ReadLarryPowell.com

HERE ON EARTH, WE HAVE DOGS, CATS, MYSTERIES OF SPACE & WAYS TO DO GOOD

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY JUNE 30/THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Call this a transitional edition. It moves from month to month and we just don’t even notice except for the fireworks. Remember it’s PYCFIWF time. Protect Your Critters From Idiots With Fireworks.

Oh, and today we have the story of a big dog who has “an exuberance for living.” Somebody needs to adopt him! Keep reading.
FYI, June 30 is, according to Holiday Insights’ online calendar, Meteor Watch Day. The calendar staff’s research couldn’t find a reason for the day since it’s really light on meteor events. That is except for one particular time: June 30, 1908, that big meteor hit Siberia and, the Insights people say, “knocked down trees in a 40-mile radius and struck people unconscious some 40 miles away.”
Oh, and July 2? World UFO Day. No known connection to Siberia or Washington, D.C. Yet. You expecting anything? That big dog is -- keep reading.
AND AT THE COLONY,
STILL PLENTY OF CRITTERS
I saw this announcement posted by The Colony Animal Shelter and its manager, our longtime animal advocate pal Mark Cooper. So I decided to see just what’s available in the shelter. And I clicked on this LINK for cats and this LINK for dogs. 

Among the cats is this fellow Charlie who is 13 years old and needs a place to go. He’s #48002852 and he came into the shelter on June 15. While marveling that such a handsome, ear-tagged fellow could be NOT living in a comfy home, I clicked on the kittens and found a bunch named after fisher. You’ll note in this array of Piscine-monikered kittens, there’s one named Jolene. I’m almost certain there’s no fish species named Jolene. But, I haven’t wet a hook since my teenage years, so, maybe things have changed in the world of naming fish.
And, when I looked at the dogs, I found Winston (#46477506), an 11 1/2-year-old German Shepherd mix. He came into the shelter on JANUARY 23. This is a guy who needs a home to enjoy and a home that will enjoy him. He’s described as a “good boy” who can be frightened by loud kids, so he’d rather be with “older kids or no kids at all.” He knows “sit” and “lay don” and likes to be both outside and “inside laying on the couch” next to a human who is brushing him.
Here's The Colony's SHELTER LINK. 
There are videos of many of The Colony animals on the shelter’s Facebook page HERE.
THE CONTINUING CHALLENGES:
BRIDGEPORT, WILMER, LANCASTER
You can scroll down the past week’s editions and find Bridgeport Shelter animals still waiting for rescue or adoption. Among them are these two pals. Gidget is the German Shepherd described as a pretty sweetie and Kimmie is her pal. A person who “could apparently no longer care for them released them to the shelter” Kimmie, “such a little sweetie pie” is described as a “Pocket Bulldog mix.”
 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that general focuses on smaller shelters and rescued animals on the southern side of Dallas, is reaching a cross the Metrosprawl to help Bridgeport’s animals in the shelter northwest of Fort Worth. To help any Bridgeport animal — dogs and cats — call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. 

And, yes, 4-Legged Helpers also focuses on the Lancaster Animal Shelter and there are several animals on the brink of a bad holiday if humans don’t save ‘em. Among those animals is this Earhound Spike, a “Tri Aussie Shepherd Mix” who was picked up as a stray and, though he has a chip, nobody has ever come to claim this handsome, “loving and sweet dog” who “adores all people and children.”
And, we’ll finish the 4-Legged Helpers roll call with Emmie and Koda. Two dogs in need of help from a “501c rescue,” says the Helpers’ note. 
The dog in the car is Emmie, a stray picked up in the Wilmer area — no operational shelter in that city right now, reports 4-Legged Helpers. But Emmie, the Helpers say, is a “very pregnant young Shepherd or Black Mouth Cur Mix expecting 5 adorable fluffy puppies.” The dad is a “gorgeous Lab.” 

And Koda is this 5-month-old Great Dane or Mastiff mix. Big paws. Crate-trained. Loves to play. He was first rescued and vetted by “someone needing help finding a rescue he can go to in order to ensure he gets a great home.” Again, call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
AIM YOUR HEARTS TOWARD
MESQUITE’S ANIMALS, TOO
Volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm pinpointed three canines in need of some help now.
We begin with Luka, a 95-pound, 4-year-old Pittie with possible Dutch Shepherd/Chesa- peake Bay Retriever in the family tree. He came into the shelter on June 21 as a stray and nobody wanted him, so you can adopt him or rescue him — whatever it takes to get him out of the shelter and into a loving home. He knows “sit,” will sit for treats and “seems to want to please his human friend.” He tends to jump on his friends, so maybe not a good match for a home with little kids. Debra writes, “He just seems to have an exuberance for living.” [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, Luka is a dog who we all can envy!] He is #48043377 — use that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

Same contact points for Paisley, a “delightful and charming girl” described as a “Mixed Breed with American Pit Bull/American Bulldog/American Staffordshire Terrier in the mix.” The 42-pound, 3-year-old dog was a stray who arrived on June 25. 
 “She walks nicely on a leash and ran and played in the shelter yard during the photo shoot.  She climbed on the play equipment, on the bench and jumped up on the ledge of the wall.  This girl needs a high fence!  She is friendly and has an outgoing personality.  She enjoys being shown attention.” Paisley is #48080320.
And cute Louie waits — he came in as a stray on the 23rd and, Debra writes, “sadly, no one has come looking for him.” He is about 14, weighs 12 pounds and isn’t neutered. He walks “very nicely” on a leash. Also, “For his age he is an on-the-move fellow who does not often stop and seems to have a lot of nervous energy. … He is sweet and friendly. Louie seems tense and uneasy with all the noise of the other dogs and probably just doesn't have a clue as to where he is or how he got here," Debra writes. "From what I observed he has cloudiness in his eyes (though he gets around and doesn't seem to be blind) and there is quite a bit of scaliness on his skin/fur.  He walks hunched over and his spine is prominent.  He has ridiculously long nails.  He does not seem to have fleas.  Someone has not taken good care of him and now he has ended up in a city shelter.” He’s #48065513 when you call the shelter at 972-21-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite to get him into a great place that deserves such an angel.
 See more dogs and cats In the Mesquite shelter by clicking HERE .
There are scads of cats, enough for many clowders, in the Mesquite shelter. Some are named for the Michael Jackson Family, some are named for popular dishes, one is named Portabella for a mushroom, and there’s this girl named Eleanor of Aquitaine. She’s #47872249. She came in on May 28, so this photo may not quite represent her at her current age. You can look up Eleanor of Aquitaine — the human’s history is a lot more complicated than the cats; but the cat’s rescue will be a lot easier. Make the call, send the e-mail.
CONTEMPLATIONS
SPACE ALIENS, EARTH DAYS & SONG
Most frightening 1950s film about space aliens? Not of This Earth with a guy whose eyes had no pupils. Or maybe Invasion of the Saucermen — it could happen. Any other nominees? …
Continuing our opening theme of “Days,” We learn that July 1 is Canada Day/Dominion Day plus Creative ice Cream Flavors Day, International Chicken Wing Day, International Joke Day and National Postal Worker Day. I’m a vegetarian, so I love ice cream, jokes and postal workers. They deliver. …. As we wonder what’s to become of this big messy civilization on beloved Planet Earth, here’s some MUSIC TO CONSIDER.
—- Offer UFO info by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘Save the Planet’s Bank Accounts’ in the subject line. —-

THE STORIES OF ANIMALS THAT NEED HUMANS FOR HAPPY ENDINGS....

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JUNE 29/WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021 [PetPowellPress] There are 254 counties in the Lone Star State. As a native Texan, I’m prepared to declare that each and every one of them has more free-roaming jerkynitwits than is needed in a kind society.
That brings us to our report which will cite angels and the situations they are trying to improve. I’m prepared to declare there’s not a Texan who doesn’t love San Antonio and that’s where one of our rescue appeals originates. Read on. We’re stopping in Dallas, first.
SPCA MAKES AN APPEAL;
FACILITIES ‘AT CAPACITY’
The announcement from the legendary SPCA of Texas was swiftly to the point” The SPCA of Texas is at capacity and we need adopters like YOU! If you want to adopt a pet - now is the time.” And you can see the inventory by clicking HERE.
That fabulous face belongs to Chance (#46875072) hound mix who is 3 years, 3 months old and described as “large.” his actual bio says he weighs 65 pounds and the “hound mix” designation isn’t “too sure.” Whatever the case, his bio says that however large he is, he has “been known to sit in a lap or two.” A bit of a “cuddle bug” the SPCA says. And, here are some more photos of animals in the SPCA’s care. Cats, dogs, a big ol' horse.
[LARRY ASIDE: Is this capacity situation in the famed non-profit a result of the surrender of animals adopted elsewhere for “company” during the recent pandemic shutdown? That would be a real shame if human hearts were working like that.]
SPEAKING OF ANIMALS
WAITING IN DALLAS
Meanwhile, at the Dallas Animal Services Shelter & Adoption Center, just down I-30 from the SPCA of Texas, there are plenty of dogs and cats, too. When I took a quick click to look at the DAS inventory. I spotted two dogs named Dallas. Both available.
[LARRY ASIDE: You don’t have to live in Dallas to adopt them and they don’t have to live in Dallas after you adopt them. But if you adopt a dog or cat from DAS, there are many of us animal-nut-types who expect you to give the critters good homes! Is that asking too much? You may need the testimony of a happy dog or cat to help you get into Heaven.]

