ReadLarryPowell.com

KELLY GETS A HOME; DOGS AND A ONE-EYED CAT ARE WAITING; A TRIBUTE TO CARL REINER

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2020 [PetPowellPress] It is a spectacular feeling to start a month with a positive report about a dog that had been in a negative situation.
On Tuesday afternoon we got the good news about Kelly from our two favorite Mesquite Animal Services critter biographers Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm. I'd asked our pal Judi if she'd heard anything about Kelly -- known by some as "the bite dog" and by others as "the dog who 'wet' herself..." after a bite incident -- a kid she didn't know shoved a hand into the dog's dish.
But during evening rush hour Tuesday, Judi responded to my query with a joyous note: "Per Debra: Kelly left with this nice man today. This man lives with his father. He says that Kelly will be treated royally. They have a large backyard, but Kelly will be in the house whenever she wants to.  Look at her smile. She knows this was her lucky day!"

Yep, in the age of Americans in Masks, this beautiful dog with the bright eyes (that's her shelter photo) gives you a reason to smile behind your safety gear!
NOW, WE TURN TO
TWO MORE MESQUITE DOGS
We're doing this in honor of Kelly -- may her life always be good and may her story of love and triumph always inspire people to give all shelter animals a place in their hearts.
[LARRY ASIDE: We're happily noting the availability of Raven, a Great Dane mix, because, yes, we once lived with the great Hambone Jack, the Canine King of the Blues, a Great Dane/Lab mix who owned us for more than a decade. I found him in Kiest Park -- nobody else wanted him. They passed up a great friend. I hope you know someone who needs a great friend.]
Here's what our bio-writing Mesquite shelter volunteer pal Judi Brown tells us about Raven, a 3-year-old Dane mix who came in as a stray on June 25. Judi writes, "Raven has the potential of being Black Beauty! She weighs 75 pounds and is malnourished. She is being fed extra feedings at the shelter, but you can tell that this previous neglect has taken a toll on her once shiny coat. Now she just needs someone to cherish and nourish her with food and love. I guarantee you will be rewarded. You can tell by looking into her imploring eyes that she is a kind, gentle, affectionate girl. Several of the volunteers that have worked with her rave about her. They say all she wants to do is stand by you and be loved on! I imagine once she puts on a little weight and is out of the shelter she will be a bit more energetic. Her eyes are weeping. She walks well on a leash. ... She went nose to nose being friendly with several dogs in the bay and avoided those that were barking at her." She's ID 44945092. Use that ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Then there's this girl Flurrie who, Judi says, "was listed on the kennel card as a white shepherd. My Dog Scanner app says that she’s a Jindo/Samoyed mix. She arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 6/24 as a stray. She’s a beautiful dog with almost all white fur tinged with a little tan. Her quirky stand-up ears make her very unique and interesting looking. She’s a fun loving dog that loved the freedom of the yard. She chose to run back-and-forth at random. Since running is important to her she would need a large yard. She is very enthusiastic. She wants attention and will jump on you to get it. She could benefit from some obedience training. She is sweet and very loving but also very active. For that reason she would do best with the active family that would keep her engaged. If someone in the family was a jogger that would be like frosting on the cake. She actually walked quite well on a leash. She did her business as soon as she got out into the yard. When I walked her through the bays she went nose to nose with many of the dogs wanting to make friends. When I called her at the end of the play session she came immediately. Flurrie is a 61- pound beauty!" Use her ID (44937495) when you call the shelter at 972-216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com,
Remember, you can see more available Mesquite shelter animals by going to this LINK.
That distinctly adorable kitten is #44416185, Pebbles, nearly 3 months old, a girl who came in on May 30. She's another of the many Dallas County Tabby Cats waiting for a home to charm.

CONTINUING OUR THEORY
THAT ALL TABBY'S IN DAS
SHOULD BE ADOPTED IMMEDIATELY
We've mentioned this one-eyed Tabby boy Craw'Dad before. He's a "senior", his ID is A1099691 and we have NO IDEA how a one-eyed cat came to be in the Dallas Animal Services Shelter. We also don't know if he had two eyes when he arrived, but one was damaged and had to be removed. Whatever the case, Tabby cats need to be treated royally. I declare that fact as a guy who lives with Tabby cats who were born in Dallas -- Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson and Esme. They have both eyes and they pay attention to the rattle of the treat container. You can see how to get Caw'Dad at no cost by going to dallasanimalservices.org.

CONTEMPLATIONS
COMEDY AND CARL, OR CARL AND COMEDY
Well, heck, Carl Reiner has died. The tendency of a Lapsed Baptist Boy is to say Heaven has more laughter today, but, then, Mr. Reiner described himself as an atheist, so, well, I don't know how these things will work out. He was a role model for creative people. He was funny all of my life and probably all of his, too (his was March 20, 1922-June 29, 2020). Look him up on IMDB and get the career details. Here are some of his quotes and that great photo of Reiner and Mel Brooks? I saw it posted by the noted writer (formerly of The Dallas Morning News) Diane Werts on her Facebook page. 
Those quotes from Carl Reiner:

-- "I've seen the invention of television and performed on television even before my family owned one." (LARRY ASIDE: Yep, some of us lived before every house had a TV)...

--“Writing is the basis of all, because creating something that didn't even exist before is like taking an empty canvass. It is a wonderful thing to make something out of nothing. You've got an empty page, you've got an idea, and then you start typing and that is the most thrilling thing of all. And then if it becomes a movie or something else that's a plus, but the original writing of it is what's very exciting.”
And we'll close with this line about his longtime pal, the great Mel Brooks. He said: “I'd like to acknowledge three people who early on knew Mel Brooks was one of the funniest people in the world: Sid Caesar, me, and Mel Brooks.”  And he closes with a laugh.
--Find something to laugh about today and leave a smile by clicking on 'comments' below or email dallrp@aol.com where we always need a laugh. ---

A WIDE-RANGING PRESENTATION THAT INCLUDES, DOGS, CATS, SKUNKS AND JACKASSES

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Six months gone in 2020 and it’s time we all decided to be happier about things. I’ve already got my Wednesday Lotto Texas ticket and I’m pretty sure it’s THE ONE, though it’s been years since I picked even a $3 winner. More on our Adopt Tabby Cats campaign, skunks and dogs and Arkansas later. First, let’s do some good for animals.
PERHAPS YOU SAW KELLY
IN MONDAY MORNING’S EXTRA
This is the dog who went into anguish and “wet” herself and the floor after she bit a kid who put his hand in her feeding dish. Some people ask about her by calling Kelly “the bite dog” — but they want her to be “the adopted dog” or “the rescued dog.” She’s in Mesquite Animal Services’ shelter where she’s inspired a fan club among some of the workers.
To tag Kelly for rescue or to ask about adopting her, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Remember to use her Shelter ID 44435759 when ask about helping her. [LARRY ASIDE: I’m hoping that, by the time you read this, that bright-eyed sweet girl dog has a new home or a new foster home and is on her way to being the adored dog in a family of fans. Scroll down to read Monday’s Extra that was inspired by Volunteer Shelter biographer Judi Brown’s efforts to save this dog’s life.]
MEANWHILE, THE POPULATION
IN LANCASTER’S SHELTER GROWS…
The note from 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit focusing on small shelters, began somberly: 
 “EMERGENCY: Just added new puppy that needs out today.  Absolute emergency - too little to be there.  Maybe 5 weeks old at most.  Needs a Capstar [flea treatment] and bath with Dawn dishwashing liquid. Help, we are so worried - we do not want her to die.  Please, please help!! PLEASE?????  This is Libby…"

And that brings us to the opposite end of the Lancaster spectrum. This is Gabe. The note Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden sent read, “FULL shelter, which now means dogs will die.  Gabe is one of the dogs that has been there the longest and a rescue group in Austin wants him but he needs a ride.  We are willing to pay gas for transport (we are generous so it is worth your time).  Please, please help us save his life.  Note that they would take Libby too, if you were able to transport TODAY.  Libby has to get out today to save her.  A two for one save.... HELP!!!!”
There are many others waiting in Lancaster. Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
HOW DID THESE DOGS
WIND UP IN A SHELTER?
SOMEONE IN WILMER KNOWS
Good grief, Dear Dog Fans, be prepared to be ticked at someone over the way they tend to their dogs. 
Here are the stories from the small-shelter folks, 4-Legged Helpers. And, as has been reported, Wilmer’s shelter has its challenges. The contact for all of these animals is 4-Legged Helpers President Laura Macias — call or text her at 214-949-272 6 or email cat-girl_71@yahoo.com.

