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AS HALLOWEEN AND OCTOBER BECOME NOVEMBER, WE CITE ANIMALS IN NEED AND PEOPLE AND PUPS IN ART

EDITION OF TUESDAY OCT. 31/WEDNESDAY NOV. 1, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Did you know this? October 1 was World Vegetarian Day and November 1 is World Vegan Day. Animal lives matter. 
We’ll get to all that in a minute — I’m still coping with the assorted chocolate bars I foolishly bought to hand out in a low-traffic neighborhood on Halloween. I
 need a cup of coffee and, also, I need to shed that spell that chocolate has over me. It’ll take a mighty strong Good Witch to turn that spell around. Now, moving along.
THE CANINE ADVENTURES
OF JETTA AND PRESLEY….
We’ve got reports on these two dogs from our favorite stick-to-the-mission big-hearted people —- Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm, a couple of volunteer dog-writers at Mesquite Animal Services.
Now, we’ll start with Jetta. Judi reports, “This attractive, stunning Rottweiler mix could win a beauty contest and a personality contest. Indeed, anyone would be lucky to have this sweetheart for a loyal companion!”
 Shes a year-old, 63-pound Rottweiler mix who came into the shelter on the 26th.
Jetta arrived as the same time as Presley. Judi writes that they came “from apparently from the same household but not the same litter. Both are exceptional dogs! I’m puzzled as to why the owners have not come looking for them.”

Judi reports that “Jetta was very patient while I put the scarf on her. She stayed close looking up at me wagging her tail. She sits for treats and takes them gently. … She’s well behaved. Taking her good behavior, the fact that she wants to please, and the fact that she’s highly motivated by treats and you’ve got a dog that should be very easy to train. She was not interested in chasing balls. … She’s so well-behaved you could take her anywhere, but in the evenings, when you chill out she’d like to chill out next you on the couch.” 

Jetta is #54674321. Presley is #54674313. 
Use those IDs when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email resquires@city ofmesquite.com.
Debra’s bio of “handsome boy” Presley says he weighs 88 pounds is about a year old and walks nicely on a leash.
 She also says, “ He knows the sit command.  He is quite the curious fellow, exploring the yard and wanting to see what was going on outside in the parking lot and even wanting to peek in the windows to see what was up with some of the dogs in their kennels. He took time out to chase (but not return) the tennis balls I threw.   He is obedient, well-mannered, and gentle.  And yet he is lively, active, and enthusiastic.  He does jump on you in his excitement.  He loves treats and takes them well.  He is friendly and sweet-natured.  He is perfectly ok with receiving cuddles and petting.” 
See many more adoptable adorables in Mesquite by clicking on the shelter link HERE.
This girl, Collette, with the tell-tale cropped ear, is #54491829. She’s 2 years and a month old and “small” — you can find her in the Cat Room at the Mesquite Shelter. She came in on Oct. 30 and she’s already available. [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, indeed, College is a Domestic Shorthair Mix, perhaps the rarest of cats available for adoption on the North American Continent — though we are, of course, checking on that declaration via our feline connections, my office cats William Powell and Stevie Ray.]
ART FOR THE SAKE OF DOGS?

DOGS FOR THE SAKE OF ART?
That, Dear Readers, is what we’re pondering as we discuss the Nov. 9 Second Thursday at the respected Amon Carter Museum of Western Art in Fort Worth.
According to the Museum’s announcement, “Join us every second Thursday to connect with art through cocktails, conversations, and creativity. This month, bring your best friend (pup or person) for an evening of PAWsome activities on our Plaza crafted with your canine in mind.” The idea is: Create an impression of your pup’s paw print and decorate it to represent their personality. Led by Carter Community Artist Olivia Garcia-Hassell. Supplies limited to the first 200 people.”
Here’s a CARTER DOG LINK.
If you can’t paint a picture, you can see one at 6:30 p.m. — the great Christopher Guest film Best in Show — more laughs than your usual dog show and film, too. “Only service animals are permitted in the Museum’s building,” the Carter reminds us. And Best In Show is the film that gave us writer/comic Eugene Levy’s great quote in the role of Gerry Fleck: “I can’t dance. I’ve got two left feet.” And Gerry and his wife Cookie (Catherine O’Hara) declare in unison, “God loves a terrier.” If you’ve seen it, you’re howling already. If you haven’t, you’re quiet as a napping cat and missing a great look at dog shows. You’ll love ‘em even more.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED NOTES ON 2 DAYS
Just stuff from the notebook of life. Consider this: The metrosprawl has enough people to support an NFL team, an NBA team, a championship baseball team, several colleges, a bunch of museums and lots of grocery stores, tire shops and restaurants. But there are shelters full of dogs and cats that can’t get a break in this big-spending collection of towns. Why is that? ….
CALENDAR CHECK: You probably knew that October 1 was World Vegetarian Day. But did you recall that November 1 is World Vegan Day. November is a tough month to stay “vegan” in the land of celebrates turkeys, isn’t it. I’m a Vegetarian, not a Vegan, but I’m leaning some days to the more strict diet. After 30 years, what do I miss as a vegetarian? Nothing. I even got over my Texan tendency to crave a Whataburger about a decade ago.
According to the folks at Holiday Insights, the online calendar of days, history and events, World Vegan Day was established in 1994 by Louis Wallis, chairman of the Vegan Society in the United Kingdom. World Vegetarian Day has been around since the ’70s. For those of you who don’t grok the diff [Thank you, writer Robert Heinlein] between vegan and vegetarian, here’s how Holiday Insights explains it: “A Vegetarian does not eat the meat or flesh of an animal. This includes seafood.  Vegans do not eat any part of an animal or creature of the sea. Therefore, a Vegetarian can eat things like milk, cheese, eggs, and caviar. A vegan cannot eat these items. As an example, a Vegan can’t eat a cake made with milk from a cow. However, they can consume a cake that is made with soy milk or almond milk.” Hope that helps — life is precious. [LARRY ASIDE: My favorite vegetable? A hot biscuit with  a spoon of strawberry preserves.That’s a joke, but I am a biscuit fan!]

ON HALLOWEEN MORNING…My funspouse Martha walked from her home office to mine, stepped in see my office dog Porche and Junior Office cat Stevie Ray, and declared that in this portion of her fight with Covid, “My head feels swimmy.” I’m not sure that’s a medical term, but she gets the prize for creative descriptions under stress. In the 40 years I spent in a newsrooms, I picked up a numbers of ways to describe the human condition. “Swimmy” is the sweetest I've heard. The others are not printable here -- I was in high-pressure newsrooms, not places of quiet peace such as loving cathedrals, churches or bingo halls. I've never been in a bingo hall. So what do I know about the expressions in a bingo hall?
— Offer ideas or anything upbeat by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘LAY OFF THE BISCUITS, SLIM’ in the subject line. —-

FOR HALLOWEEN? AVAILABLE DOGS AND CATS AND A FEATHERY RECOLLECTION

EDITION OF MONDAY./TUESDAY OCT. 30-31, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Any of you grown-ups adding a hint of Halloween to you office attire? Yes, indeed, we know of someone with such a history. We'll get to that in a moment. 
This is being written on the eve of Halloween.
If you're reading this website, you already know that the area's animal shelters are overloaded with dogs and cats that need homes. So, if you know somebody who is capable of loving a dog and/or a cat, remind 'em to open their hearts and homes and save some animal lives and improve some human lives. So, moving along, we'll get to the matter of wise costuming in moment.
A BIT OF HORROR
FOR HALLOWEEN?
I opened a note about a dog and discovered that I'd found it too late.
Here's a link to the Dallas Urgent Shelter Dogs Facebook page.
This is 4-year-old Dennis, according to the note posted on Dallas Urgent Shelter Dogs' Facebook page 37 minutes before I found it. The note read: Deadline Monday:10/30 at 11 a.m.
The note also read, "Can anyone commit on Dennis to foster for a rescue? He has 15 minutes."
And, there you have it. "He has 15 minutes!" No idea if Dennis (#A1193571) survived.
Got to be a more efficient and effective way for any shelter and the public to connect when it comes to protecting animals on the brink of death-by-needle.
Email [email protected] or call 945-249-8573.
Wonder if there's a way for a city to cite the "termination time" online on the animals' listings at the city shelter website? Might more effectively light a fire under the adoption/rescue processes.
A COUPLE OF MESQUITE'S
VERY AVAILABLE DOGS...
These bios come courtesy of Mesquite dog-writer Jamie Dotson. 
The big dog with the incredibly noble appearance is Edison.
His bio says he's a 3-year-old Doberman Pinscher who weighs 55 pounds and came in as a stray on Oct. 24. He's underweight, his bio says. Needs to put on some poundage and Jamie's bio reads, "We are helping him do this by giving him extra feedings. He is a bit unsure of why he is at the shelter, and his nervousness does show in his body language. After we spent time together he relaxed more, but we will continue to spend time with him to build up his confidence. He walks well on a leash and knows the sit command. He does take treats gently, but at times his mouth will go a bit over your hand, so I found its best to let him take treats from my palm. He is a calm and gentle boy and enjoys standing close and leaning in for petting and comfort. ... He would love to find that loving home with a secured backyard where he could run and play, but then live inside where he can take long naps on his own dog bed or cuddling while watching tTV. A family that is familiar with the breed would be a plus, too."
Edison is #54655559. Use that ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.