And I couldn’t help but capture a selection of dogs, including one who appears to have learned to walk upside down if you have grass growing on your ceiling.
[LARRY ASIDE: I kid the DAS — I’m a veteran at making mistakes in print — I know how they can happen with words and pictures. Doesn’t mean you can’t love the Upside Down Dog.]
NOW TO SAN ANTONIO
AND A MOM AND HER PUPS 

Mary Sullivan in Dallas sent a note about some dogs posted by veteran animal advocate Leticia Herrera in San Antonio and that led us back (thanks to Mary) to Cami Stern back in the Metrosprawl who is trying to help a mama dog and puppies survive in San Antonio. 
We clicked on Leticia’s Facebook page and found the story as outlined by the contacts. It reads like this: “A mama dog and her surviving puppies – newborns, just a week old – are in a very tough situation in San Antonio.  The babies won’t last long as it stands, so if anyone can help this sweet young family, an intrepid transporter is ready, willing, and able to trek down to get them.  As I understand it, mama is barely more than a pup herself – only about two.  About a 45-lb dog, possibly a shep mix.  Can someone give her and these littles a fighting chance?  If so, please text Cami at 214-592-7918.”
 FYI, Leticia’s Facebook page HERE explains that there had been some not-so-cooperative people involved when Mom arrived and had 7 puppies.
Today, Tami "spoke to the lady who’s been feeding her. Apparently this mama has been homeless since October, wandering different neighborhoods. She settled into the backyard of the teenagers' home to have her babies." Linda, the woman who is feeding the young family, lives in an apartment, Cami says, "and cannot take them, but found someone who allowed her to put them in her backyard. This is only temporary, so a foster is still desperately needed."
MAKING CONNECTIONS:

NALA, BERT & PETUNIA
We mentioned earlier in the week that Cindy Chadwick had been trying to get a dog named Nala — the Silver Lab —- into a safe place because the dog’s humans couldn’t handle the expenses of healing her allergy problems. Cindy posted new photos of Nala and reported, “Nala is under my care and she is much worse off than the pictures I originally received, poor baby. She’s with an excellent foster who will be nursing her back to health.” 
Nala also was under the care of Harwood Oaks Animal Clinic in Bedford and Cindy suggests that the people who offered to help with this dog could call the Clinic at 817-354-7676 and “make a contribution to Nala’s care under my account: Cindy Chadwick.”
In the meantime, Cindy wrote this about North Texas: “Shelters in the area are very full right now. Richardson Humane Society is able to save these two dogs, but we need two foster homes.”

 Bert, the black and white boy, is described as “adorable…with a stocky, short body, probably about 60 pounds.” He may be younger than 5 and, she says, “He seems pretty chilled out. Loves attention and rubs. … He’s just a touch shy, so probably no small children.”

Petunia? A beautiful blonde! Check out this sentence: “She was once adopted from Garland Animal Services but was abandoned and left tied to a pole in a parking lot.” She’s about 3, weighs 57 pounds and is “quite strong” and energetic.
To apply to foster one or two of these dogs, apply at Richardson Humane Society HERE. .
AND THEN WE SAW A FOSTER NOTE
FROM DFW’S FURGOTTEN FRIENDS
While looking for info on Cindy’s page we spotted a request from our pal Stephen Foster, founder of DFW’s Furgotten Friends, about this girl Sammy. Time for a new foster for her but a forever home is preferred.
Stephen wrote, “I’m putting out a plea for a new foster or, better yet, forever home for Sammy. Her puppies are now eating on their own and we’re giving them a couple of more weeks of some nursing before we move mom and start her vetting. Sammy is incredibly gentle and sweet with children of all ages. She greets anyone who comes through your door with tail wagging ready for attention. Her only problem is currently Sammy doesn’t seem to be good with other dogs. Her current foster has a dog, and they are having to keep Sammy locked up most of the time. This is causing some destructive behavior because she wants to be with the humans in the house. The best place would be with a family with no other dogs. PLEASE, PLEASE share Sammy. We hate to have to board such a sweet and loving family dog and destroy her wonderful spirit.”
 Click HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
GOATS, THE RIDE & TYPE
I saw this appeal on a neighborhood bulletin board and was immediately grateful that we’ve only had to deal with wander-up dogs and cats. It read, “Lost your goats? I found a pair in my driveway, happily consuming my plants. Lured them into the fenced backyard to save my tomatoes from their path of destruction, and their hides from the roadway. Not sure if this fence will hold them though. UPDATE: Experienced goat owner … has picked them up.” They are in “protective custody.” …
ABOUT THE RIDE: You’ve seen the decisions to change the way some crime suspects are handed: If they qualify, the alleged thieves or people with bags of dope, will get a citation rather than an arrest and won’t have to go to jail to wait to bond out. This is invalidating a saying I heard in my early days covering the police beat in the mid-‘60s. This is the saying: “You can beat the rap, but you can’t beat the ride.” Now, in the 21st century, there may be no ride. ….
HERE’S A SONG that will bring the past back to some of you. Click HERE and remember the joys of carbon paper and changing ribbons.
—- Offer advice or doubt by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put THROW THE CARRIAGE in the subject line. —-

TOUGH DAYS FOR SHELTER ANIMALS; LOTS OF 'EM AND NOT SO MANY TAKERS...

EDITION OF TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021 [PetPowellPress] For this edition, I am typing in faded Wrangler jeans with …wait. We’ll get to all that in a minute. Right now we have to focus on the needs of a lone dog in a closed shelter.
WILMER’S CLOSED SHELTER
HAS THIS GIRL IN NEED NOW
Readlarrypowell.com hopes that by the time you read this, the situation has been solved. 
As you know, 4-Legged Helpers focuses on small shelters with little human traffic and no actual adoption program. The challenge with this one? 
The Wilmer Animal Shelter has this young female German Shepherd waiting and the shelter is closed. \
4-Legged helpers reports, “As you might already know, this small town constantly has shelter issues with no water, no air conditioning etc. They have been closed for awhile now too from what we understand. The dog DESPERATELY needs IMMEDIATE help. She has an injured paw, too, from what we understand.” She has, perhaps cut her paw.
The Helpers will arrange transport for a 501c3 that can help, according to the note.
 And there’s this from the Helpers: “Not sure sure what the city might do with her now being closed - the person that does animal control for the city is begging us for help. Please, we are desperate for immediate help.” To help this dog, call or text Laura Macias of 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
KITTENS GO HOME
WITH THE ACO
It’s a temporary situation, but, you may recall we featured these kittens (Lilly, Lexie on the right and Lionel) last week — under 3 weeks old, they needed bottle feeding and careful care. So, no one stepped up and the the kittens, we’re told by Leighann Hayden of 4-Legged Helpers, are in the loving home care of the Bridgeport ACO. They still need a home.
And there are other kittens and the full-as-a-tick shelter has many dogs that need a quick rescue.
The contact points are call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].


THIS ONE WILL GRIND
ON A LOVING HEART

This is a “family photo.” 
Tazara is the female Corgi (maybe a mix.) Snow is the Labrador Retriever girl. And Little Britches is the boy Chihuahua.
Their story arrived and the opening sentence regarding these three in the Lancaster Animal Shelter, written by 4-Legged Helpers, reads, “You may wonder why we are posting what appears to be a Corgi, a Lab, and a Chihuahua together.  Sadly someone passed away and these are their 3 dogs.  Just absolutely heartbreaking.  Little Britches, Tazara, and Snow are their real names.  All 3 are said to be great with children, housetrained, and leash-trained and incredibly sweet.  All are approximately 3-4 years old. Note that all are said to do best in a cat-free home.   FYI, Snow the Lab does have some fur loss that will need to be addressed but she is so worth it - incredibly sweet and loving dogs hoping for a home.”

Call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. That’s the contact point for these dogs and others in the shelter. Among the many dogs we’ve previously mention who are still waiting in Lancaster, is this lop-eared “Tri-Aussie Shepherd mix” named Spike. That’s his real name. He was a stray. He is chipped but “sadly no owner could be found.” He is a “sweetie pie,” the shelter says.

