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SAVE 'EM ALL FROM HERE TO BURNS FLAT AND BEYOND; RECALLNG ONE NIGHT WITH RUSS

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021 [PetPowellPress] The first day of a new month in a year with so much promise. Like our cats and dogs, many of us have had our shots. Let’s see what else is happening in the world that involves neither politics nor the weather nor a virus. That narrows things down a bit.
We’ll get to the Russ Martin story and photo in Contemplations. First the animals -- might have been Russ' philosophy.

 RANGER IN BURNS FLAT,
ONE OF THE CHALLENGES…
Yep, one of the many challenges that the resilient rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher is attempting to help in Burns Flat, Okla.
Ranger, a “calm and sweet boy,” is about 15 and “has a heart murmur and will need meds for whatever time God decides he has left. He went to a foster home, where he suffered what the vet feels was a mild heart attack. He has recovered now and is ready to leave the vet.” And go where? That’s the problem. Terry Lynn says he “needs a special someone to take him and let him live his life out with them. He still has a bit of life and love to offer.  He isn’t ready to go yet.  He runs with the other dogs. He loves kids.   He plays with his toys.” Email Terry Lynn at [email protected].
AND THERE’S THIS CHALLENGE…
Remember that winter storm that hit Texas — well, it didn’t miss Oklahoma. And that brings us to this appeal from Terry Lynn in Burns Flat, way out in the western part of the state. She writes, “Due to a massive snow storm and wind chills that reached below negative 25, we put all our outside pound dogs into boarding in several different places.  We will be getting the remaining four out this week.  We’ve had to wait for others to leave for space. Sadly, our boarding fees are very high.   We’ve got two of them paid off and the dogs there gone. But I still owe a lot on the ones at my vet. Several people offered to help.  I know many of you already have and I thank you very much for that. If you have offered to help please let me know if you’re still able to do so. Thank you all for always caring and helping me keep them safe through the storms.” Again, email Terry Lynn at [email protected]. You can donate via PayPal at [email protected]. The vet clinic is at 580-225-4863 and those folks are well aware of Terry Lynn’s work with animals in need. The mailing address is Elk Creek Clinic, 1301 Airport Industrial, Elk City, OK. 73644.
AND, NOW EXAMPLES OF WHAT HAPPENS IN BURNS FLAT....
So, here’s an example of what Terry Lynn faces in Burns Flat. This guy, Yagger, is a 2-year-old “great dog,” Terry Lynn says, and adds that he “is a frequent visitor to our pound. His people always just open the door and let him go. Being a Pit, a lot of the neighbors were scared of him. Sadly, his owners tied him up out back during our snow storm with negative wind chills and he was freezing. I had our officers go and get him and they brought him to the pound. …We went ahead and put him into boarding.” He’s fully vetted and now needs a new home with heart. Get in touch with Terry Lynn. “Transport can be arranged,” she says.
[LARRY ASIDE: If I were in charge in Burns Flat, I’d keep the dog and get those people to leave town. Also, I’m betting that dog’s name is spelled “Jäger” as in “Jägermeister.” Not that I’ve ever sipped any of that, of course.]

WAIT, DEAR READERS, YOU’LL WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ONE, TOO.
Another Terry Lynn incredible dog adventure. So, one day last week the game warden calls her and says he saw a “truck sitting on a county road and honestly just thought they were stopped for a personal reason.” The warden goes on into town, then, on his way back, at that exact spot, the truck was gone but there was this black and white dog. “He called out to this dog and she ran into the tree line barking — he could not get her to come to him. My son and I went out several times throughout the day and night but she would never come to us. This area is heavy with Coyotes and it really worried me for her. The next morning, … I guess she’d had enough for she came and jumped right into the car. We took her straight to the vet where she was diagnosed with an eye infection which has since been treated. I have named her Rosie. You can tell she has had babies in the past! She is very sweet and loving great with other animals loves kids. She is now ready to leave the vet and go to a rescue to find a home of her own.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Maybe the guy in the pickup with Rosie can pick up the un-caring family who had Yagger and all of ‘em can ride out of town together. Don’t go south to Texas or west to New Mexico — not sure about Kansas. I’m kidding Kansas. Honest. In Kansas, cruelty cases fall into the category “Crimes Against The Public Morals.” Sounds tougher than “misdemeanor,” doesn’t it…]
THIS IS ONE PUPPY
OF 4 DUMPED AT A SCHOOL
This was posted on Lisa Mopsik Goldberg’s Facebook page Sunday. It reads, “Somebody just contacted me in Mesquite and somebody dumped four of these puppies in front of a Balch Springs school and they are in desperate need for them to go somewhere because the guy cannot keep them and he already gave one away to a person walking by. If you can help me I have his contact information. I guess I’m looking for Foster and rescue. Estimated to be about eight weeks old and only the puppies were dropped at the school.”
So I made a check on the animals and, as Lisa replied, “I just found out that the puppies have all been given away and I just hope they’ve been given to a good home.” [LARRY SUGGESTION: Ladies and gents, I guess it’s time for us to hit our knees and pray for four puppies who deserve good homes. If they aren't good homes, then either change the homes or change the hearts in the homes to be in favor of the puppies.]
IT’S THE FACES
AT THE SHELTERS!
Yep, hard to look away from them — if I’d won Lotto Texas Saturday night I’d have … well, never mind. Here’s the deal with Huggy Bear. Magnificent face. No idea why this dog is in the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control shelter, but he’s note the only one. Laurie Gautreaux posted this FWACC note along with Huggy Bear’s picture: “2 weeks ago FWACC had 252 animals, 1 week ago there was 272, today there are 326 and we are at 103% capacity for kennels. We have got to start moving big dogs out. Adoption fees are waived for all large dogs. They are available for foster or adoption.”
Huggy Bear (#42303867) is 3-years, 7-months old and is a medium-size male. The FWACC website says Huggy Bear is now in the off-site Foster Program.
If you’re hunting for an older cat, among the kittens in Cowtown you’ll see 4-year-old Gracie (#46415132). She’s at the PetSmart Alliance Adoption Center — came into the shelter on January 13. 
Here’s the LINK to FWACC’s adorable adoptables.
TRADITIONAL NEEDS
FOR OUT AT THE LAKE
The Great Sydney Busch, veteran spokesperson for Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, sent a note about supplies. As you know the Friends operate the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas. 
Here’s what they need at the clinic: toilet paper, paper towels, isopropyl alcohol 70%, hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, garbage bags (39 gallon or 13 gallon only), reams of 8-1/2x11 copy paper.
 Sydney says the items can be brought to the clinic on Tuesdays between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. (the operating hours, so to speak). Or call her at either 903-451-4701or 214-808-4701 to arrange a delivery or a fetch. Sorry, I slipped into dog lingo with “fetch.” Same thing as “pick up.”
CONTEMPLATION
RUSS MARTIN, FRIEND TO ANIMALS
It was quite stunning over the weekend to click onto the online edition of The Dallas Morning News and see a story about the death of our pal and fellow critterfan Russ Martin. 
As many of you in animal advocacy know, Russ was a big supporter of animal causes and opened up his microphone to help such folks as Jonnie England when she led Operation Kindness to its triumph and lately, Mark Verma with his efforts to promote animals in the care of Paws In The City. Mark is famous for posting photos of the animals “interviewed” on The Russ Martin Show on “The Eagle” (KEGL, 97.1 FM.).

Russ and I were in the “media” back in 2001 — can that be 20 years ago?
He was a dynamic radio guy and I was a daily columnist at The Dallas Morning News. That’s when the photo you see here was snapped.
I didn’t remember it existed until our friend, the great Jonnie England (laughing from the podium at Russ' hijinks), posted it over the weekend as she was recalling the help Russ had given her and animals in the hard work of making Operation Kindness the leading no-kill shelter just about anywhere in the universe. 

Jonnie explained, “In 2001, Operation Kindness presented its Kindness to Animals Media Award jointly to Russ and Larry Powell for their combined efforts to bring awareness of animal cruelty. Russ was so overcome, he had to hug Larry.”

I think I hugged him back — I’d rather be hugging him now than writing about him.

I have no doubt, our radio friend was met at the famed Rainbow Bridge by animals whose lives were longer and happier because Russ Martin had a microphone. Bless him, please.
—- Offer loving thoughts of an animal fan by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

COYOTE WARNING: PERHAPS TO HELP SLEEPING DOGS LIE & NAPPING CATS NAP -- SAFELY

[LARRY REVELATION: The two humans at our house have completed the two-shot routine for the anti-Covid 19 vaccines. Got the second shots Friday around noon and so far no side-effects though I do have a craving for chocolate and ice cream. Wait, I always have a craving for chocolate and ice cream. Now, we present our regularly scheduled program.]


This edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, the last for February 2021, is dedicated with our hearts to all feral cats, outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and small dogs left outside by themselves.
Why is that? Because this is Coyote mating season and North Texas Coyotes are predators and those domestic animals may be your pets, but outside, they’re prey. They may be the target of a carnivorous Coyote. (I’ll explain the sleeping/napping photos later in this edition.)

