ReadLarryPowell.com

MIDWEEK, FIRST DAY OF MARCH, ELVIS NEEDS A HOME BY THE 2ND AND TOSHI NEEDS ONE QUICKLY, TOO

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Note to readers and non-readers. Let’s try to be optimistic.

OK, several years ago I saw comedian Elayne Boosler at The Kessler in Dallas. Funny show on behalf of Paws In The City. As I was beginning this edition, I was looking up quotes about dogs and ran across this Boosler quote: “My fashion philosophy is, if you're not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.” Spring is coming — arrives at 4:24 p.m Texas time on Monday March 20. The shedding will begin (if it hasn’t already -- we have evidence at our house). Yep, we’ll know who among us loves dogs. Me? I have a beard — all mine, not canine. Check the AKC Beard Testing Lab (I'm kidding)....
SO, LITTLE ELVIS IS

IN A TOUGH SPOT
[LARRY ASIDE: I hope that by the time you read this, it is a situation that has already been “happily resolved.” But, just in case….]
 We got this info from Debra Chisholm, volunteer dog biographer at Mesquite Animal Services. Here’s the tale: 
“This precious Yorkie mix is Elvis,” the bio begins. He’s about 6 years old, isn’t neutered, weighs 11 pounds and came in as a stray on Feb. 23.
 So? Here’s the “so”: Elvis has a “medical issue that requires he be RESCUE ONLY." The bio adds, “A vet visit and x-rays revealed full paralysis of hind limbs due to multiple narrowed discs causing a guarded vet prognosis.  Due to shelter capacity and our inability to provide him adequate quality of life we are placing a euthanasia deadline on him.  We must receive a confirmed rescue tag by noon on Thursday, March 2.”

Elvis doesn’t walk — he drags his back end around. Plus he’s got “stage 4 advanced periodontitis.” And, Debra’s bio reads, “He shows other signs of lack of proper care--crustiness around the eyes, long toenails, matted fur.  However, in spite of all this he is a sweet boy and he let me handle him without nipping or aggression as I attempted to clean up the area around his eyes and his hind end. He is well-mannered, calm and gentle with a low-key nature.  He was fine with me holding him and showing him affection.  You can help Elvis by networking or tagging at [email protected], typing in the subject line TAG, ID 52121333.  Further inquires can be directed to 972-216-6283 or emailed to [email protected]." 
Debra’s final paragraph on Elvis’ bio is tender: “Thank you for considering whether you can help this boy who deserves a far better life than he has had.”
DEBRA ALSO PROVIDED the story of Yoshi, an American Pittie mix who came in as a tray on Feb. 20. But that’s not the whole story. She writes: “Yoshi originally arrived at the shelter on 7/12/22 and was adopted on 8/5.  However, he is back now and his owners have not come to reclaim.” 
He’s 3 1/2 years old, neutered and weighs 70 pounds. And, Debra writes, “He is a high-energy fellow, full of vim and vigor.  He is athletic and enjoyed climbing on our play equipment in the yard.  He ran and played and thoroughly enjoyed stretching his legs.  He walks well on a leash but does have somewhat of a strong pull.  When he walked past dogs who were barking at him he did not react or show aggression.  However, it is a good idea to ask the shelter staff for a dog test if you are interested in Yoshi.  He is playful and mildly interested in toys and balls.  He enjoyed treats and took them gently but did not know how to sit for them.  He has a confident and outgoing personality and isn't a bit shy or nervous. … He might not be a good fit for a family with young children due to his weight and his jumping.  He doesn't jump on you, but does jump in the air.”

Ask about Yoshi by giving his ID #50645685 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. 
[LARRY ASIDE: And, there you have it, a city animal shelter having to take up the slack for humans who, at some point, promised to love a little guy named Elvis and a big dog named Yoshi. I’d ask, ‘What the hell is wrong with people?’ but we don’t have enough time to complete that giant list of serous human shortcomings.]
AFTER MENTIONING ELVIS,
WE VISIT— NO KIDDIN’— FONZI?
Yeah the guy on Happy Days was “Fonzie” and the guy at the SPCA of Texas is Fonzi. Both need love, of course. Probably easier to hug the SPCA’s Fonzi after you read this.
We discovered the Fonzi the Dog story while reading the latest news release from the SPCA of Texas. It says that the SPCA, in partnership with PetSmart Charities, will “bring adoptable pets to three North Texas PetSmart Locations in support of National Adoption Week (March 6-12).
Fonzi is described as a ”sweet, gentle 9-year-old Terrier/Pit Bull mix” who had to have an ear surgery that rendered him completely deaf, the news release said. HIs story is he was “adopted as puppy but was returned to the shelter almost 400 days ago. He loves long walks, tennis balls, pets and kisses.” Go to spca.org to navigate to the SPCA’s adorable adoptables — dogs, cats and other animals. And click HERE
to read the news release. You’ll see this mugshot of beautiful Comet, a year-a-half-old, who is “such a sweet little girl who is eager to be part of a loving family again.” 
The SPCA schedule for meeting up adoptables at PetSmarts is March 10 session at PetSmart, 5500 Greenville Ave. in Dallas; March 11 at PetSmart Denton, 1441 S. Loop 288; and March 12 event at PetSmart Waxahachie, 1451 N. Hwy 77.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Idle thoughts in Winter 2023
OK, here’s the deal. I recognized I was caught up in a gut-kicking (I cleaned up that phrase) case of writer’s block when I realized I was looking forward to the Tuesday afternoon task of clearing out the litter boxes. I swear that’s true on a stack of empty litter bags. Relax, I throw them out with the trash or the garage would REALLY be full. That’s something else I need to clean out — the garage. Moving along while my brain can still instruct my fingers to punch the keys…..
Is it possible the lousy unstable-yet-threatening weather is depressing me like a couch cushion in a diet doctor’s office? (Been there; I know how I’ve made the cushions suffer.) ….
WAIT! You want something spirit-lifting? Did you know that— as she’s described on the tailsofjoy.net website — “comedian, writer and animal activist Elayne Boosler” is the moving force behind Tails of Joy. Yep. comedians can be very serious people. And, along that line of thought, I’m not sure how long ago or why Elayne Boosler said this, but it sure seems to be spot-on for the mood of today’s world. The quote reads, “When women are depressed, they eat or go shopping. Men invade another country. It’s a whole different way of thinking.” As Shakespeare wrote for King Lear, “In jest there is truth.”
—- Offer something brainy or nothing stupid by clicking on comment below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

AH, DUSTY AIR, CHALLENGES OF ANIMAL ADOPTIONS AND RESCUE: IT'S TEXAS...

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY FEB. 27-28, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Any dust in the air? Time to change the filter on the heating & cooling system. Always fun to do while explaining to the cats that they can’t go through that door in the hallway. Mew. The dogs have no interest in what’s behind the door except they’ll chip in to make sure the AC gets serviced each year. They all have debit cards. You dogs don’t have debit cards? Our cats have staffers with cards.
See that dog? I’m not the only guy who’ll swear on a stack of dog treats that, “I wish I could be as handsome and relaxed as this guy Jayson.” Well, we’ll get to him and the donation and the need to find a real home in a minute.
‘SHAKING AND HER TAIL
WAS TUCKED’ BUT NOW….
Here we go with a few examples of how shelter volunteers get “personal” when trying to hustle up homes for animals. Naturally, we turn to our pals at Mesquite Animal Services. 
The subject line on the first note I opened made me think of a dog all dressed up for a party — it included the words “well-mannered/heels.”
Of course, in the context of our lives, that has nothing to do with cocktail parties celebrating the Oscars. The subject line on the email we got from volunteer Debra Chisholm read “Kaylee ID 52107361 2yr Coonhound/Foxhound mix/EXTREMELY SWEET/well mannered/heels/Mesquite,TX.” And we turned to Debra’s volunteer dog-writin’ colleague Judi Brown for the full report on Kaylee. 
Judi’s bio began, “If you think Kaylee is cute in these photos she’s even cuter in real life! Kaylee is a 2-year-old Coonhound/Foxhound/Mountain Dog mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/21 as a stray. She weighs 44 pounds. She is not spayed.
The two words that describe her best are “EXTREMELY SWEET”! 
“When she first came out of her kennel she was shaking and her tail was tucked. With TLC she warmed up. However, she is still on the timid side. She explored the yard briefly but mostly stayed close to me. There’s no doubt she wanted human interaction but mostly I think she was staying close for security. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She is gentle, calm, laid-back, easy-going, and at first cautiously friendly. There’s no doubt she would be a loyal devoted companion. … She walked extremely well on a leash. As a matter fact she heeled every few steps looking up at me. She was intimidated by the other dogs but did not show any signs of aggression. To sum it up she’s a real sweetheart!! Anyone would be more than lucky to have her for their pet!”
Use Kaylee’s shelter ID 52107361 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for these dogs and the cat. Read on.
Buttercup (#52091800) is described as a year-old spayed Brindle/Border Collie/Catahoula Leopard mix.
And Judi’s note also reveals, “Buttercup wanted to wear the pretty collar for her photo shoot so she would make a big impression. Doesn’t she look festive?… Buttercup arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/18 as a stray. She is spayed! You might call her a brindle beauty. She’s got a winning personality.” She also appears to be smiling when posing for photos and Judi says, “That’s because she’s a happy girl. After initially exploring the yard she stayed close indicating she likes human interaction. She sat for treats and took them gently. It was obvious she wanted to please. She chased some balls but did not retrieve them. Her tail wags a lot. She’s friendly, sweet, gentle, easy-going and affectionate. She walked relatively well on a leash. She sniffed some dogs in the bay wagging her tail and ignored the ones that were barking at her. … So my  question is ‘What’s not to love about this soft cuddly girl?’ She would love to cuddle with your family on the couch or at your feet as you’re watching TV. She told me she’d even be a fan of whatever team you support.” 

