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HELPING SHELTER ANIMALS? A CHALLENGE -- REWARDS & BECKONS & TICKS YOU OFF, TOO

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY MAY 25-26, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to readlarrypowell.com where good dogs and cats need people they can look at and say, “Good boy” or “Good girl” or “Gimme a taste of whatever ice cream you’re eating.” OK, let’s move on and pretend none of us has ever “dropped” a spoonful of vanilla near a dog or cat. Purely by accident, of course….OK, let’s try to help some critters. That dog in glasses? My dear friend Porche Noel — she likes to read the ingredients on bottles.
WHAT DO SMALL SHELTERS
HAVE IN COMMON WITH VEGAS?
I’ll tell ya: The odds appear to be against anybody who walks in (or is carried in, depending on their age and condition.
For example, the people at 4-Legged Helpers have been humping it for weeks now trying to save the lives of Lainey (right), Reid (right) and Bella. More on them in a minute. But, suddenly three more pups have moved to the “new” category at the Ferris Shelter where animals from Ferris and Hutchins are both “stored” until it’s curtains or there’s some kind of long-odds rescue. 

The latest tip from 4-Legged Helpers reads, “Help!!!!” Yes, 4 exclamation points. And it adds, “Animal Control due to be out several weeks.” As you may guess, this is not like one of the overpacked Big City Shelters around here — there’s not a big staff.
The email reads, “The Hutchins Shelter often flood when it rains. Backup city workers have forgotten to feed the shelter pets in the past when the ACO is out. This is so urgent! They need someone now! Save a life!” That is the plea from 4-Legged Helpers. 
Who might the targets of this help be? Piper and Flower and Skye, along with the previously mentioned, i.e., Lainey, Reid and Bella. There may be others by the time you read this. [LARRY ASIDE: It’s not like people who dump dogs call up a shelter and ask for permission to drop Fido off at the park or at the grocery store or on Dowdy Ferry Road.]
 So, to help the Helpers rescue these dogs call or text the non-profit at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
Piper (left) and Flower are a couple of young female Shepherd/Collie/Husky mixes. The Helpers’ appeal reads, “These two beautiful precious girls that appear to be siblings were found out and about together.  They are sweeter than sweet and adore people.  Very gentle    Also seem to really love other dogs   Please help.  Please.  This is a tiny rural shelter that is in bad shape.  The ACO is nice but he is due to be out of town for a few weeks.  The shelter floods when it rains. These sweeties need out now! Help!” 
The Siberian/ Shepherd Mix is Skye, a
young spayed female. Her bio reads, “Sweetest girl - just adorable. Adores everyone.  All people. All other dogs. Does fantastic with everyone. SO SWEET.  GORGEOUS DOG!!!! Skye was found out and about with another sweet dog whose owner already reclaimed.  Skye is as precious as can be.  Beautiful girl that just so very much wants someone to love.”
You can follow 4-Legged Helpers efforts to help these animals and others by monitoring the non-profit organization’s Facebook LINK HERE.
 

AT MIDWEEK WE TURN
TO THE EAST SIDE
OF THE BIG D SPRAWL
We do that pivot on the metrophalt (combination of bad traffic and asphalt) in order to help the hard-working volunteers at Mesquite Animal Services find some homes for deserving animals.

First up is Adele, whose bio was written by her pal, volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown. Adele is designed as “a rescue-only special-needs girl” and, Judi writes, she is  one of the sweetest dogs you’d ever want to  meet.”
The probably 10-year-old, 16-pound, unspayed dog came in as a stray on May 23. 
And there’s this, Judi writes: Adele “has cataracts and is blind, has some hearing loss (she heard my squeaky toy), is extremely emaciated with ribs and spine showing, and is being treated with Nexgard for fleas! 
“Don’t tell her she’s special needs as she doesn’t know that she’s any different than any other dog. She actually gets around quite well. She explored the shelter yard, but sensed where I was and for most of the time wanted to be close to me. She actually wagged her tail often. She appears happy. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She’s highly motivated by treats. She’s gentle, cautiously friendly, well mannered, calm, and alert. 
“She appeared to be intimidated by other dogs, but being blind who can blame her? She walked slowly on a leash. She did her business when she got out into the yard. Adele doesn’t ask for much. She would love to have a laid-back home where she could be pampered. She would love a lap to cuddle on. Please consider tagging her ASAP!

“Our shelter is overcrowded, and certainly not a place for an old gal like Adele!”
Adele is #52723089 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
They call #52698444 “Harley.”
And our pal Judi writes, “If you Google the Pointer breed you will find that they are even tempered, devoted, and make congenial companions. These traits apply to Harley. Harley is a 2-year-old, 62-pound Pointer that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 5/19 as a stray.”
Judi describes the un-neutered pup as “extremely handsome and says, “He is curious, alert, and explored the yard. When he got done doing that, he spent the time close to me seeking affection. He did not appear to know the sit command, but wanted to do what I was asking him to do. He just didn’t understand. He was not interested in balls or toys. He’s friendly, well mannered, calm, affectionate, sweet natured, and wants to please. … He wagged his tail when meeting other dogs in an attempt to make friends. If you have another dog, we suggest you ask the shelter staff for a dog test. He’s a great guy that would most likely do well with a family with children.”
 We are extremely overcrowded, so if you can’t tag or adopt please network Harley.” Follow the same instructions for Adele when you contact the shelter for Harley.
This guy is Fisher (#52687790), a 5-year-old, 42-pound, neutered Lab Retriever mix who came in on the 18th as a stray. Judi writes, “If it appears that Fisher is smiling in some of these pictures, he probably is because he’s a happy, fun-loving, easy-going kind of guy! … My Dog Scanner said that he is may be part Whippet. … He’s a good boy. His tail was wagging constantly. He was curious and spent some time looking out the gate, but most the time was spent close to me. He seems to love everyone. He’s friendly, playful, curious, well mannered, and obedient. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He’s highly motivated by treats, so should be easy to train. He was not interested in playing with balls or toys. … He didn’t appear to be interested in meeting any other dogs. He didn’t have any negative reactions either. … If you’re looking for a playful, fun-loving dog to keep you company, please tag or come meet Fisher.”

Volunteer dog-writer Debra Chisholm, who makes sure we get all the tips on the animals, has spotlighted this girl Latte, a “delightful” Malinois mix surrendered on the 22nd. Why? “Owner has too many animals.” Latte is 2, not spayed and weighs 66 pounds.
She’d lived with the former human for a year and a half and, that person reported that Latte was “OK with cats and children” and she’d lived indoors and is house-trained. 
Debra wrote, “I note that she seems to have been well cared for.  She knows the sit command.  She is friendly, affectionate, gives kisses and seeks out loving attention. She was not interested in toys, balls or treats.  She was quite inquisitive and interested in exploring the smells in the yard.  She walks well on a leash.  She has a moderate activity level and does not jump on you.  She seemed restless in the shelter yard and kept going back to the gate and looking out into the parking lot.  

“It must befuddle a dog to be left in a strange place with lots of barking dogs to reside in a confined kennel.  Latte would like nothing better than to be back with her family but would settle for being adopted by a nice person or family who will provide a home with lots of TLC.”
Latte is #52713621 at Mesquite — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
This is Loki and he is #5267008 in the shelter. Debra says he’s a mixed breed fellow and the Dog Scanner app “suggests Carolina Dog and Australian Cattle Dog in the mix.” Picked up as a stray on the 15th. He’s about 5, not neutered and weighs about 54 pounds. Debra writes, “This boy has such attractive coat and beautiful eyes.  He walks well on a leash and may be house-trained as he pottied in the yard.  He had a blast running and playing in the yard.  He also spent quite a lot of time playing Sherlock Holmes scouting out and investigating the smells in the yard.  There is nothing timid or shy about Loki.  He is confident and has an outgoing and exuberant personality.  He is amiable and a-ok with loving attention.  He does not appear to know any commands.   This frisky and spunky boy is highly adoptable and would love to get out of the shelter asap.”
Debra began this bio with “This happy boy is Adam.” Yep. Looks happy, doesn’t he? 
His bio by Debra says one of the shelter officers brought him in as a stray on the 16th. And there’s this by Debra: “His owners have been contacted but have opted not to come reclaim.  Therefore, Adam is looking for a new home in which his new family will stay committed to him.  He is a mixed breed boy, approx 5 years old, weighs 55 pounds and is not currently neutered. 

“The one-ear-up-one-down is adorable and he has the cutest face and smile.  He walks nicely on a leash, but he is a bit of a strong puller.  He may be house-trained as he pottied in the yard.  Adam knows the sit command and will do so for treats which he loves! 

