ReadLarryPowell.com

DOGS, CATS, SOME HUMAN WHINING AND SOME PRAISE FOR A REDBIRD ON WING!

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Anybody else still trying to adjust to the time change? Well, that aside, let’s move on into the world of animals and rescuers and shelters and whatever else pops to mind.
Try this “Anybody else” topic: Anybody else getting tired of empty pet food shelves? News reports blame the lack of cans for some of this challenge. Try explaining that to a cat who is persnickety about gravy vs. pate. Our dogs are happy with any kind of cat food they get when I’m not looking.
AS LONG AS WE’RE DISCUSSING CATS,
A NOTE FROM THE SPCA OF TEXAS
I’ve read a lot of cats and kittens announcements through the years, but the opening paragraph on the SPCA’s latest news release was spot- on. It reads, “When spring arrives, the temperature goes up and leaves begin to appear on the trees. Kittens begin appearing, too. A lot of them.” 
And the SPCA is reacting to the upcoming tsunami of kittens by hosting what it’s calling a “Kitten Shower” at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center. 
According to the SPCA’s notice, “The hope is to recruit new foster volunteers and expand the community-based network of care for the area’s homeless kittens. This network is critical to providing care for the greatest number of animals possible.” [LARRY ASIDE: Yep, volunteers — the fuel of animal advocacy, rescue and care.]
 In fact, Kasey Berry, the SPCA’s Foster Program Supervisor, is quoted in this news release. “We are in need of foster homes who are willing to take in kittens and provide them a temporary home while they grow big and strong. We want to provide the opportunity to train and get to know new and experienced fosters in the community and help them become more comfortable with caring for sweet kittens in need!”
You can see items needed to help make this Kitten Shower a success by clicking HERE. That takes you to the SPCA’s Amazon Smile kitten needs list.
Those are some of the cats currently in the care of the SPCA of Texas and you can see them and other cats and dogs and other animals by clicking HERE.
And we have an SPCA canine Contemplation later in this edition.

AND, FROM OUT AT THE LAKE,
A NOTICE ABOUT SOME CATS…
This is one of those stories that grinds your heart. A person stricken with an awful ailment has beloved cats that need a new loving home. Everybody who knows the person and the cats is hoping for a seamless move by the cats into their new lives. 
We learned about this from our longtime pal Sydney Busch with Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. The contact points for helping these cats: Email [email protected] or call 469-866-5592
The cats are Shyla (the one-eyed cat on the shelf), tabbies Stretch (sitting) and his brother (hand in photo) Pepe le Purr, Tux the Tuxedo and Momma Kitty, the dark calico. 
Shyla had been abandoned in the blind-in-one-eye condition several years ago and was rescued. And, she is “shy.” So is Stretch, though his brother Pepe is said to be a very friendly cat!
The bottom line is they are cats who are accustomed to being with a loving human. [LARRY ASIDE: As you catfans know, all cats deserve a loving human. And some humans deserve a loving cat. Most humans, I like to think.]
THREE DOGS WAITING
IN MESQUITE’S SHELTER
I took a look at the photos of Hank, the Terrier mix, and thought “Earhound with need for extra servings!” He’s a 59-pound, maybe 4-years-old, stray picked up by a Mesquite shelter officer on March 17. Our Hank tipster, volunteer biographer Debra Chisholm, writes, “Hank has been uneasy and fearful at the shelter.  One of our staff members has been working with him and he is coming around.  Hank walks fine on a leash.  He pottied in the yard so is possibly house trained.  He loves treats and will sit for them.  Though a bit restless and standoffish, he is a fairly amiable fellow.  I get the impression that he was probably an outside dog and perhaps not socialized much.  Most of his time during the photo session was spent investigating the yard to the point where I had a most difficult time getting him to get his nose off the ground and look into the camera! … He will continue to need some patience and TLC in order to feel comfortable and adjust to the shelter environment.  However, Hank definitely has potential and deserves a chance with people who will provide the loving and stable forever home he deserves.” Hank is #49789323. Use that when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

Speaking of a dog who could use a meal, look at the ribs on Missy, described as a 4-year-old, 42-pound, underweight English Pointer who “appears to have recently had a litter of pups.” Came into Mesquite’s shelter as a stray on the 21st. She’s #49812267. (Use those contact points above.)
 Debra met with Missy and reports, “She is a precious girl--well-mannered, calm and gentle with a mellow personality.  She is uneasy in the noisy shelter environment but when taken into the yard where it was quiet, she warmed up.  Missy walks nicely on a leash and when led through the bay she was intimidated by the dogs who were barking at her.  She does not appear to know any commands, is uninterested in toys and only mildly drawn to chasing tennis balls.  Missy is quite happy to take treats and does so gently. She stays very close as though she longs for some human companionship. I found this girl to be shy and sweet-natured and she really tugged at my heartstrings. She would seem well suited for a household that is quiet and well-ordered.”
Debra’s colleague in Mesquite dog-writing, our pal Judi Brown, provides the profile of this fellow Dylan. He’s got quite a great “happy face,” but he also has a somber look when he’s confined to a kennel. He’s #49832741 — use it when you contact the shelter at those points above.

Judi writes, “Take a minute to look at Dylan’s sweet face and soft brown eyes and you’ll know what love is. Dylan is a 2-year-old, 54-pound terrier/Belgium Shepherd mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/24 as a stray. He is not fixed. He’s got beautiful coloring. … He is very sweet and once trust is built he’s extremely loving. However, I had to spend some time sitting in his kennel sweet talking and bribing to get him to warm up to me. Once he decided that I was his friend he literally would stand physically touching me. I think we are now BFF. He also chose to spend time in the corner showing that he still is unsure of the shelter environment. When a new person approaches him he urinates out of fear. SO he is what we called a work in progress. At this point he would not do well with young children. Sudden movements can startle and scare him. He also still shakes. He doesn’t  seem to know how to sit nor was he interested in the ball. However, he is highly motivated by treats and takes them relatively gently. … Dylan has a  lot of potential to be a very loving, loyal companion. He would do well with a laid-back family that would include him as a family member. We will continue to work with him and expect to see continued improvement!”
He’s #49832741 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

ONE MORE NOTE
ABOUT A DOG & CAT
At some point they were celebrated in a home. Ah, but things change. 
Candy the Cat and Cole the Dog were surrendered to the Ferris Animal shelter because their old home is about to have a baby. 
We learned of them from Laura Macias at 4-Legged Helpers. The appeal to help them find new homes went out this week and by Wednesday Candy was in the care of Habitat 4 Paws and Cole was taken in by Cody’s Friends, Laura reports. 
Candy is a “Torbie Mix.” And her bio read, “Cuddly and just as cute as can be!. She is very petite (look at the tiny little kitty paws) and she has a beautiful little pink nose and big beautiful green eyes.  She is darling cute and just as sweet. She was released to the shelter along with a dog ... (Cole) because the people were having a baby,” read the note from 4-Legged Helpers. “Such a sad excuse to give up this little cutie pie (sadly, it is one we have heard a million times before).  At least we know she does great with dogs.”
Cole’s bio reads, “This poor guy has some missing fur on his back, tail, side of face. It looks like he has been scratching. From first glance it looks like demodex mange which is fully treatable. … Cole is already neutered and extremely loving.What a sweet face!”
To ask about helping with 4-Legged Helpers, email Laura at [email protected] or call or text 214-949-2726.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ART, VEGAS & A REDBIRD
While I was looking up info about the SPCA’s Kitten Shower, I spotted this guy Art, one of the SPCA dogs waiting for a home. He’s a rescue — horrible situation and he was saved. And now he’s got that happy face and he’s waiting. You can see a video of Art by clicking HERE. Only dog I've ever seen named "Art." Seems to fit. …
Ever misread a subject line? On Tuesday I looked at the stack of email and read “Cheap Vega Vacations” and immediately began to curse General Motors for bringing back an even cheaper version of that 1970s disaster, the Chevrolet Vega. Turns out the subject line really read: “CHEAP VEGAS VACATIONS.” Nothing to do with Chevy Vegas. Yeah, I’m still sore about that automotive investment I made. Here’s a “Worst Car” story supporting my experienced opinion. ...
AND, in a weatherish time of year, I stepped onto the front porch in late afternoon Tuesday and captured my favorite Redbird powering up to soar in the wind! I’m not sure how old he is — probably a decade at least — but he’s still a happily flying Cardinal. And he is always welcome in our front porch flower bed. This takes a second to connect and load. Turn your volume up and click HERE.
—- Offer wing tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “MISSING AUGUST YET, SPRINGBOY?” in the subject line. —-

THE NEVER-ENDING CHALLENGES FACING DOGS, CATS AND PEOPLE WHO HUSTLE FOR THEM...