The little guy taking the big bite out of the weinie is male Wire-haired Terrier/Chihuahua Mix Liam who, “believes himself to be bigger than any other dog at the shelter,” reads the note from 4-Legged Helpers. “He and his bigger buddy got out but the people that owned them apparently decided to release them to the shelter.  So very sad.  NO kids with this little cutie pie - needs to be in an adult only home.  Seems to adore adults and obviously all hot dogs.  Likes other dogs since he came in with Brandon.”

Yep, that’s Brandon, described as a “Black Mouth Cur or Mix.” He is about a year old and he and Liam were “getting into all sorts of mischief together” when they were released to the shelter. “He is truly the sweetest pup ever,” the 4-Legged Helpers note reads.
Now, that brings us to these next two. They are possibly siblings: Max, the Aussie Shepherd/Beagle Mix, and Marcie the Shepherd or Belgian Malinois Mix, who was running with him.
The note reads, “They decided to help themselves to a chicken dinner at the neighbor’s house. They should have made it take-out rather than dine-in, since they both were recognized and captured.”

While Max is the more laid back of the two — really likes women, the note says — Marcie is “having a rough time at the shelter right now — “barking and growling at everyone. Using a cot, the volunteer taking the pics was able to go into her kennel with no issues but could not safely get a slip lead on her. If you have some idea how to help this girl, she really needs it. 

“This shelter is known to still do heartstick and that is just awful for any dog.
"We are sure she could be put on a catch pole and put into a kennel where she could be attempted to be worked with further or let chill out somewhere.  Some dogs have never been in a shelter or a kennel type situation and just do not do well.”
And, once again, call or text Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email cat-girl_71@yahoo.com.
[LARRY ASIDE: And if anything fatal should happen to these dogs, it’s not the fault of the shelter or the people trying to help them, it is totally the fault of the humans who didn’t take care of their dogs. Will people never learn? For crying out loud.]
MEANWHILE, THERE ARE CATS
FREE FOR ADOPTION IN DALLAS
So, in readlarrypowell.com's continuing effort to get EVERY DARNED TABBY CAT IN DALLAS COUNTY ADOPTED — we’ve given up (almost) on getting them all spayed or neutered — we cite this beauty, the very young and small but beautifully marked Tabby girl Gypsy. When you go to dallasanimalservices.org (all animals currently free) you can see how to adopt her — she’s #A1100319. You can see many dogs and many other cats. As a Dallas taxpayer on an undervalued piece of land, I’d appreciate it if everyone could adopt and love every dog and cat in the big city shelter on Westmoreland at I-30. 
What’s the big deal about Tabby cats? They are magnificent additions to your heart. You just have to realize that’s why cats were created — to soothe the human heart. That’s why dogs were created, too.
You see two dogs on the left with very different faces.
And on the right, you see a girl named Sweet Pea whose ears look as if some ignorant jackass trimmed them with pinking shears.
I’m done. For now. But see Contemplations....
CONTEMPLATIONS
EARS, SKUNKS AND ARKANSAS
Pardon my entirely accurate French in the description of the ignorant jackass I mentioned in the preceding item about Sweet Pea. I’m thinking it’s time to see if the Readlarrypowell.com Two-by-Four of Enlightenment has government approval for educational usage during the pandemic. What possesses these dumbasses to butcher a dog’s ears? OK. I’m done. For now. …
Something you hate to think about happening. This note came on the neighborhood newsburst Monday morning: “All 4 of our Cavalier King Charles [Spaniels] were sprayed by 2 skunks about 30 minutes ago. We live around the 10th tee of the golf course at Country Club and Oakmont. Watch out for your babies!” Yep, and we all call Fort Worth “Cowtown” even though a cow has yet to spray a Cavalier, I'm almost certain. …
I’ve been contemplating the work of the the author Charles Portis a lot lately. And one of his quotes — since I grew up two blocks from Arkansas and have known many Arkansans in my time — really tickles me for the words capture the nature of loyalty to our neighboring state. Portis, author of True Grit, was an Arkansan who was a journalist/writer and worked in New York City before returning to what used to be called “The Land of Opportunity” but is now “The Natural State” on its license plates.  Mr. Portis wrote, “A lot of people leave Arkansas and most of them come back sooner or later. They can't quite achieve escape velocity.”
—- Offer literary commentary or skunk advice by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. (The email will be opened by a Native Texan who has been knocked around by a cow but not sprayed by a skunk.) —-

KELLY -- THE "BITE DOG" WHO 'WET HERSELF' IN FEAR AND SHAME -- A CHANCE TO SAVE HER

MORNING EXTRA EDITION -- MONDAY JUNE 29, 2020 [PetPowellPress] This is Kelly. We've written about Kelly before -- she has people who support her. And what she needs is people who will get her out of the shelter.
Yes, this is an attempt to write this dog into the heart of someone who will love her. 
You might be calling her "the bite dog" -- as in some of the emails I've gotten that ask, "What has happened to that bite dog?" She's also the dog who was so remorseful that she "wet" herself and lay on the soaked floor in a demonstration of unhappiness and, probably, fear.
Kelly has been in the Mesquite Animal Shelter since June 2 when she was surrendered for bite quarantine. She was surrendered after an incident at her food dish.

Among the people trying to help Kelly find a place to live -- and "live" is the key word -- are Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm, two volunteer biographers at the shelter. 
Judi sent us the first report on 3-plus-year-old Kelly, noting that she came in on June 2 and "has been in bite quarantine most of this time!"
Here's the way Kelly's story goes: Here "owner"handed her off to a friend who had a child who apparently wasn't clear on "don't put your hand in the food dish of any dog in the known universe." 
 As you know, even during the Pandemic, Judi and other volunteers have worked to get reliable information about a dog's behavior from the people who work with the dogs. That is important in the Kelly story.

What follows is the report Judi sent to us --- and a warning to anyone who has ever loved a dog: The dog's reaction may cause you to tear up. Look at her photographs, then read this and try to imagine those bright, happy eyes in a state of distress.
Judi's note explains:
"Her owner had to go on a trip and left her with a friend. The friend’s child, who Kelly did not know, put a hand in Kelly’s dog food. Kelly bit the child. It wasn’t a serious bite, but it was a bite nonetheless and had to be reported.

"Kelly felt so badly immediately after biting the child that she laid down on the floor and peed all over herself and the floor! She knew she had done wrong!