“He spent quite a bit of time with his nose to the ground exploring.  He is energetic and lively.  Adam is friendly and sweet and had no problem with allowing me to pet him.  He did not seem interested in toys or balls.  He's puzzled as to why he has ended up in a city shelter and why his people have not come to pick him and take him home.” Adam is #52669996 at the Mesquite shelter — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
As you probably know by now, Dear Readers, you can see more Mesquite animals by clicking on the shelter’s website HERE . Among the many dogs and cats in the city shelter? This guy Frankie who told the shelter staffer, “Hey, hold me while I lick my chops.” Frankie is #52504122, a 2-year-old Domestic Medium Hair mix who came in on April 24. He’s gray and white and medium sized and neutered. If you want to interview him, the shelter says he’s in the Animal Services Conference Room.
CONTEMPLATIONS
TINA; A FISH PROTEST; A SONG AT THE END
Dear Readers: In honor of the great Tina Turner, rest in rockin’ peace. Can’t remember the first time I saw her on TV — probably in the ‘60s on Shindig or Hullabaloo. We’ll have another note later today …. 
I got this Wednesday morning from a tipster at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The headline on the release read, “PETA Makes Waves, Urges Cinépolis to Go Fish-Free in Honor of The Little Mermaid.” 
And the note read, “Out of concern for Ariel’s friends under the sea, PETA Kids sent a letter this morning to Luis Olloqui, the CEO of Dallas-based Cinépolis USA, urging him to remove fish dishes from Cinépolis menus while The Little Mermaid is playing in theaters and year-round. The group notes that the film’s star—Halle Bailey as Ariel—is vegan and that fish-free dishes benefit the planet in addition to sparing animals violent deaths.” 
And the note had this quote from PETA Senior Director of PETA Kids Marta Holmberg: “Serving fish during The Little Mermaid is akin to serving poodle burgers at a dog show or elephant steaks at the zoo. Ariel would recoil in horror at the idea of eating her aquatic animal friends, and PETA is urging Cinépolis to replace its sea animal dishes with delicious faux-fish options.” Catch up with these sea issues by going to PETA.org.
The PETA news release noted, “Some of the most widespread fishing methods include the use of long lines and gill nets, which kill hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, birds, sharks, and other ‘non-target’ marine animals every year in U.S. territories alone. Marine animals feel pain and fight for their lives, just as you and I would.”
There’s more. You’ll see it on the PETA site.

MEANWHILE, back to the great Tina Turner. This link should take you to the video of one of her great hits. CLICK HERE
and remember the greatness.
—- Offer hints of goodness on the planet by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘BE GLAD YOU’RE NOT A SHRIMP’ in the subject line. —-

BROWN DOG ON THE CLOCK; OTHER ANIMALS IN NEED OF HUMAN HELP NOW. QUESTION: A CAT CAN DANCE?

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Poodles are cute. Golden Retrievers are magnificent. Great Danes are awesome. Collies are motion picture photogenic. Betty the Chihuahua is adorable on TV detective show Will Trent!
Brown dogs are … Brown dogs are …. frequently found in shelters!
But so are the other dogs. Save ‘em all, you know? Never met a dog that wasn’t a keeper somewhere. Example: That dog in the photo didn’t fit in some clown’s apartment, but she did fit in my rescuespouse Martha’s heart, so she saved her off the street and gave her a spot on our couches. Perfect fit. 
We’re going to launch this edition with an appeal on behalf of a brown dog who looks to be headed for the farewell needle in Dallas, the city that has an airport and a freeway named Love. How’s that for irony. “Yeah, I love dogs,” said the boss. “Order some more of that euthanasia juice. The citizens are really dumpin’ animals this month.”
LITTLE MAMA:
FEARFUL AND AT RISK
This is the dog that inspired our opening paragraphs. Little Mama is her shelter name, A1177769 is her shelter number. The post about her reads “ADOPT/RESCUE – PRE-LAB -SPACE LITTLE MAMA Dallas Animal Services.” “Pre-Lab” is, I believe the sanitized term the shelter uses for “waiting for the needle of death.”
Little Mama is spayed. She weighs 42 pounds. (The DAS bio says she’s around a year old — doesn’t give a date when she came into the shelter.)
 The bio posted on the Facebook page of Dallas Urgent Shelter Dogs HERE reports “Little Mama was surrendered by her owner due to financial reasons. Little Mama was primarily an outdoor dog and lived in a home with 4 other dogs. Little Mama was described as tolerant of other dogs and playful with children. Little Mama has been fearful here in the shelter but responds well with treats. Due to space, Little Mama is at risk of euthanasia.
“SHELTER OBSERVATION 4/20/23; Scared, growling and tail tucked
“SHELTER OBSERVATION 5/22/23: Reactive, barking when I approached kennel side. I offered her treats and she would stop barking to take them then run of the back and continue barking. After treating her for a few minutes, Little mama would calm down and stopped barking.”

The note says email [email protected] for more information. Perhaps you may also want to drop by the DAS Shelter & Adoption Center at Westmoreland and I-30 west of downtown Dallas. Here’s the shelter link the an early bio of Little Mama.
It has that photo — appears to be an early photo of a frightened, dumped dog wondering what the hell is coming next. No animal should ever feel that awful emotion.
THE MESSAGE WAS SIMPLE:
‘WE NEED A FOSTER’
It arrived in a Facebook post by Maleska Fletes, longtime rescuer and advocate who is a member of the board of DFW’s Furgotten Friends. 
The appeal reads, “Calling all the bulldog lovers!
“These pups are 2-year-old siblings, one male, one female, that need a foster home together. They like other dogs and love people.
"As far as we know, they have no behavior problems.
"The owner has injured themselves, and they are no longer able to care for these pups that they have loved since babies. Please help us find a safe home for them. Please share. #adoption #dogrescue #fostertoadopt #dogfoster #bulldoglovers #help #helpneeded #texas #bullybreeds."
You can see more on the Furgotten Friends Facebook page HERE.
MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE
HERE ARE ‘FOUR TO GO’
Yep, four dogs among the animals waiting in the Mesquite Animal Shelter are getting a bit of spotlight in this edition. Consider this a reminder to tell potential animal people you know that local shelters have plenty of great dogs and cats waiting. Here we go:
 Our tipster, the Mesquite volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm reports that  this Earhound Greta is a German Shepherd mix picked up “by one of our officers and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 5/17.” The 5-year-old, 63-pound girl is, Debra writes, “the sweetest, well-behaved, calm and gentle girl. She has a mellow low-key nature.  She knows the sit and paw commands.  Greta likes treats and takes them gently.  She walks well on a leash.  She pottied outside her kennel.  This friendly girl is more than happy to receive loving attention.  She appears to have recently had a litter of pups.  She very probably has lived as an outside dog judging from the fly bites on her ears and her scruffy coat.”

Greta is #52677777 — use that shelter ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same contact system for Rena (#52656529). a stray who came to the shelter on May 15. She’s about 6-months-old, spayed and weighs around 25 pounds. Debra’s bio of Rena reads, “She is a high energy pup that jumps and climbs on things.  She is playful and plays with toys and balls.  She loves treats and takes them gently.  Rena walks quite nicely on a leash.  She is amiable and is happy to be petted and loved on.  This high-spirited girl would really benefit from obedience classes.  She needs an active person or family who would stay committed to her and would provide consistent playtime, enrichment, and exercise.  Please help Rena out of the shelter and on the way to a new life by networking or tagging at [email protected], typing in the subject line TAG, ID 52656529.”

Debra also got to work with Sparky (52672067), a terrier mix brought in as a stray on May 16. Debra writes, “This is one delightfully charming youngster.  Sparky weighs 51 pounds, is approx 7 months old and is not neutered.  I named him Sparky because he is such a lively and spunky boy.  He has the softest, silkiest fur and the most beautiful eyes.  Sparky knows the sit command.  When I conducted his evaluation he seemed absolutely thrilled to be outside of his kennel stretching his legs. In fact he ran and played in the yard as well as spending a significant amount of time sniffing out all the interesting scents.  He did walk quite nicely on a leash.  This friendly, affectionate youngster wanted to climb on my lap and was happy to have a human companion shower him with affection… a highly adoptable boy with a lovable personality.”

That brings us to Minnie, described by Debra as a “little livewire pup.”
She’s a Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix who came in as a stray on the 15th.  Minnie (#52656434) is about 4 months old and weighs 27 pounds — she isn’t yet spayed. Debra’s bio of Mini reads, “She is one fun-loving, tail-wagging youngster with an abundance of puppy energy.  She does not have a timid, shy or fearful bone in her body!  She is playful and likes toys and balls.  Minnie is affectionate and is a lap dog wannabe.  She is perfectly good with receiving loving attention.  Minnie walks very nicely on a leash for such a young dog.  She likes treats and will sit for them.  This little gal would seem best suited for an active person or family that would commit to daily exercise and playtime as well as teaching some basic commands.”

Again, remember to use the ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

See more animals in the Mesquite Shelter by clicking on THIS LINK.

You can see many more dogs and a dynamic number of cats including this month-old baby, #52717549. She’s a grey Domestic Medium Hair mix who arrived on May 22 and is listed as “Rescue Only” for right now. Readlarrypowell.com decided to feature her because we took a look at that photo and realized right away what the nameless kitten is up to. She’s rehearsing her high-kick dance moves because she’ll be skilled enough to do high-kicking with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade six months from now on November 23.
CONTEMPLATIONS
MAYBE WE’LL HAVE SOME…
Realizing that I’ve already written this week about the State Fair of Texas and Thanksgiving, I have vowed to s l o w t h e m e n t i o n o f f u t u r e e v e n t s.
That slows things, but it's sure tough to read. Wait a minute — let me rethink that. Just how long do I want the political campaign season to last. I'm already halfway through a large bottle of aspirin.
Here’s a question I often ask myself as I devour a chocolate-dipped soft-serve vanilla ice cream cone: “How much WOULD I weigh if I owned a Dairy Queen?” Oh, my.
I spotted these two notes on the Holiday Insights listing for May 25 — if you’re planning ahead. It’s National Towel Day (in the United Kingdom) and National Tap Dance Day. Please do not celebrate them simultaneously in public. Everybody has a phone camera these days.
—- Offer some kind of advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] and put “CHOCOLATE SUSTAINS LIFE” in the subject line. —-

A THREATENED DOG, A CUTIE PIE, TURTLE DAY, DUCKS & MORE TURTLES....