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2022 [PetPowellPress] OK, ladies and gents, here we are trying to type sentences that make sense in an effort to, repeating a phrase “make sense” of the world — one little bit at a time. So, we’ll start with “Save ‘em all” and “Spay and neuter” and send me your lucky Lotto Texas numbers. OK, I’ll settle for 2 out of 3 and never mind those numbers. I’m working on a novel that’ll be made into a hit film and be so popular that Disney will want to convert it into an amusement park. Make sense. Right? Hah.
FORMERLY ‘FAT BOY,’ HE’S
GETTING BETTER TOMMY
We’ve featured this guy before, but he’s due an update and it comes from our pal Judi Brown, volunteer dog biographer at Mesquite Animal Services’ shelter. (She and volunteer colleague Debra Chisholm keep readlarrypowell.com in-the-know on dogs who deserve a home.)
Tommy used to be called Fat Boy — he’s #49786094. He’s a 5-year-old Lab/Terrier mix who was “seized with his mom and three puppies (2 have bene adopted).” And, Judi says, he’s gone from “scared, timid to tail-wagging, kissing love bug!” And he’s rescue only — read on. And you can see in that photo how fast his tail is wagging — too quick for the camera to catch it being still!
Judi writes, “Some of you who have been around for a long time will remember the saying ‘I’ve come along way baby!’ This definitely applies to Tommy … came in on 3/17 as a seized custody/cruelty case due to extreme emaciation. He came in with (5-year-old Retriever mix) Baby Girl who now goes by Midge (#49786767, rescue only, colorful coat...). He also came in with three puppies. Only Calypso (#49786114, 8-month-old adoptable sister) is left. The other two puppies have been adopted. 
“Tommy will be Rescue Only, at least for the time being. He will need slow/scheduled feedings. He has sores on both front paws that appear to be healing. He also has slight hair loss and dandruff due to poor diet. When I did the evaluation on Tommy a week ago all he wanted to do was hide. He was extremely timid. With a lot of attention from the staff and volunteers he’s made a complete turnaround. You can probably see ... that his tail is wagging. He appears happy and has forgiven the people that let him get in such bad shape. When I sat down he came to me to have his ears scratched  and even put his paws on my lap. I got lots of kisses. He walks well on a leash. The surrender form said that he is housebroken and gets along with other dogs and children. Last week he weighed 40 pounds. He’s now up to 42 pounds. He’s a very gentle, calm, friendly boy that deserves a loving home. He has so much love to give.”

To ask about any of these dogs, use their ID numbers hwen you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. And see more available dogs and cats by clicking on the shelter link HERE. We rarely point out available cats who are labeled “feral” but with cats, you never know “how feral” the feline might be. This beauty came in on March 26 — #49847454. The shelter says the cat hasn’t been declawed, is small, is a year-and-a-half old, is small, is “fixed” and, yet, gender is listed as “unknown” on the bio. If this cat is “fixed” and doesn’t have a clipped ear, then, maybe the kitty hasn’t always been “feral.” Might just need a careful loving hand to revive that “housecat” nature. [LARRY REMINDER: Save ‘em all.]
AND THEN THERE’S THIS STORY:

CHLOE, THE NEARLY BLIND DOG
Our pal, the animal advocate Dianne Cole Hall, tipped us to this post on the Cane Rosso Rescue Facebook page HERE.
This adorable photo is among several posted on that site. And the story reads that Chloe “our sweet blind girl is seriously AMAZING!!
She loves each and every one she meets (in case you couldn’t tell from her pic)…from people (both big and small) to dogs & even cats, 
“Chloe adores them all! After spending so much time alone having lived in an office building for years before coming to us, it’s time this special girl finally find her forever family and be doted on & spoiled every moment from here on out.”

The story says Chloe’s total vision is in only one eye and it’s limited. But, her bio reads, she “doesn’t let her lack of sight slow her down or dampen her spirits one bit - she truly loves life, it’s contagious when you’re around her! She’s a petite Lab mix at 41 lbs … fully housebroken with great manners, rides well in the car, ADORES people & other animals and loves playing with the housemates at her foster home! Chloe is in a temp foster home and needs a new place to go by the end of March! She’s such a great, deserving dog.”
 Apply to adopt Chloe HERE .
SMALL SHELTERS HOLDING
ANIMALS NOBODY WANTS?
How is it possible that nobody wants the adorable and well-behaved dogs that have wound up in such shelters as those run by the Cities of Ferris and Glenn Heights and a private animal control in Denton County? All the roads are paved around here. The whole darned state is wired for telephones and computers.
Is there a “Touch This Button To Activate Human Hearts” key that hasn’t been toggled to “on”?
That dog is Connor —I chose that photo because of the cow in the background. The picture was provided by 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit with the mission of helping all these animals in low-traffic, small shelters. 
Connor is about 2 and waiting in Ferris on the southern side of the Metrosprawl. He’s “cute…very loving.”
And he’s a Yellow Lab (maybe a little mixed) and in that photo he’s clearly saying, “Herd a cow? Are you kidding? I’m a Yellow Lab — I mingle with kids, grown ups and maybe ducks now and then. My tail wags!" 

To ask about Connor or any of the animals on the radar of 4-Legged Helpers, call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. 

Brianna (flashy neckerchief) and Earhound Cooper are in Ferris also.
And you can see all the animals 4-Legged Helpers is trying to save — this isn’t an exercise in showing off captive dogs, it’s an effort to save their lives — by clicking to the non-profit Helpers’ FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.
Yeah, that’s a photo of a Glenn Heights dog — Precious.
She’s on the Helpers’ Facebook page.
Yep, she needs a loving home. Ask the Helpers.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A QUOTE, A DAY AND A TUNE
Years ago, at a pro-animal reception in Dallas, I got to meet the great Lily Tomlin. I was reminded of that warm-hearted human when I clicked onto the Cane Rosso Rescue website Tuesday morning and found an inspirational quote from animal advocate/actress Lily Tomlin: “I said, ‘Somebody should do something about that.’ Then I realized I am somebody.”  She has "done something" for many animals. And, I do have many favorite Lily Tomlin performances — in film, one of her best, as Margo Sterling in 1977’s The Late Show with Art Carney! (Look him up, kids.) …

Oh, boy, here’s a combo for you. Holiday Insights, the online calendar, lists March 29 as both “National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day” and “Smoke and Mirrors Day.” As in, “Hey, how are y’all keepin’ the store open in this business climate?” “Smoke and mirrors,” replies Mom bitterly while Pop goes to buy Lotto Texas tickets one more time. They don’t run a gas station. …

Does a day — the feel of it, the temperature, the sun — ever remind you of a day in your distant past? How about music for illumination and recollection? We turn to Sly & the Family Stone. Click HERE as Texas Spring feels like summer.
— Offer philosophy or funk by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing [email protected] and put GROW UP, TEENBOY in the subject line. —-

MOANA THE DOG; MARNIE'S NOT PREGNANT; AND THAT SUNDAY NIGHT SLAP

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Our Monday edition is a little late to “press” today — I was up all night trying to set up a charity boxing match —10-rounds, Marquess of Queensbury Rules — with Will Smith. Money would go to a 501c3 rescue.
 Failing that, I’m also willing to go 15 rounds with Chris Rock. Not sure if either of them boxes -- Will portrayed Muhammad Ali in a movie and Chris didn't -- and I haven’t done any boxing since the mid-60s (not MY mid-60s, THE mid-60s). But I live with cats and that keeps a fellow’s hands quick.
[LARRY FYI: That’s Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson lounging on the bed in front of the TV Sunday night. She (a) was asking “You’re going to make me watch this after I whipped ringworm?” and (b) “Isn’t anybody going to get arrested for assault?”  “Forget it, Kittie Leigh,”I told her, “It’s Hollywood.” More in contemplations…First, help some animals. Oh, and, if you don’t have one, get yourself a cat. Not rare. They’re ubiquitous. Oh, that’s our rocking chair behind Kittie Leigh — we use it as a linen closet sometimes. She saw the "incident." He reaction? "You call that a slap?"]
MEANWHILE THERE’S MOANA,
‘AT RISK’ IN RICHARDSON…
Amber Norman, the Rescue Coordinator at Richardson Animal Services, sent this charming photograph of a dog who can be described as “a puppy at risk.”
Amber’s note reads that the 8-month-old Moana “will be at risk at our shelter. She is a sweet puppy who is struggling to find her forever home. She has a bite history but it is more Puppy Nipping than anything. She has spent time under rabies quarantine watch just since the skin was broken when she nipped. She has never behaved extremely aggressively to any staff or adopter after she got used to the shelter environment.