"She really is a very lovable, friendly, sweet, well-behaved dog that is also a favorite of two of the animal control officers. They have spent considerable time with her and so they absolutely love her! She sits for treats. She walks well on a leash. She did her business as soon as she got out into the yard. She walked through the bay without showing any reaction to the other dogs except when one barked at her and she backed away. She has a hot spot on her right rear. She has been seen by a vet and they are watching to see if any more treatment is needed. I can’t say enough about how loving and affectionate Kelly is. She weighs 52 pounds. Bonus: she is already spayed!"
To tag Kelly for rescue or to ask about adopting her, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or emailrescues@ cityofmesquite.com. Remember to use her Shelter ID 44435759 when you contact the shelter about Kelly.
[LARRY CONTEMPLATION: It's difficult enough in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to re-home Pittie types when there isn't a Pandemic limiting access to shelters. But this dog Kelly is facing some odds that can be overcome only by the determined hearts of animal-lovin' rescuers and animal-lovin' humans. Readlarrypowell.com is absolutely against euthanizing animals to make room for more unwanted animals. We are for saving the good hearts that make our lives better while strengthening the ways we know how to love -- whether it's animals or people. I'll stand on that soapbox without fear of breaking the slats or my backside.
Somebody save Kelly -- I cannot imagine her getting the needle without soiling herself in that horribly puzzling moment as she was showing she was a good dog by wagging her tail. Somebody step up.]
--- Leave opinions by clicking on 'comments' below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. ---

IT'S UP TO HUMANS TO HELP THE ANIMALS AND PRESERVE LITERACY, TOO

EDITION OF MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Alright, everybody, keep your mask at hand and the virus at arm's length. 
On a high foul ball back of home plate, how many masks will the catcher be allowed to throw aside? Just another big league question. Now, let's move on with a dog in a bit of a fix.
TUCKER -- COULD HAVE
BEEN A HEAT STROKE
Last week we wrote about Tucker, this "Collie-looking" boy, and the Boxer Jax, a fellow with what may be a cyst disturbing the classic look of his lower jaw. 
As the week was ending, Tucker was spirited from Lancaster Animal Services' shelter to a vet. The note from Laura Macias of 4-Legged Helpers, reported that the "shelter says Shepherd or Collie boy needs a rescue group ASAP -- NOW. Please we are going to lose him." His breathing was labored-- it was possible that he'd been struck by a car before arriving at the shelter.
On Sunday, Laura told us that Jax had a been taken in by a rescue, but Tucker was still walking a tightrope. She wrote, "Tucker did get to the vet but goes back to the shelter Monday If no rescue. ... He has arthritis and is older they believe he was having a heat stroke."
To offer to help Tucker, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
[LARRY ASIDE: Too handsome a dog to not be adored and loved. We have no room or that dog would be enjoying a really-good air-conditioner and all the cool water and proper food a good dog needs. Surely there's someone who can step up for Tucker on a Monday during a pandemic.]
BOOTSIE, THE EARHOUND
Oh, my look at those great ears on Bootsie. Great ears, lousy story. We got it from animal advocate Amy Poskey. She reports that "a good Samaritan found this beautiful girl in a Petco/Wal-Mart parking lot on 6/22/20 and, after exhausting all efforts to find her family, Bootsie needs our help cuz the finder cannot keep her.  Bootsie is very smart, knows commands, and does great with other dogs."
 She adds that the contact point is renowned animal advocate Debra Myers who got involved to help the people who helped Bootsie. Call Debra at 940-367-4627 or email dkmyersone@yahoo.com. And there's a longer explanation of the dog's rescue available by clicking HERE.
TEENA AND RUSTY:
TWO WAITING IN MESQUITE

We got word of these two from our Mesquite volunteer contacts, Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown. 
Teena's listed as a Pittie/Staffie mix who came into the shelter n June 20. As you can see in the photo, this is a dog blessed with, shall we say, "Elan?" 
Debra's bio of the year-old, 49-pound dog says, "This youngster has an outgoing, confident and fun-loving personality.  She is high-energy with lots of enthusiasm and a friendly spirit.  She seems to have been well-cared for and it is a mystery to me why her owner has not come looking for her." She's #449007895 at the shelter. Email rescues@cityofmesquite.com or call the shelter at 972-216-6283. "She was playful in the shelter yard during the photo shoot, chasing balls but not retrieving them.  Guess no one taught her that sweet skill," Debra wrote, then added, "She is an affectionate pup, a lap dog wannabe." 
Judi sent us the info about 2-year-old Rusty, described as a "Shiloh Shepherd...with a reddish golden coat and expressive brown eyes. He's a very handsome dog." 
Judi says, "He welcomed me in his kennel with enthusiasm. He’s definitely friendly, affectionate, energetic, playful, and fun loving. He  jumped on me for attention but when I told him to get down he did immediately. He wants to please. He sits for treats. He sat for a long time while I scratched his ears. He has a strong pull on the leash. ... Rusty weighs 56 pounds. Later on when I went by his kennel he was jumping up high on the kennel wall. He was quite athletic and I would suggest that his adopter have a high fence. He’s an active, exuberant, alert dog that would probably love to go for runs or at least long walks." Rusty is #44916051. Same contact points as Teena so call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com
Follow this LINK to the Mesquite Animal Shelter's residents. Among the dogs and cats is this 3-month-old kitten Janey (4448032), a domestic shorthair with a great face -- and, as you can see, she's very happily sitting in the lap of a properly-masked shelter staffer who appears to be snapping a selfie with this sweet kitten.
WITH OPTIMISM, COCKER RESCUE
PLANS ON TEEING IT UP SEPT. 13
Yep, after experiencing a delay at the tee box because of an unpleasant pandemic, the 2020 Dogleg Classic -- the 8th annual Dallas/Fort Worth Cocker Spaniel Rescue Dogleg Classic -- has been scheduled for September 13 at Rockwood Park Golf Course at 1851 Jacksboro Highway in Fort Worth. 
You can buy advertising on the tee boxes, on the flags at the hole -- lots of places. And what you'll be doing by advertising is helping DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue save the lives of a great breed of companions. (Put together a team for $400 or play as an individual for $100. See all the details by clicking HERE.
And if you go to dfwcockerrescue.org, you can see Cockers who are available for adoption, including this guy Spirit, a 7-year-old, 28-pound, blind and deaf fellow who "was found wandering, matted and hungry when he was rescued. He is blind and deaf, but that does not stop him from being a sweetheart. He rides easily in a car, likes people and gets along well with other dogs." [LARRY ASIDE: My little guy Inky, who was my constant companion for about 15 or 16 years, is a prime example of how a Cocker Spaniel can guide a human being toward happiness every single day. Just something to consider when you think about signing up to be a Cocker Spaniel's friend and provider of treats. On the right, that's Inky, the Cocker Laureate of Texas and our staff impersonator giving us his impression of a charitable golfer rushing into the Dogleg tournament's duffer lounge and spotting a big steaming platter of Par For The Course Meatloaf.]

CONTEMPLATIONS
TREATS, TIMING AND A QUOTE FROM AN AUTHOR
Here's a great appeal for animal treat donations to an animal shelter. We got this courtesy of Ginger Leach at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. As you can see, there's a dog who is familiar with the concept of "treats." Here's the donation LINK: https://a.co/7CUfCUs. Contemplate this: Treats make your dog and cat as happy as they make you. Our gang is nuts about treats. And so are we -- and, by typing that, I set off an alarm in my doctor's office and a note will be automatically generated that reads, "LARRY. LAY OFF THE CHOCOLATE." ...
What book are you reading for pleasure right now? Is it a book from this century? Consider this, please. Are writers as fantastically publicized as they were in the 20th Century when book stores had full displays of work by Norman Mailer, Truman Capote, Jacqueline Suzanne, James Michener, Leon Uris, Agatha Christie, Sydney Sheldon, Gore Vidal, Arthur Hailey. Beg pardon? What is a book store? Well, I'll get back to you on that. They may be evolving. ...
I've been packing a ton of books from my collection and moving them to storage places. You have to have a dolly and some muscles to lift and move boxes of books. While I love holding the books, I also love reading books on a hand-held device. As my son Bart said to me when I complained about trying to pick up a 100-pound box of books, "They're a lot lighter on a Kindle."
--- Offer sage advice or wisecracks by click on 'comments' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. ---

DO CATS HAVE 'TRUE GRIT'?

