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STEVIE RAY & THE COCKER SPANIEL DISCO DOG DOLL -- ARE YOU SLEEPING IN 2021?

Are cats the most adaptable creatures on the planet? I mean outside of mid-term politicians, of course.

With cats, if something bugs ‘em, they just seem to move on to the next happy moment.
Consider that as we address our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
Our apprentice office cat, Stevie Ray Treeboy, had spent the day outside of the office.
Once the door was open, he came in to take a nap.
 He is “Stevie Ray” in honor of famed Oak Cliff and globally beloved musician Stevie Ray Vaughan. And he’s "Treeboy" because a couple of years ago, I heard a yowling kitten, looked into the eye-level branches on a mimosa tree in Oak Cliff and reached in and pulled this guy — a maybe 5-week-old kitten — off the limb that he was gripping with all his might with all of his tiny little toenails. Yep, it all adds up to Stevie Ray Treeboy, The Oak Cliff Rescue.
So, Friday afternoon, I walked into the office and found this guy napping with his pal, Cocker Spaniel Disco Doll. We think DD (for Disco Doll) has the gift of music. That’s what it says on his dogbox. Says he “GROOVES TO THE SONG GET DOWN TONIGHT.” 
[LARRY ASIDE: You’ll note Stevie Ray is following the directions on the packing box. At least once in these photos, anyway. He is keeping "This End Up." A good goal for all of us, right?]

Will the Disco Doll dog groove? I’m not going to destroy the priceless collectors-item packaging just to find out if we have some batteries that fit the music box on this melodious dog. This thing might be worth a million bucks -- might qualify for PBS's Antiques Road Show, right?
Nope, I’ll just get down with K.C. and the Sunshine Band by clicking HERE. I'll get down with that band much like a fellow with North Texas roots did in 2006 HERE. Hint: He was a star of the 1962 Dallas-filmed movie State Fair — just about as far from disco as a guy 'n' gal (using early '60s vernacular) could get.

In the final photo, I’m pretty sure Stevie Ray was dreaming about “getting down tonight.” He can only dream about it. I think you know what I mean.
[DEAR READERS, remember to send photos of your slumbering dogs and cats or ol’ rock singers around the house to [email protected] and we’ll post ‘em in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. We love showing off your best friends. Plus, insomniacs may be convinced that they, too can get some sleep if they can just find the right stuffed toy who can carry a tune or if they can get Pat Boone to drop by a couple of nights a week and sing a lullaby to them — not sure Get Down Tonight qualifies as a lullaby.]
— Offer pillow advice or practical uses for snoring by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and putting “The Cat Purrs On My Pillow At Midnight” in the subject line. —

HANDSOME GATSBY, DOGS, CATS, HUMANS -- NOW AND THEN IT ALL WORKS OUT

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JULY 29/FRIDAY, JULY 30 [PetPowellPress] And, now, we begin to gently move toward the transitional weekend linking July 2021 to August 2021. What have we left undone? Scary question when you think, “Where do I start my list?” Do something gentle instead: Adopt or rescue a shelter animal. Talk a friend into finding a loving roommate at an animal shelter. The theory? This is Texas: We can “SAVE ‘EM ALL.” How about the eyes on that fabulous face of a dog named "Tank" -- adopt him and change his name. Moving along:
THREE CARROLLTON DOGS
MANAGE TO GET A BREAK
In our Wed- nesday edition we mentioned the efforts of Carroll- ton Animal Services to help three dogs — Homie (left), Calypso (right) and Tilly — find a safe place to await adoption. 

We got a copy of an update from Vanessa Johnson, the Senior Animal Care Specialist at Carrollton. It read, “GREAT JOB EVERYONE!! HOMIE AND CALYPSO HAVE LEFT THE BUILDING! TILLY IS SCHEDULED TO LEAVE FRIDAY!! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HARD WORK IN SHARING AND NETWORKING! :-)” 

In the interest of helping Carrollton move its shelter population along, we went to the shelter website and clicked on the listed animals here.
While we’re elated to learn of the rescue of these dogs, we’re also happy to go to the Carrollton site and look at the animals still awaiting a happy resolution.

 Look at the face on that beautiful boy Husky mix, 9-month-old, 46-pound Jacob (#48236707) who was an owner-surrender. He becomes available for adoption on Friday, July 30 — the fee is $5. Five lousy bucks for this fabulous dog. There’s going to be a lottery for Jacob. Call the shelter at 972-466-3420. Lottery is at 10 a.m. Friday.
Thomas the Cat (#48238920) a 3-year-old Tabby who came in as a stray on July 16. His bio says he’s “getting over a cold” and not yet ready for adoption. But he will be. [LARRY ASIDE: These gray tabbies are extremely rare in North Texas — wait a second, I typed a fictional feline assertion!] Go to the Carrollton website and you’ll see many Tabbies — including these three known as the “Rice Krispie Litter.” The 7-week-old kittens are named Snap, Crackle & Pop. They’re “semi-feral” but that just means they may be “semi-socialized,” too, with the right gentle soul taking care of them in a 5601c3 rescue group.]

While looking through Carrollton’s animals we ran into a genuine “first.”
This is #47962448, a year-old Guinea Pig named — and here’s the “first” — “Gatsby.” Never before seen a Guinea Pig with a name from the F. Scott Fitzgerald catalogue, but he looks exquisitely classy. Came in on June 10. Owner-surrender. Doesn’t “come with a cage.”
[DEAR READERS, Perhaps you recall F. Scott’s description of Jay Gatsby: “If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him." Yes, there is something gorgeous about this guinea pig.]
FROM STRAYDOG INC.
THE STORY OF SUE

You know, surely the story of Straydog Inc., the “No Kill Shelter And Sanctuary” in East Texas. It’s on the website at straydog.org. That is how we learned about this girl Sue.
That story is this: “Straydog rescued Sue after a breeder took her in to be euthanized ….” [LARRY PAUSE: Cheaper to kill her than love her, right Dear Breeder? LARRY RESUME:] “…EUTHANIZED due to a leg injury. Her leg was cut all the way around after getting caught in a trap. Her leg has been treated and she’s been wearing a cone for 3-4 months. Now, her wound is almost completely closed up and her sweet and loving personality is starting to come out! She’s getting lots of love and will be looking for a new home when she’s fully healed.”
Straydog is looking for help in funding Sue’s medical bills.  Click HERE to reach the donation page.
Email Straydog at straydogshelter @gmail.com. That’s in case you want to adopt this girl. The shelter’s mailing address is Straydog Shelter, P.O. Box 1465, Gun Barrel City, TX 75147.
Reminder: Straydog has adoption events scheduled for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on August 14 at PetSmart Plano, 6204 W. Park Blvd. in Plano and (same times) at PetSmart Garland, 5401 N. Garland Road, in Garland.
And one more thing: You see that artwork — it’s for Straydog’s Pups in Pearls Gala on October 23 at Renaissance Dallas Legacy West in Plano. Read more about it at straydog.org. 

YURI ‘LOVES LIFE AND…
EVERYONE IN IT’
Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown sent us the tip on “this happy girl Yuri.” She's a 4-year-old, 54-pound brindle and white Pittie girl who came in on the 19th as a stray. Judi writes, “She’s a fun-loving, happy, calm, playful girl who loves life and seemingly everyone in it. She loves toys and sought them out herself. She entertains herself with them. She makes quick work of the soft toys, so hard rubber toys that would be more durable would be advised.  Her tail wagged constantly. She came when I called her. She liked having her ears scratched. She would be a good dog for an active family. She would keep you entertained and vice versa.  … When I walked her through the bay she wanted to make friends with many of the dogs. Her tail was wagging.” To ask about Yuri use her ID #48140949 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@city- ofmesquite.com. Judi noted, also, that the photo session with Yuri “was a hot day and she definitely prefers to be inside in the air-conditioning!”
Judi also sent us a note about this 2-year-old, 58-pound kind of Boston-looking girl Bee. She was brought to the shelter on July 10 — she and a Husky named Abby had been ”abandoned at their home.” [LARRY NOTE: Abby may have been claimed — she was not on the shelter animal site Thursday afternoon.]
 Bee, the “little love bug,” is “absolutely adorable,” Judi writes, and adds, “This situation is hard to understand but especially because both of these dogs are very well behaved and all-around good dogs! As you can see Bee is adorable! I had a very difficult time selecting the pictures to go along with this evaluation because she is so photogenic! Besides that she is a total love bug! When I first went into her kennel she couldn’t stop wiggling and wagging! She was so happy for human contact and to have a friend! Once she got out into the yard she settled down but she is energetic, happy and outgoing. In spite of being energetic she’s also relatively calm. She did not jump on me.  She stayed close to me wanting attention. I was rewarded with lots of kisses.” She also likes air-conditioning. Bee is ID #48188670.