“Our shelter staff works hard to explain to potential adopters what each pet needs and unfortunately she has not met an owner who is patient enough to work on training and correcting some of her puppy behavior. She would do best in a household of adults and kids over the age of 10. Please help us save Moana and give her a forever home.” 
To offer to help Moana via rescue or adoption, call Amber at the shelter at 972-744-4480 or email [email protected].
AND, THEN WE SPOTTED A RANT
FROM MOUNT PLEASANT
We have a soft spot in our heart for Mount Pleasant, Texas — it’s on I-30 about 2 hours east of Big D. And it has some true-to-life animal rescuers who work hard at finding homes for critters in need.
This “rant” was posted on the 25th by Cheryl Morse-Stephenson, an animal advocate we’ve quoted in other critter stories before. Cheryl is described as “Volunteer, photographer and promoter at Mount Pleasant Animal Services and Shelter."

That cat is “Marnie” and she’s been tagged, so relax. But this is a rant worth repeating from Cheryl’s Facebook page.
She wrote, “I’ve got to rant! If you don’t want to hear about how sorry folks can be, just scroll on by… 

“Miss Marnie is back at the Mount Pleasant shelter AGAIN! This is the third time she has been there. She was adopted ONE WEEK ago. I know the shelter employees told the adopters everything they know about her. She is spayed, chipped, etc. She might need a rabies vaccine… Her adoption fee was likely $10 or less.
“Their excuse for bringing her back? She’s PREGNANT! Are you kidding me? If you don’t want a cat, don’t get one. If this cat doesn’t work out, DON’T LIE! Pregnant? She can’t be pregnant! Marnie is a chunky girl, NOT pregnant! Sometimes, living out here in what I call ‘bone-head East Texas’ just kills me. Now, we need to find a rescue for her, or she will likely be euthanized.

“Read this: Marnie is NOT pregnant, she is just fat! She is not a bad cat, she can be indifferent. Sounds like a CAT to me!”
[LARRY ASIDE: Cheryl! Great rant! Thanks for standing up for a 'chunky' cat!]

CONTEMPLATIONS
HUMANS, ATTIRE, CLASSIC FIGHTING
Let’s consider this Will Smith/Chris Rock Oscar slap. On Earth right now we have an awful war, horrifyingly fatal to so many civilians and soldiers apparently following orders to risk their lives and be killed. This war is the result of apparent thought-out decision that brought Russian war to Ukraine. And, in contrast, suddenly, one night at the Oscars we see how quickly individuals can snap if they don’t have trusted leaders standing being them and an ex- plosion. A beloved movie star slaps another beloved movie star in the middle of what some regard as Hollywood’s most peaceful and sophisticated evening. Not a warmongering national leader in sight. Violence is a personal matter. What kind of people are we humans? …. 

A lot of post-Oscar conversation was about the shirtless outfit movie star Timothee Chalamet wore. That’s him in his Luis Vuitton blazer, no shirt, and tight pants and that’s Venus Williams in her Elie Saab dress, also no shirt, that was every bit as revealing as the actor’s outfit. [LARRY PLEDGE: You will never catch me in either outfit — though, of course, to help a non-profit raise money for animals I might slip into a non-athlete version of Venus William’s dress. No heels, please.]
And, in honor of two movie stars in a one-slap slap-fight, we’ll offer this historic bit of music by Carl Douglas. Take a pose, then, skillfully click HERE.
— Offer musing or facts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put NO FIGHTING ON EARTH! in the subject line. —-

THE CHALLENGE THAT FACED KITTIE LEIGH...

This edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap is dedicated to my little cat Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson, named in honor of Kyra Sedgwick’s Brenda Leigh Johnson character in the TV cop show The Closer. Inquisitive and firm. What every cat oughta be. 
And patient, too. She’s the honoree this week because of her incredible patience.
We’ve had Kittie Leigh since 2011. The first time I saw her not scrambling to avoid capture was the day she decided to crawl back through our traditional Oak Cliff Front Porch Burglar Bars cage. She stopped, turned and came back — not for the food in our twice-daily feral cat buffet, but to meet me.
That photo of a wide-eyed, cross-eyed, tall-eared kitten looking at me is somewhere — somewhere. It’s one of the few photos I’ve managed to misplace through decades of writing about dogs and cats and their people.
 (That pose on the left is a current photo of Kittie Leigh, all grown up and with a hint of a mis-directed eye! On the right you see Kittie Leigh discussing one of her favorite movies, Star Wars -- "Happy cat, I am," she'll sometimes purr.)
Back to the porch: The burglar bars, and the front gate, formed a “protective shield,” creating a porch “plaza” that was perfect for feeding the Feral Cat Colony. 
And, one day, when I opened the door and the five or six other cats and kittens — maybe a raccoon — it was all a blur — dove through the bars and dashed for cover in the yard, this little cross-eyed kitten stopped her flight. 
The reality was this adorable kitten already owned me just by stopping in mid-flight. We made friends on the porch. She stepped back into the dining area and I picked her up and brought her into the house. 
She got along with dogs, other cats and she was healthy. The vet said she might have an eye problem after a few years, but there was nothing that needed to be done at the moment. 
I already had an office cat, The Senator (rest his wonderful soul; that's us mind-melding years ago),but he didn’t mind sharing me and Kittie Leigh became his first Apprentice Office Cat. When The Senator wasn’t on his wooden tv tray observation platform, little Kittie Leigh took his place. It was a wonderful working relationship. She'd leave a note if she was particularly drowsy.
SUDDENLY THERE WAS HASTINGS
AND THEN THERE WAS … OH, MY! 

My funspouse Martha and I have been rescuing cats since before our wedding 30 years and 3 months ago. We were rescuing cats before we even knew each other. Dogs, too.
 In all that time we’d never once rescued a cat with ringworm. Feel free to exclaim, “Ringworm! Yuck!”
 Ah, but on Oct. 4, 2021, while driving in Duncanville, I saw, in the middle of a street, a starving, standing-in-one-spot kitten. Turns out that this little boy, about 5 weeks old, had some hideous blueberry-sized globs of yeccch (no translation needed) attached to his upper eyelids and blinding him. I quickly grabbed him, got him within minutes to the closest vet, Pet Medical Center of Duncanville. Those loving folks cleaned him up and gave him some shots and handed him back to me. [That's his first photo after the vet's magic touch!]   
The next week, when I took him back for his second exam, he was diagnosed with ringworm. The vet treated him, put him on some meds and within about 6 weeks he was a kitten cured and became a member of our family. [That’s the formerly scrawnly little guy wrestling with his tabby cat colleague William Powell, my office cat. You’ll note that the starved formerly tiny kitten is now large and showing off an incredibly fluffy cat tail!]
THEN, SUDDENLY KITTIE LEIGH
IS FACING 2 CHALLENGES!
At some point in February, indoor cat Kittie Leigh (all our cats are indoor dwellers), developed a loss of hair on her forehead and along one ear. It was not ringworm. It was a yeast infection. Her vet, Dr. Robert Norris at Bridge Street Animal Clinic, treated her and the healing began dramatically. But, in about a week, she suddenly had a new ugly outbreak of something else that was destroying her beautiful coat — from between her eyes, past her ears and onto her neck. 
That, ladies and gentlemen, was a mysteriously acquired case of, yes, ringworm.
This was not Dr. Norris’ first ringworm rodeo. He put Kittie Leigh on a sincere treatment that involved once-a-day liquid doses for 7 days, then off 7, then back on 7 and so on until no trace of ringworm remained. We have no idea where old girl Kittie Leigh's ringworm came from: The kitten Hastings had beenhealed a while and they did not mingle. No other cat or dog has evidence of the pesky fungus. 
[LARRY FYI: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says ringworm is official “tinea” or “dermatophytosis” or, if it’s on the feet, “athletes foot.” I’m not kidding. “Tinea Pedis.” Who’da thunk it? Here’s the CDC RINGWORM LINK. And here is a link to a Cleveland Clinic assessment  that labels a certain “itch” as Tinea Cruris — yep, Jock Itch is a type of ringworm, the smart people say.
Kittiie Leigh was suffering from Tinea capitis. Yep, ringworm on the noggin.
AND THE TRIBUTE IS DUE
BECAUSE OF THE PATIENT CAT
Here is why I am writing this as a tribute to my cat Kittie Leigh. She has been the most patient soul we’ve ever had in our family. 
As soon as she was diagnosed, we parked her in a wire crate designed for a couple of German Shepherds — it was large eough to hold her furniture-style litter box, a round cat bed and her water and food dishes.
But she was locked in. And we could’t pet her or cuddle her or nod off with her at night — her entire life changed. (That's her lounging on my unmade side of the bed with the very drowsy Porche Noel. They are pals of the pillow, you know).
That cage was large, but not big enough to soothe the moods of a loving cat accustomed to hugging and cuddling and sleeping on a bed or in a window with a view of yard full of wild climbing squirrel entertainment. 
For about six weeks that little cat patiently waited for human medical knowledge to do the work of beating that darned ringworm.
We humans were careful. 
We made it through Kittie Leigh’s experience without sharing her problem.
What we did share was the anguish she had at not being able to leave the big cage. 
For most of her entire life she’d been a “bedroom cat” — usually sleeping in my arms. That started when she was a kitten and it continues to this day — except for during this medical challenge. 
Kittie Leigh was such a wonderful “patient.” A model patient for all dogs and cats and people, too. Up to a point.
On Monday night and Tuesday night during this past week, Kittie Leigh grew increasingly impatient with life in a cage. She never left that cage except for her treatments or a trip to the vet’s for about two months.
Kittie Leigh began to yowl when I’d enter the room. When it was “lights out” time, she cried in the dark. 