Welcome to the world of front-lit cats. I was going to suggest "The World of Eerie Cats" but I'm saving that title for a novel about cats operating a rat-free canal boat on a famed man-made waterway. 
So, we're just going ahead with the "front-lit cats" for this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. There's some adventure in this edition, too.
How'd I spot this eerie lighting? I was walking past the living room door when I saw -- on different occasions in the past couple of weeks -- two cats practicing their posing for upcoming assignments with an undisclosed Parisian modeling agency. 
I hate to break it to my Tabby Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson and my personal confidant and counselor, The Senator, but their trip to Paris for the summer shoots may be delayed until autumn. Thank you, virus.

As The Senator frequently scolds me, "If you're going to have a career in film, you have to always be camera-ready." Then he grooms himself and mutters under his breath about "the dismal prospects of an aging character actor in the era of animation and computer generation."
Anyway, the lighting gave my feline friends some "different" looks around the eyes. And my shooting of photos of Kittie Leigh did not disturb her friend, The Senator, who was napping on the back of the blue couch. When I took photos of The Senator, the rescued-in-Oak Cliff dog Wendy was snoozing in a pile of blankets on the red couch.
The Senator's "front-lit" photos offer a bit of mystery to this gentleman cat. He may have wandered up in Oak Cliff, but, based on observation of his attitudes and behavior, he may not have been born on Earth.
And, at the end, you see The Senator atop a book -- and in the background, Kittie Leigh atop a blanket. 
They didn't flip a coin -- they simply nodded off where they were sitting.

The Senator, possibly the most literate cat on this planet or any other, had been reading one of his favorite "justice prevails" books to his pal, Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson. As she listened to the story of Mattie Ross and Rooster Cogburn in Charles Portis' novel True Grit, she curled up and began to dream.
She has seen both big-screen versions of True Grit and, I think, favors John Wayne as Rooster. And if she were to quote from the film, she might choose what Mattie said to Rooster when she met him: "If I smelled as bad as you I wouldn't live near people."

I think that's why Kittie Leigh was smiling while she was napping.
The Senator, the more traveled of the cats, understands the value of reading before napping -- he may be a 20th century cat. Might have been born just before Y2K. He has no supporting documents and who are we to take issue with The Senator? He's literate and he's articulate -- he can say just enough to make a point and don't we American voters wish everybody on all sides could follow that lead!
[DEAR CAT AND DOG FANS:Send photos of your slumbering critters and the stories of their lives to dallrp@aol.com and we'll post them in our long-running weekend animal tribute edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You'll be influencing people to open their homes to animals who need a place to be loved. And you'll be helping insomniacs to believe they, too, can get some sleep if the book they read doesn't keep them awake. Avoid nocturnal readings of Jack Finney'sThe Body Snatchers, source for Invasion of the Body Snatchers in Hollywood. Avoid late-night readings of William Goldman's Marathon Man -- the dental torture scene will keep you awake -- for days, maybe weeks. In that final photo, The Senator was dreaming of his days in the Summer Olympics' diving competition. I think, maybe.]
--- Offer reading tips or snoozing tips by clicking on 'comments' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. ---

AS THE WEEKEND ARRIVES, STORIES OF ANIMALS IN NEED, A DOG WITH REMORSE, A TURTLE CROSSES THE ROAD

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 [PetPowellPress] We'll get to the turtle/tortoise in the road and the hand sanitizer in Contemplations. First we'll do our weekend-is-arriving report on animals and people. Several don't-miss stories about animals in this edition -- the one about Kelly brought some mist to the eyes of veteran animal people.
And, of course, we'll urge people RIGHT NOW to live safely. Other people depend on the wisdom of your behavior.
THE TAZ STORY
FROM HOUSTON
The email we got from our Houston tipster Alexandra Kelsey has this subject line: "You can NOT make this stuff up: June-to-June dog saga for Taz (BARC, Houston)."
AK opened with, "Everyone knows I like to mark important anniversaries in Rescue Land.  And yesterday was such a day.  On June 24, 2020, I wrote Steve Halpert [of Friends of BARC Inc.] to remind him of his email one year before, to the day, about Taz.  Taz was an 8-year old HW+ Husky mix at BARC [Houston's shelter] who missed going in the Bad Back Door by minutes.  I wanted Steve to remember that happy moment in 2019 for a dog he worked so hard to save.  It was a nice feeling in the midst of these crazy times, to know that good things still happen...."
Move along to June 25, 2020 -- yep, Thursday. AK writes, "Steve was alerted to the fact that Taz is now back at BARC. He was picked up as a stray.  He is still HW+.  His former adopter was contacted, but apparently that person must now be working at the UN or fighting climate change in Siberia, or maybe they were hired to work on the rush vaccine production for COVID.  What they aren’t doing is calling BARC back about their missing dog.

"I know that a 70-lb. HW+ 9-year old dog may not have the curb appeal of a Papillon mix who’s HW-. But, really, this boy deserves better luck and more decency than he’s had since he last saw Steve Halpert and Mike Kinsella in 2019, when they worked so hard to save him at BARC."
That 2019 story was a matter of timing as the needle was readied for Taz -- he'd been "borrowed" at the shelter to "test" other dogs and he was involved in that project when his number came up. And, suddenly, a foster stepped between him and the needle and he was saved.
And, yet, here he is, back in the shelter and needing a home. AK's report reads, "Taz is used to other dogs, he likes children and he walks well on a leash.  His wrinkly forehead is adorable (though maybe he got all those wrinkles during the last horrible year) and he is a boy who deserves better than he’s gotten.  If there ever were to be a dog who’d adore you for saving him, it has to be Taz. Please consider helping this dog. 
"There is something seriously wrong with a world where this kind of thing happens."

To offer help extend Taz's life, email BARC.Aid@houstontx.gov and non-profit Friends of BARC veteran Halpert at stevenhalpert@criminaldefenseattorney.com.
TWO LANCASTER DOGS
ARE IN A MEDICAL FIX
BUT HUMANS CAN HELP
Two "middle-aged" dogs drew the attention Thursday of the 4-Legged Helpers. Both dogs are in the Lancaster shelter which, according to the non-profit President Laura Macias, is "willing to do an immediate medical release on either of these dogs.  Both are at least middle aged.  Both literally bring us to tears and shelter staff is very concerned and said they would immediately release either dog before stray hold is up on a medical release.  THEY NEED HELP - PLEASE, PLEASE, HELP US SAVE THEM." Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71 @yahoo.com.

The Shepherd Mix is being called "Tucker." And the 4-Legged Helpers note on Thursday [thanks for the work, Leighann Hayden] reads, "Tucker has been a beautiful dog but he has either been out and about for awhile or not cared for, poor sweet baby. Found at a car wash today ... Appears to be already neutered.  He needs his back right leg or hip checked out.  He is walking on it but it may be painful.  We have included a video taken where he was found at the car wash so you can see him moving (CLICK HERE.). Missing some fur on his back. He is a very sweet guy and will be gorgeous once again if only someone can help him."