That brings us to the bio of Becca, #54665298, described as "VOLUNTEER FAVORITE" in capital letters. 
Jamie's bio says she's a 2-year-old Pittie mix who weighs in at 59 pounds. She came in as a stray on Oct. 25. 
"Becca is such a sweet gentle darling girl!" the bio reads and adds, "You can see by the sparkle in her eyes, how much love she has to give. She enjoys being petted and loved on, walks great on a leash and takes treats gently. When you sit down she will put her head in your lap, and will give you plenty of kisses. When she sits she will give you her paw without being asked and kiss your hand. She is a gem! Initially when we walked past the other dogs that were barking at her she paid no attention. As we continued our walk she did begin barking back at the other dogs. ... She deserves to have that loving family that can provide her a secured backyard where she can run and play, but live indoors where she has her own cuddling spot right next to her human companion ..."

See more Mesquite animals -- dogs and cats, puppies and kittens, aardvarks -- wait, I made up that aardvark thing -- at THIS LINK. 
You can see Rosa (#54071242) the year-and-a-month-old kitten who came in on August 31 and is still waiting -- available! -- in the Conference Room.
[LARRY CAT ASIDE: Rosa is a small Orange Domestic Shorthair Mix. That rarity of rarities in the American home. I might have made that part up. Anything to get a cat into a good home, you know. Well, not anything, but stuff you can repeat to visitors and watch them nod in agreement.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
HALLOWEEN WITH FEATHERS!
Yes, we have a pretty nifty report for Halloween from our longtime Houston tipster, the animal advocate with a sense of humor, Alexandra Kelsey. 
Keep reading.
By the way, I began my theatrical career in the role of The Wild Man of Borneo in a darkened cage on display in the basement "spook house" created for the Halloween Carnival at Highland Park Elementary School in Texarkana in the 1950s. It was a part that led to big things. But no money. That school, by the way, was bulldozed decades ago. How much was Highland Park Elementary School like the fantastic well-to-do Highland Park School District in the Metroplex? Not much. Our 5th and 6th grade flag football team was the Highland Park Hobos. We had red, white and blue jerseys, just like SMU in those days.
A HALLOWEEN NOTE: My funspouse Martha and I have never dressed our animals for Halloween. The kids, however, have been suited up for decades. I'd never humiliate an animal by putting it in an odd costume, but kids...well, they've gotta learn, right. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. 
That's brings us to our announced feature Halloween With Feathers.
Our longtime Houston tipster and animal advocate Alexandra Kelsey has a pretty swell sense of humor and sent his photo and the explanations. 
"20 years ago, I wore this outfit to work.  I was in the Legal Department of a major corporation. 
"No one else had feathers."
[LARRY ASIDE: The line "No one else had feathers" cracked me up. Look around your office!]
About the photo, AK explains, "That is a snap someone at my then-office took of me. They all were highly amused at my office attire!  I really wore that boa all day, and I gained a new appreciation for the warming properties of feathers)))" 
[LARRY ASIDE: That is, I believe, the first time the phrase "warming properties of feathers" has appeared in the English language. I could be wrong, but maybe not.]
 AK adds, "Well, my best tip is, if you’re going to do feathers on your head, do it in the winter)."
Coincidentally, there is a poem about warmth and feathers and it's by American poet Emily Dickinson -- she wrote it in 1861, the interpoeticweb says. Here are the first two stanzas:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -..."
[LARRY ASIDE: I got this feathers tip too late to apply its warming wisdom to my Monday attire. But, when the temp next drops below 50 degrees, I'll be the guy in feathers.]
--- Offer any idea about anything by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and put 'CAN YA GET FEATHERS IN YOUR SIZE, LARRY?' in the subject line. ---

PREPPING FOR THE SERIES, SLEEPING DOGS & NAPPING CATS....

As you know this is the last weekend of October and the weekend of the first games of the 2023 World Series.
This requires careful understanding of the need for rest in the Championship Baseball Zone that is our Metromellowland.
You can't watch a baseball game without the proper rest and a sense of "teamwork" Thus, we cite these four pals of our for the weekend's Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
I caught the first photo Friday evening before the game.
As I was typing in my office I hear a familiar snore -- it was Porche Noel, the smaller of the dogs, well into her pre-game nap. And her teammate Wendy Louise was out like a light, too. They had, on their office slumberpads, decided to live up to the great pledge, "I got your back." As you can see, they are specifically back-to-back, sort of. 
They awoke refreshed and were in the living room watching the game with us in the early innings. Before they went to neutral corners and nodded. off. 

That second photo? That came about when I looked from my chair in the living room to the big "lounger" in front of the TV. From my vantage point, I could see only the face of one cat and the tail of another. 
I changed the vantage point of the camera and discovered that Senior Office Cat William Powell must have taken up his relaxing spot in the chair first. Then, Junior Office Cat Stevie Ray Treeboy, gently climbed into the chair and stretched out to join his mentor in catching a few zzzzzs before the ballgame started. 
You have to carefully look at William's chest to see Stevie's face and then you can see the black coat "loops" atop Stevie's snow-white tummy. Lot of eye-work to look at a mid-nap cat!
After the game started, they all went to the concession stand in the kitchen and enjoyed refreshments and snacks. True fans. 
We're saving up for a luxury suite. Porche is a big fan of the personal attention she gets from the attendants. 
They're all Rangers fans, these dogs and cats. It was on their paperwork when they showed up at our house that they wouldn't sign a Housepet Contract if it didn't include access to a luxury suite.
Good thing they didn't demand "up close parking." That would have broken the flimsy bank.

(Send photos and bios of your slumbering critters -- tell us at [email protected] how you got 'em, why you love 'em -- and we'll spotlight 'em in our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.) 


SAVING ANIMALS; CORRECTING HUMAN BEHAVIOR; A TRIP TO A DONUT SHOP

EDITION OF FRIDAY, OCT. 27, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Here we go on a fab Friday in the Metroplex — Go Rangers! — I just turned off the TV — rarely happens. But the talk show was getting to me this morning. Too chatty. The war channels are depressing me.
 Besides, I’m trying to remember the name of a piece of classical music I heard on a TV commercial this week — it’s Waltz or Dance of the somethings and I’d hum it for ya, but there are laws against sound pollution and butchering music.
HOW A FORMER ATHLETE
IS DOING THESE DAYS…
We’ve been writing about the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas for years and sometimes the pups are retired athletes and sometimes they’re house dogs looking for a new house.
This is Russell and he’s an actual former athlete. GALTx is looking for a permanent home. He’s described as a “red male born on April 26, 2020. His sire is Jack’s Big Lad and his dam is KL’s Ruth. Russell has 4 races to his credit on Greyhound Data.” 
That’s the background. The current bio (foster family report!) from GALTX reads, “Russell is a 3-year- old blonde ‘Velcro Boy’ with the most adorable overbite and the softest fur, which is a joy to pet/brush. He has adapted very well to life in a home, quickly figuring out how to use dog beds, meal times with another dog in the same area, playing with an abundance of toys, and that TREATS are life!”
[LARRY DOWN-TO-EARTH CAUTION. This came from the GALTx notice — I’ve seen it on Greyhound notices for years. It is one caution for people contemplating adopting a dog who's trained to race after prey: “Russell should not live with small dogs or cats.” That caution fits not just Russell but many other dogs in this world. It just makes sense for humans to protect all animals by not putting them into “iffy” situations, don’t you think? And humans — aren’t we a mighty smart species!]
[LARRY UPLIFTING ASIDE: The next bio paragraph from GALTx introduced me to a new phrase regarding dogs. You might enjoy the description.]
The bio reads, that Russell is “a professional “roacher”, with some spectacular poses, once he is comfortable. Russell will follow you room-to-room, even if you’re just getting up to refill your water and come right back. He really does not want to miss out on any experience with his humans!”]
And there you have a way to be an admired human without having to run for public office. Just adopt a good dog.] See more about Russell at THIS GALTX LINK.
Also, go to galtx.org to see other dogs and organization-supporting activities that keep these Greyhounds safe from the “useless athlete/unwanted dog needle” they can sometimes get when they don’t meet racing standards.
[LARRY ADSIDE: Years ago, I was at an adoption event in Lancaster, Texas, and was chatting with the people at the Greyhound booth and one of the “old hands” said to me something like, “What most people don’t know is these Greyhounds are basically just couch potatoes.” Yep, they’ve been known to doze off and enjoy a couch nap while you watch a movie or a ballgame. You know, just like REAL dogs.]
IN MESQUITE, BROTHER WAITS