We hoped this poor baby had sensed that she had an appointment on Wednesday morning. That her yowls were inspired by happy anticipation.
 At Bridge Street Animal Clinic, her vet Dr. Norris gave her an extremely thorough exam and mercifully, the light of the ringworm-detecting Woods Lamp, could not find a single tell-tale radiant glow. A Woods Lamp makes even minute traces of ringworm light up like a midnight firecracker in a college dorm hallway. Not that I would know about dorm life.
The joy of an “all clear for Kittie Leigh” was wonderful. It meant that she could go back to her old sleeping habits. She could lay in the window and watch squirrels or lay on the bedroom rocking chair and watch daytime TV.
She was happy to be out of that cage. And on her first night out of it, she couldn’t decide at first where to sleep on the bed. Porche the dog always sleeps between us. Within a few minutes, Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson, that formerly feral kitten, gently padded across me and slid under the covers and went to sleep while cuddled by my left arm. She was purring, not yowling.
It was wonderful to hear this girl purring again — to feel her settling in on my arm and stirring not a bit when I tickled her tummy. 
The next morning, she used her camera to snap this photo from my right side where she’d settled somewhere during the night. It is a picture that doesn't look good but it's of a situation that felt great. Bless that forgiving cat! That’s me in the very warm flannel shirt. I might have been enjoying morning drowsiness with a hope for the rare gift of "going back to sleep."
What is the lesson? I don’t have a lesson. I just love this darned patient cat. She’s family.
[DEAR READERS: Please forward photos of your slumbering, beloved animals to [email protected] so we can celebrate them by posting their photos and their life stories in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. We love showing off your animals. It inspires other people to make room in their homes for loving and beloved animals. And your tales and photos inspire insomniacs to think that they, too, may be able to sleep if they can just avoid panicking every time they feel an itch. Not every itch is a villain. I’m almost sure.]
— Offer hoorays by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put KITTIE LEIGH RULES! in the subject line. —

Assorted animal needs, i.e., volunteers, fosters, cash; citing available dogs and a cat named Biscuit; PLUS: Walk On The Wild Side?

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 [PetPowellPress] March is National Nutrition Month and as I type this I’m eating a chocolate chip cookie and sipping energetically caffeinated coffee. It’s an emotional thing. Some mornings are just more pressure-packed than others.
Holiday Insights, the online calendar, also points out that this is Pecan Day and, also, International Waffle Day, or, as it’s known in Sweden, where it originated, Våffeldagen. “Lousy name for a cat,” replied our elder female Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson. 
That’s me and Kittie Leigh working surveillance several years ago — she was convinced someone was putting Oxford Commas into sentences without a permit for literary lunacy. Sharp-eyed girl. Never had a waffle. But it could happen. 
This is a good day to touch on as many topics as possible. Why? I have no idea. But, here goes…

GEARING UP FOR A SPRING
WITH DESTINATIONS & NEEDS
A note from the Society for Companion Animals (SFCA) shows that the enduring organization founded by Tawana Couch is planning a “busy business as usual” springtime. SFCA needs volunteers to
help with crate assembly and transporting animals and also needs donations to fund all sorts of animal trips. See how you can help by clicking HERE.
There are even opportunities to foster dogs who are soon to be flying off to areas that reportedly will be kinder to them than Dallas/Fort Worth has been — all of us animal nuts are off the hook. It’s the “don’t care/so what” people who are the villains. You’d think DieHard would make a battery that can jumpstart a human heart.
JESSIE: ONCE UPON A TIME
THERE WAS ANOTHER STRAY…
“Good grief!” exclaimed Larry while typing about Jessie. “What is it with people? Why does a dog become a stray and nobody comes to a shelter looking for the sweet baby?” 
And, suddenly, your writer of canine and feline wisdom, though continually baffled by human behavior, realizes that this is not the dog’s fault — this a problem of a malformed human heart-to-brain connection. You’d think Dr. Seuss would have cured it.
Mesquite volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm sent us the story on this 68-pound Lab/Rottweiler mix Jessie. Came in as a stray on March 18. She’s about a year old and, of course, not spayed. 
But the Mesquite Animal Shelter has a way to help Jessie. Rescue or adopt her. And, Debra says use Jessie’s ID (#49798278) when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] to adopt or tag or talk about Jessie.
Debra writes that Jessie “has such a zest for living. She is friendly and likes receiving attention.  She was active in the yard during the photo shoot chasing balls and exploring.  She's a fun-loving, tail-wagging pup with an active but moderate energy level.  She sits for treats and takes them gently.  She walks well on a leash.  She did not show any negative reaction to the dogs barking at her when I led her through the bay.  But we always recommend a dog test if you are interested.  She seems to have acclimated well to the shelter environment but would doubtless be delighted to walk out the front door with a person or family who would give her the loving attention and an inside home that she deserves.”

[LARRY ASIDE: And there’s this note, “Our shelter is over-full and kennel space  is desperately needed for the dogs who continue to arrive as strays or surrenders.” Why is that? How about some of you clowns who have let your dogs “go stray” or just dumped them tell us why you did it and how we can stop other people from doing such stupid stuff? [email protected] — that’s the email. Sign your real name. I’ll sign mine. Sincerely, U. Knita Brayne-Wrinch.]
PARTIAL TO BISCUITS
& PARTIAL TO CATS, TOO
While wandering through the online universe Thursday PM, I ran across this handsome cat in The Colony’s Animal Shelter.
Perhaps you’ve heard of a “Cathead Biscuit.” This is a Biscuit with a cathead, purr, whiskers, ears, eyes, etc. Biscuit is a 3-year-old “large” buff/white shorthair who has been in the care of The Colony Animal services since March 11. He’s #49750879. 
His bio says he’s “a big old cuddle bear” and a “very happy boy, always gentle and looking for people to hangout with. That’s his first favorite thing. “Second favorite” is food, his bio declares. Loves treats. Needs to be an only cat because he “can be bossy with other cats, especially around food.” Probably not good with young kids. But he does like “to snuggle and sleep” with toys. To ask about cats at The Colony Animal Shelter, call 972-370-9250or email animalservices@thecol- onytx.gov.
You’ll find that currently there are no dogs named for food in The Colony’s shelter. But there is this Lab mix, a 2-year-old girl named — what else — Ears! (She’s #49755147.) If you adopt her you can always change her name. Radarette. Satdishah. I’d go with Sweet Girl or help her live up to the name “Happy.” Probably has a great tail wag and is excited to see her favorite human walking in after a day at work.
CONTEMPLATIONS
KITTIE LEIGH, HEALTH NUTS AND LOU’S SONG
My cat Deputy Chief Kittie Leigh Johnson, a beacon for older girl cats everywhere, will be the topic of this weekend’s Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap — she’s accomplished something. Took her nearly two months. And she got a big hug. First cat ever admitted to Oxford University. (pause) I’m kidding. She’s done something more difficult than being a human from Texas and getting into Oxford. …
As I was eating something I shouldn’t — coated with milk chocolate and upsetting my health-minded approach to the day, I ran across this quote from the great comic/tv & movie star Redd Foxx: “Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.” (Died of a heart attack suffered during taping of The Royal Family sitcom in 1991.) …
There’s been a big flap lately about a Supreme Court nominee’s inability to define a “woman.” In honor of people who learn to define themselves without public opinion, we’ll cite a song from the great Lou Reed’s 1972 album Transformer. Click HERE to hear (but only if you don’t mind a tiny bit of naughty wordplay) the great music highlighting Walk on The Wild Side. You might have to endure a gutter-cleaning advert or one of those ubiquitous Medicare ads — both more offensive than suggestive lyrics, don’t you think?
—- Offer good ideas or dim thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “GET A JOB, MONKEY BRAIN” in the subject line. —-

HOW CAN ANYONE PASS UP THESE DOGS? A CAT IS A GREAT FRIEND; ONE NIGHT ON THE FLUME...