The 4-Legged Helpers are calling the purebred Boxer "Jax." Yep, a stray. His bio note reads, "He can also walk but appears to be tired and will not stand for a long time so just needs to be checked over by a vet.  He is just as precious as can be and a complete sweetheart.  Has what appears to be a cyst on his chin.  Please, everyone, this sweet precious soul needs someone.  Please help save him. Look at that precious face and those eyes.  We can see the puppy still there... the puppy that he was... so hopeful, so adorable.  HELP!"|
Again, call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
[LARRY ASIDE: Geezalou, how in the world can a person let these dogs wind up in such awful spots in a shelter? Is there no sense of decent behavior at work in their lives?]
MEANWHILE, A SHY HUSKY
WHO IS RESCUE ONLY IN PLANO
Leighann Hayden, who works hard to put together the small shelter reports for 4-Legged Helpers, also tips us now and then to other shelter situations. In this case, she's trying to find help for Husky in the Plano Animal Shelter. The report reads, “Kaiya is a shy dog who is very sweet. She is about 3 years of age and is house-trained and crate-trained. Kaiya lived with another dog and does extremely well with other pets.  She sometimes will go in her crate if her anxiety gets high and she will lay down. Kaiya will warm up to people but it takes time for her.  She is very smart and knows the command to shake. She is afraid of children, so may be best in a home without them. Kaiya was given up by her owner due to a weight limit in an apartment.”
When you call the shelter at 972-769-4360 refer to #A171015. Kaiya is spayed, current on vaccinations, chipped and is heartworm negative.
KELLY AND THE BITE EPISODE:

A DOG WHO FELT 'REMORSE'
[LARRY NOTE: OK, Dear Readers, I'm going to tell you right now that when I read this story of Kelly's reaction to a "mistake," I teared up -- then I read it to my softheartedrescuespouse Martha and she teared up, too. Without ever having met this dog, we know she's worth saving -- her biographer really told the story of a dog who was remorseful. There may have been "human error" at work in this episode in Kelly's life.]
We got this story from Mesquite Shelter volunteer Judi Brown who works hard to make sure a dog's story is told in full.
 This is 3-year-old Brindle Pittie Mix Kelly, surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on June 2, according to the report from Judi. She writes, "Kelly has been in bite quarantine most of this time! Her owner had to go on a trip and left her with a friend. The friend’s child, who Kelly did not know, put a hand in Kelly’s dog food. Kelly bit the child. It wasn’t a serious bite, but it was a bite nonetheless and had to be reported."

LARRY ASIDE: Here comes the part that gets to me -- I've known a lot of dogs and I know they have hearts.] 

Judi writes, "Kelly felt so badly immediately after biting the child that she laid down on the floor and peed all over herself and the floor! She knew she had done wrong! She really is a very lovable, friendly, sweet, well-behaved dog that is also a favorite of two of the animal control officers. They have spent considerable time with her and so they absolutely love her! She sits for treats. She walks well on a leash. She did her business as soon as she got out into the yard. She walked through the bay without showing any reaction to the other dogs except when one barked at her and then she backed away. She has a hot spot on her right rear. She has been seen by a vet and they are watching to see if any more treatment is needed. I can’t say enough about how loving and affectionate Kelly is. She weighs 52 pounds. Bonus: she is already spayed!"

Kelly's # is 44435759.Use that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 to tag Kelly. [LARRY ASIDE: And for crying out loud, help her understand that no all humans will stick their hands in the food dish. If it wouldn't scare the dog, I'd drive to Mesquite just to hug her. I'm going to get up now and go hug my dogs and a cat or two. Geez, I cannot believe nobody will want this sensitive dog. Thanks to Judi for the write-up and to her bio-writing volunteer pal Debra Chisholm for sending it to me. Teamwork for Kelly.]
You can see many more Mesquite availables by going to the shelter's page HERE. Among them are a couple of handsome Huskies, Hunter (dressed in black) and Casper (all white), surrendered because the previous outdoors-only dogs were larger than the human's new apartment would allow.
You can also see cats -- this one is Ringo. Ideal for a Beatles fan, no doubt. Ringo is 5 years old, described as "large" and neutered. Came in on June 5. He's 44455599.
CONTEMPLATIONS
HEADING INTO THE WEEKEND....
Remember the Momma Dog and her 7 puppies we posted in Thursday's edition? Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network was hustling to find a place for them to live until they could be transferred to a Colorado rescue. And, Thursday afternoon Gail reported, "The WONDERFUL Yvette Gardner of Lost Paws Rescue of Texas has stepped up to take this little family. I will be transporting them to her tomorrow [Friday]." ... This sign is at the entrance to our old neighborhood in Dallas -- the sign has been there longer than I was (30 years). It's so darned faded that it's more of a "Stop Whisper." Hint to the City of Dallas. ... So Thursday morning I had business in Dallas and I left home around 9 a.m. I was driving north on Oakland toward I-30 when, about a block from the freeway I saw either a turtle or tortoise frozen in the southbound lane. I stopped the car in a safe spot, then hustled back toward the little beast. A guy driving a big hauler of some kind saw the little rascal frozen in the lane and pulled his rig quickly to a halt and started the flashers on it. He saw me lumbering toward the animal and got back into his cab with a wave and waited until I'd picked up this little shelled creature and moved it well off the road into someone's large semi-wooded yard. The little guy/girl had been headed west, so that's the way I took it to get it out of the traffic. I think this was probably an Ornate Texas Box Turtle -- a "flatter" shell and ornate orange markings than the other Texas type, the Eastern Box Turtle. No photo because it was more important to save the turtle than to photograph it.
I don't know if it was a boy or girl because, frankly, I wouldn't know where to look.

So, yeah, I was wearing my virus mask. And I suddenly worried that the turtle had some dangerous bio-hazard on it's 10-inch across shell -- who knows what you can pick up dragging your shell across the asphalt? The turtle had ducked quickly back into its "home" and wasn't available for interviews about where it had traveled in the past two months.
 After making sure the turtle was safe, I quickly rushed to a nearby large gas station/store with a famous petroleum name and washed my hands. Then I came out of the men's room and asked the clerk if the store had any hand sanitizer for sale. My own personal hand sanitizer was at home next to my computer keyboard -- that's why my copy is so clean -- I sanitize the comma blunders right out of it.
 Anyway, yeah, the store had a bottle of "Instant Hand Sanitizer" that was labeled "GREAT VALUE." How much for 8 ounces of off-brand hand sanitizer in the middle of a Pandemic? $7.57. Seven dollars and fifty seven cents. You'd think the people who were in charge of raising gasoline prices were also pricing the sanitizer. If we ever need to buy air from this place, lord knows how much a gasp will cost.
--- Offer tales of Virus Era prices by clicking on 'comments' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com where we charge $250 for each email opened on a Friday during a pandemic. ---

MASKING A PLOY; DOGS IN A FIX; A CAT MESSAGE; TUNES FOR A TRANQUIL PLANET

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020 [PetPowellPress] I'm all for wearing the masks in public -- not only is it a way for me to fight that darned virus, it's a way to avoid frightening young children. Yeah, I've got a mirror. OK, I'm not sure about wearing that hat with the mask. I don't even remember why I own a hat. Pretty sure there's never been a cat in the hat. If one had been in the hat, it would have been my personal companion Kittie Leigh (left) -- more on her later. Also, I dyed my jet black hair gray for this photo shoot. And I sometimes change masks in hopes of avoiding identification by any predatory virus. Not a tested medical theory. So, like bath tissue, I hope this doesn't set off a pandemic hat shortage. Bless us every one, you know? And keep everyone safe.
TEMP FOSTER NEEDED
FOR MOM AND HER BABIES
As you can see from these photographs, Mom is a calm, quiet dog with a desire to mother her pups. And, then, there's Adventure Pup crawling over the edge of the temporary quarters, a wading pool! You never know what to expect from seven puppies! 
Yep, mom had seven. The challenge is getting them to safety. They're fortunate enough to have come under the watchful eye of Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network. She says there's a rescue group in Denver that can take the puppies in four weeks -- but between now and then, a temporary foster is needed. Contact Gail at 903-967-3226 or email can.adoptions@yahoo.com. 
Gail says the group will pay for expenses for the pups, but right now, "We just need a safe, indoor foster home for four weeks time. The puppies cannot be transported until then. 
She says these young babies "are sitting outside in the country where they WILL NOT SURVIVE!!  They are NOT safe.  They are NOT inside nor are they in a contained area."

