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SLEEPING AROUND THE HOUSE: CATS AND DOGS HAVE PLACES

There is great comfort in having both an Office Cat and an Office Dog.
 In my case, when the ol’ brain plays out and leaves the page empty, I can simply post a photograph of my Office Cat William Powell having a nose-offf with me.
He’s the spotlighted cat in this weekend’s edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Why? I was in the mood and he spoke to me as if he might be happy with his salary — assuming that I win a big lottery payoff this weekend.
Otherwise, he’s going to keep getting two regular feedings and his favorite treats. 
The black-and-white fellow with his paws crossed is the Apprentice Office Cat Stevie Ray. Such a cute boy. Not all that interested in office work. As you can see from his second photo, he’s a fan of television — likes to stretch out and watch people watching TV.
William, as you can see, doesn’t mind lounging behind my computer screen as I try to write something that will save animals or enlighten people. 
Oh, and, William qualifies as the Napping Cat because of that photo my funspouse Martha took of the boy as he snoozed on the daybed in her office at the other end of the house from his usual office, mine. 
He can sleep on the living room couch, as you see. And sometimes, if I Ieave a blanket atop a table while I’m folding clothes, he’ll take a spot atop the furniture.
As you may recall from previous writing on this site, we got William Powell when he helped me paint the wood trim on our previous home in feral cat territory in Oak Cliff in Dallas. That was in May of 2018. You can see that his coat was lighter in those days. As he grew older, it got darker — that’s him on the red carpet (my funspouse Martha referred to it as “that cathouse-red carpet.” She reads a lot — that may be how she knows the official color.).
We got Stevie Ray in late 2019. Just before we left our Dallas house, I found him yowling in panic and clinging to a flimsy mimosa tree branch just about 5 feet off the ground. Another free feral kitten in Zip Code 75224. 
Anyone who writes for extended periods of time each day will tell you that it is a joy and a relief to take a typing-worn hand off the keyboard and reach down to pet a dog or cat.
If you don’t have a critter’s coat to scruffle (that a word?),then you might just find yourself padding down the hall to the refrigerator or the hiding place where the cookies and chocolate treats are kept. No telling how many pounds dogs and cats have kept off me just by being handy when I feel like it’s time to reach for a cupcake, candy bar, handfull of chips and some guacamole. 
I’ve never tried a dog treat dipped in guacamole. I’d probably like it — wait! I’ll need a vegan dog treat. 
Yes, that is my office dog, Porche Noel. I snapped that photo as she sacked out next to me on the bed one afternoon while I sketched pictures, hand-scribbled paragraphs that may or may not find their ways into some profit-making fiction, and pretended to be writing The Great American Novel longhand.
I’ve loved animals all my life. I love writing almost as much. Hey, how’s this for a book title for an action/suspense cat tale: GET OFF MY KEYBOOOOOOOORD, CAT!.
[DEAR READERS: Please send photos of your personal slumbering critters to [email protected] and I’ll spotlight ‘em in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You know why? Because you and your animals show other people that life with a dog and cat is a good thing! And you demonstrate for insomniacs that sleep is possible, if you can just figure out how to do it at the office.]

— Hug a dog, cuddle a cat, leave advice by clicking on ‘comment’ or email [email protected] and put LUCKY NUMBERS RULE in the subject line. —-

UPDATE ON WALKER, OTHER ADORABLES. CHANCE OF SNOW? WHAT? WHEN? TIGER DAY?

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Yeah, it’s hot. But consider this: There is a chance of snow. Perhaps as early as November. In time for Thanksgiving on November 24. There’s precedent. Sort of. My brain will surely thaw enough to tell you when we get to today’s Contemplations. First, some animal stories. And, for crying out loud, somebody help these animals into loving and long-lasting homes. That’s my office cat William. He took that selfie a few years ago -- he thought it was funny. 
A REPORT ON WALKER, DOG
KNOCKED FLAT IN THE HEAT
First, that’s Walker standing at a vet clinic. You may remember him in that photo when he was passed out from the heat. Turns out it might not just be the heat that got him. 
We got a report overnight from Pound Pals, his current guardians. “Back on his feet,” was the top of the report.
Pound Pals says the vet’s lab work showed Walker is anemic, heartworm positive, “loaded with hook and roundworms” (he’s been dewormed — now), covered in fleas and ticks (got some prevention) — wait, there’s more! He’s now on antibiotics “for a nasty skin infection.” And, Pound Pals reports, “He has a thyroid issue and no tear production in either eye” — it’s being treated.
Walker had a chip. The registered owner has been contacted. Meanwhile, “further vetting/diagnostics are on hold.” And Pound Pals has Walker boarded safely at the clinic for $25 a day. More to come on this story. See how to help Pound Pals with Walker’s case by going to the Facebook page HERE — scroll down on the page until you see Walker’s photo. Also, go to poundpals.com to see how you can help the non-profit by volunteering, fostering and donating.
MEANWHILE, MESQUITE HAS
A FULL SHELTER OF ADORABLES
This note generally accompanies all appeals for helping the animals at Mesquite Animal Services. It reads: ”Our shelter has been critically overfull for months now with dogs continuing to stream into our facility daily.  Will you please help our deserving dogs out?” 
This could be the day you see a Mesquite animal that you’ll adopt or rescue and help lighten the load. Might even ask about fostering, you know? 

We got the info about Millie, a 3-year-old, 23-pound stray who came in on July 23, from our tipster, the volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm. Millie’s breed? Ah, Debra says her dog scanner app suggests “this precious girl” has a mix that includes Olde English Bulldog/French Bulldog and American Pit Bull.” 
And Debra says, “Millie is quite emaciated which is the reason she is rescue only.  She is being fed small amounts of food throughout the day in order to help her gain the weight needed to be healthy.

“Millie walks nicely on a leash.  She was scared of the dogs she passed who were barking at her. I did not see any aggression. She knows the sit command. She is not timid, shy or nervous and has an outgoing and confident personality. Whether the condition she is in is the result of living on the streets for some time or whether she was not given the proper amount of food by her owner, she has maintained a sweet disposition and is a friendly girl.  She tried to climb into my lap and is happy to give kisses and receiving loving attention. … Millie LOVES toys.  She went back and forth to the toy box in the room where I did her photo session and brought one toy after another out. Then she just decided to climb in the toy box to get a better idea of the assortment of toys that were available.” 
Millie’s ID is #50733613 — use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Cheyenne is 4 years old and 28-pounds “of tail-wagging, pure puppy energy and enthusiasm,” Debra says. He also is a former stray — arriving on July 18.
Debra writes, “This high-energy fellow is an on-the-move kind of guy.  He will jump on you so that will need to be addressed and obedience classes would be beneficial for him.  There is nothing timid or shy about Cheyenne.  He seems to have adjusted OK to the shelter but would be delighted to find his forever home.  He walks well on a leash and when led past other dogs in the bay did not show an unfriendly spirit even with those who barked at him. He likes to receive loving attention, is friendly and sweet-natured.  Cheyenne likes treats.  He is playful and enjoys toys.  This would seem a good fit for a person or family who is able and willing to give him daily playtime and exercise and stay committed through all the things that need to be dealt with when taking a puppy into one's home and life.”  Cheyenne is #50694711. Use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected].
Check out Wendy's wagging tail! Our third Mesquite dog today is Wendy, described by Debra as “a cutesy mixed breed girl that was picked up by one of our officers on 7/15 along with 2 other dogs.  They appear to be from the same litter. Wendy weighs 13 pounds, is approx 4 months old and is spayed. She is a fun-loving, tail-wagging livewire of a youngster. She was a bit timid and shy in her kennel but once I got her out she warmed up and was friendly and happy to have me interact with her.  Wendy did not do well on a leash and has possibly not had one on before.  She was not reactive to other dogs in kennels, even those who were barking at her.  Wendy is playful, enjoys toys and displays all the characteristics of a young, healthy pup.  She is friendly, tried to climb in my lap and enjoys receiving loving attention.” Her ID is #50676805 — use that when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
See many, many more animals — dogs and cats — in the Mesquite Animal Shelter by clicking on THIS SHELTER LINK.
Among the many cats and kittens is this handful of tabby, Kitty Monroe. [LARRY ASIDE: No idea where the name came from, except the “Kitty” part. She’s #50225461, about 4 months old and waiting in the Cat Room at the shelter. She arrived on May 19 — the temperature was 88 that day and it even got down to a daytime high of 66 on the 22nd of May. In fact, the May temp got to its highest point -- 90 degrees -- on the 20th. Rest of the May time highs were in the 70s and 80s  with a couple of mid-60s in the day time. From those figures we can tell that the kitten Kitty Monroe has never had to live without air-conditioning or in outdoor stifling heat. We oughta keep it that way. Somebody with a good a/c system adopt this girl.]
THREE DOGS WAITING?
CUE
 BEATLES SONG NO REPLY.
OK, here’s the deal: The 4-Legged Helpers have been working for a couple of weeks to get these three dogs into happy homes or at least moving toward happy homes via rescue groups. 
Yet, NO REPLY.
We’ve mentioned them before. YET, NO REPLY. So, we’re mentioning the contact points to help them again. YES, REPLY by calling or texting the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].