We’ll close Mesquite’s segment with Tank (#48047107) who Judi describes as a “beautiful boy with captivating eyes and a winning personalty. He’s a 2-year-old mixed breed — possibly Whippet/Jack Russell mix, Judi says — who weighs 35 pounds. His microchip gave his name as Tank, but Judi says, “In my opinion this does not fit him because he is not a large dog by any means. Not only did his owners choose not to come and re-claim, but he had an adoption pending that fell through. Now this is your lucky day because this is one special dog that is available to you! He is calm and very gentle and stays close. He’s obedient and wants to please. He doesn’t know how to sit for treats but he is highly motivated for them and does a little dance.” 
Again, for these Mesquite animals, use their ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

THE 4-LEGGED HELPERS
CONTINUING TO HUSTLE
And they’re hustling for animals in Lancaster and Ferris that we mentioned in our previous edition and, of course, there’s this dog in the somewhat downtrodden Wilmer city shelter. 
The Help- ers sent photos of this girl and reported, “We found out there is a German Shepherd at the shelter, also.” 
The Help- ers said, "The guy currently picking up strays for the city ... said male but another Wilmer citizen said the dog was in her yard at one point and definitely a female.  She or he is very friendly ...Kelsey is a young dog and definite purebred GSD. Found out and about as a stray.”

Wilmer is also hosting (see yesterday’s edition) the young puppy Hayden and the Shep- herd/Smooth Collie Mix Blue. 
To help any of these animals, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or 214-906-7680 or email [email protected].
And you can see many of 4-Legged Helpers’ save-‘em projects by going to the Helpers’ Facebook page HERE. 
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE PAST & OTHER THINGS…
In the opening I asked, “What have we left undone?” Don’t even start on emptying the boxes I keep swearing I’ll unpack. Books, old files, CDs, VHS tapes, toys without batteries and, finally, in a large box dated 1972-2021, a collection of carefully organized “Futile Hopes” for the Texas Rangers in the World Series. I have found my ukelele — it was on the back of a closet shelf next to my Bowed Psaltry. I’m still looking for my mandolin. Can’t play any of ‘em. … What would I like to do before the year gets any older? Attend a movie in a real theater. After that, all my ambitions go into a cavalcade of blurs. [NOTE TO DALLAS: I miss going to the Granada Theater to see foreign films. Saw La Dolce Vita there. Felt nearly intellectual. Not sure I’ll get that sensation from Disney’s Jungle Cruise. Is there a theater in North Texas that shows foreign films? I can read subtitles, you know. French detective movies, maybe? Are North Texans destined to see all quality foreign films in our living rooms or on our iPads or Kindles? Where has civilization gone!!!! … Saw this subject line in my inbox: “FIND DEALS ON FOOTBALL MOUTHGUARDS —STARTING AT $12.99” Mouthguards sure are cheaper than left or right guards. But, I’m sure the mouthguards won’t be as mobile once the Dallas Cowboys season starts. You know, if everyone can stay off the injured list, Dak.
— Offer gridiron tips or foreign film suggestions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

ADDRESSING PRESSURE, ANIMALS IN CUSTODY, CHIHUAHUAS TIED TO A POLE, DIESEL'S PAWS, HANDSOME LOGAN, TEENS AND STUN GUNS

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY JULY 28/THURSDAY JULY 29, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Elite athletes have begun taking time off because of the mental pressure. Now and then I hear worn-down animal advocates, rescuers and shelter workers swear they’re going to take some time off. Most of ‘em can’t. Being away from it is worse than being in it. Right? 

So, let’s just say this: Bless all of you people who devote your hearts to exercising the love it was created to give to animals and kids and people and, of course, the great Lone Star State. Yeah, I put that Texas note in there because I needed a moment of relief from worrying about the vulnerable people and animals. Not that I don’t worry about Texas — I’ve driven on Dallas’ freeways. That dog with the great face is Logan — he’s among many animals in the area needing some help from humans. His story is in today's report.

THESE CHIHUAHUAS
WERE FOUND WHERE???
Well, goodness gracious, some local human is really competing for the title Dumbest Most Insulting Human On The Planet. 
How’s that? These boys, Troy on the left and Curtis, were ”found tied to a pole together with no one around,” reports 4-Legged Helpers, trying to help get them out of the Lancaster Animal Shelter and into a safe place, i.e., a home or rescue.

They become available for rescue and adoption on Friday because they still have to go through the stray-hold routine even though they were (use your Sam Kinison stage voice when you read this phrase:) TIED TO A POLE!
The note about the little dogs read, “Probably abandoned. …. How anyone could abandon these cuties is beyond us. They are especially sweet and extremely loving. Especially in the kind of heat we are having.”
Also in Lancaster are these two. The Orange Tiger Tabby girl is Buttercup, who clearly knows how to pose for an important photograph -- just needs a number across her chest. “She is darling,” the Helpers report.
This boy Max, an Aussie Shepherd mix, is thought to “probably be middl-aged based on what the ACO said about his pretty eyes having a bluish tint. He is gentle and sweet and loveable and was so very good through all the picture taking!” 
To help any of these animals, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
The 4-Legged Helpers are also trying to help this quartet get out of the Ferris Shelter, south of Dallas along I-45.
Curious thing, this collection.
Melissa is the longhair Tortoiseshell momma — you see her indoor and her outdoor eyes! — and she’s had these baby girls who know how to ride comfortably on the torso of a human being. Misty is on the left and Heather is on the right.
And there’s this tidbit about Melissa. The Helpers report, “She has beautiful soft fur and big beautiful sweet eyes and was in the same home with Neily the Border Collie and she adores dogs, just as Neily adores her.  Misty and Heather are baby sweet and adore being held.”
And this girl Neily is, the Helpers report, adored by Melissa and she is “Just so very sweet and cute. she is precious, loving and gentle. A wonderful girl. Desperately needs someone to brush her beautiful fur and care for her.” (Same contact points as for the animals above: Call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].)

And the Helpers say this little guy Hayden is “Code Red” in Wilmer.
I looked at his photo and couldn’t see any wounds or injuries, so I asked 4-Legged Helper Guiding Light Laura Macias and she reminded me that the shelter in Wilmer, on the southern edge of Dallas, is not a genuinely functioning animal shelter. The facility, she says, is a “small rusty building … that often does not have running water or air-conditioning or heating depending what is out at the moment.”

So, why is Hayden, the little guy “they picked up” in Wilmer a Code Red? Laura responds, “Because the only ways out of Wilmer are death or a rescue — no public access or adoptions. NO other way out!:
Again, the Helpers contact points are “call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]."
And, yes, Blue, the “Shepherd or Smooth Collie Mix” we wrote about earlier is still there. Still waiting. Get in touch with the Helpers.
WAIT, HERE ARE FOUR MORE in the 4-Legged Helpers’ focus! The Great Pyrs are, left-to-right, Clementine and Doyen. They’re 2 or 3 years old, the Helpers report. And they “LOVE LOVE LOVE other dogs, kids, cats — truly everyone.” The lady Clementine is a totally white dog — has a hot spot on her back right now. And Doyen is a boy who has blue eyes and one of his ears is distinctly black. Cool lookin’ dogs, right? 

Contact the Helpers about these handsome gents, too. We’ve mentioned these two before: Hemingway is the Lab/Terrier mix, a year or so old, and was an indoor dog until his human had to let him go because of her own health issues. He fetches tennis balls and knows obedience commands — we’ve mentioned before that he’ll “crate himself if you tell him to do so.”
Hank is a terrier-mix fellow who “is awesome” because he’s quite well-behaved” and “adores children, other dogs and absolutely will not jump on anyone —very chill, very well-behaved.”
And you can follow the Helpers’ animal-saving efforts on Facebook HERE .
DIESEL THE PITTIE MIX
NEEDS A QUICK RESCUE

The tip on this handsome guy arrived from Debra Chisholm, volunteer dog biographer at Mesquite Animal services where Diesel currently waits for a way out of the isolation unit and into a loving home. 
He came in as a stray on July 3. Four-year-old Diesel weighs in at 67 pounds.
Recently, Debra reports, he did not seem to feeling well so he was taken to a vet. Diesel was enduring a URI and his feet were bleeding. The vet’s theory is that bleedng was “probably due to irritation from the cleaning solution used ast the shelter.” So Diesel is being kept in isolation and being treated with a spray for his paws and antibiotics for the urinary infection. 
Debra writes, “Diesel looks intimidating but once he is out of the kennel and in the great outdoors he seems more approachable. This big boy walks on a leash but is a strong puller!  He is highly treat-motivated so this could be a good motivation for training him. … He is a friendly fellow, though it seems as though he may not have been highly socialized with humans.  He has a moderate activity level and is quite athletic. … His recovery will undoubtedly be slower at the shelter in an iso kennel so if you can get him to a place that would be more conducive to a more speedy recovery, please help Diesel by networking or tagging at [email protected], typing in the subject line TAG, ID 48138844.” 
Use that number to ID him when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email that address above.
LOGAN, FOUND IN KAUFMAN,
NEEDS A HAPPY HOME ANYWHERE
Jeane Anthony, animal rescuer/advocate, sent us these photos of Logan and included a Logan Checklist. It reads: 

--Great with other dogs! 

--Loves everyone he meets and great with kids!
--Completely vetted and heartworm negative.
-- Love bug!!!

She told us that “loveable Logan” is a “happy-go-lucky boy” who is a year-and-a-half-old Catahoula/Lab mix who weighs 43 pounds, walks great on a leash, loves to go in the car and is just an awesome dog.”