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND
AAHHHS WHEN IT COMES TO DOGS
This cute photo of Kevin grabbed me right away. He's young, he's neutered, he's a Staffie mix and he's "such a sweetie pie," reports the bio from 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that monitors the needs of animals in the small Lancaster Animal Services Shelter. 
This may be an indicator of how sweet Kevin is -- he's NOT in the shelter. The 4-Legged Helpers report Kevin was "found by a Good Samaritan when he showed up at their home and is not currently at the shelter.  They are hoping to find someone to save him and they got him fixed and vaccinated.  They believe him to be less than a year old.  HE LOVES AND ADORES EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING." (The contact point is 4-Legged Helpers President Laura Macias -- call her or text her at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.)

That brings us to TJ, a Boxer/Bulldog mix, who actually is at the Lancaster shelter. The bio reads that he is "the sweetest of the sweet. Such a serious look but SO DARLING SWEET.  A complete love.  Little low rider who is such a little cutie pie.  Was found out and about on his own and he adores people and will follow you.  SO CUTE.  The shelter believes him to be about a year old at most." 

The third dog in today's Lancaster report is Sandy, a female American Bulldog mix described thusly: "Little cutie pie. Sandy is SO very sweet and petite.  She loves to walk on a leash and check out the outdoors.  Sweet little girl probably in the 1-2 year old range per the shelter.  Very nice baby that just so much wants to be loved. That is mud on her back end in the one pic, LOL.  She found a nice muddy spot to lie down right after the rain during the picture taking.  So sweet and cute." [LARRY REMINDER: For all these dogs and other animals in small shelters around Dallas, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. Scroll down to previous editions to see other Lancaster animals in need of adoption or rescue.]
THE CHALLENGE DAISY FACES
IS NOT OF HER OWN MAKING
Well, isn't that always the case with dogs and cats. Daisy has a genuine need for a loving home -- it'll replace the one she just lost.
Our tipster, the animal advocate Amy Poskey reports, "This sweet girl is Daisy!  Poor baby has found herself in a sad situation and needs our help!  Daisy’s elderly father has moved to an assisted living facility and her elderly mom has moved in with the daughter.  Unfortunately, the resident pooch (daughter’s dog) is older and doesn’t tolerate other pups so Daisy has to stay at her momma and daddy’s house all by herself. They are going to the house several times a day to tend to Daisy, but she needs a loving home where she can be with her family."
 Daisy is a 5-year-old Red Heeler mix who is healthy, spayed an "just an adorable pup." 
The contact point is the veteran rescuer Debra Myers at dkmyersone@yahoo.com or cal 940-367-4627.

CONTEMPLATIONS
CALMING MUSIC FOR THE ERA...
That is my personal cat, Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson, whose message for the day is this: Make a cat your friend and you'll be richly rewarded and educated to the ways of a patient species. North Texas is loaded with adorable cats. Kittie Leigh represents The Formerly Unwanted -- a feral kitten born into the urban wild. She's a doll and an excellent cuddler. Got championship whiskers, too. All we are saying, is give cats a chance. Not a shelter in Texas without unwanted cats. Want one today -- you'll enjoy the affection. ... Moving back one edition: The prevailing vote for Wednesday's question about solving the world's problems with either Flower Power or Disco? Here's the answer: Disco Inferno. Here (probably with an advert intro) is/are THE TRAMMPS. ... But what if the choices were country-western or folk? Lots of peaceable people in the folk movement -- Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary, et al. Some in country music, too, if you think of Willie Nelson's songwriting and Roger Miller's You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd. Ah, but "you can be happy if you've a mind to.".... As I used to sing to my little boys Bret and Bart at suppertime, "All we are saying is give peas a chance...." I'm kidding. First song I taught 'em was Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms. What an adventure in fatherhood -- almost as challenging as raising a kitten. Both lads grew up to be guitar pickers, both play piano, one plays violin and the other plays cello. Neither is a millionaire, but the century is relatively young. Heck, let's close with a Sly and The Family Stone song about all of us: Everyday People.  I happen to be a fan of te peaceful philosophy of "Love one another." 
---- Offer hope for the nation, the planet or my next novel getting a big movie deal by clicking on 'comments' below or email dallrp@aol.com. ---

HELP SOME ANIMALS; YOU DECIDE -- YOU WANT FLOWER POWER OR DISCO?

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to the final Wednesday of June 2020 -- a week from now will be July 1 -- already. The world is confused now, so, here's the question for the day: "To calm the global moods, which era should we bring back? Flower Power or Disco?" See, there are important questions to be answered before we get to July. More in Contemplations....maybe, maybe not. I don't want to harsh my mellow. Wait. that's from the '90s. Everybody concentrate on being groovy, baby.
THE 'COMFORTER-IN-CHIEF'
WAITS IN BRAZORIA COUNTY
We got this courtesy of our Houston tipster Alexandra Kelsey, a pretty good writer and a person who is sensitive to animals in trouble. This time she's sent us a note about the "Comforter in Chief" who is "Mr. 9907" at the Brazoria County Animal Shelter in Angleton, south of Houston. AK's note began, "We are in a time of loss.  Americans have so many urgent things to deal with, and the sea of unknowns is enormous.  We want 'normal' back.  We wish people weren’t dying.

"In the midst of this hard time, an unexpected comforter showed up in Brazoria County.  No name, no ID tag on his collar. Skin and bones.  An older gentleman, tired of walking the roads on hot summer days. 

"Mr. 9907 has become a shelter stand-out.  He wants to lay his head in your lap, and he seems to know that having his head petted soothes you as much as it does him.  He greets shelter staff at his kennel door, offering to share sweet moments.

"This precious man loves people and is wonderful with the other dogs.  He shares affection freely and happily, and his calm demeanor draws people to him.

"Mr. 9907 is a Greyhound/Great Dane mix.  He’s around six years old and is now around 70 lbs., though that is much too light for him. He is heartworm negative and has had vaccinations (DA2PP, Bordatella), been wormed and treated for fleas.
"This boy is special.  There is a person out there whose life would be happier for having Mr. 9907.  Can we create a plan to get this boy to safety?"
 The contact for helping Mr. 9907 is Tammy at the shelter -- email bcsoaco@gmail.com.