Judi, in her bio of Drake, says he’s “trying to imitate Spuds MacKenzie with the patch over his eye.” Drake is #52107396. [LARRY ASIDE: For you kids, Spuds MacKenzie was introduced as the Bud Light spokesdog in the ‘80s.”
]
And Judi wrote, “He may not look exactly like Spuds but he is a handsome boy and this patch makes him very distinctive. He is a 10-month-old, 53-pound Pit mix who arrived at the [shelter] on 2/21 as a stray. He is not fixed.”
Judi also writes, “I was met in the kennel with tail wags and was sure I was meeting a very friendly dog. But then he got scared of the other dogs barking and had to be carried out into the yard. After I took time walking him and brushing him he eventually relaxed and his tail started wagging. He even started to venture off exploring. 
“For the most part he stayed close wanting special attention. He occasionally jumped on me but keep in mind he’s only 10 months old and can be taught not to do this. He didn’t know what I was asking him to do when I tried to get him to sit. You could tell he wanted to obey but just didn’t understand. He did like treats and took them gently. He chased balls but did not retrieve them. When I sat down he immediately came to me. He put his head on my lap and enjoyed having his head scratched. Like I said I had to carry him out into the yard but once I got him out into the yard he walked back and forth on the leash without a problem. Because he was so scared I did not get to introduce him to other dogs. If you have another dog we always suggest you asked the shelter to do a dog test. Drake has a lot of love to give to a family that will love him. He wants to be a mostly inside dog hanging out with his new family.”
Remember, use the ID numbers when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. 
Here’s the SHELTER LINK. Look at many more dogs there. And you can see many cats at the shelter, too — there’s a whole raft of Trap-Neuter-Return black-and-white cats from Wilkinson Street on the website. This cat, however, is not among the Wilkinson cats. This is Luna (#51788736) a small, young female who came into the shelter on December 30. She’s waiting in the Conference Room at the shelter. And, of course, as you can tell, she is one of the extremely rare wide-eyed Domestic Shorthair mixes — not sure if other shelters around the United States have as many of these beautiful cats as Mesquite and other North Texas shelters. [LARRY ASIDE: They’re pretty rare. We only have two of them at readlarrypowell.com — both from Dallas County, Esme and William Powell. Perfect cats. I’m hinting on behalf of Luna and other rare breed dogs and cats. Readlarrypowell.com defines “rare breed” broadly under the “Save ‘Em All” category.]
SAD SHELTER LAMENT:
‘MORE DOGS DAILY’
We could say that’s a “lament,” but we also could call it a “chorus from the shelters.”
As you surely know by now, the do-good volunteers at 4-Legged Helpers focus on the small shelters that are overloaded without being overvisited (if that's a word.). These are shelters without any “marketing budgets” or, in some cases, “hired staffers” — might just be one city employee handling all the responsibilities of “animal control officer/shelter director/maintenance, etc.”
Sometimes the folks with 4-Legged Helpers manage to line up donations on behalf of dogs on the clock —- keep reading.
Usually the 4-Legged Helpers stocl to several smaller shelters on the southern side of Dallas, but this guy Kip is on the northern side of Lake Grapevine in a place called Double Oak, Texas (a settlement in the 1880s. The Helpers report that Kip is an 8-month-old, neutered Lab/Shepherd mix who is, his bio reads, “Super sweet and so completely lovable! Such a cutie pie. …adores all people, all children, all other dogs. A very kind person rescued him and got him fully vetted but now needs to find him a great rescue or home. Please help save him!!!!!  Please hurry!” 
The contact points for Kip, as for any animal on the Helpers’ radar are call or text 214-949-27 26 or email [email protected]
And that brings us to the combined efforts to save animals in the Ferris and Hutchins area via the Helpers and the Ferris shelter.
Trevor (left)  is a Boxer/Pointer mix who, the Helpers report, is admired by people who’ve met him and the dog admires the people right back. “He was found out and about and playing with some children…He was wearing a harness and lead and the lead attached had been torn. Poor guy was starving. Thank goodness he stopped to play with kids. …. He is a great boy who adores other dogs.”
Beck is a Bulldog mix described in his bio as “Best dog ever.  We are serious!  Super cute and loving!   Adores everyone. This CUTIE PIE is just adorable.  He was found in Hutchins out and about on his own.  He is the sweetest, most lovable guy. Beck is a great size and he poses when you photograph him!!!!  He was dog tested with a female dog and they had the best time playing. Also does extremely well with male dogs.”
Brady is a Lab/Bulldog mix, maybe a year-and-a-half-old, who was found “out and about on his own by a kind person.” His bio reads that the young, neutered rascal is “house-trained!!” Yep, he got TWO exclamation points for being house-trained. The bio also reads, “Brady is the absolute sweetest cuddly marshmallow pup you could meet.  ADORES people and all other dogs.  He is silly and sweet and would be the most perfect hiking or running or tv watching companion.  Ready to go anywhere or do anything.  Carries around the rope toy ready for fun.  ADORES RIDING IN THE CAR. Lol. If you are looking for a cuddly sweetie that adores everyone and everything, look no further.”

 And that brings us to Mr. Handsome. Mr. Cool. Jayson, currently in the Ferris Animal Shelter. [LARRY ASIDE: We opened today’s report with him because he’s able to do two things that escape your mirror-shy scribe: He can look good; he can relax. And we’d adopt him if we hadn’t already hit the limit on critter adoptions.]
The Helpers’ bio of Jayson reads that he is a Retriever/Black Mouth Cur Mix who is a young male. And, the text continues, “Jayson is such a cutie pie!   Only about a year old. He was found out and about with some other dogs and he is SUPER SWEET. His big chocolate brown eyes and that beautiful cream colored fur would melt anyone’s heart.  Such a sweetie!!!!  Very cute and very deserving boy.  Please, help save him!!!!!  Help!!!”
Some of these shelter animals have a $275 donation to the non-profit that rescues them. Ask about it when you contact the 4-Legged Helpers by calling as call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. 
You can see these animals and more on the Ferris Animal Shelter Facebook page HERE. And keep up with the 4-Legged Helpers adorable adoptables and shelter animals in need by clicking onto this Facebook page.
CONTEMPLATIONS
DUST, WIND AND DYLAN
Decades ago, when I was a young reporter at The Fort Worth Press, a thickish dust storm blew into Cowtown from the west and I heard a lawyer quote his daddy (also a lawyer): “Parker County’s comin’ to town.” Of course, while living in Cowtown in the early ‘70s, I also learned of the glory of Parker County Peaches. Oh, my. Pretty sure they’re still around. Texas Legislature agreed long enough in 1991 to designate Parker County “the Peach Capital of Texas.” And there’s that festival mentioned in this artwork. …

In the opening I mentioned our dogs and their debit cards. Let me go a little bit farther with that in the writer's chase for another paragraph:
 I’d be comfortable sending our dogs to a store with their debit cards. The cats? No. Our cats have two staffers with debit cards who go to the store for them.
Felt like some thoughtful music. Here’s a Bob Dylan number called Things Have Changed.
Ain’t it the truth.
—- Offer ideas or doubts by clicking on ‘comment’ or by emailing [email protected] and put WAKE UP AND TYPE in the subject line. —-