2 DUMPED TOGETHER
BECAUSE OF TEXAS HEAT
[LARRY ASIDE: Our dogs live in an air-conditioned house that we bought for us and gave to them and the cats. I’m sure there’s a good reason for the surrender in this next story. Pretty sure. Hopeful that there’s a good reason. Maybe I’m naive.]
We got the story on this surrender from Mesquite Animal Services volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm.
Mino (the black dog) and Lilo are listed as Lab mixes who were surrendered on June 24 for a weather reason. Yep, siblings, they are. Five years old and in the same home since they were puppies. 
Mino weighs 79 pounds and Lilo weighs 66 pounds. Both are spayed. 
Both are friendly with other dogs and kids. Neither is house-trained. They’re good on leashes. Mino likes to “socialize and interact with her people.” and is “lively and perky.”
Lilo has a “spunky and frisky nature and a moderate energy level.” The dumping owner described her as a “social butterfly.”
Mino is #48074379 and Lilo is 48074399. Use those ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283or email [email protected].
This guy Tucker was not dumped by an owner. He came in as a stray on the 22nd. Tucker is about 6, not neutered and weighs 35 pounds.
Debra writes, “You can tell from his face and soulful eyes that he is a sweet boy.  I named him Tucker and he is a mixed breed … He is uneasy in the shelter environment and therefore is a bit shy and timid.  He walks nicely on a leash.  He did not react or respond to the other dogs when led through the bay.  You can be fairly certain he has been an outside dog because of the fly bites on his ears and the fleas/flea dirt throughout his coat.  I gave him a Nexgard to relieve the itching.  Tucker is well-mannered, calm and gentle.  He does not jump on you.  He is friendly and has such a pleasant nature and mellow personality.  He leaned against me while I sat on the bench in the yard.  He likes the attention and petting.” Tucker is #48054692. Use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. [LARRY TUCKER ASIDE:  Is it possible that the "mix" that gave the world Tucker could include Basset Hound? Look at the way he stands in that closeup of his wonderful face. The ears are short but those ankles are cute!]
CONTEMPLATIONS
OLD HOMEWORK, CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, ETC
In the opening, I began to finish a homework assignment. So here’s how it went: “For this edition, I am typing in faded Wrangler jeans, wearing a dark gray, long-sleeved shirt, light gray socks and worn out classically designed black sneakers whose soles match the shoe. My name is Larry and I needed a first paragraph that was descriptive for a make- up class assignment I blew off in 8th grade American literature. Next up is my poem about true love in junior high which I may update to “middle school love” since I’m almost certain “junior high” doesn’t exist in the 21st Century. I’m kidding about everything but my attire.
You can ask my dog Porche Noel. She’s out like a light on her Transcendogal Meditation Faux Flying Carpet — I have seen her dreaming on that carpet and I am quite envious. I bought it a Ol’ Lefty’s Retro Hippie Cavalcade of Joy in an undisclosed city in Northeast Texas during the Middle-Age of Aquarius Festival 20 years ago. The only actual “true facts” in that passage are (a) the attire, (b) I once attended the 8th grade and (c) Porche — took this photo Monday morning — dreams on this rug — she also snores. She may need one of those sleeping masks designed for dogs. She already tucks her tail during a nap -- old habit left over from her days in a custom space-suit at NASA during the secret Mars training program.
BACK TO REALITY: Anybody else’s neighborhood bulletin board full of notices about catalytic converters being stolen off cars parked in driveways and “safe” areas? Running a close second to “lost dog/lost cat” notices in some neighborhoods. Why steal a catalytic converter? Money. Ah, but while we were watching Gov. Greg Abbott not sign the Safe Outdoor Dog Bill into law, he did autograph House Bill 4110. That raised theft of catalytic converters from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony. Takes effect on September 1 — so for the next two months, you thieving "rat bassets" (from Jimmy Breslin’s The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight) aren’t felons yet. Well, you aren't felons for stealing CCs yet -- I'm sure you are felons for other reasons. But after that magic date of Sept. 1, well, hire a good lawyer, you rat bassets. Here’s a relatively recent NPR story. You may read about HB4110 HERE. And this STORY ABOUT THE BILL says that in the state’s 254 counties “violators will be prosecuted by their district attorney.” Of course, that might turn out to be a coin flip in some Texas counties where the DA might call a “time-out” on prosecutions. Hello, Dallas.
— Offer advice or objections by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘follow the law’ in the subject line. —

HAPPY NEWS FOR MONDAY: BLUE IS HOME

MONDAY EXTRA EDITION, JUNE 28, 2021 [PetPowellPress] We find ourselves ready to report this good Monday Morning news from Debbie Maness regarding Blue, AKA "Blue Angel" as her son Jamie calls his dog.
Just before 9 a.m. Monday, Debbie reported that Blue has been found and is back with the family and happy to be there.
You may recall that after Blue dug out of the family's back yard, she'd been seen in an area near the intersection of Independence and Spring Creek parkways in Plano.  When Blue "ran away," husband Ed called Debbie as she and Jamie were on the road on their way to Boy Scout camp in Tennessee and they immediately came back home to join the search for Blue.
We'll fill in all the details in a later edition.  Debbie reported in Monday's note that over the weekend  "We were on the way [to the place she'd been feeding] to set a trap. My cousins had put some flyers up and a neighbor ... saw her. We were already in the neighborhood and so was the trapper. When Blue saw my son, she ran to him!"
So, Dear Readers, there's the bottom line: Blue home. Blue and Jamie and Debbie and Ed happily reunited after more than a week of awful emotions. It's the kind of thing that gives you hope for all the other animal and human situations in the world.
[Offer opinions and suggestions by clicking on 'comment' or by emailing [email protected].]

FOR MONDAY, OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP DOGS AND CATS INTO NEW HOMES....

EDITION OF MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Here we go with last Monday of June edition. Hard to believe June is quicker than February, but it it sure feels that way. Read on:
WE’LL STAR WITH
A DOG NAMED RED
When I was a little boy, the first dog I remember meeting was my grandpa’s old three-legged, “yeller” dog named Red. Farm accident cost the puppy his front left leg, but didn’t seem to slow him down even in his late adult years. So, every time I see a dog named “Red,” my mind dashes back to the country home of my grandparents. It’s gone, they’re gone, the dog is gone, but the memories remain. And that dog right there in the photo is the one that send me down memory lane Sunday afternoon. His name is Red. And we learned about him from Mesquite Animal Shelter dog biographer Debra Chisholm who is concerned that, after a month-and-a-half at the shelter, he appears to be losing weight. She says, “He is a sweet boy and needs someone to see his potential and assist him out of the shelter.”
 She adds, the shelter “has been overcrowded for some time now and any help in freeing up kennels and getting some of our long-term pooches out is appreciated.”
In his original shelter bio, Red was described as a “happy-go-lucky” mixed-breed boy who came into the shelter on April 8. At the time the (guessing) 3-year-old weighed 62 pounds. He was active, confident, and friendly. Now he’s just waiting for the right home/ His ID is 47715205. Use the ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] to ask about saving his life and finding a good home for a boy named Red.
 (More Mesquite dogs in a minute.)
LILY, AGE 11, WAS LIVING
WITH A HOMELESS GUY
The folks with The DAWG Project (Dallas Animal Welfare Group) posted the story of Lily and I happened to see it completely by accident while looking for something else. This dog Lily is not the only dog to have found herself in a fix because of her living conditions.
 DAWG PROJECT posted the story on behalf of someone who is trying to help Lily find a home. You can see it on FACEBOOK HERE.
The opening sentence grabbed my heart right away. “We're helping a friend of DAWG find a foster for a senior dog who was living with a homeless individual, and being left alone tied and tangled in a yarn leash on a busy street.”
[LARRY ASIDE: That’s a lousy way to exist. There’s more.]
 The post reads, “The dog was also having trouble with the heat and humidity, and would love an indoor place to crash. The homeless man gave the dog to our friend, saying he could not take care of Lily.”

Lily is 11, weighs about 50 pounds and is spayed. By now she’s up to date on shots. The description reads, “She is sweet with people and dog selective. The friend who picked her up has more than the limit in her apartment, so can't take her in.”

The appeal for help finishes, “We know these placements are a challenge, but we’re hoping we can find a good outcome for Lily until a permanent solution is found. Please share to help Lily find her retirement home or at least a respite foster home. Email [email protected] if you can help!” (Read more about The Dawg Project HERE.)
AND HERE’S ANOTHER DOG
IN A BIT OF A FIX.
This also was an accidental spotting committed while reading another local appeal.
The post reads that “Nala needs an angel! Her family has fallen upon hard times and has not been able to afford her allergy medication, so she’s having severe allergies and hair loss right now. Keeping her is unfortunately not an option either. She is a purebred silver Labrador.”
[LARRY TIME OUT: Our understanding is that there is no such thing as a Silver Lab. Just Black, Yellow and Chocolate Labs. You can look it up!] Back to Nala: Whatever her loving self is, she’s "about 3-4 years old, and friendly with other dogs, all people, and children.” The post from the friend trying to help the dog says, “I would love to see her go to somebody who could really try to work with her on food changes, because sometimes that takes an allergic dog a long way. She hasn’t had her allergy medicine filled in months.” To get Nala rescued or adopted, see the post ON FACEBOOK HERE. [LARRY ASIDE: I’d give you an email address or a phone number but there is no actual contact point listed in the post for this dog. I was a newspaper editor for decades; I know how these things can happen. Routine information can get dropped by accident.]
DAISY, DUKE, SKITTLE & BRUNO:
A QUARTET OF DOGS SANS HOMES
[LARRY REMINDER: I’ve been looking at the German Shepherd types in local shelters and continue to be stunned that so many are being dumped or never reclaimed after straying.] We’re starting with Daisy and Duke — no doubt that’s a cultural reference to actress Catherine Bach’s short-shorts on TV’s The Dukes of Hazzard, which aired in the previous century when so many of you were so young.
Mesquite Animal Shelter dog biographer Debra Chisholm sent us the info about these dogs. Duke a GS mix, was surrendered on 6/23 with his sister Daisy. 
And why was that? Debra wrote, “Reason for the surrender was that the two were digging in the backyard and owners decided that they had to go.”
The dogs are 10 months old — Duke weighs 51 pounds and Daisy 53. Neither is “fixed.”
Duke “seems to have relaxed a bit with some interaction with folks at the shelter.  When we had him out in the yard, we brought Daisy out and they both seemed happy to see each other.”