STILL WAITING IN
LANCASTER SHELTER
Laura Macias, Leighann Hayden and other 4-Legged Helpers continue to monitor animals in the Lancaster Animal Shelter on the southern edge of Dallas. To help these animals, call or text 4-Legged Helpers President Laura at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
We've mentioned all of these animals before. But, they're still waiting so maybe in this edition someone will see a dog they can adopt or rescue.
This first girl has been referred to as Claire for weeks now, but the note from Laura reports, "We were originally calling this girl Claire but found out her real name is Kimberly." She's a former stay. You may recall her story. Kimberly's human got her nephew to take the dog, then the nephew dumped the dog. The aunt was some kind of ticked at the nephew. She's still wanting Kimberly to get a really good new home. We're not sure how she feels about the nephew.

And we'll mention JB, a dog who needs to be neutered and have a vet exam because "he is exhibiting some behavior consistent with a dog in pain."

Gabe, maybe 2 years old, is a stray who is learning that humans aren't the enemy and, the note says, if you give him a treat, "He completely becomes your best friend and remembers how wonderful you are on next meeting."
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
THREE DOGS WITH GREAT LOOKS
Two of these dogs from the Mesquite Animal Services Shelter are Shepherd types and one is not -- not even close, it seems. But what they have in common is they need homes, we learn in notes from volunteer shelter biographer Debra Chisholm.
That first dog is Vela, a German Shepherd surrendered on June 9 due to "financial hardship." The spayed, 3-year-old, 66-pound dog is described as friendly and said to "interact well with people" but maybe not so swell with other dogs. Testing is needed. She walked nicely on a leash, but, her bio says, "In the yard she had a fair amount of nervous energy. She did not seem to like being in the yard and whined and scratched at the door to get back into the building." Her tag is #44484356.

The second dog is Taz, a German Shepherd/Malinois mix surrendered on June 18 -- the original owner "abandoned the dog and a friend took care of Taz for 3 months but could no longer keep him," the report reads. He's just over a year old and weighs 77 pounds. He's neutered. Mostly, Taz has been an outdoor dog. His ID is #44890881
.
And that brings us to Champ, described as a "mixed breed boy." He came in on June 17 as a stray. He's about 3 and weighs 60 pounds. He gets excited to be around a human and will need obedience work to keep him from happily jumping up to greet people. He's playful and friendly and "looks as though he has not had the best of care." He's #44882459. And, as you can see, he has a great set of ears and and a fantastic tail and all he needs is a human with a great heart. 

To ask about these dogs, use their shelter IDs when you email rescues@cityofmesquite.com or call the shelter at 972-216-6283.


'COLD FRONT' IN NORTH TEXAS?
THERE'S SNOW IN SAGINAW
As you may suspect, Readlarrypowell.com has an affection for cats, so when we saw that animal advocate Tami Kukla had posted this cat, we clicked on the info to discover that this handsome fellow is named, yes, Snow. Medium sized cat who is available for adoption in the Saginaw Animal Shelter. The city is easily accessible -- it's just north of 820 on U.S. 287.
No idea how a cat with such an interesting face could wind up in an animal shelter. Must have been some sort of bureaucratic mistake at the FMO -- Feline Management Office. Snow deserves a good home. See how to adopt him by going to this PetFinder LINK.
CONTEMPLATIONS
FOOD BUDGET, DESERT DUST, PICK AN ERA...
See this photo? It came with a note from one of our veteran animal advocate sources who lives in a quite suburb. The source wrote, "Wanna know why our cat food bill is so high? It's a family matter." Yes, that is a family of suburban raccoons. What are they doing? Our source says, "They are headed toward the bowl on my front porch." Elbowing the cats aside so everyone can share the daily buffet. Wait, do raccoons have elbows? Maybe they just nudge. They have nudgets, don't they?...
Want something else to worry about? Did you see the story in The Big Paper in Downtown Dallas that a dust plume from Africa's Sahara Desert is expected to arrive in North Texas this week. CNN's story is the only one I found that indicates there could be something besides dirt in this dark cloud -- allergens may make it the surface, the story HERE says. Virus on the wind, anyone? Sheesh. ...
In this edition's opening I pondered whether we could calm global situations with the return of either Flower Power or the Disco Era. So here are three elements to help you decide whether you want to go hippie or hit the dance floor. Here's a link to Scott McKenzie's San Francisco which urges "be sure to wear flowers in your hair." Or you can pick Donna Summer's disco hit Hot Stuff which, contrary to your first thought, was not written in honor of summer in Dallas. And if you want something else, there's Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock -- HERE he performs Purple Haze. And HERE the U.S. Army veteran of service with the 101st Airborne performs The Star-Spangled Banner in his own special guitar way -- also at Woodstock. Oh, my. So, decide. Disco or Flower Power. And if you have to click through ads to get to the music, remember, to quote  the song from Cabaret, "Money makes the world go round..." Why? Because right now life is a friggin' cabaret, my friend.

--- Offer soothing music advice by clicking on 'comments' below or by emailing video's of your last Top 40 hit, if they still do Top 40 lists. ---

DOGS, CATS, COWBOYS & CASH

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Do you believe this? "Awakened by a thunderstorm on a Texas summer morning." How often can you say that has happened in your lifetime? I just heard the WBAP 820-AM Weatherguy Brad Barton say "cold front coming through with this." 
Next thing you know, there'll be a Fourth of July ice storm warning. ... OK, everybody else talks about the weather, so here are some dog and cat stories...
THE DOG GINGER ENJOYS
FETCHING, LOST HER HOME
We recently posted this dog Ginger as being in need of a home -- she's in the Mesquite Animal Services Shelter. And the initial report was that she had some kind of tumor but that turns out to be not accurate -- inaccurate because of an erroneous description related to a surrender form.
Fortunately, our tipster, the volunteer Debra Chisholm got the accurate report to us overnight and for Tuesday we have a new report on Ginger, the 5-year-old, 43-pound, already spayed "American Pit Bull/American Staffordshire mix." The "tail-wagging, playful girl with an outgoing and fun-loving personality" has a "high energy level," Debra's report says. Why is she in the shelter? Surrendered because of her human's health.
 So, there she is, without her human and being treated for a possible skin allergy that makes her touchy around her precious ears. Ginger has been in the shelter for 3 weeks and Debra writes, "She's really a precious, cute girl and has a lot of potential." Use her ID #44415779 when you email the shelter at rescues@cityofmesquite.com or call 972-216-6283.
Go HERE to see more animals in the Mesquite shelter -- more dogs, more cats. That relaxing cat is 5-year-old RuPaul, in the shelter since June 1.

[LARRY ASIDE: Maybe when you adopt Ginger, you can snap another photo of her racing her shadow and enter it in the SPCA 2021 calendar contest.]

AS JUNE BEGINS TO FADE
THE SPCA HAS A FOCUS ON 2021
Well, OK, not for all of us are that far ahead, but the SPCA of Texas is already working on its 2021 calendar. The note, from SPCA President and CEO Karen Froehlich, says animal fans simply need to submit "your favorite pet picture." [FYI: Entry fee is $25.] The note continues that you "then get your family and friends to vote on your pet's picture! The picture with the most votes will be featured on a full month spread of the 2021 calendar." [LARRY ASIDE: This may turn out to be your most enjoyable and rock-solid certain voting experience of 2020.]

There also are opportunities to make a donation and reserve calendar spots for your pet photo. Click HERE to see the contest details.
The SPCA says your pet does not have to be an alumnus of the SPCA to enter the contest. 

And in case you need a photogenic pal to enter in the contest, you can see many at spca.org. The include the rabbit Talia, the horse Shortstack and two of our formerly posted favorites, the cat Chunk Norris and the dog Apollo, who is said to be entertaining and adorable.

