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THERE ARE SO MANY ANIMALS IN SHELTERS; ONE WONDERS IF PEOPLE HAVE VANISHED...

EDITION OF MONDAY, JULY 31, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Turn out the lights, the incandescent party’s over. The light bulb of the American household gets the off-switch on Aug 1 when Federal Law make’s it just as illegal to sell an incandescent lightbulb as it does to sell — WAIT! Let me rethink that. I’m not sure there is anything illegal to sell in the United States any more. OK, so here’s the latest edition. 
THE PREVAILING SITUATION
FOR ANIMALS IN SHELTERS…
This has to be a familiar situation to dog and cat rescuers all over the State of Texas, don’t you think? Too many animals and not enough angelic people.
As the end of July was arriving, we got word about some cats and dogs we'd mentioned last week. The message? "Kittens no interest at all an the puppies no interest at all. ... No one wants anything and dogs keep piling up.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Because this is one of those situations where the truth is evident: right there in black and white that these animals need help, we’re posting a photo of one of several kittens, Caleb, and one of a trio of dogs, a Border Collie mix named Jax. Available for helping.]
This particular veteran animal advocate/rescuer, wrote, "I have a new dog dumped at my house and a cat I dropped at my vet this morning who needs someone to give him some love and time! I don't even know where he is going to go as of Tuesday or Wednesday. UGhhhh.”
We posted the six cats and three dogs from a shall shelter last week — so scroll down to Thursday’s edition and you can see the photos and read about them.
In the meantime, pass it on that these dogs and cats need help. And, if you’d like to do something angelic — adopt, foster or get involved with helping small shelters help dogs, email [email protected] or call or text 214-949-2726.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
AMONG THE WAITING …
Once again, thanks to the rock-solid volunteers at Mesquite Animal Services we have some bios of absolutely adoptable animals. (Our thanks to dog-writers Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown!) Here we go:
Volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown began Brock’s bio with “How can you not fall in love with this cute, smiling face and stocky body? He captured my heart from the minute I met him in the kennel! He was so happy to get some attention!”
He’s a 5-year-old, 60-pound Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Came in as an un-neutered stray on July 20. And, he’s described by Judi as a “super happy, very friendly, affectionate love bug. He comes to you when you sit down and he tries to get on your lap…all 60 pounds. He’s alert and was very interested in what was going on outside the gate. But for the most part, he stayed close to me. He occasionally jumped on me, but got down when I told him to do so. He wants to please. He did climb on the bench, but part of that was again to see through the windows what was going on inside the shelter. You might call him nosy! He’s well mannered and easy-going.”
Judi also wrote, “I hope I’m not insulting his male ego by calling him cute and adorable, but I can’t think of any better adjectives to describe him!” Brock is #53794244. Use that ID when you ring the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. Same system for all the Mesquite shelter residents.

Judi also met and fell for Libby [ID 53833376], a year-old, 41-pound gray Pittie who came in as a stray on July 26. Not spayed. Judi writes, “Libby is as cute as a button, if buttons could be cute.” And, Judi adds, “She has an underbite that adds to her uniqueness! When I met her in the kennel …I was met with happy tail wags, but then when she got out she tucked her tail. It took a while for her to warm up. This time (subsequent meeting) she was all tail wags the whole time! She’s a very happy girl that’s looking to bring joy to a family. She’s very affectionate and seeks affection. She rolled over for belly rubs. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She was not interested in playing with balls or toys, but it could be because it was so hot outside. Possibly in cooler weather she would’ve had more incentive to chase a ball. She stayed close looking up at me with her beautiful gray eyes. When I sat down she came to me and put her head on my lap.”
This girl is Tootsie [#53817538]. Judi notes that she has "beautiful two-tone coloring” and hazel eyes. Tootsie is a year-old, 36-pound girl brought into the shelter on July 24. Not spayed. And, Judi writes, “The shelter has her down as a mixed breed. My guess is she has some shepherd in her, and my Dog Scanner said she is definitely a mix, but there’s probably some terrier in that mix! Besides being a very nice looking dog, she has a nice easy-going personality. She’s a little on the shy side, and when I first went to pet her she flinched. However, as she came to trust me, she stopped doing this. I suggest a slow introduction with her especially with children. At first, she explored the yard with her nose, indicating she’s very curious and alert. …After she had checked everything out, she stayed close to me looking up at me with those beautiful eyes of hers. She sits for treats and takes them gently. She jumped on me a few times, but it wasn’t enough to be a problem. She just got excited and she’s only a year old. When I sat down, she immediately came up to me and put her paws on my lap. It was so precious!”
This Earhound is Abby [#53757315]. Her biographer Debra Chisholm reports that Abby is about a year old, weighs 58 pounds isn’t spayed and arrived as a stray on July 15, Debra writes of Abby: “This is a youngster who is on the move...places to go, things to do and people to see!  She is in constant motion.  … She has a fair amount of puppy energy--frisky, perky, spunky and does jump on you.  However, there's so much to like about her exuberant personality.  She loves treats and takes them gently. She pottied in the yard.  Abby is housed in a wire crate in one of our hallways and she was absolutely delighted to get some time in the yard to explore, romp about and play with some toys.  Unfortunately we are overcrowded with strays and surrenders continually arriving.  Some days more dogs (and cats) come in than go out.  We badly need some good adoptions and rescues.”
Debra also got to meet and work with Bianca [#53815469], a German Shepherd mix who was brought in as a stray on July 24. She’s about a year old, isn’t spayed and weighs 50 pound. And, Debra wrote, “She has the most beautiful soulful eyes!!  This youngster is spunky and exuberant and will jump on you in her excitement and yet she is otherwise well-behaved and calm.  She is amiable, affectionate, tried to climb in my lap and a-ok with loving pets and caresses.  She didn't seem interested in toys or balls but enjoyed exploring the yard...even though it was very hot out!  Bianca was happy to receive treats and carefully took them.  She walks quite nicely on a leash.  This extremely sweet youngster would make a wonderful family pet, but is only interested in being an inside dog due to the Texas heat and that thick coat of fur!!”

[LARRY ASIDE: Debra also adds this significant passage in the world of “stray” dogs: “We are very overcrowded at our shelter and do not have enough kennels to house all our precious dogs.  Some are having to reside in wire crates in the hallway, which is far from ideal.  For some reason we have an overload of German Shepherds.”]
Check out the spots on this Earhound. This is Boomer [#53801227], a Staffie who arrived as a stray on the 21st. Not neutered, weighs 71 pounds and is about 5 years old, Debra reports. She writes, “His coat is interesting and he has spots on his coat and ears.  He appears to be well-fed but has perhaps been out on the run as he is dirty and scruffy-looking.  He walks quite well on a leash.  He is possibly house trained because he had obviously held off pottying in his kennel … He spent a fair amount of time playing Sherlock Holmes, investigating the yard and seemed so happy to be free of his kennel to move about and explore.  Boomer does not seem to know any commands.  He does like treats and took them gently.  He is fairly calm and gentle and didn't jump on me.  Boomer is a friendly fellow and is more than happy to receive petting and strokes.  He has a moderate energy level.”

Consistent system: Use his ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

You can use that system when you go to the Mesquite Shelter’s online site HERE 
 and see an animal in the shelter you might want. For example, got enough dogs and now you need a cat?
Here’s an example of a cat who arrived in May and doesn’t yet have a name. I might call him Mister Handsome. Very distinct boy.
CONTEMPLATIONS
LIGHTS IN THE SKY 
One day last week I drove from the Metrosprawl on I-30 to I-49 and south to U.S. 71 and on to Bright Star and Doddridge in the southwest corner of Arkansas. Later the same day I took I-71 into Shreveport, La., and I-20 back home. At no point during that long drive did I spot an unidentified flying object. …

Any of you Dear Readers see the new Indiana Jones film? It’s so long that I’ve backed off of rushing to the theater. Isn't that a goofy old-timer thing to say! Also, I need to get a loan — planning on buying popcorn and a Coke. Sometimes I think movie theaters are operated by the people who put prices on gas pumps. …
Back to incandescent lights. I will miss them. Older I get, I need brighter lights to read books. Well, the books I can’t get on my Kindle.
—- Offer bulb tips except for planting by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘HEY, REAL BRIGHT’ in the subject line. —-

INVESTIGATING THE SLEEPING SUCCESS OF THE HOUSEHOLD COMPANIONS...

As we prepare to depart July with a fond wave and an “Oh, no, more heat!” groan to greet August, didn’t we enjoy the 4th of July and all the month’s politics and all the challenges of keeping the air-conditioners running?

So here we are with a summertime edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. How do they manage to nod off in this really loud world?
With the help of some dear friends, I have prepared an edition titled Interviewing A Sleeping Dog and A Napping Cat.