She also says, “The staff member who did the intake mentioned that these are two of the sweetest German Shepherds he has encountered at the shelter.  This staff member said that Duke had a piece of duct tape stuck to his fur and as they were easing the tape off, Duke was compliant and patient.  Can you please help Duke out of the shelter and on the way to a home and family who will commit themselves to this sweet pup?”

As for Daisy, Debra wrote, that she is “probably confused as to how she got here and why”. And she says, “When we brought her brother to the yard, she seemed pleased to see him and relaxed a bit.  She's well-mannered, calm and gentle.  She walks OK on a leash.  She will doubtless relax when given more time to decompress and interacting with staff and volunteers.”
Duke is #48060517. Daisy is #48060523. Use those numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Use those contact points when you ask about Bruno (#48053678), this American Staffie mix who was surrendered on the 22nd. Why? “Family had a new baby and they no longer had time for Bruno.” 
He’s 7 years old, weighs 75 pounds and is neutered. And, Debra writes, he “is obviously tense and uneasy in the shelter environment.  He seems to have barrier aggression in his kennel and is growly and fearful there.  However, when out in the yard Bruno does not exhibit that behavior.  He warms up and likes to receive attention and petting.  He does walk OK on a leash.  He pottied in the yard.  He doesn't seem interested in treats right now.  We feel that given a few more days to decompress and interacted with, he will begin to show his true nature.  Bruno appears to have been an outside dog.  He has a growth on his belly that will need to be looked at and accessed.  Little wonder that this 7-year-old dog is uneasy and nervous being left at the shelter by his family after having
We’ll end the Mesquite report with a bio by our pal Judi Brown. She writes, “Skittle, in spite of going blind and being arthritic, is not ready to give up! He’s got spunk! I couldn’t help but admire the little guy. And I mean little! Skittle is a 10-12-year-old tri-colored Chihuahua that came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 6/21 as a stray. He only weighs 8 pounds! He’s a little doll!
“He appears to have lost his vision due to a cataract in his left eye and is losing his vision in the right eye. He’s also very arthritic and feeble and yet is constantly on the move. I tried to get him to settle down on the blanket to take some pictures and he kept getting off and coming to me. He wants to be loved so he will follow his human friend around hoping to get picked up. If you’re down at his level he will crawl on your lap. He loves treats but they need to be soft and small. A dog across from his kennel in the bay was barking and little Skittle was answering back with his little bark. He’s not to be outdone!  In spite of his physical disabilities he’s not giving up and hopes you won’t give up on him either! If you are looking for a lap dog and could spend a lot of time with this little guy please come meet him.” Oh, yeah, he’s NOT fixed. Use his ID# 48043139 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
A COUNTRY PAIR OF
RUSSIAN BLUE CATS
I spotted this pair of handsome cats when I was looking through the adorable adoptables at the SPCA of Texas.
Merle (#47944730) and Waylon (#47944735) are thoroughly bonded and must be adopted together. 

They are 3 years old. And the bios say that Merle is “a little more reserved” than Waylon but will “warm up very quickly.”
How did these two handsome fellows wind up in the SPCA waiting for a new home? They were “abandoned at a clinic.” Wasn’t that sweet of some human?
Go to spca.org to see how to adopted the boys with the country star names.
CONTEMPLATIONS
LIFE, FAME AND DIRECTIONS
I got an email Sunday with this subject line: “Bizarre tea slows aging process…” Forty-years too late says I while vigorously hitting the delete button. …
Congrats to one of the nicest guys in the big leagues, Texas Rangers public address announcer Chuck Morgan for being named to the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame. Induction is scheduled August 14 — see the NBC5 story HERE.  He’s been the announcer for all three of the Rangers’ stadiums. He’s currently Rangers Executive Vice President, Ballpark Entertainment, Promotions, and Production. But, as every fan of baseball knows, Chuck is the guy who invented the Dot Race. Here’s an online video tribute to Chuck and when you read the comments you’ll see a comment by a fan, David Davenport. It reads, “This man needs a World Series ring before he retires.” From your keyboard to the Big Umpire in the Sky’s ears. …
Kind of a funny reminder from Dallas Sanitation. An email with the message: “We Need Your Input! | Collection day is tomorrow.”

—- Offer opinions or objections by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

WHAT ON TV INSPIRED A CAT'S NAP

Here's a cat on the red couch.
Until 2019, this cat didn’t know couches existed. Had never heard of a sofa. May not have realized he could nap on one.
 I found him clinging to the flimsy limb of a mimosa tree at about 5 weeks old.
Thus, he is, in his 2021 enlightenment, our spotlight feline for this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
He may have been familiar with cable TV and on demand. We do not know the lifestyle of his parents.

This is our most recent photo of the young cat, Stevie Ray. Kind of resembles some aging uncle slipping into snoreland during an after-dinner conversation.
My funspousecatfan Martha snapped the photo as she realized Stevie Ray had nodded off while watching television.

I suspect he was watching a rerun of The Great British Bake-Off, as his dear Martha often does. But, it could also have been a rerun of The Closer or if  or a Texas Rangers game which, during the current alleged rebuilding year, sometimes feels like a rerun The Love Boat with “tonight’s special guests.”
On the other hand, Stevie Ray has been reading a lot lately. And I did spot an open copy of The New Yorker on the dining room table — sometimes, after reading the movie reviews, Stevie Ray likes to tackle comprehending the poetry. Pretty sure he is not alone in that endeavor.
One thing is certain: Stevie Ray did not go to sleep watching one of our favorite Monk episodes, Mr. Monk and the UFO. Stevie watches every moment of that one whenever it is on.
He gets a kick out of people trying to get a look at Monk’s bellybutton. He once asked me, “Hey, you, do cats have bellybuttons?” 
I had to confess that I had no idea. I cradle cats like babies and rub their tummies until they purr. An exploration for a bellybutton would interrupt the mood. [LARRY NOTE: That's Stevie Ray's mugshot from his Space Force application. We're still waiting to hear.]
And, of course, we all know that cats come from the Catdramadah Constellation. It was in that UFO report to the Senate, if I correctly understand the chapter titled “Alien Behavior and Its Origin.”
I’m kidding. Stevie tells me he hears through the catvine that Martian cats keep recharging the batteries on those long-running NASA rovers on the Red Planet. He also resents the fact that the vehicles are called “Rovers.”
One day I caught Stevie Ray sleeping while sitting up on the end of the couch. I inadvertently discovered the kitten I found in a mimosa tree is able to cast two shadows — he may have been communicating with the mothership.
The third photo? Don’t get me started on Simon Mycroft Holmes and his time-travel cabinet.
[PLEASE, while you are still in 2021, Dear Readers,send photos of your slumbering Earth-based and contemporary critters to [email protected]. We’ll feature them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be helping people decide to open their homes to loving and entertaining animals from on or off Earth. Also, you’ll be helping insomniacs realize they, too, can get some sleep if we can just replicate the gravitational pull on our original planets. Insomniacs may not be from Earth, either, I am beginning to realize.]
--- Please leave confessions of UFO travel by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and putting "Galactic Traveler" in the subject line. ---