AND SO DOES SMILIN’ MAX

Word on these two guys comes from the volunteer dog writer Judi Brown at the Mesquite Animal Shelter.

We’ll start with Judi’s report on Brother [#54635548], an Old English Bulldog/American Bulldog mix who is a year old and weighs 48 well-behaved pounds. She writes, “If you haven’t already fallen in love with Brother’s cute face and stocky, solidly built body, then come and meet him.  He’ll win you over with his loving, laid-back personality!” He came into the shelter on Oct. 20. Why? Judi reports, “I understand his owner is homeless and unable to provide for him. Y’all this is an exceptional dog! He’s not only absolutely adorable, but he’s got the sweetest easy-going, affection- ate personality! He walked out to the yard very well on a leash. By the time I got him out in the yard I was absolutely in love. He was so easy to take pictures of. He just stood there calmly looking up at me.

“When I walked around, he followed me. When I sat down, he came to me to have his ears scratched. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He’s highly motivated by treats. He should be easy to train. Besides, he wants to please. He was very patient letting me clean out the folds under his eyes. He’s very calm, gentle, sweet, friendly, attentive, and happy. If you want to see his tail wagging just scratch his ears. He wagged his tail when meeting other dogs. … He would like nothing better than to be considered a family member and be able to hang out cuddled up on the couch or in his bed at your feet.” 
Remember, use his ID number when you contact the shelter at rescues@cityofmesquitecom or call 972-216-6283.
Use that same system when you get in touch with the shelter about this smiling guy Max [#54647537]. Judi wrote, “Max appears to be smiling [in most of his photos]… He probably is. He seems to be a very happy, well-behaved boy that wants to please. Max is a 4-year-old mixed breed (possibly Shepherd/Manchester Terrier mix). He weighs 80 pounds and is surprisingly gentle for his weight. 
“He arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 10/23 as a stray. He sits for treats and takes them gently. A few times he got overly excited and jumped up, but he did not jump on me! He is highly motivated by treats. He’s also very alert. He wants to know what’s going on around him and spent some time looking out the gate. When I walked him through the bay, he sniffed other dogs and appeared to want to make friends. He saw another dog outside the gate and really got excited. You could tell he wanted to play. He follows you around like a little puppy dog. Since he is large he would need a big yard to romp in but would like to spend most of the time in the house with his new family. … He’s friendly, affectionate and wants to be close to his human companion.”
Click here and you can see biographies of many dogs and cats at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. 
[LARRY ASIDE: I’m almost certain that Edgar Rice Burroughs is not a volunteer at the Mesquite Animal Shelter, but the writer may have an influence. For example, when I opened the cat section of the adorable availables Friday, I spotted that fellow on the left, #45443325, a 3 years and 7 months old Domestic Shorthair mix — smallish with a Buff/Black color listed. He came in on Oct. 26 — that’s Thursday. The other cat is #45461229, also a Domestic Shorthair — she is 4 years old, smallish and her coat is “Black/Copper.” She also came in on Thursday. Both are waiting in the shelter’s lobby. What’s that? The Edgar Rice Burroughs link? Easy: The guy is named Tarzan and the girl is Jane.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
BE KIND TO ANIMALS, EVEN HUMANS, RIGHT?
When my funspouse Martha and I married we merged our animals — that was in 1991 and she had 3 cats including Bob the Black Cat. We’ve had a lot of cats since then, but, if memory serves, Bob is the only Black Cat we’ve ever had. I mention this because, according to the online calendar Holiday Insights, Oct. 27 is always “Black Cat Day.” That’s the artwork the site uses HERE to outline all the legends and lies about black cats. In our personal experience, Bob the Cat was a devoted gentleman — devoted to his human, Martha. He even once whispered in my ear, as we watched TV at her house, “Marry her or you’ll never have a cat who can stand being around you.” I think that’s what he said. He was known for his ability to communicate his moods and his needs. I miss him. The closest thing to a black cat that we have now is our little pal Stevie Ray Treeboy, rescued from a shaky Mimosa limb when he was tiny enough to hide in one hand. He’s now the Junior Office Cat -- you can see him there in his traditional black and white attire. 
PERSONAL NOTE: My brain is being battered into even more worthless jelly by the constant appeals for animals on an immediate clock in local shelters. Surely shelters can figure out a way to stop killing animals just to make room for the next load of unwanted animals from the town that named its airport Love. They’ll need the cooperation of the city residents. I’ve said it before: The residents are completely guilty of poor behavior when it comes to adopting then dumping animals right onto death row at a taxpayer-financed facility. You know who you are. And so does The Guy who, at the Pearly Gates, will look at you and say, “Shouldn’t you have a dog with you?” or “Don’t you have a cat? Weren’t you issued a cat?” Lives are precious. All lives. I learned that in Sunday School, typed the Big Sinner in other areas. …
LEVELING WITH YOU, DEAR READERS: I may have over-coffeed myself this morning. Even the sound of the computer keyboard clacking is getting to me. What I hear is the sound of misguided youth when I got a job as a newspaper reporter instead of running a bank in an oil-rich county. Let’s move along before I start to need a handful of chocolate candy to redirect/re-energize my thoughts. NO! I’m swearing off chocolate right now. But I am wondering if it’s too late in the day to fetch a half-dozen raspberry jelly-filled donuts! Oh, my. Got to quit thinkin’ like that. I’ll work on my focus and determination next week — don’t want to miss Pancake & Waffle World Series Weekend.
—- Offer diet advice or treat ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘HEY, BIG WAIST OF SPACE” in the subject line. —-

AFTER THE RAIN, ANIMALS STILL NEED HOMES, WE STILL ROOT FOR THE RANGERS

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY OCT. 26-27, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Miss those ultra-dry, 108- degree Summer of 23 days yet? Me, neither. The rain was pretty swell, but, of course, I didn’t have to drive to work on the flooded thoroughfares. 
OK, let’s see what we can find in the ol’ inbox today. Hey, here’s a note telling me to come to Austin to pick up my Lotto Texas winnings…oh, wait, I’m hallucinating again. Been sneaking the Halloween candy and I've over-caloried myself. Let’s move on before I over-sugar myself again.
IN HONOR OF THE RANGERS
WE LOOK AT ARLINGTON...
While clicking around the universe Thursday, we went to the Dallas Urgent Shelter Dogs Facebook page here and encountered this City of Arlington Animal Services posting:
"Hey WORLD SERIES… is that you coming to ARLINGTON!?!!!
"YES IT IS AND WE ARE READY FOR YA!!!!
"Our shelter dogs are getting in the RANGERS spirit as we are all pumped for Friday and Game 1! Don’t forget, DOGtober continues with $10 dog adoptions!!!
"Irene is looking for her new home!" 
Follow this link and you’ll find that Irene’s Shelter ID is #54633062 and that she’s a 2-year-old Pointer German Wirehaired Mix. Medium size, black and gray, came in on the 20th of October. She’s in the “Dog Condo” at Arlington Animal services and “available.”
The shelter is at 1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd. in Arlington — call 817-459-5898. Here’s a link to Irene’s info.
In looking at the available cats on the Arlington site, I found these three beauties...
First is Wendy (54629976), a 2-month old Domestic Medium Hair Mix.
Then Pan (#54629967), a boy who is also a 2-month-old Domestic Medium Hair Mix.
And, then, the little 3-month-old boy is a kitten any Texas Fan would want to adopt right now.
Why?
He's a Domestic Shorthair Mix who is #54637601 and who has the name Ranger.
Here’s that Arlington Shelter LINK and, of course, Go Rangers.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
ANNIE INEXPLICABLY WAITS…
[LARRY ASIDE: Bless all the volunteers who work so hard to get the area’s shelter animals adopted — it really is a mission of the heart.]
We got this note from Debra Chisholm, volunteer dog-writer for Mesquite Animal Services. Read on.
Debra writes, “I was excited to do the eval for Annie because she is such an adorable girl. She is a Shepherd mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/17 as a stray.  Yep, that was 3 months ago and she is still waiting for an adopter or rescue to discover what an amazing dog she is. 