Many cities issue these Coyote warnings on behalf of the animals who, unfortunately, are in the care of people who think Coyotes are harmless cartoon characters and the people also believe a little asphalt and some streetlights and yardlights will deter the appetite of a Coyote seeking an unsuspecting meal in its natural habitat — anywhere in Texas.
For example, on the Northwest Dallas Feral Cat Coalition Facebook page, we saw this note from the great Elaine McLendon Munch, a veteran rescuer and advocate.
She posted, “The city issued a notice on Next Door to beware that Coyotes are mating right now and normally through the middle of March. They caution that the males can get aggressive as well, where normally you could stomp your feet and yell and they would run away, that may not work now. Our poor ferals are vulnerable but if you have an indoor/outdoor cat best to keep it in. I fear a lot of cats will go missing during this time.”
[LARRY ASIDE: On our Next Door page, there are frequently people living near the river bottoms and a nearby nature preserve who post notices of their missing cats or feral cats they’ve been feeding or their small dogs (“I let Tiny out to do her business last night and she never came back….” You might have seen that kind of heart-punishing appeal for people to be on the lookout.) How about a “Wise up, people. Protect your animals.”]

Pass the notice about the Coyotes around to anyone you know who doesn’t understand that in our part of “civilized Texas,”little dogs and puppies and cats and kittens are absolutely the targets of such predators as Coyotes, free-roaming dogs, bobcats and hawks and other flying raptors not to mention mean-ass people. Dang, there’s my French poppin’ up again. Here's a link to the flying raptors in North Texas -- hawks, falcons and eagles.
Keep your animals safe -- let the sleeping dogs lie and the napping cats nap in the safety of their/your home.

THE PHOTOS

At our house, we have a former feral kitten (Simon), a once-wandering older cat (The Senator) and a not-that-big former street dog (Porche Noel). They all would have been likely Coyote targets had they not been taken in and given a home where their biggest threats are over-eating and over-treating. 

That first photo above is the little guy Simon, saved from abandonment at about 5 weeks old, bottle-fed and now the largest cat outside inhabitants of a sanctuary for Lions and Tigers. Even his mugshot indicates a robust presence. He’d usually be sleeping inside the cabinet under the TV and bookshelves. But, lately, he’s discovered there is warmth in placing his cheek on a TV cable box — we still get the signal, but we can’t change the channels because of His Thickness. 
Then we have The Senator who understands that as a “lap cat” he has the natural right to cat nap on the lap desk in Martha’s lap when she’s in the recliner and watching TV. (The cellcamera clicking woke The Senator, my personal advisor and confidant.) FYI: I think the “Lap Cat Cat Nap Clause” has been supported by the Supreme Cat Court of the U.S.
That is Porche Noel on the back of the couch. She appears to be sleeping, but in reality, she is peering through her squinted eyes toward our front door in what she calls “Coyote Repellent Position.”
One suspicious shadow across the window and she’ll declare “Coyote Alert!” and there’ll be a cavalcade of barking while the cats get on their phones to their lawyers.
Seriously, make sure your animals are safe. It’s your responsibility not the burden of “sheer luck.”
Bless the Coyotes, too. Keep all animals safe.
We close with pals Simon and Porche during a conference regarding strategy and treats. That gives you an idea of the bulk of Simon -- he's not much smaller than Porche and twice as sensitive to intruders. She barks; he plots.
—- Offer contrary notions or support by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

ON WANDERING MIND FRIDAY, A WORLD OF ANIMAL CHALLENGES

EDITION OF FRIDAY, FEB. 26, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to Wandering Mind Friday. Yeah, this is being written on Tough-to-focus Thursday. 

Why tough-to-focus? No idea. I’m not a psychiatrist, though I have played one on stage. But that was in a previous lifetime and I shut down my practice when the show closed and the theater took back my shrink costume.

Willam, the Office Cat, chose not to counsel me and quietly went to the bedroom to dream of a no-whine place to work. Handsome boy, ain't he.
I’ve had my two cups of coffee — and I’ve hugged dogs and cats and my homeofficespouse Martha. 
She’s wasn't Zooming on Thursday. When she’s on a Zoom call, if I walk out of my office at the other end of the house, our Border Collie mix Dudley, usually in her office, hears my door open and begins barking an alert like either I’m a burglar, I'm a rebellious sheep or he’s a 3rd grade school teacher trying to shush an unruly boy who is working on a C-minus conduct grade on his report card. 

JUST WORDS, NO PICTURES
BUT YOU’LL SEE ENOUGH…
One of the reasons I’m having trouble focusing is I read an infuriating report on the DAS Accountability Page here about some people living in Dallas, Texas, near the path known as the Santa Fe Trail. Somebody looked into a backyard last week and saw the neighbor’s dog. According to the text: “There was ‘Midnight’ frozen, laying in his doghouse (obviously too small for him) sticking halfway out dead.”
The appeal was being made for someone to face cruelty charges. And for some organization to investigate this senseless situation. An update reported that the people who Midnight trusted “put the doghouse on the curb with him in it.” No dignity for the dog. None at all. And he’d be alive today if he’d been loved as promised. 
I think the fact that I read this posting before I started anything else might account for my inability to focus. If you spot what you think is an animal cruelty situation — weather isn’t the villain, people are — call someone who wears a badge and swears to uphold the law. Animal cruelty is against the law in Texas.
THEN THERE’S THE LADY GAGA
CASE THAT’S IN THE NEWS
There are disgusting people roaming this planet. Surprise, surprise. Maybe you’ve seen the impossible-to-understand story of the punks rolling up to Lady Gaga’s dog walker in Hollywood, grabbing the singer’s French Bulldogs and shooting the dog walker. Two of the dogs, Gustav and Koji, were taken, the third, identified in news stories as Miss Asia, ran to the side of the prone and bleeding dog walker.
Here’s the LINK to the TMZ story with video of the incident — TMZ says Gaga wanted the video released so people could see this crime and recover Gustav and Koji. The singer/actress has put up a $500,000 reward for the return of her dogs.
In a comment on another page discussing this event, our ol’ pal Gig Ray, veteran rescuer and advocate posted very simply what most of us are thinking, “WTH is wrong with people?”
[LARRY ASIDE: It will be interesting to discover the motivation for this incident. Couldn’t have simply been crooks just decided to steal a couple of dogs. Surely. Maybe I worked the crime and courthouse beats too long as a reporter, but this crime seems as if it either has a lot of thought about taking advantage of a specific sar or it has no thought at all. Only opportunity and criminal impulse. Either way, save the dogs, jail the creeps.]
BUT, NOW, CONSIDER THESE 2 EVENTS
THAT INVOLVE PEOPLE WITH GOOD HEARTS
BAYLEE’S CHALLENGE
The early report on Thursday read this way:
“CRITICAL - BADLY INJURED DOG appears to be a Beagle Mix. JUST CAME INTO LANCASTER TX SHELTER - BACK LEG DANGLING.” The photographs were pretty awful. This is one of them — anybody with a heart wants to comfort that dog.
All the work by 4-Legged Helpers to establish trust with the Lancaster Animal Shelter paid off for Baylee. The note from the Helpers read, “Shelter willing to do an emergency medical release on this poor sweet girl. She was found stray—not moving — she is unable to stand because of that leg. Baylee appears to be a little Beagle mix. Please, please, help save her.” 

I chose a “less vivid” photo of Baylee to illustrate the beginning of this story — it still shows you a stunned dog with a leg that damaged and raw and bloody.
As word of the case began to spread, people began to donate to help Baylee get some help. Then, in mid-afternoon, Laura Macias from 4-Legged Helpers posted this photo of Baylee in her safely secure ride to an emergency vet.
The note read, “Leg is shattered. Baylee being taken to an emergency vet….Pic of her leaving first vet that got her on some pain meds and told us leg is shattered. We have someone wanting to foster/adopt but we so welcome any donations. Right now we are not sure if her back leg can be saved….”
There’ll be more info coming on Baylee. The non-profit 4-Legged Helpers pulled Baylee. The Helpers’ PayPal is [email protected]. And you can see more on 4-Legged helpers Inc. Facebook page.

Remember this: While some dogs and other animals were left to freeze to death, there are people who work hard to save ‘em all.
JET’S SITUATION
We got this Thursday morning from Karen Lee, our pal whose barkleyworld.com helps animals in need. She was writing on behalf of this little guy Jet — the organization Pound Pals is accepting pledges for Jet because the funding will help him cope with his latest diagnosis, diabetes. 
There’s a story. Karen says Pound Pals has a number of senior pets and others in vet care currently. But Jet’ situation is particularly touching. In a Facebook post, Pound Pals posted, “Jet has been a beloved pet since 2013. His mom passed away last year and his dad is 85 years old. This past Monday, Jet was diagnosed with diabetes. His dad, who lives alone, is not able to give Jet his insulin.  As a result, Pound Pals has been asked to consider accepting Jet. When we plead him to our fosters, we received an immediate notice of acceptance. This means Jet has a willing medical foster.
“We had our vet team review Jet's medical records. Jet is going to be a complicated case because he has multiple issues. He was diagnosed with autoimmune meningitis in 2019. Jet now needs some extensive diagnostic testing which will include thyroid panel and Cushings testing. Jet's glucose is currently 755 which means immediate hospitalization until his glucose is at a safe level and stable.