HOW DOGS INSPIRE ENVY -- AND IT MAY JUST BE A GOOD THING FOR HUMANS

This edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap is dedicated to the peaceful insomniacs of the world.
During the week I snapped these photos -- our own readlarrypowell.com dogs and cats enchant me. And I envy their ability to sleep when wanted/needed.
That first girl is Wendy -- full name Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden. Explanation available upon request. [email protected]. No charge. 
My adorablespouse Martha did a road-side rescue of Wendy years ago -- the little dog, not much more than a puppy, was tracking a couple of teenagers who lived in the same apartment complex as Wendy. The teens lived inside; someone else had dumped Wendy outside. But the adorable, human-loving dog was very forgiving.
As the kids walked down busy Polk Street in Dallas, Wendy tagged after 'em, endangered by speeding traffic and a puppy's tendencies to run without looking.  Martha saved her life -- no doubt -- by taking the dog off the street that day. 
And, in the final full week of February 2023, I snapped the Up ’n’ Down Earhoun’ photo of darling Wendy after she piled up on the couch and wrestled the couch-protecting fake-furry cover into submission. Then, with one ear up and the other down, she nodded off.  She's so adorable that I am calling a 2-minute time-out just for sit and stare into her face. TIME OUT..... tick, tick, tick, for 2 minutes .... 
TIME IN.
Oh, two minutes is not enough time to fully appreciate the face on this darling dog. So, I'll add a "fully awake and posing for a political campaign advertisement” picture. 
She's very noble. Well-behaved. Would be a welcome addition to any political campaign. Knows how to out-bark an opponent.
While Wendy was asleep on her living room couch, across the wide carpet, Porche Noel had posed herself on HER couch and encouraged me to snap a cute photo of a dog who, with one eye open, whispered, "Snap it now while I can still hold the eye open. I'm on the brink of a full-on nap. Snap it! Snap it! Snap it" 
Yes, I have failed Porche Noel and caught her with that look on her face. She can't overcome the "Nobody sneaks up on me" instinct! But I can keep working at getting that "sleeping dog" photo of her. She spends a lot of time out like a light. She just doesn't have the expressive  ears that Wendy has. Porche’s natural state is “nodded off.”  
[LARRY FYI: In this edition’s opening, I limited the dedication of this edition it to "peaceful insomniacs,” my kind of people. But I worry that the warmongering jerks who roam free on the planet might just be the Bitter Insomniacs-in-power who have adopted the motto, "Can't snore; make war." May their hearts be changed -- quickly, for the sake of every living thing on this planet. Peace now, you know? Is peace such a bad thing? As an insomniac, I can tell you that peace doesn’t keep me up nights.]
-- Send comments and photos of snoozing dogs, cats and whatever you've got to [email protected]and we'll post 'em in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. ---

ON A CHILLY DAY, SOME WARM IDEAS FOR MAKING LIFE BETTER....

EXTRA EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY FEB. 24-25, 2023 [PetPowellPress] On Wednesday afternoon, I worked up a sweat in my neighborhood walk — temp was “high.” On Thursday morning, I took a load of laundry into the garage laundry area and thought I’d stepped through a “time gate” and traveled back two or three weeks to the Metroiceberg level of temperature. I look forward to a warm garage so I can work up a sweat on my treadmill while avoiding a summer sun. Nothing against the sun.
AND NOW, in no particular order, we present some notations for the day.
A DOG NAMED INDO —
CITY OR COUNTRY PUP?
Based on the bio of Indo /
cats,cows/goats are no-no.
My apologies for the doggerel, if that’s what two rhyming lines are.
But, there’s more and this WAS the deal with this handsome Pyrenees Mix in the Ferris Animal Shelter. 
The 4-Legged helpers report that he’s a young, neutered, 75-to-85-pound “absolutely adorable” dog. 
And there’s this: “A huggable and lovable  sweet guy that loves other dogs and all people!!  He is awesome with children.  He was born 4/14/21. …. Heartworm negative, so healthy. Kennel trained too.  Adores absolutely everyone.including other dogs but loves cats and, believe it or not goats/cows, a little too much, if you know what we mean. So he needs a cat-free and a livestock-free home. Honestly, we laughed when we saw this. He apparently is a cute indoor city dog in a country dog body. He apparently has no idea he is part Pyrenees, bred to guard livestock.  Indo says, ‘No, no, I am an indoor dog that loves baths, being groomed, watching TV, going for walks and playing with children and other dogs.”
WAIT!!!! Just as we were finishing this item, we got an update from Laura Macias at 4-Legged Helpers! This dog, who’d been surrendered to the Ferris shelter, “is tagged to go to New York already!” 
How about that! There other dogs, however, so the contact points are call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. And you can see more of the Helpers’ animals that need homes by clicking on the non-profit’s facebook page HERE. 
MEANWHILE, IN CARROLLTON,
LIZZY AND OTHERS WAITNG
We got the info on these pups from one of our “discreet tipsters” who monitors the adorable adoptables in the Carrollton Animal Shelter on the northern side of Dallas.
She wrote, “I was wondering if you could post two dogs from the Carrollton Animal Shelter.  One long term.  The other long term for a small dog.”
This first pup Lizzy is in the “Large Dog Kennels” area of the shelter — she came in on November 7 and is available for adoption —- her bio on the shelter website says her adoption fee has been waived. Lizzy (#51482669) is a 4-year-old spayed “very smart” dog, our tipster reports. “She’s a beauty…. Her only problem is she is not good with other dogs.”
Our tipster also mentioned a male Chihuahua mix named Molasses, but that little pup has vanished from the official listing — we suspect Molasses has been rescued or adopted. 

That may be the result of a note forwarded to us on Wednesday afternoon. The note, credited to Vanessa Johnson, the Senior Animal Care Specialist at the shelter, read, in big red letters, “WE ARE OVER CAPACITY AND UNABLE TO HOLD ON TO ANYONE PAST 02/28/2023 AT 6 PM.”
 Click on this Carrollton Shelter LINK  to see more adoptable or to see how to help by fostering or rescuing. The shelter is at 2247 Sandy Road in Carrollton. Call 972-466-3420.
A BALL-PLAYING DOG NAMED
DUFFY WAITS IN MESQUITE
The story on this handsome dog came from Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer biographer Judi Brown. She wrote, “Do you like to play ball? Duffy does too! Duffy is looking for someone that will throw the ball for her and she promises to bring it back!!” [LARRY ASIDE: That’s quite a promise for dog to live up to — takes a special dog to bring ‘em back! Our dogs hold up a sign that reads, "Throw it again and I'll call my lawyer."]

Judi says Duffy is about 5, a Staffordshire/Bull Terrier mix, who came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on Feb. 15. She weighs in at 55 pounds and has a “muscular, stocky body,” Judi says. “She has a cute face with eyes that look like they’re trimmed with eyeliner. She came out of her kennel wagging her tail and I don’t believe it ever stopped wagging the whole time we were together. She’s what some would call a ‘wiggle butt!’ She’s definitely a happy girl and appears to be smiling in many of her photos. Duffy has recently had a litter.”
And there’s this, “She sits for treats and takes them gently. She found balls on her own and entertained herself with them. She loves to play fetch and brings the balls back to you. She did not appear to get tired of this sport. She would bark to let me know she wanted to continue playing! She was a lot of fun. She would do best with an active family and a large yard so that she can show off her athletic ability to her new adopters. Duffy walks OK on a leash. She is dog reactive. She would do best being the only pet in the household. That way she can be spoiled rotten!”

Duffy’s ID is #52066782 — use it when you email [email protected] or call 972-216-6283.
See more adorable adoptables in the Mesquite Shelter by clicking on THIS LINK.
Among the available animals is this girl Kenzie (#41845568). She’s just about to be 3 years and 11 months old and is listed as a “large” Gray/Tan Domestic Shorthair mix. She’s neutered. Kenzie came in on Feb. 21. When you visit the shelter to ask about an introduction, she’s waiting for you in the Cat Room.