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Before we dive into today’s report, let’s all take a moment to look our dogs or cats or dogs and cats in the face and tell ‘em how much we love ‘em. Feels good, doesn’t it!
I have two photos to start the day. One is the back of my dog, not her face. But it's a reminder to be careful when you roll your desk chair back, especially if you have a dog who sleeps quite soundly. In that photo with Porche Noel, you can see how close my wheel came to her tail Monday morning as I finished a sentence on the keyboard and turned to roll to freedom. She never even knew I came that close to having to apologize profusely for not having a rear-view mirror on my desk chair. I think it was an option.
And the reason I’m showing last night’s photo of me and Stevie Ray is this: Cats are cool companions and if you don’t have one, perhaps you need one to give you enthusiasm for conversation.  You'll be talking with a species known for providing insight to the everyday challenges of life. They can tell you if you're a purrer or a hisser.  
Stevie Ray had just told me to lay off trying to pick winning Lotto Texas numbers. In the past two months, entering twice a week, I have won a whopping three bucks, which I gave to my funspouse Martha. I don’t know what she does with the money — $3 will go a long way in today’s world. I may be wrong about that. I think you can get ONE gallon of gasoline for about $3 today. Maybe.
 IN GLENN HEIGHTS, A DOG
MET A STUPID/MEAN HUMAN
I have no name for this dog. I also have no idea whether the dog is a he or a she. What the Facebook post does tell us is the dog has had a rotten bit of human contact. 
Someone with Friends of the Glenn Heights Animals Shelter (south of Dallas along I-35) posted the German Shepherd’s photo and story. And someone, possibly from the shelter’s Friends, took the time to create a first-person story by this dog.

“I could hardly breathe,” the biographical story begins, then goes straight too the heartbreak. “The person who I thought loved me tied a chain so tight around my neck it started to cut in my throat. I was tied to a fence and left to fend for my own. But the kids saw me and helped!
“I’m still trying to process how I got to this place they are calling a shelter. I’m just glad the chain is off and I get a good meal and somewhere to rest.

“If you have any information on my owner who tied me up please contact the Glenn Heights Police Department at 972-223-3478.
“If you would like to meet me, please contact us. Visit the shelter at 550 E. Bear Creek Glenn Heights TX 75154 or call 214-837-9255 for more information.” And here’s a Facebook LINK to Friends of the Glenn Heights Shelter.
[LARRY ASIDE: This could be a case for the stern application of the Readlarrypowell.com Two-by-Four of Enlightenment, but I’m pretty sure an ethical court will stick to the letter of the law.]
MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE,
THERE’S A ‘CUTIE PIE’

How do we know there’s a cutie pie in the Mesquite Shelter? Because we got word of this dog Augustus from our reliable tipster, the volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown. 
She wrote, “This cutie pie is a shelter fave not only because he’s adorable, but also because he has a winning personality! He’s the whole package! He’s a two-year-old, 55 pound gray and white Bulldog with hazel eyes that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 4/27 as a stray. He’s already fixed.
“You might be asking how could this guy with so much going for him still be at the shelter?  He’s been in isolation with a URI. He’s still on medication, but he’s getting better!! You may also notice that he’s too thin and could use some groceries. 
“He has been tested for heartworm and is heartworm negative! He’s a happy guy with a tail that wags constantly. He stays close to his human for extra attention and affection. He comes to you when you call him. … He’s very sweet, calm, affectionate, well mannered, and easy-going. He walks very well on the leash. … He wanted to make friends with all the dogs he met. I did not see any signs of aggression.

“He won’t be at the shelter long now that I put him out there,” Judi says confidently. Then adds, “To spend time with him is to love him.” 
Augustus is #52533432 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-5283 or email [email protected]. To see more Mesquite dogs and cats that are waiting for homes, click on the shelter link HERE.
 CONTEMPLATIONS
Turtles, Ducks & Happy Together?
In case, like me, you can’t keep up with all the “Days,” I’ll help with this particular May 23 — it is “World Turtle Day.” It’s a day that honors turtles and tortoises and urges protection of the species and their environments. As you probably know, Texas has a bunch of turtles. The Official State Seat Turtle of Texas is the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle. That’s a photo (and credit) that’s available online. The Lone Star State got it’s State Sea Turtle in 2013, so, heck, this is the 10th anniversary for the Ridley Sea Turtle. Growing up in Bowie County, I rarely saw the big round flat turtles. I saw snapping turtles, tortoises and some that were featured on TV. More in a moment. Here’s a link to a story about 25 different kinds of turtles in Texas. That's in case you didn’t know. We didn’t study turtles way back when I was in school — we were studying about dinosaurs and pterodactyls — getting familiar with the local critters in those days. …
Now, as a kid from East Texas, I was familiar with ducks. Lots of people hunted ‘em. I fed 'em. Yep, fed bread to the ducks at Spring Lake Park in Texarkana. I knew there were Mallards, Merganzers, Teal, Wood Ducks, Pintails and, of course, Donald. But until I cranked open a page online Monday, I had no idea there were these Scotus Ducks. They seem to be caucusing, but I’m not real clear on duck behavior. OK, let’s paddle along.|
In honor of January, 1967, because, man, the ‘60s music had some gentle tones and teenage angst and, dude, helped us cope. Besides, this one has a link to The Turtles. CLICK HERE, YOU OL’ ROCKERS. 
— Offer ‘60s tips or lament a tune by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and, in the subject line, confess ‘I ACHE FOR THE ’60s.” —-

SAVING SOME DOGS IN ASSORTED JAMS; A CAT NAMED ROYCE WAITS; NEW STATE FAIR COOKIE CONTEST DRAWS A CROWD!

EDITION OF MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023 [PetPowellPress] At the State Fair of Texas those hustling staffers in the Creative Arts Division have been at work on a new system for showing off Texas' bakers.
My funspouse Martha and I joined the State Fair's cookie judging volunteeers last Friday in a new weekend of contests organized. Heck, yeah, buckaroo, the State Fair is busy year-round.
Friday's contest was cookies. Cakes were judged Saturday and breads on Sunday. The winner of assorted categories meet-up in the fall during the Fair (Sept. 29-Oct. 22. We'll get to more of this in today's Contemplations, including the success of the cookies and a bold challenge by a fan of Texas cookies and their bakers.
Now, let's try to help some animals before we get to Contemplations 'n' cookies 'n' a dare!
TWO DOGS, TWO STORIES;
ONE' TALE WILL GET TO YOU
This note from veteran rescuer/advocate Mary T. Sullivan who describes these dogs as "two guys who each need a forever family."
She writes that Charisma is a Black Lab mix "with an incredibly resilient spirit.  When he was just eight months old, his right leg was partially amputated by some lunatic who’s clearly on the bullet train to hell.  A Good Samaritan found him bleeding out and managed to save him, and he ended up here in the DFW area.  He’s been a cherished member of his adoptive family for six years, but now the family is in crisis and he must be rehomed.  He’s a sweet, loving, devoted boy – a little shy at first (which is understandable, given his history) but with an open heart.
"He’s also quite mobile, not withstanding his special needs.  He can run, jump into the car, and mix it up with little dogs.  He’s been living with three Shih-tzus and adores them; larger dogs, not so much.  He prefers women to men but has lived with a man since he was adopted and has done fine.  He's generally healthy and happy, and is crate-trained.  I’m the contact person fro Charisma. (Email mary.sullivan @mcpaulaw.com  or msully2011@ gmail.com
or 972-677-1601.)


Mary's note included this appeal, too. She wrote, "Also looking for a home is Rex (or Sexy Rexy, if you prefer).  He’s a 3-year-old, 90-lb Shep-Rottie mix – a handsome hunka love! 
"He barely made it out of a local shelter alive, but landed with a wonderful foster who has helped him overcome many of his fears. 
"He does great with older kids and adults, as well as with calm, friendly dogs.  He’s quiet and mannerly and has been fully vetted.  Oh, and he’s crate-trained and housebroken – will ring a bell to let you know when he’s gotta go!  He also knows several commands.  His foster mom, Florence, is his contact person." (Ask about Rex at 972-207-2463.) 
OPPORTUNITIES IN MESQUITE

