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A CAT AT WORK AND OTHER BRUSHES WITH FICTION....IT'S THE WEEKEND....

Here is a brief demonstration of a cat at work. We’ve paid William Powell an extra posing fee for this weekend’s edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
 And he demonstrated three poses: Drowsy, out-like-a-light and suddenly awake.
I shot those as he went drifting off to sleep in my lap Friday afternoon.
 As you may recall, William has been helping to nurse me through the annoying Covid challenge I’ve been enduring with only mild griping. My funspouse Martha may wish to describe my attitude by using different words. “Whining,” comes to mind. 
A
t any rate, on Friday afternoon, William and I had moved our operations out of the office and into the living room where we were watching Psych, one of our favorite TV mysteries. It is now in reruns on the Hallmark Channel where, for months, there had been a day-after-day load of Christmas stories.
William likes Christmas, but frequently asks, “Dickens couldn’t come up with one legit cat character in London?” Ah, but he did love at least two cats, according to assorted educational reports. 

FYI: Those are "young" photos from May of 2018 when I first met William Powell who evolved from helping me paint woodwork on the house to being a very dynamic and efficient office cat. He was a cutie. Now, he’s a handsome adult cat, happy to be sitting on my mousepad while I snap his photo.
To demonstrate William's peaceful and adoring relationship in with the canine population, I snapped a photo of William and Porche Noel sharing her office bed one morning this week while I was trying to write something profound but found the frolics of a cat and dog much more entertaining.
As a bit of a footnote to this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, I am citing what is titled “Spinster’s Library: A Christmas Carol With My Cats.” The “spinster” is Claudia Haus in Wales and the cats who perform as the three ghosts are her thespianmeowers (That a word?). . Click HERE to see her vision of A Christmas Carol With Cats.
I know it’s nearly a month after Christmas, but as I was watching this Spinster’s Library production, suddenly on the screen flashed this message that I swear I can now endorse. It read “Spread joy not viruses this season.” I’m interpreting “season” as a reference to winter, spring, summer, fall, et al. Is it Spay and Neuter Season yet? Of course it is -- year-round in the vibrant North Texas Pregnantroplex.
[DEAR READERS, If you have a dog or cat who sleeps or naps, send a photo of that furry friend doing either one of them to [email protected] and tell us how you got your critter and why you love each other. We’ll post the stories in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be helping a human decide to open heart and house to the grandest experience! And you’ll be helping insomniacs lie awake wondering if they can squeeze one more cat into the household. I’m kidding. I’d never lay awake wondering that. Answer is clear already.]
—- Offer cat advice or dog tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put PAY ATTENTION TO WISE ANIMALS in the subject line. —-

HELPING ANIMALS WITHOUT THEIR HUMANS; BECOMING THE ANIMALS' HUMANS? IT'S ALL CONNECTED

ONE MORE EDITION FOR FRIDAY, JAN. 13, 2022 [PetPowellPress] In lieu of taking the day off to cope with covid, readlarrypowell.com decided to finish off the week with a couple of stories that highlight the good side of humans, i.e., those angels who love and protect animals.
One story is about a handsome Great Dane mix and the other is about a half-dozen dogs just sort of "dropped off" at someone's home. Here goes:
DOZER THE LAB/DANE,
HIS LOSS, HIS NEEDS
We got the story from Mary Sullivan, veteran animal advocate and protector of critters who wind up in tough spots.
That beings us to this quite handsome Great Dane/Lab mix Dozer, 5 years old, 99 pounds and, as you can see from one photo, "rides well in a car."
His story emerged because of a really tough thing that changed his world.
Mary, asking that people share his story with "your friends and loved ones," explained: "This handsome boy is a Great Dane mix (possibly with Lab) whose 33-year-old owner was killed by a drunk driver three days before Christmas.  
 "Horrible for the family, and even more so for Dozer, who’d spent his whole life with his beloved companion and now is grieving a loss that he doesn’t understand. 