EDITION OF THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 [PetPowellPress] I’ve been having a spell of being in need of a cat. So, these are photos of my office cat, William Powell, and I (1) having a moment of a contemplative nature and (2) the lad showing off those dazzling eyes. I’m thinking he’s a great guy and he’s thinking I’m the guy who brings breakfast to him each morning.
He has wonderful eyes, a fantastic purr and an understanding of “don’t step on the keyboard.”

You know, of course, that cats are available throughout the metrosprawl.
I’ve usually gotten ours out of the front yard or off a street. But, go to an animal shelter or check with a cat rescue group and you won’t have to coax the cat into custody. Somebody else has already done that for you.
“Coax” may not be the entirely accurate word when dealing with a free-roaming cat.
MEANWHILE, RICHARDSON
HAS ANOTHER DOG IN NEED
We’d talked with Amber Norman, Resource Coordinator at Richardson Animal Services, about the celebrated dog Gena (see our previous edition) and she’d promised a story on another dog who was in a fix and needs human help! That’s this boy Macklemore (ID #22-0257D).
The shelter report says a witness saw him run onto Arapaho Road and get struck by a car. “When he came in,” the report reads, “He was limping badly and screaming with pain if he moved or put any weight on it.”
Amber says the Pittie boy was immediately taken to a vet clinic in Richardson that “gave him pain meds and splinted his leg.
 Our vet has checked him out and has rewrapped his leg. We believe he would do best outside of the shelter environment where he is not confined to his kennel as he chews on his cast out of boredom.”
Amber says the staff has stepped in several times to rewrap the pup’s leg. And, she says, “We think if he can go to a rescue, it will help to speed up his recovery. He is SUPER sweet and loves attention and cuddles and will give you kisses all day if you let him. He is fully vetted and heartworm negative.”
Amber asks that people who can’t take him in, share his information with others in hopes of finding that right place for Macklemore to heal and maybe even find a good home. 
(To ask about Amber about him, email [email protected] or call the shelter at 972-744-4480.)
[LARRY P.S.: Special thanks to the unknown witness who took the risk to get out and get this dog to the safety of Richardson Animal Services. Lots of folks will drive on by — this roadway rescue is the good deed of an angel.]
NOW, LET’S GO TO SOME
SMALL SHELTER CHALLENGES
First, Glenn Heights and 3 dogs. 
Thanks to 4-Legged Helpers, we have been able to monitor the content of the kennels at the Glenn Heights Animal Shelter on the southern side of Dallas. Glenn Heights, pushing a population of around 15,000, is growing and has a shelter with six kennels. 
Right now, the Helpers report, that shelter is full. To ask about helping to get these animals to safety, call or text the Helpers’ Heather at 972-897-4926 or email Heather at [email protected].
That first dog is Bella, described as “a bull terrier mix” and “the most precious girl. Extremely lovable.” She was dumped at the shelter with another dog because the people who had them were moving — couldn’t take the dogs. “Has lived with other dogs and adores children,” is the report. No idea how old she is.

Second up is Precious, a “Bull Terrier/Bulldog mix” who is “very, very sweet… Very loving,” her bio reads.
Third dog on the immediate clock is Cece, a “bulldog mix” who was brought in as a stray. She’s said to be an “extremely sweet girl who follows the ACO around. Adores children. … Incredibly loving. Just as sweet as sweet can be.”
NOW, MOVING ALONG TO FERRIS AND TO DENTON COUNTY, we cite some animals that 4-Legged Helpers has been working on for a month or more. You may recognize them. [FOR THESE THREE the contact points are call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].]

The ears of this guy might have caught your attention before. Cooper is a genuine Earhound, a Lab/Shepherd Mix currently on the clock in the Ferris Animal Shelter. He’s about 9 months old, 39 pounds, “already fixed” and in the shelter because he was surrendered by “someone who could no longer care for him.” Heartworm negative. But those ears are positively cute.
This moves us to a private animal shelter in Denton County. 
There’s a $175 donation to the 501c3 who’ll tag Griffen, the Lab/Bulldog boy who came in when his owner died. The Helpers report that “he looks for this person every day.” He just needs someone to take over the job of loving him. He’s never been in a shelter before. And, the Helpers note says, “Extended family of the person lived out of state and could not take him. It is breaking our hearts.”
There’s also a $175 donation to the 501c3 that’ll tag this handsome boy Wilson.
He’s a “bulldog mix” who weighs in at 70 pound — he’s 5 or 6 years old and adores grown-us and kids.
He loves playing with toys, is house-trained and healthy.
The report is, “He loves to explore any new surroundings but, then, will come back and just hang out by your side."

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
ANIMALS ARE AWAITIN’
Mesquite Animal Services’ Shelter is a larger, briskly run organization with a “force-of- nature” style group of volunteers who keep hustling to help animals and people match up as quickly as possible. And, as it turns out, the shelter is, our tipster, volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm, reports, “at a critical level with lack of needed kennel spays as stray and surrendered dogs continually stream through the door.”

Logan, #49789537, came into the shelter on March 17 as a stray. He weighs 57 pounds, is about 4 and isn’t neutered. Debra writes that he “is a sweet and friendly boy. He enjoys attention and tried to climb into my lap.”
But there’s this: “He is a bit timid and uneasy with all the noise and commotion in the shelter.  He did walk nicely on the leash and was scared of the dogs who were barking at him as he was led through the bay.  He pottied in the yard so may be house-trained.  He likes to chase balls and entertained himself with toys.  He has a moderate activity level.”
 Use his ID number 49789537 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. Same contact points for the other dogs at Mesquite. 
Debra calls this guy “handsome Hank” — he’s #49787049 at the shelter. And he’s an Aussie Cattle Dog who came in as a stray on the 17th. He’s about 3, not neutered and weighs 47 pounds.
She outlines his many positive points — walks nicely on a leash, doesn’t react to barking dogs, pottied in the yard, “is well-mannered and fairly calm.”
 And there’s this challenge: “Unfortunately, his collar was deeply embedded in his neck and will take time to heal. He is on antibiotics and the damage is looking better.  Though it must have been uncomfortable and painful and it demonstrated neglect by his owner, he is trusting and friendly toward people.”
Our pal and Mesquite dog biographer Judi Brown wrote of this dog: “Louie (#49790278) may not be the most handsome dog at the Mesquite Animal Shelter but he is one of the sweetest! Louie is a 3-year-old, 72-pound American Bulldog that arrived … on 3/17 as a stray. He is not fixed. He’s a very sweet, gentle, calm, well mannered boy with lots of happy tail wags. 
“His facial expressions don’t show it, but he appears to be a happy, easy-going dog. He is looking for a friend and he stays close for extra attention. His ribs are showing so he would benefit from some more groceries. I tried to get him to sit and you could tell he wanted to obey but just did not understand what I was asking of him. That is something you could teach him. He is motivated by treats and takes them gently. I suspect he is housebroken because not only did he do his business as soon as he got in the yard but you could tell he had held it for a long time. He walked very well on a leash. … He’s just an all-around laid back guy that needs a loving home. Because he likes to be around people and get attention he would not do well as an outside dog. He would like to be considered a member of the family and treated as such! He deserves that!”