He has been in boarding for 5 weeks — Pandemic, July 4 fireworks and other circumstances have kept him from getting to meet people.
But, Jeane is convinced that he belongs in and will be the highlight of a good home. “Want to meet this handsome hunk?” she asks. All you have to do is call 832-561-5554 and schedule an introduction to Logan.
While he was found in Kaufman, he is now in Dallas, Jeane says.
“We have an application and rehoming fee is $200.  We are looking for foster, rescue or an approved loving home with the adoption process.  Of course no fee for foster or rescue.”
CONTEMPLATIONS
PONDERING THE WORLD
While watching the New Zealand Olympic women soccer team compete I saw that one of the subs was “Paige Satchell.” So I looked into it. She’s a native-born Kiwi — no known connection to Satchel Paige, the American National Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher — a legend for his pitching, known known for striking out batters. Coincidentally, in her soccer career Paige Satchell plays “striker.” Baseball and soccer — the world’s great sports and a great connection between Satchel Paige and Paige Satchell. Here’s a quote for Paige Satchell from the immortal Satchel Paige: "Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching.”….
I was scrolling through the Olympic channels on the cable guide and when I hit the “info” button I was told I was going to see “Mens handball. France vs. Germany” but, there, on the screen, was a pool full of swimsuit-clad women trying to beat each other to the cement at the finish line! Must be hard to keep up with Olympic schedules on the other side of the International Date Line. …
My email inbox is set to get first lines from posts on a neighborhood bulletin board. On Wednesday, the first one I read said, “What to do with a teenager?” and the second read “Are stun guns legal in Texas?” Turns out the stun gun note was NOT a response to the Grandmother asking about things in the area her teenage granddaughter might enjoy. Besides, everybody knows teenage determination is stronger than stun guns.
—- Offer stunning advice or teen tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘shocking suggestions’ in the subject line. —-

ZANE AND BINGO KEEP WAITING -- THEIR LIVES ARE AT PERIL; OTHER DOGS FACE SAME FATE, CATS, TOO; AND WHAT ABOUT YOUR GUTTERS?

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021 [PetPowellPress] For this edition, we are a bit overwhelmed with shelter dogs -- it's a local trend, isn't it! Most shelters are overloaded and have many animals on the clock. Most shelters have cats that need homes, too. People who want a cat — check with your closest shelter. You may find one you love. These two are on the Dallas Animal Services website HERE — if they’re already taken by the time you get there, rest assured that there are, in the known universe and in Texas, more cats waiting.
And the word “waiting” brings us to these two dogs we’ve been writing about for a couple of weeks. They’re in a pretty tough situation in Fort Worth. 
These dogs are wanted. Surely. Surely by someone!!! Yet, they continue to live shelter lives on the clock in the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control’s North Campus, rooming together as they have done since the day the became bonded dogs before their human handed them over to a place that sometimes has to euthanize to handle all the dumped animals.

Zane is the German Shepherd and Bingo is the dog that is not a German Shepherd. The fear is, one tipster wrote, “No one wants a large bonded pair.”
They have been in the Fort Worth shelter’s care since APRIL THIRTEENTH!!! Owner was moving. Look at their faces. Somebody needs those dogs. We just haven’t ID’d that person yet. Those dogs sure as heck need somebody.
 More on their ages, weights and physical condition later in this edition. I’ve been at this dog and cat writin’ for a while — these two are getting into my heart and I’m writing about them to find the actual human heart that is born to be with them.
 Other dogs and cats got to my heart and into our home first or I’d go get Zane and Bingo. Someone else will have to step up and save their lives, appreciate their devotion, love watching them come running when you call their names.
They’re not too good with other dogs, but they are darned good with each other. That’s what the shelter folks tell me. Clearly they’ll pose for photos. And they’re happy being together. They are NOT 'JUST DOGS,' they are Zane and Bingo, two distinct personalities.
If one of them should happen to be adopted on his own or put to sleep without the other one — the hellish facts of those occurrences will be on all of our heads. If both are killed because nobody wants them, well…I’ve shed tears for many dogs in my life. All the tears in the world won’t bring them back. Dead is dead.
Save them, Dear Animal People, by emailing the shelter at [email protected]. 
More details on these dogs in a minute. For now, just save them and know that you’ve done the best thing for a pair of living beings that’s been done since you woke up this morning. Zane and Bingo — two dogs to love.
ALL THE UNWANTED ANIMALS
ARE NOT IN TARRANT COUNTY
Good grief, how in the world is it that an area of eleventy-zillion people can’t find homes for just three Carrollton dogs.
Vanessa Johnson, the Senior Animal Care Specialist at the City of Carrollton, the town nestled against the northside of Dallas, issued an appeal earlier for help with some dogs and, then, on Tuesday send a note written in red that reads, “WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY TAGS FOR ANY OF THE DOGS! PLEASE KEEP SHARING AND POSTING!”
This appeal went to people and organizations that have helped Carrollton Animal Services before in tight spots. It reads, “The Carrollton Spotlight list is transitioning to become a call to action for support and care of animals that are scheduled for euthanasia.

“Staff at the Carrollton Animal Services & Adoption Center are using this renewed approach to reach out to our supporting rescue groups for assistance with saving some of our more difficult-to-place or special needs animals. The Adoption Center has had great success in placing the adoptable animals, but some, because of size, disposition, or special conditions, have not been placed and are in immediate need of rescue support. Although we have avoided the use of the word 'urgent,' the fact is, your support is desperately needed to save these animals.”
And there’s this sentence:
"If these animals are not rescued or adopted by 5 pm on Friday, July 30, 2021, they may need to be considered for euthanasia.”
That’s because, on a city shelter, there is no sign reading “no more animals being accepted.” City shelters must, by law, accept whatever is brought to them. 
Here are the contact points for these animals: Phone 972-466-3420; Fax 972-466-4873; or email [email protected] 
That first pup is Tilly, a spayed Cattle Dog who is about 3 and weighs 30 pounds and is up-to-date on her shots. She is “rescue only.” Her bio reads that she is a stray who is a “ typical Cattle Dog and can take time to warm up to new people. She is a sweet girl once she gets comfortable with you. She walks well on a leash and appears to be house trained. Because Tilly can be a bit shy with new people, we are looking for an approved 501c3 rescue group to pull her and help her find her new furever home. Tilly has been with us since May 10, 2021.”

The second pup is Calypso, a 2-year-old, 59-pound spayed Pittie mix who is also up-to-date on shots. She is available for adoption. Her bio reads, “She came into the shelter as a stray. Calypso can be a little shy meeting new people and takes some time to warm up. She appears to be house-trained and walks well on leash. Calypso has been with us since May 27, 2021.”

That brings us to the boy dog, Homie, a Retriever mix who is about 6, weighs 79 pounds and is up-to-date on his shots. He’s also available for adoption right now.
His bio reads, “He came into the shelter as an owner-surrender. He has lived with a smaller dog but has never been around cats. Homie is a laid-back guy, who walks well on leash and is house trained. Homie is an older guy just looking for a couch to lay his head on. Homie has been with us since June 4, 2021.”

[LARRY ASIDE: Here is the horrible statement of the way things really are: “We will not be able to hold them past Friday, July 30, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.” That’s when the time runs out on the clock. Saving these lives is up to people. May hearts be touched by their faces and their stories. There’s too much death in this world already; we need to stop killing animals just to make room for more animals waiting to be killed. That’s not a new thought to people who have been rescuers for longer than about 20 minutes.]
A DOG NAMED CHASE
IS A ‘LITTLE LIVEWIRE’
As you can tell in the photo with the blurry dog image, this guy Chase is the “livewire.” He’s a Retriever mix, about 5 months old. He weighs 30 pounds. Chase came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on July 22, reports the volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm. She writes, “This is one little live-wire with lots of puppy energy.  He bounded and raced around the room in which he was being evaluated.  He is a confident, outgoing, tail-wagging bundle of personality!!!  He did jump on me quite a bit so manners classes would certainly be in order. 
"He walks sometimes on a leash but when I took him from and returned him to his kennel he had to be carried.  He was intimidated and so scared of the other dogs who were barking at him that he just froze.”
To ask about giving a "safe home" to this “friendly and sweet-natured puppy” use the ID#48279353 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
MEANWHILE BACK
AT LANCASTER
The folks with 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on small, largely unvisited shelters in the Dallas area, remind us that the Lancaster Animal Shelter is “still full — more dogs daily — if you rescue, you save a life!”

And one life you can save is that of the very beautiful Husky Snow White. Her bio reads, “This stunningly gorgeous dog is all white with ocean blue eyes.  She was brought to the shelter by someone that could no longer care for her - she can apparently be really good at getting over a fence.  A nice indoor home with large privacy fence might be best for this sweet beautiful dog.  
"Please, won't you help save her?”
And, of course, one of the animals still waiting in Lancaster is this girl Laney — the cat who has bounced between shelters.
She is back at Lancaster because nobody wanted her at the second shelter.