KEEPING BLUE IN OUR FOCUS; SHELTER ANIMALS NEED HELP; CRUELTY CASE GOES INTERNATIONAL

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 [PetPowellPress] It’s like a dream. You wake up and hear a radio voice saying that “a study has shown” that if you eat chocolate in the morning it’ll improve your health. This is one for Contemplations. First we have to find Blue the missing dog and then we have to get other dogs and cats into new homes. The weekend is arriving. Keep your eyes open.
STILL LOOKING FOR
BELOVED BLUE
You may recall seeing the item we posted Wednesday about the missing dog Blue who dug out of her yard over the weekend and has been seen, since then, in the area of Independence and Spring Creek parkways in Plano.
 But she has not been returned to her home, has not come back into the yard under cover of darkness — perhaps someone has taken her in and is caring for her. Perhaps she’s roaming the area, waiting to spot a familiar yard or familiar face.
We spoke with Blue’s mom, Debbie Maness, Friday morning, and she and the family, husband Ed and son Jamie, are still on the hunt for Blue and so very concerned about her safety. Blue may be skittish around strangers. When you spot her or if you know the whereabouts of Blue — called “Blue Angel” by Jamie — immediately call Blue’s home at 972-748-6790 or email [email protected].
[LARRY CAUTION: Remember, Dear Animal Lovers, there are cads out there who run a con — sometimes called The Truck Driver Con — in which they claim to have picked up your dog on their way out fo town and they ask you to wire money to them so they can ship your dog back to you — but they don’t have your dog. They just want your money.]
THE OTHER SIDE OF
THE HUMAN COIN…
If you’re reading this, you are probably on the side that says “Save ‘em all/Rescue ‘em/Punish the Creeps.”
Remember the incident in the spring in which a guy drove to the 2400 block of Dowdy Ferry Road in Dallas with two dogs in the bed of his pickup. Then, he, allegedly, beat them to death with a big stick of wood described as “a log.”
A Dallas County grand jury indicted 20-year-old Sebastian Acosta on two counts of felony animal cruelty this week and, at the request of the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, added an indictment for “manufacturing or delivery of a controlled substance.”
There is a Facebook site called DAS Accountability Page and many of the posts keep up with cruelty cases and other tough stories. That is how we learned today that this story of the indictment for the deaths of these two puppies had gone international —- it is being covered by BBC News. [LARRY NOTE: Congratulations Big D - another Dallas crime gets international attention. That's how the photo appeared on the site. I cropped the guy out -- the alleged villain doesn't deserve to be in the picture with that dog.]
And the story cites the Dowdy Ferry Animal Coalition and has a quote from Coalition founder Jeremy Boss. In the past six years, the story reports, “nearly 800 dogs have been discovered along Dowdy Ferry Road, an area of southeast Dallas that’s an infamous dumping ground for dogs.”
Here’s the LINK TO THE BBC STORY. [LARRY ASIDE: You can keep up with rescues and discoveries Dowdy Ferry road by going to the Dowdy Ferry Animal Commission’s website HERE or by going to the Commission’s Facebook page. You may see videos that chill you. You may see results that lift your spirits. You may weep for animals and pray for kind humans fighting people with cruel hearts.]
WAITING FOR RESCUE/HOME
IN BRIDGEPORT’S SHELTER
We got a note from the Bridgeport Animal Shelter Friday morning that reported the facility’s population early in the day included 8 dogs, 16 kittens and one adult cat.
Also in the overnight mail we got notes about these animals in that shelter northwest of the Metrosprawl.
We’ll start with these three kittens, Lilly, Lexie and Lionel (he’s the ragged-looking kitten). 
4-Legged Helpers is working with the shelter to help get animals into rescues and homes. The story of this kitten trio reads that these babies are “approximately 11 days old.” And, the initial appeal is for “someone that can bottle-feed or has a nursing mom." ...Lexie and Lilly are “doing well. Here’s the story on Lionel: “The third baby Lionel (do not go by his looks — this baby has the heart of a lion and is a true fighter although sunburned) also pulled through Thursday night. All are eating and enjoying being bottlefed.” Lionel has whipped dehydration and may turn out to be the toughest loving kitty cat in Texas if he can get a really good re-start with a loving human.

The Bridgeport dogs include this Lab mix Lady, who is about 2 and weighs around 60 pounds. She’s “nicely leash-trained and knows several basic obedience commands. Such a great girl.  Note that Lady loves cats a little TOO much so she would be best in a cat-free home.”

Then there’s Simone, a Lab/Boxer girl who “is just a puppy,” her bio reads. She is around 5 months old, “likes other dogs and adores children. She is silly and goofy, and fun. SUPER CUTE. Wants to play and is SO SWEET. Only about 25 pounds and is the cutest little thing.”
The non-profit, small-shelter-focused 4-Legged Helpers are assisting Bridgeport’s shelter in placing animals. To ask about helping or adopting, call or text Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].

A LEGEND AND AN ARIES
WAIT FOR THE RIGHT HEARTS….
These two Mesquite Animal Shelter dogs are the focus of the latest biographies penned by volunteer dog writer Judi Brown.
[LARRY ASIDE: Here's how you can tell Legend is a Texas dog -- it's summer and you can't get a photo of him without his tongue lolling out and ready for a big lapping at the water dish after a fun run in the exercise yard! Some tongue, Legend!!!]
“Legend is a legend in his own right!” Judi declares. He is an 8-month-old (Pittie) puppy [46 pounds] that arrived … on June 17 as a stray. … He’s got a beautiful glossy brindle coat. Down his back the hair is somewhat wavy. This is very unique! He is a rambunctious, playful, fun-loving, friendly, happy puppy! When he first got out into the yard he leapt and bounded back-and-forth. He was so excited and ran so fast he almost knocked me down. This made me concerned that he could possibly knock down a small child without meaning to. However, it was warm outside so he quickly got out of breath and wanted to go inside. This tells me that even though he would need a yard to romp in he would not want to be an entirely outside dog. … He is highly motivated by treats and does sit for them. Because he wants to please and because he likes treats so much I’m sure he could be easily taught not to jump on you. After all he’s still a puppy! … When I sat down he came to me and rolled over for belly rubs. He also put his head on my lap. He’s very affectionate and very loving.”

Legend's shelter ID is #48022078. Use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. 
Same procedure and contact points when you ask Mesquite about Aries, #48020935.
Judi writes, “Aries loves toys!!! He will entertain himself but would love to have someone that would play with him. If you’re looking for a playmate and a very good, gentle dog come and meet Aries. Aries is a 1-year-old gray [58-pound Pittie] that came to the Mesquite Shelter on 6/17 as a stray.

“He met me in the kennel with wiggles and wags. He’s very friendly. He no more got out into the yard when he found a toy and brought it to me. He actually pushed it up against me. He will drop it. And he will fetch and bring it back. Not only is he a very attractive dog with a sweet face but he’s very well mannered. Even though he’s playful he’s relatively calm. He sits for treats and takes them gently. When I sat down on the bench he crawled up next to me. He would probably do well with young children because he’s so loving.”
CONTEMPLATIONS
CHOCOLATE, UFOS, CHOICES…
One of the first things I heard on radio and TV news Friday was a report that a medical study had revealed that eating chocolate in the morning would be good for your health. No so fast, I said to myself, a fan of chocolate 24 hours a day. It turns out the results were related to a study done on 19 postmenopausal women. I am, as you may suspect, not a postmenopausal woman. I put my expensive chocolate bar back into the refrigerator, grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down to keep my fingers skinny by typing. You can Google stories on this study that can be read without setting off the False Hopes for Chocolate Fiends inspired by the brief broadcast stories. You can also link to an older story — in 2014 there was a report on the “Effects of Chocolate Intake on Perceived Stress.” Click HERE for confirmation of what you and I have always thought — an extra-large milk chocolate bar will cure any emotional distress. Until you regain your senses and get a grip on your healthy fruit and vegetables, of course. …
ABOUT THOSE UFOS — This is being typed before we get a look at the government report on UFOs, currently known as “unexplained aerial phenomena,” is given to Congress. It allows me time to suggest that UFO is the right term and “unexplained aerial phenomena” is what happens when a Dallas Cowboys kicker’s field goal attempt slides past the outside of a goal post. I suspect the UFO report will explain that space aliens frequently bet on NFL games in Vegas and use their telekinetic skills to shave points and influence odds. Look, this report is being delivered to the Senate Intelligence Committee. Who knew the Senate had one? Who thinks the House doesn’t because it can’t get a quorum for meetings? Yep, I’m a taxpayer kidding the people who work for me.
BACK TO THE DOWDY FERRY CRUELTY. We know cruelty occurred — two dead dogs and a bloody log were found. We await a verdict on who did it. I don’t know how many shelters a guy could drive to instead of going to Dowdy Ferry Road to kill the puppies. I also am not sure what the maximum sentences can be in two convictions of felony animal cruelty but I can damned sure tell you it is not enough. What kind of mind thinks, “I need to beat these puppies to death.” Was he doing it to teach someone a lesson. Was he angry and we’re all just fortunate we didn’t cross his path that day. Is it safe to have someone like that walking free in the community?  As a reporter, one of the most polite, nicest guys I ever met was a professional killer — fortunately we didn’t meet under his professional circumstances; we met under mine...pen being mightier than the sword, you know. I’m almost certain that guy, as the saying goes, "wouldn’t hurt a puppy.” And that elevates him slightly above this log-wielding puppy killer.  We want the right guy to go to jail. Nothing brings back the victims, but maybe the villain's absence from society will keep some animals and people safe.
—- Offer hope for the future by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and putting “I’m not from this planet or Congress” in the subject line. —

