS

EDITION OF THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2019 [PetPowellPress] April has been moving so swiftly that I plum forgot Wednesday was not just Lotto Texas day, but also Earth Day.
 We spent Earth Day sheltering in place under an alert for “threatening weather.” So far so good.
THE POPPY CONNECTION
WITH A WRITER AND A DOG
In the gentle aftermath of Earth Day (one hopes), I thought it might be nice to post something uplifting and, as it turns out, the path takes us to a second uplifting discovery.
My longtime friend and former colleague at The Big Paper Downtown, the great writer Leslie Barker Garcia, is a bit of a fitness nut — like “animal nut,” I find “fitness nut” an entirely endearing term.
So among the things I did on Earth Day was take a look at Leslie’s Facebook page where she posts what she has titled “Moment of Grace on Today’s Walk.” And I hope she turns that into a book for those of us who need to have grace pointed out to us now and then.
This time she posted this great photo of flowers and the text: “Moment of grace on today's walk: Loving the color, loving the name of this little beauty. All about being uplifted and entertained by saying POPPY out loud (and way more than once)...that's me.”
So, while I was still smiling at that, I spotted another post on the Highland Park kid’s page. It took me to Balch Springs, the little town on the southeastern side of Dallas and right into the Balch Springs Animal Shelter. Leslie posts appeals from Balch Springs on her page. This one was not an appeal, but a revelation of a happy outcome at the shelter.
You see there a heeler dog of some sort. And if you look at his video HERE
you’ll see what shape he was in emotionally. 
You’ll also see a headline that reads “AWESOME NEWS!!” followed by this, the awesome-indeed outcome written by someone at the shelter: “This little guy found a 200-acre working ranch to move into. There he will be able to integrate into a family life, and have all the space a little cow dog could ever need to run around.”

See more dogs needing some help finding a home by going to the Balch Springs Animal Shelter page HERE.
And, remember, on Earth Day, while looking for something uplifting, an ol’ newshound clicked onto an old friend’s page and found both a “Moment of Grace” with bright red blossoms and a happy ending for a dog.
That’s a good moment on an Earth Day. I hope Thursday is up to meeting the challenge. 

A KELPIE COMES
TO LANCASTER
Heck, he may already have been in Lancaster -- he wasn't carrying any ID when he was rescued by the local animal control officer. We got the word on the latest Lancaster Animal Shelter addition from Laura Macias of 4-Legged Helpers.
This guy is Max, a Kelpie, i.e., an Australian Sheepdog. He’s a sturdy 60 pounds and has had all of his shots, Laura’s note says. 
How did a Kelpie wind up in a small-town Texas animal shelter? 
Laura reports, “This beautiful dog was picked up by the ACO as Max was out and about having the best time. Unfortunately it was on the service road, next to the highway, not a good place for a sweet dog to be. The ACO believes someone may have purposely left him there and he was waiting for them to come back.  So sad.  Can you please give him the home he truly deserves? He is extremely loving.” To ask about helping Max the Kelpie, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
Those, by the way, are the same contact points for this wonderful girl Chloe, currently waiting in the Lancaster shelter — it has been a long wait.
 Here bio reads, “Chloe is a complete sweetie pie.  Loves to roll over and have her tummy petted. Know obedience commands including shake. Great with other adult dogs but her buddies at the shelter all included very chill males dogs her size or larger, so if someone has another dog, that type of dog might work well.  She is really cute and funny.  Very cuddly.  A sweetheart that is so, so cute and precious.  Would make such a great companion dog.  Loves to ride in the car.  Clearly has been someone's much beloved dog but no one knows where she came from and was found out and about on her own.  Adores all people of all sizes.”
[LARRY ASIDE: I see in this dog's face a little bit of the character Wallace Shawn portrayed in The Princess Bride. Great smile, happiness and a twinkle.]
TWO FROM MESQUITE:

ONE IS A BIT TIMID,
ONE IS EDGY WITH MEN
These tips come from the volunteer Mesquite Animal Shelter biographers Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm. As you may know, Mesquite needs an appointment if you are wanting to tag or adopt an animal. Because volunteers can’t visit the shelter, they are basically interviewing staffers about the animals and "reporting stories." 
Whether the volunteers get into the shelter or not, the animals still need a way out. So Judi and Debra and others keep hustling on behalf of the animals sheltering in a shelter place.
Kennedy (#44124965) is a 2-year-old Blue Heeler/Border Collie mix who was surrendered at the shelter on April 6. The owners said they were moving. The dog — a bit nervous — has been in bite quarantine, but staffers have “been working with him and he seems to be warming up to them.” Judi describes him as “cautiously friendly.” She suggests an investment of time and good human behavior will help the 42-pound guy come around.
This guy is Patch Adams (#44121589), a 42-pound Pittie Mix. he’s neutered and about a year old. He was adopted on April 17, then returned the next day. Man trouble.
The bio reads: “Adopter stated that Patch was perfect with women but didn't like her husband (reason for the return).  At the shelter he has been selective with whom he likes.  It doesn't seem to be based on gender. When he was at the vet to get neutered it was reported he did just fine.  The majority of their staff is female. A dog test was conducted and he began growling and lunging while wagging his tail.  Another dog test was conducted with the same results.  These tests were done with male dogs.  Another test was done in which Patch was walked with a female dog and he did 'fantastic.'  He really wanted to play and interact with Honey but she wasn't interested.  Possibly prefers female dogs.  Patch is very high energy.  He knows the shake and sit commands.  He is treat motivated.  Patch was OK on a leash--kept running side to side but not pulling.  He was so excited to be outside during the photo session.  Patch needs obedience training just like all pups do to become more adoptable.”

THE PREGNANT CAT
WAITING IN HOUSTON
Just when you think North Texas has cornered the market on poorly treated cats, you’ll get a note from someone with a Houston Connection.
This baby is in Houston’s BARC Shelter. She’s A1690919. The BARC note reads, “This friendly girl has a lot of problems!  First, she’s very pregnant, she dragging one of her rear legs—possible nerve damage, and she has a wound on her back near her tail.  The first time we have staff available for surgery is 4-23-20.  It would be much better if she could leave the shelter ASAP, to get the medical attention she needs.” 
Here’s the key information: 
“To place a hold on a dog or cat please contact: [email protected]."
CONTEMPLATIONS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT, LOOKING BACK, THE SOUND OUTSIDE
I’m not sure food helps thought, sometimes, unless the thought is “I think I’m gonna have another piece of that pie.” While sheltering in place, we should not be defined by what we’re eating, right? Just what are you eating that you should not be eating in such quantities while sheltering in place. M&Ms (how many varieties”)…. PopTarts …. Homemade right out of the icebox fake bologna sandwiches with extra mayo and cheese? … Popcorn (makes me miss going to the movies) … Pizza … ---Steamed broccoli? Grilled Brussels Sprouts?-- those are unlikely -- Nachos? Cheese in any way — fried, stuffed into jalapenos, melted on a veggie burger… Stop the madness. Don’t let the virus undermine a sturdy diet. I’m typing to myself, of course.
BACK TO HISTORICAL NOTES:
If my research is correct, the first Earth Day was in April 22, 1970… roughly six months after Moratorium Day, the Oct. 15, 1969, national demonstration against the war in Vietnam. (Moratorium march on Washington was a month later and is said to have brought a half-million war protesters to the Mall.)Things were exciting back then — we had great rock and roll and a war but we didn’t have a freakin’ virus. If you were sheltering in place in 1969 and ’70, you were either in the Richard Nixon White House or in Southeast Asia, not in your comfy home in your comfy hometown. God bless all of you who served — from the heart. When I think of that era, I don’t really think of “grandpas who went to Vietnam,” I still see the faces of kids who are on the brink of leaving their teenage years and I see young adults barely old enough to vote. Men and women. Many books have been written about the era. There really aren’t any happy endings….
LOCALLY, THAT SOUND OUTSIDE — the familiar songs of our neighborhood birds — not there under the threat of storms on Earth Day. Ever notice that birds do something humans aren’t allowed to do these days? Birds get to flock. They pay no attention to TV reports and government declarations, except, I notice, they are staying at least six feet away from humans.
—- Offer opinions and solutions by clicking on ‘comments’ below or email [email protected]. —-