TO HELP WAITING CRITTERS

As you know, with the proper application of love and respect, any dog can be somebody's pal. All depends on the human, don't you think? Well, ponder that as you consider these two dogs from Mesquite Animal Shelter.
Volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown begins her bio of Penelope with this: "We've come a long way, baby!" And, then, she explains, "So much so that several of the staff members are commenting about the improvement in Penelope‘s behavior. 
"Penelope is a 2-year-old, 40-pound Australian Cattle Dog/Anatolian Shepherd mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 5/4 as a stray. She is spayed.
"When she first came into the shelter, she was frozen with fear. We had a dedicated volunteer who spent considerable time working with her and helping her to build trust. It worked! She went from fighting the leash to walking with a tug, pull, pet routine. Now she walks hesitantly on the leash.
"She also followed me around the laundry room and came to me to have her ears scratched. Look at those big brown eyes and you can tell that she is sweet and is wanting to completely trust! She has so much potential. She is still a work in progress."
And there's this from Judi's note: "Meanwhile, we are completely full to overflowing. So if you have time to devote to a loving dog that just needs TLC and patience, please come visit Penelope. She would make a great snuggle bug!"
Penelope is #52584334 -- use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for this dog Precious (#52531232) who Judi describes as "appropriately named." The "sweetheart" is a spayed, 2-year-old, 52-pound Pittie/Staffie/Bulldog mix who came in as a stray on April 27, Judi reports. 
"When she first arrived she was nearly paralyzed with fear," Judi reports, adding, "A dedicated volunteer staff worked with her daily to help her relax and build trust. Well, it was successful and now Precious is a happy, loving girl that appears to love everyone. From time to time she does revert back to being a little shy. A slow introduction would be very helpful with her.
"When I met her in her kennel  she was all wiggles and wags and even gave me some kisses. She loves belly rubs. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She was not interested in playing with balls or toys. She’s gentle, sweet, well mannered and very loving. She walks very well on a leash. She did not appear to be interested in meeting other dogs. She was more interested in spending time with me and getting out into the yard. As gentle as she is, she would do well with well-behaved children that would be gentle with her."
See more adorable adoptables -- dogs and cats -- by clicking on this link to the Mequite Animal Shelter.
Among the many cats waiting is this 3-year-old orange Domestic Longhair mix Royse. He's small, neutered, and came in back on March 289. He's 52327267 and he's waiting in the Mesquite Shelter's Cat Room.
CONTEMPLATIONS
STATE FAIR'S SPRING COOKIES! Mmmmmm!
Yep, the 2023 State Fair of Texas runs Sept. 29-Oct. 22. But this year's Fair is already on the job. Has been all weekend, in fact, and before that. Yes, the State Fair of Texas is a year-round organization!  
On Friday, my funspouse Martha and I joined in the judging of the first "Battle for the Blue Ribbons" in the State Fair Cookie Contest.
Usually this occurs during the actual Fair, but this year it's a spring contest with a fall purpose.
 Friday’s blue ribbon winners were chosen from competitors in 15 cookie categories including Gluten Free, Christmas, Holiday, Chocolate, Macaron, Macaroon, Oatmeal, etc. Martha and I had the distinct privilege of judging Chocolate Chip Cookies. I nearly wept with happiness. 

The winners of the Blue Ribbons in this initial contest will meet up on October 8 for the "Best of Show-Down" at the State Fair. Champions up against champions. [LARRY FYI: Go to bigtex.com and click on “GET INVOLVED” and you can navigate to all the Creative Arts Division contests you can enter.]

So, how did this scheduling change affect participation? On Friday, before the judging, Kathy Bennett, the Director of Creative Arts and Special Events, revealed that this 2023 Cookie contest had drawn 427 entries -- the previous record (for cookie contests during a State Fair of Texas) was 235 entries. 
(That's a variety of entries on the left.)
The crowd applauded the jump in entries, as did the judges. And, the thing to note is there actually was a crowd. 
You hardly ever think of a cookie contest as a spectator sport, but, the Fair staff had to add more seating after the first rows of chairs quickly filled with contestants, their supporters and other interested parties.
 These spectators may not cheer each bite a judge takes or the look on a judge's face, but they will cheer the awarding of the ribbons for honorable mention, third, second and first place. 
FYI: Each contestant had to present 18 cookies (if memory serves). My math's lousy but Director Bennett's is pretty good. She told us that the contestants brought 7,686 cookies to the judging. 

Martha and I judged somewhere around 40 entries, if I recall correctly, in the Chocolate Chip category. That’ll give you quite a dynamic taste of chocolate chips and cookies. I was very happy (that's a photo of some of the ChocChip entries on the right above and, below, another "variety" photo). When I’d learned Friday morning that we'd been assigned to the Chocolate Chip Cookies, I regarded it as a State Fair Miracle. An answer to a prayer. Yes, I love all cookies and I am quite a fan of this variety.
LARRY 
FYI: My personal record holds firm. Been helping judge cookies since the previous century and this is a well-baked truth: "I've never had a bad cookie at the State Fair of Texas." 
In fact, I have so much confidence in the Texas bakers that  I'm prepared to triple-cornydog-dare any other state fair that claims it's cookies are even half as good as a Texas cookie. I am, of course, not authorized to speak on behalf of the Fair or the bakers of Texas cookies. But I am a chubby fellow with sincere cookie experience at churches, family gatherings, holiday events, weddings and other cookie-happy events. 
Our winning chocolate chip cookie came from a traditional recipe. All cookies are judged on taste, appearance and texture. The difference between cookies can be as slight as the type of salt used, the amount of a certain ingredient, i.e., cornstarch, type of butter or the length of time the cookie has been baked. This year, some cookies featured white chocolate. One thick cookie had an Oreo baked into its middle. One was topped with a delicious coating of a wonderful caramel sauce.

These bakers are creative and determined. They, in fact, cooked up a good contest, so to speak. 
It is such a pleasure to bite into a perfectly baked, perfectly formed, wonderfully mixed chocolate chip cookie. To borrow a line from Humphrey Bogart, “It is the stuff
dreams are made of when a fellow is on a diet or in a mood for a joyous treat.”

What I'm telling you is this: There wasn't a Chocolate Chip Cookie in the contest that would have made you turn down the offer of having a second one.
That, folks, is Cookie Power. State Fair of Texas Cookie Power. 
 It'll make Big Tex shout 'HOW-DEE' in springtime..
--- Offer cookie tips or diet tips by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected]. --- 

JUST HOW EASY IS IT TO SLEEP IF YOU HAVE BAGGAGE?

How long does it take you to go to sleep? And once you are asleep, how long does it take you to stay asleep?
We have one of those beds to tracks your sleeping and reports it to your cell phone.  The report uses such terms as "restful" and "restless" and includes notes that could easily read, “Sir, perhaps you’d be more comfortable on a distant planet with a lower gravity.”
What inspired this topic was a 4:25 a.m. bark-up call from as normally out-like-a-light all night big ol dog named Dudley the Angel. He was convinced someone was on the front porch.
Yes, the “I can sleep anywhere” dog flopped over and immediately went back to sleep, thereby qualifying for this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. 
I said to Dudley as a I staggered down the hall and into the living room, “What’s up, Dudster?” and he replied, “I’m trying to sleep here.” He succeeded. He left the floor and went back to his custom bed next to Martha's side of the computer sleeper, er, bed.
I thought it would be appropriate to ask my longtime canine confidant, the noted slumber expert Porche Noel, how to segue from lounging to being a snoring, drooling mammalian example of a deep sleeper.
“First,” the smart, bespectacled dog said, “You have too much baggage to get a good night’s sleep. You poor suffering human. Can’t you ignore things and just sleep?”  Easy for a guilt-free dog to say.

She continued, “Comfort is key. But you’re too big to fit onto my dog bed. Have you considered trying the Chihuahua Desert Diet?”

“What’s the Chihuahua Desert Diet?” I asked innocently.”Is it something like that Mediterranean Diet?”
And Porche replied, “Vegetables-smedgetables. Do you simply REFUSE to read the medical journals I earmark and leave on your desk?” 
She was exasperated. Then she explained: “Here’s the deal with the Chihuahua Desert Diet: It’s Texas-based. But the key is the sand. Whenever you begin to grab something that is loaded with calories, you grab a bucket of Chihuahua Desert Sand and liberally sprinkle it squarely on the food you’re craving. That’ll put you right off of that snack.”
[LARRY ASIDE: By the way, if anybody thinks there is a Chihuahua Desert Diet with sand, you are the people who keep me awake nights.]
In our con- versa- tion, Porche handed me two photos. The first shows her at her most relaxed, casually sprawled on a fluffy comforter on her couch in the living room. “I like this photo,” she said, “because it shows me as I really am —- a magazine model without an agent, but with a certain bold attitude that demonstrates why I get 800 cable channels and never have to pay a dime.”
She also included this “Happy Picture” of her she is gently snoring while smiling on her Office Dog Bed in the home office of readlarrypowell.com. That is next to the “Action Desk” and is regarded as the “Inaction Bed.”

The only dog who has had a sleeping challenge in our house lately is Wendy who’s been wearing one of those plastic lampshade collars for more than week — it’s keeping her from chewing the stiches out of a spot on her left front leg where she had a odd floppy growth removed. At some point Saturday morning, Wendy’s personal veterinarian will be removing those stiches and she’ll be romping again without that plastic collar.
We’ll quote a 1972 song by the great Rod Steward. Wendy, “You wear it well….” and we’re ready for you to romp without banging it into the walls, our knees, the chairs, the doors.
You wear it well, a little bit noisy but that’s just fine. You wear it well, it’s gonna come off and ain’t that swell. …
[LARRY REMINDER: Dear Readers, we’re quite happy to spotlight your slumbering dogs, cats and other beasties who might be able to nod off in this world. Send photos and info to [email protected] and we’ll spotlight ‘em in our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be helping people decide to open their homes and hearts to animals. And you’ll be helping other insomniacs get some sleep. I’m contemplating the Chihuahua Desert Diet. Insomniacs will try neary anything except sand on a saucer -- and I'm not sure I wouldn't try that. Rather have flan, of course! Anybody know if there's "diet flan"?]

—- Offer ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] and put “Sand is not True Grit” in the subject line. —-

MAKING A DELIVERY, SO TO SPEAK; ADORABLES AWAIT; PLUS, IT'S AN AUSSIE FAIR DINKUM FOR GREYHOUNDS

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to Friday’s edition. I don’t have a second sentence, so this will have to do, unless you’d like to join me in singing along with Mary Hopkin on Those Were The Days. Well, harmoniously moving along….
THERE’S BEEN MOVEMENT
IN PREGNANT LUCY’S CASE
Easy now, don’t jump to a delivery conclusion. As this is being written, she’s still expecting in the Everman Animal Shelter. But there's a but. You may recall that in our Thursday edition we told you, with the help of our Everman animals tipster Heather Harrison, that Lucy the Pregnant Dog and her boyfriend Bruce were in need of a safe exit from that small city shelter on the southeastern side of Fort Worth.
Early Thursday morning we got a note from Heather. It read, “Momma Lucy & her BF have a rescue! They leave for Missouri on Saturday!”