Judi also provided the bio on Kipp (#49790285), a Pittie boy who came in as a stray. She wrote, “The first thing I noticed about Kipp was his beautiful eyes. The next thing I noticed was his unusual gray brindle markings. He’s definitely a very handsome 2-year-old terrier Pit.  He arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/17 as a stray. He is small in stature weighing only 45 pounds. He is not fixed. There’s so much to love about this sweet boy. He’s gentle, friendly, and very loving. He doesn’t jump on you. He loves having his ears scratched. I get the feeling he hasn’t been worked with much. He was not interested in chasing a ball and didn’t understand the sit command. There’s no doubt he wanted to please. His ribs are showing so he could use some more groceries. … I get the feeling that Kipp has not had the love and care that he deserves.”
Judi also met and wrote about Greta (#49778121) who she describes as “a stunning girl. The 2-year-old German Shepherd came in on the 16th as a stay. Not spayed.” And Judi wrote, “Very attractive girl, she has a very sweet, gentle, friendly, loving, well-mannered disposition. As some might say, ‘She’s the whole ball of wax.’ She not only sits for treats but she also gives her paw. She takes treats gently. She loves toys! She chases toys and then seemingly wants to bring them back. She’ll get almost up to you with the toy, drop it, and then picks it up and starts playing with it again! She stayed close other than doing some exploring with her nose. She walked well on a leash. …. She did not like our shelter cat! So she would do best in a family without cats. Greta weighs 61 pounds. That’s 61 pounds of devotion! As gentle as she is she would most likely do well with a family with children.”
We’ll close Mesquite’s adorable availables with another Judi bio. This one is for a 2-year-old Great Pyr named Winter (#49786592) — not fixed, weighs 95 pounds. He came in as a stray on the 17th. 
Judi says, “When I first went in his kennel he jumped on me but I think that was because he was so happy to have human interaction. After that he never jumped on me again. When I walked him through the lobby he spotted a couple that was there to pick up their dog. He really took to them and they kept exclaiming about how loving he was. He stayed very close to me and it was obvious he wanted to be petted and to snuggle. I was standing at a table taking some notes and he came and stood right next to me putting his head right up next to mine (see table in last picture). He’s very loving, friendly, and gentle. He’s like a big baby! He sits for treats and takes them gently. He walks well on a leash especially considering that he weighs 96 pounds. … To sum it up: he’s a snuggly, cuddly big baby! Since interaction is very important to him he would not do well as an outside dog. He would want to be inside most the time with his new family so he could be giving them love."
Remember, use the ID numbers for these animals when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityof mesquite.com. 
See more adoptable adorables at Mesquite by going to the shelter website HERE.
There are cats in Mesquite, you know.
Among the kittens and teenage felines is this grown up cat boy, O’Malley (#49796608), a 6-year-old Maine Coon mix, a fellow whose coat is described as "red/cream.” He is described as "large.” He’s neutered.
Came in on March 18 and is now in the care of a staff foster. Yep, learning household manners. Already knew how to pose with dignity!
CONTEMPLATIONS

A JOURNEY TO YESTERDAY
Since my funspouse Martha and I left Dallas and moved to Texas, we’ve had a years-long pandemic, a blizzard, fires have erupted west of the Metrosprawl, we’re in a yard-killing drought, wasps built nests on our front porch, gasoline prices have skyrocketed, a war broke out and we’ve both had to get new used cars — her Frosted Glass-colored car wore out and my majestic black SUV was battered to death by a criminal driver who bashed into me and fled the scene of the accident on eastbound I-30 in Grand Prairie in that eternal construction zone that runs through Arlington. Still, "Texas Our Texas, all hail the Lone Star State." Now, I read that the price of admission to Six Flags Over Texas is going up. I’ve got to talk my kids into taking me this summer. Haven’t been since the grandkids were toddlers — years ago. Can’t wait to enjoy LaSalle’s Riverboat Adventure (see photo!), riding the tree slide on Skull Island and floating through the eerie Spelunker’s Cave in those round boats. What? Gone. Here’s a link to the Six Flags Over Texas alumni past attractions page.
When I was a reporter at The Fort Worth Press (the “spunky little tabloid” closed in 1975 — thank you, Scripps-Howard), we had a feature called Life’s Little Dramas and reporters and editors would write the column — could be about any of life’s challenges. So, among those Life’s Little Dramas I wrote was about the time we took the toddler-and-talking twins Bret and Bart on a nocturnal trip on the famous Log Flume Ride, aka El Aserradero. We were moving smoothly through the route and had been pulled to the top of the highest “drop-off” when the park lost power and we were stuck right there high enough to touch the clouds that night. After about 5 motionless minutes, Bart announced to us and anyone who could hear, “I gotta potty!” There's some parental pressure for you. Mercifully, the power returned very shortly and we were able to ride to the end and Bart and I raced to the nearby facility without soiling anything at Six Flags Over Texas. Ah, good times. Good times. His brother Bret was just fine. Twins — they don’t do EVERYTHING together. …
And now for some appropriate music and video: Click HERE and you’ll hear a jingle from way back and see old video of Six Flags attractions. You’ll also note that the location of Six Flags is on the Dallas/Fort Worth Turnpike. Remember when the amusement park moved to Tom Landry Freeway? Just kidding. Enjoy the ride. That’s the AstroLift in the background. Gone. Still traveling through memories.
—- Offer appropriate thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR STUCK-IN-THE-PAST BRAIN, WRITERBOY?” in the subject line. —-

THE DOG GENA GETS A BREAK; OTHERS ANIMALS, PEOPLE WAITING; THE SIZE OF HAIL

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22/23, 2022 [PetPowellPress] As I typed that dateline, I hit a wall emotionally — I didn’t hit an emotional wall, I hit a wall emotionally because I typed 2022 and and then shouted something I’d never shout in Sunday School. Suddenly I was staggered that I started typing stories in 1965 and I’m still typing stories in 2022, a year that sounds like science fiction. 
And that advanced year in human history explains all that fancy radar stuff used by Metrosquall weather people to pinpoint cloud formations and hail. When the storm moved past our neighborhood, our rescued kitten, the handsome Hastings, flopped down next my shoes and nodded off as I watched weather reports on TV. Luxurious tail, eh? Free street cat, you know. More in Contemplations. Keywords: penny, dime, nickel, pocket-change. First some animal challenges that can be handled in clear or stormy weather.
RICHARDSON’S EFFORTS
FOR GENA PAYING OFF…

When we got a note from a critter-adoring friend of ours, she mentioned several animals, including Gena at Richardson Animal Shelter. This is the third time we’ve mentioned Gena — that scrawny leaping dog photo is the first one we published. 
In the morning email we got a note from a pal of ours who monitors shelters with her heart. She was moved by Gena’s situation — notes about Gena have been flying through the cyberuniverse (that a word?) ever since the good hearts at Richardson’s shelter decided she was NOT going to become a sad statistic. 
So, on Tuesday morning we checked with Richardson Shelter’s Rescue Coordinator Amber Norman and she told us that 2-year-old, sweet Pittie Gena is going to a rescue group Tuesday afternoon. Gena has been in the shelter for nearly 100 days and stirred very little interest.
What rescue is taking her? To help Gena get out of the shelter, 4-Legged Helpers is taking her and getting her into a boarding facility. We checked with 4-Legged Helper Laura Macias and she said, “We just felt bad for her…” She’ll be on the Helpers’ listings — probably will get a trip to a northern rescue.
But, remember this: Even if you don’t live east of the Mississippi or north of the Mason/Dixon Line, you can still adopt animals from rescue outfits and shelters in Texas. Honest!
Get in touch with Richardson’s shelter by going HERE and you can contact 4-Legged Helpers by emailing [email protected] or call/text 214-949-2726. See more animals the Helpers are working with by clicking on their Facebook page HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: Years of observation and the out-of-state work of such people as the Helpers and Tawana Couch’s Society for Companion Animals 
have proven that Dallas-area dogs have a loving appeal to adoptors in northern areas of the country. Kind of a miracle when a dog nobody looks twice at in the Metroplex wins a whole new family in The Hamptons or some other highly-regarded dog-loving area of the country.]
LOOKING AT SHELTER LISTS
CATCHES A READERS’ HEART
OH, our pal MB’s heart was captured long ago by shelter animals. She sent us a note Tuesday that referred to a posting from last week and began, “When you mentioned the dog Gena from Richardson Animal Shelter, I clicked on their site.  I noticed a very sad story of a chocolate Lab named Cola and his buddy Nico.  If only someone could have helped the owners with a secure fence.  These two oldies would do great in a senior home for dogs.”
Here’s that RICHARDSON LINK again.
Cola, 11, and Nico, 10, were taken in by Animal Service Officers when Cola was found living “chained up to a tree outside, which is no longer allowed per Texas State Law. Owner did not want to bring the dog inside, so had to relinquish ownership.
”
Relinquished Nico at the same time. Both boys were afraid of their first baths at the shelter. But they’re adapting and the hope is they’ll be adopted into the same home since they are clearly bonded.
Read a lot more about both of them on the Richardson shelter site. The shelter reports, “Both dogs seem very easy, mild-mannered and chill guys. They were very quiet, low-energy and sweet during the intake. Niko is very cuddly and sweet.”
Cola is the “escape artist” — unless a human outsmarts him or just chains him to a tree, contrary to state law.