CHARLIES' CHALLENGE, SHELTERS LOADED; AND ASSORTED NOTES ON POLLEN AND FUNGI

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 [PetPowellPress] The morning moves on and our inbox fills with appeals for helping animals. Plus, we’ll talk fungus in Contemplations. Always a lively topic. Read on. Oh, and, on 5 lines of 6 numbers on Lotto Texas last night, I picked two numbers correctly. My career as a philanthropist is delayed once again. Now help these animals.
THE CHALLENGE OF CHARLIE:
REGAINING ‘GOOD DOG’ TITLE
We mentioned Charlie’s plight earlier in the week. I check with his fan Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network. “Had any calls about Charlie?” I asked. “Not one person. I want to throw up,” she told me. 
Shorthanding the story: After a day of visitors at his home, a woman bent down to kiss this handsome Lab boy on the face and he nipped the intruder. His family then decided, “He needs to be gone.” So, Gail is trying to keep him from being the ultimate “gone.” 
Anything to know about Charlie. “Well,” begins Gail, “It’s just that for 4 years he was the perfect companion. Knows his commands, loves to ride in the car, obedient by all reports.  He's a LAB for God's sake.  He deserves the chance to live in a home without constant company and small children climbing all over him.”
 To ask about adopting Good Dog Charlie, contact Gail at [email protected] or call 903-967-3226.
One more thing: In a recent edition we featured 7-year-old, 107-pound Lab girl Magic who came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on June 15. Gail reports, “I am getting her TODAY!!!  I will be her Temp Foster for Chicagoland Lab Rescue.  I started doing temp foster for them several months ago. This sweet girl will be with me until July 9th when she will go to Chicago.”
And Gail confesses, “You know I am a ‘nut’ about naming dogs.  Well, her new name is SADA (long A) which means Princess in Hebrew.  I cannot wait to love her.” What can readlarrypowell say except, “Mazel tov!” For Gail and Sada!
THE BIG DEADLINE SET
FOR CARROLLTON DOGS…
Bless those folks at the Carrollton Animal Services Shelter — they work hard to save the lives of dogs on the clock. This note with photos of three dogs came from Vanessa Johnson, Senior Animal Care Specialist.
It read, “We will not be able to hold them past Friday, July 2, 2021, at 5 p.m.”
 To offer to save these animals, contact her at 972-466-3420 or email
vanessa. johnson@ cityofcarrollton.com.
We opened with the photo of 5-year-old, 80-pound Anikan with the dignified pose. The Pittie/Lab mix came in as an owner-surrender on APRIL 25. 
The bio says, “Anikan can be a bit picky with dogs he does not know and proper introductions are a must. Anikan is a laid-back guy who is house trained, walks well on leash and has never met a stranger.”

[LARRY ASIDE: In an aside last week, I asked, “What’s up with all the German Shepherds in shelters?” No answer, but here are two more.]
Luna, 5, is a 60-pound German Shepherd — an owner-surrender who arrived on April 30. Her bio reads that Luna, like Anikan, “can be a bit picky with other dogs.” So, the bio says, “Proper introductions are a must. She is a shy girl who takes some time to warm up to new people. She is house-trained and walks well on leash.”

Then there’s Leyla, a 4-year-old, 72-pound Earhound (those ears are coming in for a landing!) who is also a German Shepherd. Another owner-surrender. Another dog who is picky and needs a proper introduction with other dogs. “She is a friendly outgoing gal who is house trained, walks well on leash and has never met a stranger. Luna has been with us since April 30.”
 You can see these dogs and more animals at the Carrollton facility by clicking to the city’s shelter site HERE. 
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
A BOXER MIX AND A CUTIE!
The info about these two dogs came from Mesquite’s volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm. As you know, biographers Debra and Judi Brown meet and spend time with each animal they write about. The goal is to “save ‘em all.”
Chief’s a Boxer mix who came in as a stray on June 16. He’s about 3, weighs 50 pounds and wasn’t neutered — could that have caused him to stray? Anyway, he’s a friendly guy, walks nicely on a leash and doesn’t get stirred by the presence of other dogs in his area. Debra writes, “He seems to have been well cared for.  He is an enthusiastic fellow with an outgoing personality.  He is hyperactive.  He does jump on you and that certainly needs to be addressed.  Chief does not make a good impression in his kennel due to his extreme high energy.  However, in the yard he calms down and is better mannered.  He is a muscular and athletic fellow and climbed on our yard play equipment.” He’s #48008358. Use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

Ah, Canela. Here are three photos of this dog’s face. Prepare to be a bit miffed when you read why Canela is in a shelter. 
Debra writes, “They just don't


come any cuter than Canela, a mixed breed pup who was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter 6/22.  Surrender reason given was that this puppy chews stuff and that the kids weren't willing to help out with the dog.  She is 4 months old, weighs 21 pounds and is not spayed.  Make no mistake about it--Canela is all puppy and I have no doubt that she chewed a bunch of stuff.  She's very exuberant, lively and jumps on you.  She is one tail-wagging, fun-loving bundle of puppy energy.  Of course puppies need training, patience, and lots of opportunities to work off some of that excess energy.  Canela walks surprisingly nicely on a leash and was totally non-reactive when walked through the bay past other dogs …
many of whom were barking at her.  She loves treats and has been trained to sit.  This playful, friendly and sweet natured youngster would make a wonderful addition to the household of a person or family with an active lifestyle who would commit to spending the time and effort to helping redirect some of the normal puppy energy that needs corrected.” 
Canela is #47775077 and she’s a $5 adoption special and may be adopted already by the time you read this. But, just in case, use here ID# when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
IN SOME PLACES ANIMALS
ARRIVING IN MULTIPLES.
REMINDER: Sierra and her 8 puppies are still waiting at the Lancaster Animal Shelter, according to the folks with 4-Legged Helpers. 
The Helpers say that the daddy of the pups is a Black Mouth Cur mix who was kept by the people who turned over pregnant Sierra and her sister Sienna to the Lancaster shelter. FYI, Sienna has been adopted. To ask about helping to save Sierra and her babies, get in touch with 4-Legged Helpers by calling or texting 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]>
Meanwhile, the 4-Legged Helpers are also helping the Bridgeport Animal Shelter northwest of Fort Worth with some multiples.

These 8-month-old Bulldog/Boxer mixes are Mandy and Mindy. Their bio reads, “These cutie pies are AWESOME.  They adore other dogs and are happy, playful and really well-behaved. … They were indoor dogs and sadly, someone was badly injured and had no choice but to release them to the shelter in hopes they might find a home.  This is such a sweet pair of dogs that have been well socialized and loved.  Please, they so deserve to have a forever home. Mindy and Mandy are their actual names and they are up to date on vaccinations.”
And, if you’d like to get a pair of kittens, there are these siblings, Betty Boop and Buster, a couple of “Tiger Tabbies.” They are 7 or 8 weeks old and “adorable and so cute,” the bio reads.
To help 4-Legged Helpers help animals that need helping (help, help), call or text Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS

WEATHER, POLLEN & FUNGUS
The cold snap appears to be done. Hello, summer, welcome back. Mowed the back yard Wednesday. I was followed by a squadron of mosquitoes. Coulda been worse. I think I heard tigers growling in the taller weeds near the back fence. …
FYI: From The Old Farmer’s Almanac, I learned that June 21-27 is Pollinator Week. Let that sink in. Has to do with bees and bugs that “are critical to growing food and flowers.” Hail the Pollinators. Anybody tell me why, if pollen is spelled with an “en” pollinator has an “i” for the “e”?…
Finally we get to this gubernatorial action. You know how busy Gov. Greg Abbott has been lately vetoing laws, etc. Before he got really busy last week, he found time to sign a resolution making Chorioactis geaster the official State Mushroom. It’s also known as the Texas Star mushroom because it is a “star-shaped fungus.” The resolution was championed by State Rep. Ben Lemen, R-Iola, in Grimes County (2010 population 26,604), about 40 rural highway minutes northeast of College Station. Rep. Lemen is also responsible for another designation earlier in the year, the “Official State Gun of Texas. In the meantime, only two other states have declared State Mushrooms: Minnesota has had the Morchella esculenta (sponge mushroom) since 1984 and Oregon picked the Pacific Golden Chanterelle in 1999.
 What does it mean to Texans that two other states have official mushrooms? It means Texas dodged being called “The Lone Fungus State.”
— Offer recipes or advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘Pollinate!’ in the subject line. —-


A 'BLUE ANGEL' IS MISSING; SHELTERS ARE LOADED; ASSORTED DOGS, CATS & NOTES

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021 [PetPowellPress] This is so American. The Holiday Insights people online say June 23 is Let It Go Day. As in something’s bugging you, let it go. More later -- we can't let it go.
Also, we’ve got dogs, cats, WWII and the Strawberry Moon in this report. First, a lost dog challenge….

BLUE, THE LOST DOG:

MISSING IN PLANO…

The Wednesday morning e-mail from Debbie Maness read simply, “My son’s buddy has been missing for two days. Her name is Blue. Can you help me?”