To ask about any Lancaster animal, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
BACK TO THE BONDED PAIR,
THE BUDDIES ZANE & BINGO
These two have been in the care of Fort Worth Animal Care and Control for weeks and weeks. Nobody wants them.
Their owner handed them over to the shelter on APRIL THIRTEENTH!
“Moving” was the reason. 
Bingo (#47532438) is heartworm positive. He’s 3 years old, 74-pounds and neutered.
Zane (#47532418) is 6, weighs 147 pounds, is neutered and heartworm negative. 
When taken on a walk at the shelter, the boys were happy to be playing together, a shelter staffer who gave them a chance. 
They’re in the FWACC North Animal Campus at 351 Hillshire in FW. To ask about adopting or tagging, email [email protected]. Remember, save ‘em all and these two are among them “all.”
TWO TOP SHELTER NOTES;
OPERATION KINDNESS, SPCA
Big news from Operation Kindness for Thursday. The shelter is reopening for “in-person adoptions” after being “closed to the public” for more than a year — thank you Covid 19. Sheesh. A news release says there’ll be a ribbon cutting ceremony and, in gratitude for community support during the Pandemic, a grand opening open house for new construction starting at 10 a.m. Thursday at the shelter, 3201 Earhart Drive in Carrollton. (See www.operationkindness.org.)
The news release quotes Operation Kindness CEO Ed Jamison as saying, "We're extremely excited for the grand opening event as it's our way of showing gratitude for the community support we’ve received through construction and the pandemic. Operation Kindness has always been a community-driven shelter, and we're proud of that fact. To have the opportunity to open for in-person adoptions means we not only get to see everyone again, but we will continue our journey and mission to provide animals with loving families.”
WHAT'S IN THE CLOSET AT THE SPCA OF TEXAS where they’re already working on the 2021 Fur Ball (Oct. 2 at the Hyatt Regency)? Consider the latest promotion from the SPCA of Texas. Basically, it’s a “cleaning out” of the closet that holds items donated for the annual Fur Ball fundraiser. Buy a “Mystery Box,” get some cool stuff and help some animals find some homes — that’s kind of the bottom line. Read about Mystery Box 2021 on the SPCA site HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ADVERTISING, GUTTERS & SPATULAS
I see many things in today’s advertising that I never expected to see: Women shaving areas that in my pre-teen years were regarded as “fictional,” a guy in his underwear boldly discussing why those brief are comfortable and nearly constant commercials for meds that will, as the ol’ line used to go before researchers caught up with fiction, “cure ya or kill ya.” If medicines didn’t need cautions in their commercials and on their “explanatory papers,” there’d be a whole bunch of medical-minded lawyers switching to criminal law and divorce cases. …
It used to be that the scariest ads on TV were medical, but now, on the channels I watch, the most terrifying commercials have to do with gutters on the roof of your house. Seen those? Some kind of gadget keeps ‘em unclogged and keeps you off ladders and safe from certain tragedy. Nowadays, I can’t even park in our driveway without wondering what calamity is coming because we don’t have gutters.  It isn’t like we have a lot of rain — the only thing that runs down gutters in Texas is big bugs and fuzzy varmints. … 

Back to the racy commercials for undergarments and razors: You can imagine my surprise when I got an email with this wholesome subject line: “Dazzling spatulas, aprons and dish towels!” I’ve never before seen a spatula referred to as “dazzling.” Liked the Christmas Donkey Towel, however. And I’m waiting to see the Dazzling Old Farmers Almanac Galluses in a TV commercial during ol’ detective reruns — and by ol’ detectives I mean guys who needed some help holding their trousers in place. Relax, youngsters, it’s OK to say “galluses” in church and on TV. Use “galluses” in a sentence? OK. Try this: “Two space galluses collided over Texas and the fireball set off UFO reports all over the nation.” Relax, the authorities say no gussets were harmed.
— Offer galactic information or tips for financing spaceflights by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] and put “NOTE FROM INTELLIGENT READER ON MARS” in the subject line. —

IN A HOT TIME IN TEXAS, THERE ARE SOME COOL CRITTERS NEEDING HOMES

EDITION OF TUESDAY, July 27, 2021 [PetPowellPress] We endured the planned power outage in our neighborhood Monday morning. I was sitting outside in the cool morning air re-reading Norwood, published in 1966 and the first book by Charles Portis -- you may recall his second book, True Grit. 

The Oncor team had promised power would resume by noon but at 11:28 a.m., suddenly in the silence of my reading, every a/c unit in the neighborhood clicked on! Congrats to the Oncor team! That simultaneous “Click,whrrrrrrr” was music to a Texan’s ears on a 100-degree day. Click, whrrrrrrrrr. Such a beautiful sound. 
Porche and Wendy, who’d been sitting in the shade with me, immediately jumped up and raced to the back door. They know the joys of air-conditioning. More Norwood, heat and writing advice in Contemplations.
THE CAT LEFT, CAME BACK; NOW
WAITS FOR A RIDE OR A NEEDLE
There are shelters that will not adopt black cats around Halloween. This ain’t Halloween, chums, and that’s a black cat on the clock. She’s Laney, spayed and microchipped available now at the Lancaster Animal Shelter.
The shelter had "sent her to another shelter that offered to help,” according to a note from 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that monitors and helps Lancaster promote its animals. Alas, that other shelter “just sent her back saying they are now too full and her time was up.” 
She’s back at Lancaster. An “absolute sweetie,” the Helpers say.
To ask about helping Laney with the fantastic tail, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
MEANWHILE IN FERRIS, one of the small shelters monitored by the 4-Legged Helpers, we have this canine dramatic presentation. 
That dog encouraging the shelter helper to give her some enjoyable backscratching is Sweetie who, the Helpers say, lives up to her name. And, in the sec- ond photo you can see that she also knows how to be held and get ready to doze off. This is a 43-pound girl Boxer/Retriever mix currently awaiting a rescue in the Ferris Shelter.
And if you want some feline affection, among the cats and kittens in Ferris who are waiting for a good home that scratch-happy momma (or might be momma) cat currently named Alyssa. She’s a Tiger Tabby who is “graceful, sweet and gentle” and “adores people.”
As is the system, call or text 4-legged Helpers
at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].

AND THEN THERE’S WILMER’s situation. The shelter is not large, not set up for human traffic, doesn’t take cats and has a prob- lem finding room for dogs. The current headlining dog in Wilmer’s care is Blue, described as “a beautiful girl with sky blue eyes” who may be “some sort of small Shepherd or smooth Collie mix.”
Someone brought her to the shelter, left her, photos were taken and there’s not a spot for her longer than a “little while.”
Wilmer works with 4-Legged Helpers to try to help animals find homes. Once again, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
BACK TO SMITH COUNTY
WHERE THE CLOCK TICKS…
A couple of weeks ago we posted a note about the crowded Smith County Animal Shelter lining up dogs to euthanize to make room for more dogs who’d be on the clock.
Our tipster, the devoted-to-saving-animals Kimberly Jones, reported later that there’d been many lives saved. Now comes this note with a whole bunch more dogs on the clock. The note, from Smith County Pets Alive, which monitors the Tyler shelter’s condition in order to keep the inventory low (and moving!), reports that the dogs in this note “are all urgent and need to be adopted or tagged for rescue on or before Thursday 7/29.”
 If not? “They will be killed on Friday 7/30,” SC Pets Alive reports. 
These are some — but NOT ALL of the animals at peril. To ask about helping them, contact Smith County Animal Control in Tyler at 903-266-4303 or email [email protected]. 
And, to get involved with Smith County Pets Alive, email [email protected].
TRINITY GAP CLUB
TRIUMPHS AND NEEDS
We’ve told the story many times through the years of how Trinity GAP Club evolved as a wonderful force in the rescue of animals after being developed by the Euless Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program.
 And, as we mention this, it seems only appropriate to note that the Girls Awareness Program has drawn the attention of a young man named Jayson. On the GAP Facebook page, there were photos of Jayson posing with the result of his work. GAP wrote, “A huge thank you to Jayson! This young man raised over 2,000 pounds of dog food for the Euless Animal Shelter for his birthday. This is so awesome. Thank you, Jayson!” (Click on the art to make it grow!)
Among the dogs GAP Rescue is trying to help is this guy Zak. “His current temporary foster said he is one of the sweetest dogs and a big cuddle bug. Sadly, they can’t continue to foster because their older dog does not enjoy a puppy. Zak is potty-trained, leash-trained and knows basic commands. He gets along excellently with other dogs and children. Please contact [email protected] if you can foster or would like to adopt Zak. He is fully vetted. Otherwise, he is headed back to the shelter on Wednesday.”

And, if you're in the mood for an entertaining cat, on the Gap website trinitygaprescue.org you can see this fixed fellow Koi giving himself a good stretch in preparation for either jumping up or curling up — cats have constant built-in options!
Remember, Trinity GAP Rescue works with Euless Animal Services to get animals out of the shelter via rescue or adoption. Many of the animals wind up in a good foster home that teaches the to be the perfect pup or cuddly cat for an adoption. 
See animals in GAP’s care trinitygaprescue.org.
And see Euless Shelter’s waiting animals by going HERE. You’ll see 8-year-old, 8-pound, heartworm-positive Chihuahua George. He likes to shop and also likes to watch TV on the couch. Perfect dog for a civilized human being.
And this cat is Cali the Dilute Calico, a 15-year-old girl who has a magnificent purr. Needs to be in a calm and quiet home without small kids. And there’s this: Purrs when being brushed. The Euless Animal Shelter can be phoned at 817-685-1549.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A FILM, THE TEMP AND PRECISION
As I was waiting out the electric line repairs in our block Monday morning, I really was enjoying the writing in Charles Portis’ novel Norwood. I’ve only re-read it one other time since I bought a new copy of in 1967. That was before it was made into a movie (released in 1970) starring the guitar-picking singing star Glen Campbell and the Super Bowl victory predictor, QB Joe Namath of the New York Jets. Glen Campbell of Delight, Ark., and Broadway Joe — you can’t make that stuff up. Neither was nominated for an Oscar. Female lead in Norwood? Kim Darby who also portrayed spunky Mattie Ross in the 1969 film version of Mr. Portis’ beloved True Grit (with Glen Campbell as a Texas Ranger getting “hooraw’d” by Arkansas Deputy Marshall Rooster Cogburn, John Wayne’s Oscar-winning role. ) True Grit, the book, was released in 1968, Norwood the book two years earlier. Ah, the good ol’ days of novels as entertainment. Of course, we all read back then. …
THE HEAT IS ON? By the arrival of autumn at 2:21 p.m. Texas time on Sept. 22, my Sweatfreespouse Martha and I will be able to say that our a/c unit ran from sometime in late March or early April all the way to autumn except from 9:28 a.m. to 11:28 a.m. on Monday, July 26. And that is why Texas is the true test for an air-conditioning system. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. …