Who is taking in this Texas dog? Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue of St. Peters, Mo., just northwest of St. Louis. 
Heather reports that Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue has “taken a few dogs from Everman over the past year.” And she adds that the group would, no doubt, appreciate some donations to help with Bruce, Lucy and the expected arrival of the puppies. You can read about Diamonds in the Ruff at the website ditrrmo.org  and learn more about the non-profit on Facebook HERE.

[LARRY NOTE: May Lucy, Bruce and the litter live long and happy lives with happy people. Dear Readers, do you remember animal rescue BEFORE the internet came along? Getting a pregnant dog from Everman, Texas, to St. Peters, Mo., might have never occurred, right? Can’t wait until someone invents teleporting!]
THERE’S BEEN NO MOVEMENT
IN THE CASE OF THESE ANIMALS
We got a note Thursday from the folks with 4-Legged Rescue about a cat and three dogs we’ve featured before.
That cat is, as you may recall, Melody, a young “buff, beige and white” female who is in the Ferris Animal Shelter. Surrendered by “someone who was “no longer able to care for her.” And she’s described this way: “Complete, cuddly love bunny.”
Lainey is the Weimaraner/Pointer/possibly Rhodesian Mix. Arrived at Ferris in September, went into foster, the foster had to recently hand her back and she’s in the ol’ familiar position of “waiting for someone to get her to safety.’
Reid is the Boxer/Basenji Mix with the adorable personality. He’s said to be “wonderful with other dogs” and a “sweetie pie” with humans.

Inexplicably, Bella, the dog left tied to the front of a Dallas vet’s office, has had no inter- est. She’s a Boxer/Catahoula Mix who has earned the descriptions “Gentle little soul” and “sweet little couch potato.” 

To ask about helping any of these or all of these (he typed ambitiously), get in touch with 4-Legged Helpers by calling or texting 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. Keep up with the Helpers’ daily efforts by going to the 4-Legged Helpers Inc. page on Facebook HERE.
ANYBODY HEAR THE ECHO
COMING FROM MESQUITE?
AND ROSE HAS 9 PUPPIES!
[LARRY SERMON: The sad truth of the Metrosprawl is that animal shelters are overloaded because so many people are under-hearted. Somebody wise up the area’s knuckleheads. Make ‘em activate their hearts. Sheesh. OK, some stories.]
There are more than two stories in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. But we’re focusing on Echo and Rose at first.
Mesquite volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown provided the details on this pup Echo. Some dog face on Echo, eh? Judi wrote, “Echo said he’s heard that patience is a virtue, but he says his patience is wearing thin. 
He’s a 1-to-2-year-old, 49-pound Pittie whose black-and-white presence arrived at the Mesquite Shelter on OCTOBER 21, 2022. That’s a while ago. Judi writes, “ He wants you to put yourself in his place. He has sat patiently for seven months in a confined space watching potential adopters go by his window. He tries to capture their eyes, he wags his tail, and tries to let them know that he’s a good boy. But nothing seems to be working, so he’s asking Miss Judi to send out an extra plea telling people he needs a family.”

The theory is an active family with kids would work “wonderfully” for this “energetic, playful, fun-loving, happy, wiggly, well-mannered” dog who “definitely wants to please.”
Judi says that the “first thing he did when he got into the yard was to jump into the toy box to select a toy. He does best with hard rubber toys or balls. He does chase and retrieve balls. He doesn’t appear to know the sit command, but does want to obey and do what you’re asking him to do. He is highly motivated by treats and takes them gently. His tail wags constantly. He appears to love everyone. He comes to you just wanting to be close. He occasionally jumps on you, but then he’s still a young guy.”
Echo is #51374171 at the shelter. Use that to help the staffers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. 
Same system when trying to help Rose — she’s #52643957.
Volunteer Mesquite dog-writer Debra Chisholm has the story of the “beauty” known as Rose. She is, Debra writes, “a Great Pyrenees that was picked up as a stray, along with her 10 newly-born pups by one of our officers and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 5/12.  One of her pups was found deceased.  
“Rose is taking care of her 9 remaining pups nicely. Rose weighs 88 pounds and is approx 2 years old. She is amiable and sweet-natured and is fine with being petted and loved on.  
“She enjoyed getting a break from the little darlin's when I did her eval, pics and video in the shelter yard. She walks quite nicely on a leash and pottied in the yard.  She's a bit timid and shy and yet is fitting in OK in the shelter environment.
“Needless to say, a city shelter is no place to nurse and care for tiny puppies.  She is rescue only and needs a quiet, loving and comfortable home in which to take care of her pups.  Please network this precious mama and her pups if you know of rescues willing to take on the care of a mama and her very young puppies.”
And here are a quick two-more dogs in the Mesquite Shelter. 
Cindy is #52653957. She’s a year-old, weighs 28 pounds and, of course, wasn’t spayed when she arrived at the shelter on May 13. Yep, she was a stray rescued off the streets by animal control. Her bio describes her as “one life-of-the party, fun-loving youngster with plenty of spunk and energy. Use her ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for saving Rufus (# 52215032) from any ugly fate. What’s he doing in the shelter His ID is #52215032. 
Rufus came in on March 10 as a stray. He’s a year old, neutered and weighs 70 pounds. His bio reads, “Rufus has so much going for him in addition to his dashing good looks, soulful eyes and sunny smile!  He walks nicely on a leash.”
He seemed congenial with other dogs, knows the “Sit!” command and “will do it endlessly for treats which he takes gently.” Not interested in toys or balls, but is, Debra’s bio of the lad reads, “a tail-wagging fellow with a real zest for life.  He has a moderate activity level, is well-behaved and does not jump on you. … Rufus is a friendly boy who has no problem with petting from a human companion.”
See more dogs and cats in Mesquite by clicking on the shelter link HERE.
THIS SMILING DOG IS ROB!
HE’S FROM ‘DOWN UNDER’
AND FAIR DINKUM, TOO
Yep, this is one of the many retired racing Greyhounds from Australia that has joined the many retired racing Greyhounds from Ireland under the care of the innovative and dedicated non-profit Greyhound Adoption League of Texas. [LARRY G’DAY MATE NOTE: Yep, I got two countries, a former country and the term “retired racing Greyhounds” twice into long sentence. But you get the point, right? GALTX is international with its big heart.]
That brings us to the current GALT 2023 “Fair Dinkum” Auction — it is, GALTx says, “honoring our new Aussie Greys.” Items for sale include “jewelry, art, gift cards, doggie stuff, accessories and more!.” You can connect to it and read all about it by going to galtx.org. You might also find a dog you love.
What does “Fair Dinkum:” mean? I looked it up. The definition reads “unquestionably good or genuine.” That clearly refers to the dogs and to the items being sold on their behalf!
CONTEMPLATIONS

MUSINGS WITH NO ANSWERS
End of the traditional work week, but what’s traditional about a work week these days? Thank you, pandemic….
Here’s a question for ya: If electric vehicles take over, will people be reluctant to live near freeways because of the noise? What will an all-electric freeway sound like? My dog Porche Noel just got her driver’s license. I’m kidding. ...

So, people are concerned about Artificial Intelligence in government and the workplace? Zounds! Isn’t anybody iffy on the concept of driverless vehicles? We’ve reached the future, haven’t we? And, really, I guess a driverless truck might be less dangerous than artificial intelligence in Washington. Enjoy the weekend and 'Go Stars.'
—- Offer tax advice or elevator tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing [email protected] and ‘DON’T STRAIN THE LIFT, MATE’ in the subject line. —-

THE STATE FAIR AND ITS MIDWAY; DOGS, CATS AND THEIR CHALLENGES

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY/THURSAY MAY 17-18, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Before we get to our usual topics of helping or being helped by dogs and cats, we have a great bit of news from the State Fair of Texas. Yep, it’s mid-May and checkout that artwork from the 2023 State Fair of Texas — September 29-October 22 at the place we know as “historic Fair Park” in Dallas.

We’ll address more of the revelation in the 2023 Fair theme “Explore the Midway” in our Contemplations below. (Click on that artwork to make it grow like Big Tex.)
Now, back to our usual "news beat":  We need some smart and loving people to take over the care of animals today.

LUCY: EXPECTING
IN EVERMAN &
OTHER CHALLENGES
There is a chance that this dog may have presented her pups by the time you read this. My fault. I overlooked the appeal for help last week. But I checked with our Everman tipster Wednesday just as soon as I saw the overlooked email.
And Heather Harrison reports that Lucy is still pregnant but “due any day now.” And she has a $300 pledge from a sponsor.
You see photos of Lucy and Bruce and I think it’s pretty clear in that opening photo which is which.
Heather’s note reads, “EVERMAN TX SHELTER is pleading for help!!   They are in a dire situation. Lucy is a 4-year-old, female Pitbull mix. She is due to have babies within the next week most likely.  She is growing bigger by the day.   She is a sweet, docile & calm girl that just wants to sit with a human.   Very well mannered & quiet. 
“She came in as a stray with her boyfriend, Bruce.  Both are still at the shelter but LUCY is now critical as she needs a safe place to have her babies.”