These interviews were conducted separately at the request of the participants. “The spoken voice keeps me awake,” the dog explained. “A restless dog keeps me awake,” the cat countered.
QUESTIONS FOR A SLEEPING DOG

Dear Readers: Our canine interview subject is Dudley the Angel, a Border Collie/Chocolate Lab mix with us since he was dumped in our Oak Cliff front yard in 2013. His coat changes shades, depending on the time of the year and the light in the room. Some with good vision describe him as a "brown dog." Special thanks to Curly Kote, manager of the BarkPurr Quick Licker Lounge, for providing the venue for our interview. Now, the interview with Dudley the Angel.]


(1) As a veteran dog, what is your goal for sleeping?
RESPONSE: “Do you mean hours or depth of slumber? I always try to answer a question with a question. Keeps some people awake nights.”
(2) We have seen you sleeping on carpets and couches and your handsome paws moving swiftly as you sleep. Do you dream?
RESPONSE: By “dream” do you mean “dream of ambitions”? I get fed, I have a good medical plan, I’m in an air-conditioned home with comfortable furniture and a giant backyard in which to romp and tend to necessities. I’ve got TVs in every room, cable, radio, a musical robot named Alexa. Humans? Yeah, there are humans but what could possibly be ambitious about that? Have you ever seen the gut-settling pills in a human’s medicine cabinet? I'm a dog -- a happy dog without heartburn!”
(3) What is your favorite nickname?
RESPONSE: “It used to be ‘Stud.’ But, then certain decisions were made in exchange for a full happy life with air-conditioning in summer and warmth in winter. … My good behavior and my ability to give off an adoring smile simply earned me the right to reject any nickname. I gleefully respond to my honorable name Dudley The Angel. I like to think I’m the supporting side of the Dudley the Angel Isosceles Triangle. I provide a steady foundation so the two stars who portrayed the character in The Bishop’s Wife (Cary Grant) and The Preacher’s Wife (Denzel Washington) can rise high to a point at the top! But, heck, I’m just a romantic ol’ dawg. Awake or asleep.
4. What do you think about cats?
RESPONSE: “Housecats? I call ‘em family. You ever cuddle up with a cat? It’s a glorious experience — did you know they make some kind of soothing noise that can permeate the very soul of a nearby dog or a human in a recliner? I like to think that soothing ‘purr’ is a reminder to the intelligent beings on the planet that getting along leads to a much better environment than constant spats and plotting excursions into someone else’s territory. Peace now, you know?”
[At that point Dudley the Angel balked, announcing, “I prefer not to answer Questions 5 and 6. I’m drowsy. I need to go see a dog about a man. I think you understand that urgency. So, thanks for the time; go talk to a cat.”  And, DEAR READERS, that’s exactly what we did — we omitted Dog Queries 5 and 6. [LARRY FYI: That is Dudley hanging out with his feline pal, Esme, a former Front Porch Feral we rescued in 2012.] Please read on as, because of that labor challenge in Hollywood, we were not allowed to let a napping cat nap at the traditional Screen Feline Union rate of pay.

QUESTIONS FOR A NAPPING CAT
Now, the interview with the ReadlarryPowell.com Office Cat William Powell who arrived in 2018 -- I was up on a ladder painting the wood trim on the house and he mewed from down below. He stuck with me for a few hours. I invited him in to our pro-animal home and he stayed.]

(1) In 2023, what is your theory about the so-called Unidentified Aerial Phenomena? Previously known as UFOs.
RESPONSE (Bitterly): "Do you haven an appointment? What kind of idiotic question is that? May I see your credentials? How did you get in here?"
(Our interview resumed several minutes later after we produced enough documentation to satisfy William. To be candid, our interview
proceeded with both the questioner and the questioned in a bit of a foul mood. Big Dog's Curly Kote provided soothing elixirs for the both of us -- decaf with a touch of half-and-half.)
(2) Are you happy living with humans?
RESPONSE: "You have some gall to ask me that, don’t you! You think there’s an easy answer? Don’t you pay attention to the news? People don’t even like living with humans. Why should liking humans be embraced by Felis Catus? We are, after all, the planet’s dominant species."
(3) Do you believe it is a cat’s mission to help people behave properly?
RESPONSE: "Mission? Mission? It’s our responsibility — otherwise one of you idiots is going to blow this whole danged sandbox to kingdom come."
(4) Cats are famous for getting their way about things. How do you discipline humans?
RESPONSE: "Moderately good question though it assumes an unproven, i.e., that humans can be disciplined. If humans can be successfully disciplined, sir, why must police departments print traffic tickets in bulk? Gimme the next question."
[LARRY NOTE: That's Senior Office Cat William with Apprentice Office Cat Stevie Ray keeping watch over the neighborhood one morning. Below is a photo snapped when William showed up as I was painting the wood trim on the house  in 2018. He is an able assistant in the HRA (Home Repair Arts).]
(5) What music do you listen to when you’re in a purrfect state of pussycat relaxation?
RESPONSE: Is this being done for some junior high campus paper? Are you from Teen Talk & Hollywood Tonight? Refuse to answer. But nothing on a violin, OK?
(6) Can the Dallas Cowboys get to the Super Bowl this season?
RESPONSE: “I’ve soaked in hundreds of hours of NFL football in my lifetime — you learn from a near trance state on a couch, as any number of fathers, grandfathers and uncles can tell you. Women fans tend to stay awake — frequently kept awake by the males’ attempts to replicate what we in the Cat Community refer to as 'purring.' But, I swear on a box of rattling windows, wake-the-neighborhood snores are not purrs. Still, based on all that, here is the rock-solid answer: Maybe; maybe not. And a cat could pitch a no-hitter for the Texas Rangers if reality were suspended by the Fates.

“Now, I’d like a snack, a laundered blanket and please, make an honest attempt to keep that big dog Dudley off my couch — he tends to hog the covers when the AC is kicked up to “CHALLENGE THE GRID LEVEL.”
[DEAR READERS: SEND photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or any other snoozing critters to [email protected] and we’ll post it and the story of those beloved critters in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Monetary reward? Ha. Like Lotto Texas, you’ll be lucky if we pay you a dime.]
—- Offer snoring solutions or dream interpretation by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘WAKE UP AND SMELL SUMMER’ in the subject line. —-

GEEZ, HOW DO PEOPLE KEEP WRECKING LIVES OF ANIMALS? CONTEMPLATE THAT

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY JULY 27-28, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Let’s just dive right into helping some animals — sets of siblings in Mesquite and a gunshot victim from “out in the country” somewhere near the northern Metrosprawl.
 One of the first emails I opened Thursday morning was a note that led me to read about a horrible situation that has evolved.
You can’t say it evolved into a good situation — one of the two dogs (the male) was shot dead as hell by some guy who said he was protecting animals in his pasture from a couple of free-roaming German Shepherds. 
The female (this is Sigyn in the photos) was shot in the back as she fled, the report reads, and, according to the bio, the bullet went in her back, traveled to her head and into her skull and stopped behind her eye. Mazie’s Mission has the story and the appeal for funds to help Sigyn HERE
[LARRY ASIDE: The story says the shooter was within the law. I know more people are shot in cities than in pastures. Both situations grind my soul. Forgiveness for shooting a dog or a cat? Might be hard to achieve if I’m ever an Angelic Advisor.]
THACKERY BINX — IS THIS CAT
A CHARLES DICKENS CHARACTER?
Oh, probably not. Name sounds like he could be in a Dickens novel. Mr. Thackery Binx.
 I’m hoping, as I type this, that he’s already been adopted and is beginning one of those “God bless us, every one” lives that we read encountered in our limited studies of Dickens. 
We learned about Thackery Binx because the Humane Tomorrow folks needed to find a home for him, thus, our pal, the notoriously effective foster mom, Patty Sprong, tipped me to the handsome rascal. 
The story is that Binx, as he’s called by acquaintances these days, has been in the Humane Tomorrow program “for a while,” Patty wrote. “He has a few strikes against him because he's a black cat, he needs to be an only cat, and he needs a home without kids. … He is a GORGEOUS boy!”
[LARRY ASIDE: Some people just won’t let go of that ridiculous “curse of the black cat” theory.]

Binx is 2 and his bio says he “ is the most handsomest creature you have ever seen!  At the age of 2 we can attest that he has this ‘adulting’ thing under control.  He uses that litter box like a champ - if here were an award for it he would definitely win it!  This guy is always ready for playtime, whether it's fake mice or a ball bit or one of those fun string toys.  His antics will keep you on your toes and laughing.  Binx is quite the social butterfly - he is a wonderful conversationalist who will chat your ear off during cuddle sessions.  And boy does he loves those cuddle sessions!  He loves cuddling so much that he wants to keep you all to himself and prefers to be an only cat.”
Here’s the LINK FOR THE ADOPTION FORM.
[LARRY ASIDE: The second photo? I think Thackery Binx was the inventor of Binxball. Not sure about that. I rarely have time for games. Too busy cuddling our cats and dogs.]