"Dozer needs to be re-homed, but unfortunately, he’s HW+, so we’re going to treat him for that first.  We’ve already started him on Doxycycline; the tough part of his treatment will begin in early March.  Dozer’s in a temporary foster home now, but we’re looking for a medical foster to help him through his treatment.  Any foster will have to commit to keeping him at least through mid-May (and hopefully until he’s adopted).
According to his bio, Dozer is house-trained, has "moderate energy,"
is "good with kids (10 and older), knows "a few commands," is "generally mannerly but just so-so on a leash," also good with other dogs, large and small, and tolerant of cats."

Mary's note says Dozer was "recently neutered and chipped and vaccines have been started -- still needs a couple of boosters. We can supply his foster with everything Dozer may need while he's a guest. Please consider opening your heart and home to this sweet fella." 
If you have questions or want to foster or adopt Dozer, text 214-783-2060.
AND THEN SOMEONE LEFT
A HALF-DOZEN DOGS ....
We got the tip on this curious human behavior in Henderson, Texas, from LaDonna Wernersbach who though some of you Dear Readers might be able to help. 
A Facebook post credited to Annie Marie Sammons in Henderson told the story earlier in the week.
 Info is sketchy, but the bottom line is the dogs appear to be in good hands now. These photos came with the initial request for help.
An as-yet unidentified person wrote this appeal: "I am a home-care provider for an elderly woman who is a fall risk and on a fixed income.
"Last night, someone dumped 6 puppies in her trailer park and they have taken over her porch. I called the county because she lives outside city limits and was told they do not pick up strays. I’m waiting to hear back from the animal shelter but they probably won’t be able to help either.
"These puppies will need some medical care.
"I am worried they will knock my client down and hurt her. I’m worried they will get hit by a car since she lives so close to the highway.
"Does anyone know of any rescues that can come pick them up and get them medical care and a safe warm place to stay? Thank you in advance for any help."
Yesterday the Sammons Facebook page posted this update: "The SCPA of East Texas in Tyler was able to take them in and they are now receiving medical care. Thank you all for your advice and offers to help.
If you would like/are able to please donate to the SPCA in Tyler, TX. Hopefully they’ll be up for adoption soon. They are all sweet babies. Again, thank you so much. Y’all are amazing people."
So, here is the LINK to the SPCA of East Texas in Tyler, the big city just south of I-20 and just north of Henderson, all of the area about 2 1/2 hours east of the Metrosprawl. And here is the phone number to the shelter: 903-596-7722.