Loki is that Alaskan Malamute, 3 or 4 years old, who was, the report reads, “released to the shelter due to apparent eye issues”. The “high-kill shelter” shaved him to help him cope with the heat.

Hamlet, about 3 years old, is a neutered Husky who is in the care of a private animal control north of Dallas. “He is an absolute sweetie pie. Very loving! Will move his head gently under your hand to be petted — cutest thing ever.” 

Also in the care of that private animal control is this Retriever/Border Collie mix, a 3-year-old neutered and vaccinated fellow named Bearlee.
He’s described as “a great boy” who “loves to play fetch and go on walks and is already house-trained and crate-trained.
"Loves playing with other dogs, too. This is an awesome boy.”
A CAT IN NEED DUE TO
HUMAN’S HEALTH
We don’t have a picture of this cat— desperation is difficult to photograph. But as our tipster and longtime pal Sydney Bush of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake gently kidded me, “Larry, close your eyes and imagine a Siamese cat.”
 The subject line on the email comes close to describing this animal: “15-year-old choc point Siamese cat needs new home.”
Holy smokin’ feline challenge — a 15-year-old cat needs a new home? Not really an antiquated kitty. She will need a kind human on her side.
You may recall that our tipster Sydney is a guiding light of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, the non-profit that operates the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City.

The cat note read, “Grrrrrrrr...Owner about to go into the hospital; will not be able to care for this cat when she comes out. Needs new home before end of August. Cat is spayed, only been inside cat, active, likes attention (brushing, etc), is affectionate without being a lap cat…"
To offer to help this cat (referred to as “her” but no name given), call Brenda Dallinson at 903-474-3966. You may get an “answering machine” or whatever those things are called these days. [LARRY EMPHASIS: The point is SAVE THE SIAMESE WE’VE IMAGINED.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
A COLLECTION FOR FRIDAY:
FROM SNOW TO TIGER DAY
In the opening paragraph today I mentioned the chance of snow in our area and suggested November might be a snow-cooled month. I checked the online snow records and discovered that 2.6 inches of snow fell in the D/FW area on Nov. 22, 1937. Had to have been cooler than 102. 
Why did this come up? I’d been outside in the heat for too long and felt like writing a fanciful notion about late autumn. Perhaps you’ll be cheered by remembering the term “snow days.” Nov. 22, 1937, was a Monday and on Thanksgiving Day that year (November 25) the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Cleveland Rams in a game televised from the Cotton Bowl. 
OK, I made up almost that entire part about the Cowboys, except for the existence of the Cleveland Rams. The Cotton Bowl existed, but the Cowboys didn’t come along until 1960. Cleveland Rams? Those Rams eventually became the Los Angeles Rams. There was no NFL on TV in 1937. Didn’t happen until Oct. 22, 1939 — Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Brooklyn Dodgers —yep, a football team named Brooklyn Dodgers. Things have changed, haven’t they!
So, in closing, we turn to the good folks at Holiday Insights, the online calendar, who keep us informed of “special days” in our lives. Get a load of the list for July 29: This is National Chicken Wing Day, National Lasagna Day, National Lipstick Day, System Administrator Appreciation Day and, finally, the reason this jungle beast’s photograph is accompanying this item, today is International Tiger Day. That is my office cat, William Powell -- the third photo is his "publicity shot" for his upcoming TV series Tiger In The House, a story of a jungle cat elected to the Texas House of Representatives. William claims he gets his stripes from a chance encounter of feline affection involving his great-great-great grandmother and a TV commercial actor named Tony. “Nothing to do with cereal, it was a serial,” William reports regarding his appearance on an upcoming PBS TV show famed for tracking family histories. William may be kidding — gets that from the Powell side of his family, plus, he has studied public humor for years with my professorialspouse Martha at her Academy of Wisecrackery and Political Nonchalance.
— Offer advice or doubt by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

THE PUPPIES AND TWO MOMS ADD UP TO 18 DOGS RESCUED; HOW TO HELP....

EDITION OF THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022 [PetPowellPress] The woman gave her last food — a can of green beans — to the 16 puppies and 2 adult doggie moms who may have been dumped onto her rural East Texas driveway. Most were starving. The woman’s condition wasn’t much better.
This is one of those circumstances that astounds even the most veteran of rescuer:  Mass dumping of animals trapped in potentially fatal spirals due to human behavior.
It may astound veterans, but it won’t surprise them. Awful stuff shows up all the time in rescue.
This case involves at least 16 surviving puppies and two adults — one other pup had died in this woman’s rural driveway near Quitman in East Texas. 
The rescuers came via the great Humane Tomorrow organization.   That photo clearly demonstrates that the Humane Tomorrow rescuers and volunteers travel with their hearts -- that explains why that dog being comforted by a loving kiss and cuddle. Bless that dog and its Humane future.
We heard about this challenging rescue first from our longtime pal Della Wallace, veteran animal advocate and rescuer. She was volunteering Wednesday with this extraordinary case of dogs found on the brink of disaster.
Humane Tomorrow got involved on Sunday when the organization learned of the situation because a volunteer saw an online post about this awful dumping of dogs and the need for trustworthy help.
Most of the dogs have been in the care of Humane Tomorrow’s Glenn & Shirley Hulcher Family Animal Care Center 
in Argyle. Some of the pups needed extra vet care.

Stacy Smith, Humane Tomorrow Executive Director, filled us in on the details yesterday after finishing “a shift working with those very dogs.” They are calling them the Maverick Mutts because they’ve given them names of characters from the Top Gun movies. [LARRY ASIDE: We’ll get those IDs once these pups are out of vet care, socialized and available. They may not always sleep with their chins in the food dish -- but if they do, that's OK. That pup doesn't deserve another moment of worrying about being fed....] The drive now is to help them become healthy and happy and rady-to-adopt.
Here’s the story from Stacy: 
“The lady whose property they were on said they were dumped there and she was trying to take care of them but her own water was being shut off and she was feeding them stuff like canned green beans because that was all she had. I am not clear when they were dumped—if the adults were dumped a year ago and she had them all this time or if they were dumped recently in this condition. We are trying to figure out how we can help her as well, FYI.
”
What was the key to getting Humane Tomorrow involved? 
Stacy says, “Dyane Fisher is the lady who saw the post and jumped in her car. She drove two hours east (Quitman) and when she got there could not stand to leave any of the 16 puppies behind because one was already dead and knew whoever she left behind might not make it. 