“What initially drew me to her was that she will lay her chin on the inside ledge of the kennel window with such an engaging and sweet look in her eyes as if to say, ‘Please take me out and see what a wonderful companion I would make!’ ”

Annie is about 5, weighs around 52 pounds and is spayed. 
And, Debra writes, “She has a kind, loving disposition, is well-mannered, calm and gentle.  And yet she is also lively and active!  A good blend.  She likes attention and the staff member … has really bonded with her and will happily give a glowing report of this precious girl. …   Annie is a highly adoptable dog and it is puzzling that she is still at the shelter.” Annie is #52765103 — use that id number when you call the shelter at 972-2166283 or email [email protected].
Same system for asking about this 6-month-old, 34-pound mixed breed (“with Jindo in the mix,” Debra says) named “Pippa.” Why so-named? “It just sounded like a name that would fit a spunky and lively dog,” Debra says. And she’s a puppy. “She is enthusiastic, fun-loving and high-energy!  She will jump on you as puppies often do,” Debra writes, adding, “Obedience training is always a good idea for puppies.  They aren't naturally born with good manners and knowing commands.  She had to be carried from her kennel to the room where I did her photo shoot so I thought she was not familiar with a leash.  However, she did walk on the leash on the return to her kennel, just a little hesitantly. …  Pippa discovered right away the bottom shelf of the unit in which linens are kept and she kept running back to burrow down in the pile of pillows and fluffy blankets. So much more comfy than her kennel floor.” Pippa’s shelter ID is #54632358.

These dogs and their bios can be seen on the Mesquite Animal Shelter website HERE.

LUCKY (#53672803) IS a 4-year-old, neutered 58-pound SiberianHusky/Alaskan Malamute mix who came in as a stray on July 3. — Yes. July 3. When you read his complete bio at the shelter website (with more photos!) you’ll see lots of admirable things about this guy including this: He is a happy boy and that fluffy tail wags nearly non-stop.”
And volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown provide us with info about a couple of brothers who wound up in the shelter.
THE BROTHERS: MJ (#52682237) and Rover (#52682245). 
Judi writes, “If MJ could talk, he would tell you that he’s been at the shelter too long. And I agree, three months is too long! He gets overly excited at the window, but once he’s out in the yard he settles down. Please please give him a chance! MJ is a 10 month old Basenji/Carolina dog that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/20. His brother Rover was surrendered a few days later. The reason given was that they were fighting over their food. They were indoor/outdoor dogs. The owner-surrender form said that they get along with other dogs. When I walked MJ through the bay, he didn’t react one way or the other. He didn’t seem to know the sit command, but he backed up wanting to know what I was asking of him. He stayed close. When I sat down, he came to me and put his head on my lap. He indicated he’d like to be a lapdog. … Please give MJ a chance. He feels like he’s put in his time. Now he wants to go home with you ….”

Same indication for his brother, Rover. Judi began his bio this way: “Have you ever been misunderstood? Rover gets overexcited at the window but it’s just because he wants to go out in the yard and spend time with you. He’s been patiently waiting for you for three months! Please, please don’t make him wait any longer! Rover is a 10-month- old, 50-pound, neutered Portuguese Pointer/American Pitbull mix that came to Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/24.”
Judi says both MJ and Rover “lived as inside/outside dogs. … Rover has a lot to offer. He is energetic and playful and although he’d like to spend most of his time in the house with his new family, he would need a yard to romp in. He’s a happy, tail- wagging boy that’s also very affectionate. … He doesn’t appear to know the sit command, but would like to obey if he could just figure out what I was asking him to do. He chases balls, but doesn’t retrieve them. You could teach him that… When you call him, he comes to have his ears scratched. His patience is wearing thin. He wants to hang out with his new family during family time!”
See these animals and more and read their biographical evaluations by clicking on the Mesquite Animal Shelter site HERE.
The cats include this guy Church (#54503176), a Russian Blue who is about 2 months old, small but still growing.
He came in on September 29.
He’s rescue-only right now, but maybe you’re the right rescuer. Where is he at the shelter? He’s in the Conference Room — probably captivating visitors with his spectacular eyes and conversation.
CONTEMPLATIONS
PESTO AND OTHER THOUGHTS
Call this a RANDOM FLASH — something reminded me of an animal-organization’s fund-raising dinner decades ago at the once-wonderful Vitto’s Italian Restaurant in the Bishop Arts District. It closed in 2010, but I’d been there many times and so had a lot of people. It’s one of your standard Dallas Restaurant Mysteries: The place is full most of the time and then one day it closes. All that aside, what I truly miss is Vitto’s fantastic, thick, tasty pesto. Anybody recommend a restaurant in the WorldSeriestroplex that hits a home run with its pesto? …
Moving along: I don’t remember how old that cap is but it’s sweated out a few summers supporting the Texas Rangers and mowing the yard. As I said to the doc’s aide who drew my blood Wednesday for an annual check, “Go Rangers.” And, you know what? She smiled and said it right back! Absolute Rangers fan! Rangers fans are everywhere these days! No, I wasn’t wearing the cap at the doc’s office — I didn’t have to disrobe, so I left the cap at home….

Note to any Texas Rangers: Good thing y’all are all calm and focused. I suspect your fans are focused but not calm. I’ve been drinking coffee and eating chocolate like a nervous teenager on prom night. I’ve always been retro in my emotions. Go Rangers.
-- Offer calming advice or pitching ideas by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and put THROW STRIKES in the subject line. ---

AS THE TEXAS RANGERS HEAD TO THE WORLD SERIES, WE HAVE ANIMALS WAITING TO HEAD TO NEW HOMES!

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24-25, 2023 [PetPowellPress] How ‘bout the American League Champion Texas Rangers! Hang on, Dear Readers. Wait a minute. … OK. Thanks. I needed a brief nap. I can’t just flop over and snooze.
Yes, another reason to envy dogs and cats. I never take naps. Never. Now I’m disoriented. Give me a minute to find my alphabet — a cat knocked it off my desk “for the sake of literature,” he said. I’ll be right back….Whew. Thanks. Read on.
MEANWHILE IN EVERMAN
FULL SHELTER HAS DERIX
We got the tip on this tale from Heather Harrison, our longtime tipster who focuses on the City of Everman Animal Shelter on the southern side of Fort Worth.
Heather reports, “Everman Shelter is beyond capacity!  They are pleading for help to save some lives!!”
 And she provided the photo and info about this guy Derix.
He is a “year old Beagle/Dachshund mix,” his bio reads, adding, “He is a smaller guy that loves everyone he meets.  Very social.  Always offers up his tummy for a quick rub.  Dog social. Vaccinated.”
 To help Derix — or any Everman animal — find a home, call the shelter at 817-561-5495. Here’s the PETFINDER LINK for Everman’s home-needing animals.
SO, THERE ARE THESE
TWO DOGS WAITING…
Yeah, hawk-eye, you’ve seen these two dogs before. They’ve previously inspired me to write in order to help the 4-Legged Helpers find homes for them. And now, they’ve inpired me to write about them so I can ask this question, i.e., the consistent question in the world of dogs and cats: Why won’t anybody in a region with a zillion people adopt these dogs?
I think I can answer the question this way: Rescue groups are too full these days and good-hearted people prone to adopting animals and loving them have already hit the limit.
So, we keep plugging along — in this case, the 4-Legged Helpers are doing all the hard plugging on behalf of these two. They’re the contact people; they promote the animals; they keep pressing on behalf of the cause. And, yet, here we are again, citing Melia and beautiful Bella once again. 