As a longtime newspaper editor I sometimes cautioned reporters to be precise in their writing. While reading a local neighborhood bulletin board Monday I found this message from a member of the forum: “I cannot wait to vote this imbecile out of office.” Once again I am compelled to suggest “write clearly — which of the imbeciles in office?"
— Offer precision ideas or spray some thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and feel free to use DEAR IMBECILE in the salutation. —-

ARE HUMANS GOOD SCRATCHERS; HELPING GREYHOUNDS; SAVING SHELTER ANIMALS; COPING WITH HEAT DURING A POWER OUTAGE

EDITION OF MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Here’s something else at which dogs are superior to so many of us human beings: Scratching. I am human and I’m a lousy dog scratcher. 
On Sunday, during an Olympics broadcast of some sport nobody in the house embraces (fencing with a foil), Dudley The Angel, walked up to me as I sat on the couch. I then leaned over to hug him and do the “Who’s a good boy? Who’s a good boy?” routine, which he endured with a patient higher-IQ smile.
 Then I spent some time scratching his big ol’ furry neck with the unlicensed-to-massage fingers of both hands, went behind his ears, under his chin, along his ribs and on his belly. Then he walked off and flopped down as if to say, “Nice try, Knuckles.”
 Yeah, I love the guy. He’s so patient with me. He keeps coming back for my scratching as if he thinks I’ve been going to Canine Hands-on-Human Training and Comfort Classes. Later in the day, in the office, he let me scratch his head -- it was an "I'm-givin'-ya-one-more-chance" moment.
THE ROLE OF GREYHOUNDS
IN THE EARHOUND COMMUNITY
While researching info about the Greyhound Adopiton League of Texas’ latest fundraising effort, we discovered this trio of photographs of Dogs of Expression.

 

 

 

They’re adoptables via GALT’s site at galtx.org. As you can see, they can send messages with their ears. 

Candy’s suggesting move to her left, Harry says “Move to my right” and Mac says, “Bring it in, Skipper, you’re right on the beam.”

They are some of the dogs who’ll benefit from the Greyt Auction for Happy Hound Homes which started on the 21st and runs through 9 p.m. on Saturday the 31st. The event is a highlight of the 20th anniversary celebration of the founding of GALT. Since GALT launched its mission, the non-profit has found homes “for more than 3,700 Greyhounds, other sighthounds and hound-mixes,” GALT says. Go to galtx.org to see the story of GALT and how it relies on — and appreciates — “adopters, fosters, volunteers and donors.” 
Auction items include art, gift cards, doggie treats and toys, purses, jewelry and lots of other things. Click HERE TO SEE HOW TO BID AND WHAT TO BID ON TO HELP GALT.  One of the items up for auction is this Greyhound print (signed by artist Lynn Dubnikca) and in a “floating frame with easel.” [LARRY ASIDE: I don’t know that beautiful dog’s name but I’m betting it isn’t “Spot.”]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
DIAMOND NEEDS SOME HELP
We got the tip on this girl from volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm who says “Precious Diamond” — there’s a hint of how Debra regards the girl — has been in Mesquite Animal Shelter since July 3. She was brought in with a broken foot, a vet put a cast on her leg and foot and Debra says, it was “recommended that she be taken to an orthopedic surgeon.” Afterward, another vet visit led to a decision to not wrap the leg again and she was “not to walk on it” so healing would be enhanced. Thus, Diamond is waiting in quarantine for someone to claim her so she can become the great canine love of a family’s heart. She’s 3, weighs about 60 pounds and is spayed. She came into the shelter as a stray, but her former owners decided "they couldn’t help her or take care of her." She’s #48137492 at the shelter. Use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. Same contact info for other Mesquite dogs and cats, too.
This obviously affectionate girl is Patsy, a Pittie/Staffie mix who came in on the 17th as a stray. She’s “a spunky 2-year-old,” Debra says. The 68-pound dog knows some commands and is motivated by treats. And, her bio reads, “Patsy is a climber and likes climbing on a chair and bench during the photo session, wanting to up up and sit next ot a volunteer to whom she promptly gave some sloppy kisses.” Patsy is #48244951. 

Debra’s colleague in dog-writing, our pal Judi Brown, provided a bio of Nova, this “low-rider with a long body,” a possible Jack Russell/Rat Terrier/Corgi mix who was “surrendered in the field” to Mesquite Animal Services. She’d recently had a litter and, Judi wrote, “The owners either gave them away or sold them before they had a chance to be weaned. For that reason, Nova’s nipples are still gorged….You can tell from her eyes that she is sad. She huddles at the back of her kennel but she’s very receptive to being loved on. She followed me everywhere I went in the yard. If I sat down, she came immediately to me.” This 34-pound, 4-year-old is #48260217 at the shelter.
Debra provided Polo’s bio. She says Polo, Dog #47998131 (use that ID number when you check with the shelter), first came in on June 15 as a stray, was adopted on the 19th by the person who’d found him and, because Polo had become ill, the adoptor returned him on June 27 “because she did not have the funds to get him the vet care he needed.” The 8-month-old, 39-pound pup has “fully recovered,” Debra wrote, “And is one lively and energetic youngster.” He’s also “playful, friendly, sweet-natured and affectionate.” She says Polo is a bit of a jumper when he’s around people, so he could use some manners training.
Remember, to ask about any animal in the Mesquite Shelter, use the ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmes- quite.com. There are cats in Mesquite, you know. That’s one of them — only girl cat I’ve never seen amed “Bean.” Bean is around 2 years and 4 months old, came in on July 12 and is small and ready for a home.
To see Mesquite’s adorable adoptables, click HERE. 
CONTEMPLATIONS
NO JOKE; THE POWER; A SUMMER SONG
We learned from the online calendar Holiday Insights that the 24th of July was “Tell An Old Joke Day” but I couldn’t remember one that I could repeat. I mean, of course, tell one that I could recall. I’ve been involved in journalism since 1965 and never once heard a joke I couldn’t repeat in front of a congregation — and if you believe that, let me tell you about the time I interviewed Bigfoot life in the forest and spelled his wife’s name wrong. …
NOW ABOUT scratching a dog with respect and responsibility: Think anybody markets “Best Friend Dog-Nailed Gloves — The Perfect Scratchers”? Well, just a thought. Bet they’d sell n the Greater Dogncatroplex. We’re an area that scratches with passion. Not sure how to explain that sentence. …
IT'S TIME TO PRACTICE COPING. The temp is supposed to get to 100 MONDAY. Last Friday, when it was in the mere 90s, the electric company canceled plans to shut down neighborhood power from 9 a.m. to noon — Oncor arranged personal visits to each home in our neighborhood to let us know of the delay. Being a reporter, I asked, "Why?" I was told that a resident who had legal Zoom business with a noted Washington office asked if the powering down could be delayed until Monday. So, on Monday from 9 a.m. to noonish, we’ll be powered-down at readlarrypowell.com. I won’t be talking to the White House, or the Pentagon or the Justice Department or lining up a tour of the Smithsonian for my history-minded cat, The Senator. But we’ll be feeling the heat on behalf of the Oncor workers who’ll be out in the 100-degree temp, up on a pole and much closer to the sun than we are. May everyone work swiftly, efficiently and cooly. In honor of the un-elected people who keep things going across the nation, here’s something from Ol’ Blue Eyes (after a commercial, of course. CLICK HERE AND ENJOY THE BREEZE.
—- Offer chilling advice or warm regards by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “NO SWEAT” in the subject line. —-

BLACKIE GRABBED THE REMOTE, RAN WITH SCISSORS AND, THUS, WON HIS 'MOM'S' HEART

We’ve been publishing Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap for a years and years and we've mentioned dogs watching TV, but this is the first time we’ve ever used the phrase, “Don’t run with scissors!”
With that, we introduce this week’s spotlighted slumberer, the great little guy Blackie, the adoring and adorable companion of our pal Debbie Cartwright, veteran public relations do-gooder.
Debbie says Blackie — his name has a great link to journalism (keep reading) — was born in April 2018. She found him at the Humane Society of North Texas in Fort Worth -- he was a little, bitty boy, just a handful of puppy.
“The registrar said his mother was Maltese, hence the white leg and chest patch,” Debbie writes. “She was uncertain of the father, but my vet lists him as a terrier.”
And, yes, that is Blackie snoozing between those fantastic shoes in that great “mood photograph.”
Why did Debbie adopt Blackie?