To help Lucy or the 3 kittens left from that photo, call the Everman Shelter at 817-561-5495.
Those are 5 kittens who arrived with “umbilical cords still attached” and in “dire need of rescue,” Heather reported. [LARRY ASIDE: Three are left — yep, still in need of the helping hand of bottle-feeding humans with an understanding of the importance of cats in our world.
You know who else is still on the clock in Everman Animal Shelter? This guy, 10-year-old Boxer mix Rocky. The note we got from Heather read, “He is a sweet, old soul that just wants a quiet place to lay his head.  The shelter is terrifying to him!  He is very calm, easy going & gentle.  Dog, cat & kid social.  Fully vetted.”

WHY IS ROCKY IN A SMALL TOWN ANIMAL SHELTER?
Crime. Heather’s note read, “Sadly, Rocky's owner was murdered which landed him in the shelter.  He obviously has not lived a great life as he is very emaciated & malnourished.  But he holds no grudges.  He longs for a gentle touch & soft bed.
"ANYONE HAVE SPACE TO SAVE THIS GUY???   THE ODDS ARE AGAINST HIM!”

Again, the Everman Shelter phone number is 817-461-5495. And the Facebook Page is HERE.  
HOW DOES A DOG LIKE THIS
WIND UP AS A SHELTER ‘STRAY’?
There’s your mystery question for the day.
So, we turn to a person who knows Cotton the Dog to get some of the details on this boy. Judi Brown, volunteer dog-writer for MeSquite Animal Services, says that even from his photos “you can tell that Cotton is a gentle sweet boy.”

But there’s much, much more to this guy and his challenges.
 He’s a 9-month-old Lab Retriever/ English Pointer mix who came in on May 11. Not neutered. Weighs 40 pounds.
“Before I even did his evaluation,” Judi writes, “Several staff members told me what a good dog Cotton is. He’s a nice-looking dog with beautiful coloring with brown spots that are more pronounced on his ears, alluring pale blue eyes and soft fur.
“He’s special in more ways than one,” she writes. “He’s a special-needs dog because he’s completely deaf and somewhat visually impaired. From what I gather he sees shapes and outlines of objects. He does get around well. He’s a smart dog and very capable of learning sign language. He already knows the sit command by following hand signals. He is somewhat interested in toys. He gives kisses and tail wags. He appears to be a happy guy. He’s athletic and climbed around on the play equipment in the yard. He seeks attention and occasionally jumps on you. He’s very loving, easy-going, playful, and gentle.” 

Cotton is #52633030— use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

Who else is waiting? Well, lots of Mesquite animals, including Cinnamon (#51060747), Sugar (#52633030), Allie (#52622608), Chip (#52561825) and King (#52597864) That Ebony Earhound is King — just over 3, a German Shepherd/Dutch Shepherd mix who came in on May 6 — picked up as a stray. He’s lost hair — not because of mange, but “the issue may be a poor diet, skin allergies, etc.”
How can you see their photos? Here is the link to the animals in the Mesquite Animal Shelter: https://www.cityof mesquite.com/1239/Animals-in-the-Shelter. You can see many cats — we’ve previously featured some them, such as 2-year-old Ivy (#52091178), waiting in the shelter since Feb. 18.

I’m swearin’ on a stack of Dog & Cat Behavior Books that the volunteers at Mesquite are a hard-working bunch. Reward ‘em by adopting a dog or cat who’ll love you every day of their lives.
CONTEMPLATIONS
KITTENS, A BONUS, & THE FAIR
When I contemplate kittens — not so frequently that there’s a psychiatric name for the syndrome — but when I contemplate kittens, I remember that at readlarrypowell.com we’ve bottle-fed several kittens. One of them who stayed with us is Apprentice Office Cat Stevie Ray who still treats us like his parents. I guess we are. It’s a good position to have in life. Yes, one of the first things Stevie Ray learned from the dogs was how to sleep anywhere at anytime for no particular reason.
… 
I got an email with the subject line “Please accept your 2023 bonus.” Yeah, it wasn’t money. It was a magazine promotion. But, ah, such daydreams it inspired. I went straight to the nearby grocery store and bought a Lotto Texas ticket adored with my lucky numbers. I’ll let you know. ...
BACK TO THE BIG NEWS FROM THE STATE FAIR. There's a pretty comprehensive story on the BigTex.com website HERE
that gives interesting history of the annual Texas-sized party/event/exposition, etc.  In the words of every Baby Boomer kid from a two-stoplight town in Texas, “Heck, yawl, ah cain’t hardly wait for thuh Fair!” Remember, go to bigtex.com and click on the "Get Involved" button and click on CREATIVE ARTS where you can see how to be a contested in assorted contests of  Texas creativity — it's amazing when you look at the list of events and competitions. There’s a lot of “more” on the calendar for the Great State Fair of Texas. Kind of a happy thing in the spring to think about the Midway and the State Fair Car Show and shopping for all sorts of things!  The Fair is more fun than a barrel of monkeys and one year, at the guess-your-weight booth, I won a barrel of monkeys. I’m kidding. But I would kind of like a couple of State Fair Belgian Waffles right now. OK, I'm dieiting and working on regaining control of my thought process. I just have one; most people have thought processes. But I'm focused on a waffle.
—- Offer Fair memories and tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘HOWDY, LAY OFF THE WAFFLES’ in the subject line. —-

MATCHING HUMANS, DOGS AND CATS? PLUS, A SHELTER DOG'S PHOTOS TAKE US INTO THE FARAWAY PAST

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2023 [PetPowellPress] If I could have more dogs, would I? If I could have more cats, would I? If I could sleep 8 full hours a night, would I?
That was my challenge: Ask three questions in a row that I could answer with "Yes." I bombed out on the 4th question: "Am I willing to never eat ice cream the rest of my life?"  
See that dog Wendy? She's enduring her time in "The Collar." Bangs around a lot. Whams into walls with it. She would be in the blue inflatable collar but she figured out how to defeat it and lick the stitches on her left paw... So., back to the old collar for now — she can still get treats while in that collar, and nap, so she’s OK for now. We’re monitoring her moods and, at 14, she’s a good napper.
This picture? That's what a dog wearing "The Collar" looks like right after she asks, "Hey, when I'm wearing this thing can you see up my nostrils?"
ANOTHER NOD TOWARD
A PLOTTISH FELLOW
Somebody “good” adopt this dog, for crying out loud. 
Yep, we mentioned Drako already, but we know that he needs a rejuvenation of interest from the reading public and all of your sensible, dog-loving acquaintances.
 Drako is a Plott Hound mix, currently in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. And that is why we got this note from one of our Mesquite volunteer contacts, the dog-writer Judi Brown.
“I’m bringing Drako to your attention again. He’s a shelter favorite because of his sterling qualities. He’s handsome, loving, gentle, playful, most likely housebroken. He’s the whole package! He’s got a strong ball drive. He would do well with an active family with children..If you cannot tag this deserving, southern gentleman please network him.”
Drako is a 3-year-old, 67-pound fellow with a “glossy brindle coat.” Arrived as a stray on April 27. And, Judi’s earlier bio of Drako read, “He was microchipped, and his owners were called but they chose not to come get him. I just can’t figure that one out. I seldom fall for a dog as quickly as I did for Drako but he captured my heart with his loving, friendly, easy-going, playful, happy personality! He no sooner got out into the yard when he found a squeaky toy and ran around joyfully squeaking it! … I just can’t say enough about Drako. He’s an amazing guy and would make an amazing pet for an active family. He would most likely do well with children. He would need a large yard to play in and a loving family to love on! He would want to spend his evenings with his new family curled up watching TV or just enjoying family time.”
 To ask about adopting or rescuing or meeting Drako, use his ID 352534306 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
BEFORE WE GET TO
A DOG IN A HAIRBOW,
HERE’S A CAT TALE…
The folks at 4-Legged Helpers can encounter many notable moments in their work with the smaller shelters and rescuers on the southern side of the Big D sprawl. 
We’ll start with this cat. She’s Melody, currently among the many animals getting few visits from prospective adoptors in the Ferris Animal Shelter. Her bio describes her as “a young female” who is “buff, beige and white” and the “sweetest little girl ever. Loves absolutely everyone.” 
So why is she in a low-traffic shelter? The 4-Legged Helpers email says, “Someone was no longer able to care for her (could not even have her fixed, apparently) and she is now at the shelter in hopes of a forever home.  She is as precious as can be.  Complete cuddly love bunny.”

To help Melody or the next three dogs we’re going to mention, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
We’ve posted earlier photos of Lainey, the Weimaraner/Pointer/possibly Rhodesian Mix. She’s been in the Ferris shelter since September. It turns out that there’s an earlier photo of Lainey than the picture of her standing in a field. She also is that girl with the bow on her head!
So, what’s the deal with that? We checked with Leighann Hayden of the helpers. She says, “Believe it or not, that is Lainey with the bow when she first came in and was somewhat hairless.  She photographs  both blue and brown.” 

Lainey’s bio reads, “Someone fostered her for a long period of time to help out but no rescue group ever stepped up for her and now she is back at the shelter. She is spayed, all vaccs. Please. So deserving!!!  Found out and about with two Heeler puppies that a rescue pulled.  We think they were probably hers. She is SO VERY cute and sweet.  Please help!!!”

We’ve posted Reid before, too. He’s a Boxer/Basenji Mix in the Ferris shelter. His bio reads, “Reid is a wonderful boy that was found out and about on his own. Everyone that has met him loves him. Such a sweetie pie!  He has been hoping and waiting for such a long time - and we have no idea what.  He is SUCH A GREAT DOG.  The best.”