“Long story short, Jet is an expensive long term rescue endeavor." This made Jet an "iffy" case due to the organizations already burdened medical funds. The post continues, "Jet's extended family says their grandfather is very bonded to Jet and does not want him to be euthanized. Jet's dad wants Jet to be able to get the care he needs and live his life out. As a result, the family agreed to board Jet at his vet clinic so he can start insulin injections for two days in hopes that we will be able to take on Jet's needs.

“The family had Jet's dad say his goodbyes at the vet clinic today. After 8 years together, Jet's dad had to leave him not knowing if he would be euthanized or rescued."
The note says “the family agreed” to give Pound Pals two days to find financial support “before having Jet euthanized.”
Pledges is what Pound Pals needs. Here’s the LINK to Pound Pals. You’ll need to scroll down to get to Jet’s story.
[LARRY ASIDE: There are pledges coming in; more will be needed, probably. But this effort and the efforts to help other Pound Pals dogs demonstrate that there are people whose hearts are correctly wired.]
ONE MORE LANCASTER DOG NOTE:
REMEMBER ‘TESTY’ RANGO THE GSD?
We wrote about several German Shepherds who’d been dumped at the Lancaster Animal Shelter and caught the eye of Four Legged Helpers. One of these was Rango. Brandi and Jenny (Chanel) have been tagged by rescue, says the Helpers’ Laura Macias.
Rango was an “owner-release” and the owner handed him over because “he is acting badly” and the surrender was so Rango could be euthanized. Yep, kill him.
You may recall in our initial report about Rango, one theory was that he had a medical problem that was bugging him and changing his demeanor.
Thursday afternoon, Laura reported, “Rango had a cyst that burst literally today and he is now acting all friendly! So yay! We are spending some money to get him looked at today by a vet. Poor guy! ... We are so happy he is being a sweet boy now!!”

Plans were for Rango to have an afternoon vet visit, then return to the shelter and await being rescued or adopted. To help him with his vet bills, donate to 4-Legged Helpers PayPal account at helpingshelterbabies@ gmail.com or go to the 4-Legged Helpers Inc. Facebook page and donate to Rango. Call or text Laura at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
[LARRY ASIDE: Yeah, it was cheaper or more convenient to dump Rango so somebody else could kill him than it was to simply take him to a vet and get an inexpensive checkup. Maybe Rango didn't fit into the family budget. Sheesh.]
CONTEMPLATION
WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?
I realize I'm hadly the person to examine the human condition, but whatever is wrong with people, it's not wrong with ALL people. If you are reading this, you probably know a bunch of the angels who save animals from the deeds of people with malfunctioning souls. Remember that you know these angels. It may give you a boost when you need it.
For every three or four guys who’ll shoot up a dog walker and steal dogs, or every household that doesn’t care if a pet freezes to death in winter or bakes to death in a Texas summer, for everybody who neglects a dog or cat to death, there are scores of good hearts trying to save ‘em all.
Sometimes the village idiots, the free-roaming villains and their don’t care/so what cousins win. But Texas has laws. Make a call to someone with a badge and a Texas Bar card and save some animals from hell in Texas. (Need I mention monitoring the Texas Humane Legislation Network and it’s efforts to educate the Texas Legislature into a mood to protect animals?)
When you watch the animal advocate community work for years, you’ll know that there are people who have given their hearts to protecting the dogs and cats and horses and cattle and other animals whose lives are in the hands of humanity. That’s uplifting. What’s also uplifting is finding out that prosecuting attorneys now and then throw the bad guys in the slammer — the only drawback is that one of the pieces of evidence is usually a photo of the body of a dead animal.
Humans can do better. Well, most humans can. Some of you rat bastards are hopeless. Pardon my entirely accurate French, as the righteous say when moved to unbridled expressions of disgust. My apologies to rats for mentioning them in the same sentence with the human creeps.
REMEMBER: Save ‘em all — from humans and circumstances.
—- Offer thoughts and theories by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

A CAVALCADE: CRITTERS, WILMER'S PAST, FELINE EARHOUND, WELCOME INTERRUPTION...

[EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Look at that dog face. Nostrils as big as her eyes. Interrupted me with her huge presence.
 She's not that big, but her pressence is.
I’ve been writing for a long time — started for money in newsrooms in August, 1965. I’ve been interrupted by shouting matches, a physical confrontation or two across the room, newsroom lovers’ spats, ringing phones nobody was answering, demonstrators outside, worn out typewriter ribbons going blank on the keys, a woman walking in with a baseball bat and asking for me by name (she just wanted to talk; the bat was incidental), etc. 

But on Tuesday afternoon, I was starting to write and, to sort of psyche myself up, I’d clicked onto that Highwayman song by Willie, Waylon, Kris and Johnny. 
Suddenly, at the sound of Willie Nelson’s voice, our dog Wendy Louise Wagstaff Arden came over and shoved herself between my desk and my knees and sort of spun me around so she could look at me. I don’t know why. Credit Willie for inspiring affection. But I loved that she did come over to see me when I needed a focus. I hugged her, patted her head, might have tugged at some of those world class whiskers. She gave me a dog grin and, tail wagging as usual, she walked across the room and flopped down on one of Porche Noel’s Transcendental Dogatation Hippie pad psychodelic rugs and went to sleep.
I took it as a compliment. Everybody, on a day when you're confronted with a challenge or wallowing in a bad mood, oughta have a dog walk up and say, “Hey, just checkin’ on you before I take a nap and dream of treats and grins.”

Why else are we here if not to make life better for dogs and cats and critters and even a human or two now and then?
WILMER WANDERER EMILY;
LET IN FROM THE COLD
Before we explain Emily’s situation in Wilmer’s tiny shelter, we’ll remind you that the dogs from Lancaster that we mentioned in Monday’s edition still need help from rescuers and adopters.
Now, there’s the Emily story and, remember, the contact points for helping Emily and the Lancaster dogs are these spots with 4-Legged Helpers: Call or text Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].

Adorable Emily “showed up in the winter storm,” explains 4-Legged Helpers, “and although the Wilmer Shelter has not been picking up dogs in some time now, in this case, someone did allow her to go into the shelter due to the critical need with the cold. (Much of Wilmer was without water during the storm, so not sure what this poor baby has been through.)”

The “little cutie pie” is in a shelter that doesn’t have public visiting of the animals — 4-Legged Helpers works to get any animals that wind up there into the watchful eyes of rescuers and people with good hearts. As the Helpers explained, “We can get her moved to a boarding situation that is very inexpensive for a few days, but she desperately needs a rescue group.”
MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE BOOGIE,
BINGO, BLAZE AND ROXY

(ALSO PRECIOUS AND TULLY)
That headline sounds likes you can honky tonk and Boogie in Mesquite, gamble at Bingo and hang out with a couple of country singers, Blaze and Roxy. In reality, that may be true, but in this case we’re talking shelter dogs, courtesy of our tipsters, the dog biographers Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown.

Handsome Boogie’s story is he’s 2 1/2 years old, weighs 50 pounds and was an owner-surrender. He’s listed [ID #46644711] as a “mixed breed” and the Pet Bio Scanner says that mix is “American Bulldog/Dogo Agentino/American Staffordshire terrier.” Why surrendered? Financial hardships. He came in on the 13th. Since then, he’s been a gentleman, walks nicely on a leash, knows “sit” and “lay” and “has a low-key and mellow personality.” He was well-cared-for in his home and, his bio reads, “There is a lot to like about Boogie.”
Bingo (#46667334) is a Staffie mix who came in on the 18th and weighs 65 pounds at only six months. The more accustomed he gets to people, the warmer he gets. And the bio reads, “He has lots of puppy energy. This little fellow is frisky and perky…He loves treats and would undoubtedly respond well to training if treats were a part of the deal.”
Blaze (#46624687) is a 9-month-old, 40-pound former stray who came in on the 10th. His bio reads that “it is obvious from looking at him that he is very underweight and has not been well-cared for in his short life. Yet, Blaze has an exuberant and unquenchable spirit.” The experienced theory is he’s a treat-crazy boy who can be easily trained and, as a “housedog”, will become “a part of his family.”
Roxie (46676451) is about a year old, weighs 58 pound and was surrendered on the 20th “because the owners did not have enough time for her.”  That's her left and right. The bio says the previous owners had her for 11 months. “Roxy spent a lot of time in the backyard and owners said she especially enjoyed being inside with the children.” She’s good on a leash, low-key, mellow, well-mannered and affectionate.
Precious [46676480] is about 9, weighs 50 pounds and came into the shelter on the 20th because “his owner suffered a stroke and was no longer able to care for him.” Precious is a mix (Lab and Jindo and “etc.,” the bio says) and he’s lived indoors and outdoors and with cats — and is a “friendly fellow.” He hasn’t lived with kids. But he does have a “mellow personality.”
Tully (46664457) is a Pittie mix brought in as a stray on the 18th. He is about a year and a half old and weighs around 60 pounds. And his bio says hes a “high-energy youngster.” He’s strong. and “seems to want constant attention and perhaps he hasn’t had much of that.”