CONTEMPLATIONS
A STAGGERING AMOUNT OF MONEY
I guess it was this sentence that brought me to a halt in the DMN's story about Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott's "franchise" contract: "Prescott will receive a salary of $31.409 million for the 2020 season." In this era of furloughed employees and jobs lost due to a virus, that's an obscene amount -- heck it's an obscene amount when there ISN'T a pandemic. Of course, all will be forgiven if he leads the Cowboys to a record better than the 8-8 of 2019. ... Dear Texas Legislature, Can you please consider raising the salary for the state's teachers and creating better learning environments on campuses? You'd think we'd be smart enough to invest in making our classrooms a top priority. Bless those teachers for working hard to help students learn to finish better than 8-8 in every season of their lives. ... Somebody help me down off this soapbox before a slat snaps and I wind up needing a doctor who only make a few hundred thousand a year to put my leg back together. I need my legs in working order -- I'm trying out for quarterback with the Cowboys. I hear it pays well. FYI: My doctors ALL finish each season with better than 8-8 records.
--- Offer career advice by clicking on 'comments' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. Don't send debit card information. I'd just blow the money on pet food. ---

HELPING IN OKLAHOMA; SAVING ANIMALS IN THE METROSPRAWL; IS THERE A STATE CAT AND WHAT ABOUT THE A/C?

EDITION OF MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2020 [PetPowellPress] Yeah, here we are, first Monday in a Texas summer. There's nothing in the social distancing rules that say you have to be six feet away from an air-conditioning vent. So, let's cooly get on with the day's business.
LOOKING NORTHWEST
INTO OKLAHOMA
Animal issues really don't pay attention to state lines, so we feel comfortable looking across the Red River toward Burns Flat, Okla., way out in the western part of the Sooner State. Our topic is the work of Burns Flat's resilient rescuer, Terry Lynn Fisher. 
Over the weekend she got a call from the local sheriff's department after deputies did a welfare check on a woman living a couple of mile north of Burns Flat. Terry Lynn reports, "She has over 20 dogs. They range from 9 days to 6 years old-- three nursing moms with babies.  One VERY PREGNANT one... To me, they look like Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mixes -- all small, 20 pounds and less.
"While they appear to be overall ok, they are living outside. There are so many coyotes, skunks and Owls, I worry about the itty bitty ones.

 "This woman has no electricity. She lives in a trailer. Water is well water, so without electric, she has no water either.

"My grandkids and I took her some dog food and jugs of water ... I told her I wanted to help her try and place some.  When I asked what I could do to help her she cried and said she could go live with family but couldn’t leave the dogs..."
Terry Lynn has issued an appeal for help. She's hoping to get the momma dogs into boarding. None have had vet care. She also says, "I know this is going to be expensive but I have to try to help, not only them, but her as well..."
 Email Terry Lynn at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com.
IN THE MEANTIME, MESQUITE
HAS AVAILABLE ADORABLES
Thanks to the volunteers at Mesquite Animal Services, we've got some reports on several dogs awaiting rescue or adoption. (Give credit to Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown for getting these notables to us during the weekend.)
Judi met with Henry, the 8-year-old mixed breed listed as a Great Dane but possibly a Black Mouth Cur -- shelter dogs rarely care their official family tree documents. 
He was surrendered on June 16 and the surrendering owners said he doesn't get along with cats and "isn't especially fond of children." but Judy reports, "They said he likes to be alone. I did not experience this. When I went into his kennel, I got a happy dance." Likes to have his back scratched, in fact. Well-behaved and will sit and shake paws with you. He's already fixed. Ask about # 44874436 when you call the shelter at 972-216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com
.
Then we come to gray-muzzled Black Lab Chip, a 13-year-old fellow who was surrendered on the 17th with big dog Moose and a blind Dachshund (already rescued). Why surrender 3 dogs? "Financial," was the reason given. 
Judi reports that Chip "has a slight limp in his back left leg and crusty eyes with the beginning of a cataract. Other than that he gets around relatively well.  Chip is a sweet dog that does not understand what he’s doing at a shelter. ... He walked relatively well on a leash with a slight pull. He went nose to nose with several of the dogs in the bay wagging his tail. He seemed especially glad to be able to go nose to nose with his brother Moose. He’s a sweet boy that needs to be out of the shelter being pampered in a home with plenty of blankets and love. Please come meet him and while you’re at it meet his brother Moose."
Chip is #44885613. Moose is #44885608.
Moose, 13, is a reddish- gold Lab mix. Judi writes, "Moose comes by his name naturally as he weighs 86 pounds! He’s literally a gentle giant! He’s more social than his brother. He wanted more of my attention. He liked being petted, but did spend most of his time looking out the gate. His brother did the same thing. It made me sad because I felt like they were both waiting for their owners to come back for them.
"
Both dogs are already fixed.
 Call the shelter at 972-216–6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Use their ID numbers to facilitate rescue or adoptions.

Also waiting, this black and white, year-old Pittie girl Nikki who came into the shelter on June 12. Judi writes, "She’s an absolutely delightful young pup with a winning, easy-going personality. She even seems to be smiling in many of the photos that I took of her. She appears to be a very happy, affectionate, loving dog. She met me in her kennel with wiggles and kisses and never stopped wiggling the whole time she was out in the yard. She is alert and explored but for the most part stayed close to me." She's ID 44508289. 

This girl Puddin' is listed as a year- to a year-and-a-half-old Boxer/Bulldog Mix. Judi's "pet scanner" says she may have some Rhodesian Ridgeback in her family tree, too. Puddin' was a stray -- she arrived on May 30. "She’s a little timid at first and ran around the yard with some nervous energy but did come back and enjoyed being petted," Judi writes. "It appears that she just doesn’t know what to make of this place called a shelter. Hopefully someone will see the outer and inner beauty of this sweet girl and come in to rescue her so she will not need to spend a lot of time here." She's #4416704 
Again, call the shelter at 972-216-6283.
 Oh, and this will endear her to Texans with summertime experience. Puddin', writes Judi, "may have been an inside dog as she kept going to the shelter door obviously wanting to get inside out of the heat!"
A DISTINCT CAT
WAITS AT DAS
It isn't like you get a whole lot of information about an animal from the Dallas Animal Services website dallasanimalservic- es.org, but you may just get enough to be enchanted to the point of setting up a visit at the big shelter in big D. 
I cite this cat Lyra (#A1100315), a divinely differently coated domestic shorthair currently awaiting adoption or rescue.
She's a mature cat in a sea of kittens -- many of them traditional Tabby cats.

CONTEMPLATIONS
KITTEN THEORY; STATE CAT; ANXIETY
What if the big spay/neuter drive for an entire month focused exclusively on "fixing" Tabby cats in Dallas. Look at the number of Tabbies waiting at DAS this week -- if you could just keep the Tabbies from multiplying you'd make a giant dent in the feline population explosion. Just a thought from someone who loves Tabby cats and hates to see so many of them waiting for the needle or left on their own in unfriendly areas where they become prey for hawks, owls, coyotes and humans. ... Perhaps someone can enlighten me: I know the State Dog of Texas is the Blue Lacy, the State Reptile is the "Horned Lizard" (aka the Horny Toad or the Horned Frog), the State Large Mammal is the Longhorn, etc., but am I right that there is no State Cat of Texas? Why not? Doesn't anyone in the Legislature have what it takes to sponsor a cat? If you go by numbers, maybe make the State Cat of Texas the Feral Cat. Heck, Texas has an official flying mammal -- a bat. Why not a State Cat? ... Summer is here now. Which is the bigger anxiety for a native Texan: The 2020 sports seasons or a failure of the household air-conditioning?
--- Offer advice, theories or cat ideas by clicking on 'comment' below or emailing dallrp@aol.com. ---