FROM OUT AT THE LAKE,
TWO CUTE LITTLE DOGS
This tip came from our reliable lakeside source, Sydney Busch, the legendary guiding light of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. 
The Friends, as you may recall, operate the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
 he note about these cuties read: “These two little dogs - about 17 lbs each and about 1 year old - are spayed/neutered, vaccinated...and they need a new home...small re-homing fee if I don't know you or you don't have a reference...They are NOT housetrained but it doesn't take long to house-train an adult dog...I'm the contact...please share - they need to get moving!!” 
To ask about these pups, call Sydney at 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701.
CONTEMPLATIONS
I’M SURE IT’S ALL SAFE….
Saw a story online that the “toxic water” from East Palestine, Ohio, is going to be delivered to a spot in Harris County. New state highway signs? “Dump Friendly!” Surely there’ll be some environmental lawyers stepping up on behalf of Texas. Opportunities abound, right? ….
Speaking of environment, I’m in desperate need of taking off time to clean the trash out of my home office. A weekend may not be enough time. A week may not be. I may need to subcontract a professional clean up/clean out crew…..
OK, maybe this song will warm things up. Click HERE and if there’s a commercial, my apologies. We live in a profit-motivated time rather than the joy-inspired year 1966 when Ol’ Blue Eyes performed this seasonal sensation.
—- Offer music tips or odd ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘STOP SINGING ALONG, TUNELESS!’ in the subject line. —-

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY Feb. 24-25, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: “Two litters of puppies need rescue.”
How about this one: “I keep telling her to not leave the yard and get herself pregnant.”
 OK, enough pointing my less-than-literary finger at the people who think the “General Rules of The Birds and Bees Handbook” doesn’t apply to their dogs and cats. Let’s just help the animals and maybe even help some people, too. And we’ll have an SPCA Contemplation today.

ON A RAINY MORNING WE GOT
A TALE OF NOAH — NO KIDDING….
OK, honestly, I don’t know if this German Shepherd was named “Noah” before the Wednesday morning deluge, but I do know that he’s waiting under that name at the City of Wilmer animal shelter, according to my reliable tipsters.
And that brings us to a note we got from the 4-Legged Helpers folks about that very shelter during the morning rain. It read, in red letters; “EMERGENCY!!! THIS TINY WILMER SHELTER FLOODS WHEN IT RAINS. (Truly the oldest shelter we deal with - looks like a rusted shed).  IT IS ALREADY FLOODING TODAY.  PLEASE HELP SAVE NOAH.  PLEASE!!!!  He needs someone now!!!!  This poor dog will soon be ankle deep in water. If he is not already. The very nice ACO does everything he can but this city cannot afford much and this sweet dog desperately needs your help!!!!”

Noah is, the Helpers guess, 4 to 5 years old. He was found “out and about on his own,” the note reads. And, this handsome GSD (German Shepherd Dog, as the pros say) is “the sweetest most lovable guy ever,” the Helpers’ bio reads. “Adores absolutely everyone.  Very well behaved.  Calm, gentle sweetie pie.”
To ask about helping the Wilmer animals or any animals on the “radar” of 4-Legged Helpers, call or text: 214-949-2726 or email: [email protected]. Your can see more 4-Legged Helpers “animal projects” by going to THIS FACEBOOK LINK. 

MEANWHILE, WOOD COUNTY
HAS A COUPLE OF LITTERS….
We got this note from our veteran East Texas rescuer Gail Whelan of the Companion Animal Network. It came with these photos of two litters of puppies.
And, yes, Gail has a history of dealing with the shabby treatment of animals in my beloved East Texas. This particular batch comes from Wood County and to help you figure out where that it, the county seat is Quitman and that little town is about 2 hours east of Dallas and on the eastern side of Lake Fork.
The deal on these dogs is, the note reads, “Transport provided. They have had their first vaccinations and been wormed. 
... Currently at the Sheriff’s outside pen. Cannot keep them much longer.
"Five Border Collie mix puppies and five various mix puppies.”

The contact is Barbara Wax at [email protected]. [LARRY ASIDE: And if you want to help Gail at Companion Animal Network, email [email protected] or fone 903-967-3226. After all, these will not be the last two unwanted litters of dogs or cats born East of Lake Ray Hubbard along either I-30 or I-20!]

CONTEMPLATIONS
SPCA, APOLLO AND HEMI
This is a humdinger of a Contemplation.  My former colleague at The Big Paper Downtown, the columnist Sharon Grigsby, has presented an interesting roundup on the situation at the SPCA of Texas regarding the change in management. New CEO and Prez is in the future — a temp is in place right now after the resignation of Karen Froehlich, who’d been in the job for 7 years. Columnist Grigsby linked the change to management decisions (a) pulling out of the agreement to help the Dallas Police in cruelty cases and (b) closing the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter& Wellness Clinic at Ledbetter and I-35 in southern Dallas. [LARRY ASIDE: It was named in honor of one of the coolest, dedicated animal advocates to ever help critters in Dallas. It’s in the Zip Code my Rescuespouse Martha and I used to live in and that Zip was notorious for free-roaming animals and un-wanted litters. Maybe the facility will make a comeback under new management. And for those who go “way back” in the area, the very serviceable clinic began life as a Red Lobster.] Google “Sharon Grigsby and SPCA” and you can read updates on this situation. And you can see the SPCA news release by clicking on THIS LINK. And, FYI, we used photos of adoptables to highlight this Contemplation. These represent the animals the SPCA is helping no matter who’s in office. That great black Earhound is Apollo, #41469749, the fellow who also looks good upside down— the fantastic, adorable photo of him on his back and looking up is the first Apollo picture we used several years ago when he first came into the SPCA. Get the details of his needs by going to this LINK. That cat, among the adorable adoptables LISTED HERE , is 2 1/2-year-old, 9-pound Hemi, one of those rare Dallas Tabby Domestic Shorthair mixes. OK, maybe not so rare, but always adorable. He’s $51941175. Needs grown-up humans to pal around with, his bio indicates.
All of that as the SPCA is "more plenty enough" to contemplate in this edition.
—- Offer ideas or hope by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and putting “SAVE ‘EM ALL; THROW THE BAD GUYS IN JAIL” in the subject line. —-

THE WHOLE IDEA IS TO GET UNWANTED ANIMALS INTO LOVING HOMES, RIGHT?...

EDITION OF FEB. 21-22, ’23 [PetPowellPress] One reason I love this dog (among many, many reasons)? Her early life left her unable to work her back legs like a normal dog and she cannot scratch behind her ears with her hind paws. 
Therefore — control your envy! — I am Porche’s Scratching Boy and that is just about one of the greatest honors a little ol’ rescue dog can bestow on a human who never met a dog he didn’t love.
More on Life With Porche in Contemplations.. First, let’s try to help place unwanted dogs and cats in good homes. Yes, it’s true, Porche was not the last unwanted animal in the Greater North Texas Metrounconcernedoplex.
CALL THIS GIRL ‘MOXIE’
AND GIVE HER A HOME:
SNOW’S TOUGH CASE
You’ll be stirred to say some BLEEEPS…well, you may use entirely appropriate words when you read Snow’s story, so we’ll ease toward Snow's story by reporting Moxie’s tale first, then we’ll … well, you’ll see.
We got the note about Moxie, the Pittie mix, from Debra Chisholm, dog biographer for the Mesquite Animal Shelter’s vigorous volunteer program.
Moxie was straying when she was picked up by a shelter officer on Feb. 11 — weighs 42 pounds, is about a year old and, during her stay at the shelter, has been spayed. Debra says she is a fun-loving, playful youngster who “walks nicely on a leash” and is “fun-loving” and “playful.” 
She is, Debra wrote, “full of energy and has a confident and trusting nature. She has a moderate activity level, but does jump on you. Obedience training would be a good idea for Moxie (as with all puppies) in order to fit in best with her new people in her forever home.  She doesn't have a bit of shyness or fear but instead is friendly and is more than happy to receive petting and loving attention. She does not seem to know any commands.  Moxie appears to have been well cared for and yet sadly her owners have not come looking for her.  Therefore she is in need of a person or family who will stay committed to her to invite into their hearts and home.” Moxie’s shelter ID is #52049102. To ask about Moxie call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. Debra’s note adds, “Our shelter has become very full and we need to find adopters and rescues for our precious pooches, so please help if you can.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Snow’s story has elements that will BLEEEEEEP you off. I’m censoring myself…you may feel the same emotions.]
Our tipster Judi Brown, also a volunteer dog biographer, tells the story of Snow this way: “Snow doesn’t understand why he’s back at the shelter. Truthfully I don’t either! Snow is a 2-year-old, 53-pound darling cutie pie that first arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/3. Shortly after that he was adopted. Then the shelter received a call about surrendering him. The owners did not come in but on 2/21 Snow was brought in as a stray. Draw your own conclusions…”
 [LARRY ASIDE: And there you have it — rescuing Snow will be a noble action.]
Judi continues, “It appears he was just let go to fend for himself. Look into his imploring eyes and you can tell he’s just pleading with someone to give him a furever home. He is so so deserving! He is a total sweetheart! In spite of what just happened to him he wags his tail and appears to be happy. He’s well-behaved, gentle, wants attention, is very loving, is sweet, curious, and easy-going. When I sat down he came to me and put his head on my lap. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He’s highly motivated by treats meaning he would be easy to train. … He was not interested in meeting other dogs but also did not show any aggression. He walks OK on a a leash. To top it off he’s already neutered and he’s cute! You would get lots of compliments when you took him for a walk. You would also get lots of love because he has so much to give!”
Snow is #51803482 in the shelter records. Use that reference when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. He would most likely do well with a family with children. He would like nothing better then to be an integral part of your family!  Email [email protected] to tag Snow. Type tag in the subject line along with ID 51803482 to ensure proper tagging. If further info is required please call 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected]."
To see other animals in the Mesquite Animal Shelter, visit this LINK.
You’ll see Snow and Moxie and lots of other adorably adoptable dogs and fetchingly fantastic cats, including this magnificently-coated feline.
Boy or girl? Don’t know, the gender is listed as “Unknown.”
The cat is #52096558, a “Domestic Longhair Mix” who came in on February 20. On the website, his picture is labeled “Mr. 300 Long Canyon Dr.” — he or she is currently in the shelter’s Feral Room and listed as “available.” [LARRY ASIDE: Sometimes a cat with “feral behavior” is just a frightened domesticated cat. May that be the case of this feline. If not, maybe someone is looking for the world’s most gorgeous Barn Cat.]