Remember, to ask about any of these pups or any Mesquite dog or cat, use their ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email
[email protected].
AN EARHOUND DOESN’T ALWAYS
HAVE TO BE A FUNNY DOG…
While looking for a cat to remind people that North Texas has plenty of felines who need happy homes, we clicked onto spca.org to see the available adorables on the SPCA of Texas adoption list.
And, son of a gun, if we didn’t find formerly spotlighted Apollo still waiting for the right home. We’ve been noting his zany photo since before the Pandemic arrived, I’m almost certain. Whatever the case, he’s a dog with “great house manners” and he needs an adults-only home and no other dogs. He’ll need a secure fence, too. He’s not all that keen with humans he doesn’t know. (LARRY ASIDE: That makes him sound so human, right!)
And we spotted this photo of an Earhound described as a former Dallas street cat. Zeke is a 6-month-old kitten who, if he grows into his ears, may be as big as a lion. Oh, he’s probably already got mature ears and is about to enjoy a growth-spurt so his body will match. He’s listed as a “small’ Domestic Shorthair/Mix. (LARRY ZEKE ASIDE: The mix could have been mule, based on those ears.]
Check out Apollo and Zeke and many more by going to spca.org and learning about adoptions, volunteering and supporting the animals and the people who work to help them.
CONTEMPLATIONS
FIRST SWEAT OF '21; WHAT ABOUT WILMER? AND THE SONG....
My, how the weather has changed for the better. At 7:30 a.m. Tuesday I was in the garage walking 25 brisk minutes on my treadmill and broke into the First Sweat of 2021. Later that day the temp was in the 80s. Why do I keep the treadmill in the garage? Self-preservation. If I keep it in the house, I’m afraid I might jump up from the couch and over-exercise. Or, around midnight, I might trip over it in the dark on my way to the refrigerator. …
WHAT ABOUT WILMER? I’ll tell ya what about Wilmer. That’s where Emily the dog is waiting (first item today). In case you wondered, Wilmer’s a small town on the southern side of Dallas. Its population is around 4,400 and, according to the Handbook of Texas, the city was named Prairie Valley in 1872 when the Houston and Texas Central Railroad “established a stop” there. The town was founded in 1876 and , in 1884, Prairie Valley was renamed “Wilmer” in honor of A.J. Wilmer. As the Handbook explains it, Wilmer was “a conductor on the Houston and Texas Central who often passed through town.” Seems like there’d be a romantic Broadway musical in that story. Guess it’s a good thing the outlaw Sam Bass was usually on horseback or Wilmer might be Basston, i.e., Sam Basston.  That’s a photo of a Texas Central caboose and we don’t know if any of the people in the photo might be Conductor Wilmer. Or if any of them had dogs. Read more HERE. Kind of funny, I guess, that we know for whom Wilmer was named, but nobody can pinpoint why Dallas is named “Dallas.” … Speaking of Sam Bass, the bandit with Denton connections, here’s the LINK TO HIGHWAYMAN, a video of Willie, Waylon, Kris and Johnny — The Highwaymen — performing that legendary song that is melodic philosophy of the universe...maybe.
—-Offer opinions of the song or the world by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

WE TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER LOYAL DOG MAXIE: RESCUED, LOVED AND AN ADMIRABLE SPIRIT

[DEAR READERS: At readlarrypowell.com we have a long been fond of writing about our “Eastern Seaboard Bureau” and its personnel on the shores of Indian Lake, in Denville, N.J.
On Tuesday, our dear friend Andy Fisher, the “bureau chief” and a long-time newspaper and broadcast journalist, sent us a report that was surely tough to write. 
We have mentioned the noble dog Maxie for years — we wrote of his medical trials, of his companionship, of his loving relationship with Chloe the Cat and of his love for all the bureau “staffers”, i.e., Andy, Andy’s wife Annie and Ian, Annie’s son who has a real feeling for animals. It’s a family thing at the Fisher home. Here is the report Andy produced for us Tuesday in honor of his pal, Maxie. That's Andy's favorite photo of Chloe and Maxie in a prelude to a nuzzle.]
THE MAXIE REPORT

By Andy Fisher
Ol' Maxie went across the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon -- his liver was failing him, adding to a long list of other ailments.
Veterinarian Ray Czarnecki was as upset as we are; he had treated Maxie as if he were his own dog, although Maxie didn't like him very much, probably recalling the awful night they met -- the night of his back injury. 
Although he was in rough shape, he never complained, which we are told is a classic Pittie trait. [PHOTO: That's a recent picture of Andy making sure his pal Maxie got his treat.]
When he didn't get up this morning, we figured something was very wrong, and Dr. Ray urged us to bring him in. When Maxie didn't growl or snap or object in any way, Dr. Ray said, "That's not Maxie," and we had to agree.

THE PATH TO LIFE WITH MAXIE

It was very soon after we lost Barley, the Husky/Retriever Ian had paid to adopt with his first-communion money, that we adopted Bella, an old lady that we knew had neurological issues -- we lost her about a year later. 
We decided to wait a bit after Bella's passing to bring another dog aboard, but one Sunday Annie and Ian and I went up to Eleventh Hour Dog Rescue to find a new companion. 
One of the candidates was Cash, a beautiful fluffy dog who needed a younger family to handle his rambunctiousness. Another was Ernie, a heeler mix who was afraid of me -- and no one is ever afraid of me. 
And there was a handsome guy who had been in the shelter for more than a year -- since even before we had adopted Bella. The name on his card was "Max (Nutty Buddy)." We were told his owner in Greenwood, South Carolina, had been evicted, and had wept when he was forced to surrender his buddy. 
After we'd seen a few dogs, Ian said, "I like that Max." Annie said, "I do, too." So they went and got him. He trotted right over and put his great big Pittie-mix head in my hands. The message could not have been clearer: "I'm goin' home with this guy." 
Loyal, he was. Nobody -- NOBODY -- messed with his new family. [The family photo of Andy, Annie & Maxie was taken by Kenny DePugh, a neighbor, Andy says, "who volunteers at Eleventh Hour and actually knew Maxie before we did."]
He loved his new home. He had a unique sprawl when he took his ease on the deck overlooking the lake. Annie took a picture we call "A Man and His Frog." 


THE FALL, TOUGH DOG, LOYAL FRIEND

One night when Annie and I were out of the house, something happened. We're not sure, but we think he fell down the stairs. In any event, Annie found him motionless on the downstairs floor. 
She called an emergency vet, and that's how we met Dr. Ray Czarnecki of Hodes Veterinary Group in Mine Hill, NJ. Dr. Ray directed us to a veterinary neurosurgeon, and that night, Maxie underwent surgery. 
The pain must have been formidable, but Maxie's canine courage was stronger, and he never let on. The crew at the surgery center loved him, he came home, and with some therapy at AquaDog in Flanders, NJ, he got back on all fours. 
But in recent months, his rough life caught up with him. He lost control of his back legs; the winter cold kept him indoors; and he developed a lethal array of ailments. 
He made it to the age of 10 in January, and his spirit was good, but defying the pain got harder and harder. 
Dr. Ray, who always got a growl from the big guy, took a look, and this time, there was no growl, just a big sad face. Something that said, "Time to go." 
We were with him when he slipped into what Shakespeare called "that undiscovered country from whose borne no traveler returns." 
He was a big, loyal, handsome and very, very brave fellow, and there is a Maxie-shaped hole in our hearts.

[LARRY NOTE: That's Maxie in his earlier days -- he enjoyed that vantage point on the deck. And this is the logo for Eleventh Hour Dog Rescue, the New Jersey organization that took care of him until Andy, Annie and Ian came to get him and give him a life of adoration. We honor Maxie today on behalf of everybody who ever had a dog or cat that meant the world to them.]
—- Offer condolences or admiration for loving rescued animals by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] —

WHEN THERE'S A CHILL IN THE AIR, ICE ON THE LAKE AND CRITTERS ON THE CLOCK....

EDITION OF TUESDAY, FEB. 23, 2021 [PetPowellPress] If I could think of anything clever with which to open this edition of readlarry powell.com, I’d be the reigning genius on the planet. 
That is both a weather photo and a news photo. Our big bottle-fed kitten Simon found a place to sit that was between the TV’s cable news broadcast and the window looking out onto our snow-covered yard. He went to sleep sitting up — I don’t know if it was the politics on TV or the weather outside that dropped his lids. [LARRY ASIDE: Though Simon is not animated in this photo, he is representing the International Adopt a Cat Movement For Tranquil Moments. He says the organization still working on its charter in Texas. He told me, “We got a chilly reception in Austin." Or maybe he said, "We got a chili reception." That's more likely.]
Now, as I appear unable to come up with a punchline that doesn’t involve weather or politics, we’ll simply move on, keeping the personal mission in mind: Win Lotto Texas; Save ‘em all. 
A PAIR OF DOGS THAT WILL CHARM
FOLLOWERS OF CLASSIC FILMS
One of the great blessings of my existence is that I am on the mailing lists for many wonderful organizations that work to save the lives of animals no matter what their pedigree. For example, I was inspired to look at the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas’ adorable availables because I got the GALTx newsletter explaining how the volunteers were able to cope with “Snowmageddon 2021” and its affect on the GALT shelter, Houn’House! When I clicked on the GALT site, I found this fantastic line-up — see if anything among the Greyhounds stops your eyes in their tracks.
Yep, not everybody in the lineup is a Greyhound. I’ll bet you spotted the two cuties right away. Here’s the report from GALTx about two of the dogs in the “Junior Varsity” lineup.
 Their story reads: “Nick and Nora are siblings that were rescued from a law enforcement cruelty seizure by Paul’s Valley Animal Control in Oklahoma. They were very thin when they were taken in, and certainly were mistaken for Greyhound puppies! But once a GALT Greyhound, always an honorary GALT Greyhound! Nick and Nora are extremely bonded and depend on each other, so of course they will be adopted together, but for just the adoption fee of one.