“I don’t believe catching them was difficult because most of them could barely walk and she had a bag of dog food in her car  She did also get two adult females who we think are probably the mothers of most of them. Yes she is an absolute hero… I have seen a lot of dirty cars in my time but nothing like that….

“They really were in bad shape. We are slowly giving them small meals until they can handle more food. They were badly dehydrated and anemic from the thousands of fleas and ticks. They are very lucky that Dyane did what she did.”
So, what happens after you bring 16 starving and flea-bitten pups and two moms with the same conditions into your rescue shelter?
Stacy says, “We posted the Amazon wish list and got a ton of donations of food and puppy pads today [Wednesday] but you can never have too many puppy pads. My guess is the next real need will be for enrichment and training stuff to get them ready to be adopted—they are friendly but wary and need some people skills.

“So, spray cheese (always the best friend maker!), soft rope slip leads, Kongs, training treats, and always more food, puppy pads, pill pockets, and small dog Capstar to replenish our supply of that since we went through all we had on Sunday. 

“And obviously donations of money always help us to be prepared for whatever comes next. We hope it doesn’t happen of course, but we have to always be prepared for a group of dogs like this to break with something serious like parvo.

“We wouldn’t take them on if we weren’t willing and able to go the distance with them.  I think people forget sometimes that something like this is about more than the initial rescue. It’s a months-long commitment.”

[LARRY ASIDE: These photographs are all from the Humane Tomorrow Facebook page. They give you an idea of the challenge of feeding and caring for “growing puppies” — and may they all grow to be healthy and beloved in homes that adore and treasure them. Some of the faces are hopeful, some are sad, perhaps anxious and maybe frightened. But they’ll grow out of that with the help of the Humane Tomorrow volunteers.]

You can see Humane Tomorrow’s AmazonSmile Charity List
at this link:
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/lists/75-2727224.
And if you have things you want to hand-deliver to help the dogs, Humane Society says, “Items can be dropped off at the Glenn & Shirley Hulcher Family Animal Care Center at the side door next to the garage door. 1961 E Hickory Hill Rd, Argyle 76226.”
Your support, Humane Tomorrow says will help the organization “be able to make a difference in the lives of the Maverick Mutts.”
  That last photo is of three of the Maverick Mutts diving into a meal together. You can see the video on the Humane Tomorrow Facebook page.
CONTEMPLATIONS
SOME DOG THOUGHTS
Whenever I run into one of these big recovery/abandonment stories it really makes me wonder just what is happening inside the minds of the humans who got the animals into such a fix. The only answer is this: A sickness has created a tragedy. …
The most animals we’ve ever had dumped at our house at one time — not counting litters of feral kittens by their momma — is three. Dudley showed up with two smaller dogs — someone dumped them on a nearby busy street and they found their way to our house. The two little dogs went into the wonderful care of East Lake Pet Orphanage and, of course, found good homes. Dudley the Angel has been with us since 2013 — he’s quite the fellow. I’m grateful we got another free dog for our lives, but I’d still like to spit in the eye of the jerk who dumped him and the two little dogs.  …
In the early days of our marriage, more than a quarter-century ago, Martha and I found an apparent bait dog who was barely able to stand and had been thrown out onto a pile of trash near Mountain Creek Lake after dark. That pittie dog’s face sticks with me. At first I thought she might bite me. But she just wanted to be comforted in her final hours. There are people who oughta be in jail. No parole. No light sentences. Not a day without a lecture about protecting and loving animals and kids and others. Not a day without a pop quiz about proper behavior among humans and animals. Yeah, I’m a daydreamer. Not alone, I suspect. Save the animals and work on saving the humans, too -- though they're nearly impossible to help. Evidence suggests.
—- Offer criminal justice ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] and put SAVE ‘EM ALL AND LOVE ‘EM, TOO in the subject line. —-

PETER’ SAD EYES; WALKER THE DOG FELL OVER IN THE HEAT; BERRY AND NOT-A-BERRY CATS

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022 [PetPowellPress] This morning, clad in my light sweater, jeans, thick socks, hiking boots and attractive mountain cap, I was riding my “delicate red” Vespa through the cool of the mountain roads down toward the beautiful stream that runs between stands of tall pines … then suddenly I awoke and began to type the Wednesday edition. Those mountain beaver sounds I heard by that stream? Porche snoring as she sleeps in air-conditioned comfort on her Carpet of Transcendental Coolification next to my chair.
Yeah, I post her photo a lot — I’m fascinated by this dog, a constant fixture in my life since 2009 when she wandered up limping, starving and in a collar so tight her ferocious bark came out like a movie clown rasp. 
She is the Triumph of Love we wish for all dogs and cats and other critters who have been betrayed by humans. 
Thanks to people who can’t stop loving animals, we have opportunities to help make things right today. If you don’t have a dog or cat, get one or two or one or two of each. Shelters are overloaded and the euthanasia needles are on “active” status.
PETER AND HIS SAD EYES?

GIVE HIM A HAPPY LOOK
Those Mesquite Animal Services volunteers keep hustling to empty places where the next recovered animal can go. For example, in this over-stuffed shelter era, our pal, volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown tells us what Peter the Dog is like. How’s that? Because she’s actually met him!
J
Judi writes, “Look into Peter’s eyes in the first and last pictures and you will see sadness. It’s apparent from the fly bites on his ears, his need for a bath, and his protruding ribs that at least recently he has not had the good care he deserves.

“Peter is a 4-5 year old German short haired Pointer/English Pointer mix who arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/21 as a stray. He is not fixed. He weighs 55 pounds but certainly could use some groceries!

“He’s on the timid side and will sometimes flinch when you reach for him. However, there’s no doubt he wants to be loved and has lots of love to give a deserving family! Peter is sweet, gentle, calm, well mannered and affectionate. He sits for treats and most of the time takes them gently. He did his business when he first got into the yard. He had a strong pull on the leash to get out into the yard but then I walked him back-and-forth in the yard and he walked right beside me. He was not interested in meeting other dogs in the bay. My heart went out to him. If you meet him he will come to you and put his head on your lap and your ❤️ will no doubt melt! He wants to be an inside dog this time around so he can love on his new family!”
 Peter is #50720667. Use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
See more available dogs and cats at the Mesquite Shelter (and how to adopt them!) by clicking HERE.
[LARRY NOTE: I thought I saw a naming pattern — possibly names selected by people raised on Northeast Texas farms. You see that girl Blackberry (#50207248), just over 3 months old, black and waiting in the Conference Room at theshelter. She’s pretty darned resolute in that photograph. And she and the second cat, Raspberry, may be relatives — there’s no info confirming that, but all cats are kin, I’m pretty sure. Raspberry (#50207252) is also 3 months old and small. And she’s in the shelter lobby. Look for the black and tan kitty cutie. For a split-second I saw this cat I thought, “What kind of berry is a Jerri?” Of course, this cat with the big claws and the irritated-at-the-paparazzi look is Jerri Not-a-Berry. She’s about a week older than the Berry sisters, and a little larger. She’s also awaiting adoption in the shelter Lobby area. The Berry girls came in on May 17 and Jerri Not-a-Berry has been waiting for a home since arriving on May 20.]
WALKER, A VICTIM OF HEAT/HUMAN;
ALSO RESCUED BY HUMANS….
The initial story we saw on Walker was headlined “911-Medical Emergency-Man Down” and opened with “This fellow stumbled up to a home in the heat of the day and collapsed.”