And MB also tipped us to these dogs on the Dallas Animal Services website. In her note she wrote, “I saw some great dogs.  I will mention the one there longest first.

Dora A0794663 - a 10 year old chi.  Little one.  Only 10 pounds.
Rosie A1141044 - A gorgeous german shepherd. Negro A1142992 - a beautiful black lab. Alana A1142615 - An albino Pyr. Belgian Malinois A1141520 - a beautiful dog -- the dog who now replaces German Shepherds.”
Here’s the LINK FOR DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES. When you go to it, put the animal’s ID numbers in the search and that pup’ll pop right up.
MB also also writes, “My heart really goes out to little Dora.  I would adopt her if I could.  But I cannot get there.  I am also trying to down-size my animal population.  I still miss my little dog that passed away two years ago.”

And, outside in her own neighborhood, MB tells us about a feline challenge: “The beautiful red cat is still around.  He is a sweetie.  But new neighbors have chickens.  The hunter instinct in ‘The Little Boy,’ as I call him, is very strong.  Try as I might, he does not want to be a fully inside cat.  And in this neighborhood, if you feed them, you own them.  I'm surprised this little guy has avoided nasty neighbors, cat traps, coyotes, cars and people shooting off guns for almost two years now.”
ANIMALS IN 'THE PATH'
OUT IN JACK COUNTY…
One of the first things we heard in Monday’s weather reports on radio and TV was that Jack County, home of Jacksboro, was catching some unpleasant storms with vicious winds.
Immediately we thought about the Animal Angels Sanctuary in a rural area of the county — you may remember it was founded by the great Carole Sanders in 1993. She’d had a 40-year career as an American Airlines Flight Attendant and maintained a life-long love for animals that inspired so many others.
The Angels Facebook page HERE offered good news. The note read, “Hello all of our army of Angels. We are all OK and accounted for. The tornado went rite past us, thank God. Asking for prayers and donations to help in the community. Thank you all so much.”
As the Angels’ website says, the sanctuary “is home for more than 200 dogs and more than a dozen equine, with all-volunteer board and staff. Your generous donations benefit our animals 100%.”
That’s Carole, captured helping a youngster understand the joys of being adored by a human. The Animals and the Animal Community lost Carole at 78 in 2018 — but her spirit continues to inspire those “Angels” to keep the sanctuary’s animals safe and healthy and always the point of caring. See how to help the mission by clicking on THIS LINK.
CONTEMPLATIONS

A DOG, SOME PHRASES, A SONG
Dear rescuers and animal advocates, how often have you heard a story that starts like this one from a neighborhood bulletin board: “Hey, gang. We found a medium terrior mix.” [LARRY NOTE: Yep, spelling error — and not reflective of the dog’s personality.] Continuing with this scary part: “She is a female; possibly just had puppies. She had her retractable leash on her and she got caught behind [a church]. … She has a black collar on. No tags. She is a very sweet girl.” OK: Female, running free, has recently had puppies, very sweet. Those clues add up to “Mom has done her job. Dump her and sell the puppies.” It’s a rampantly stupid attitude in Dallas/Fort Worth. …
WEATHER REPORT: While watching several TV channels during Monday’s storm, I caught the weatherguy on Fox4’s afternoon report saying that people northeast of Fort Worth should watch out for “hail that is dime size, penny size or quarter-size.” I always figured pennies and dimes were just about the same size and the different wouldn’t make a hill of beans in a thunderstorm. The late afternoon weatherwoman on Fox4 told people northeast of Dallas to be on the lookout for “pocket-change-sized hail.”
You see here an illustration of the difference in sizes of American coins — and, of course, three pieces of hail that fell in our front yard Monday. I’m kidding. Those are ice cubes from our refrigerator. You don’t have to watch out for them. If they fall to the kitchen floor, we have a dog or two that’ll pick ‘em right up! Also, don’t put them in your pants pocket — much more unpleasant than a pocket full of assorted hail-sized coins.
… Today we turn to the aforementioned MB for a musical sign-off. “You always mention old records,” she wrote. “I have the old record Eve of Destruction.  I played it with the words on Youtube.  It really rings true today.” Here’s the LINK to Barry McGuire’s 1965 “protest song.” And, as a guy whose sick of humans killing and maiming each other, I’m proud to call it a “protest song.” Just wish it didn’t fit 2022’s situations.
—Peacefully offer ideas benefiting the planet by clicking on ‘COMMENT’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘GET A HAIRCUT’ in the subject line. For old time’s sake. —

SPRINGTIME ARRIVES AND WE HAVE DOGS AND CATS -- ONE HOUSE HAS A BACKYARD SKUNK

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Seems like almost a normal springtime — the Texas Rangers are playing baseball in Arizona, there’s a threatening weather forecast in the vicinity of the Metrosprawl. And we’re all waiting for a summer blockbuster film — waiting until 2023 for Indiana Jones 5 or whatever it'll be called. While we wait for post-pandemic Hollywood to catch up and rediscover the movie fans that still like theaters, let’s move along with some animal opportunities on Planet Earth.
THE SISTERS THAT ARRIVED
WITH THEIR LONG TAILS…
Oh, who knows where to start with stories of dogs that are labeled “stray”? Humans let them down? Fence design let them down? As readlarrypowell has frequently noted, “Some dogs are just too clever for their own good.”

But, here we are with the sisters Amber and Autumn. They’re in the Mesquite Animal Shelter and we learned of them from our tipster, the volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown. The dogs arrived on March 10. Neither has a docked tail and they appear to be Boxer mixes — they’re both about 4 years old.
Of Amber, Judi writes that she “has expressive eyes that look like they’re lined with eyeliner. She also looks like she’s worried. She probably is because she’s got a lot of love to give so she’s hoping for a loving family that will love her back! … She’s got beautiful reddish gold coloring along with sad eyes. After spending time with her I get the feeling that she has not received the care she deserves. She didn’t know the sit command nor did she understand the game of fetch. She’s highly motivated by treats so should be easy to train. She takes treats gently. She wanted to please. When I tried to get her to sit you could tell she really wanted to understand what I was asking her to do. She stayed close to me and didn’t wander off. She was so happy for extra attention  that she would wiggle and wag!”
While she was “very calm out in the yard,” Amber, 43-pounds, shares a kennel with 40-pound sister Autumn and “they get real rambunctious when they are playing.”
Amber is #49746031. Autumn is #49746036. For these dogs, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. 
Autumn, Judi writes, “could use some groceries as her ribs are showing. It was very difficult taking pictures of her because she stayed so close that every time I moved she did and I found myself going around in circles. She just wanted to be close and to be loved on. I get the feeling that she has not had the love she has deserved. Hopefully that will change when she’s either rescued or adopted from the shelter. She attempted to sit for treats and one time she was trying so hard she fell over backwards. She does take treats gently. It’s obvious she wants to please. She did not understand what the throwing the ball thing was all about. That’s something you could teach her.”
BABBAS SPENT YEARS
LIVING ON A CHAIN….
Oh, for crying out loud! We got the tip on this guy Babbas from veteran animal advocate Gayla Geist. The tip sent us to the Saving Hope Rescue site where we learned that this dog’s rescue in Fort Worth came about because the human was violating a law that’s designed to protect animals.
The original message was on the Fort Worth Animal Care and Control Facebook page and we were also connected to FWACC volunteer/foster Kristen Barg Morrison’s post on the 18th regarding this dog who, the note read “is terrified and alone at the shelter. Previously lived on a chain for 7 years.”
 You see the dog’s photo. And if you click HERE  (and wait patiently) you will see a quivering dog who absolutely needs a better place to spend his time.
 Babbas is 12, weighs 52 pounds, isn’t neutered. The story reads, “Owner surrendered on 3/10 for inadequate housing.” 
Then there are these “INTAKE NOTES” and they tell an awful story: “Owner release per city ordinance, dog was chained at an abandoned home and owner was cited. Dog is in poor condition and can’t use his back legs properly. Owner claimed that he only began having issues walking after the ice storm. Dog hasn't been socialized and has been kept in poor conditions for about 7 years. Timid and wobbly during intake.”
The message also read, “He wouldn’t move for me. I didn’t push it today. He is going to need a very experienced foster.”
And Saving Hope Rescue stepped up for Babbas and has him. See how to donate to help Babbas get better by clicking on this FACEBOOk link.
 