See more Humane Tomorrow adoptables by clicking HERE. 
THIS WILMER QUARTET
WAITING IN SHELTER…
Yes, waiting in the City of Wilmer Animal Shelter on the southern side of Dallas on I-45. The note posted on Facebook by veteran animal helper Leanne Hayden began “HELP NEEDED NOW!! Emergency!!!”
These are the four pups. And the initial paragraph carried their situation: 
“This teeny tiny shelter is a rusted tin shed/building that is just the worst anyone has seen. AC always broken. Water never working.  Always has issues.
"These babies just came in and need out ASAP!! 
“4 adorable male baby Lab/Aussie Shepherd Mix puppies. SO CUTE!!”

To help these puppies email Laura Macias at [email protected]" — Laura, the veteran animal rescuer “is helping act as a contact.” Call or text her at 214-949-2726.
 The appeal says all the pups are “available for adoption or rescue. If you need transport help and are 501c3 be sure to mention when you call..”
THE KEY WORDS AT MESQUITE?
‘CRITICALLY OVERCROWDED’

(AND ‘SAVE THESE ANIMALS!’
So, having seen that reference in appeals for help with Mesquite Animal Shelter dogs and cats, we decided to put CRITICALLY OVERCROWDED in big letters — as if these faces weren’t enough to get you to spread this appeal, Dear Readers. [I know almost all readers are at the limit on dogs and cats, but you’re not at the limit of spreading these appeals Pass ‘em on. Really fast.]
Our tipster, volunteer dog-writer Debra Chisholm, says timid girl Anita (left), and her “sweet” sister, Annabelle, were picked up as strays by a Mesquite Shelter officer on July 19.  [LARRY ASIDE: If you haven’t been good and mad today, Dear Readers, here’s a description that’ll tick you off.]

“Both girls look as though they have recently had litters and that perhaps their pups were taken away from their mommas too soon. They likely have been used for breeding purposes and it is highly possible they have lived outside judging from the condition of their coats.” 
Anita is #53782411. Annabelle is #53782423. Neither is spayed. Both are about 3 and weigh 42 pounds. Debra writes that Anita “is fearful and nervous and undoubtedly baffled as to how or why she has landed in this place.  I had to carry both of them into the room in which I took their pictures and once they spotted the soft, fluffy, comfy bed, were so happy to snuggle down.  They seem a bonded pair.  It is sad to see their confusion and fear when they should be living in a home in which they are treated with lots of TLC.”

As for Annabelle, Debra writes that she is “so fearful and nervous that she seems nearly shut down.  She would not move on a leash and I had to carry her to the room in which I did their evals and pictures.  When she discovered the soft cushy dog bed she snuggled down and didn't want to leave the security and comfort.  The girls appear to be bonded.  Anabelle is the more fearful of the two and sometimes would start shaking.  These precious girls deserve better than they have received from their owner.”
 Use their ID numbers when you call the Mesquite shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
THE ROVER AND MJ STORY? Earlier we reported (thanks to the Mesquite dog-writers) the story of a dog named MJ (6 months old, 32 pounds, not neutered) who was surrendered to the shelter — he’s the guy who got into a tussle over food with another dog and they tore up a child gate in the human’s house. That first dog is MJ, surrendered on July 20. 
And the dog in the second photo is Rover, surrendered on July 24. 
Rover is an un-neutered, 31-pound, 6-month old dog. 
Yep, siblings. Now siblings without a home. 
Debra reports that “the siblings are kenneled together, get along great and enjoy playing in their kennel.  Rover walks nicely on a leash, is friendly and has a pleasant nature.  He happily let me pet him and enjoyed attention from his new human friend.  You can sense the brothers are mystified as to why they have ended up in this place.  Rover is somewhat timid, shy and reserved but has only been at the shelter for 2 days.  He didn't seem interested in toys or balls, nor treats.  … These are two highly adoptable dogs and they are in need of a new home in which their owner(s) will stay committed to them and work through any issues in order for them to fit in well with their people.  Problems such as tussling over food can be solved by feeding the dogs separately.  A gate can be kept intact by not leaving the dogs unsupervised outside, especially in the intense Texas heat.”
MJ is #52682237 and Rover is #52682245. Use those IDs when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. The appeal included this sentence: "We are critically overcrowded and a number of our dogs will not make it out the front door unless adopters and rescues are able to assist."
And that brings us to Lana, a year-and-a-half old, 71-pound, not spayed American Bulldog who arrived at Mesquite’s shelter on the 22nd. Debra writes, “Her story is a sad one.  She was brought to the shelter because of a domestic violence situation in which the owner landed in jail and the girlfriend is not able to care for Lana.  … Lana is fearful and nervous in the shelter, skittish and scared by sudden loud noises and movements.  The abusive situation in which she has spent her life has affected her.  She seems uneasy with men and more comfortable with women.  One of our male staff members is working with her to help her learn that there are kind people she can trust and who will treat her with TLC.  Surrender form contains the following info:  Lana lived inside, she is house trained, she lived with and was OK with other dogs and a cat. She knows the sit and lay down commands.  Lana walks nicely on a leash. … Possibly a home that is quiet and well-structured would be a good fit.” Lana’s ID is #53806949.
ACE AND ARCHER? Brothers, in Mesquite, waiting. These two guys came in on July 7. Debra’s report says the Dog Scanner “suggests”the boys are a mix of American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier and French Bulldog.  Neither is neutered and both are about 3 and Archer (lower left) weighs 46 pounds while Ace ([photo right)  tips the scale at 50 pounds.
 After they came into the shelter, they picked up a URI, Debra reports, and they’ve been on meds so they weren’t quite ready for promoting as available. 
But, here they are, available now. 
Archer has an “outgoing and exuberant personality,” Debra says. He also loves toys and he and his bro Ace are “kenneled together and seem to thoroughly enjoy one another’s company.” Archer is #53703642 and Ace is ID 53703648.
And the Mesquite appeal for the brothers Archer and Ace reminds us, “We are critically overcrowded and kennel space is not adequate for all the dogs in the shelter.  Some are having to be housed in the hallways in wire crates rather than regular kennels.  Adoptions and rescues are badly needed so please help if you are able.  If you need additional info please call 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected]."
CONTEMPLATIONS
A BRIEF CONSIDERATION
Sometimes I just don’t know what to think. I suspect I’m not alone.
—- Offer thoughts or near-thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘DRAWIN’ A BLANK’ in the subject line. —-

SAVING SOME ANIMALS, RECOGNIZING NEEDS, RECOLLECTING SPRAYING....

EDITION OF TUESDAY-THURSDAY JULY 25-27, 2023 [PetPowellPress] This morning as I walked into the office to work, two cats beat me through the door. They were racing to be first to spring onto the auxiliary desk to mew and wait for treats. “You guys are bottomless pits,” I reacted and William (right), the senior office cat, nodded toward Stevie Ray, the junior office cat, and said, “We think that’s a fine compliment. We’ve known wonderful Pits and the people who live with them.”
Then, as that opening rolled out of my brain, through my fingers and onto the screen, (I am a fan of the Pitties), I imagined myself on a courtroom stand being grilled by an attorney for the other side. He’s saying, “Now, Mr. Powell, you call yourself some sort of a near-truth-telling journalist and we’ve entered your work into the record here.
“For the sake of your heirs and the fair division of your vast properties, can you sit there under oath and tell the court and all these members of this proceedings that your cats talk to you?”
“Of course they’d do,” I’d answer. “And if you think I have enough property and cash to fight over, you probably listening to what your cat says, too.”

With that, ladies and gentlement, my counsel, the noted and notable William Powell, moves that court be adjourned and we enter into the clearly non-profit business of the day.
FROM SMALLER SHELTER:
KITTENS AND DOGS 
Word of these available (for adoption and rescuing) cats and dogs comes from our pals who focus on helping animals get out of small shelters. These animals are in the care of the Ferris Animal Shelter, according to the note we got. 
To ask about helping them, contact the 4-Legged Helpers number or email: 214-949-2726 or [email protected]. 
By now you’ve noticed some kittens. The note says they are around 7-to-9-weeks old and they’re in the Ferris Shelter. The kittens are, in order, Cole, Camden and Cameron and, then Cammie, Connor and Caleb.
[LARRY ASIDE: Where did they come from? No idea. But somebody didn’t want ‘em, right?]