The initial tip on Walker came from our pal Karen Lee, guiding angel at barkleyworld.com. She referred us to Pound Pals, the Emory-based non-profit that has a mission of helping animals.
That’s Walker passed out from the heat. Pound Pals serves both Rains and Wood Counties in East Texas “neither of which has a county shelter,” our Pound Pals source says. “Walker was found between Upshur and WoodCounties.” The finders got in touch with Pound Pals.
A Pound Pals spokes person told us Wednesday morning that she “was told by vet staff that Walker had to be carried into the clinic when he arrived yesterday. He had a list a mile long of needed services that we authorized.

“In addition to suffering heat exhaustion, he is a cryptorchid [undescended testicle], was covered in fleas and ticks so he was treated for that - fecal & 4DX Test are pending. Full panel lab work, xrays, ultrasound, vaccinations, eye, ear and skin diagnostics (infections), etc., etc. - his vet team is still in the diagnostic phase. We will have more answers as lab test/film consultation results come in later today and tomorrow.

“Walker does not appear to be a family pet that has had a lifetime of love and medical care. Sadly, his condition at intake reflects that he has weathered a lifetime of severe neglect. That said, his vet tech said Walker knows people are there to help him now and he is a very sweet and grateful boy.”
[LARRY ASIDE: That comment from the vet tech is worth reading, isn’t it! Dogs are so forgiving of humans — may Walker live many years with a human he loves and who loves him completely.]
To help Pound Pals help Walker, donations are needed. Pound Pals says, “Since there is no tax-funded pound in our county, we got the call on this boy. There is no relief available for these dogs other than Pound Pals' outreach program. We have answered a lot of calls this year through outreach. Unfortunately, our outreach program is out of funds. Knowing there is no other aid available, we are going to try a rally for this boy. Our required ER deposit is $1,000 which is what we need immediately to get diagnostics and treatment started.”
 To help Pound Pals help Walker, you can go to the non-profit’s Facebook page HERE and use the “QR codes."  You may also donate at the Pound Pals website — www.poundpals. com. And if you have questions or want to volunteer to foster or adopt Walker, email pound_pals @yahoo.com. 

And, of course, to help Karen and barkleyworld.com help other animals, click www.barkleyworld.com to see how to get involved with this life-saving mission.
Sometimes the theory of “save ‘em all” doesn’t just refer to adopting them, sometimes it takes surgery or medicines or determined hearts of strangers who love animals.

CONTEMPLATIONS
THREE POINTS ON ONE DAY
Yep, before i got well into the day I discovered three things that were making me contemplate life.

AN EMAIL SUBJECT LINE read “Protecting Chickens From Predators” and my first thought was somebody is going to outlaw fried chicken and what will my beloved Southern Baptists serve at festive dinners? Be OK by me, but probably isn’t going to happen until other people swear off their carnivorous ways because the planet already has enough killing. Can I get an "Amen!"?...

AN ADVERTISING LINE: An email from an online company had this subject line: “Fall is calling…is your patio ready?” If autumn is calling in North Texas, it’s doing it via satellite from one of the poles. Our patio has been ready for autumn since March 20 — last day of winter this year. ….

LISTENING TO A MAJOR RADIO station Wednesday morning, I heard an advertisement for lakeside property and the woman who recorded the spot said this lake is near “Cor-si-kawh-nawh.” Not "Cor-si-can-uh." I’m sensitive about pronunciations of Texas towns — after all, I was born and raised in (using my authentic Northeast Texas accent) Tex-ir-kin-uh, not Tex-ahrrr-khaah-naaah.
—- Send ideas or hopes by clicking on ‘comment’ or email [email protected] and put KEEP THE ANIMALS SAFE AND COOL in the subject line. —-

OUR 2ND EDITON CITES OPPORTUNITIES TO RISE UP AND HELP IN TOUGH TIMES...

[SECOND EDITION TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY JULY 26-27, 2022] We have a few animal-related reports to add to the total of this day’s earlier report from Daingerfield.
 Never seen such a busy time for shelters and the animals in them waiting for adoption, rescue or … well, you know the third thing. Let’s all activate our positive thinking and stand between the animals and the awfulness. Irony? Not one of the animals in this edition is in a shelter. Determined people kept 'em in foster homes.
KATIE AND OTIE AND
CHANCES TO HELP…
These are two East Texas dogs that we learned about because Dallas-based animal advocate Mary Sullivan has connections with our pal Gail Whelan of the Companion Animal Network. Connections — that’s the key to a great many successful rescues and adoptions. 
In this case, Mary sent a note about Katie, that pointy-eared girl currently being fostered in Quitman, east of by a little more than 2 road hours.
The story of Katie is she’s a “beautiful and talented young dog” who “needs her forever home.”
Her bio reads that she is “Happy, playful, affectionate, & great with other dogs & kids – the perfect family companion.” She’s about 18 months old, weighs 45 “healthy, fully vetted” pounds and is “smart and eager to please.” She knows “many commands, can follow instructions, is very well-mannered and is leash-trained and housetrained.” 
To ask about giving Katie a home, call 903-967-3226 or email Companion Animal Network at [email protected].

We were discussing Katie’s situation with our longtime pal Gail when she told us about “a new angel I got last week. My good friend here [East Texas] saw a man in front of a Sonic holding this boy on a leash and try8ing to give him away.. She talked him into calling me. I’ve named him Odie."
Again, call CAN at 903-967-3226. Email [email protected].
See CAN’s adorable adoptables at www.ca-n.petfinder.com. 
There you can read about Odie. One paragraph tells us, “He is approximately one year of age, fully vetted, heartworm negative and microchipped. Currently he is 60 pounds and could stand to add a few more.”

He’s a pretty handsome dog. To echo the traditional response in my childhood, “Whut kin-a dog is thayut?” And CAN says, “We believe Odie is a mix of pointer and foxhound and will have more information when his DNA test comes in.”

MARY, SKIPPER & PIPPIN:
STILL NEED HOME/HOMES

We wrote about these three cats last Friday, but here it is days later and the three kittens are still in foster cast and waiting for someone to give them a home or homes.
Veteran rescuer/foster/animal advocate Tanja Sewell-Pattist has been work- ing with the “3 sweet, playful kittens” and they’ve visited a vet and they’re healthy. Also — and here’s a glorious sentence as catfans know! — “ They know how to use a litter box.”
(Those babies are, in order, Mary (top right), Skipper (left) and Pippen.)These kittens are around 12 weeks old. 
How did they wind up in rescue care?
 Tanja says, “These kittens and their mom were trapped down in the Dallas Fair Park, MLK Blvd area. The skittish mom was being fed by a lady who lives in the area. The three kittens are the sweetest little things; they like to be held; and are so playful."
Then Tanja added, "Sadly, the town is flooded once again with kittens.” 

To ask about helping these kittens survive tough times in Dallas, call 972-898-3156 or email [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS
THE TIMES, DENSITY AND SHARKS

FOR THESE BULGING SHELTER TIMES: Any rescue veteran got a suggestion for re-booting a brain numbed by the animal circumstances of 2022? I usually self-prescribe a temporary fix, i.e., a giant chocolate-dipped Dairy Queen soft-serve vanilla ice cream cone. But I promised my team of doctors that I’d change my ways. And while I cannot have ice cream, the city laws keep me from adopting more puppies and kittens. When the term "city limits" comes up, that's the limit I think about. …
SPEAKING OF PUPPIES & KITTENS: When you run across the phrase “Population Density” when you’re reading about a city, do you automatically think about the don't care/so what residents who don’t spay and neuter their dogs and cats and don’t keep them from wandering and multiplying? Yes, I do. Thought I’d share that. ….
FYI: SHARKS? IN AN EAST TEXAS STOCK TANK? I’ve never been swimming in water that hosted sharks. I have, however, been swimming in ponds that had water moccasins and leeches and, standing nearby, bulls and heifers watching to see if anything interesting might be about to happen. Never did, thanks to my teenage fear of snakes and my American Red Cross swimming lessons in a city pool.
—- Offer advice or lucky lotto numbers by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing [email protected] and put SAVE ‘EM ALL NOW in the subject line. —-

THE MISSION OF SAVING 'EM ALL ISN'T LIMITED TO BIG CITIES....