BUT HANG ON! THERE’S A CAT STORY AT SAVING HOPE RESCUE, TOO.
The Saving Hope Rescue note that accompanied these photos reads: “One day we got a call about 3 cats who were going to be abandoned at a motel by their owner. The cats were in bad shape - underweight, messy fur and terrified. They hadn’t been well cared for in a while. In this condition, they were top candidates for euthanasia at a shelter. 
“With lots of TLC, medical care and amazing fosters, Seurat is ready for his forever home!
“This beautiful marble/tabby Maine Coon mix has an amazingly sweet personality. He will greet guests that come to your home with curiosity. He has a chirpy voice that he will use any time he wants your attention. Seurat is playful and has even proven some serious skills at fetch!! He LOVES his canned food (pate preferred) and can put away 4+ cans a day! He does well with other kitties, as long as they are properly introduced. He should do ok with a gentle dog also if proper introductions. Seurat is between 1-2 years old.
“Apply to adopt and set up an in person or virtual meet and greet: https://savinghoperescue.org/adopt' .”
[LARRY ASIDE: Rescues are filled with miracle workers, aren’t they? If you’ve been around animal issues for a half-hour, you know that the people who sign up to work for rescue groups and volunteer at shelters are earning some pretty shiny halos.]
MEANWHILE IN HOUSTON,
LONGSHOT IS THE TOPIC
This guy, Longshot, looks a lot better now than he did when he came into the care of Red Collar Rescue — the famed Houston non-profit.
On it’s appeal for funding to help the dog, Red Collar Rescue reports, “
Longshot was most likely hit and dragged by a car.  Someone wrapped his bloody, injured body in tape, and dumped him in front of a boarding kennel. Red Collar Rescue received a frantic call for help!  We picked him up, and after seeing the severity of his injuries, headed straight to the ER at Texas A&M small animal hospital.”
As you can see from his bandaging, Longshot has gotten some serious medical care. He appears to be improving. It’ll take some time. Here’s the LINK to help with the bills — maybe even see how to adopt him if someone hasn’t beaten you to him!
CONTEMPLATIONS
SPRING, SKUNK AND OIL CHANGE
Mark this down for 2022: First springtime argument at 2:05 p.m. when Larry walked from his frigid office into the living room to ask, “Is it too cold in here?” I was told that it wasn’t by my comfyspouse Martha. But, I’m typing this with three or four fingers that won’t bend because they’re frozen in place. I swear. I’m sure it’s just my attitude. …

A note on a neighborhood bulletin board page from the Sanford Oaks area read, “Need some advice, please. We have a skunk that has taken up residence under our shed. Just called Animal Control and their new policy is to let a wild animal be wild. How it can be wild in our small backyard is a mystery but there it is. They suggested we call a wild rescue place but can’t seem to find one. Does anyone have any suggestions? We also have a small terrier dog that has to go out there to potty.” And a neighbor advised, “Put mothballs under shed — the skunk will leave.” No tips on how to get the mothballs under there without stirring the skunk to action. …
Anybody else miffed over having to pay around 100 bucks for an oil change on a passenger car? If that oil change price keeps elevating, pretty soon it’ll cost as much to oil your car as it does to fill the gas tank.

—- Offer oil and diet tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put NOTHING’S CHEAP THESE DAYS in the subject line. —-

ONE TALE OF BIRDIE BEGINS ON THE SHORE....

There is a certain invigorating joy to having a dog as a friend and companion.
There also is a certain amusement when you catch your otherwise lively and cuddly dog out like a light!
Yep, out like a light — that’s how Birdie represents the canine side of our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
You see that first sleeping dog photo — we think she’s dreaming of a day at the lake. Maybe listening to Beach Boys songs.
She is the companion of Shane Allison and his wife Mindy. They live in Little Elm on Lake Lewisville.
And that’s Birdie on the wakeboard with Shane. And if you want to see the real action, click on THIS LINK for about a half-minute of a very happy dog.
Shane explains, 
“We adopted Birdie from another couple in 2016. She is now 6 years old and was 13 months at adoption. a


 “We have two other dogs, Shadow, a retriever, and Chica a long-haired ‘weenier’.”
They add to the happiness of the household without a ride on the board!
[LARRY TIME-OUT: Don’t you wonder how a dog winds up on a wakeboard behind a boat on a Texas lake? Yeah, I asked. Shane fills us in in this next passage.]

This dog does more than hang 20 or so on the board. Shane says, “Birdie speaks, shakes left and right, sits and lays down. 
She is very smart but stubborn at the same time.
“When the surfing video was made we lived in a very dog friendly neighborhood and she ran free with a doggy door.

“Everytime we left in the boat she would either cry or chase us down the shore line and swim out to try to catch us. 
“Literally all I had to do was call for her while I was in the water, she swam out, I grabbed her/ got up on the board and then set her back down. 
“She’s more my dog, but loves my wife Mindy as well.” [LARRY NOTE: Yes, that’s Birdie smooching with Mindy at the Lakeside House of Canine Happiness.]
 And, yes, that is Birdie on that ladder just off shore. What's she doing? “Waiting for the boat,” Shane explained.

Yes, and spring arrives at 10:33 a.m. Central Daylight Time on Sunday. Birdie probably senses that it’s not long until the lake is warm enough for boarding! Here’s a virtual hug for a happily wet dog!
[DEAR READERS: Please send photos and bios of your slumbering dogs, cats, etc., to [email protected] and we’ll feature them in our weekend edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. (That's Birdie smiling during a car ride. Happy dog, you know!) We love showing off your critters! You influence other people to adopt animals as companions for their lives. And you help insomniacs realize they, too, can get some sleep if they can just be strapped to a board and towed behind a high-speed boat or 20 or 30 miles on a comfortable afternoon.]
—- Offer swimsuit advice or express love for wet dogs by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put I ENVY BIRDIE’S SURFING SKILLS in the subject line. —-

MAX THE DOG -- HE'S LOVED, HE'S PROTECTIVE, HE NEEDS A SOLUTION

EXTRA EDITION OF FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2022 [PETPOWELLPRESS] We have this extra edition for Friday because we have an extra-tough situation for a dog who needs a new home.

“I love this boy so much,” begins the note we got from Susanne Barton.
And immediately your heart will engage with this predicament. The sentence continues…”but my husband fears him now after Max has attacked him.”

[LARRY NOTE: Now and then readlarry powell.com will get notes about “biting dogs” and what to do with them, how to place them, how to save their lives. We have no ready solutions. But we do know that there are some of you Dear Readers who have encountered such challenges. That is why we’re featuring Max in this edition. Bless his heart and the hearts of those who love him.]
Susanne says Max was adopted on April 4, 2021. He turned 2 in August of ’21. And he’s neutered, house-trained and “good with my grandchldren,” but “too rough for small elementary kids.” 
What of his past?
Susanne writes, “He was adopted in 2020 from a shelter but the woman crated him 6 days a week. He’s a very active dog but she runs a business 6 days a week. Max is a working dog so I immediately walked him and took him to the dog park. My husband and I took Max to group (6 weeks) obedience classes.  He was hard to manage and was aggressive to the other dogs. The trainer didn’t want to work with him solo. Since I’ve had him he’s gotten progressively worse. 

“I  thought he’d like a buddy in July to play with. I was going to adopt a 30-pound dog but when I got in the car with her, he attacked her at her neck. Luckily she was okay. He loves me deeply and acts like he’s my bodyguard. We enrolled him in an obedience school in January for 2 weeks. He was better for a few weeks, but now is attacking my husband.  If I go through a drive-through, he lunges at the worker.”

There are other things. “Sometimes he wags his tail but will try to bite someone at the same time,” Susanne writes. “He’s been pretty destructive: has torn up shoes, many items, and he counter surfs. If he’s kept active, of course that helps. I didn’t want to crate him since he had  left a home where he was crated all day. But I dearly love Max. He needs to be active; if you bond with him, he’ll love & protect you. We have boarded him. He does fine with the staff and gets along with most of the dogs.”

Just an extra FYI about Max. The place he’s boarded is Pawsitively Premium Pet Services . They love Max. And  the Services' Lyn Ruprich trying to help Susanne place Max in a happy, loving home. Lyn, on the company’s Facebook page posted a note on behalf of Max and Susanne. It reads, “Our sweet boarder, Max, is looking for a new home. He’s high energy, fiercely loyal and protective of his favorite person. If you are looking for a pup who will protect you and love you unconditionally, this is your guy.”
To ask about helping Max, call 469-693-3920. Maybe you have a trainer who can help or maybe you have a place for him to live happily.
—- Offer suggestions by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing [email protected]. —