A CAVALCADE OF DOGS AND SOME CATS FOR LATE TUES AND MIDWEEK; SAVE 'EM ALL...

EDITION OF TUESDAYPM/WEDNESDAYAM JAN. 3-4, 2023 [PetPowellPress] My funspouse Martha left for work Tuesday morning after two weeks off. This is being typed in total silence in the house. OK, not total. 
 Porche Noel is in her office bed working up a snore— I woke her for this photo.
Dudley the Big Border Collie/Lab Mix is flopped in the front hallway because he thinks she’ll be back in a minute and that’s where he always waits for her when she’s running errands. And Martha’s personal dog, Wendy, kind of a bird dog/Boxer mix (maybe), came into the office, stood next to me for a minute while I tugged her ears, petted her head and hugged her neck. Then she walked off to the living room and, I can’t see from my office chair, but she usually flops onto one of our couches and stretches out like she owns it. Which, I guess, she does.
 William The Office Cat is waiting patiently for treats. Well, OK, so he is kind of glaring at me. He’s patient.

When I got up to go get some decaf — darn that covid no-caffeine restriction — I woke Porche, so I snapped that photo and she went back to sleep.
 I hope you have dogs and cats that give you comfort and companionship every day. If you don’t, there are plenty of opportunities to get one or two over the spreading Metrosprawl. [LARRY ASIDE: We got all our dogs off the streets of Dallas— rescued, every one. Same for the cats. Hard to figure what’s worse: Dumped by someone you thought loved you and immediately in danger on the streets or being fed in a shelter by someone who loves you until someone with a needle shows up. Save ‘em all — humans, we are better than this. Aren’t we? Dallas, shape up.]
NADIA’S PUPPIES ARRIVE
AT STRAYDOG INC.
You may recall that before Christmas we posted a note about Nadia’s “any-day-now-pregnancy” at Straydog Inc., the legendary shelter/sanctuary in East Texas. (That's pregnant Nadia on the left.)When I saw the email subject line Tuesday I wanted to shout out with glee, but I’m a little horse, er, hoarse, these days. The line read, “The puppies are here; thank you for your support! Happy New Year!” The note from Straydog Inc. revealed that Nadia delivered on the 29th — and, of course, it wasn’t normal. What it in the animal world? But it was successful.
According to the folks at Straydog, “It was a difficult delivery and she had to be taken to our vet in the middle of the night. The first puppy, whom we have named Angelica, was stuck in the birth canal but delivered alive by the vet. Nadia stayed at the vet’s office until she delivered all 9 healthy puppies. Juana Arnold (Co-President with Pam Bollinger) and Shelter Director at Straydog) brought Nadia home at 1 a.m. because she’d become very anxious being in a new environment. Nadia has settled in nicely, now that she is back at Straydog and has a litter of 5 boys and 4 girls.” 
Straydog lists THIS LINK as the place to donate to Nadia and her family.
A PRINCE OF A DOG
AWAITS A ROYAL FAMILY
This guy is a Prince among dogs (and cats) awaiting adoption or rescue in the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
Our pal Judi Brown, one of the shelter’s volunteer dog-writers, opened her report about handsome Prince with this line: “If you’re an active family with a good-sized yard and are looking for a playmate come and meet Prince.”
Prince is a 2-year-old, 48-pound “black and white (with tones of gray terrier pit” who was surrendered on the 22nd.
Why? The report was “his owners had a home daycare center and the state said the ownership of this dog was against their stated policy.” [LARRY ASIDE: Anybody know if that’s a real policy in daycare operation in Texas or was somebody just unloading a dog for Christmas?]
Judi got to meet and work with this guy. She reports, “When I first got him out into the yard he was very rambunctious and energetic but after a while he settled down. He greeted some visitors that came to meet him at the gate (see photo). He was very friendly with them. He sits for treats but once he finds out you have treats he becomes quite insistent on getting more! This entails jumping on you. He will need manners training as he was very persistent and didn’t respond to the down command. For this reason Prince would be much better suited for a family with older children or no children at all. He loves to play with toys and will entertain himself with them. The owner-surrender form said he was an outdoor dog and that he really enjoys running. … When going by other kennels to get to the yard it appeared he wanted to interact with other dogs (in a positive way). … Prince has the potential to  become a very loving loyal companion. He also is very thin and could use some groceries!”
Prince is #51751804 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-215-5283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Same system for all these ID numbered animals from Mesquite.
Also waiting in the Mesquite Shelter are Freddie, Ruby, Jax and Fatz. Here are some quick reads on their bios, but if you want to see the ENTIRE bio of any of these, just go to the Mesquite Animal Shelter link HERE.
We’ll offer their photos and short bios and, seriously, take the time to visit their full bios on the shelter site. The writers work had to get to know the dogs — our pals Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm have great affection for dogs and understanding of their needs and cautions and how they might fit into homes. 