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY, JULY 26-27 [PetPowellPress] We’re going to get to the pressure-packed situation in Daingerfield, Texas, in just a moment.
Here’s why I didn’t get to it sooner today. I was enchanted.
 You know what kept me from jumping right into this edition today? Martha’s dog Wendy walked up on my right side at the desk, put her head on my knee and waited to be petted. 
So I stopped writing the prelude to the novel, The Dog Who Wrote Best Sellers, and began to pet her with my right hand. After a couple of minutes, she decided to move on. I resumed typing and suddenly she appeared on my left side. I petted her with my left hand. She stared at me. Then walked down the hall toward the kitchen and to the pantry. I got the message. Treat time on the morning shift. [LARRY ASIDE: Treat time is a joy for the humans, too — no I don’t gnaw the treats, but I do enjoy seeing the bright eyes that are are happy all the way to a dog’s tummy. Same for the cats. You’re cheating yourself if you don’t get to make someone on this planet happy with a dog or cat treat! FYI: If you don’t have a dog or cat, this is the perfect time to get one — every shelter in the known universe is full to the gills, no offense to fish. Our example of a full shelter? Read on.]
DAINGERFIELD’S SHELTER
HAS PLENTY OF ADOPTABLES

& A RESCUE-ONLY NAMED KESSA
Not all the over-stuffed animal shelters are in big cities. Sometimes the small shelters in small towns hold onto animals in hopes of finding the perfect homes for them, the timely rescue, the just perfect place to save their lives. 
The City of Daingerfield (population about 2,700), is about 2 1/2 hours east of the Metrosprawl — take I-30 or I-20, it’s about the same ride. And Daingerfield has a city animal shelter that has posted this bright red notice on its Facebook page.
We learned of the current challenge of shelter animals at risk from Tami Kukla, a Dallas-based, rescue-minded animal advocate who has “adopted” the Daingerfield Shelter and its animals as a project for getting attention and saving lives. 
Tami, adopting the more personal “we’re all in this effort together,” wrote: “Real talk coming your way. The shelter is at capacity and tough decisions have to be made. We have always focused on trying to save them all. We just don't have any more room.

“Our little shelter is tucked off the highway by a baseball field. We are in need of a FIELD OF DREAMS for people to come adopt this week or for rescues that are overfull to just take one. Case for everyone of more dogs and cats coming in than going out. This constant rapid fire of emergency is making it hard keep up.  We are drowning. 
“We often get asked how people can help. There are so many ways.  Adopt if you can. Volunteer if you can. Donate if you can. Share, share and share more!  Getting these animals seen is something that everyone reading this can do. 
“We are in a crisis and as much as we try and be a positive driving force, times right now are making that very hard.  It isn’t sustainable for us to continue at the level in which we have recently been operating. The system is truly clogged and we need the community and the country to help!  We can all do something and the time is now to save a life in Daingerfield. 
“Three highlight pets if we could get help on it would make such a difference. They are our harder to place and at the greatest risk. 
“On First Base is little Tater Tot. This little pibble who is a year old never got the attention that a puppy needs as they grow. He is learning lots of cool things and is in love with his people he sees every day and with toys. Man, does he love toys. He needs a unicorn adopter. Only dog. Someone who will commit to work with him to continue his training. No kids under 12. He overstimulates and just needs someone who will give him structure And love. He will be an amazing forever friend. 
“On second base is Kessa. This gorgeous girl needs someone experienced with street dogs. She wants to learn people and the shelter team is working with her. She needs a rescue who can work with her.  
“On third base is Holly. Our 6-year-old Calico who has lived her entire life at the shelter and has some bipolar tendencies. She needs to be an only kitty. She needs a home that will let her be the queen If you know what I mean.

“Rounding out at home plate is Ezra.  This handsome 1 year old hunk is a fan of people and dogs and is the adventure dog who knows commands and just wants to give you hugs.”
Tami reported to us that Tator and Kessa are likely to be the first euthanized . And there’s this other girl, Lyra, a “long-timer” (that's her Christmas photo) who has been at the shelter since December of 2018.
Oh! One more before we add the contact info. This is Eustace, who, Tami writes, is “our senior boy! This old guy is still a puppy at heart with lots of love and play time to give!. You will find him spending his yard play time checking on the babies and watching butterflies. He came to us with very little leash training. Now he has learned that the harness isn't so bad and that it means good walks are in the his future. He still isn't a fan of collared leash walking. He is just a senior man looking for a comfy floor to live out his days with a family."
To help any of these animals call the shelter at 903-645-2120 or email [email protected]. To see more Daingerfield adoptables, click on this LINK https://www.facebook.com/DaingerfieldAnimalShelter/
COMING UP IN THE NEXT
EDITION: MORE ANIMAL
TALES…CLICK LATER TODAY

Contemplations: Why are some hours quicker than others? Would a time machine be helpful. Why can’t more people adopt dogs and cats? You know, before Dallas and Fort Worth kill 'em for just filling up too much space. We have more people in the Metropolitan area than there are in some states and, indeed, more than there are on the other 8 or 9 planets. Still iffy on Pluto's status.
—- Add notions or emotions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put MANAGE TIME in the subject line. —-

FROM BETH TO CHANEL TO PUPPIES TO PEANUTS AND THE BICENTENNIAL....

[EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY JULY 25-26, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Our Monday morning stack of email is always thick. It takes nearly a cup and a half of coffee to get through the jewelry/purse advertisements. Then, there are the animal-related emails. We try to post as many as is humanly possible — and that’s not easy since DNA has confirmed I’m not really human. But, here we go and not all of these are going to be happy but nearly all of them, when they touch a human heart, will prove to be a path to happiness. Happiness? Yew bet. Our goal is to help the right animal find the right home and the right humans find the right way to help animals. 
[HAPPINESS DEMONSTRATION: That is my girl Porche Noel snoozing on Sunday afternoon while I was reading. Yes, she sleeps with a smile. And that is happiness in my life. I wish such happiness for you. We have opportunities today for you to put a smile on a dog’s face or a great purr in a cat’s mood.]
THIS DOG’S NAME IS BETH;
DOES SHE HEAR YOU CALLIN’?
OK, I confess. That headline was inspired by the KISS song Beth, but this first item was inspired by the look on that dog Beth’s face! In reality, this dog is who is inspirational. We learned of her in a note from the critter-helping folks at Mazie’s Mission, the rescue/adoption center that also functions as a rescue hospital. 
[Mazie’s Mission was founded by Dr. Erin Shults and, in January 2014, the organization opened the “very first non-profit veterinary clinic that services rescue organizations only.”]
The opening paragraph of the Mazie’s Mission appeal reads, “How is Beth still looking for her forever home?! Beth has spent the last 547 days looking for her forever... and we are absolutely baffled that she still has not found it.”
 You’ll note that there is a pair of shoes in that first photograph of Beth. We’re declaring them to be symbols of the heart in this great dog. Read on.
Mazie’s describes her as “virtually the perfect companion” who “sleeps most of the day, is trustworthy out of her crate, and loves quiet strolls around the neighborhood with her person. She has excellent leash manners.”
Now here’s that shoe thing — and most readers with dogs know how the relationship with a shoe can turn. Not with Beth. Mazies reports, “She loves her squeaky toys and will self-entertain with them. Beth has a cute habit of very carefully taking a shoe to keep near if her person is out of the house. She is very careful with the shoe (she knows her manners!) - no damage is ever done. She just brings it back to her bed and keeps it there until her person comes back.”