IS IT THE FACES, THE SITUATION
OR THE HUMAN HEART?
Could be a combo of things. What motivates someone to adopt animals that are in a bit of a fix in a low-to-no-visitors shelter? Maybe it’s the determined drive of rescuers who work to get those animals in the spotlight, i.e., in this case, the efforts of the 4-Legged Helpers.
Look at JJ, the Great Pyrenees in Waxahachie, it may be the hairstyle that gets an adoptor’s attention. According to the Helpers bio, this boy JJ is an “absolute sweetheart” who “was found out and about on his own. He has been fully vaccinated. Note that these pics were taken prior to grooming. LOOK AT THAT PRECIOUS FACE!!! He seems to really like other dogs. Adores children!”
This girl Sugar is in the Ferris shelter. The Friends bio asks, “Have you ever wanted a cute, 42- pound, medium-sized dog that will always look like a puppy?  That is Sugar!  She has teddy bear ears and is just beautiful and sweet and loving as can be.  Only about 1.5 to 2 years old. Found as a stray but people that found her could no longer care for her.”

Trevor is also in the Ferris shelter and “everyone that has met Trevor absolutely adores him.” He’s a young male Boxer mix who, the Helpers report, “was found out playing with children. … Sweetest baby ever.  He apparently got away from someone a while back.  He was wearing a harness and lead and the lead attached had been torn. Poor guy was starving.  Thank goodness he stopped to play with kids.  But now he needs your help to save him!!! He has the sweetest face ever with beautiful markings.”
To ask about rescuing, adopting or fostering any of these animals call or text the 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
See many more animals in the 4-Legged Helpers’ spotlight by going to the non-profit’s Facebook page HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE EARLY DAYS OF PORCHE
As you may recall, we opened today’s report with a loving mention of my personal dog Porche Noel. Found on the porch at Christmas. 
I feel like writing about her right now. She’s currently on her bed in the office and snoring like a tipsy favorite uncle who’d dozed off in a lawn chair after filling up on barbecue and tater salad at a family picnic. Wipe that image out of your mind and contemplate Porche. 
When we got her she was already losing the flexibility dogs usually have in their hindquarters. She’d been mistreated in her former home and, near as we can tell, escaped by either digging under or climbing over a fence. Or maybe she was just thrown out of a car in our ol’ Dallas neighborhood. She was walking with a limp, rasping when she intended to bark, flinching when a hand went near her and scrambling to beat any other dog to ALL the food. 
But, now, she’s a household fixture— can actually bark. Loves to be petted and scratched. Has no feeling in her back paws. And she doesn’t fight anybody for food — only took a few years to calm her down at dinnertime. She follows her “stairways” onto her couch in the living room and to the middle of her bed in the humans’ bedroom.
Yep, I love writing about her. She’s an example of how a human can benefit from living with an unwanted dog and/or cat. I like to share the Gospel of Taking In the Unwanted Animal And Receiving Blessings. Not sure if that’s in the Bible, but I don’t know where else I’d have gotten it — too long for a fortune cookie and I’ve never seen it on a drugstore greeting card. And, after all, I went to church a lot as a schoolboy. 
FYI ABOUT THAT THIN DOG RIDING IN A PICKUP. That’s starving, insecure, rasping, excited Porche on her way to her first vet visit in 2009. We never found anyone to adopt her — didn’t look, either. She was home the moment she came through the front door. 
More people should open their doors and hearts to animals who are bewildered and terrified by the way things have gone in their lives. [LARRY ASIDE: Not to end this segment on a sweet note, but if I ever encounter the person who mistreated my Porche, there’ll be a stern lecture…at the very least.] Kind of makes me teary-eyed to think about the shape she was in when she squeezed through the “burglar bar gate” on our front porch, ate all the cat food from the daily feral cat food buffet and was immediately no longer thin enough to squeeze out and flee the strange new humans. She’s a doll.
—- Offer ideas or cautions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘BE KIND TO ANIMALS, YOU IDIOTS’ in the subject line. —-

ON A HOLIDAY: WILLIAM ON 'LOVE YOUR PET DAY;' WE LOOK AT PREZes/VEEPs & A UFO?

EDITION OF MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to a day off at readlarrypowell.com. It’s a Federal Holiday. We should all enjoy it. 
That is me listening to my office cat, William Powell, who encouraged me to be idle this holiday while trying to find the balance between waking too early and going to bed too late. “More cat naps,” he mewed politely but firmly.
William is a cat with good sense. I’ve know him a while. We once painted a house together — that’s how we met.
We’ll be taking Presidents Day off at readlarrypowell.com and if Feb. 22 is Vice Presidents Day, we’ll take that off, too. 
Our research finds, however, we must wait until August 9 to celebrate the actual “National Veep Day”
Holiday Insights, the online calendar, says Feb. 20 is not only Presidents Day (third Monday of the month), it is also “Love Your Pet Day.” 
I love that cat William — every day. He’s much, much, more than a “pet.” Advisor, confident, mood-booster, conversationalist, family member, inspiration, keen investor on Wall Street, window-based observer, etc. We endorse “Love Your Pet Day” as an everyday practice.
Holiday Insights notes that Feb. 23 is “Card Reading Day” and Fat Tuesday. My cards tell me to lay off anything that’ll make me be mistaken for anybody named Fat Tuesday.
FYI, Feb. 22 is also Cherry Pie Day, the Holiday Insights people say — of all the pies, we’re iffy on cherry pie. Apologies to President George Washington.
Holiday Insights says Feb. 20 is, also, Hoodie Hoo Day in the Northern Hemisphere — it’s a day designed to get rid of the winter blues. You call up friends and shout “Hoodie Hoo” into the phone to help them in this mood elevation experience.
 In the Southern Hemisphere, the Holiday Insights people say, Hoodie Hoo Day is Aug. 22. Here’s the link to the 2 Insights explanations of those special days.  Read about  National VEEP Day HERE.
And, FYI, on Feb. 20, 1869, the website reports, “Congress bans dueling in the District of Columbia.” That explains why the movie Deliverance was never shown in Washington, D.C. Relax, that’s a Dueling Banjos joke.
That second photo? Snapped it over the weekend in Fort Worth. The big bright thing is either a Martian balloon filming street traffic and scouting for landing zones or it’s the sun. 
That saucer-shaped bright spot in the clouds just over the horizon? Well, I just don’t know — didn’t see any antennae before I lost sight of it. 
Thought I heard an unpleasant hum but quickly I realized I was trying to hum along with Tom Jones’ What’s New Pussycat?.
I’m kidding. See. I think I've convinced you that, as William suggests,  I need some time off. You can tell by my punctuation errors, comma blunders and failure to end this writing with the sign-off line for Blue Emu pain relief cream: "It works fast and you won't stink." Of course, it's not all that helpful to any emu, is it. See you when I get back from calming contemplation in the Winter of '23.
—- Offer ideas for relaxation/rebuilding by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] and put CUSTOM PILLOWS MATTER ON UFOS in the subject line. —-

A DINOSAUR CASTS A BIG SHADOW ON A NAPPING CAT -- IS IT REAL?