Melia? SHE HAS $800 IN DONATIONS THAT’LL GO TO THE 501c3 that takes her. She’s a 2-year-old, 56-pound Lab/Boxer mix who is in the care of the Wilmer Animal Shelter which, the Helpers report, “floods when it rains.” 
So, to offer to help Melia and/or Bella, call the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
Bella has $500 in donations to the non-profit that takes her in. She’s the beautiful dog found lashed to the front of a South Dallas vet clinic. The kind thought is expressed in her appeal letter: “Apparently someone that could no longer care for her was desperate to try to save her and tied her there in hope that they could help.” She’s beautiful and a “sweet little couch potato,” the Helpers say.
So, if you can’t take these dogs and give them a wonderful life, maybe you know someone who can. Let the phone-calling, the txting, the emailing and the lecturing begin. I don’t mean lecture, of course, just gentle persuasion. And, no knuckleheads need apply.
THREE DOGS SNUGGLE
IN FORT WORTH SHELTER
This item we cribbed off a Facebook post by Fort Worth Animal Care & Control volunteer Penelope Jones. You see the three dogs in that photo. Yes, they are snuggling. Three dogs in one shelter bed.
The text with the photos says the trio is at the Chuck Silcox Animal Care & Control Center — that’s on the southeastern side of Fort Worth. 

The text on Penelope’s post reads, “Shared with Public. Closing time....I saw them. All huddled together, for comfort. They've been at the shelter since 10/3. No one sees them. I see them, I will see them in my sleep!
Fritzee, Candy Corn and Pinky. You are beautiful! Kennel cards are in pictures and they are all 3 on Doxy!
“I know one has skin issues. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you how beautiful you are. They are available for adoption, rescue or foster. I'll check on them again though because they need someone to love them, pay attention to them and I care.
“Go meet them! Please? Do not call the shelter. ADOPTIONS are DAILY 12-6.
“RESCUE EMAIL: [email protected]
“FOSTER email: [email protected]
"[These pups are] located at Fort Worth Animal Care and Control/Chuck Silcox Adoption Center, 4900 Martin Street, Fort Worth 76119
"If you're not a current foster, please apply on line at tinyurl.com/fosterfwacc." 

You can find the shelter’s bios and info about these three 4-month-old Pittie babes by scrolling to their photos at https://www.facebook.com/penelope.jones.311
And you can see Fort Worth’s “Code Red” animals by clicking on this CODE RED SITE. 
CONTEMPLATIONS
NOTHING FOR THE FILE CABINET
Does anyone still have file cabinets — I have cardboard boxes and a computer. And my former sock drawer now has a bunch of paperwork stored in it. Lately I’ve been experimenting with a return to something from my teenage years. Not wearing socks. I’ve got some tasseled Bass
Did your see or hear or even read — lots of media these days — the story about the 2023 State Fair’s attendance? The news release from Karissa Condoianis (Senior Vice President, Public Relations) reported that this year’s State Fair of Texas “welcomed more than 2.3 million people through the gates during its 24-day run.”

The release included this important passage for people who love the Fair. “Each year the State Fair of Texas is centered around community,” said State Fair of Texas President, Mitchell Glieber. “Despite the challenges we faced this Fair, our team has been resilient and remained steadfast in bringing the community together to celebrate at the Most Texan Place on Earth. After 137 years, there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing folks from all walks of life embrace and uplift the time-honored tradition that is the State Fair of Texas.”
 Pretty darned eloquent and spot-on, don’t you think?
The first time I went to the State Fair of Texas I was a grown-up kid in the early ‘70s — my toddler twins Bret and Bart were entered in the livestock competition and actually won “Most Alike Twins” in their age group. I’m just kidding about that being livestock competition. The boys were cuter than any critter on the fairgrounds — except maybe the piglets in the petting zoo. (They’ll love that line!)
Yeah, I love the State Fair of Texas and any time I get the chance I’ll watch Singin’ Cowboy Gene Autry’s movie The Big Show — filmed at the “new fairgrounds” celebrating the Texas Centennial way back yonder, i.e., 1936.  Ol’ Gene’s star may have brightened in Hollywood, but he was a genuine Texan — ask the folks in Tioga. Of course, he apparently did grow up in Oklahoma — and there’s a town there named Gene Autry, Okla., right up I-35, well-north of the casinos where Texans drive up, play a while and leave their money.

—- Leave advice or praise or a way to help animals find homes by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘SAVE ‘EM ALL’ in the subject line. —-

A COUPLE OF GREAT PYR PUPS WAITING, AS ARE ALL KINDS OF DOGS AND CATS IN THE METROSPRAWL & A HAPPY STATE FAIR NOTE

EDITION OF MONDAY, OCT. 23, 2023 [PetPowellPress] For this Monday edition, I'd like to begin with a reference to the joys of autumn. Please take a moment and consider what you may love about autumn -- without mentioning sports.
Yeah, there’s the challenge. 