 “A DNA test was performed showing them to be American Staffie and Boxer crosses. They are extremely sweet and loving.”

There’s also this from another report. “When the two play they can get noisy and sound like they are Tasmanian devils, but they also make the cutest and strangest sounds, hence their nickname, ‘The Gremlins’.” 
So, if you were to contact GALTx and ask about the “Greyhound Gremlins,” there’s no that you’re asking about Nick and Nora — yep, same names as the characters played by William Powell and Myrna Loy in The Thin Man movie series.
Here’s the LINK to the Nick and Nora report and here’s the link to a video of the pups as they benefitted from GALTx's loving care.
THE OLDER CAT
WAITS IN DALLAS
We mentioned this girl before — back when you could get to Dallas Animal Services by going to dallasanimal services.org. But there’s been an interesting and more informative change in the online presences of Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center. You can see it at bedallas90.org. 

This is, with a nod to movie star Natalie Portman, the famed Dallas feline Catalie Portman. She’s an older cat and she’s smaller — six pounds. She’s at THIS LINK. And she’s at Dallas Animal Services waiting for someone to give her a home and treat her like the darlin’ cat she’s grown up to be.
THREE GERMAN SHEPHERDS
AND A ‘MARLEY’ WAITING
OK, here’s a German Shepherd trio and a Lab mix named Marley. They’re all waiting in the Lancaster Animal Shelter, according to our tipsters from 4-Legged Helpers.
Marley’s situation is he’s a “very good boy. Incredibly sweet and cute.” And he’s got nobody as of this writing except people trying to help him find somebody.
For Marley and for these three German Shepherds, call or text 4-Legged Helpers’ Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. 
Now about these other dogs. [LARRY ASIDE: I’m stifling my involuntary “Sheesh, people!]

Brandi was released by a human who said the senior dog “may have some eye issues” and she “released her to be euthanized.” As the Helpers note reads, “This is just so sad. She is incredibly cute and gives big sweet kisses and it is really heartbreaking to see her here. … Look at that adorable face…sigh…what is wrong with people? Knowing this area,” the helper note reads, “I sincerely doubt they took her to a vet to be check out.”

And this is Rango, another owner-release German Shepherd. The surrendering individual said “he is acting badly and, like Brandi’s owner, released him to be euthanized. Unbelievable yet again,” declared the Helper’s note. "NONE of the people that release ever even try going to a vet. We are actually wondering if something might be physically wrong, i.e., he may be in pain. We have seen it many times— a severe ear infection, a tooth impacted. The dog acts out from pain….” And the Helpers say that if you want to donate to Rango for a vet check call or text 214-949-2726 or e-mail [email protected].
And there’s Jenny, who we mentioned in Monday’s edition. But it turns out her original name is Chanel. The Helpers say she is “truly beautiful” and, yes, she also was an owner-surrender. Playful girl — once loved but now dumped at a shelter.
Again, get in touch with 4-Legged Helpers by calling or texting 214-949-2726 or emailing [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE BLIZZARD OF ’21 IN JERSEY

I thought I’d present some photos of the ongoing weather challenges at our Eastern Seaboard Bureau on the banks of Indian Lake in Denville, N.J., where winter continues to have a firm grip. Well, maybe it’s slipping a little bit. Temp lakeside might be around 40 today (Don't look for any bass boats taking advantage of an early thaw.) In North Texas, we’ll be not around 40, but around 70-something, the weather folks say. 
What you see here are some of the weekend and Monday photos provided by the veteran newsman who helms the tiller at the Eastern Seaboard Bureau, Andy Fisher. I like to think that first one is a “mood-setter.” And there’s a photo of an American flag waving over and through the snow. Now, the Bureau Cat Chloe and the Bureau Dog Maxie — featured on our website now and then — are not much on exploring the snow. But Andy and Mrs. Fisher, Annie, were out looking at the solid ice on the lake and Andy snapped Annie standing out, as we’d say in Texas, “raht smack in thuh big middle uh thayut ahce.”
 In reality, Annie is posing not far from the area where on July 4 you might be able to catch Uncle Sam doing his traditional patriotic ski-by for the Independence Day festival. That's Uncle Sam in warmer times at the lake.
Kind of warms your  wintry heart, doesn't it....
—- Offer tips for handling warm weather or for setting your air-conditioner to match the temp by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] —-

MUGSHOT MONDAY GIVES US THE FACES; AND WE LEARN OF A CATTLE SEIZURE IN EAST TEXAS

EDITION OF MONDAY, Feb. 21, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Yeah, the politicians and the experts are going to happily be blaming people for failing to see the weather misery coming 10 days ago. Was nobody paying attention to Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day? I’ll bet that’s the last time a politician laughs off a shadow-spotting groundhog and a weather forecaster says, “Never mind that overfed rodent, I’ve got a distant forecast computer program that never misses.” 

Six more weeks of winter? That six weeks expires along about the middle of March. Still time to buy winter gear which, previously in Texas, meant thick socks and a waterproof windbreaker in case of rain.
So, having avoided unpleasant weather difficulties, I’m happily back at the computer keyboard and here we go. Phil (the rodent upper left) has people. This dog has nobody. You could be THE somebody. Read on. 

CALL THIS MONDAY MUGSHOTS
FOR THE MESQUITE SHELTER
I decided to organize this on my own — this mugshot array. And yes, there are some Earhounds! The volunteers concentrate on meeting the dogs and making sure they can tell people what the dogs are like — the theory (and it works so far) is that the info helps people decide to give a dog a chance. [LARRY ASIDE: These bios come from the volunteer dog biographers Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm. You don’t invest yourself in this sort of personal involvement unless you have a heart bigger’n Texas. It’s a real mission.] Here we go:
QITA (#46613010), a 5-year-old “darling tan-colored Pittie with hazel eyes, is 5 and came in on February 8 as a stray. Our tipster, the volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown, says the dog is craving attention. She’s high-energy and active and “sometimes gets over-exuberant and jumps on you. But because she wants to please, she should be easy to train… Once she found out I had treats she REALLY stayed close.” She’s 50 pounds and not fixed and “very photogenic,” Judi says. 

MOE (#46628404) is a 2-year-old mixed- breed, a 37-pound stray who came in on the 10th. Judi says her “pet scanner” says Moe is “part Carolina/Black Mouth Cur/Jack Russell terrier mix. Whatever he is he’s darling and has an outgoing friendly personality.” Same as Qita, Moe is “exuberant” and will jump on a person, but he will sit for treats and that’ll help control him. “He wiggles and waggles,” Judi says, describing him as “a happy guy who seems to love everyone.”
MURPHY (#46656581) is the dog to whom this face belongs. Came in as a stray on the 17th and will be available on the 22nd. He’s a 44-pound, 2-year-old “Honey-Colored Hound Mix” with a great set of ears and, as Judi writes, “soft, pleading eyes.” He’s “cautiously friendly” but will warm up to people. His back is “somewhat hunched” and he has a couple of puncture scars on his noggin. He’s also “too thin and could use some groceries,” Judi says. She sees him as living with a “family that has a laid-back lifestyle.” She also says, “I can see him sprawled out on a rug by his master’s feet. I suspect he would be a very loyal companion.” 