That brings us to some dogs.
Reid, the neutered maybe 1-to-2-year-old Basenji/Boxer Mix, is in the Ferris shelter and his bio reads that he is “Just the sweetest, goofiest most lovable boy you could meet. ….Everything a sweet dog should be.”
Ty is the youngish — 7-months-old — Border Collie/Lab mix who hails from the Hutchins Shelter (Hutchins partners with Ferris to hold its adoptables, we’re told.)
He comes with a $200 donation to the 501c3 rescue that’ll help him.
So does this boy Jax. He’s about 6 months old, a Hound mix maybe and 50-pounds (some of which is a pair of adorable ears. This “lovable” pup’s “owner was known but never came for him. Jax was found by a church in Ferris. He loves everyone and everything and just so much wants to be loved.  Adores other dogs, all people.  Heartworm negative so healthy PLEASE HELP SAVE HIM!!!,” the bio reads.
To see these dogs and cats and many more, go to the 4-Legged helpers Inc. Facebook page HERE.
CATCHING UP WITH
MESQUITE’S CRITTERS…
The pace at all shelters is rapid these days. And the dog-writers at Mesquite Animal Services are kept busy. That brings us to this dog who’s looking up at you from a low vantage point! Who is he? He’s a “rescue only” dog due to a mishap possibly “on the streets” of Mesquite. [LARRY ASIDE: Or, he could have just been dumped and injured while wondering what the hell just happened….]
Volunteer dog-writer Debra Chisholm says, “This very sweet-natured brown-eyed Chihuahua is Sparky (#53779362).  He was picked up injured by one of our officers as a stray on 7/19 and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Sparky was taken to the vet and x-rays were done showing a broken leg.  The vet did not feel as though it would need to be amputated but probable surgery would be required. 
“Sparky weighs 11 pounds, is about 3 years old and not neutered. X-rays are available to any rescue interested in Sparky.  I gave him this name because although undoubtedly in discomfort, he has such a lively and peppy personality.  He walks ok on a leash but I picked him up and carried him because of the injury.  He is a bit timid and nervous and understandably so.  However, he is well-mannered, calm and gentle.  … There is so much to like about Sparky and he deserves a chance at a loving forever home with someone that would stay committed to him and give him a safe stable home and the TLC he is entitled to.”
 To ask about helping Sparky, use his ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@ cityofmesquite.com.

Same system for Royal. Volunteer dogwriter Judi Brown sent news of an adoptable larger dog than Sparky. This is Royal who, Judi writes, “is special in her cuteness and her personality. She needs to be treated like royalty!”

Royal is a 2-to-3-months old, 20-pound (“still growing”) Doberman Pinscher mix who arrived as a stray on July 17. Not spayed. She is a not-yet-spayed, 2 to 3 month 20 pound (still growing) Doberman Pinscher mix that came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/17 as a stray. She is not spayed. She looks very distinguished in her shiny black coat with tan markings!”
 And Judi adds, “When I first met her a few days ago, she was cowering in her kennel. However, she’s now starting to build trust and coming out of her shell. She wasn’t sure about walking on the leash so I had to carry her out to the yard. She didn’t fight it. She just sat down. However, on the way back she walked a lot better. She may need some leash training. 
“When she first got out into the yard, she explored it with her long nose. My guess is she has a good sense of smell. She’s not 100% comfortable yet and so spent some time hiding under or behind the bench. But then at other times, she climbed on the bench indicating she’s quite athletic. She’s an active, lively, playful, friendly, joyful puppy that needs an active family to grow up with.”
Royal’s shelter ID is #53768383. Use it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Among the many dogs in the Mesquite Shelter are these three — I’m cutting their bios to fit the space, but you can read more complete bios by going to the Mesquite shelter’s website HERE. 
This is SAWYER (#53774931) who, Debra writes is “a Carolina Dog pup according to the Dog Scanner app.” Came in as a stray on July 18. And, his bio reads, “He's the ‘whole package.’ Lots of puppy spunk, with tail-wagging, fun-loving energy.  He is so playful and loves toys. … Though he did not sit on command, he apparently is smart enough to figure out that when he is in that posture, yummy treats are forthcoming …This boy with the soft and silky coat and beautiful brown eyes is so lovable and spunky.”
That brings us to Debra’s report about Tucker (ID 53757404): “They just don't come any cuter than this adorable youngster.  Tucker is a mixed breed boy brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 7/15.  Surprisingly, no one has come to reclaim this precious pooch so he is looking for a new home.  Tucker weighs 20 pounds, is approx 4 months old and is not neutered.  He does not walk on a leash.  He seemed completely unfamiliar with it and wasn't interested in having it put around his neck.  Leash training would be a good place to start when he is adopted or rescued.  In fact he was quite uneasy about being taken out of his crate and seemed to feel safe there.  And yet he enjoyed the freedom of stretching his legs and moving about in the room in which I did his eval.  His coat is scruffy and he came in with fleas so has been given flea treatment. … He seemed so pleased to find a soft fluffy bed to snuggle down into and relax.  Tucker is quite amiable and a-ok with receiving loving attention from a human friend.  We are overfull and all the regular kennels are occupied so Tucker is housed in a wire crate in the hallway hoping soon to have a bona fide kennel in which he can move about more freely in.”
That brings us to MJ, a mixed breed pup who was surrendered on 7/20. Why? Here’s the story from the owners: Two family pups “were fighting over their food and a child gate was torn up.  Surrender form stated that MJ's sibling would be surrendered as well.  Owner has had MJ since he was six weeks old.” The dog is now 6 months old, weighs 32 pounds and isn’t neutered. He’s been regarded as indoor/outdoor and, the owner reported — [“Testimony to the contrary,” Larry notes] — that “he was ok with other dogs as well as cats.”   MJ walks fairly well on a leash and Debra said "He's a bit uneasy at the shelter and probably can't figure out why his owners left him in this place.  He is friendly and has a pleasant personality and tried to climb into my lap.”
And the overcrowding in the shelter has gotten the affectionate-toward-humans MJ parked in the hallway in a wire crate.
MJ is #62682237 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityof mesquite.com. 
See many more shelter dogs and cats by clicking on this SHELTER LINK.
And, among those many dogs and cats is this 5-year-old fellow, Mr. McGoo (#52607382), a smallish Domestic Shorthair Mix who has been in the shelter since MAY 8! He’s adoptable. And he’s currently living in the shelter’s Conference Room. [LARRY ASIDE: I don’t know if the Conference Room has a couch or a TV. But a good home would have cable — cats love cable and they love a couch, too.]
CONTEMPLATIONS

TALKING TO THE CATS AND DOGS
Animal rescue, whether from the streets or from overcrowded big city shelters (talkin’ to you, Dallas), can sure drape a cloak of miserable depression over your noggin if you don’t have a cat to talk things over with while you’re both having a snack….
EVER NOTICE THAT our publisher is PetPowellPress? Why that? Because it was founded way back as a subsidiary of my funspouse Martha’s soaring business, PetPowellPetSitting, in the late 20th century. Even had t-shirts for the sitting business. Martha oughta write a book. There are some tales! She went to a business fair, handed out some cards, wandered down to an animal rescue booth and brought home a dog named Nicki. Our first dog adoption together. I learned about it by phone when Martha called me to come get the pup while she was packing up as the fair closed.. Our marriage in 1991 was more of a merger of pre-existing adored dogs and cats. … 

ONCE UPON A TIME many years ago, I went to a spay/neuter fundraiser in Bishop Arts at the now-gone Vitto’s Italian — best PESTO ever! (Yes, I miss that place!) Back to the fundraiser: I was seated at a table next to the top executive of a state spay/neuter organization. And, a local official was making a brief talk about the evening’s topic and firmly reminded everybody of the need to make sure we got all those dogs and cats “sprayed and neutered.” And the executive next to me leans over and says, “If all we had to do was spray ‘em, we wouldn’t be here tonight!” And, there you have it: One more sly readlarrypowell.com plug for “Spraying & Nudering.”
—- Offer concepts for saving animals by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

CARLOS; A RESCUE; A SHELTER; A SYSTEM; THE FUTURE?

EDITION OF MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023 [PetPowellPress] For this Monday edition, we suggest that consideration of animals and their fates is a reflection on a city’s reputation. Please read on.
SPECIAL MENTION
OF CARLOS THE DOG…
[LARRY ASIDE: Now and then some animal stories will touch hearts. Now and then there is a happy ending. Not this time.]
This is a photo of Carlos. The incredibly sad story of his fate was posted on the Marleigh’s Friends Rescue Facebook Page over the weekend. It’s a long read, but it’s a necessary read so people who don’t deal with shelters can see how some work as dreamed when the doors were first opened and some do not.
The headline on this post reads, “CARLOS UPDATE, finally. HE IS HOME.” 
If you care about dogs and cats and what happens to them in an overloaded shelter in a big city, read this POST at
https://www.facebook.com/MarleighsFriends .
[LARRY ASIDE: Marleigh’s Friends is based in Carrollton — that’ll be how Dallas skates away from any responsibility. Taxpayers and voters who live IN THE CITY OF DALLAS need to get upset and let their council representatives and the mayor know that this stuff isn’t the way you want the Dallas shelter to operate. You also need to let fellow residents — the Dallas people who treat animals like disposable trash — know they need to constantly be kind to the animals in the city. Dumping ‘em — at a shelter or at a park or on a freeway — is not being kind. Jerks.]
CONTEMPLATION:
A POWERFUL COALITION?
Years ago there was a determined coalition of animal lovers and their organizations who got together and forced — yes, FORCED — the City of Dallas to live up to its enduringly unfulfilled promise to treat animals better by opening a modern city animal shelter. 
That’s how a small and unpleasant “hold ‘em ’til we can kill ‘em” facility” next to the Dallas Zoo was replaced by the large and modern Dallas Animal Services & Adoption Center at I-30 and Westmoreland. Ironically, it has become a “hold ‘em ’til we can kill ‘em” shelter — thanks to a pandemic and the “don’t care/so what” people who dump animal after animal onto city streets and into the shelter.
This is just one shelter serving a Dallas population of around 1.3 million people and Lord knows how many very fertile dogs and cats. Those people include a lot of villains in this story — people who just don’t care what happens to animals and would respond “So what” if you show’d ‘em the most recent statistics posted by DAS on it’s website at https://bedallas90.org.
And when you click HERE you’ll see the latest statistical report as of early Monday afternoon. Click on the chart to make it larger.
[LARRY ASIDE: You know, Dear Readers, I watched the City of Dallas for decades from the positions of journalist and taxpaying homeowner. Dallas has such a chance to be a national leader in the care of animals and people and, yet, it sure can trip up. Seems like, to me, there is a connection between caring for citizens and caring for animals — that connection is to view them all with love and not just another funding problem in the annual budget or an annoyance on the agenda at a City Council meeting. Too harsh? Or right on the nose? Blame the system? Not hardly. The system is always people — from the taxpayers and residents who fund it and should influence it positively, to the employees, to the elected officials. The people are The System.]
— Offer solutions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. ——