She explains, “The heartbreak of losing my two sibling Chiweenies (adopted in Oklahoma) within six months of each other left me with a home that felt empty and quiet. I'm convinced the loss of one was too much for the other.”
She says the Chiweenies “were named after my favorite grandparents: Sophie and J. T.  I went to Oklahoma to adopt Sophie, but when I held J.T.  I couldn't resist bringing both home. … How could I leave one behind?”
Debbie writes, “After months of mourning, it was time to find a new friend, but finding just the right pup hadn't been easy. I was always just a little too late to adopt what seemed the perfect fit. 
“A wealth of weeks went by. And the search began to feel hopeless.
“Then I saw a little black puppy with a white chest patch at the Tarrant County shelter [Humane Society of North Texas]. The photo revealed an anomaly on his nose. 
“Concluding we'd make the perfect pair of imperfections, I made sure to be first in line at the shelter on a Saturday morning.  Rushing to hold him, I found there was no nose blemish at all. It had just been a bad photo. I wondered if that's why he'd gone unadopted.

“He would be mine.
“As I began the adoption process, him squirming in my arms, the registrar asked if I had a name for him.
“ ‘Blackie’, I said without hesitation. He would be named in honor of my beloved friend and mentor, the late and legendary sportswriter Blackie Sherrod." [FYI: The great newspaper personality was the star writer for decades at The Fort Worth Press, The Dallas Times-Herald and The Dallas Morning News -- a nice guy who loved animals.]
Ah, Blackie the dog won his human's heart. Debbie says, “I brought Blackie home after he'd been neutered and immediately realized what a handful of a high mischievous energy he was. For weeks my new friend was less of a terrier and more of a terrorist.
“From snatching the TV remote to running with scissors, and carrying my shoes outside, I couldn't take my eyes off him. And bringing the outdoors indoors included a squirrel, a bird, a frog and a bucket full of garden rocks.
“But he's at last past the pesky puppy stage and has settled in nicely. He loves to play ball and I love it when he throws his body across mine, his head resting on my shoulder. It's a super snuggle. He translates ‘Blackie, can I have kisses?’ to mean he gets a back rub, which I'm happy to give. I get the kiss thereafter.

 “Slumbering between my legs as I sit in the recliner is his favorite place to nap.
“Yep, Blackie is my bestie.”
[DEAR READERS, tell us about your “besties” and send the stories and the photos to [email protected] and we’ll publish the package in the internationally read weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Your heartfelt emotions will be encouraging people to make room in their homes for animals who’ll love ‘em back. And you’ll be inspiring insomniacs to believe that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just get the right pair of enchanted slippers for the recliner!]
— Offer cheers and inspirations by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and putting DOGS AND CATS MAKE THE WORLD BETTER in the subject line. —-

(1) HUMANS HAVE THE CHANCE TO DO GOOD THINGS....& (2) THE POWER WILL BE SHUT OFF

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY JULY 22/23, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Here’s are three words from the electric company that will send a chill up and down your spine during a hot spell in July in Texas: Service Interruption Notice. 
They’re swapping out equipment “used to provide electricity to your home,” the door-hanger note read. The light on this computer will go dim on Friday morning — matching the person who types on it, of course. So, before the lights go out, here’s what we’ve found on Thursday. That kitten is Jasper — he’s only 8 weeks old and to our knowledge is unaware of the concept of “service interruption.” We’ll tell you more about him in a minute. Cute boy, ain’t he!
And before we go on with this edition, an afternoon check with Fort Worth Animal Care & Control reveals that Zane the German Shepherd and Bingo the Best Friend are still waiting for someone to save their lives in a permanent way — rescue or adoption. Our source at FWACC reminds us that while they don’t do so swell with other dogs or animals, “but they are great together.” Been at the shelter since April 13. Their human surrendered them — was moving. To tag or adopt or ask, email [email protected]. No phone calls. [LARRY ASIDE: I guess their devotion to each other grabbed my heart. If they wind up being “put to sleep” because of shelter crowding, well, let’s not let that happen.]
WHAT ABOUT A FERAL CATS
IN A DALLAS NEIGHBORHOOD?
I’ve known Ann Godwin since way back in the last century —she and my funspouse Martha and I worked at The Big Paper in Downtown Dallas, laughed a lot and there’s this: We love dogs and cats. That’s sweet neighborhood-born Abigail having a “We’ve got to save these ferals” conversation with Ann.
She and her neighbors in Oak Cliff (west of Westmoreland, north of Illinois) have a challenge that isn’t uncommon in Dallas: Feral cats and kittens. Counting newborns and the adults, there may be as many as 20 unwanted felines who need help.

Ann wants to get them safely into a “better place” — spayed/neutered and adoptable. So, Dear Animalfan Readers, Ann wants to know: Is there a non-profit that can help the neighborhood control a feral cat colony? Where should these neighbors take kittens to get them spayed/neutered and ready for socializing and adopting? Is there a no-cost spay/neuter program they can approach? And is there a non-profit that can help them trap, spay/neuter and release or adopt?
 These are constant questions in Dallas, the world’s most fertile cat town. [LARRY ASIDE: Those fertile cats are evidence that some people never consider asking themselves, “Am I an idiot if I don’t get my dogs and cats fixed before I open the door and tell the girl cats ‘Don’t you come back pregnant!’ and the boys ‘Wear protection!.”? When it comes to cats and dogs there are a ton of people who don’t understand the birds and bees.]
IF YOU CAN HELP ANN FIND A WAY TO ‘SAVE ‘EM ALL’ IN THE CAT NEIGHBORHOOD, EMAIL ANN AT [email protected] and copy your advice to me at [email protected]. And, yes, that’s one of the momma cats and her babies. And there’s another mommy called Ebony who, Ann writes, “has had at least two litters. My neighbors next door are feeding them all.”
—Spay and neuter. Spay and neuter. —
MEANWHILE, BACK IN B’PORT,
HERE ARE TWO MORE…
Bridgeport, the little town with the small shelter and the big animal population, is northwest of Fort Worth and in the previous edition we cited Grayson the Kitten and Bo the Handsome Dog.
That wonderful orange and white Tabby boy is Jasper. He’s been living “in a home environment,” has been “checked over by a vet” and is “a delightful little baby. Loves children. Loves dogs. Loves other cats. Just as precious as can be,” reads the bio of this maybe 8-week-old handsome fellow.
Among the dogs in the shelter’s care is this 49-pound, full-grown young female Bulldog mix Bridget. 
Her bio says she is “one of the sweetest little bulldog mixes you could meet anywhere … Very sweet, and very good girl who loves and adores everyone and everything. Always smiling — so adorable.” 

To ask about any animal in the Bridgetport shelter -- wait, that's Bridgeport, Bridget's the dog --- , call or text 214-949-2726 or 214-906-7680 (leave a message if “we miss you,”) or by emailing Laura at [email protected].
The hard-working angels with the non-profit 4-Legged Friends are helping with communications between the animals and potential adoptors and rescuers.
TWO MEDICAL APPEALS
FROM LANCASTER SHELTER
Aubrey is this young Retriever mix who arrived at the Lancaster Animal Shelter on Wednesday afternoon and, as of Thursday PM, still needed help with her right front leg. “Desperately needs a rescue group,” according to the 4-Legged Helpers tipsters who monitor Lancaster.
But there’s also this big shelter challenge — Aubrey “has a couple of spots of fur missing on her side that the shelter believes could potentially be ringworm.” Sometimes “ringworm” can be a death sentence in a city shelter. (Not sure of Lancaster’s policy.)
And there’s Ashlin, a young female American Bulldog mix who, as you can see, has an affectionate and trusting side. But she needs some medical care. Initially on Wednesday it was thought that she might have parvo, but a vet test proved that to be not the case. But she is anemic and, the vet reported, that may be “related to some type of internal infection.”
The Helpers say she was an owner-release and this dog’s original name was Hazel. She needs out of the shelter to get her health back in proper order. The bio reads, “This little 7-8-month-old girl has th most stunningly beautiful face and eyes. Her eyes look like she is wearing eyeliner.
To help these dogs, call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or 214-906-7680 or email [email protected].
A CLIMBER IS WAITING
IN THE MESQUITE SHELTER
I saw that photo of the Siberian Husky with the long tongue and thought “This answers the question ‘What does a Siberian Husky look like when its home is Texas in the summer?’”

Yep, that’s Daisy, about 2 years-old, 52 pounds, not spayed and a “frisky and perky girl,” according to our tipster the volunteer Mesquite Animal Shelter dog biographer Debra Chisholm. Daisy came in as a stray on the 12th.

Here’s the passage that caught my attention: "This girl will need a secure fence,” Debra wrote, then explained, “One day in her kennel, she scaled the 6 foot door and was perched on the top before one of the officers helped her down and placed her in a kennel with a ceiling.  She will need a high and secure fence--probably an 8-foot one.  There is so much to like about this lovable and sweet girl.” 

She’s #48200995 in the shelter. Use that ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
And, of course, it's very clear that this is not just a Husky, Daisy is also an Earhound. Picks up any broadcast from space!