Beth is about 5, spayed, up today on all meds and heartworm prevention. She’d do best as an only dog and with no kids younger than around 7. See more about her on maziesmission.org. You’ll learn that she’s very affectionate and her biographer wrote, “She loves to hand out kisses at every turn. She will be laying down and suddenly get the urge, and has to come over and lick your hand or your arm. She does a little happy dance each time.” 
About being an only dog, the bio reads, “Beth does not do well with other pets. This is understandable as she had to fight for every resource she got before coming to the rescue. She was severely underweight and was surrendered due to pyometra, an infection of the uterus. She was saved by a spay surgery and now she has been on a high fat diet, just so that she can gain that weight back.
She has gained about 30 pounds since rescue and is ready to find her new furever home!” The adoption application form is at www.maziesmission.org/adopt."
A NON-PROFIT KEEPS HUSTLING
TO GET THE ‘UN-SEEN” SEEN
Here’s the opening to Monday’s email from 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on smaller shelters and their animals.
The note reads, “PLEASE HELP.  hese are pups and dogs (and kitties) often not seen by anyone other than shelter staff. There are zero walk-in's to many of these shelters.
 CALL/TEXT 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]  if you can help!  PLEASE HURRY….”
That beautiful cat is “young vaccinated female” Chanel. She’s a “medium long-hair Calico AVAILABLE NOW” at the Red Oak Animal Shelter only a handful of minutes south of Dallas on I-35 if there are no freeway tie-ups in Lancaster, DeSoto or Glenn Heights. How did Chanel get to Red Oak? Unknown except to her. She was “found out and about on her own and the little pink collar she was wearing was way too tight — poor baby,” reads her bio. “She is absolutely beautiful. True Calico. Beautiful fur. Super sweet and loving.”

[LARRY ASIDE: This 6-pup litter of Aussie Shepherd mixes is emblematic of the human geniuses we are forced to live with since we eliminated the painful punishment of putting people in stocks on the courthouse lawn in the late 1700s. Sometimes my bad side comes out in my typing.]
This half-dozen bundle of babies is a rescue. The Helpers report, “A very kind person found this little litter of 6 puppies on the side of the road in a rural area not far from McKinney.  They desperately need a rescue group. … They are all very sweet and very lovable.  Approximately 8-9 weeks old.”
This guy Loki is in a small local shelter that, the Helpers’ theory is “that due to the heat, apparently the shelter shaved him. Fur should grow back quick.”
The Helpers report that Loki “was at risk in a high-killed shelter and we pulled him to give him more time in hopes we could find either an adoptor or rescue group. He is very gentle, lovable, calm and so sweet. ….seems to love other dogs…. His paperwork said he was released ot the shelter by someone due to apparently eye issues.  They will need to be checked out to see what is going on.  Note that even if it should be something genetic, placing him with another loving buddy/dog friend will make all the difference and he will have a doggie friend to help him out. We have done this in the past with both kitties and dogs that have eye issues and it works out great.”
We’ve mentioned these three dogs before. Hamlet, a 3-year-old Husky boy is sweet and loves to be petted and is in the care of a “private animal control” north of Dallas — as is Bearlee, the 3-year-old Retriever/Border Collie mix who “adores everyone.”
That third dog is Blake, a young Boxer in the Ferris Shelter. He is about 2 years old. And adorable. The Helpers’ bio reads, “So sad, because he is such a great dog that they were sure someone would come for him but no one reclaimed him and now he needs a new home. Very, very sweet boy. So much wants to be loved.”
Remember, you can see more animals that are on the radar at 4-Legged Helpers by going to the non-profit’s Facebook page HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
LOOKING FOR THE POSITIVES
The U.S. Mail has arrived. Our outdoor temp right now (11:56 a.m. Oven Standard Time) is a chilling 97 degrees, the phone screen says. (An  hour later the temp was ONLY 99!) Just a click and I can tell the time and temp. But I do miss the days of picking up my phone at the office and calling the “Time & Temperature” is Maine or Montana to see how much difference there was between the reading there and the reading in downtown Dallas. I’d do just about anything to get an item for a column. As I began demonstrating in late July 1965 at the Texarkana Gazette. That was a while back, wasn’t it. That's my cool cat William The Office Cat doing his impression of Howlin' Wolf at the window.…. 

As a fan of Peanuts, I am aware that creator Charles Schulz’s first book was Happiness Is A Warm Puppy with Lucy and Snoopy on the cover. That was in 1962. In 2022, in Texas, perhaps the title could be Happiness Is An Air-Conditioned Dog & A Cool Cat. ...
In the opening item I referred to KISS’s version of Beth. It’s, of course, my favorite version, but my second-most-favorite version of Beth isn’t by a rock band. It’s by the actor Paul Rudd (and cast) in the comedy Role Models. But, in honor of my twin sons’ childhoods, we’ll post the KISS version HERE. It was released in 1976, also known as The Bicentennial Year of the American Revolution. Yep, that was a big year for kids who liked pageants and festive events and fireplugs painted red, white and blue and rock bands in costumes! 
—- Offer advice or warm thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put STAY COOL AND MAKE MONEY in the subject line. —-

BEAU -- HE'S THE HANDSOME GUY WHO HAS JOBS AND FANS...

That is the photograph that earned the spotlight for this dog Beau. Yes, Beau is our feature canine for this weekend’s Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
Why? His Mom sent me $500. 
I’m kidding.
It’s really a matter of envy. I wish I could sleep like that!
 As a PCI, I saw that photo and was immediately enchanted at the stretch Beau uses to get every last bit of himself relaxed and sleeping. [LARRY ASIDE: What is a PCI? Practicing Constant Insomniac. Insomniacs ACHE to be able to stretch out on a couch and go to dreamland, even if it makes our paws twitch like we’re chasing rabbits through an East Texas pasture.]
This guy Beau, now 3 years old, is the canine with several jobs at the home of a couple of my ol’ pals from our days at The Dallas Morning News, Rudy and Greta Godfrey of Mineola. That’s about an hour and 45 minutes east of Dallas on either the I-20 or U.S. 80 routes.
I asked Greta to tell me about Beau — she presented a photo of him “getting pampered.” That’s him in the window of the Pamper Camper Mobile Doggie Spa. So, he’s clearly a stylish fellow.
I also asked her, “What does Beau do for fun.”
She sent me a photo of Beau keeping her Mom, Shirley Hudman, company. Greta said, “This is what he does for fun. He thinks he is my 92-year-old Mama’s service dog! Watches her every move.”
Where did Beau come from?
“Well,” she writes, “I went to the APET shelter here in Mineola and he adopted me. I was looking for a small puppy that would be a small dog. He ran straight to me and my heart melted. He’s been my Beau ever since.
“He loves Rudy and my Mama. He hates the mailman and doesn’t like UPS or FedEx trucks. The neighbor’s cats irritate him and he doesn’t like our visitors … on bicycles!!!
“He loves to beg Rudy for a bite of anything he is eating and he has gained 40 lbs since my Mama has moved in with me. She feeds him when I’m not looking.”

You see photos illustrating those key moments in Beau’s day of achieving chores!
 Greta also says she “took him to school to learn do sit and walk on a lead. That was a waste of $184. He pulls me when we walk ( really fast)!!!

“He does sit right beside the bathroom door when my Mama is in there and beside both of them when they are eating! 
“Likes to ride with me to the liquor store and when I go to the cemetery to visit my dad and sister! 
“Loves the neighbors. We get together sometimes to drink wine and try to solve the world's problems! And I guess that’s pretty much all about this spoiled mutt!”
You see how the window holds Beau’s attention. Greta says he “likes to look out the window and the neighbors drive by and wave at him.”

