CLOCKS, CRITTERS AND A SHOW BIZ RECOLLECTION IN CONTEMPLATIONS....

EDITION OF MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023 [PetPowellPress] What time is it? Depends on the room you’re standing in. Some of our clocks changed automatically; some are waiting for me to punch buttons or roll dials on the back. Might happen. Might not. Doesn’t bother the dogs and cats. They have legendarily accurate internal clocks.
WE’LL BEGIN THE WEEK
WITH AN URBAN STRAY…
Yes, this is a stray and his name is Urban. 
We learned of him in a bio from Mesquite volunteer Judi Brown who wrote, “Soft, fluffy, cuddly, and sweet accurately describe Urban.”
 He’s a year or 2 old, not neutered, weighs 35 pounds and is a mix who came in as a stray on March 7. Judi writes, “The shelter lists him as a German Shepherd mix and my pet scanner said he’s an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix.”
She also writes, “He appears to be happy as his tail wags constantly. He’s on the timid side and somewhat docile. He rolls over for belly rubs and sometimes cowers when you reach for him. For this reason he would most likely do best in a laid-back family with gentle, loving children. He sits for treats and is highly motivated by them to the point that he sits in anticipation of them. He sometimes gently jumps on you for the purpose of a hug. … He comes when he’s called. When I sat down he put his head on my lap. He’s a friendly, tail- wagging boy that is also curious and active.
“He walks well a leash. He did his business as soon as he got out into the yard and kept his kennel clean. As soon as he got out of his kennel he went to the other kennels in that area greeting all the dogs wagging his tail. I certainly did not see any aggression. He’s a real sweetheart!” 
As you Dear Readers will recall, the Mesquite system (to help ID the right dog or cat) is you use the shelter ID number — Urban is #52191849 — when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Makes things go smoother when it comes to talking about the same critter on both ends of the phone or email.
You can see more dogs and lots of cats, too, by going to the Mesquite Animals-in-the-Shelter link HERE.
That’s where you’ll find this really handsome “2 years 17 days” orange and white neutered fellow.
He came in on Feb. 24. And as you can see on the artwork, he’s at the “Available” stage. [LARRY ASIDE: We’ve had a big ol’ orange and white fellow in our past, Griffin Oliver Powell, and he was a great cat every day of his long and honorable life. This guy needs a good name and a happy home.]
FURGOTTEN FRIENDS
CAN USE SOME HELPERS
Longtime determined animal advocate Maeleska Fletes forwarded this illustration over the weekend, writing, “Foster and funds needed! Which of my friends can do both?”
And, as you can see on the artwork, there’s a message from DFW’s Furgotten Friends that reads, “We have stopped intake due to lack of funds and not able to find fosters. Please consider fostering.”
A message on the DFW’s Facebook page also cites a couple of Boxer pups who need a “foster just for a week.”
Their appeal adds, “They are fun cuddly pups that would love to hang out with you for spring break! Message us if you want some puppy love!”
Here’s the LINK to DFW’s Furgotten Friends. And this is the LINK to the Friend’s donation site. The non-profit’s website is HERE. And you can email the organization at dfwfgf@gmail.com.
NOT ALL ARE IN THE CITY; SOME
ARE ‘OUT BY THE LAKE”….
We got the note about this dog over the weekend from Sydney Busch, the spokesperson for Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. The Friends, as you probably know, operate (so to speak) the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, about 90 minutes southeast of the Metrosprawl.
Sydney’s note read, “This goofy little girl - obviously a very young pup - was abandoned by some (now) criminal people at a volunteer's house…” 
Over the weekend the pup got “her first puppy shot” and other vet events (wormed!).
Sydney’s note also read, “For the right home, she's YOURS!  There is a small re-homing fee if I don't know you or you don't have references… Very sweet dog - have no idea how big she will get!!”
To ask about this puppy, email sydney@friendsoftheanimals.org or call 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701.
CONTEMPLATIONS
SHOW BUSINESS
Just got home from LA and the Oscar after-party hosted annually by William Powell. He's our senior office cat who tracks his roots back to Pyewacket in 1958's Bell, Book and Candle and beyond to the title animal in the 1927 film Tarzan and the Golden Lion. Might be a cousin to Orion from Men In Black (1997). As William explains the World of Cat Relatives, “It’s a grand species connection, not really a family connection. Spay and neuter, please. Makes the family tree easier to understand.”...
THE OSCARS ALWAYS make me miss my ol’ pal Philip Wuntch, the great “FC of The N” as he’d describe himself — it was short for “Film Critic of The News.” He was The Dallas Morning News’ film critic for nearly 40 years and we lost him in 2015. Way back in the 20th century, I was not just writing a daily newspaper column, but also doing non-profit live theater. Philip, when he was about to leave for the West Coast for a Hollywood interview or the Oscars, would stop by my desk and lean down and stage-whisper to me in his distinct gently authoritative voice, “I’m about to be in Hollywood for a few days. I’ll let Warren Beatty know you’re available for his next project.” Sometimes later, when Philip was walking through the news room, he say loudly, “Hey, Larry. Did Warren call you yet?” Then smile and walk on. He’d be a great Hollywood character — he was already a great Texas character. …

THEY CALL IT 'SHOW BUSINESS,' you know. Here’s a reason. Another longtime pal of mine went to see an Oscar-nominated film at a Dallas theater over the weekend and he posted this note: “I passed up the small $8 popcorn.” My theory is popcorn is being priced by gasoline companies these days. I’ve inquired about the price of the ticket. Probably requires a co-signer and a bank loan. I miss going to movie theaters. Maybe I’ll go back some day. I haven’t checked my weekend Lotto Texas numbers yet.
—- Offer budget advice or movie tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put your favorite new movie’s title in the subject line. —-