That’s Blue. A heeler mix. We got in touch with Debbie. She says the dog was most recently was seen in the area of Legacy Church at Independence and Spring Creek in Plano. 
Debbie says, “I have been trying to find her for the last two days. My son and I were at a Boy Scout Camp in Tennessee….” That’s when they got the call from her husband Ed that Blue had “dug out” overnight. They immediately returned home. It was a family matter.
Debbie told me that Blue is “3-years-old, not spayed, and she is scared of other people. But when my son or husband lays down or sits down and calls her name she comes running and licks their face. She is not mean.”
And, Debbie adds, "We got her as soon as she was weaned so she has only known us” and she is “mainly an outside dog but crated at night.” Debbie has put Blue’s crate on the front porch in hopes that she’ll come “home” to it. Left the gate open, too, so she can get back in, too.
“My son has learning disabilities and she is his best friend,” Debbie says. Most of the time Mom and Dad call the dog “Blue,” but son Jamie calls her “Blue Angel.” 
If you know Blue’s whereabouts — she may be skittish around strangers — immediately call Blue’s home at 972-748-6790 or email [email protected].

Debbie told us, “Blue loves the 99 cent treats at Walmart and she is probably laying hungry. I have posted on FB, Ring and Plano Mom's and Next Door and been out for the last two days trying to find her. I have not got much sleep and my son is lost without her. He thinks it's because we left and he doesn't want to go on Scouting things now.”

A LIST OF SHELTERS
THAT ARE NOT CROWDED…

How’s that for a headline -- it's fiction. No such list. This is just a reminder to spread the word to people who didn’t get a dog or cat during the Pandemic Acquisition that dogs and cats are available. Dogs and cats make great companions when you get home from work, you know. 

Who are these animals? Well, folks, they are from the overcrowded shelter in Bridgeport, Texas. Northwest of Fort Worth. The last time we wrote about Bridgeport’s shelter, it was being emptied for updating. Didn’t take it long to refill the adorable adoptables.
That kitten is 5- or 6-week-old Squirt, a fellow with a “Smoke” coat, who was rescued so young that he had to be bottlefed.
That fluffy puppy is a “baby female” — or maybe a male; listed both ways on the site — Great Pyrenees named Snowball. What famous breeder was this beautiful puppy purchased from? Hah. The bio says the dog was found at a Love’s Truck Stop, on Highway 380, wandering around on her own.
At 11:01 a.m. Wednesday, the message on the Bridgeport Shelter Facebook page HERE read, “Our shelter is still full at this time. We have a ton of kittens up for adoption.” [LARRY ASIDE: Not sure how many kittens it takes to make a ton, but you get the drift.] Call the shelter at 940-683-3430 or email [email protected]. You may also call or text 4-Legged Helpers at
214-949-2726 or EMAIL [email protected].
IF A PICTURE IS WORTH
A THOUSAND WORDS…
Well, turn these into cash and you’ll need two bank accounts to hold it all.
These are the 8 puppies that Sierra had in the Lancaster Animal Shelter night before last.
No calls to help get these puppies out of the shelter and into a rescue or home that can properly tend to newborns, reports the folks at 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit dedicated to saving animals.
To help them, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. 
The note from the Helpers read, “Please, OMG, we are BEGGING, absolutely BEGGING for someone to save them.  This poor young mommy needs help ASAP.  She is such a sweetheart.  Was an indoor/outdoor dog at her prior home and lived with her sister Sierra (now adopted) and a male dog that is clearly the daddy dog who we understand is a Black Mouth Cur.”

But, to drive home the point about spaying and neutering, there also is a big load of kittens available in the Lancaster shelter.
Here are three of them (call, text or email the Helpers). These cats are (from left), Cheeto, Cream Puff and Oreo. Available now. The photos were taken before they were bathed and tidied up by the the shelter, the Helpers report. 

MEANWHILE, AT MIDWEEK
IN MESQUITE, DOGS WAIT
These are from the hardworking volunteer dog biographers at Mesquite Animal Services. 

Judi Brown reports on this older guy Ben. She says, “Ben doesn’t let his age bother him. He’s says being a senior would be OK if he was in a loving home and not at a shelter! Ben is an 8-year-old Shepherd mix (57 pounds) that came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 6/14. His gray muzzle gives away his age. However, he does get around quite well. He didn’t exactly trot around the yard but casually strolled around checking everything out. His eyes look sad and are somewhat watery. He had a slight discharge. You can also see that he has quite a bit of hair loss down the center of his back. It’s most likely due to a flea allergy. He’s been given Nexgard. Actually, I was met in his kennel with wiggles and tail wags. Most of the time he was out in the yard his tail was wagging. He spent considerable time standing by the door. Today was not exceptionally hot so I’m assuming that he was and still wants to be an inside dog.” Ben’s shelter ID is #47991564. Use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216–6283 or email [email protected].

Bio-writer Debra Chisholm describes Zoey as “a beautiful, nearly full-breed German Shepherd who arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 6/15 as a stray.  Zoey is approximately 4 years old, weighs 64 pounds and is not spayed.  This is one lively, fun-loving, tail-wagging active girl!!  She has an outgoing and confident personality.  Zoey is playful and friendly.  She does continually jump on you for attention and will need some correction on that.  She will sit for treats and takes them gently.  She walks well on a leash but does pull.” Needs an active human or family. She’s #47997539 when you contact the shelter.

Judi did the bio for this “big girl” Magic. She’s a 7-year-old, 107-pound Lab who came in as a stray on the 15th. 
Her human “chose not to come” and get her when notified that she was in the shelter.

The hefty dog likes to play, likes to be petted and wags her tail a lot. She’s obedient, sits for treats and stays closed to humans so they can pet her and scratch her ears. She needs a human who can help her diet and stay healthy and love her. She’s #47994487.
Use that number to ID Magic when you call 972-216–6283 or email [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS
TOPICS: FROM EARTH TO THE MOON

Our home -- my funspouse Martha found it -- is atop a hill, above the lights, and Tuesday night the vantage point gave us a great clear-sky view of the growing, glowing image of moon. This full moon is called the Strawberry Moon, I discovered online.The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains, “This name has been used by Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, among others, to mark the ripening of ‘June-bearing’ strawberries that are ready to be gathered.” It’s such a beautiful sight that I now wonder how soon someone will claim advertising rights to the moon, i.e, “This Full Moon brought to you by Big ’n’ Bright Strawberries, “the greatest preserves from Earth to the Moon….” There’s a thing called Title 51 in the U.S. Code, our research reveals. It bans “advertising in outer space that is capable of being recognized by a human being on the surface of the Earth.” Allows “commercial advertising on vehicles and other product placement.” 

LOOKING BACK AT ‘AFTER D-DAY’: Americans and most of the rest of the free world always celebrate D-Day, beginning of the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944. But that one day was an opening of the door to the additional hell of a sustained war across the European continent. On June 23, 1944, American troops and Allied troops — around 60,000 men — were fighting the war near Cherbourg. The online D-Day Overlord daily diary notes that “The German high command, struggling to defend its positions in Normandy, still believed in revolutionary weapons, including the V-1 rockets.” While men fought to the death on the continent, the Nazis fired V-1s at “civilian objects” in England. Here’s a LINK TO THE DIARY.  D-Day was one day -- "the longest day," writer Cornelius Ryan called it -- in a war that had already started — Sept. 1, 1939 — and would not be finished for a while (Sept. 2, 1945). Afterward there would be old soldiers and loved ones with dreams and painful absences. Awful memories of telegrams and headlines. Something to contemplate in an era in which we have the best communication between nations that we have ever had. You’d think lasting peace and agreeable existences would be easy to accomplish day after day on this beautiful planet. Humans. Sheesh.

BACK TO THE OPENING: We take another look at Let It Go Day. It’s a good theory, but I’ve been watching the world a while now. We probably need at least a Let It Go Week, maybe a Let It Go Month. Some people will demand a Let It Go Administration — a sentiment that’s obviously bipartisan. FYI, Holiday Insights says Let It Go Day was created in 2006 by Thomas and Ruth Roy, “quirky holiday” creators at Wellcat.com. FYI, regarding Let It Go Day, in 1960 on June 23 the first contraceptive pill became available for purchase in the United States. Kind of an amusing coincidence. Got to be a punch line somewhere. Can't think of one. Let it go.
— Offer ideas or objections by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “Let it go knucklehead” in the subject line. —

PUPPIES ARE BORN (AS EXPECTED); GREYHOUNDS FROM KANSAS; AND SHELTER ANIMALS. WEATHER, TOO

SECOND EDITION OF TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Not everything involving animals is political — sometimes it’s biological. Here we go and remember to remind people to not forget to Spay and Neuter. That’s one sentence with 3 hints. 
Our Second Edition topics range from puppies and kittens to the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas (GALT) taking in 28 Kansas Greyhounds at precisely the right time. And there’s a dog named Charlie who’s in a real fix. Please read on.
AND, AS PREDICTED,
THE PUPPIES ARRIVED….

Overnight we got news that had been predicted in a story we posted on Monday.
 The Lancaster ACO had suggested that Sierra might be expecting.
Monday night the subject line on the email read, “Sierra had 8 puppies tonight at the shelter.”
Sierra and sister Sienna had been surrendered to the Lancaster Animal Shelter because the “could no longer care for” the dogs.
The father is believed to be the dog the surrendering humans kept, a Black Mouth Cur. So, according to the folks from 4-Legged Helpers, Sierra and Sienna are Husky/Lab mixes and that gives the babies a family tree of Husky/Lab/Black Mouth Cur. That’s Sienna with the pointy ears — Aunt Sienna.
The folks with 4-Legged friends report a supporter has offered “a $200 donation to a 501c3 rescue” to help save Sierra and her pups. And, of course, Sienna will need a home, too.