And, of course, he’s ready to be a sleeping dog whenever nobody else in the house is eating.
[DEAR READERS: SEND PHOTOS of your beloved critters to [email protected] and we’ll post their photos and their stories in out long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Readlarrypowell.com believes its inadequate to simply say, “Yeah, I’ve got a dog” or “Yes, I have a cat.” These are personalities that make a difference in your lives. Again, send the info to [email protected] and we’ll celebrate them and so will the strangers who read about them. And insomniacs will work hard to stretch out on a couch in hopes of nodding off and replicating The Sleeping Style of Beau the Dog.]
— Leave the ideas you get from your animals by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “SAVE ‘EM ALL” in the subject line. ——

SAVING ANIMALS -- DOGS AND CATS -- AND WONDERING ABOUT PEOPLE....

EDITION OF FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 [PetPowellPress] Added complaints about the heat will do no good today, so let’s focus on helping animals — MANY ARE ON THE ASSORTED DEATH ROWS in our ultra-sophisticated metropolitan area. Why? It’s the overpopulation, dumped animals, don’t care/so what people ignoring the consequences of their actins. Heartless. We’ll have more in a Contemplation collection, of course.
THIS DOG IS ON THE
CLOCK FOR TODAY; MAYBE
THE OTHER DOG, TOO!
This is a human-created problem that only humans can solve.
We’ve been writing about animals in city and county shelters for decades, but 2022 has the biggest wave of euthanasia of unwanted animals that I can recall. (Check with the shelter in your city or county and see how you can help save animals that have been betrayed by their humans.)
While reading some of the online reports I found this heart-felt expression from Laurie Gautreaux. She was writing on her Facebook page about things she was feeling as a loyal volunteer at Fort Worth Animal Care and Control. I’m sure people at other large shelters are having the same feelings. 
Laurie wrote to her audience, i.e., “I feel like I’m drowning and can’t catch my breath! Since Sunday the shelter has taken in 299!!!!!!
8 returns; 97 owner surrenders; 194 strays!
“Like how are there any animals even left anymore! This is ridiculous. 80 we’ve added to Code Red today! Yes you read that right 80. Get ready for another huge EU!!!!
“Pictured is my favorite boy who was adopted and recently returned and now Code Red at risk of euthanasia.”

Here is the link for Code Red dogs at Fort Worth Animal Care and Control.
And you can see how personal these efforts to save em all can get by looking at Laurie’s Facebook page and reading comments. One of her afternoon posts yesterday was vivid — and, frankly, we applaud the shelters who have volunteers and staffers who serve with a passion for saving the animals, not just processing them. 
Laurie wrote, “Today and Tomorrow and the next day and the next day and so on when the shelter is euthanizing don’t you dare come on my post talking sh*t to me, other volunteers or staff calling us murderers and asking how we sleep. The truth is I barely sleep. I wake up at 6 and check messages, I work all day unless it’s the week I have chemo and then I’m sick all day and then I stay up until midnight posting and checking messages so in between that I get about 5 hours of sleep! So when you ask me how I sleep? Well, not very good.
“How about you use that same energy and focus it on the people that are the root of the problem and that’s the selfish people who are dumping their family member.

“Yesterday we took in another 81 after taking in 78 the day before! So when you see my list today don’t you dare come at me or the shelter staff!!! Because the mood I’m in, either help with a solution or get the BLEEP off my post! 

“This 6-month-old puppy is going to be euthanized today [Friday] because his BLEEP owner told the shelter he bit when in reality he’s a playful mouthy puppy! He’s dog friendly and needs a hero before noon! Can anyone help him.? .... Last call for Friday July 22nd at noon and needs a hero now! Only 6 months old and dog friendly. Came in as a biter which after reading notes was def mouthy not a bite.”
That dog is Harley (#50675574) and, Laurie wrote, “Friendly at intake. Owner states that dog is great with her older kids, but has become nippy with the youngest child. Dog is jumpy, nippy when food is around, and has nipped and drew blood on daughter's fingers and hands, most recently on the 9th of July (currently the 15th). Placing dog into bite quarantine). So maybe no small children…. 6 month old, 36 pounds, spayed, heart worm negative."

There you have it. The Challenge by Noon for Harley.
 See how to save him by going to the Fort Worth Animal Control page here:
https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/code-compliance/animals
[LARRY ASIDE: May someone beat you to saving Harley and Raye. And may your next step be to help save ‘em all in Fort Worth. Or Dallas. Or Arlington. Or Irving. Or Mesquite. Or Grand Prairie. Pick a city; save ‘em all.]
TWO CAT STORIES WITH
CONTRASTING SITUATIONS
ALL READY FOR ADOPTION: These cats all need a safe place to spend the rest of their lives.
The first three are being helped by veteran rescuer Tanja Sewel-Pattist who distributed an appeal on their behalf Thursday.
She wrote, “Hello everyone. I need adopters for 3 sweet kittens.  They have been to the vet, and are healthy.   They know how to use a litter box.  According to my vet, they are 11-12 weeks old. They all have received their first kitten vaccination.” 
To offer to adopt, email [email protected]
Mary is that “handful” of Tortie girl with the big eyes. Skipper, with the ears he’ll probably grow into, is an orange tabby. And so is that little beauty Pippin.
 They are at the perfect age to help humans understand cats and their needs.

 

***
ALL READY TO GET OUT OF THE HEAT  


 

WE HAVE A SATURDAY UPDATE ON THESE KITTENS: Paula Fletcher McCoart is tending to them for now and they are all very friendly, she says. They've got better shelter now (inside a shop) but they still need humans to give them homes and good places to stay.  Paula says call or text 903-276-3280 to offer to help these babies by giving a safe summer place to live. She says this is a friendly bunch of formerly unwanted cats. Now the mission is to match 'em up with people who want them. Here is a LINK TO A VIDEO OF OF THE SWEET KITTY AND HER KIDS.
***
We got the tip on this situation from Tami Kukla and it led us to the Facebook page of Valerie Morgan Duckworth and we think that may be the place to start if you want to help these animals. 
The first note we got read, “SOS !! Anyone able to help this little abandoned family?! They are on their own and it’s so hot !! Located in Dallas Tx. I can have them vetted. THEY ARE LAYING ON HOT PAVEMENT!!! I have the exact address if anyone can help. They are off Irving Blvd.”

Later in the day came this message: “Update: Mama is super friendly and so are the babies. They have food and water but need help asap. More pics in comments and videos in the comments on the OP. 5 kittens total. OP said she will pay for ALL VETTING.”
[LARRY ASIDE: And that’s where we are — I cannot uncover just who the OP — Original Poster? — is because I’m apparently not smart enough for the 21st Century’s odd methods of  PRECISE communication. I read a lot of stuff about these cats — responses from other people, but I’ll be a Battery-Operated Baby Boomer if I can figure out just who to point you to so these cats can be helped. If anyone knows, please email me at [email protected]. 
Here’s a link to one of the postings. Maybe. It's 2 miles long. Let me know if you find a contact point.
[LARRY APOLOGETIC  ASIDE: I apologize for not finding a contact point to help these animals. “Drives me up the blamed wall,” as a 20th Century friend of my used to say. Remember, if you need help, tell people how to reach you so they ACTUALLY CAN help you.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
LOOKING AT OUR PLANET
This has nothing to do with the earth’s environment, it has to do with WHERE WE LIVE and the OVERLOADED SHELTERS WITH OVERUSED EUTHANASIA NEEDLES. 
For crying out loud, my fellow humans, “KILL IT” can’t be the solution we apply to every problem humanity creates on this battered planet. Are we so stupid that “kill ‘em” is our only solution in animals and in war? Why are we like we are? And how can we change for the better? I’m talking to you people who dump your animals and to you people who start wars. Explain it to me. …
And while you’re at it, Earthlings, stop that stupid war in Ukraine. Didn’t anybody read history books and remember how goofy leaders of nations behave if they’re not properly cautioned or influenced by peace-keeping force? Save the planet from war.
I’m out of Contemplations right now. I’m simply beaten down by the crises and the weather. I need polite company. I think I'm going to go sit on a couch and read a book with my snoozing dog Porche and one of her cats. Yep, that's polite company. Wait: A promise. This weekend we'll have a really sweet dog headlining our feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Contemplate that!
—- Offer hope by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. SAVE THE ANIMALS, TOO’ in the subject line. —-