Judi provided the bio of this guy Freddie [#51741211]. “You’ll know within two minutes of meeting Freddie that he is special. I did!  He is a one year old, 40-pound mixed breed (possibly Shepherd/Lab mix) that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 12/20 as a stray. The bonus is that he is already fixed!! Besides that he’s a real jewel! If there was a contest for the sweetest dog, he would win it! If you can’t tell already, I am really impressed with Freddie’s loving personality. … Freddy is sweet, gentle, friendly, affectionate, well mannered, and definitely wants to please. His tail wags constantly. He stays close seeking and giving affection. He sits for treats. Actually he sits before you ask him to in anticipation of a treat and takes them gently..” There’s more on his bio on the shelter website.

 Debra’s bio of Ruby [#50166739] describes here as a “little livewire” and “an American Pit mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 9/7.  Yes, she has been at the shelter for 3 1/2 months making her a LONG-TERM resident. She weighs 50 pounds and is approx 3 1/2 years old.  It seems safe to assume that Ruby has been used for breeding purposes.  But no more of that because she is now spayed!! … She is great at fetching and loves to run and play in the yard. She is a fun-loving tail-wagging girl.  She loves going for walks. She is high-spirited and energetic and has an outgoing and confident nature. Ruby is oh-so-friendly and is more than happy to have loving attention shown her.”
Debra’s bio of this guy reads “this adorable and charming Malinois pup I named Jax.” His ID# is 51733180. Jax came in as a stray with several other dogs from “obviously from the same household.” He’s 4 months old and weighs about 30 pounds. Debra wrote,”It seems reasonable to assume that he has never been on a leash (he had to be carried) and has had very little socialization.  Jax is very uneasy in his kennel but once he was brought to the room where I did his eval and photos he relaxed and warmed up. He is friendly and happy to receive petting, hugs and other attention.  He tried to climb into my lap to get as close as he could to me.  I gave him a bath which he badly needed and he was so cooperative! … This frisky and perky pup would do so well in a home in which he would be a vital part of the family and allowed to live inside.”
And that brings us to Debra’s bio of this guy Fatz (#51718281). She writes, “This precious handsome boy is Fatz, a mixed breed that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 12/16 as a stray.  Fatz weighs 46 pounds, is approx 1 year old and is not neutered.  This sweet youngster is uneasy in the shelter environment and very frightened of the other dogs barking at him.  When I tried to walk him past kennels with dogs barking at him, he would freeze.  He did walk well on the leash when there were no other dogs around.  … Fatz knows the sit command. He thoroughly enjoyed romping through the yard and stretching his legs.  He chased the tennis balls I threw but did not return them.  He is lively and has a moderate activity level. … In his crate he seems depressed and tense, but out in the yard he is a different dog displaying what I feel is his true nature.”
And there’s this from Debra: “He appears to have been well cared for and yet no one has come to reclaim him.  So very sad.”
Remember, use the animals’ ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Also use those contact points when you ask the shelter about this handsome cat: Duncan (#51688916) is a nearly 9-months-old Domestic Shorthair mix — this fellow is described as “small” and “orange/white” and a resident of the shelter since December 12. Duncan can be found in the Conference Room at the Mesquite Shelter. Quite the coat on this fellow.”
Remember, use THIS LINK when you’re looking for Mesquite animals. And, also, remember this note from the folks who monitor the shelter:
The shelter has been desperately overcrowded for months with no sign of our intakes slowing down.  We have so many amazing dogs … as well as cats that need good homes.”