SOMETIMES ANIMALS DO ODD THINGS; AND THEN THEY MIGHT NOD OFF HAPPILY....

For this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, I'm letting the cat out of the bag. 

What's that? Yes, the cat wasn't in the bag; the dog was in the box.
My darling formerly escaped/mistreated (this comes into play later ) Porche Noel had the adventure.
That's her in what she calls "My dignified dog pose" after her adventure.
Here's what happened: In our house of mammals, a doctor has only ever told one of 'us, "You need to put on some weight." That's right, no human here, no dog, no cat has ever been told "load up on carbs" or "eat more cake and ice cream."
No mammal except the wonderful Wendy Louise Wagstaff Arden, possibly a Bird Dog/Boxer mix.
 Wendy was rescued in 2009 (same year as Porche) by my courageous and determined funspouse Martha. Got her right off the mean streets of Dallas as the young pup was trying to persuade two disinterested pedestrians that she'd make a good companion.

[LARRY ASIDE: Here's the way the story goes in my brain: Martha immediately saw promise in the youngster and grabbed a shillelagh, snapped it two with her bare hands, threw both pieces of hardwood back into the car and announced enforcingly, "You two don't want this dog."]
OK, here's the truth: I read that passage to Martha and she objected sweetly. She explains that my description of events is not accurate. So, yeah, she was nice and concerned about the dog and the people said it would be great if she could find a good home for the dog because she just wasn't having luck being adopted in the apartment complex. People kept trying to run her off. 
So, she became our dog 14 years ago. She has always looked thin (her labs are always good), but these days her vet thinks she needs a little more meat on her bones. And we're actually working on that with some success. Oatmeal my the secret additive.
 That's my office cat William watching Wendy eat.
Martha, a bit of an animal nut (and I use that admiringly) has, through the years, created "feeding platforms" for the dogs so they don't have to bend down so far to get a bite of breakfast or any other meal. The platforms are cardboard boxes that have been trimmed shorter to match the dining level of each dog. 
Wendy's, out of respect for her aging joints, is the tallest of the three boxes. Dudley the Angel -- the Border Collie mix, has the middle one -- and Porche Noel, the stubby dog with lingering effects of mistreatment, has the shortest box.
In the top of each box, Martha has cut a perfect circle in the cardboard and each dog's dish fits into the opening. Now and then, Wendy's dish will get bumped out of the tight fit and she'll speedlick a mouthful of food over the edge of her displaced dish and that morsel will fall through the hole and into the interior of the box.
Porche and Dudley dine in the kitchen. Wendy dines in "her spot" next to the door to Martha's office.

What I'm about to describe has NEVER happened before at our house. 
During the past week, one afternoon, I was reading something while the dogs were eating and Martha was in her office working. Suddenly I heard an odd noise near Wendy's dining area. 
Sometimes Porche inspects Wendy's bowl after a meal. She does that because all these years after we took her in, she still thinks a human is going to starve her like he did in her first home. That Christmas we let her in off the porch -- she'd squeezed through the burglar bars gate to get to our Feral Cat Food Buffet and eaten so much she couldn't get back out. We kept her -- found on the porch at Christmas resulted in Porche Noel. 
But here we were in the unpleasantly hot July of 2023 and there was Porche with the "gotta eat more attitude" from 2009. She inspected Wendy's feeding platform and realized there was something inside the "box" that smelled like food. She quickly nosed Wendy's bowl out of the way, turned the box on its side with one paw and shoved her cute dog head right through the hole and into the box. She got into that box all the way up to her shoulders, far enough to capture the elusive morsel.
And too far to get out. 
When she threw herself into "reverse" the box went with her. That's the noise I heard -- a tape-covered cardboard box slapping up against a glass-windowed office door, up against a wall, up against furniture. No whimpering, no howling. Just a dog trying to walk while wearing a box over her head. 
"Don't move, Porche," I said and explained, "I've got to take some pictures of this. I know you won't mind." [That's an after photo of Porche. I think she may have an attitude in the picture.]
After snapping a few quick photos with my omnipresent phone, I helped her pull her head out of the box while Dudley watched with a puzzled look.
Wendy? Happily being only one morsel short of a full meal, Wendy walked over to her couch, jumped up on it, relaxed and nodded off, becoming, indeed, the sleeping dog I let lie. 

And, fyi, the experience of getting her head stuck in a box did not come between Porche Noel and her robust appetite. Good dog, you know.
[SEND PHOTOS AND BIOS of your sleeping critters to [email protected] and readlarrypowell.com will PROUDLY post the in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.]

TEXAS CRITTERS, TEXAS QUILTERS, COWPOKE NAMES & PEACH OF A PROB

EDITION OF WED-FRI, JULY 19-21[PetPowellPress] This is going to be a long edition, so let’s move right along to one of the most challenging situations in animal shelters.
Then we’ll get to one of the most challenging situations in animal advocacy — funding! Funding? What? You think “non-profit” means “organization won Powerball; has all the money it needs”? Ask our pals at Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. I’m going to cover that like a blanket (hint hint) in a second.

First we’re diving into a shelter question inspired by a dog named Stetson. That question? “Where do all those names come from?” Dogs and cats. And other critters. They don’t all arrive with a chip, a wallet, a driver’s license or a business card. That challenge brings us directly to our first item.

HEY, PARD, CAN YA
NAME THAT COWPOKE?
We’ve been posting biographies by Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown for a some time now and it’s absolutely appropriate, no doubt, that she’d write this explanation of this dog’s name: 
“Look at Stetson’s markings and try telling me he doesn’t look like a cowpoke. Isn’t he adorable? Stetson is a 2-year-old, 60-pound brown and white terrier pit who arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/14 as a stray.”
 [LARRY ASIDE: See that mugshot of Stetson? His patterns give him the look of a cowboy with his hat pushed back to show off his eyebrows — one perking up at the prospect of about to win a really big hand, er, paw while playin’ Texas Hold ‘Em at a table in an Ol’ West saloon in a Texas town with an Ol’ West moniker, Mequite!) Take a look at the rest of Stetson’s coat. Yep, Judi threw the loop right onto that Cowpoke label, didn’t she!]
So what’s the deal with this not-neutered feller? Here’s the rest of Judi’s report on Stetson “He does have some significant scabbing and scarring on the back of his neck/head. It appears to be healing and doesn’t seem to bother him. He’s been given Nexgard and an antibiotic. It looks like he will have hair loss and some scarring at the back of his head. His ribs are showing so he could use some more kibbles.”