The cat is real, but read on...Ah, comes the weekend and we can rejoice over time with our dogs and cats — with maybe humans, too. And, of course, those weekend snoozers are the inspiration for our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
We offer for contemplation in the heart of winter the shadow of a dinosaur. See it? That shadow of the dinosaur!
 That is my cat, Stevie Ray Treeboy, i.e., found as a tiny kitten clinging to a flimsy mimosa branch and yowling in Oak Cliff, the land that gave the world Stevie Ray Vaughan, the guitar magician. Hence, Stevie Ray Treeboy. 
I caught him sleeping on our living room floor and I quickly became frustrated while looking for the dinosaur casting that shadow on Stevie Ray’s body. I don’t think a dinosaur could take him in a skirmish, though it’s true that Stevie Ray is a peaceful fellow with rowdy tendencies.
This is probably a good place to repeat a quote credited to the Dallas musical product Steve Miller (on several sites!). “Dinosaurs may be extinct from the face of the planet, but they are alive and well in our imaginations.” And that explains why that photo captured my imagination.
I was sure I was seeing the shadow a dinosaur was casting in our living room. I looked around and didn’t see a dinosaur, but I also didn’t see anything dismissing the idea that a really quick and well-camouflaged dinosaur hadn’t avoided my old orbs.

Back to cats. 
Stevie Ray goes where he wants in the house. He and the other cats and the dogs are buddies. But he likes it, especially, when I cradle him like a baby and scratch his tummy while we watch TV. He might even mew along with his purr. And that reminds me of a quote from British author Terry Pratchett: “In ancient times cats were worshipped as Gods; they have not forgotten this.” 

[LARRY NOTE: This is probably a good time to quote the author Ernest Hemingway whose now-famous colony of six-toed cats survives his home in Key West.]  
Some of you cat people can probably agree with Mr. Hemingway’s quote: “One cat just leads to another.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Dedicated this paragraph to all the cat rescuers — yeah, one cat actually did lead to another, didn’t it!]

Of course, we can also quote Sigmund Freud: “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”

Stevie Ray once gave me a quote from the Canadian actor Colin Mochrie (he found it online in the category “Famous people cat or dinosaur quotes.”). Mr. Mochrie said, ““We all have a dinosaur deep within us just trying to get out.” 

Stevie Ray awoke wide-eyed when I was snapping photos of him relaxing under the shadow of a giant, house-crushing dinosaur on a stormy afternoon in Texas.
Now that leads us to a public service announcement. As people familiar with the spay/neuter campaign in North Texas know, it’s almost impossible not to encounter a free or low-cost spay/neuter program around here. You have to really close your eyes and your mind to avoid notice of a spay/neuter bargain. Somehow, there are clowns who manage to dodge the responsibility.
And what happens?
We’ll quote the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln: “No matter how much cats fight, there always seems to be plenty of kittens.”
The goal is to keep so many from being born just to be killed in overloaded city shelters.
The non-profit Humane Society of North Texas, based in Fort Worth, posted a Facebook reminder: “It’s Neuter Scooter time! It’s Neuter Scooter time!!”
Though the end of the month — the 28th if you don’t have a calendar handy — “all male cats are free to neuter at the HSNT Clinic in Fort Worth. Make an appointment to bring your male cat to our clinic in a suitable carrier or humane trap. Appointments and proof of rabies vaccination are required. If your cat needs a rabies vaccine, it is $5 at the time of service. All other services are available at our regular low-cost prices. Get your appointment today at hsnt.org/clinic or email [email protected]."
For those of you who aren’t familiar with cat anatomy, this is a deal for boy cats only because “snipping” is relatively easy. Spaying a girl cat is invasive surgery and those patient’s need a little extra tender care. 
[LARRY ASIDE: You wouldn’t think that boys/girls thing would have to be explained, but, yep, there are people who don’t quite have a grip on — wait, that’s bad phrasing. “Don’t quite understand” the differences.]
Oh, and you know why Stevie Ray can sleep so calmly when there’s a dinosaur casting a shadow on him? Because HE’S NEUTERED! His mind isn’t on the traditional Tomcat Quest. Hey, Tomcat Quest! That may be a sci-fi title. Stevie Ray and I’ll work on the screenplay. We can use the extra dough. Act 1, Scene 1 A sleeping cat is suddenly awakened by the temperature change when a dinosaur casts a shadow on his body. …. OK, we’ll go from there.
[DEAR READERS: Send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats, slumberingwhatevers to [email protected] and we’ll exhibit them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. It’s free. For now. Depends on the price of gasoline next month. I’m kidding.]
—- Offer ideas for the future by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “SPAY/NEUTER AND SAVE LITTERS” in the subject line. —-

A BIG TEX MAY REVELATION; SAVING ANIMALS VIA HUMAN HEARTS; CONTEMPLATING CHANGES IN A HOMETOWN

EDITION OF FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Holy smokin’ time travel. We’ve already moved through the middle of February and I just now got rid of the fully-flocked and bagged 2022 Christmas tree. No, it hasn’t been on display, it’s been in the “Next Time Storage Area,” i.e., “Next time I’m taking cardboard boxes to recycling, I’ll take that tree, too.” Finally happened on Wednesday, February 15. Next load to go? Sorry, I’ve misplaced the list. Now, in this edition? News, animals & Contemplations. Here goes:
WHAT’S THAT, BIG TEX?

GET THE RECIPES READY!
How about this fantastic news on Thursday from the State Fair of Texas. I keep telling people this is a year-round operation. Here’s more evidence: The announcement reads, “The State Fair of Texas is back with something bigger and BATTER than ever.” May 19-21 the State Fair will sponsor a new cooking contest, Battle For the Blue Ribbons, in the Embarcadero Building at Fair Park. It’ll feature “three of the Fair’s most popular Creative Arts cooking contests: Cookie, Cake and Bread.” It’s open to all ages. There are 45 categories “across the three contests.”  And, the fair says, “All 45 blue-ribbon winners will be invited to compete in their respective contest at the Best of Show-Down in the Competition Kitchen during the 2023 State Fair of Texas on October 8, 2023.” Get all the Battle for Blue Ribbon details at the State Fair’s bigtex.com website AT THIS LINK.
Isn’t that State Fair Blue Ribbon announcement more uplifting than a weather report or a political debate? Or flying saucers over the Cotton Bowl in October seeing who can come closes to Big Tex’s hat? Took that photo of Big Tex last fall as a UFO lit up the sky behind him — I’m kidding. It was our own sun back-lighting the icon. FYI: The 2023 State Fair runs Sept. 29-Oct. 22. And the Fair's legendary Creative Arts Department is already working on those traditional contests.
THE RAREST OF CATS
WAITS IN DALLAS….
As regular and irregular visitors to readlarrypowell.com know, we enjoy the company of cats and work to help place the rarest of cat breeds, i.e., The Long-Whiskered Wide-eyed Pink-Nosed Tabby. I’m pretty sure these are maybe one in a million. All three of them that we have had have been one in million.
This fantastic face is waiting in Dog ’n’ Kitty City, the no-kill shelter operated by the Humane Society of Dallas County. See more animals and learn how to adopt them or volunteer at dognkittycity.org. 
The story on this cat is his name is Mono. He came in with his sister who was adopted — I have no idea if her name was Stereo. Mono is a medium-sized fellow, born Aug. 27, 2020. He is described as “handsome.” Goes without saying, doesn’t it, catfans. His bio says he’s shy at first, warms up, wants to be an only cat and needs a forever home. Email [email protected] or get in touch with the shelter via dognkittycity.org.
Oh, yes, that dog is Faith with possibly the most beautiful female Bulldog face in any of the 254 Texas counties. She was born on Nov. 16, 2016, her bio says. She came into the shelter when she was “very skinny.” She’ll fashion out an existence as your personal “couch potato or sofa surfer” if you’ll open your heart to her. Needs a house, not an apartment — when she’s missing her human, she lets people know. [LARRY ASIDE: We won’t say it’s operatic because we haven’t heard it, but, as a devoted-to-dogs catfan, I’ll declare that the sound a dog makes when it misses you is a message that you are a human worth missing. Not every human can grade that high on the humanity scale.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
4 DOGS WITH CHARM
Lola (in these first two photos) came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on Jan. 19, her biographer Judi Brown reported weeks ago. The deal was that Lola, a 9-month-old, 45-pound possible hound mix, was a “work-in-progress.” She was hesitant on a leash, uncomfortable in the shelter, etc. 
And in the Thursday update, Judi wrote, “I’m jumping up and down for joy as Lola is now ready to go to a loving home.!!! With TLC, time and lots of encouragement Lola has turned the corner! When she first came in she was shaking, her tail was tucked, her posture was downtrodden, and she would continually try to seek out corners in which to hide. She also did not walk on a leash. Now she walks very well on a leash. She wags her tail (it’s not tucked) and explores her surroundings without trying to hide, comes to me, and gives kisses. She actually seems happy!!!” So, to ask about this “real sweet, loving, gentle dog that will be loyal” get in touch with the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email
[email protected]. Refer to her shelter ID: #51905879.
Judi began Lark’s profile with this: “Maybe somebody can tell me why a sweet dog like Lark is getting passed over. I truly don’t understand it. Lark is a three year old 62 pound blue and white terrier pit that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter way back on 8/22. Do the math. That was SIX MONTHS ago! To start out with she was abandoned in her home. She had just had a litter and the family either sold or took those and left her behind! In spite of these hardships this adorable girl has forgiven her owners and is ready to move on. … She is a shelter fave to the point that she even gets to reside in the manager’s office! She wags her tail constantly. She’s friendly, sweet, loving and playful. She stays close for extra attention. She gives kisses. She sits for treats and takes them gently! … She’s well-mannered, obedient and wants to please. … To show you how much I cherish this dog I am offering $100 pledge in the form of a check to a 501c3 that will rescue Lark. Private message Judi Brown. Email [email protected] to tag Lark — she’s #50951798.
Judi also re-sent the evaluation of Eve. She came in on Dec. 21 as a stray and, Judi writes, “It’s hard to believe that such a cute girl with fold-over ears, an adorable personality and small stature is being overlooked!! Eve is a one-year-old, 39-pound brindle terrier Pit who arrived…as a stray. Yes, that was TWO  months ago and she’s still waiting!! She’s absolutely delightful and would do really well with a young family where she could grow up with the children. When I did the first evaluation she was quite shy but she has now come out of her shell. She was quite spunky and pulled to get out into the yard. She was so anxious to get out where she could stretch her legs that she was not even interested in meeting other dogs. … She sits for treats and takes them gently. She is highly motivated by treats. She chased a ball a few times but soon lost interest. She wanted to spend the time with me. She’s very affectionate. When I sat down she came to have her ears scratched. She wants to please. This well behaved girl has a lot to offer a loving family.” Eve is #51747874.