SALENE (#46479145) has an “action mugshot.” Debra Chisholm met her and prepared the bio. Salene is a 63-pound, 3-year-old Pittie/Staffie mix — a stray who came in on January 23 and went into quarantine. Why? “Because she was so scared and nervous in the shelter environment.” Debra says Salene has been “brought up to a bay in the general population and is doing much better….She is playful, enjoys toys and loves to fetch. She will race after the tennis balls and return them, wanting to continue with the game.” She also likes the climbing equipment in the shelter yard and loves “showing off her athleticism” and she “has a friendly disposition and is an affectionate girl.” And, of course, there’s this: “Unfortunately she appears to have been overbred.” [LARRY ASIDE: So there’s a hint about why this girl was a stray — stupid owner quit pretending to be a responsible breeder and dumped her on the streets. Just a theory based on human behavior — maybe inhuman behavior.]
TARZAN (46543844), 4 years old and about 50 pounds, is a Golden Lab/Retriever mix who came in on January 30 “due to a bite,” Debra reports. “Tarzan has completed the required 10-day quarantine and is in a general population kennel. The bite (which appears to be more of a scratch) was a minor one. After spending some time with this adorable dog, I see nothing but a friendly and sweet-natured boy.” Good on a leash, house-trained and knows “sit.” Plus, Debra says, he has an “outgoing and confident personality.” He needs, Debra declares, “People who will stay committed to him.”
GRETA (46618807) is a … [LARRY PAUSE: Look, sometimes the photos get to me. I saw Greta’s and exclaimed “Awwww!” before I read a word about her. Look at that face. Those ears. Those eyes. Holy smoke, how does a dog like that turn up stray? Shame on the person who didn’t take care of Greta. She’s practically waiting for the needle because of you!] Back to Greta: She’s about 2, weighs 40 pounds, isn’t spayed, and is “friendly, affectionate and gives kisses,” her biographer Debra says. She’ll probably need an exercise partner to help her deal with her “real zest for living,” Debra suggests. [LARRY ASIDE: I’d adopt her just to be able to look at her face and smile. But, of course, I’m a sucker for a marvelous dog or cat face. Yep, SAVE ‘EM ALL.]
So, here’s the deal. To ask about any of these animals, use their ID numbers when you email [email protected] or when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283.
Want a cat? Plenty there at Mesquite. Use those same contact points.
We picked this one off the shelter’s site Sunday.
Earl The Cat (46641413), a year-old domestic shorthair mix, came into the shelter on Feb. 12.
[LARRY ASIDE: We don’t know much about year-old Earl, but based on the way he’s standing, he may be attempting to disguise himself as a delivery driver bringing a pizza to your front door, coming in out of the weather for a tip and deciding to stay as a morale booster with your complete approval.
He looks like a clever tabby to catfans at readlarrypowell.com.]
Click here to see more animals in Mesquite’s shelter.
FOUR THAT WOUND UP
IN LANCASTER SHELTER
We got the photos and bios on these dogs from the folks with 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that tries to get animals safely out of small shelters where the only humans they see are city employees. Yep, lots of paw traffic, not much foot traffic. 

The first guy is the apparent Lab mix Milo. Found as a stray. Very loving, sweet cute and playful, the Helpers report. “Very good boy — he adores everyone and everything.”
That brings us to Jenny — an owner-surrender German Shepherd. (Clock is ticking.) She is “extremely playful and likes to roll around and rough-house.” House-trained. Better with a big dog than with a small dog, the Helpers report.

 We’ve reported on Raegan before — “found as a stay in an area where people dump dogs. Just heartbreaking because this girl is great,” the Helpers report. Also, “She has such a sweet, gentle loving heart.” And she likes other dogs, too. [LARRY ASIDE: No wonder she likes other dogs; look what a human did to her.]
We’ll close with Alani — the Helpers report she has a Hawaiian name that “means heavenly and beautiful.” She was a wandering stray when brought into custody. And, the Helpers say, “Adores everyone she meets. Extremely friendly and lovable.” 

To ask about helping any of these Lancaster animals, call or text 4-Legged Helpers President Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
SPCA, VAN ZANDT COUNTY SHERIFF
SEIZE 7 LIVE COWS, 1 DEAD
Yep, it’s surely cruelty case. Surely. SPCA investigators and Van Zandt County Sheriff personnel seized these animals on the 19th from a pasture without food and water. Hearing for custody is scheduled at 10 a.m. March 1 in Precinct 2 Peace Justice Sandra Plaster’s court at 250 E. Groves St. in Canton. Maybe there’ll be cruelty charges. You can see photos of the seizure HERE.

[LARRY ASIDE: I was going to post the photo of the dead cow’s face, but it looked as if the animals eyes were looking up from the cold, snowy earth and asking, “Why?” and, sadly, I have no answer for this animal other than some humans are just not worthy of having an animal under their care. Honestly, it really is disturbing — doubly so when you recognize the fact that these animals are being kept just so they can be killed and eaten. OK, no lecture on the morality of a meal. Just a reminder that animal cruelty is against the law in Texas.]
The SPCA said “the deceased cow was determined to have died from starvation, and trash and trash bags were found in its stomach contents.” The entire SPCA news release is HERE https://www.spca.org/spca-of-texas-seizes-eight-cows-from-vz-property . At spca.org you can see how to donate to the SPCA’s cruelty investigations.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A VEGETARIAN RECOLLECTION
OK, that cow item out of Van Zandt County moved me to tell you one of the reasons I became a vegetarian. Around 30 years ago I was watching cattle being unloaded from a truck and one of the momma cows got to the exit ramp and stopped and looked around to see what might be happening to her next -- you know, before she was shoved out of the back of the truck and onto the ramp. I knew right then that cattle have thought processes that involve caution and questions about their future. It may not be a question about which college to attend, but it is definitely a reaction to having to make a decision: stop, go, flee. Yeah, cows may not be the brightest mammals on the planet, but I have seen humans who don’t wonder about the future, don’t look before leaping and some of them have held public office. So, I don’t dine on politicians and I don’t eat animals. Check up on how animals are killed for the sake of your meal. Maybe it’ll stop your fork in its tracks — like a “now what?” question stopped a momma cow’s exit — for only a moment — at the back of a cattle truck. Bless her heart.
—- Offer an opinion or a delusion by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and eat some vegetables before you do it. —

THE RUBITS' HOME IN CONNECTICUT HAD FELT EMPTY LONG ENOUGH — ENTER CHARLIE

Ever notice how sometimes a dog can keep a house from feeling “empty.” 
Take, for example, Charlie, the Southern hound, who now lives in Connecticut. 

We’re not sure how this guy Charlie feels about snow, but we do know he has warm feelings for the people who gave him a home. He’s the featured fellow in this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
Charlie lives in New Fairfield, CT. That’s because he won some hearts — the hearts of rescuers and the hearts of Andrea and Victor Rubits. He didn’t start out in
The Constitution State (AKA The Nutmeg State), as Connecticut is known. Nope, he has links to The Peach State and The Sunshine State.
Andrea proudly sent us these photos of the new resident of New Fairfield and told us his story.
She wrote, “We just adopted this guy on Thursday [Feb. 11] up here in Connecticut.

“As you can see, he is a champion counter surfer!  He’s also a champion sleeper!  The shelter listed him as a ‘Hound.’” [LARRY ASIDE: The photos would support that listing, don’t you think?]

Andrea says that Charlie “came up here from a shelter in Georgia by way of a rescue in Florida. He was listed as being one year old, but we’re pretty sure he’s a bit older. Whatever he is, he’s the sweetest mellow dog we’ve ever had and we’re happy he’s ours!…

"We’ve named him Charlie — we thought it was a good Southern name!  He lives with my husband, grown son and I, with two of my grandchildren as frequent guests!” [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, Charlie quickly had a fan club!]

Andrea provided a description of his path to his new home: “He was originally in Jesup/Wayne County Animal Control [in Georgia], rescued by S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue in St. Augustine, Fla., and adopted by us at the New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society in New Fairfield, CT., where we live.
“Since we lost our last dog, Betty, in November, I’ve stalked rescues on Facebook and when I saw him, we applied. The rest is history and it’s wonderful to have a dog back in the family.”
Now, all or you whose hearts are owned by dogs and/or cats may see some familiar emotion in Andrea’s telling of how Charlie fit in with the family.She explained that the people helping with the adoption “said he was an owner-surrender and, if he was, it was a good thing because he’s so skinny now and was apparently 10-pounds lighter when he was neutered in Florida.

“Actually, Betty, the last dog we lost, was the last in line of a pack of five miscellaneous mixed- breeds we loved for the past 14 years. I always say she was the last dog standing.
“December and January were the first months in over 50 years that there wasn’t a dog in my home — so it was time!”
And there's Charlie, all curled up in the home that was feeling empty until he arrived. Probably dreaming of a kitchen counter and his own personal ladder.
[DEAR READERS: Please send photos of your sleeping dogs and napping cats and slumbering “other” to [email protected] and we’ll post their pictures and stories in our long-running feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. And FYI: You may recall seeing lots of snow and wintry scenes in your Texas neighborhood in the past week. See this
photograph? Looks like Texas did, right? A little bit. That’s a photo by Neil Zobler on the official New Fairfield, Ct., city page HERE. Yep, snow and a counter-surfing Hound Dog — might as well be Texas.]
-- Offer appreciations of animals or tips for driving in the snow now that it's melted by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected]. How about that Charlie! --

A FAT TUESDAY POTPOURRI WITH DOGS, CATS, MISSIONS AND MOODS....

EDITION OF MONDAY PM, FEB. 15/TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 2021 [PetPowellPress] For the first Monday edition I wrote about looking out the window on Sunday and watching snow fall. On Monday during the noon hour, I was looking out the window and watching the sun shine on our snow-covered front yard and cars.
That snow isn’t melting all that much at our place. In this photo, a vast layer of snow is beginning to slide off our roof like an avalanche in the Himalayas.
In summation, I am really missing July and August. Though, the way things are going for 2021, we’ll have frost warnings in July and August. In case you wondered, Spring arrives at 4:37 a.m. Saturday March 20 — that four days AFTER you’ll “spring forward” at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 16. The snow — probably — will be gone by then.
TERRY LYNN’S LATEST
ADVENTURES WITH CATS
Burns Flat, Okla., a town of aboit 2,300 way out in western Oklahoma, has an angel working on behalf of dogs and cats. For this edition, we’re focusing on two of resilient rescuer Terry Lynn Fishers’ recent cat tales. You’ll shake your head when you see that each of these cats has encountered humans with no soul and been saved by some people with glorious hearts.
In the Monday mail Terry Lynn wrote that she’d received a call “concerning this little guy. The lady said he was at her house for about two weeks, then was gone. She didn’t think anything of it until she heard a meowing from under their tub.
“Her husband cut a hole in the wall and there he was. He had been there over a week.