And she writes, “Y’all, Stetson is just the cutest, sweetest dog! Any family would be lucky to have him! He’s easy-going, mild mannered, well-behaved, calm, friendly and extremely affectionate! He sits for treats and takes them gently. He was somewhat interested in toys. He sniffed a toy I threw for him and spend some time checking it out. He comes when you call him and then you are rewarded with kisses. … He wants to be part of a loving family and hang out with you during your family time! He won’t be at the shelter long, so if you’re interested please tag or come meet him.” 
Well, pards, to palaver with the shelter about this cowpoke, be sure to use his electronic brand #ID 53752442 when ya rang up the shelter’s corral at 972-216- 6283 or send a message on that newfangled computer to [email protected]. [LARRY ASIDE: Judi inspired me to harken back to my childhood — there’s a picture of me on a pony somewhere and I once went to a rodeo street daince in New Boston in the ‘60s. Now, buckaroos, giddyup and adopt Stetson and all the other Mesquite Dogs & Cats. We’ll get back to Mesquite in second.]
BACK TO ADOPTING, NAMING
THE MOM & HER WRANGLERS
We spotted the appeal for this bunch on the Dallas Urgent Shelter Dogs Facebook page in a post by Florence M. DiGennaro. This Facebook page works on behalf of the animals in the Dallas Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. 
[LARRY ASIDE: These days we’re pretty sure all Dallas dogs and cats qualify as “URGENT.” Ever look at those daily reports on the Dallas Animal Services website —https://bedallas90.org. Statistics add up don’t they.]
Maybe someone can help improve the positive statistics by taking in A1184409 (Wren), a 2-year-old, 55-pound, heartworm-negative mother and her 3 female/4male family of less-than-a-week-old babies. The post, based on DAS reports, reads that “she did have two more babies but unfortunately they were not thriving and were euthanized.” 
Remember in the opening today when I mentioned animals needing names when they arrive at a city shelter? Wren’s litter is a prime example. 
She has the number A11184409 and each of these kids have one, too. These “available now” puppies are A1184553, A1184554, A1184555, A1184556, A1184557, A1184558, A1184559. [LARRY ASIDE: Geezalou, some loving people really need to take ‘em in and give ‘em names, don’t you think? These “stay-next-to-mom puppies are classified as “strays” — they didn’t stray, they were rejected by a human somewhere in Dallas. Ain’t that sweet?]

The story, according to the Dallas Urgent Shelter Dogs post, is that “Wren and babies were brought into the shelter as stray animals from the community. …was noted to be fearful and growling. Did not like staff near her kennel. possibly just protecting her puppies. Interested in this family , need medical - email [email protected]."
[LARRY ASIDE: I hope that this is already outdated and the Mom and her remaining puppies have all been saved. It’s a longshot in Dallas. But sometimes the animals win, defeating the ol’ Texas Animal Control theory: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.”]
NOW, ABOUT THE CHANCE
TO WIN A GREAT QUILT
Perhaps, by now, you’ve spotted the artwork and the quilt it comes on. Could be yours, I’m told by Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake.
When I opened the email from Sydney Busch, longtime guiding light and reliable tipster from the Friends,” I saw this line: ‘WE LOVE THE QUILTERS GUILD.” Keep reading, you’ll see why.

Maybe you’ve been trying to win Lotto Texas or Powerball lately. That’s just a money deal with paperwork and lawyers. Win the raffle for this beautiful quilt and there’ll be hugs and happiness and you’ll be helping Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake continue the non-profit’s mission: Operating (so to speak) the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
Keep this in mind: The Friends are celebrating the 21st year of the clinic this month — and, Sydney tells me, that adds up to “almost 58,000 surgeries.” [LARRY ASIDE: When you’re contemplating that, the thing to remember is that means a lot of puppies and kittens were NOT born just to be euthanized or to be dumped into a creek or bagged and tossed out on a lonely country road or used as bait dogs, etc.]

This quilt is one of the many reasons the Friends love the Gun Barrel Quilters Guild. As Sydney's note reads, “You could be the winner of this amazing quilt lovingly handmade and donated by the Gun Barrel Quilters Guild!”
 You just have to be holding the winning raffle ticket when the Friends draw it at noon on Tuesday Nov. 21, at the famed Friends of the Animals Spay/Neuter Clinic. How do you get a ticket or tickets ($5 each or 5 for $20)? They’re for sale at the Friends Clinic from “6 a.m. to 4ish pm” each Tuesday and from 9:30 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month at the clinic. The clinic is at 122 Old Gun Barrel Ln #8, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156
Got questions? Email sydney@friendsofthe animals.org or call 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701 (cell).
 And, remember, the Friends are in an unusual time — the rent just went up on the Clinic’s facility, so, beyond the traditional Quilters' raffle, the Friends are hoping to find donors to support the mission. Email Sydney about helping with that on-going project. You can read more about the Clinic and the Friends online on Facebook HERE.
MORE PUPS WAITING
IN MESQUITE…
We’re going to whittle these bios — all provided by Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog-writer Debra Chisholm — to keep this short. "Too late," you say? Ah, but you can see the complete bios of these dogs (and many others and available cats in the shelter by going to the LINK HERE.  These are 4 siblings. Read on and ask, "How in the world did this happen?" and reply to yourself, "Some human...sheesh...." Now's the chance to get homes for the pups.
DAISY (“Outgoing, fun-loving, friendly”) — Debra writes, “I named this pup Daisy and put a yellow scarf on her because she has a bright and sunny disposition.  She and her 3 siblings were brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 6/30 as strays.  She is listed as a German Shepherd mix, weighs 11.8 pounds, and is about 2 months old.  She and her sibs are RESCUE ONLY due to their young age. They all contracted upper respiratory infections and have been given a round of doxycycline and are finished with the meds.” Daisy is #53657462. As with her siblings, use the ID number to help the staffers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.
VIOLET (“Most timid and calm…”) Violet is #53657413 and, at about 2 months weighs 10.2 pounds. Same tale of issues as Sister Daisy. Debra writes, “When I brought her to the room in which I took their pics, she immediately found a soft bed and snuggled down in the midst of a number of fluffy stuffed toys.  And there she remained til it was time to return to her kennel.”
ROSE (“This cutesy girl…” Debra writes that Rose (#53657450) and her siblings are kenneled together (Rose weighs 14.4 pounds) and during the photo session “they had a blast playing together, romping around and exploring all the cool toys in the toy box.” Same system for Rose and her siblings — use the ID # when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite. Oh, and the siblings included this "Big Brother."
HAWTHORN (#53657430) is the largest of the four -- weighs in at 16.8 pounds -- nice size for two months old. Great face. [LARRY FYI: I 'lightened' the photo to show off his Big Brother Dog Ears and features.] And Debra's bio of the lad says that he "spent much of his time in the room in which we take our pics scouting out the smells and checking out some of the cool toys. He is well-manered and calm and yet has plenty of puppy energy and behavior. He is friendly and OK with loving attention. He has the softest fur!" So, in a high-population-pressure situation in a shelter that works hard to get animals into homes, there's the summary of 4 puppies who, somehow, wound up "stray" and now wait for safe homes to grow up and be the legendary "Good Dog." 
Also waiting are a couple of dogs that are no kin to the siblings.
First up is Buster (#53694517), a maybe 4-year-old, 55-pound “Terrier mix” who came in as a stray on July 6. Debra writes, “He likes toys and entertains himself with them. … At first he was quite overly energetic but he seemed just to be happy to be out of his kennel and interacting with people. … Once some of the energy was worked out, he calmed down. Buster is a friendly fellow and will give hugs and kisses!”
And Debra adds this to Buster’s note: “We are overcrowded with many strays and surrenders coming in and fewer adoptions and rescues.”
That brings us to Brandy, “a mixed breed with possibly the following in the mix:  Black Mouth Cur, Dutch Shepherd and Plott Hound. [LARRY ASIDE: She appears to have some genuine Earhound in the family tree.] Brandy weighs 34 pounds, is approx 5 months old and is not spayed.  She was picked up on 7/12 as a stray by one of our officers.  She has a perky and spunky nature and yet is calm and well-mannered. … She is friendly and a-ok with being petted and loved on. … She really resisted being put back in the wire crate in which she is being housed and who can blame her?  We are so overcrowded that we do not have kennel space for all our precious dogs and some must be placed in wire kennels in the hallway.” Brandy is #53734985 — use that ID when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.
CONTEMPLATIONS
PEACH COUNTY DOGS;
A TEXAS-LIKE QUOTE?
Our reliable Houston tipster Alexandra Kelsey got the info on this situation in Peach County in the middle of the State of Georgia — just in case you Texas rescuers and advocates wondered if other places have similar challenges to those that can vex Texas animal fans. The organization is Peach County Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation, headquartered in its namesake county about 2 driving hours south of Atlanta (I looked it up.) The shelter is closing and has a number of animals that need homes. The Facebook page is HERE.  That’s where you can see animals yet to be saved and read the announcement that begins, “It is with a very heavy heart that we are officially announcing the closing of PCARR...
|After 14 years in rescue we must shut down. Due to extenuating circumstances we can no longer keep up with the resources needed to help the high demand of neglected/unwanted pets. We pray that our commissioners will come together and move forward expeditiously with their plans for animal control.”
There’s more.
There is this one passage that sounds like it could have come from Texas: “The world we live in today is the worst we’ve seen for animals of all species. It's truly heart breaking and we’re praying for all the animals of this county & world, rescue and shelter personnel too.”
Sure sounds like Texas a little bit, doesn’t it.
—- Give advice or objections by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