And there is this girl — this photogenic dog — Bella, a Boxer/Catahoula Mix. She’s the girl who was found tethered in front of a vet clinic in Dallas. The going theory is, “Apparently someone who could no longer care for her was desperate to try to save her and tied her there so they could help.”
Bella is described as “extremely well behaved. Amazing eyes!   Gentle little soul.  She is a sweet little couch potato.  The vet clinic where she currently is cannot keep her.  She is the most wonderful girl.  Good with dogs.  Loves absolutely everyone.”
I’m sure 4-Legged Helpers would appreciate it if you’d forward this appeal for the cat and 3 dogs to anyone you know who is a decent human being with a way to help or adopt an animal.
[LARRY ASIDE: Save ‘em all, you know? Save ‘em all. They aren’t just “animals.” They are beings who respond to their names, who respond to your needs, who think before they do things (most of the time — like humans), who feel anguish when they lose loved ones… I can’t believe humans just kill ‘em to get ‘em out of the way in shelters so more future victims can wait there a while. What is wrong with people? It’s the old Texas system of animal control: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.” How stupid can people get?]
CONTEMPLATIONS
GEE, THAT FACE LOOKS FAMILIAR…
Turns out I ran across a point of Contemplation by opening the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control website and clicking on adoptable animals. 
This dog Nova is an indicator of how personal animal advocacy and rescue can be. Perhaps you've had this experience. You pop open an animal shelter website and, son of a gun, there's a photograph that you could swear is a dog you had 30 years ago. 
This girl Nova, except for the trailing motherhood indicators, looks nearly exactly like our girl Nicki from the 1990s.
Nova is #48327952 at FWACC. She's a little over 2 years old, a small female Aussie Cattle Dog Mix who came into the shelter with some puppies on April 20.
[LARRY EXPLANATION: We now introduce Nicki’ story into this appeal for Nova.]

Nicki was the most perfect dog we ever had. I swear! On a special Saturday in 1992, Martha was at an “Animal Fair” on a giant parking lot Duncanville -- she was introducing her soon-to-be-successful PetPowell Pet Sitting Service to the world. I'd been at home working on something newspaper-related and around noon I went to the Animal Fair to check on Martha. I walked up and said something like "How's it going" and she happily declared, "I adopted a dog!” Her brown eyes gleamed and her dimples grew bright enough to rival the sun! Sure enough enough she’d adopted a dog. Under the PetPowell Pet Sitting display table, Martha had a big bowl of water for the new dog Nicki to drink, but Nicki was standing in it, cooling her paws. She wagged her tail — she was happy to meet me. And, I got to take her home and bond while Martha finished the show.
You can see Nicki's resemblance to Nova in these photos from my business/funspouse Martha's Dog Files. Nicki appeared to be a flat-coated dog when we got her -- but when we gave her that first bath, she fluffed up like a Macy's Parade balloon! Fluffy and adorable -- of course, I was envious, having never been either.  Nicki, the first dog we adopted as married people, was never a mother -- that we know of -- but she was a rescue. Best Southwest Humane Society had been moving her from shelter to shelter "to keep her alive" and when Martha adopted her, the adoption was via Lancaster Animal Services.That puppy in the photo with Nicki is Annie, daughter of Calamity, the rescued dog in the photo at the top of our website. 
I guess when I saw Nova trotting along with a puppy, it took me back to the era when we were cuddling puppies and kittens and wondering how in the world we'd wound up with a house full without even leaving our Zip Code. We've had so many dogs and cats through the years of rescuing and advocacy that it's almost impossible to go through the roster at a big city shelter and not run across a dog that looks like a member of the family. Bless them every one -- they still own our hearts..
Perhaps someone can adopt Nova and learn about love from her and show her that there are humans who can love her and give her a happy life.
At Fort Worth Animal Care and Control, you can adopt Nova for $49. She's had all her shots. She's at the Silcox Animal Care and Adoption Center in, according to the website, Kennel 4 in "Dog Holding." The Silcox Center is at 4900 Martin St. in southeastern Fort Worth. Phone 817-392-1234. 
Here’s the link to the adoptables. I know Nova just looks like Nicki — dogs are like people, not all the same. Cats aren’t all the same, either. But now and then, the added element of a friendly human can help a dog or a cat unveil a loving personality. What? Yes, it is the loving personality of the human that gets unveiled. The dog and cat merely activate their own loving patience. And Lord knows patience is a key to having a relationship with us humans.
—- Offer tips on being patient by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put KEEP YOUR HAT ON in the subject line. —-

ON MONDAY: ANIMALS, PEOPLE, RESCUES; PLUS A MEETING AND A 'THING'

EDITION OF MONDAY, MAY 15, 2023 [PetPowellPress] There are only a few Mondays that offer an awaken-without-challenges morning in the world. I can’t remember the last worry-free Monday in the animal world, but I’m almost certain there was one at some point. Surely. We have some animals at peril in shelters in this edition and in Contemplations we’ll discuss a meeting and some musing. 
VELVET’S IN A SHELTER:
NEEDS SOME VET HELP
AND A PLACE TO LIVE
Oh, for crying out loud I’m hoping that by the time you read this someone has stepped up to get this dog Velvet out of Dallas Animal Services and maybe even saved her leg.
This was one of those appeals that pops up on our Facebook page and when we start looking for it online, there it is, the appeal for Velvet on the “Urgent Pets of Dallas Animal Services” Facebook page.
For those of you who don’t know, these are volunteers with big hearts. The explanation on the site read, “This page highlights dogs at Dallas Animal Services who are at heightened risk of euthanasia. The goal is to increase community engagement to save lives. It is run by volunteers and is not affiliated with Dallas Animal Services or the City of Dallas.” Here’s the actual link — pass it on to people who can help or who need to be informed. https://www.facebook.com/UrgentPetsOfDAS/
BACK TO VELVET: She is #A3001068 in the DAS shelter and she’s labeled as “RESCUE ONLY – NEEDS PLACEMENT BY 5/16/23 4PM.”
Yep, not much time for this dog. She’s a 45.8-pound German Shepherd typ45.8 pound German Shepherd type.
The bio on the Facebook page. which reads as if it came from DAS, reports, "Velvet was found as a stray before being brought to our shelter. She has an injury causing her (left) front leg to drag. After examination, it was determined by our veterinarian that Velvet will need her leg amputated. Velvet is currently in our injured room receiving pain medication. Velvet is needing rescue placement to provide her with further treatment and help her recover from her injury.” 
The contact point to save Velvet is [email protected].
Somebody needs to rescue this dog; otherwise, they won’t have to bother with the surgery on her leg. They’ll just bag her up with the trash.
OH, WAIT, one more Dallas dog (out of hundreds on the clock) — this one earned a spot because of the first paragraph on Mary Fambrough’s Facebook page post opening paragraph read: “Sorry to post on Mother’s Day.”
 Then it reads, “ HOW LONG WAS SHE LOCKED IN A CRATE TO STARVE THIS WAS HORRIBLE ABUSE!
“HOW DO I KNOW THIS ? WELL SADLY BECAUSE IVE HAD DOGS LIKE HER. THE URINE STAIN ON HER WILL TAKES WEEKS TO GET RID OF .. THIS IS SICKENING. SHE NEEDS A SAVIOR." 
Lacy is A20001088 at the shelter She is 6 months old, weighs 25 pounds and will be available on the 16th.
Her DAS bio reads, “Our medical staff has started her on a feeding schedule to help her gain weight. She received all age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormers and preventatives on 05/12. When visiting for pictures Lacy was wiggly and greeted staff at the front of the kennel. Lacy is needing placement until she is at a healthier weight to be adopted. Email [email protected] for more information.”
MEANWHILE IN THE
OTHER BIG CITY
IN THE METROSPRAWL…
This is Brody. He is among the 13 dogs on the “Code Red Animals” list Sunday afternoon at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control — none of them very old. Brody (#52255901) came in on May 13 — he’s said to be a Belgian Malinois Mix, probably, the shelter says, “2 years 7 months 28 days” old. [LARRY ASIDE: Beats me how a shelter can be that precise with access to the dog’s bred registration paper!]

Brody is neutered, is “extra large” and “beautifully tan and black.” He’s at Fort Worth’s Chuck Silcox Animal Care and Adoption Center on the southeast side of the the city, not far from the I-20/Loop 820 merge. 
What’s the key thing we know about Brody? He’s on the countdown. According to the shelter, “Code Red animals are in urgent need of adoption or rescue. The list shows special-needs animals that are not placed into the traditional adoption program at the Fort Worth Animal Shelter.
"The city’s shelter refuses no pets, and many are sick (upper respiratory infections, heartworm, etc.) and simply need medical treatment. Others are females with their newborn litters who cannot stay within the shelter environment for a long period of time. All of these animals need immediate help.
"Adoptions of a Code Red animal will require a signed health waiver.
"If your organization wishes to tag an animal for rescue: 
An email must be sent to [email protected] by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the day it is scheduled to be euthanized, and must include the following information: Organization name, requestor name and the animal’s ID number.” [LARRY ASIDE: I have no idea how much time Brody had left Sunday — it doesn’t list “the it is scheduled to be euthanized.” So, take a guess and try to save his life.] Here’s the LINK to FW Animal Care & Control.
A ‘BONDED COUPLE’ NEEDS
A PLACE TO LIVE
AFTER THEIR HUMAN DIED
We got the story on Echo and Zelda from our longtime pal and tipster Gail Whelan, founder of the Companion Animal Network. Gail’s note reads, “DFW AREA.  PLEASE POST AND FORWARD.  SENIOR BONDED COUPLE WHOSE OWNER HAS PASSED AWAY. CONTACT IS Lauren Garneaux (469) 921-5167 or [email protected]."