 “She doesn’t know what happened but he was very thin and tired. His front leg is injured. She said it just dangles and is cold to the touch.  She thinks the leg is totally dead.”
 Terry Lynn says she has no place for cat at the Burns Flat shelter or at her home and she’s got “several animals in boarding and a cat at the vet right now. So the only way I can take this on, is to have sponsors or a rescue step up. He is very friendly, but really needs vet help ASAP.”
To offer to help, email Terry Lynn at [email protected]. She’s waiting for help and so is the cat.

THEN THERE’S THIS DESPICABLE BEHAVIOR by a driver in Burns Flat. See this cat? 
Terry Lynn says, “We learned tha a car purposely swerved and ran over this innocent creature. She laid in the street, flipping over and over in pain.  She then drug herself to the curb.
“A lady and her daughter picked her up off the street and called me.  We rushed her to my vet.

 “They’ve ended up having to remove her tail. Her pelvis is broken and she has multiple severe open wounds. But, she does have use of her back legs. That was my big worry.  She is using her litter box and eating. She can walk; it’s just still very painful.   They have her on pain management right now.
“Her bills will sadly rise high. She will have to be crated for awhile for the pelvis to heal so I’ll probably bring her home once she is strong enough. If anyone can help with any of her bills please know that each and every dollar is appreciated so much.” 

You can also ask about adopting this girl that was the target of a jackass driver. Pardon my entirely accurate but insufficient French.

You can donate directly to the vet at Elk Creek Clinic, 1301 Airport Industrial, Elk City, OK. 72644 or by calling 580-225-4863. And Terry Lynn’s PayPal is [email protected].

[LARRY ASIDE: What can you say about a person who swerves a car to hit an animal? Hell isn’t hot enough? Yes, the proper thing is to pray for that soul to be enlightened. That driver isn’t the only person who sometimes finds it tough to do the proper thing.]
OUT AT THE LAKE,
SNOW EFFECTS
Yep, snow has its effect on routines. As you know Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas. Only, there’s no operatin’ on Tuesday the 16th — yep, same reason the rest of us are out of our routines: too much winter. 
The Friends spokesperson Sydney Busch sends word that weather has squelched the usual Tuesday operations and the Clinic will re-open for “surgeries and regular-non-surgical services on Saturday, Feb. 20.” 
Those surgeries are, of course, by appointment only — if you’ve got an appointment, you know what to do. You DO NOT need an appointment on Feb. 20 (that’s Saturday) for the non-surgical services the clinic provides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More info is at friendsofthenimals.org.
THE WAITING DOGS
OF LANCASTER, TEXAS
As you know, we keep up with the hustling nature of 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that works to get attention for animals in small shelters with low or no foot traffic. These determined angels have been successful a helping make the connections that can get unwanted/unexpected dogs and cats into safe rescue organizations and loving homes.
So, here’s the next load in Lancaster Animal Shelter, a place the Helpers describe as “now very full.” The contact point for all of thse animals is Helpers Prez Laura Macias — call or text her at 214-949-2726 and email her at cat_girl_71@ya- hoo.com.
In order of appearance, they are:

BROOKS — Described as a “cutie pie” who is “incredibly sweet” and fun-loving, he was “found out and about as a stray and it was definitely his lucky day since he was found right before the weather hit.” 

JAMIE — This Shepherd/Hound mix was “found starving” and living behind a Home Depot. Shelter ACOs “were able to trap him and they have found he is really coming around nicely. … He is more than happy to let anyone touch him and pet him, even while eating. This guy is going to be a great dog if someone takes a chance on him.” The Helpers note that he has a “sweet face and those big adorable brown eyes.”
MELODY — She’s a young Lab mix who is “very gentle and calm.” The shelter reported that “she is a bit bashful upon first meeting, but is the sweetest little girl you could meet.” [LARRY ASIDE: Another “sweetie pie” on the clock because somebody didn’t respect her and take care of her.]
RAEGAN — The bio-writers have some superlatives for Raegan, describing her as “the sweetest, sweetest, swweetest girl. Precious, adorable and a very calm, gentle, lovable girl.” She was “found as a stray in an area where people dump dogs. Just hearbraking because this girl is great. Walks great on a leash, too.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Would the person who dumped Raegan please get in touch with me? I need to explore the mental state you were in when you shoved her out of the car and drove off. It’s something I need to know so I can better understand the idiot BLEEPBLEEPS I share the planet with. Are you a heartless jackass? A mean jerk without soul? A don’t care/so what person without regard for living beings? What is the matter with you? Email me your answers and explanations to [email protected] and use your real name if you can spell it. Otherwise I’ll be forced to refer to you as “Hey, heart-deficient” or words I picked up under deadline pressure in newsrooms, you bleephead. that “bleep” is multiple choice. All of ‘em fit.]
AND, DEAR READERS, NOTE THESE THREE who were out roaming together when apprehended!
LUKE — Described as a “young male English Lab or Mix” was originally thought to be a Mastiff, but the shelter decided his ears suggested “Lab” more than “Mastiff.” He’s said to be “very calm, very loving and very gentle.” He was found running free with Logan and Lia (see below.)
LOGAN — Described (aptly) as a “beautiful, beautiful dog.” He’s also “very timid and very shy. So much so that when they brought him out to the lobby to take pics, he was shaking. Bless his heart,” the Helpers note read. He’s “clearly well-fed,” the note continues. “So, one has to wonder where he came from. And he was out and about with 2 extremely friendly dogs, Lia and Luke, so, perhaps, this is all just new to him….” He acts as if he’s never been in a shelter and never encountered a leash.
LIA — Listed as a “Lab/Bulldog mix” is said to love “everyone and everything. Very good girl. Very lovable. Shelter staff already adores her.”
Again, to help save the lives of the Lancaster pups, call or text Laura Macias of 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 and email her at [email protected].
THEY KEEP COMING TO MESQUITE:

JUELZ GIVEN UP; GHOST ABANDONED
One of our Mesquite Animal Shelter tipsters, volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm, sent us notes about these two dogs: Juelz and Ghost. Unusual names for dogs in an all-too usual situation.
ABOUT JUELZ: This Staffie mix was surrendered to Mesquite on Feb. 9 “due to financial hardship.” The 9-month-old, 68-pound guy is a former indoor-only dog. He’s a lively pup, Debra says. But, “he will sit for treats and takes them gently. … Former owners reported that Juelz lived indoors with his people, that he knows the following commands:  sit, stay, high 5, paw and get down. That last command is a handy one because he does jump on you!  This is a youngster with an abundance of puppy energy … Obedience classes would help make him more adoptable.  He raced around the shelter yard during his photo shoot and exhibited athleticism and agility. … Juelz is a pup with so much potential but really needs someone with a firm hand who will be able to handle his energy level.” He’s #45113935.
That bring us to Ghost, a 2-year-old, 48-pound, not neutered Staffie mix who, Debra writes, was ”surrendered to the … shelter on 2/9. Ghost had been abandoned by his original owner and the people who had been taking care of him for two months were not able to continue to do so. … Reported by the owner was that Ghost is house-trained, that he lived with and was OK with other dogs, that he lived with children (theirs were 14 months-18 years), that he likes to play with a ball and go for walks.  Ghost has been kept in the yard during the day and in the house at night. …a calm and gentle boy … takes treats gently.  He is a friendly youngster with a nice personality and demeanor.” Ghost’s ID is #45619780.
And, of course, he is clearly an Earhound -- capable of both the down and up Ear Maneuvers of Happiness.

 Use those ID numbers when you get in touch with Mesquite Aimal services by calling 972-216-6283 or emailing [email protected]. 
See the Mesquite dogs and cats by clicking on this SHELTER LINK.
The many cats at Mesquite include this guy Zeus, 8 years old and in the shelter since Groundhog Day. He’s a “large male” domestic shorthair mix. (#46577368) and he’s neutered. An 8-year-old cat is barely a teenager in cat years.
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE MONDAY SUN & FAT TUESDAY, A STORY-TELLING RACCOON HEADLINE & A RESPITE
After spending the day typing, I looked out a window and thought I was seeing a summer day, the sun was so bright. Ah, the promise of things to come. …
In the mean time, if you're reading this on Tuesday, this is Shrove Tuesday, known to partiers as Fat Tuesday which is, I’m told, the English translation of the French “Mardi gras.” I always lay low and avoid carbs on Fat Tuesday. The day has something to do with Lent, which I’m almost certain nobody brought up in my childhood Baptist Church — “It’s a Catholic thing,” some adult would explain. Lots of Baptists have enjoyed Mardi Gras, I’m led to believe. … FYI: That's a photo of me and William Powell catching some Zs after reading: He had a copy of the script for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and I had a book named The Invention of Tin Roof Ice Cream. It's a very sweet story. ...
I read this headline on the CBS 11 website Wednesday and thought, “Now that’s a headline that tells a story. It read:

“Fort Worth Firefighters Safely Remove 2 Raccoons From Home That Crashed Through Ceiling.”