LOOK AT THESE HANDSOME
GENTS WAITING FOR HOMES
[LARRY ASIDE: I’d take both of these handsome fellows right into our house if we hadn’t already bagged the limit on free dogs off the streets of Dallas. So, that means YOU may have a chance to give a good home to a dog that needs a place to be loved.]

We learned about these two from our pals at 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on small shelters and large needs. 
Here’s the deal on Brady, the year to a year-and-a-half old Lab/Bulldog mix with the great eyes and, apparently, the ability to drive a tractor. [LARRY NOTE: I confess I’m kidding about that tractor-driving dog — but I’ve seen dogs do amazing things.]

Brady is a young male who is, 4-Legged Helpers’ bio reads, “the absolute sweetest cuddly marshmallow pup you could meet. ADORES people and seems to love other dogs.  He is silly and sweet and would be the most perfect hiking or running or tv watching companion.  He is actually very athletic and tons of fun.  Ready to go anywhere or do anything.  Carries around the rope toy ready for fun.  ADORES RIDING IN THE CAR…. A kind person found him out and about on his own in the rural county area.” 

This young guy Thomas, “also known as Tom,” the 4-Legged Helpers bio says, “is the most friendly, playful, lovable Shepherd.” The bio also suggests, “Tom is probably short for tomfoolery since this cutie loves to play and have fun.  He is such a fun sweetie pie.   He is a gorgeous dog that absolutely adores people.  He is yet to be dog tested with a female dog since all dogs at shelter right now are males.  ACO planning to bring their own dog in to dog test.
 Thomas is a great dog for anyone wanting unconditional love from a pup but also wanting to always feel safe in their home.  No better dog than a Shepherd for that task. They will patrol the perimeter and love nothing better than their human or humans.” 

To ask 4-Legged Helpers about either of these dogs — you may want to adopt, foster or rescue — call or text 2214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS
AN ASSORTMENT FOR TUES/WED
Yeah, I’m contemplating for two days — lots of stuff in the inbox to delete and lots of stuff to prep for use. I spent many years as a newspaper editor, lots of that time taking a pencil (yeah, I started in the pencil era) to typed copy on paper. The delete sign was my favorite — even when I was editing my own copy. [Insert your "Use more delete signs in this copy" wisecrack here.] Years ago, I became a fan of The Dick Cavett Show and over the holiday weekend, I was watching KERA and got caught up in the Groucho Marx/Dick Cavett special. But so did my cat Stevie Ray, the fellow that about 4 years ago I plucked out of a mimosa tree in Oak Cliff. I knew that kitten had a sense of humor then because of his loud yowls, but when I saw him pause to listen to Groucho and Dick Cavett, I knew he’d wound up in the right home. There are more ways to select a cat or kitten than by looks and purrs. Tell ‘em a joke. Groucho once said, “A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.” Stevie Ray grinned when I read that to him. After this next quote, he howled a little cat howl (He’s been rehearsing after auditioning for a comic sidekick role in the play White House Dogs Know Sit, Stay and Vote Again.) His favorite Groucho dog quote is this: “Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Politics? Neither Groucho nor Stevie Ray can be directly connected to politics, though Groucho once said, “Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them…well, I have others.” That would fit right into today’s politics.
—- Offer pros or cons by clicking on Comment below or email
dallrp@aol.com and put ‘GET MORE SLEEP, BLEARY’ in the subject line. —-