And that brings us to Colt who, Judi writes, “needs you to give him a loving home. He will reciprocate with lots of love that he has been saving for you! Colt is a one-year-old, 47 pound terrier Pit with a dark smokey gray coat and soft pleading eyes. He came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 10/13 as a stray. If my math is correct that was FOUR LONG MONTHS ago! Yet Colt has maintained his loving, sweet personality all this time. He’s obviously very patient. He’s also laid back, well mannered and gentle. I noticed he was drooling slightly which indicated to me he was a little nervous. Who can blame him after being cooped up in a kennel with dogs barking all around him? He needs a hero!!”
 And there’s this note from Judi, “When I introduced him to a ball he started scampering after it in a very playful manner but soon lost interest. He wanted to be back by his human friend. He sits for treats and takes them gently. One time he jumped on me for a hug. He gives kisses. … When I spoke to a volunteer about him, the first thing he said is that Colt walks very well on a leash. He also added that he’s a very nice dog! When I sat down he came to me to be petted. He actually wanted to snuggle.” 
Colt is #51320583 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
You can see Lola and other dogs and cats by clicking on the Mesquite Shelter link HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A PICTURE INSPIRES MEMORIES;

TIME-TRAVEL AVAILABLE YET?
There are several stages to this report. (1) Saw photo. (2) Read caption. (3) Had a rush of memories about TWO schools. (4) Realized progress is one mean critter. (5) I forget what 5 was, but it’ll come to me by the time I get to the end of this personal Contemplation in #6.

(1) I spotted this action-shot by Texarkana Gazette Photographer Stevon Gamble in the Tuesday edition of my hometown paper. I went to work there as a kid reporter — that 3-year episode-in-learning began between my junior year and senior year (’65-’66) at Texas High. Yes, I was a high school student who got a cool job (Thanks to journalism teacher Joy Arnold and Gazette editor J.Q. “Jake” Mahaffey, daddy of noted Texas author Prudence McIntosh.) So, why would my old school be in a photograph with demolition equipment? Oh, goodness. Read on.
(2) The Gazette’s caption with this photo explains that the crew is in the process of leveling the buildings once known as Texas High School — more than 400 kids in my Class of ’66, so this wasn’t a little bitty smalltown school. One of the buildings on the high school campus had been the first Texarkana College, opened in 1927. Attempts were made through the years to preserve the high school attended by many notables, including H. Ross Perot, the famed presidential candidate/computer milliionaire, the aforemention Mrs. McIntosh, pro athletes, business leaders, etc. “Our” Texas High closed in the early ‘70s and a new Texas High, opened (in the smalltown style of the era) “out by the interstate" (I-30) not far from the site of “the new mall.” The old campus became Pine Street Junior High and closed years ago. Ol’ Texas High might have no further use, but it still has a history, you know? We’ll get to a Greek philospher in a moment.
(3) Then there’s this: In the caption with this photo, there is a note revealing that the “historic campus’” site will become the home of an elementary school. That one school will replace two of Texarkana’s most legendary elementary schools — the rivals (in the ‘50s/‘60s) Spring Lake Park Elementary School and — second dagger to the heart of my body of public education — the Highland Park Elementary School. Please ignore my wailing for the loss of my beloved “Highland Park Elementary” where we played football and baseball and jumped robe at recess, climbed on the "monkey bars," studied in the classrooms and had a Halloween Carnival "Spook House" in the basement in October  -- there was a "cakewalk" in the music room. Heck, the school cafeteria even served pretty good cookin’. And  this was the school in which I learned the concept of lending libraries and realized how much I loved reading. I wasn’t alone in those discoveries. 
That was the school that my little brothers and I, and our pals, and Mr. Perot attended — Mr. Perot was a number of years ahead of us.
[LARRY FYI: He and I both began our professional careers at the Texarkana Gazette — I was a young reporter; he threw a paper route from horseback. Yeah, I think he might have done better financially. Many years ago, when I was covering the Tarrant County Courthouse for The Fort Worth Press, I saw Mr. Perot sitting on a bench outside a civil courtroom — he was on a witness list. Being a talkative reporter, I said something like, “Hello, Mr. Perot, I’m from Texarkana, too” and we went from there to talking about our days at Texas High and Highland Park Elementary — it beat talking about that lawsuit. In particular, we both praised the neighborhood — it was a school neighborhood — and we both spokes wistfully of Kaufman’s Grocery Store. It was a neighborhood shop that wasn’t very big but could crowd in a lot of elementary students with nickels, dimes and even quarters at lunch and after school. It also drew moms looking for groceries, from cereals to steaks, and dads sent on errands to pick up something "before the store closes." That school was a neighborhood anchor — and it was right across the street from my childhood church, now moved to a location on the western side of town instead of two blocks from the Arkansas state line.
(4) Memories of Mr. Kaufman’s store and Highland Park Elementary School signify the way things used to be. Why don’t I have a photo of the old school? Can’t find one. Back in the ‘90s when I was a columnist in a newspaper that claimed more than a million readers (not sure they ALL read my column), I wrote about the hunt for a photo of the old two-story, early-in-the-20th Century Highland Park School. What I got was letters of sympathy from alumni groups who’d also been hunting for a photo of the dear old school. Nobody could find one. If you know of one, let me know at [email protected]. I suspect any photo of the old elementary school is in a great-grandmother’s scrapbook that nobody ever opens. 
But back in the 1950s, that un-air-conditoned school was loaded with Baby Boomers. We'd arrived courtesy of the WWII and Korean War veteran dads and postwar sweetheart moms. You'd see these parents dropping off kids and picking ‘em up. Many kids lived so close they could just walk to school. Other kids proudly rode their bikes to school and rolled ‘em into the bike racks without fear of theft. And our teachers at Highland Park — best in the district, we all knew — worked so very hard to get our kid brains to elevate ourselves one grade level higher — from a “C” to a “B” in a mere six-week period. We had lots of straight-A kids, too. I knew some of them. I was in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with ‘em and bought Girl Scout Cookies from those students, too.
(5) In the Dallas area, people familiar with the well-to-do Highland Park near SMU and surrounded by Dallas, will say, “Highland Park! Y’all must have been wealthy.” And I’ll explain, “Not hardly.” Our flag football team’s name in my era tells the story — we were the Highland Park Hobos.” Yep, the Hobos. You could say “hobos” in those days without ticking anybody off. Comic Red Skelton got a whole career out of a hobo character named Freddy the Freeloader. 