POPEYE AND MIA NEED A HOME; ASSORTED OPPORTUNITIES & A 1966 WEATHER SONG

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY JULY 21/22, 2022 [PetPowellPress] It’s so cloudy over our house today that the romantic-minded heat-seared cannas and blooming plants in the front flower bed are all romantic and singing a weather-inspired hit from 1966 by The Hollies. We’ll Contemplate that later today. First some opportunities to show love for animals.
POPEYE AND MIA: NEEDING
A LOVING HOME ASAP
Any dog story that includes the phrase “Pawpaw passed away” generally means that a dog or two or more is probably in desperate need of help from humans.
That is the case with these dogs — Popeye the Pitbull and Mia the Great Dane. [LARRY ASIDE: Not sure that's a "goodnight kiss" but, judging from the second photo, it could be.]
Pawpaw died in March. We learned of them from Tomi Ortiz, our longtime pal and tipster regarding canine situations. As you can tell from the photos, these two are bonded. 
The circumstances here are that these two dogs — bonded from early puppyhood —  are in temporary care at Pawpaw’s house, living in very “iffy” air-conditioning.
Both dogs are around “4 or 5 years old” and they live well with humans. But Pawpaw’s old home is very, very temporary so the need for a new permanent place with loving people is very, very immediate. Like now. Right now. 
A new home that loves dogs forever is the goal. To ask how you can help or to adopt get in touch with Tomi by emailing [email protected].
Tomi says that Pawpaw, a disabled veteran, got the dogs when a young relative brought them by as puppies, stayed a while, left and didn’t come back for the dogs. Because of financial circumstances, the dogs rarely — if ever — visited a vet.
[LARRY FYI: Tomi’s daughter and her boyfriend have been tending to the dogs and making sure they’re as comfortable as possible, are fed and haven’t lost their happiness with human contact. Again, email [email protected] to help save Popeye and Mia.]
A CHANCE TO CITE 
THE GREAT APOLLO
We’ve been posting photos of Apollo for a while now. What inspires writing about Apollo this time? Ah, a news release from the SPCA of Texas! (Thank you, Maura Davies! She’s the SPCA’s veteran Vice Prez for Marketing & Communications.)
As you may know, after taking a time-out to subdue a distemper outbreak, the SPCA has resumed adoptions at the fabulous shelter in Dallas. The latest news release has to do with reduced adoption fees thanks to a project partnering the SPCA with the Bissell Pet Foundation.
The release says, “As our nation’s shelters face unprecedented overcrowding, BISSELL Pet Foundation is doing its part to taking homeless pets from kennels to couches by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $50 or less through July 31. The longest-ever Summer National “Empty the Shelters” event will be hosted in more than 250 shelters in 42 states, including SPCA of Texas.
“The SPCA of Texas will be offering $25 adoptions on all adult dogs and cats at its Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center in Dallas through July 31, 2022, for the summer Empty the Shelters event.”
More info is at this ADOPT LINK: www.spca.org/adopt. And you can see available dogs, cats and “others” at www.spca.org/ findapet.  And you can read the entire Bissell news release (and others) by clicking on the SPCA news release site HERE.
We’ve used that first photo of upside-down Apollo many times — he’s just so darned adorable. And he’s nearly 5 years old, weighs 52 pounds and currently is enjoying foster care with the SPCA [LARRY ASIDE: When you go to the SPCA adoption pages, you can see video of Apollo and when you adopt him, please let me know. He’d have a home already if we hadn’t acquired our limit of rescued dogs and cats years and years ago. I’d take that cat Finley, too. All I need is the right six numbers in Lotto Texas.]
Finley is just over 3 years, weighs 10 pounds and is a Domestic Shorthair Mix who has, yes, a clipped ear. So, yep, she’s a congenial kitty who likes the company of others and has spent some time getting her ear “notched” to indicate that she’s been “fixed.”
SOMETHING SPOTTED ON
STREET DOG PROJECT PAGE
My goodness, look at the face on this dog! Is she not beautiful — and was she not in awfully rough shape when The Street Dog Project posted her on its Facebook page on the 15th! 
That was the day that, according to the post that day, “#ProjectElla is having surgery today to have a mass removed, please keep her in your thoughts  ”
And there is this: “Can you please donate towards her care?
https://www.thestreetdogproject.org/donate
Venmo @tsdp- “
Plus there’s this passage: “She was sick when we pulled her from the overcrowded shelter so has been in medical boarding so donations towards her care are greatly appreciated! Y’all are the best, thank you so much! #grateful #streetdogrescue #formerstreetdog #formershelterdog #adoptdontshop #rescue."
I saw this dog’s photo and story on The Street Dog Project Facebook page HERE.  I've been checking back and sending notes but as yet, I have no information about how this dog did in the surgery and if she needs help for her situation. She has such a beautiful face that I simply couldn’t forget it once I saw it. 
[LARRY APPEAL: If anyone from The Street Dog Project can tell me about this former Dallas shelter resident’s current condition, please let me know at [email protected]. It would be a privilege to help you help her find a home.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
PIE, JUST WHEN IS THANKSGIVING, A BUS & WEATHER
So, you know how you can be clicking around on the internet and find something totally unexpected? I found a note about Don McLean’s song American Pie being the topic of a new documentary. And I found that story by accident in the online version of the Port Charlotte Sun, the newspaper of Port Charlotte, Fla.  That photo appeared with the story — and here is the LINK. And if technology doesn’t abandon me, you’ll be able to see that Associated Press photograph and read the small print under the AP photo. Here’s what it says: “Don McLean rides a float Feb. 22, 2019, in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.” Now, as a veteran of decades of watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on American television, I know that Thanksgiving is in November, not in February. Also, the records show that in 2019, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was on Thursday, Nov. 28. Same day as Thanksgiving, it turns out. Keep reading. ...
In today’s note from the Think & Laugh Daily people I got this quote from American philosopher Daniel Dennett. He said, “You should become a connoisseur of your own mistakes, turning them over in your mind as if they were works of art, which in a way they are.”
...
Once upon a time I dropped a decimal point out of the weight of a dog and, as a result, readers saw a sentence about a 75-pound  Chihuahua in my column in the then- Big Dallas Paper Downtown. Yes, I continue to see that mistake as a work of art. This was years ago and my pal and loyal reader Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake phoned to ask snickeringly if she could get a photo of that 75-pound Chihuahua. Here's the artistic part of the tale: Before it could be printed, my column had to be read by 3 or 4 highly educated, hawk-eyed, really smart, clever editors with the mission of catching my mistakes and bad-for-the-company wisecracks. Yep, as Daniel Dennett suggested, that column was a work of art….
CLICK HERE to enjoy that “rainy day song” from The Hollies. Ignore the opening commercial. That bus photo is not from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — it’s from the video of this 1966 hit — that year Thanksgiving was also in November.
— Offer bus advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and putting TICKET TO RIDE? in the subject line. —-