CONTEMPLATIONS
HOT ENOUGH FOR YA? THE CATS
ARE CALLING THEIR LAWYERS
Why readlarrypowell.com is watching the temperature predictions for Friday: The electric company left on a note on the doors in our neighborhood saying that the power will be off between 9 a.m. and noon Friday for repairs on the lines. Conditions were so much cooler in February. I guess they were busy doing something else. I’m breaking the news to the dogs and cats during a late-night snack — no sense setting ‘em off in the daytime and having ‘em fret every time the a/c cuts off. That's my dog Porche Noel squinting in the noontime sun on Thursday. She's good for about 3 minutes outside on a sunny day.
GRAMMAR NOTE: The electric company note actually said the electricity would be shut off beginning at 9 a.m. …with restoration…around 12 pm.” Well, as any ol’ editor or person who understands the passage of time will tell you, 12 is a precise moment on the clock. It is the dividing line between a.m. and p.m. There is no 12 p.m. There also is no 12 a.m. There’s a noon and a midnight. The daytime 12 noon is the exact moment that is the dividing line between a.m. and p.m., just as the nocturnal 12 midnight is the p.m./a.m. line of demarcation.
Telling someone the “power will be back on at 12 p.m.” is not a precisely informative expression. 11:59:59 a.m. tick 12:00:00 then tick 12:00:01 p.m. I hope this has been clear as the face on a Rolex.
POWER UP? Of course, if the electric crew doesn’t get the power and the air conditioning back on by noon Friday, they won’t be able to get the time of day from my dogs or my cats as the crew waits for help getting down the ladders from the power lines. Dawdlers will hear from my litigious cat The Senator and his legal counsel, the internationally powerful Claude Peydei of Feleine, S’kat, Spatt, Sfpit, Yowell & Rich, Attorneys-at-Law. In the meantime, we’d like to order up a cold front slowly, kindly, moving across our neighborhood from 9 .m. to noon-thirty Friday. We are too mature to need a hot time in the old town Friday night.
—- Offer chill advice or cool ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] and put ‘WATCH OUT FOR THE ICEBERG’ in the subject line. —-

BINGO AND ZANE STILL WAITING; LOTS OF DOGS AND CATS; AND WHAT ABOUT CDC DOG BAN?

EXTRA EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 [PetPowellPress] We don’t have anything as upbeat as Wally Funk’s ride to space for this edition, but we do have opportunities to create moments of celebrations for dogs and cats.
Oh, and we’ll look at the Centers for Disease Control's recent rule for bringing dogs into the United States from countries that aren’t quite sensitive to rabies prevention. After hearing stories and appeals about the "ban," we found the CDC announcement. We’ll get to it after helping these dogs that are right here in the “neighborhood.” 

And one more thing. Yes, the whole rescue system is stretched thin these days, but, holy smokin’ frustration, why is it these two bonded boys Zane and Bingo are still on the danger list? Remember, they were “surrendered” to Fort Worth Animal Care and Control because their owner was moving. That was April 13. These bonded dogs have survived this long, but the countdown is on. Here’s the bottom line for them: Bingo (#47532438) is a 3-year-old, 74-pound mixed-breed who is “thoroughly bonded” with Zane (#47532418), a 6-year-old, 147-pound German Shepherd. Bingo is heartworm positive, Zane is negative. The dogs have charmed shelter staffers. But, so far, no dice on moving off the path to being just a memory of two dogs nobody saved. Tag or adopt by emailing [email protected]. No phone calls.
[LARRY NOTE: It really is disturbing that these two dogs are not already in a rescue or a home. They have made it this far in life and now face the needle because of human behavior. Look, we’re loaded with animals at our house or they’d have a spot. Many of you are in the same shape. Got to be someone we know who has room for two pals with much left to give. Pass ‘em on.]
A QUICK LOOK AT ANIMALS
WAITING IN BRIDGEPORT

We’re just featuring two of many in the Bridgeport Animal Shelter — it’s also one of the area’s crowded facilities. 
 This kitten is Grayson, described as “a baby male, blue & white.” Also, the 8-week-old is —heard this before? — “precious and sweet as can be. That’s generally the way kittens develop, right?
And this dogface belongs to the “cute, cute boy” Bo. He’s got “Pointer-type ears,” his bio reads. And he has “some cute spots, too.” In addition to being a dignified mix of assorted breeds, the shelter theory is “some Dalmatian could be mixed in there.”
Promotion of adoptions and rescues at the Bridgeport Shelter, about an hour northwest of Fort Worth in Wise County, has been taken up by 4-Legged Helpers. To ask about Bo or Grayson or any animal in the Bridgeport shelter, call or text 214-949-2726 or 214-906-7680 or email [email protected].
BEST FRIENDS AVAILABLE
AT MESQUITE’S SHELTER
Every shelter has a collection of adorable animals and each animal has a story that might not be so adorable. The common need: a safe place to go.
Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm sent us this story of “spunky, adorable” Tippy, maybe 4 1/2 months old and 28 pounds and enduring a broken back left leg — probably struck by a car, the general theory holds. He came into the shelter on July 6. Shelter staff took him to a vet who found the break on the pup’s leg and now the mission is to get him into a safe place and to get his leg repaired so he can grow up and be the dog he was born to be. While he’s not yet a leash-walking dog, Tippy (getting around pretty good on that leg) is “friendly and playful, enjoys attention, likes playing with toys and has the absolute sweetest nature,” Debra writes, adding that it is “imperative” that he get help for his leg now. He’s #48156679.
This long-drink-of-canine is Gonzalez, a mixed breed who arrived as a stray on July 12. He’s about 2 and underweight at 34 pounds. Debra writes, “his cutest feature is the smattering of freckles across his nose.” Walks well on a leash and, when in the shelter yard, “had his note to the ground scouting out all the interesting smells.” A bit skittish, not exactly friendly or unfriendly but standoffish. “He is a work in progress,” Debra says. He’s #42853210. Some human patience and understanding would probably turn him into “a treasured pet,” she says.

Check out that face. It belongs to Galaxy (#48198699), a year-and-a-half old Alaskan Malamute described as “so happy he even prances,” by Mesquite volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown.
He arrived at the shelter on July 12 — yep, a 65-pound stray. But he brought a good spirit with him. Judi writes, “He’s an absolutely delightful, friendly, joyful, loving dog! He’s so happy that he even prances and bounces when he walks! He gives kisses and his tail wags constantly. He does get excited and will jump on you. That’s some thing that needs to be worked on, but because he’s so eager to please I suspect he would learn quickly not to do this. He sits for treats and sometimes he is so eager to please he sits before you even ask him to. He stays close. He likes to have his ears scratched. He is extremely soft, making him very cuddly.”
To ask about this prancing cuddler, use his ID when you call the shelter at l 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
And these two are Jezebel (#46479568) and Dino (#46479555), surrendered to the shelter on July 20. Same litter, Judi theorizes. “Their previous owners were moving in with another family and were not able to bring them along.” 
Jezebel was initially shy, but she warmed up and her personality “began to shine.” Dino is “friendly and his tail wags constantly.” 
Initially, when Judi started to pet Jezebel, she’d cower. The people who surrendered the dogs said that Dino “is afraid of the broom. Jezebel weighs 20 pounds, Dino weighs 31. Both are “fixed.” They get along with each other, but Jezebel may not get along so swell with other dogs. 
Judi says, “Jezebel is exceptionally cute with a winning personality” and says she may be quickly adopted. And she writes of Dino, “I just can’t say enough about this boy. He has so many sterling qualities.” Remember, use their ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Use that contact info when you ask about Perry [#48228641], a “stocky, south 3-year-old Blue ‘terrier Pit’ with some white on his chest and paws.” He weighs 71 pounds and has a strong pull on the leash, Judi writes, adding, “Other than that, he’s gentle.”
She also says, “He hangs back a little bit at first but can be won over with TLC and treats. Once trust is built he stays close by your side. He’s well mannered and does not attempt to jump on you. He sits for treats. He chases toys but does not retrieve them. He loses interest quickly. He came to me and just sat next to me looking up at me with his quirky little ears!  …He does not make a good presentation at his kennel because he’s protective and lunges at his window. However, once you go in the kennel or get him out he does not act like that.  …
"He likes the AC.
"It didn’t take long before he wanted to get back into the shelter to cool down!”
Click HERE  to see more Mesquite animals, including cats and kittens.
Among the felines are 2-year-old Mama Madrid and this year-old young girl with the far-from-seasonal name, “Snowball!”