Some of you may have endured the weekend and returned to your favorite place to crash. That, for example, is the formerly starving but rescued in time dog Porche Noel on a dog bed in the living room. She reads all she wants after lights-out. And she sleeps how she wants to -- she earned the right to safe comfort!
So you can see her beautiful face, that’s a photo of her on the living room couch. She’s got bad hips and bad legs thanks to the jerk who had her before I knew she existed. But she’s a game dog — she’ll try to climb up anything, even when her back legs cross and she has to drag her hind-end until I realize it — I pick up her backside, she straightens her legs and romps as if nothing happened. [LARRY ASIDE: If I ever find the jerk who hurt my dog before I got her, I’ll throw a time-traveling punch that’ll make him exclusively a soup-eater for the rest of his miserable life. OK. I know better. I’m a peaceful fellow but even a peacenik can dream. Yeah, I’d sure give him a good talkin’-to — might even spit by accident if I should get enthusiastic.]
Now, let's talk animals, the year-round joys of our existences! Porche Noel, found on our porch at Christmas in 2009, may be snoozing, but when she wakes, she's full of joy. Porche Noel, once an abused, injured, terrified dog, now wakes to know that she'll get petting, hugging, treats, regular meals and all the cable TV she can stand. 
Among the reasons readlarrypowell.com has existed through its decades is to encourage rescuers and animal advocates to keep doing good and to encourage others who might read this prose to step up and save animals that, believe it or not, have no humans to adore them and no humans to adore. Seem like a noble causes that benefit animals and humans. This is an attitude shared by rescuers, non-profit shelters and people who respect the lives of animals -- all kinds. 
SPCA GREAT PYR PUP
ANGIE WAITS FOR A HOME
This girl is Angie, a 2-month-old, 14-pound Great Pyrenees mix who is currently available, the SPCA says, at its Russell E. Dealey Animal Shelter.  She's #54507989.
[LARRY ASIDE: Is she not cute? And doesn't cute look good in your home?]
Her SPCA bio HERE describes her as a "very sweet and shy Great Pyrenees… looking for … [her] my forever home.” The bio also says she has a “big heart filled with love” and that she is “a little bit on the timid side.” That means, the SPCA says, she’ll need “a family that can take it slow…and show [her] that the world is not so scary.”
The bio also reads, “Kids? Sure! Dogs?” and she’d apparently be happy to live with another dog, too.
Ask about Angie (#54507989) by calling the SPCA at 214-742-SPCA (SPCA is 7722) to set up an appointment to meet Angie.
WHAT? ANOTHER GREAT PYR
IS AVAIL AROUND HERE?
Yes, indeed. And this one is at the Mesquite Animal Services Shelter -- Alba (#54614104) is a dog whose bio is provided by volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown.  
She describes this guy Alba as a 6-month-old, 33-pound "cutie pie/sweetie" who is a Great Pyrenees mix and "a handsome boy with black flecks on his face and one blue eye and one brown eye." And she says, "He also has extremely soft fur."
Alba came into the shelter on Oct. 17. Judi writes, "At first he was timid and unsure of the shelter environment but once in the yard he began to relax. Even though he is handsome he would look even more so, and be more comfortable, with a good grooming. He’s a happy tail-wagging dog. ... He prances around the yard. He doesn’t appear to know the sit command, but will jump up and do a little dance. He’s highly motivated by treats.  ... He needed some coaxing to get out to the yard on the leash. He did better going back."
Alba is #54614104 --- use that ID when you call the shelter at (972) 216-6283 or email [email protected].
You can see more Mesquite animals --dogs and cats, young and adult -- at the SHELTER LINK HERE. 
That little nameless boy cat is #54640517 — just over a month old. His coat is “white with orange,” the shelter says. And he’s listed as that rarest of canine breeds in a bustling North American city: a Domestic Shorthair Mix. [LARRY NOTE: Again, we’re checking on the validity of the “rare” status of Domestic Shorthair mixes. Ours —we’ve had 4 (at least) through the years, have all been gray with dark stripes.]
This guy arrived on Oct 21, is a small fellow and is, at this point in his young life, a “rescue only” who is currently in “staff foster.” But get in touch with the shelter and see if they'll put you on Mr. Handsome's waiting list!
CONTEMPLATIONS
IDLE BRAIN-STIRRING THOUGHTS
"Thoughts" may be too fine a word to describe what happens in this section. But "brain-stirring thoughts" sounds like you've had someone shove a ladle into your earhole and waggle it around to see what it can stir up in your brainpan. … For example, is “brainpan” a medical term? I found a website that had 58 synonyms for “brainpan” and not all of them were complimentary. Having used up my medical brainpower in this segment, we’ll move on. Oh, 3 synonyms for brainpan during informal conversation: Coconut, crown and “conk” — I decided to use “Conk” in honor of one of my elementary school flag-football coaches, Conk Kennedy, who years later became a policeman who worked dispatch and, when I became a reporter, he still spoke to me, though I’m almost sure he always expected me to jump offsides. …
Kind of nice to spend a Sunday afternoon knowing that the Dallas Cowboys weren’t going to lose a game. ….
And, there’s this: The State Fair of Texas ended it’s 2023 run on Sunday. It made news with an odd shooting, but it also made news with donations to young people seeking educations and in many other ways the State Fair positively touched Texans. 
My FairFanFunSpouse Martha — yeah, she’s a Dallas girl — and I were proud to be able to help the great folks with the Creative Arts Department at the State Fair of Texas. We got to judge pies. (That's a photo of some of the pies before all of them had arrived. How many? Here's a hint: Specifically, I lived out a childhood dream of having all the chocolate pies I could eat. We tasted more than two dozen— maybe closer to three dozen — and ever one of them was different. Sweet, tasty and some contestant's favorite recipe! Hook me up to a lie detector: I’ve NEVER had a bad bite of pie at the State Fair of Texas. I get kind of emotional when the Fair closes. I've included my poorly snapped photos of prize-wnners -- the beautiful cat, the kid wearing a cat-face and this Cactus Jelly prize winner. There are so many more entries in these creative contests -- "Well, heck, ya had tuh be thare tu see hit awl." -- that was me slipping into my native Northeast Texan. Heck, yeah, Bowie County -- this fair is for all 254 counties. And Fair Park is such a grand piece of history with its buildings and the State Fair People and their hard work and all the eye-catching Texana! 
Here's a state-wide fact: The Lone Star State is loaded with creative people — and I’m not just talking about those creative people in the Texas Legislature. Relax, that’s a gag. People in the Lege can take a joke. I know that because I'm a former newspaper columnist and sportswriter and editor and, thus, required to know just about everything. I might be exaggerating.
Well, "Howdy!" As the 2023 State Fair makes room for early work on the 2024 State Fair, we offer this wish for all of the future and its State Fairs of Texas: May Big Tex long wave.
—- Offer ideas or hope by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘PUT ON SOME PIE-POUNDS, DIDJA LARRY?’ in the subject line. Hah. ——

SLEEPING WENDY, IDEAL LAP DOG/LAPDESK COMBO FOR A BALLGAME & THE IRON CLAW

This edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap is a little late arriving Saturday morning --- blame that 5-4 gut-kicking loss by the Texas Rangers in Friday night's baseball game. 
And there's a tie-in with the game, a pro wrestling move and my Rangersfanspouse Martha.
In that first photo you can see Wendy Louise Wagstaff Arden, the dog Martha rescued as a street-roaming puppy in 2009, out like a light on her dog bed. In the background you can see Wendy's favorite right jolly ol' elf looking over her. Has nothing to do with Friday night's game -- if Santa could bring anything joyous for Christmas, I'd ask that he'd get the Baseball Commissioner to put the Astros back in the National League where they belong.
That aside, at some point during the late 8th or early 9th inning, Wendy moved off her napping spot and sprawled in the chair Martha already occupied. They're attached at the heart. Wendy is a big dog with the tendencies of a lap dog.
And, as the game progressed, Wendy rested her chin on the arm of Martha's chair and stretched across her lap so that her back legs dangled off the other side.
Martha, holding her little computer gadget in one hand, was able to read while petting Wendy AND watching the Rangers trying to protect a lead in an important game in the playoffs. Basically, Wendy is a very happy "Living Lap Desk."
That final photo brings to mind the late, famous wrestler Fritz Von Erich and his wrestling sons, the Von Erich Brothers -- anybody else remember Dallas Sportatorium? (The famed wrestling arena is now gone, progress having bulldozed it and left behind a vacant lot on the southern side of Downtown Dallas at a busy intersection across the levee from the Trinity River)

The legendary Fritz had a signature wrestling move. It's getting renewed attention because of the upcoming release (December 23) of a movie about the Von Erich wrestling family -- the film is called The Iron Claw.
Geoff Herbert, writing about The Iron Claw for syracuse.com, had this great explanation of the wrestling move. He wrote that the Iron Claw involved Fritz Von Erich "spreading his hand over an opponent's face and then squeezing."
On Friday night, as Wendy tried to doze in Martha's lap and she and I watched -- with great belief -- the Texas Rangers leading in the game, we saw, in the top of the 9th, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve hit a 3-run, go-ahead homer. 
I looked at distraught Martha and saw very calm Porche on her lap as Martha, a harp and piano player with long and strong fingers, took her nimble right hand and began forming the basics of Fritz Von Erich's "Iron Claw." 
Wendy calls it "The Back-scratch claw." 
Ironically, Martha had not replicated the Iron Claw when a "benches-clearing brawl" broke out between the teams in the 8th inning. She didn't want to get thrown out of the game. She's new to following baseball intently and I, a former sportswriter, was honor-bound to explain to her that the umps' power doesn't extend beyond the stadium's ticket gates. Martha prefers the luxury suites, in case you want to invite her to an upcoming Rangers' World Series game -- we have faith in the home team. Blind faith. Like an ump. I kid the umpires. It's a tough job being second-guessed by a TV camera.
-- Offer Ranger cheers or Astro polite applause by clicking on "comment" below or by emailing [email protected] and put "Didn't you pitch?" in the subject line. Use that same address to send photos and info about your loving dogs and cats -- we love to show off your sleepers and nappers. Thanks ---

IN THIS EDITION? ANIMALS TO HELP, ANIMALS THAT HAVE BEEN HELPED AND ANIMAL NUTS (OUR KIND OF PEOPLE!)

EDITION OF THURSDAY-FRIDAY, OCT. 19-20, 2023 [PetPowellPress] A couple of weeks ago I asked Laura Macias of the non-profit 4-Legged Helpers something like "How are things going with getting help for the animals?” 
As you Dear Readers know, getting animals to safety is a daily challenge. You may be able to find all the inventory you can stand, but when you start looking for reliable adoptor humans, the people vanish like rats when the kitchen light comes on. Sometimes you just can’t find the right amount of homes and funds and rescue groups for placement in the right places with the right people.
Does that accurately summarize the daily challenges? Only thing I didn’t mention is the flawed lackluster humans who keep dumping, ignoring and abusing animals they once said they’d love forever. [LARRY ASIDE: You lacklusters ARE on a list. Remember that.]
Back to Laura. When I asked Laura what sort of success the 4-Legged Helpers were having rescuing animals, she proudly began to give me some joyous answers. So, in the spirit of encouraging rescues and rescuers, I'm going to cite success stories every now and then.
 Why? Because the constant diet of 'OMG HELP THIS ANIMAL NOW OR ELSE' appeals is getting to me, smashing my cheerfulness like a kid taking a hammer to a picklejar. Fragmented and irreperable. See more in CONTEMPLATIONS, of course.
Having set you up for happy news, perhaps you’ll forgive my noting the current state of the two animals pictured here. They’ve been in need of homes for a while now and they are exemples of animals that keep waiting and waiting — only they don’t know it becaue they’re just living their lives.
Bella is the dog in the “leaning on the fence” photo. She’s got $600 in donations pledged to the 501c3 that’ll take her in and helps her find a home. By now (surely) you recall her story — found tied to something in front of a South Dallas vet clinic, cared for by months now by the vet, but she can’t seem to find a home. Her bio reads that she is “extremely well-behaved,” has “amazing eyes” and is a “gentle, little soul.” Said to be a Boxer/Catahoula Mix.
That second dog (in the three-shot frames) is Melia who, Laura reports, “now has $800 in donations to the 501c3” that’ll take her in and find her a home. She’s among the small-shelter dogs waiting in not-quite state-of-the-art shelters in cities on the southern side of Dallas. Melia has a “Summertime Texas Tongue,” as you can see. She’s also said to be precous, sweet, gentle, well-behaved…
So how would you save these dogs from the march of time toward a needle? You’d call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. 
They are, Laura says, “beyond urgent.” That’s a “chronic condition” in small and large shelters in the Greater Metrosprawl. [LARRY REMINDER:  Don’t forget to visit Contemplations.]