UPDATES AND MORE FROM
THE MESQUITE SHELTER
On Wednesday, we posted the story of “precious Ginger,” a 2-year-old, 37-pound mixed breed who came in as a stray on January 2. She’s #51795169. Debra Chisholm, the dog biographer who wrote the evaluation for Ginger reports that there’s an update on Ginger’s condition and it makes her “Rescue Only” now. Her visit to the vet revealed this: “There is a dislocation of the left hip (the femur/thigh bone is out of the acetabulum/hip socket.)"  
So, Debra’s note reads, “It is the recommendation that Ginger will need surgery to repair the damage.  It is likely she was hit by a car to sustain this kind of injury.  You can receive the full vet report by contacting the shelter.  Please consider rescuing Ginger.  She is so worth the save!”
Her original bio is still spot-on. It reads, “She knows the sit command, is mild-mannered, well-behaved, calm and gentle.  She loves and takes treats gently. She is friendly, has a sweet nature and is more than willing to receive loving attention.  She does not appear interested in toys or balls.  Her focus seemed mostly to be on receiving treats and staying close by a human friend.  She will look at you with her beautiful brown soulful eyes and you will know you are in love!  Ginger does a fair amount of barking in her crate, but when she is out she is content and happy.”
Remember, use her shelter ID #51795169 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
[LARRY ASIDE: I saw this photo of Blue trotting off the field with his baseball glove and it reminded me that springtime is coming and so is baseball and when I was a kid, our Border Collie Queenie was among the best fielders in the neighborhood. Might be the case for Blue, too. Just needs a happy home in a loving neighborhood.]
Debra did the evaluation of Blue and reports that he’s a “big boy” and “American Staffie mix that arrived last year” at the Mesquite Shelter — last year’s arrival was on September 13. Long time for a big ol’ dog to patiently wait for the right human to show up. He’s about 4 1/2 years old, weighs 72 pounds and is neutered. Debra reports, “He is one energetic fellow with a high energy level.  He loved running in the yard and chasing balls. He enjoyed rolling around on the ground, covering his coat with dried grass!  He is thrilled with toys and will play with and carry them around the yard.  … Blue is a friendly fellow who is more than happy to receive pets and love from a human companion.” Blue’s ID is #51109844 — use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
This guy is Milo (#51803682), described by Debra as a “spunky and enthusiastic fellow. He’s an arrival for the new year — came in as a stray on January 3. 
Debra says Milo is about 4, weighs 64 pounds, isn’t neutered and “has lots of personality! He raced around the yard, chased balls and explored nearly every inch of the yard.  He had his nose to the ground scouting out the interesting smells.  He may be housetrained.  In fact he had a lot of potty stored up and spent a fair amount of time unloading!  He is a happy-go-lucky boy with a zest for living.  He is also a climber and tried to climb up on the ledge in the shelter yard so a tall secure fence would be in order.  He needs a home with an active person or family who will give him the exercise, playtime and training he needs.  He does not seem to know any commands.  He is a friendly boy and A-OK with receiving attention but doesn't seek it out. He does walk well on a leash and did not react to the dogs we went past who were barking at him. However, it is always a good idea to ask the staff for a dog test.  He likes treats and takes them gently.”
Remember, use Milo’s number (#51803682) when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. |
And this girl is Holly (#51832110), about 3 and 46 pounds and a Terrier mix who came in as an un-spayed stray on the 7th. Debra writes, “She has the cutest fold-over ears. I found this girl to be well-mannered and calm.  She does not jump on you.  She has a moderate activity level.  She pottied in the shelter yard.  I could not interest Holly in toys or balls and she does not seem to know any commands. She also was only mildly interested in treats.  She spent much of her time exploring the smells in the yard.  She walked nicely on a leash and when led past dogs in crates who were barking at her, she simply ignored them.  Holly has an amiable disposition.  There is much to like and appreciate about this girl and she would doubtless make a devoted pet.” She’s #51832110 — use that ID when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

Debra also included this note with these bios: “
The Mesquite Shelter is badly overcrowded with dogs continuing to stream in as strays and surrenders.  Adopters and rescues are desperately needed to give our wonderful animals good homes.” And there this, too: “The shelter continues to be overcrowded and so many of our animals are in need of regular kennels rather than crates. Please help if you can.”
You can see many more Mesquite Shelter animals by clicking on this LINK TO THE CATS AND DOGS.
Among the cats waiting for a home or a rescue is this girl — no name, but ask for Cat #51415118. She’s a medium sized Domestic Shorthair Mix with a fantastic striped coat and a face you can stare into for as long as you and the cat adore each other. [LARRY ASIDE: I speak from personal experience with such adorable cats.] This Cat #51415118 came into the shelter on October 27 and you can meet her and listen to her purr — she’s in the Conference Room at the shelter.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED NOTES…
Which city in the Metrosprawl has the longest red lights? Arlington? I’ll happily entertain other nominees, but I can’t imagine that there’ll be one. … 

The rollercoaster temperatures — surely they can affect the lifespan of a lousy virus, right? Too cold to jog in gym shorts this morning and, besides, I don’t have any gym shorts — the Laws of Good Taste forbid me from wearing short pants. And I agree with them. …
Everybody enjoy the weekend. Avoid Covid. Pay your taxes while you still can. And keep an eye on the skies — you never know what’s out there. Cue the spooky music. Click HERE . OK, may not be from beyond, but it is spooky.
—- Offer Covid tips or musical advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put DISCO WE MISS YOU in the subject line if you dare. —-