CONTEMPLATIONS
THE CDC DOG RULE
Perhaps you’ve heard news stories about the “dog ban” issued by the Centers for Disease Control. It may be one of those “wait and see what happens” situations.
While driving late Tuesday afternoon I heard a commentary program’s interview with a woman who was concerned because the CDC was banning the “import” of dogs from “high risk rabies countries.”
 This would affect, she told host Tucker Carlson, rescuing dogs from China, dogs adopted while people were overseas in diplomatic or military service, etc. 
She said banning dogs from China would result in “catastrophe” there. [LARRY ASIDE: China is already famous for treating dogs as food. So, the catastrophe has been underway for quite some time. But this is a new situation.] 
At least one radio show Wednesday morning piggybacked on the Tucker Carlson interview. The CDC was the target of criticism. 
We also found a New York Times story from June 14 about this “international dogs ban.” Here’s the LINK and its headline reads “U.S. To Ban Dogs From Over 100 Countries Amid Concern Over Spread of Rabies.”
 But what does the CDC rule REALLY say? It’s online.
So we clicked to the CDC site to read the government agency’s incoming dog policy which, the site says, was updated on July 14. You can see it HERE. And at this LINK you can see the list of nations.
Any politics involved? Who know! But China’s dogs are banned “excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan,” the list reads. It also says that in the “Americas & Caribbean,” Cuba’s dogs are banned. 
Mexico and Canada are not on the banned list. 
Here’s the way the CDC announcement reads:
“Beginning July 14, 2021, there is a temporary suspension for dogs imported from high-risk countries for dog rabies. CDC has the authority to issue a CDC Dog Import Permit for US citizens and lawful residents relocating from high-risk countries to bring their dogs into the United States. Such permits will be issued on an extremely limited basis.”
There is vague wording, i.e., “extremely limited,” for example.
Probably that means “case-by-case decision.” A war hero bringing a bomb-sniffing dog home from Afghanistan surely will get a break.
There is no place in the announcement that addresses bringing rescued dogs into the United States to put them up for adoption. One more thing: If you click on this CDC animal link you’ll find a roundup by Dr. Molly K. Houle, a vet, that touches on not only the “dog ban” but on illegal puppy imports at JFK Airport, “Illegal Importer Tricks,” and Operation Dog Catcher.”
 Worth a read — gives you, perhaps, a whole new view of the smuggling challenge. May be the first time you’ve ever heard the term “port shopping.”
—- Offer advice or concerns by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

MANY ANIMALS TO SAVE AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO BLAST OFF TOWARD OUTER SPACE...

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY JULY 20/21, 2021 [PetPowellPress] As I was typing that dateline I realized that this edition is for 20/21 of 2021. I may open a numerology/psychic salon if the stars are right. Speaking of the future, I watched the Bezos sub-orbital launch Tuesday morning and while space looks like space when you’re in it, the landscape around the capsule landing site could have been either West Texas or Mars. More on the future, the Moon and Mankind in Contemplations. FYI: I found that photo of Van Horn and its horizontal speed limit online -- may not be a vertical speed limit. Van Horn is around 520 miles west of Dallas. The Bezos flight went 65 miles high. FYI: Drive 65 miles west of Dallas and you'll be on the western edge of Weatherford. This is why, as Star Trek says, space is "the final frontier."
BINGO, SHORT; ZANE, TALL:
MUST BE SAVED TOGETHER
Pardon my astonished attitude. You have got to be kidding me, America. Nobody will save the lives of these two bonded dogs?
We got the update this morning from rescuer/ advocate Jennifer Sellers. She wrote, in bold type: “NO INTEREST IN THESE TWO. THEY WON'T MAKE IT OUT OF THE SHELTER!!! THESE DOGS ARE GORGEOUS!” She also added, “A very qualified dog trainer offered services free to work with these dogs if they need help.”
They are in the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control Shelter and they are on the clock. The shelter is way full, to use an explanatory term that suggests the needle is being readied.
 They’ve been in the shelter 8 weeks. Bingo (47532438) is 3, 74-pounds and heartworm positive. Zane (#47532418) is 6, weighs 147 pounds and heartworm negative. 
They are bonded. They GO TOGETHER. They simply need ONE HUMAN TO GIVE THEM A GOOD HOME. To ask about being the heroic human who save their lives, email [email protected].
[LARRY ASIDE: Good grief, humanity. Tell as many people as you can about all of the animals you see on our website. Save ‘em all.]
AN UPDATE NOTE ON
3 FLOOFIES & TJ THE DOG
We checked with 4-Legged Helpers this morning to see if those Three Floofies — Kasey, Kadie and Perrie — had been rescued. Yes, indeed, 4-Legged Helpers Laura Macias reported.
Kasey and Kadie (left to right) were taken in by Cody’s Friends Rescue. Click HERE.
And this girl Perrie is in the care of Pooch Savers. Click HERE. 
Look, there are many more animals at the Lancaster Animal Shelter.
One of them is this guy TJ, a young Lab/Bulldog mix who has had a role in the shelter’s daily routines. The 4-Legged Helpers note reads, “Because he is so amazing and so great with other dogs, he is being used as a ‘tester dog, meaning when new dogs come in they use him to see if the new dog likes other dogs — TJ loves every dog he meets.” He’s sweet, has “stunning eyes” and “an adorable personality.
"
No matter how sweet and cheerful he is, TJ is still on the needle clock at the shelter. 
To offer to save TJ’s life, call or text 972-897-4928 or 214-906-7680 or email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]. 
And a visit to 4-Legged Helpers Inc.’s Facebook page HERE will show many of the other animals that this hard-working organization is putting in the spotlights of “Needs Rescue” and “Needs Adoption.”
GOOD DOGS, GOOD DOGS, NEED
GOOD HUMANS, GOOD HUMANS
We’ve got three bios from Mesquite Animal Services volunteer dog writer Judi Brown. These are some of many animals at the city’s shelter. Judi and fellow biographer Debra Chisholm meet the animals they write about — if you’re thinking you want to adopt one, the info you read is gathered first-hand — they pet the dogs; they give the dogs treats. They know the dogs. 
Judi says Pearl, the Pittie girl with the blue eyes “is truly a gem!” She’s a year-and-a-half old, weighs only 38 pounds and came in on the 13th as an un-spayed stray. “She looks sweet and she is sweet. She met me in the kennel with tail wags. She stayed close to the point that it was hard to get far enough away from her to get a good picture. … One time she stood on me wanting to give me kisses but other than that she didn’t jump on me. And she’s very generous with kisses! She comes to you when you call her and puts her head on your lap. She loves to have her ears scratched. Because she’s so gentle she would probably do very well with children.” She’s #48210302.
Bindi is this tricolored dog who may be a Border Collie mix. Came in as a stray on July 11. She’s about six months old, weighs 42 pounds and — yep! — isn’t spayed. Judi writes, “I can’t understand why her owners have not come looking for her. She’s on the timid side, but she is friendly and VERY affectionate. She comes to you when you call her and puts her head on your lap. She likes to be stroked. She’s extremely soft. She’s well mannered. She sits for treats but is not highly motivated by them. … My pictures do not do her justice as she’s even more stunning in real life!” She’s #481921367.
That brings us to Rocky, a 3-1/2-year-old copper and white, 52-pound not-neutered stray who arrived in a “malnourished” state.
 Judi writes that “he appears to have forgiven the person or persons that let him get in this condition. He’s extremely sweet, gentle, and friendly. He doesn’t appear to have a problem trusting. He stays close wanting extra attention. He comes to you when you call him and likes having his ears scratched. When he looks at you with those pleading eyes your heart just melts. At least mine did! He sits for treats but right now because he’s so famished he does not take them gently. … I suspect once he is filled out and healthier he will have more energy. He walks well on a leash. … He’s just a sweetheart and he deserves better than the life he’s apparently had.” He’s #48219598.
Use the ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216–6283 or email [email protected].
MEANWHILE, IN EAST TEXAS
C-AN KEEPS HUSTLING
In the wonderfully treed and pastured areas of East Texas there are animals who do not have homes. Some of them wind up in shelters, some of them wind up in the “must help now” territory covered by Gail Whelan and Companion-Animal Network. Today’s new C-AN project is this boy Otis. Gail writes that he’s an “adorable 6-months-old Rottie boy. The woman who found him has had him vetted, but he needs a place to go.”

And Gail included the good-hearted woman’s explanation of Otis. He was, she wrote, “dumped near our home last week. The local rescues here in Paris are overflowing and I am trying to find a spot somewhere for this sweet boy to land and find a forever home. We are keeping him in a horse stall at this time and we went ahead and had him neutered and fully vetted.”
Here are the contact points: [email protected] or 903-272-6194. Or reach Gail at 903-367-3226 or at [email protected].
You may want to help Gail, also, with placing handsome Elwood, the 6-month-old Lab/ Hound mix found dumped near Quitman. 
Or you can reach her to help with handsome Thanos, the 2-year-old registered German Shepherd Dog, being given up because his humans are moving into an apartment.
[LARRY ASIDE: Adopt Thanos and you'll have the joy of changing his name from that of a Marvel Comics villain!]

CONTEMPLATIONS

SPACE AND OTHER PLACES…
That’s my adviser The Senator as he and I talked before lift-off Tuesday morning — by lift off I mean I had to lift him off my laptop so he could turn around and watch the Bezos launch. Space shots remind The Senator of his assorted Congressional cat fights to get funding for orbital missions. John Glen was the only politician he managed to get sent into orbit — he has a long list other others he’d like to send to Mars…
Let’s not forget, by the way, to celebrate the first (known) step of man on the moon, Neil Armstrong at 9:30 p.m. Texas Time on Sunday, July 20, 1969. On May 26, 1961, President Kennedy told a joint session of Congress that the USA was going to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. In 2021, you get the feeling that a “joint session of Congress” might not mean what it did in ’61.
… You think 1969 was a big year in the universe? Texas adopted Daylight Saving Time in 1970. That had more lasting influence than landing on the Moon. A moon-landing never influenced Americans to adjust their carefully trained dog’s “business habits” twice a year. Do you think there’ll come a time when someone advertises “Honeymoon on the Dark Side of the Moon” or “When on the Lunar Surface, Get a Rocket Refill at Buc-ee’s” or “Don’t gamble on Earth; Bet on the Moon and Stars: WinMoon, the Largest Casino in the Universe.” Yep, Monetize the Milky Way.
—- Cite space deals or moon the planet by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing [email protected] and put Orbitious Circles in the subject line. —-