MOLLY AND HOLLY,
THE BULLDOG MIXES
These are 2-year-old siblings who were “brought into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on October 12.” Volunteer dog-biographer Judi Brown reports that 6-pound Holly is “very photogenic with her glossy tri-color coat and hazel eyes” and that Molly, 10-pounds lighter, is under treatement for Demadex. 
They even sat together for that shelter photo.
They’re said to be “English Bulldog/American Bulldog mixes."
And Judi says, “They are a bonded pair. They even sleep with their bodies intertwined. When I had Holly out in the yard today, she started whining. I suspect she was missing her sister. Our hopes are that they will be adopted or rescued together. They are both extremely sweet. Staff members have commented about how sweet they are.

“Holly has either recently had a litter or been overbred. At one point, I stood up against the shelter wall, and Holly stood next to me leaning on me for closeness. … She’s wearing a Halloween scarf to let you know she would like to be with Molly on your front porch helping to greet the trick-or-treaters….She is sweet, calm, friendly, and very affectionate. She would like to cuddle with you and Molly on the couch or on a pile of blankets on the floor. Holly is #54584647 at the shelter and Molly is #54584683. Use those numbers to help the shelter ID them when you call 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Judi says, “Molly (right) is adorable in spite of her skin condition. ….She was very cooperative in the bath. After the bath I was given appreciative kisses! Her eyes are also matted. Take notice that her tail is wagging … In spite of the fact that she obviously is itchy, she’s a very happy, outgoing girl. … She’s so happy her body wiggles all over. She occasionally jumps on you, but in a very gentle loving way. I helped her sit with guidance. I’m not sure whether she actually knows the command. … She has either recently had a litter or has been overbred.
This fellow with the great face is Zorro (#54576022), picked up by a Mesquite Animal Control Officer on the 14th. Biographer Judi writes, “My first impression after spending some time with Zorro was that he is a super special dog. He even has a heart-shaped nose and a spot on his back that is shaped like a heart. How special is that?  Zorro is a year-old, 65-pound Staffordshire/terrier pit mix…He is not neutered. He does have beautiful blue eyes that look up at you adoringly. He’s well mannered. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He’s highly motivated by treats so should be easy to train. He’s generous with kisses. He’s very photogenic. He’s sweet, gentle, and attentive. He was not interested in meeting other dogs. … I imagine he’d be a real cuddle bug. Zorro in the subject line along with ID 54576022 to ensure proper tagging.”
There are so many more animals in the Mesquite Shelter. We’ll cite 4 more that have come to our attention because of the work of voLunteers Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm. You can read their assessments of these dogs by going to the Mesquite Animal Shelter website HERE
and searching for them by name and ID number: Jess (54596359), Jazz (#54591046), Greta (#54576815) and Starling (#54589884). These are among the many dogs being cared for in the Mesquite shelter and, of course, that shelter website LINK HERE takes you not just to dogs but to available cats, too. That kitten came in on the 16th —- photo is so recent that he was just 4 days old and with Mom when the picture was taken.
Ask about #546003412 when you think about giving a Mom and her little boy a good home.
They are “rescue-only” but surely something with a responsible human can be worked out.
CONTEMPLATIONS
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

I'm going to attempt to feature happy tales now and then. We need happy tales. Else we’re all going to flame out — I’ve only been doing this since back in the 20th Century; some of you rescuers have been at it longer than I have. I can’t afford to dye my hair — got dogs and cats to feed, you know. Thanks to Laura Macias of 4-Legged Helpers, we have some upbeat reports today. She sent me the photo of that plane and it came with the brief explanation “3 to Minneapolis.”
So, yes, 3 Texas dogs, as summer was blistering us all, caught a ride to Minneapolis, Minn., where, we’re betting, they’ll happily enjoy frolicking in snow on the way back into the house after they’ve “relieved” themselves in winter.  [LARRY ASIDE: They may never adjust to rooting for the Vikings instead of the Cowboys, but, perhaps, the joy of a warm life in a good home will make up for not watching the Cowboys cough up a hairball on a Sunday afternoon.]
That little pup with the shelter toy is Lele in her “freedom photo,” Laura reported. “She’s going to Lend A Paw, which is a new group in Dallas.”
And that dog in a car photo? We mentioned her before. “Callie was adopted,” Laura told us.
A cat photo? That is a photo of a cat who found a home and the report from Laura read, “Roo Kitty off to his new life!” Such a relief to see “Roo Kitty off to his new life!” rather than a message that nobody came for the cat or the dog or that a photo shows a dog or cat just before the staff had to take the “unwanted” animal to the “lab” for the horror of euthanasia as a tool to make room for the next animal to be klled at taxpayer expense. There’s enough killing in this world without humans turning their budget-balancing desires into a system of keeping shelter cages empty. [LARRY ASIDE: Thanks, Laura, for the photos and the info and, especially, thanks to you and the 4-Legged Helpers for working against the odds to help animals find places to live out their lives. It’s the work of angels.]
IF ANY RESCUE GROUPS or shelters have happily found homes for animals and proudly want toi let us tell the click-in world about your triumphs, send “getaway” photos and contact information and a sentence or two about the animals to [email protected]. Maybe someone will want to donate to your non-profit cause. We believe it is your heartfelt work that elevates the term “Animal Nut” to a worthy label for human beings. Proud of all you genuine life-saving animal nuts.
BUT JUST IN CASE: It’s possible, under the press of constant “save this animal or else” appeals, I may just finally burn out. Burn right on out of energy and drive and I may even lose the desire to snack on chocolate — and where would I be then? What’ll I doi? When the State Fair Carnival leaves town it may just have a new guess-your-weight guy working for peanuts. Literally. Or maybe, I'll take up my old role as "The Bearded Lady" and travel the nation singing the really good number from my “Songs of Mae West” album. Try clicking on THIS SONG (and please ignore whatever commercial pops up first). Never had a dog or cat named Mae West -- but it occurs to me that many of you may never have heard of her.
LARRY FYI: Surely you've heard of the movie star William Powell. My office cat is, indeed, the legendary William Powell, a cat nobody wanted until I met him and we painted a house together. Pretty danged handsome feline, ain't he. Rangers fan, too.
—- Offer sage advice or whatever ya got by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘SAVE ‘EM ALL’ in the subject line. —-

SOME DAYS ARE CHALLENGING FOR THE ANIMALS AND THE HUMANS...

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY OCT. 17-18, 2023 [PetPowellPress]  “Hail Texas High School, we are as one…” — Sorry, ol’ chums and Dear Readers. In the mood for music, I inadvertently punched the internal juke box button for my ol’ school’s alma mater. Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas. After the brief high school melancholy moment, I sang along with Willie Nelson on his Night Life and then Waylon Jennings and his song from long-ago, Green River. 
Right now, I’m on the brink of singing State Fair with our dog Dudley the Angel, a mix of Border Collie and — appropriately for my current craving — Chocolate Lab.
FYI: I need these songs because they can take me back beyond the alarming constant wartime reporting on TV news, constant opinions on talk radio, etc.
Fortunately, I still adore happy-making chocolates and what chocolates don’t make a hefty lad happy?  A hefty, simple lad -- with a yearning for peace, love and joy.
A DOG NAMED YOGI BEARS
GETTING SOME ATTENTION….
Play on words there by the ol’ wordsmith, eh? This guy Yogi has a tale to tell that we first heard about from Karen Lee , our tipster with the helping animals organization barkleyworld.com. She’d been in touch with our ol’ pal Gail Whelan of Companion-Animal Network about this German Shepherd/Lab Mix Yogi.