CONTEMPLATING A CAT NAMED ALEX; CONSIDERING SOME ADOPTABLES

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY JULY 18, 2023 [PetPowellPress] The reality of animal rescue and adoption is this: 
It’s personal. 
This edition — because of a cat named Alex who’ll be the focus of Contemplations — is dedicated to animals and humans who’ll meet each other this week. And it is especially dedicated to humans who took a longshot that turned out to be a sure thing. Please read on. Maybe you can help a dog or cat find a home and celebrate the strength of animal adoration in your life.
A QUESTION ARISES
FOR DALLAS SHELTER
This is something that popped up in the inbox Tuesday morning.
And it refers to the Dallas Animal Services Shelter & Adoption Center. We’re curious. No doubt staffers would be upset. Surely.  Click on this LINK to Dallas Urgent Shelter Dogs to scroll to the item about Blanco, an 8-year-old “stray” Toy Poodle who, according to reports, died overnight in his kennel. He’d been there 3 days, according to the post by veteran animal advocate/rescuer Tami Kukla. Blanco was #A1184571 at the shelter. And Tami asked in print, “Can someone please explain to me how Blanco died in his kennel overnight at DAS?” 
The posting inspired a number of responses, including some noting that this isn’t the first dog to die recently in DAS care.
[LARRY ASIDE: We’d love to hear a shelter explanation. It isn’t like running that big shelter in a city full of animal dumpers and don’t care scofflaws is easy to handle. Right? Email [email protected].]
A BIG DOG WALKS UP
TO A CITY SHELTER…
That headline sounds like the beginning of a joke, but this is no joke. And, in all the years of writing about dogs, I can remember only a handful of times that a dog (or a cat!) has walked up to a shelter and said, “Hey, let me in.” But here’s a case of “So, a dog walks up to a shelter.”
 We spotted this tale online via a post by Morgan Hailey Stumbaugh on the Texoma Pets Lost and Found Facebook page
The story reads: “This big giant boy wandered up to the Sherman Animal Shelter all on his own. He is some sort of Black Lab/Newfoundland or Pyr mixed type dog.
“He's quite tired and was a little warm, so he's relaxing on the cool tile in the shelter now!
“If you know his owner, please call the Sherman Animal Shelter at 903-892-7255 so they can get him home to his family!”
Among the comments on the Texoma link were these (1) “He needed help. He knew where to go. Sweet Baby. Hopefully will find owner soon.” And, (2) “Please keep him there. We have been looking for him. I will be there in the AM.” So, it looks like the “Big Giant Boy” has a bit of “clever” mixed in with the “handsome.”

THREE THAT DIDN’T WALK UP
TO THE MESQUITE SHELTER

Nope, these three arrived with some help — and one of ‘em emphasizes our readlarrypowell.com unanswered question for the Summer of ’23: “What’s the deal with all these Huskies showing up in Metroplex shelters?”
For now, we’ll focus on Loki. His biographer is the Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown. She writes, “Loki is a handsome, fluffy, gray and white Alaskan Husky with big brown eyes and a curly tail! He’s 4 years old and weighs 58 pounds. He came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/3 as a stray. He is not neutered. When he got outside to explore the yard he kept looking over the wall. At one point he even started whining. I think he was looking for his owners. That made me so sad. He’s obviously very loyal. And it’s obvious that he’s been mostly an outside dog judging from the fly bites on his ears and the concrete calluses on his elbows. He also has not been groomed and in this hot weather that would’ve made him more comfortable. … I get the feeling he hasn’t had much socialization but would be very receptive to extra affection. When I called him he came running to me, and it appeared he liked having his ears scratched. … A dog did come up to the gate when we were outside and he whined and wagged his tail indicating he wanted to make friends and play.  He doesn’t deserve to be an outside dog this time. Yes, a yard and long walks would be wonderful, but most of the time he wants to be in the house with you!”
Loki’s ID is #53672803. Use it when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Judi also got to meet Lily (#53734810) — Lily also didn’t wander up to the shelter. The year-old, 42-pound Boxer mix with a docked tail arrived on July 12 when “she was dropped off by the police,” Judi wrote. “I’m really surprised her owners have not come looking for her because she has a lot going for her. When we first got out into the yard, she spent a lot of time exploring indicating she’s very curious and alert. She joyfully pranced around the yard. It was obvious she was glad to be outside and able to stretch her legs. She doesn’t know the sit command, but she does take treats gently.  I threw a toy for her, and she picked it up and chewed on it for a while. When she was across the yard, I called for her and she came to me. She likes to have her ears scratched and to be petted. … When a dog barked at her, she jumped back. It was like she couldn’t believe that the dog didn’t want to make friends with her.”

Same use-the-ID system for Loki and Lily and, also, for Patches (#53735395). Use that # when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Patches is a year-old, 65-pound possibly American Pit Bull Terrier who arrived on July 12, brought in by a shelter officer. Got her name from her markings. And, Judi writes, “The first thing I noticed about her is that she’s happy. I was met in the kennel with tail wags and joy! When she got out into the yard, she romped and frolicked. She found a stuffed toy and tossed it in the air and entertained herself with it. She sits for treats and takes them gently. Then she remains sitting in anticipation of another treat. She is highly motivated by treats. She definitely wants to please. She’s fun, loving, friendly, outgoing, energetic, and athletic. She’s a joy to be around. … Since she’s so playful she should do really well with children. She didn’t like the heat and wanted to be inside. The yard would be great for her playing but for the most part she’d like to be inside with her new family.”
 See more Mesquite dogs and cats by clicking on this link.
CONTEMPLATIONS
LEARNING FROM ALEX
“Alex has left us. That's such a simple sentence, but it means so much of a change for us.”
That opening was sent to us Monday evening by our friend Sarah Hays from Lubbock out in the Texas Panhandle. She included this photo of young Alex in 2018. 
And Sarah, a genuine writer, told us of Alex. I’m repeating her opening — it’s spare and to the point, reaching right into the heart of any human who ever loved an animal.  Here's what Sarah wrote:

“Alex has left us. That’s such a simple sentence but it means so much of a change for us.

“We don't know how old Alex was. We know we first took him to our vets in 2000. Before 11 Sept. 01.

“Before the veterinarian who retired last year had been with our vet six months. Before Son1 got his first solo home. Before Son2 started high school. Alex came to us as a grown cat, maybe three, maybe five. Maybe somewhere in between.
“We know when he came to us he'd been abandoned in a KMart parking lot.  

“We know we couldn't tell if Alex was a brown cat or a grey cat when he arrived. Turns out he was a white cat.
“My son, who found him, is sad today. My husband, who took him to the vet for the last time today, is sad.
“I am sad.
“Alex is resting better. Wobbie, K'Wan, Mischief and Samantha don't quite know what to think, for Alex, who's been here since long before any of them were born, has left us. Alex has no more trouble breathing, or arthritis, or difficulty getting to the litter box in time. He can hear again. He isn't suffering from diabetes
any more. But we all miss him.”

In a later note exchanged about this loss, Sarah wrote of the abandoned cat, “Alex made himself something the people who discarded him never imagined.
“It's just so ... odd ... that he's not here now. He's been here so long.”

And, she wrote, “I didn't realize one other thing about Alex. Because he came to us just a few years after we moved here, he is the last link to our ‘original’ cats, Kymba and Rushlight, and Kymba's kittens, and Tribble. I knew he had helped mentor our current generation, as well as Alastair and Bandit (aka Toes) because Lt Cdr McKitten, our silver-tux polydactyl, and Fiendy, our long-time silver-tuxedo indoor master-of-all mischief, spent their entire lives with Alex. 

“Kymba and Rushlight and the kittens were here first; Tribble and Alex came to us in the same year. I've written you about those folks before, I know. Bear, and TwoCat, and RedCat ... It feels as if something precious ended today. A bit of history, perhaps. Certainly, a generation of companions we cherished as delights.”
Later that first day without him, Sarah wrote of trying to “figure out how much I need to remember, and how many memories I owe to Alex.”

“Memories I owe to Alex” — more powerful phrasing inspired by a rescued cat who, as Sarah wrote, “made himself something the people who discarded him never imagined.”
[Offer understanding and appreciation for Alex by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] — put ‘BLESS THE CATS’ in the subject line.]

FOR A MONDAY, OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP ANIMALS; CONTEMPLATING REALITY

EDITION OF MONDAY, JULY 17, 2023 [PetPowellPress] How quickly can I get to Friday afternoon? Oops, did I type that out loud during a Monday rush hour?
Here’s where my brain is this morning. I read an email subject line that began “New Arrival - Teton short” and at that point I thought, “Some shelter has named a incoming short dog after a mountain range.” The subject line’s next two works were “short sleeve.” Turns out it’s a shirt, not a shelter dog. Perhaps I need a vacation. But, first, some animals in need.
TWO CATS NEEDING
A BIT OF HELP
We got the notices about these two from the veteran catfan Tanja Sewell-Pattist. She’s the contact point for both of these and provided the bios. 

Annie is the 3-month-old, 2.5-pound gray and white kitten. And her bio reads, “Annie is a sweetheart.  She has a loud purr, which she brings out when you pet her or scratch her chin.  She loves to chase toys.  She is a brave little soul - not afraid to face down much larger cats. And, she knows how to use the litter box.”