(6) Now, as I contemplate the evolution of a school system and neighborhood, the loss of important images of elementary and high schools after all this time, I am reminded of the wisdom of Greek philosopher Heraclitus (535 BC-475 BC) who said, “The only constant in life is change.”

What’s that? No, Heraclitus did not graduate from Texas High with me. But I do know several philosophers who did. In fact, I have lunch with them once a month. Some of us went to Highland Park, some to Spring Lake Park. We all went to Texas High.  Yep. there’s still a rivalry. And the kids who didn’t go to Highland Park still kid us about being wealthy. My chauffeur laughs along with them.
— Offer memories or predictions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “Get back to the future” in the subject line. —-

UFOS, COCKER SPANIELS, ASSORTED DOGS, A CAT AND CONTEMPLATIONS...

EDITION OF THURSDAY, FEB. 16, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Once hardly knows where to begin this edition — I snapped this bright UFO from our kitchen window Wednesday morning, realized it was a sign that Wednesday was my lucky day and immediately bought a Lotto Texas ticket. FYI: I signed an online document swearing I’d split the jackpot 50/50 with Gleep, a fairly nice individual who contacted me via space-to-earth texting. He’s not the only space alien using texts to communicate. I’ll let you know how the ticket performs. What? Oh. Yes, that may have been the sun rising over the neighborhood trees. OK, maybe if no legal document from the law firm of Gleeptu, Gloop, Glullible & Glatlock — The Intergalactic Hammer — I’ll realize I’ve been had.
OK, let’s look at dogs and cats and people — keep our paws firmly on the earth, right?

NOBLE COCKER SPANIELS
IN NEED OF NOBLE HUMANS
[LARRY NOTE: As many readers may recall, for years our constant companion was a rescued (found without hair in Kiest Park) Cocker boy named Inky -- that's him on the left giving us him impression of a politician looking at unpledged votes and licking his chops! In honor of Inky, we try to help Cocker Spaniels and the people who love them. Thus, this note regarding DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue]

We got an appeal on behalf of these adorable dogs from DFW Cocker Spaniel Rescue. In 2022, DFW-CSR reports, the organization “rescued 81 dogs.” 
Rescue was the first step. As the rescuers report, “Once a dog comes into our program, we are fully committed to bringing each one back to good health. For some, recovery may be lengthy and expensive, due to the nature of their illness. Pictured are Ranger, Tracy and Hope, who are currently undergoing treatment for multiple medical conditions.”
Money? Is money involved in saving these dogs? DFW-CSR’s note reads, “Our ability to help these dogs depends on both funds and fosters. The cost of surgeries needed to address these medical conditions is formidable. We are asking our supporters to help us
meet these costs.” Here are three ways: Go to the DFWCSR website HERE https://dfwcockerrescue.org to donate via PayPal, the Venmo account is @DFWCockers and a check can be mailed to DFW CSR, P.O. Box 853704, Plano, TX 75086-3704.
That first Cocker is 8-year-old Ranger, “surrendered to a shelter with Tracy) the second Cocker in the photos. Rangers’ ear canals were closed (chronic infections, he weigh 38 pounds and is down to 25 now (a good thing). He’s had a “long road to recovery” from the ear diagnosis, through the Total Ear Canal Ablations on both ears — after all that his “sweet disposition has made him a very good patient,” the organization says. 
Tracy — what an ugly story for this girl — she came to the rescue “in urgent need of medical care. She had an extreme flea infection on her back which revealed maggots nesting in the wound, eyes cloudy with discharge and evidence of chronic ear infections.” Overweight t 39 pounds, now down to “a healthy 26.” Recovering from surgery to close the back wound. She’s 5 years old.

That third pup is Hope, a 2-year-old, 18-pound girl who arrived at the organization “from a group of dogs rescued from a retired breeder.” Hope was pregnant and gave birth to her puppies in December 2022. She also was diagnosed with “bilateral mature cataracts, which will need attention once her pups are weaned.” The goal is to resolve Hope’s eye issues and find that “loving forever home soon.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Remember, the voice of experience is testifying that when you have a Cocker Spaniel as you pal, you will be fascinated, but you will also need to be prepared to keep that baby properly groomed. It’s a rock, solid rule of love and kindness.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE:

ADORABLY ADOPTABLE DOGS
As we were finishing up the long-haired Cocker Spaniel appeal (my dog Inky was luxurious!), I got notes from our pal Judi Brown, volunteer dog-writer at Mesquite Animal Services. 
The subject line on this first dog was a delightful summary: “Jot ID 52041263 4 mo English Pointer, jubilant puppy, a bundle of joy, playful, friendly, wants to please, already knows sit command/Mesquite,TX.”

About the photos, Judi writes, “Jot is wearing a pink scarf to let you know that she doesn’t mind being an after-Valentine surprise! Jot is a delightful adorable 4-month-old English Pointer mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/10. She was brought in by a concerned citizen that found her. She weighs 31 pounds. If I only had two words to describe her they would be JUBILANT and PUPPY. She met many customers in the lobby and let everyone of them know she was happy to see them. I’ve got a feeling she’s never met a stranger.

“She also was very good when getting a bath which really surprised me considering she’s frisky and energetic. At four months she already knows to sit command and takes treats gently. She is so motivated by treats she frequently sat in anticipation. She jumps on you but immediately gets down with the down command or no. There’s no doubt she wants to please. There’s also no doubt she’s very intelligent. She absolutely loves toys. She throws them in the air and entertains herself with them. She’s friendly, outgoing, loving, playful, and very happy. … She would do very well with an active family with children. She would want to curl up in her own bed or in a pile of blankets next to you during family time.”

Remember, use her ID #52041263 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].  Judi adds, “If you’re interested I would not waste any time. This cutie will not be at the shelter long.”

And that brings us to Alma, #52044375, a year-old Pittie Mix who came in on Feb. 10 as a stray. She’s not spayed, weighs 35 pounds and, Judi writes, “When I first got her out of her kennel she was very friendly. Her whole body was wiggling and waggling! She is spirited. She’s enthusiastic, happy and fun to be around. She jumps on you but gets down with a sharp retort. She loves to be petted. She rolls over for belly rubs. She’s curious and explores but at the same time likes to spend time close to her human friend.

 “She’s very affectionate. When I sat down she tried to crawl on my lap. She has a strong pull on the leash and had me going around in circles. She could use some leash practice. She did her business in the yard and kept her kennel clean. She sniffed and wagged her tail meeting smaller dogs. She’s got a lot going for her. She will make a life-long loving, loyal companion. She wants to be an integral part of your family … She likes to be curled up by your side.” 
To ask about her, use that ID number and call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for asking about any animal in the Mesquite shelter, including this cat. Click HERE to see Mesquite’s adorable adoptables, including Duncan (#51688916), the orange and white Domestic Shorthair we’ve mentioned before and can’t understand why the 10-month-old boy hasn’t been adopted. He came in on Dec. 12, 2022, and is in foster care with a staffer right now.
CONTEMPLATIONS
JUST THE ODD NOTES…
I’m on the City of Dallas resident notification email list and every week when I get the note from the city with the subject line “Collection Day is tomorrow” my wallet jumps out of my pocket and hides under the bed. How many “collection days” does a property-owning resident have? Ah, it's very simply just the cost of a representative government and streets and highways without potholes. Right?…
Now, this happened in Richland Hills and was cited on Valentine’s Day on a neighborhood bulletin board. The resident typed, “Someone stole our decorative plant pot and dumped the dirt and flowers onto the ground last night. So, if anyone is wondering why there’s a pile of dirt in front of our house, that’s why. We will clean it up after work. I’ll consider it their Valentine’s Day present. A response to that post read that thieves “will steal anything if it isn’t chained down.” Of course, it’s possible a thief dedicated to his/her profession might steal the chain, too. As a young police reporter, I heard a veteran peace officer describe a known felon as “too lazy to steal.”
OK, it was in the 1951 SciFi film The Thing (From Another World) that we first got the cinema warning, “Keep watching the skies.” Chilling thought, eh? Imagine some spooky music...
—- Offer advice or doubts by clicking on ‘comments’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “YOU’RE CREEPING ME OUT” in the subject line. —