Gail’s bio for Yogi reads, “Yogi’s family had a lifestyle change and he has found himself with nowhere to go.  This is heartbreaking! He did nothing wrong.  Please consider this beautiful dog to be your next family member.  Yogi has been professionally trained at K-9 Culture. He is fully vaccinated, neutered and heartworm negative.
”
The 65-pound adult fellow is described as “fun, active dog. He loves to play and would make a great hiking or jogging companion. He has a lot of energy but has a good off switch and will happily hang out at home after a nice walk. He has graduated a Board and Train and knows sit, down and place, heel and loose-leash walking outside in neighborhoods and indoors at dog friendly stores.”

And there’s this, Gail reports: If he’s adopted in the DFW Metro area, the K-9 Culture trainers “ will do some training with the new owner and Yogi to help with the bond.”

To ask about auditioning to adopt Yogi, email Gail at [email protected] or call 903-967-3226.

AMONG THE DOGS WAITING
IN MESQUITE’S SHELTER
OK, here we go with a report on seven dogs with familiar names — they’re all in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Their biographies are online at the Mesquite shelter’s website HERE. So are the biographies of a bunch of other dogs and cats. To get the most publicity for these animals with just a small amount of type, we’re going to do brief bios — the full bios are available to read on that Mesquite site.
SHAKESPEARE (#54565433) Is a year-old German Shepherd pup who came in as a stray on Oct. 10, reports our tipster, the volunteer dog bio-writer Debra Chisholm. She says he’s fun-loving, needs some manners training, enjoy the “play equipment” in the yard and is “constantly on the move.” She also says, “He doesn’t want to be a yard dog, but, instead, an important and valued family member allowed to live inside.”

Call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] (same routine for all of these animals. And always cite the animals shelter ID number.

 SPOCK (#54572504), IS DESCRIBED by Debra as a “handsome boy with a sleek and shiny chocolate-colored coat.” He’s a Doberman Pinscher picked up as a stray on Oct.11, she says, and adds, “One of our volunteers describes him as 73 pounds of love because he is a total love bug.” He’s 6 years old, “walks beautifully on a leash” and “does not seem to know any commands.” He also “wasn’t interested in treats, toys or balls. He mostly wants to hang out with a human friend” and Debra ads, “It is a total mystery how or why this precious boy has ended up in a city shelter with no one coming to reclaim.”

 TANNER (#54171893) Debra writes that “precious youngster” Tanner is a year-old, 66-pound mixed breed and the dog Tanner has a long list of those breeds (See the list when you click onto the Mesquite shelter website and navigate to Tanner’s bio.) He came in as a stray on Sept.16 and underwent treatment for “entropion, an abnormality of the eyelids in which the eyelid rolls inward.” It’s painful and damaging to the cornea, his bio says. It also reads, “On the whole, Tanner is a friendly dog with soft, fluffy fur and … a “sweet, calm, gentle and mellow personality.”
SAMSON (#54156376) AND DELILAH (#54156349) are siblings who came into the shelter as strays on September 14. Their biographer, volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown, says, “The reason they have been at the shelter so long is they came in with scabies and needed to be treated. Now they’ve been given a clean bill of health.” Both are playful and loving 3-month-old pups who are, perhaps, Border Collie/American Pittie mixes. And Judi reports that Samson is “jovial, squirmy, tail-waggin friendly and extremely affectionate.” She also says, “He needs practice oin a leash as he gets tangled around your legs.”
Judi describes Delilah as “a bundle of love! If you’re looking for a playmate look no further.” At 10 pounds, she’s two pounds lighter than her brother. Judi says, “Delilah would love to …go home with ou for Halloween. she would love to sit on the porch with you and help greet the trick-or-treaters. …. She’s very playful and even started playing with autumn leaves in the yard. To her the world is a playground.” She also has the same “tangle the leash in the human’s legs” tendency her brother has.
BETTY (#54551734), her bio by Judi reads, “has a pretty face with soft brown eyes. Here cream, tan, black coloring is stunning.” She’s a 3-year-old, 64-pound German Shepherd mix who came in as a stray on October 7. Judi writes that Betty “explored the yard …. Then, she spent the rest of the time hanging out with me.” She would, Judi writes, “look up at me with those brown eyes of hers. Betty melted my heart. She’s lively, sweet, friendly affectionate and very attentive.” She is, Judi says, “waiting for a loving home where she can shower her new family with hugs and kisses.”
BABETTE (#54568960) is a 2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier/Staffordshire Bull Terrier/sweetest thing ever/true love bug” mix, her bio subject line read. She came in on Oct. 10 as a stray and Judi writes, “I absolutely adore this girl. She is as sweet as she looks.” She’s not spayed and she “recently had a litter,” Judi reports. “She’s too sweet and lovable to be an outside dog. When she first went out into the yard, she was shaking and her tail was tucked. However, with time and some TLC she relaxed. Then she decided I was OK. Then she decided I was her BFF. At this point, she moved to the top of the list to be one of my favorites at the shelter…..”
REMEMBER, when you go to the Mesquite Animal Shelter site HERE, you’ll see not only the bios of these animals in full, but also of many other dogs and may cats, too. Among the cats is Lolli (#54560596), a 29-day-old girl with a fantastic face of colors and some cute paws, too. She’s a “staff foster” for right now and a “rescue only” at the time. She came in on October 9. [LARRY ASIDE: And amazingly, Lolli is listed as a small member of the extraordinarily rare — I’m checking on that — Domestic Shorthair Mix. From personal experience at readlarrypowell.com: Kittens grow up to be great companions — all depends on the human. Good humans=great cats.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
MORE LIKE ‘CONFESSIONS’ IN THIS EPISODE
As promised in our opening segment, we’re Contemplationing. Wait, Larry, isn’t that “contemplating?” Yes, “contemplationing” is a word that may exist ONLY in the universe of the preceding sentence. Let’s move along. …
I’m happy to have cravings for choclate — and the will power to cherish chocolate without sneaking the gloriously sinful snacks. 
I’ve never met a chocolate treat that didn’t make me happy. Lately my dreams have been accented by merry characters offering me a slice of chocolate pie from the 2023 pie-baking contest at the State Fair of Texas. Happy dreaming. Oh, my. That dream put three pounds on me overnight. Just kidding. 
My funspouse Martha and I judged the dozens and more chocolate pies at this year’s State Fair. We’ve judged cakes, pies, breads and cookies before. Judging chocolate pies was a high honor, not just a high-calorie honor!!!. 
You cooking contestants understand the joy of pie-baking. I don’t bake, but I sure have eaten a lot of pies in my lifetime. Martha bakes a mean mincemeat, seasonally joyous pumpkin pie and, among others, a great chocolate pie using her Grandmomma’s recipe. Pie — such a joy.
…[LARRY PERSONAL NOTE TO THE STATE FAIR: Whenever I hear the State Fair movie theme and the lyrics “Our State Fair is a great State Fair…” I don’t just think of the midway and holding hands with “datespouse Martha,” I think of the hardworking people who gather in the off-season and during the fair each year to turn the city’s Fair Park into the greatest State Fair in the country. We’ve watched the constant growth of the Creative Arts Division for years. Years. With the artwork, the quilting, the collecting, the cooking and other exhibits and events — the Creative Arts Division is truly a wonderful display of the “Soul of the Great State of Texas.” It’s an “everybody’s welcome” situation for contestants, audiences and people who treasure the Lone Star State....

Lately — you’ll figure out why — I’ve been moved to remember a 1958 song written and performed by the great Johnny Cash. “Don’t take your guns to town… Leave your guns at home….” I cite those lyrics in case anybody comin’ to town has ideas to the contrary. Leave your guns at home.
 And we’ll close with this peace-lovin’ quote from Mr. Cash, “All your life, you will be faced with a choice. You can choose love or hate… I choose love.”
Peace unto us all and tend carefully to the goodness in your hearts.
—- Offer ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-