Annie is about to go through the entire vet work-up for kittens. Tanya’s note read, “A kind woman took Annie’s stray mom in, and Annie was born.  The woman has been diagnosed with Leukemia, has limited time remaining, and can no longer care for Annie.  Another kind woman is temporarily fostering Annie.”
 To ask about Annie or about Clarence — that handsome guy below — email [email protected] or (972) 898-3156.
Clarence is around a year-old, a less-than-10-pounds Tabby who “likes to be in charge. His hair is extremely short, and he has huge ears and paws. He likes to roll over on his back, and lick your hand. His attitude is relaxed, but playful.”
Like Annie, Clarence is also getting the full vet workup this week. Tanya’s report links Annie and Tanya this way: “A kind woman started feeding Clarence, a stray.  The woman has been diagnosed with Leukemia, has limited time remaining, and can no longer care for Clarence.  Another kind woman is temporarily fostering Clarence.”
 [LARRY ASIDE: There you have it. Two cats in need. Also, maybe, you could offer some warm thoughts and prayers for “A kind woman” and “another kind woman.”]
A COUPLE OF THE MANY
MESQUITE DOGS WAITING
Here are a couple of dogs that found their ways into the Mesquite Animal Shelter and got an extra bonus by becoming the biography topics of two reliable volunteers, the dog-writers Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown. 
[LARRY ASIDE: We all know shelters can depend on people to dump dogs until the walls are bulging, but it’s also great that these volunteers work hard to get dogs into loving homes and away from the needle.]
Debra’s bio focuses on “this adorable pup” Jillian, as she described the Black Mouth Cur mix who came in on July 4 as a stray. [LARRY ASIDE: Geez, July 4. Stray? Anybody think fireworks might have inspired a dog to run in terror? SHEESH.]
Jillian, about a year-old, is spayed and weighs about 40 pounds. Debra describes her as a “timid girl with a low-key personality. She is calm and gentle. I found myself immediately drawn to this girl when she first came in.  She has adjusted to the shelter environment but continues to seem uneasy with the confinement and the steady barking of the other dogs and who can blame her?  She is friendly and will rest her head on your lap.  Jillian does not jump on you.  She may be house-trained because she potties immediately upon entering the shelter yard.  She does not seem to know any commands and is uninterested in toys or balls.  … She seems to feel most comfortable in the security of her kennel. … She may have been an outside-only dog and would more than anything like to be in a home in which she will be allowed to live inside.”
Jillian is #52579544 — use her shelter ID to help the staff when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for this girl Trudy (#524654397). 
Volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown had the privilege of meeting Trudy, a 9-month-old, 31-pound, spayed “possibly Shepherd/Carolina Dog mix.”
How’d she wind up in the shelter? Surrendered on APRIL 18 “because her owners were moving. … The surrender form reports that she was an inside dog and lived with children. Trudy is a fun-loving, playful puppy with a zest for life.  She thinks the world is her playground! She does jump on you and could use some manners training. However, she does know the sit and lay down commands and is very motivated by treats. This should help with training her. She also wants to please. She loves, loves, loves toys. She will even jump in the toy box and select a toy. She entertains herself with them. She’s friendly and seemingly very happy! …. She went nose to nose wagging her tail meeting other dogs. If you have a playful dog looking for playmate and have a yard for them to play in, why don’t you bring your dog up to meet Trudy? Trudy has a lot of sterling qualities, so please come meet her!” 
Again, to ask about these dogs, use their ID numbers when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
As you know, Mesquite doesn’t run a “dogs-only” shelter. When you click on this LINK  you’ll find many, many dogs and many, many cats. Not all of those cats are kittens. For example, this is Alasia (#44018800), a 10-years & 4-months-old white with tan fellow who came into the shelter on July 13. He’s available in the Cat Room. Yes, he’s among those very rare “Domestic Shorthair Mixes.” [LARRY ASIDE: I need to double-check that “very rare” status of Domestic Shorthair Mixes. But I don’t need to check on this fact: 10 years old is barely middle-aged in a beloved, well-tended housecat. Plenty of life and cuddling left in that cat, I suspect.]
A COUPLE OF DOGS WAIT
ON I-30’S SOUTHERN SIDE
Yep, these two are Ferris dogs who, according to our tipsters, need some happy exits from the small town shelter. 
[LARRY ASIDE: Also if your 501c3 wants to take in one or both of these dogs and find a home for them, transport can be arranged.]
That Border Collie/Lab mix is Ty, about 7 months old. Ty’s bio reads, “This is honestly the cutest and sweetest pup you could meet.  He loves everyone and everything.  All other dogs.  All people.  Such a little sweetie pie.  He was found out and about in Ferris.”
The second dog is Jax, about 7 months old and 50 pounds. 
His bio reads, “Adorable! He is SO CUTE.  Check out those long ears. Jax is a lovable Hound pup …, whose owner was known but never came for him. Jax was found at a church in Ferris.   He loves everyone and everything and just so much wants to be loved.  Adores other dogs, all people. Such a little sweetie pie.”

The contact points for asking about adopting or rescuing these dogs are 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].

CONTEMPLATIONS
THE HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY
I feel like citing this photo of Maggie, who was 8-years-old when we posted her last week as a dog needing a home. She’d been given an adoption deadline of end-of-day Friday. She’s been in a shelter since coming in as a stray on July 1. And she’d, based on her condition upon arrival, previously lived a difficult life. Her “owners” were called but “didn’t come to reclaim her.” Still, Maggie was a very sweet girl in the shelter. 
So, what happened? “Maggie is no longer on the database,” we have learned. That means exactly what you suspect it means.
Dear Readers, don’t we hate it when this happens. You can’t undo it. And the people who let their dog go probably already have another one that, within a handful of years, will “go stray” and vanish from a shelter’s database. Unless that dog gets hit by a car or dies from the summer or the winter or starves or is given to a dog-fighter or some other jerk.
The problem is always the don’t care/so what people who, at first glance, we all hope we can trust to adopt animals and give them good homes. Add ‘em up by counting the numbers on the area euthanasia lists. Not all that trustworthy with animals are these hideously heartless humans. 

— Offer solutions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —

CHLOE & THE JOY OF CAT-NAPPING

One look at Chloe’s comfort on the ottoman and any insomniac on the planet will be envious.

Top human question: Can I pull off that pose and sleep without hurting myself in my inevitable “Surprised Human Roll-off?” That’ll wake the neighbors.
Chloe, as some Dear Readers may recall, is the official Office Cat in our Eastern Seaboard Bureau on the banks of Indian Lake in Denville, N.J., where, as this is being typed, the temperature is 75 degrees and there’s rain in the forecast for the whole upcoming week. The temp won’t get out of the 80s.
In other words, perfect Cat-Napping Weather for mammals. Appropriate, as we celebrate the great Chloe in this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
[LARRY ASIDE: As I’m typing this during traditional Tex-a-sizzle weather, the temp is 105 in our neighborhood — we’re not expecting rain for a while. Ever since the Texas Rangers put a dome on the ballpark, frustrated clouds have taken a “Why bother?” attitude in the area.]
Chloe’s relaxed pose atop the ottoman is the inspiration for cat-cuddling and adoration in the home she shares with our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Editor-in-Chief, veteran print and broadcast journalist Andy Fisher, and his missus Annie, the Bureau’s Chief Executive Officer and an athlete with a growing reputation as a very competitive pickleball player (got some trophies).  [LARRY NOTE: That's one of Chloe's kitten photos that Andy took. More on her kittenhood in a moment.]
Andy snapped that opening ottomon photo and included this caption, “Chloe, combating the heat and humidity by dozing….”
 He explained, “​Chloe is napping on the ottoman in front of the big living-room chair, a venue that gives her a view of just about everything in the house.​

“She takes her role as Queen of the House very seriously. Hardly anything gets by her. ​When she joined the household in 2016, 911 Dog and Cat Rescue told us she was born to feral parents in Morristown on April 30 of that year, so she's been with us since mid-kittenhood. ​

“She is VERY shy around strangers, fleeing to her safe spot in the downstairs closet at the first sight of an unfamiliar face.

“​That having been said, when we were away from home a couple of weekends ago, stepson Ian sent us videos of his girl friend Lauren stroking a purring Chloe. It was something to behold!”
​​

By the way, regarding the Ottoman nap in these photos, Andy reports, “The nap ended abruptly when the ottoman tipped over, spilling Her Majesty onto the floor. Her lady-in-waiting fluffed it up, and soon Queen Chloe was back in the realm of dreams.
"
And, he writes, “The ottoman does not provide complete physical security, but a determined napper continues to nap.”
[AND THERE YOU HAVE IT: The story of a New Jersey-born feral kitten who has grown up to be the adored feline companion of people who appreciate the quiet habits and adorable charm of a grow-up cat who owns their hearts. Send [email protected] photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or snoozingly beloved critters and we’ll spotlight them in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.]
— Offer worthy ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] and put ‘FERAL NEED NOT BE FOREVER! ADOPT A KITTEN’ in the subject line. —-