Lancaster has many animals waiting for adoption or rescue. The 4-Legged Helpers sent an extra-full email of critters that included Cuddles, this Torbie who was picked up as a stray in the City of Hutchins, which has a working agreement with the Lancaster shelter. Cuddles is about 8 weeks old and tiny. The Helpers note, “Check out the tufts on her ears — so cute!”

These two are siblings, Hound/Pointer Mixes, Dominic on the left and Mia. Somewhere between 8 and 12 weeks old, the Helpers report.
And they’re available together or individually.
To help 4-Legged Helpers help animals in small shelters on the southern side of Dallas, call or text Laura Macias at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
28 GREYHOUNDS ARRIVE IN TEXAS
AFTER BEING SAVED IN KANSAS
Timing is the key to everything, you may have heard. Here’s an instance: On Saturday the 12th, the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas (GALT), it’s newsletter reports, “welcomed 28 Greyhounds from farms in Kansas to the GALT Family.”

Eight of those dogs went to GALT Central Texas in anticipation of finding happy homes. Ten girls and 10 boys remained in Dallas. These dogs are from 2 years old to six.

“How wonderful!” you will exclaim and, if you know what it takes to save and tend to homeless dogs, you will exclaim, “How expensive!” And you’d be right. GALT says it “typically spends more than $750 in vet bills on an otherwise healthy retiring Greyhound to prepare them for adoption.” That’s for checkups that go normally — anything that’s discovered (bad teeth, for example) raises the bill. 

As it turns out the Greyt Art and Accessories Auction is underway and will run through 9 p.m. on June 28. You can read about the Auction items HERE and make donations HERE .

Among the pieces offered for bidding is this scarf. GALT describes: “L'Hiver or ‘Winter’ is another masterpiece by the iconic and prolific Hermès artist and illustrator, Philippe Ledoux, first issued by Hermès as part of its 1968 fall/winter collection.” 
The vintage 1968 scarf was a gift “by a generous donor from Israel that has been well-loved and is in good used condition…” 

As you probably know, you can go to galtx.org and see the adorable adoptable Greyhounds. You’ll also spot these two dogs we wrote about a couple of months ago. They were starving young pups when rescued by the Pauls Valley, Okla., authorities and, as GALT says, they could have easily been mistaken for Greyhound puppies. GALT happily took in these siblings Nick and Nora with the rescued dogs. 
What are they? Here’s the GALT stance: “Once a GALT Greyhound, always an honorary GALT Greyhound!”
 The “extremely bonded” Nick and Nora “depend on each other, so of course they will be adopted together, but for just the adoption fee of one,” GALT says. Oh, and this is what they are: “A DNA test was performed showing them to be American Staffy and Boxer crosses. They are extremely sweet and loving.” Go to galtx.org to apply to adopt Nick and Nora. 
Same place to adopt any actual Greyhounds, such as the one in this final mugshot: That is Mitchy, formerly of Kansas, now of Texas. A guy with a great face to see each morning when a human awakens and is greeted by a loyal canine friend. Adopt him and the two of you can sit around at breakfast and discuss your career as athletes. [LARRY FYI: A guy at a Greyhound adoption event once confided to me that the secret of Greyhounds is "they are basically couch potatoes." Yep, they are so human!]
A DOG WHO NEEDS
SOME SPECIAL HELP
Our pal Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network has found another challenge: Finding a place for this handsome dog Charlie.
 In an email Monday night she wrote, “I just spent almost an hour on the phone with the owner of a dog named Charlie.  …  He was adopted from the SPCA when he was approximately 9 weeks of age. He is now 4 1/2 years old, 90 pounds.  Neutered, current on vaccinations and on heartworm preventative.  He is house-trained, responds to several commands, loves to ride in a car. He also loves to snuggle with his family.  Has lived for a while with another dog and is not dog aggressive.”

Here comes the tough part. She writes, “FULL DISCLOSURE:  A few weeks ago a visitor to their home was leaving and was hugging everyone goodbye. There were several visitors to the home that day.  The woman leaned down and got in Charlie's face to give him a ‘goodbye kiss’ and he bit her.  No growling or ‘attack’ mode.  Once she backed away from him he didn't give it another thought.  The family now wants him gone.

“We are praying for an experienced dog owner, adult-only home, that would be willing to give Charlie a chance.”
To ask about helping Charlie, call 903-967-3226 or email [email protected].
MEANWHILE MESQUITE HAS
SOME HEARTS NEEDING HOMES
Let’s just agree that dogs and cats are entertaining. Sometimes they’re more entertaining than people. But that’s a question for our report on “Human Behavior Day.” Right now we’ll phocus on photos — sorry, that’s focus on photos. For example, you see here two photos of a dog named Misty. Misty in Mesquite. 
We learned of her from the volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm who sent several photos and we spotted Misty posing quite naturally like a model, then, there’s that photo where she said, “That’s enough. I’m leaving the stage.” Good natured dog who is “a friendly girl when she warms up and gets to know you, especially if you have a pocketful of treats,” Debra said. 
Misty is a mixed breed (Black Mouth Cur and Terrier, among, maybe other noble breeds). She’s about 1, weighs 63 pounds and is not yet spayed. Came in as a stray on the 16th. Debra wrote, “She was a bit timid and shy with me at first, but after we spent a little time together, she warmed up.” She’s uneasy in the shelter environment, but out in the “yard,” Misty “enjoyed receiving attention and ended up wanting to climb up on the bench with me.” She’s #48008137 at the shelter and use that ID number when you call the shelter or 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
And Debra says, “I have named this delightful little charmer Sunny.  She's a mixed breed youngster of approx 6 months who arrived as a stray at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 6/17.  Sunny walks nicely on a leash and did not have an unfriendly attitude toward the other dogs when she was walked through the bay.  In fact, she was quite intimidated by the dogs who barked at her.  Of course, a dog test is always a good idea to request.  She is a high-spirited girl who will jump on you in her excitement and could use some manners training just like all pups.  She is playful, friendly and is just all-puppy. … She's a tail-wagging bundle of sweetness.” She’s #48014622.

And this girl in photos of two of her moods, both happy, is Lilac. Our tipster, Mesquite volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown, says “Lilac is a happy girl that spreads her joy around. Just being around her will put a smile on your face. She is a one year old, 47-pound mixed breed (possibly part Lab and terrier Pit mix).” Came in as a stray on the14th. She’s “brownish black with some brindle coloring with sparkling eyes. She has a lot of puppy mannerisms including her enthusiasm and love of life. She appears to love everyone. When I had her out in the yard alone she stayed close. … She was very obedient. Her tail wagged constantly. She did not jump on me. However, when a family met her she couldn’t contain her excitement. She seemed to particularly like the children! She got excited and jumped on them. But since she wants to please I’m sure she could easily be taught not to do this.” Lilac is #47991900.
For any animal in the shelter, use its ID when you call the shelter at 972-216–6283 or email [email protected].
As you can see at THE SHELTER LINK HERE there are many dogs and many cats awaiting a rescue or an adoption. Not all the cats are kittens. For example, here’s the info on Archie — been waiting a while for the right human to walk through the door. Click on his photo to make it grow. Handsome boy.
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE 4TH, THE VETO, THE TEMPS
You know those neighborhood bulletin boards? Sometimes you find some wisdom. For example, here’s a post attributed Monday to Deja Dunlap in Handley on the eastern side of Fort Worth. She writes, “As we are all excited for the 4th of July next month, we can all take precautions before hand. Now is the time to get your pets chipped, get them collars with your information, fix your fences and stock up on cbd/anxiety meds. The shelters are already way over capacity and this time of year dogs get out because of the fireworks and gunfire.” This is a good reminder to show how much you love your animals by protecting them from things they can fear but may not understand. [LARRY ASIDE: I fear celebratory gunfire and I also, like my dogs and cats, do not understand it, but I can explain it: Idiots. I don’t know how many people have new guns this 4th and will be anxious to shoot ‘em up.]
SPEAKING OF NOT UNDER- STANDING THINGS, scroll down to our first edition for today and see how and why to contact Texas Gov. Greg Abbott about the veto of a law that was designed to add muscle to protecting animals from “The Don’t Care/So What People.”
HOW ABOUT THAT COLD SNAP? In anticipation of Tuesday’s plunging temps I’ve wrapped the pipes and have the water faucet dripping to avoid freezing the plumbing. There’s a sentence you’d never expect to write in June in Texas. Mercifully it’s not factual and the household cats and dogs continue to nap as usual. This is a photo of our backyard friends, Duck, Chicken and Yardbaw (as “Yard ball” is spelled in my Northeast Texas accent) on Tuesday morning. I’m kidding. That was Valentine’s Day, 2021. You remember that cold spell, right? Today's weather is much more pleasant.
—- Offer advice or objections by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘SEEK WISDOM, YON FOOL’ in the subject line. —-