The dogs are Echo, 10, and Zelda, 9. And the bio reads, “They were very loved and cared for by their dad.  They are spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, on heartworm preventative and flea/tick preventative.  They must find a place to live out their lives.  They love to take long walks and are good on-leash.  They lived in Washington state for many years and loved to hike and swim. 
We are told that the couple are fantastic around people and good with children.  They are now living with toddlers.  They know basic commands.  They MUST be the only dogs in the household and they need a home with a fenced yard to enjoy playing ball and laying in the sun.
"They are fearful of thunderstorms and want to be near their owners during storms.  Echo and Zelda do not need to be crated and will not tolerate being crated.
There are funds available to help with their ongoing care to the right home.  PLEASE HELP THESE TWO SENIORS FIND A SOFT PLACE TO LAND!” Again, the contact is Lauren Garneaux at 469-921-5167 or email [email protected].
MEANWHILE IN HOUSTON,
A HANDSOME GUY, DAVEY
We got the tip on this one from our great Houston contact Alexandra Kelsey, veteran animal advocate. She saw the pictures and was inspired to write, “This handsome dog has obviously been through a hard time.  He has terrible injuries, and I don’t know if they are abrasions or chemical burns.  He has been rescued, and the rescue needs donations for his care.”

Over the weekend, Twilight Tails Rescue, based in Fulshear on the “western edge of Houston,” posted this photo and began the update “The Look of Relief and Gratitude!”
You think that’s just the look on Davey’s face? Nope. Check out the faces on those Twilight Tails Rescue people! Read this note about Davey:
“ Twilight Tails Rescue is SO grateful for the VILLAGE it took to get this hunk of love SAFE!
“We feel privileged to be Davey’s rescue!
 Davey has clearly been through some trauma… He has spent a couple of days at the vet and been checked out thoroughly.
Tonight he rests comfortably in his foster home. We don’t know what caused his injuries and we don’t want to imagine.
“Sadly for Davey this isn’t a new injury - you can see the healing that has already taken place. He is emaciated. He has no fractures but is a bit wobbly on his hind end. (Muscle loss?)
“He is positive for heartworms and of course GI worms. He only weighs 70lbs. You can see most all of his bones. We try to make sense of his injuries and condition but can’t… 
Davey has a long road ahead of him. His deepest tissue burns are in spots that move when he walks.
“Davey is a good deserving boy. His foster has several dogs and he has been great in the initial phase of meeting them. Despite his injuries he is a gentleman. He wants love. He moves his pen to be as close as he can to his foster mom. Davey know his life is going to get infinitely better from this point forward. We will be posting updates on his progress.
“If anyone would care to make a donation to his care it would be greatly appreciated. PayPal - [email protected]
Zelle - 713-444-5378.”
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE CITY COMMISSION & A FILM
While preparing the portion of this report about Dallas Animal Services Shelter and Adoption Center, we ran across a note posted on the Urgent Pets of Dallas Animal Services Facebook page HERE. It was a reminder that the Dallas Animal Advisory Commission is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at City Hall. And it reported, “If you have comments, feedback, concerns, suggestions, etc. that you want to express to Dallas Animal Services management or have your commissioner take back to your city council member, you may register as a public speaker.” 
Adding, “The deadline to register as a public speaker is 48 hours before the scheduled meeting (10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 16). Speakers will be given 2 minutes, and if speaking virtually over Webex as opposed to in person, state law requires that your video camera be on while speaking. Speaker registration form: https://forms.office.com/g/kdc3r8XJZJ (or call (214) 670-8898)”
Want to “join” the meeting via electronics? The note says, “Instructions for joining the meeting: https://dallascityhall.com/calendar/Pages/Event-Details.aspx?EID=1145&ETitle=%20FY23%20Q2%20May%20Animal%20Advisory%20Commission%20Metting." [LARRY ASIDE: I attended many of those meetings several years ago — if you’ve got a beef with the way the City of Dallas manages the animal situations, the Commission is your best bet to find a listener.] Here’s a LINK TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION.
 That’s, of course, if the ransomeware people didn’t erase the list or put some kind of “pay a fee to see” scam on it. …
OK, that’s it for Monday’s edition. My Executive Office Cat is asleep in the window after we all listened to the Texas Rangers beat Oakland. Apprentice Office Cat Stevie Ray is asleep in his “scratching chair.” And my personal canine companion, Porche Noel, is out like a light on her office bed. I’ve been awake since the middle of last night. Why? I worry about the world. That’s my best guess — quit going to horror films in the early ‘60s, though I did catch a few minutes of 1951’s The Thing (From Another World) on cable Saturday. That’s the one where the “giant carrot” monster is played by James Arness who would later star as Marshall Matt Dillon on TV’s Gunsmoke. I used to think that monster was the scariest thing in my world, then I became a reporter and editor and got a look at the rest of this planet.
— Offer opinions or ways to make people more responsible when it comes to animals and war by clicking on ‘comment’ below. Or email [email protected] and put “WAKE-UP, PEACNIK’ in the subject line. —-

FOR AN ANNIVERSARY EDITION, WE TAKE A LOOK AT A SLEEPING DOG IN A COLLAR

Allow me a moment, Dear Readers, to check the dates on this edition…. Ah, yes, this is the Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping
Cats Nap edition for the weekend of May 13-14, 2023. 
So what? So, the 14th of May is the anniversary of the first edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. The feature was designed as a place for people to discuss the animals they love. It’s meant to inspire people without animals to help us animal nuts save ‘em all by adopting and adoring.
Yes, it was 18 years ago that we began to honor slumbering animals and the people who love them.
For this 2023 edition, we turn to our own dear dog Wendy. Why? Because she’s recuperating from a positive experience with her great vet’s practice and, besides, we love her. Martha rescued Wendy as the poor puppy tried to keep up with pedestrians along Polk St. — people who weren't interested in helping that dog. Martha named her Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden, after Doris Day’s and Irene Dunne’s character in Move Over, Darling (1963 with Doris) and My Favorite Wife (1940 with Irene.)
Wendy (her call name!) was not yet born when we launched this feature. She’s 14 now and, as ever septuagenarian loves to hear, she’s “doing well for your age.” Wendy had to have an odd gloppy (not a medical term) growth removed from her left front paw and that resulted in her need for a collar that wouldn’t let her gnaw the stiches. She took both the surgery and the collar well. The household humans didn't work well with the plastic collar, however. It made odd sounds in the night --and in the day, too.
Wendy is adorable, as you can see in her assorted photos. The one with her on the couch against the floral curtains shows her with one of her feline sidekicks, William Powell, our Executive Office Cat who, sometimes, likes to pal around with the dogs.
Perhaps you’re wondering what we did to help Wendy sleep in the “Elizabethan Collar.” I wired it for sound, of course. Tiny invisible and inedible speakers -- can you see the instructions on the "wall" of the collar?  
Yep, as you Dear Readers probably suspected years ago, I am actually all wired for Artificial Intelligence myself — have been for decades. That’s why I’m such a brainiac. E=mc2 and all that. Had to do something to support the family habit of picking up loose dogs and cats. Absolutely, this is why we’re so rich. Nothing but firepower in this brain-- and I can work with all 23 of the 26 letters of the alphabet.
But, if you want to see brains at work, look at the last two Wendy photos. My swift-to-the-solutionspouse Martha ordered a quieter household “don’t chew your stitches” collar for Wendy and it arrived within 24 noisy hours. [LARRY ASIDE: I snapped the first photo and a split second later her eye popped open to see what I was up to -- she went back to sleep. That's how interesting I am to a dog and a great number of Earthly mammals.]
Clearly Wendy adapted well to the new inflatable cloth collar that plays country music waltzes. OK, I made up that waltz part. 
But — and this is for real — if you want to hear the tranquility base for Wendy’s nodding off, click on THIS LINK.  (That's Wendy in her favorite dog bed -- she sleeps in it just to humor the humans who bought it.)
Heck, yeah, we insomniacs know these tricks — it’s one of mine! (CASUAL WARNING: There is a slim chance no advertisement will play before you get to hear the Claude Debussy masterpiece of sweet and soft music. TV/Radio/Online marketing people are richer than AI scientists, I’m pretty sure.)
In the meantime, hearing a big dog slamming through doorways in a giant plastic collar will keep a person awake no matter who’s directing the orchestra and ticklin’ the ivories.
But, whatever Wendy wants to do is OK with us. She’s a dog who is worth lovin’. She’s always happy to see her humans walk into the house. Especially if one of us happens to be carrying a box of treats. Dogs — they’re so human.

[DEAR READERS: This little guy is Oliver — the first slumbering animal featured in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. He’s the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loved and raised by my middle brother Barry and his family in suburban Chicago. At the top of this page you’ll see some ol’ goat driving a dog to an Operation Kindness festival in a park many years ago. I was taking her to meet my baby brother Garry who was looking for a canine companion. That dog had taken me about 2 years to catch — too smart for her own good. She wandered our old Dallas neighborhood until she had a litter of puppies under a neighbor’s storage shed and a neighbor I’d never met called me and said, “Mr. Powell, you’ve got to do something about these dogs!” Martha and I found places for all of them to go — the momma went to my baby brother Garry and became Calamity. One puppy stayed with us and became Annie. Perhaps your dog or cat or iguana or horse or goat or cow or some relative with annoying habits has an interesting story of rescue and can be photographed lovingly while asleep. Send us the info and we’ll feature them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Info and photos to [email protected]. Thanks for loving your dogs and cats and critters and, of course, relatives. Larry]
-- Offer your critter photos and stories by emailing them to [email protected]. Show off your friends!]