A home crashed through a ceiling. So, based on information suggested by the headline,  apparently 2 raccoons were joyriding in a stolen motor home when they argued over who would hold the wheel, the RV ran off an elevated highway and fell through the ceiling of a suburban home. What? Oh. I was misled by the “home that crashed through ceiling” sentence construction. Can't anybody diagram a sentence these days? So, no stolen van, just raccoons up to mischief in somebody’s house. FYI: On the left you see a book jacket photo with me and Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson -- the book, a mystery, is A Cat Can Stare at a Computer, Too. Has to do with hypnotism and elections.
NOTE FROM LARRY: Weary of winter, fed up with politics, agonized by people who don’t take care if their dogs and cats and let ‘em freeze, I’m taking the rest of the week off. Call it "coping with a spell of compassion fatigue.” Rarely lasts more than 72 hours without treatment, i.e., ice cream, pizza, my bakespouse Martha's peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies (the traditional medical mood elevators -- check with your doctor before attempting this treatment). 
I’ll be monitoring the inbox at [email protected] and hanging out with my own dogs and cats. Double-checking my Lotto Texas numbers. Unpacking boxes we moved nearly 18 months ago. I had a jar of Instant Sanity in one of them -- stir it into your morning coffee and see a clear day ahead. I may read a book. See you Saturday, if not before. Remember, readlarrypowell.com is written for the animals and the people who love and protect them. If you abuse an animal, my dog won’t bite you — but I may. I’ve had every vaccination but rabies. Hang on, I have a little foaming drool in the corner of my smile. Grrrrr. Maybe it’s cabin fever, not hydrophobia. I don’t know — I’m not a doctor but I have played one onstage. That's Porche Noel, my personal attendant, having just examined my head to see if she could see from one side to the other by peering through my ears. See you Saturday in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
—- Offer relaxation advice or tense moments in life by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. Put “Ommm. Relax. Avoid Cookies.” in the subject line. —-

SNOW, ANIMALS, PEOPLE AND THE WAY 2021 IS A YEAR OF CHILL & WARM CATS

EDITION OF MONDAY, FEB. 15, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Finally, the song Jingle Bells begins to sound appropriate in North Texas. (We’ll explain this Fowl Weather photo in Contemplations.) 
Here’s a sentence I never expected to write: “As I type this, snow is falling on the front yard and I am watching it through my office window and wondering (a) when will it stop and (b) why, in all these decades in my home state, have I never bothered to buy a winter coat?”
My funspouse Martha let the dogs out Sunday morning and they romped in the snow — even 15-year-old Rottie Texas Earl the Cheeseman was frolicking like a puppy. Before I could get a camera aimed at them, they were back inside, toweled off and occupying their assorted furniture, comforters, custom-beds, laps, where ever they wanted to warm up. 
So, you see there a photo from our blizzarded (that a word?) yard. Pawprints left by our dogs — I call it “Wolves at the Door.” Our pups have only heard of wolves, but they do know about their cousins, the coyotes —“The wild bunch,” Porche Noel calls them, without a hint of former roaming streetdog irony.

PAW SUPPORT WORKING
TO HELP NOTABLE NAME
As a guy whose first newspaper reporting job was in 1965, long before the era of computers and satellite broadcasting, I can tell you one of the rules of journalism has always been: “Names make news.”
 So, here’s a little news about a rescued puppy named Bernie Sanders.
He turned up on the snowy weekend Facebook page of Paw Support, the Dallas non-profit that works to “save animals from euthanasia and homelessness.”
At story posted by Paw Support reads, “Everyone meet Bernie Sanders. Bernie was found on the HIGHWAY.
“A lovely couple stopped their car after almost hitting him. He is a very mangy little baby but he is now in foster care being loved and spoiled! We can’t believe he has survived the cold and the streets! We need to keep creams and sweaters on this sweet boy, so if you would like to donate an item to Bernie that would be amazing!” (Here’s that WISHLIST LINK to help Bernie get past the horrifying neglect he’s endured. Paw Support says that Bernie Sanders “will be available for adoption once his vetting is complete!! Isn’t he the most handsome boy you’ve ever seen?” And to audition to adopt Bernie, email [email protected].
TWO IN MESQUITE,
ONE ADOPT; ONE RESCUE
The “rescue only” girl in the Mesquite Animal Shelter is called Twix. She’s #46603984. We learned about her from the volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown. 
She reports that 6-year-old Twix came in as a stray on the 6th and is a “rescue-only” dog “due to a large mammary tumor and several others.” Kind of an ugly situation that resulted in her being sent to a vet and being treated for a mammary infection.
Judi writes, “She has obviously been over-bred. These issues do not seem to bother her as she’s an easy-going, happy-go-lucky girl who loves everyone and everything. She’s very joyful. The expression ‘the tail wags the dog’ fits her perfectly. She’s very excitable and does jump on you so will need manners training. She craves attention. She’s highly motivated by treats and seems to want to sit for them but doesn’t quite know how. She obviously wants to please. Her brindle coloring is very striking and she’s got big soft brown eyes to match.” 

Judi also tipped us to Peaches (#46620027), a 5- or 6-year-old, 50-pound stray who arrived on the 9th. Judi says, “My pet scanner said she’s part Terrier Pit and English Fox Hound with possibly a little bit of Jack Russell terrier thrown in the mix. She’s a very friendly, exuberant, fun loving dog that loves to explore. She’s very alert and curious about her environment and the perimeters. When I was doing the photo shoot she got fixated on a car that pulled up in the parking lot and I couldn’t distract her. Consequently I took her inside in order to get her attention and continue the photo shoot. She immediately went about exploring that room also and checking out the exit. She’s capable of jumping quite high so she will need a secure fence. She’s really a delightful girl who wags her tail frequently and likes her ears scratched. She could use some manners training to stop her from jumping on you, but she does want to please so she should be easy to train.”

To ask about these dogs or any dogs in the Mesquite shelter — no matter what the weather is — call 972-216–6283 or email rescues@cityof mesquite.com.
See the animals in the shelter by clicking HERE.
The available animals include these two handsome boys. Five is about 7 months old and Scooby — middle name may be “Doo,” it’s unlisted — is just over a year old. [LARRY NOTE: In addition to tabby cats, Siamese cats and other cats of all breeds and origins, we endorse black and white cats as being very interesting. Cat-lovers will support this position as will the cats.]
THE RYLEIGH RESULT
Back in mid-January, with the help of the non-profit, small-shelter monitoring 4-Legged Helpers, we were able to publish the photos of the dog Ryleigh. I referred to this girl as a “leaning dog.” She posed interestingly for her shelter photographs.
The note from Laura Macias and Leighann Hayden read, “Poor baby has clearly been lost — she is very emaciated (ribs showing) and desperately needs out of the shelter ASAP. She is a wonderful, cute, loving cuddlebug who loves all people and dogs alike.”

Over the weekend Laura sent me a photo and a three word description that is designed to make an animal-fan smile. The description read: “Ryleigh’s adoption photo.”
CONTEMPLATIONS
WARM CATS, COLD WEATHER & LASTING SNOW?
I’m quoting this on behalf of people who have more than one cat in the household. We have enough to stay warm. Here’s the note:
Sunday morning, Darlene Payton on Facebook posted the note “Just got a message about conserving energy, which made me wonder what do most people have their thermostat set on…..” And a comment or two later, Beth Bodden Felker, after some sage advice, wisecracked, “Just pile on a couple more cats.”  We both endorse and practice that method of adorable warmth in the time of uncharacteristic snow. [LARRY FYI: That is a classroom photo of The Senator, earlier this year, teaching the other cats how to serve as a chin and neck warmer for a napping human. The Senator is demonstrating the "Enhance Warmth Method With Purr." He’s available for lectures — everyone must wear a mask — his is off for photo purposes only.]…

This photo I call “Fowl Weather.” It was taken Sunday morning just before the Backyard Soccer League called off the 3-player match. The players are Chicken, Duck and Dogball. Dogball’s usually round countenance had frozen flat on one side and was working on freezing flat on the other in this team photo. He complained this frozen flattening would affect his usual bounce game. …
And the final photo is of my grandkids and one of their pals on their snowy yard in southwestern Fort Worth. They were about to do some sledding. The "grand kids" are (left two) Connor and Hannah and (far right) Emily. The tall fellow is their pal Logan.
Everybody is wearing a mask. Socially responsible grandcitizens, eh? The grown-ups, Bart and Erinn, were avoiding the snow behind the camera. Bart’s brother Bret, known as Uncle Buck, had a presence. He’s the one who had the foresight to give the kids the sleds years ago — well before this years’s snow was a gleam in a weather forecaster’s computer screen. Yep, Texas kids sledding in their home state. Maybe 2020 really will be better than 2021. It was a pretty good Valentine’s Day with my funspouse Martha. Now, I’ve got to check my Lotto Texas numbers. Oh, and can any other Northeast Texas kid remember snow lasting more than 24 hours? ….
— Offer ski tips or lotto theories by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —