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MASIKI -- THE LITTLE GIRL WHO TAKES NAPS IN A SAFE PLACE IN HER HOMELAND!

For this edition of our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap we utilize a tip from our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief Andy Fisher, the veteran journalist who knows a good story when he sees one. [That's good story Masiki's mug shot.]
Andy put us in touch with his cousin, Jolene Westerling, our connection to history who is the Director of Social Media and Events at the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park, Arizona.
Litchfield Park is about 25 minutes south of the Texas Rangers Spring Training headquarters in Surprise, Az. The Texas Rangers winning the World Series on Nov. 1, 2023, was the biggest news in the neighborhood until Nov. 7 when a really healthy rare White Rhino named Masiki was born in the "maternity suite" at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park. And, thanks to Jolene, we’ve got the update on the story!  
We’d asked Jolene to get us a photo of Masiki taking a Rhino baby-nap. And she managed to capture this momma/daughter moment..
Jolene explained, “I was able to get a picture of Masiki napping with her mom standing watch the other day. She had just finished nursing and decided a nap was in order. 
“Usually her mom will nurse and nap in the corner of the yard so she will lay down with her, but for whatever reason she was nursing in the middle of the yard.”
How easy was it to catch Masiki cat-napping or doing her impression of a sleeping dog let lieing/lying/laying? Not all that easy! (LARRY NOTE: Lost my grammar handbook.)
Jolene told us early in her attempt to get a photo of Masiki actually sleeping, “The only 'napping' picture I have of her is when her mom and aunties were trying to nap but she was still wanting to play.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Until now I never really thought the word “play” and associated it with a Rhinoceros. They weren’t real common around the lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers in Bowie County when I was a kid! But, with age and help from knowledgeable people, we learn, don’t we! Thanks again, Jolene.]
When Masiki was born, Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park issued a news release that said the park “celebrates the first Rhino birth in decades in our state! The female White Rhino calf was born November 7 to her parents Zuri and Maoto, and is in excellent health!”
The news release also answered a key question: “The zoo's animal care team calls her ‘Siki,’ short for ‘Masiki,’ meaning ears.”
In the news release, Wildlife World’s Rhino Specialist Emily Kading explained, "She was tough to monitor through ultrasound because her ears kept getting in the way and after she was born, her ears were one of the first things to move after birth!” 
Thanks to Jolene, we have a link to a video of Masiki’s ultrasound and a video of her kicking in the womb. And there’s a very special birth video. [LARRY GENTLE VIEWING TIP: This is a very REAL video that shows Masiki’s actual delivery at the park. It’s not quite like watching a momma dog or momma cat deliver on a comfort quilt, but it is like watching a miracle occur — and I have twin sons, so I know a miracle when I see one.— well, when I see two. And I’m going to guess there’s no such thing as a “litter of Rhino calves!" Yep, just one at a time, research says.]
Here’s that LINK TO THE ULTRASOUND AND BIRTHING VIDEO.]
Getting a baby Rhino takes some planning.
The news release about Masiki read, “Siki’s arrival has been nearly a decade in the making, starting with the zoo's highly anticipated Rhino conservation breeding plan.
“The project brought in 3 unrelated female Rhinos who were orphaned in South Africa, and have three completely new bloodlines for breeding. Wildlife World also acquired a once-imported male Rhino from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.”
The news release includes an enlightening passage. "This is the most significant birth we’ve had in the history of our zoo!” says Kristy Hayden, Wildlife World's President. “This baby opens up a whole new bloodline that will play a key role in Rhino conservation for decades to come. I'm grateful Wildlife World had the resources and capabilities to import her mother Zuri from Africa [to Arizona!], where she is no longer at risk of being killed by poachers, and to provide her and Maoto a natural environment to procreate!”
The news release says that “the entire Rhino population is at risk At the start of the 20th Century, 500,000 Rhinos roamed the wild. Today, only 27,000 Rhinos survive in Africa.”
Each day in South Africa, according to the release “poachers kill 3 or more Rhinos…in order to meet the black-market demand for Rhino horn, falsely believed to be an aphrodisiac in some Asian cultures. As their population declines, poachers continuously break into rhino orphanages and sanctuaries, and are even starting to target zoos in order to kill these animals for their horn, which is made of nothing more than keratin—the same protein that makes up human hair and fingernails.”
[LARRY FYI: That's baby girl and mom -- the rhinotyke is waiting for mommy to get up and romp!]
Back to the news release, which adds, “Over the past 40 years, Wildlife World has supplied in-kind support, staff expertise and tens of thousands of dollars to local, national and international organizations dedicated to the survival of the world’s most endangered species. As part of Wildlife World's dedication to Rhino conservation, the zoo works alongside the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS) collaborating on new initiatives, taking Rhino science to a higher level to improve genetic diversity and fight against the extinction of the Rhinos!”
To close on a high note, here’s a LINK TO SAKI ROMPING WITH THE GROWNUPS.
So, a special thanks to Jolene Westerling and the folks at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park. That’s heartfelt gratitude not just for helping us produce this edition, but especially for working so hard to give the world that rare baby Rhinoceros — the beautiful new member of a wonderful species that has a place in the hearts of those of us who love our Planet Earth.
[DEAR READERS: Send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or snoozing beasts of any kind to [email protected] and readlarrypowell.com will spotlight those beloved animals and their stories in our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Thank you all for reading since this weekly snoozing critter feature made its debut on May 14, 2005.]
LARRY FYI: This is one of my favorite photos sent to us by Jolene. These individuals are so human -- the growns are read for a nap and the kid might just have some playtime energy left over! Click on the photo to make it grow as big as your 21st Certury screen!

ICEBERG, MOONEY'S PLANS, MYRTLE'S LIFE, CHIP AND COTTON AT STRAYDOG AND THE VITALITY OF 3-LEGGED DOGS

EDITION OF THURSDAY, FEB. 15, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Cold weather’s returning, the TV forecasters say. At this stage of my life, thick socks are imperative. I type while wearing, among other things, an ancient sweater. And, I’m so cold-natured that the office cats William Powell and Stevie Ray and my personal dog Porche Noel refer to me as “Iceberg.” It translates from cat, to dog to my family’s native tongue, Latin, without a hitch. I never dress like an ancient Roman — too much cold breeze up the toga. Oh, goodness, that’s a bad mental picture. That’s Porche — this morning she was wearing her ears in the “Coming in for a Landing” pose. Uses that signal when she thinks it's time for me to move on to today's topics.
CONTINUING TO TRACK
THE MOONEY PROGRESS
There’s something fascinating about this little guy Mooney and the people who are teaming to help him triumph: Our rescuer pal Kimberly Jones, a medical team and some people whose hearts are connected this dog’s expenses.
You may recall that Mooney is the little, ailing pup who was being given away on a neighborhood bulletin board and Kimberly couldn’t just let him go to someone who couldn’t help him heal from a number of ailments.
The latest report on Mooney says he is “still having neurological issues, still not able to walk, his tummy is still hard and painful. He did have a very good bowl movement.” So, there’s progress and there is hope.
And there are still two ways to donate to help this dog triumph over the challenges. He’s at Metro Paws White Rock where his account is under “Kimberly Jones for Puppy Mooney Jones.” Call that vet clinic at 214-324-1500. And the GoFundMe page is at this link: https://gofund.me/8cce6087. The goal is at least $2,500 (it’s close) as you can see when you click there.
The plan is for Mooney to square his account by the time he leaves the vet’s office on Friday afternoon. Why is he leaving?
To be with his advocate, Kimberly. Why? Mooney "can get closeness with me and socialized (currently he is poked and prodded usually when he is handled) so the doctor wants him to learn that human contact is loving and not always treatments.”
[LARRY ASIDE: May he rebound from all his illnesses AND all his life-saving treatments and become the Little Dog Who Lives With Love and Is Happy To Visit The Vet!]
PRAYERS & PASSAGES;
THE STORY OF MYRTLE
Our pal Diane Combs has long loved a sweet Dapple Mini Dachshund named Myrtle.
Their story is one of devotion and love and adoration, as you’ll see when you click on our Prayers & Passages link in the upper right corner of our website or click on THIS LINK.
We maintain Prayers & Passages to honor the great affection that exists between animals and their humans. In the story of Myrtle, you’ll see how a lucky meeting launched a great relationship.
TWO DOGS FROM
THE GREAT STRAYDOG
OK, here’s the deal. I opened a Straydog Inc. Valentine’s Day email and got this photo of Chip, one of the residents of the famed Near East Texas no-kill shelter and sanctuary.
The email was an appeal for donations, but it also turned out to be a note that told the story of Chip who, because of his “adorable eyes” is nicknamed “Panda.” I get curious about the dogs I encounter online and the story of Chip is he “was a stray who got tangled in a barbed-wire fence.” A family rescued him and took him to a vet and, Straydog reports, couldn’t afford the necessary medical care. “The only option was euthanasia,” Straydog’s note read. Then added, “Thankfully Straydog intervened and saved Chip."  His left rear leg turned out to be too damaged. So, as Straydog reported, “That didn’t slow him down. Today he’s a happy, sweet boy who loves to cuddle and play with his caregivers and other doing friends at Straydog.” [LARRY TIP: Click on that mugshot to see a larger version of those great eyes!]
When I went to the straydog.org site to check on Chip, I was reminded that Straydog has a ribbon cutting coming up on March 2 for it’s new buildings. At straydog.org you can see how to rsvp for the event and also the animals that are currently available for adoption. And that is how I spotted Cotton — he is the current Dog of the Week at Straydog.
How’d such a beautiful dog wind up without a home? Straydog’s bio of the ”beautiful 2-year-old Great Pyrenees mix” explains:
“Somebody dumped him in the country, but he was rescued by a nice woman who fed him and made sure he had water to drink. We then took him to the vet for all of his shots and wellness check-up. He is living with many other dogs at Straydog now, but would love to be with a family of his own.
“Cotton is very sweet and loving and all people just love him! Come and meet him at the shelter and he’ll give you all the kisses!”
[LARRY ASIDE: And, thus, our theory is that’s how you get to be “Dog of the Week”: Kissing up to the person who writes the biography!” Oh, dogfans, I’m just kidding Cotton The Kisser!]
CONTEMPLATIONS
COYOTES AND OTHER NOTES
Yeah, I feel bad for those kids in Arlington who encountered coyotes at a really bad time in a really bad way. And I feel bad for those coyotes, too. You know, Dear Readers, how negatively I feel about the enduring "Texas theory of animal control:
Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.” ….
That story of Chip’s encounter with the barbed wire fence and the loss of his leg reminded me that the first three-legged dog I ever knew was named Red, though his coat was more yellow than red. What kind of dog? Might have been a Shepherd mix — in those days there wasn’t much of a spay/neuter program in rural southwestern Arkansas just across the Texas line.
I got to see Red about once a week when I was a little boy. He was my Grandpa’s dog and Red was missing a hind leg — can’t remember which one and I think that just about everybody who’d know has been gone for not just years, but decades. Red like being petted by kids. Lost his leg in a farm accident. Didn’t seem to hinder him much, as I recall.
The mention of three-legged dogs reminds me of a quote that I ran across years and years ago when I was a columnist for The Big Paper Downtown. You want your dogs to have all their legs, but there was an explanation from a long-time veterinarian who, having seen the speed and agility and happiness in three-legged dogs, theorized, “Dogs are all born with three legs and a spare.” My Grandpa’s dog Red would have chuckled an ol’ dog chuckle at that line then dared me to try to out-run him or to jump from the ground into the bed of Grandpa's pickup.
— Offer advice or diet tips by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘LAY OFF THE CARBS, SLIM’ in the subject line. —-

SAVING ANIMALS, ADOPTING THEM & A MAGNIFENT SNOWMAN IS BUILT NEAR A LAKE

EDITION OF FEB. 14, 2024 [PetPowellPress] It’s Valentine’s Day and I’m having trouble focusing. As you know, I live with a Sweetheart. And for this 2024 holiday, I am living up to my reputation as “a Crabby Insomniac/Valentine.”
So, we got a more upbeat photo from Andy Fisher, the Chief of our Eastern Seaboard Bureau in “Buried-Under-Snow” New Jersey.
That, as regular readers know, is the Eastern Seaboard Bureau Cat Chloe. She’s noted for advice and tranquility.
And, in this photo, snapped in the Bureau on Indian Lake in Denville, N.J., Andy explains, “Just in time for Valentine's Day, Chloe got a new cat toy -- stuffed with ‘nip. She doesn't let it get very far from her…” From our viewpoint, she appears to be curling into an artistic St. Valentine’s Day heart shape. Cool cat. Not a cold cat.
More on the Blizzard (?) of ’24 in Contemplations. And, as long as we’re talking about adorable cats… read this opening item.
FROM OUT AT THE LAKE,
NEWS OF A FRIENDLY CAT!
Cedar Creek Lake doesn’t look a lot like New Jersey's  Indian Lake on this St. Valentine’s Day. But love is still a primary theme on the lakes!
We got this tip from our pal Sydney Busch, guiding light of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, the nonprofit that operates (so to speak) the World’s Most Successful Spay Neuter Clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
What’s the deal with this cat? Sydney knows people…yes, people who take extra steps to help animals.
As Sydney wrote, “Precious female cat is needing a new home. She showed up at my friend's house and her husband is allergic to cats. She is super sweet and loving. Needs to be an inside kitty. Not sure if she's spayed, but that will be taken care of as well as vaccinations. Contact [email protected] for further information, please.”
[LARRY NOTE: We have a lot of experience with cats and this one clearly appears to be a cat fascinated by a human. Likes the shoes, likes the cuffs, likes the opportunity to do some cat-rubbin' on the ankles. All cat.]
NAMING NAMES; HAS TO BE
2ND BIGGEST SHELTER CHALLENGE
The first, of course, is getting the animals into loving homes or loving rescue groups. It struck me — as I looked at the names of the dogs in the latest quartet from Mesquite Animal Services — that giving names to shelter animals is one big challenge. Their personalities may speak louder than their monikers, but those names are still important for that first meeting.
So, in this edition, we’ll focus on Speckles, Boss, Trixie and Gabe. Thanks to veteran volunteer dog-writers at Mesquite Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown, we have their bios.
AND REMEMBER: During February, Mesquite’s shelter is having a sweetheart of an adoption deal: $14, in honor of, yep, Valentine’s Date, er, Day. To ask about any animal in the shelter, use its ID# when you call 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
You see that first dog. Let’s play guess the name: Yep, you guessed. This is Speckles, described by Judi as “the whole package! She’s not only attractive, pretty and adorable, she’s also has got MANY other wonderful attributes! She is a one-year-old, 35-pound Australian Cattle Dog that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/9.”
How’d she get into a shelter? She was a stray and was romping with a “running buddy” now named Trixie. And Trixie is also among the adorable adoptables with Speckles. They now share a kennel in the Mesquite shelter.
Judi writes, “When Speckles first got out into the yard she ran around with glee, exploring every nook and cranny. After she checked everything out, she decided to hang out with me. We just ‘hung out’ together like we’d been lifelong buddies! “When I was looking over the wall, she would stand up with her paws on the ledge of the wall next to me. When I sat down, she came to me. It was obvious she a lapdog wannabe… all 35 pounds!!! She loves to be petted….She is active, lively and athletic. She liked climbing on our bench allowing her a different vantage point. … She’s very alert and obviously very smart. And did I say she’s extremely affectionate? She would like a yard to romp in but then spend most of her quality time snuggling and cuddling showing her new family how much she loves them. You’ll see she’s a really good girl!
Speckles is #55252842 — that’s the ID to cite when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for Trixie whose ID# is 55252982.
Debra says Trixie is a Carolina Dog mix and she also writes, "It is unclear whether these two dogs are from the same family or if they are just running buddies, but they are kenneled together and get along fine.
“Trixie weighs 51 pounds and is about two years old. She is one tail-wagging party girl—this girl just wants to have fun! She is full of life, energy and spunk. She was only mildly interested in treats. She is a friendly girl, and had no problems with me petting her. She knows the sit command. Trixie appears to have been well-cared for, and yet no one has come looking for her! … Trixie is looking for a new home and would be so happy to find herself a person or family who would cherish and take good care of her.” Please help Trixie by networking or tagging at [email protected], typing in the subject line TAG, ID 55252982. Questions about Trixie? Then please call 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected].
This little guy is Boss — his bio by Judi, begins, “How can you resist this sweet face and those soft, brown eyes? Boss hopes you can’t and will tag him or come meet him! If you come to meet him be prepared to adopt him because you won’t be able to resist his charms.” He is #5522078 at the shelter. Judi writes, that he’s a 4-month old, about 20-pounds chestnut-colored Lab Retriever puppy.”
His story? Judi writes, “He was returned to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/10. The adopters only had him for two days and stated that they had a change in lifestyle. My guess is that they weren’t prepared for a sweet, but relatively lively puppy! Boss is already neutered! Boss is a real sweetheart. He’s also very curious and alert.
“A plumber came into the laundry room, and Boss had to find out everything the plumber was doing… including crawling under the sink with him! He’s very enthusiastic, and has a zest for life. He appears to love everybody that he meets. He’s playful and loves to entertain himself with toys. Would you believe that at four months old he already knows the sit command? He likes you to put the treats on the floor so he can help himself. He’s very obedient  and obviously wants to please. When I sat down, he came to me and put his paws on my lap. He’s so soft. He likes having his ears scratched. He’s a little bit hesitant about a leash. I had to carry him into the laundry room. He told me he’s willing to learn.”
We close the Mesquite dogs portion of this report with Debra’s bio of Gabe, an American Pit Bull mix who came in as a stray on the 9th. He’s about 2, weighs 57 pounds and “walks OK on a leash” though he a bit hesitant in his early relationship with a leash. “
Debra writes, “He seems uneasy in the shelter and timid. He pottied as soon as he arrived in the shelter yard. He
climbed up on our play equipment, showcasing his athletic ability! He chases balls, but doesn’t return them. He loves treats, and although he does not sit for them, he does take them gently. He is friendly though a bit standoffish at this time. He is OK with being petted. Gabe would love for his stay at the shelter to be a brief one.”
Remember, the system is cite Gabe’s ID # 55249467 when you call the shelter at at 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected].
You can see more adorable available by clicking on the Mesquite Animal Shelter website HERE.
Not just dogs, you know. There are plenty of cats.
For example there’s this one: #47919634.
He’s listed as a 3 years-4 months old medium-sized cat. Though his name is “Yellow,” his bio lists him as “red/white.” He came in on Feb. 12 and you can see him in the shelter’s Conference Room. What kind of cat is he? Yep, he’s that rarity of rarities, A Domestic Shorthair Mix. But, of course, when you adopt him you’d want to explain that he’s a red/white guy named Yellow.
CONTEMPLATIONS
  WHAT TO DO ON A SNOWY DAY
For this information, we turn to the veteran print and broadcast journalist Andy Fisher, Chief of our Eastern Seaboard Bureau on the shores of beautiful Indian Lake in Denville, New Jersey. Andy’s journalistic instincts guided him to a sure-fire weather-related story. 
He highlighted the artistic work of a reliable source, i.e., Annie Fisher, the Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief Executive Officer. Both, of course, are under the sway of Eastern Seaboard Bureau Cat Chloe.
Andy’s winter story begins, “Last year, we had just a single plowable snowstorm -- but Annie was able to assemble a small snowman for Waylon.” [LARRY FYI: Waylon is the Eastern Seaboard Bureau Grandchild, a toddler who loves critters, skates, boards with wheels, her athlete parents and her adorable Bureau Grandparents.]
In this recent blanketing of the Northeast, Annie had plenty of snow to work with. Thus. Andy reported, Annie "created a much more substantial snowman who turned out to be a Pickleball player! “
While we don’t have a photo of Annie creating this magnificent Pickleball snowman on Indian Lake in honor of “THE” grandchild, we do have a photo of veteran athlete Annie in a championship move on the Pickleball court.
She is a noted Pickleball player in The Garden State, I.e., New Jersey. That second photo shows Annie celebrating a 3rd place finish in a Pickleball tournament with the Bronze Medal and the Bronze Balloons her pals gave her in honor of her accomplishment. [LARRY NOTE to Pickleball Competitors on the East Coast: It won’t always be too snowy to swat a Pickleball. The CEO has more shelves to fill with trophies, medals and awards. Chloe the Cat is a big fan — I don’t know this for sure, but you’ve provably seen cats swat at things in the air —make ‘em an ideal coach for Pickleball competitors. Swat!].
— Offer Pickleball or snowman tips for Texans by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘TOO HOT TO SNOW BUT NEVER TOO DRY FOR PICKLEBALL’ in the subject line. —

MOONEY'S AND HEALING EFFORTS; WINTER WEATHER; CONTEMPLATIONS; SLEEP? WHAT?

EDITION OF TUESDAY, FEB. 13, 2024 [PetPowellPress] Ah, Dear Readers, I’m still rebounding from a 7-hour round trip by car — it wouldn’t have been so nerve-wracking, but two legs of the trip involved driving on I-30 from one side of Dallas to the other side. Ah, Dallas: The City of Constant Rush Hours. …Well, moving along without stomping the brakes….
AN UPDATE ON MOONEY.
THE RESCUE CHALLENGE
We told the story earlier, thanks to our pal, the rescuer/advocate Kimberly Jones who’d spotted this little boy’s plight on a neighborhood bulletin page. You may remember Kimberly’s story of this rescue: ““This little puppy was being given away on Nextdoor ... I could tell he had something going on - possibly sick - and he is emaciated. I couldn't bear someone taking him for free and not getting him vet care.” Her heart had no choice: She picked Mooney up that morning last week and took him straight to Metro Paws Animal Hospital White Rock.
He’s undergone several days of special care for his various challenges and the latest report from Kimberly’s visit with him on Monday is this: “He stands on his own but his back legs are wonky and weak. He only weighs 3 pounds. They are going to start him on low dose steroids [Tuesday] tomorrow morning. I hope it helps some of his issues. He's the sweetest tiny baby. Thank you to everyone who is sharing and to all who has donated towards him.”
You see that in one of those photos Mooney is leaning down to be cuddled by a gloved hand. Think how great it’ll be when a human hand can pet that little boys face, and tickle his chin and may even lean down and kiss that bi ol’ inviting forehead on that little bitty dog.”
How is former syringe-fed baby Mooeney doing? Kimberly's report reads, “Mooney is eating and drinking water from his bowls now. He still doesn't use his back legs and he is still very neurological. His tummy is still very painful, hard and distended... But he is pooping and pottying well.”
To donate to help with his growing vet bill, contact Metro Paws White Rock at 214-324-1500 — he’s “Mooney Jones.”
And the GoFundMeLINK is HERE.
A WINTER ALERT IN JERSEY
VS. A WINTER ALERT IN TEXAS
Usually a winter alert in North Texas means there’s a “threat” of some kind of icy or (rarely) snowy weather. At the readlarrypowell.com Eastern Seaboard Bureau on Indian Lake in Danville, N.J., the Executive Editor/Bureau Chief Andy Fisher snapped some shots today that look like "workday" to the locals. What's “winter wonderland” to Texas eyes signifies it’s time to get out the power-machines to clear the walks, the steps, etc. A winter storm is work. In my life in Texas a winter storm has always just been a “waiting game,” i.e. you wake to snow in the morning and wait to see if it’s melted by noon and all the new snowmen are now just residue of youthful artistry.
You’ve got two views of winter at Indian Lake (click on 'em to make 'em grow). One is from the deck above the lake and the other is toward the snow-covered road. At no point does the darling Eastern Seaboard Bureau Cat in Chief Chloe suggest, “Let’s go outside and play.” I am led to believe that Chloe's people, the resilident pickleball champ Annie and the ol' ballplayer/sports broadcaster/writer Andy Fisher, are quite happy to be indoors waiting for the return of spring and new schedules for fave sports.
[LARRY ASIDE: That's a summertime photo of Chloe enjoying a nap. She may curl a little tighter on a winder day.
I thought I’d post these two photos from Andy so my fellow Texans could see what we’re missing when we don’t get that “White Christmas” in December or a “Winter Wonderland” when we need to do lawn work or take the sticks to the golf course and sharpen the ol’ game o’ golf. Hard to find a white ball buried in a foot of snow.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
SOMETIMES HEROIC HEARTS;
ALWAYS BIG D BRAKELIGHTS
So many dogs and cats wait in shelters in our area. They can be saved by adopting or taking into rescue or even by a change of city policy to eliminate a “time-clock” on animals found stray or surrendered by “don’t want it anymore” people.
In Mooney’s situation, rescue was the first step in a challenge that isn’t a one-day fix. This is why God made hearts that have been installed in rescuers — they’re extra tough, extra loving, extra determined hearts — and these hearts are “extra aware” of the needs of animals on the brink of peril. Bless all of you tough-souled, soft-hearted people and may you be rewarded by triumphs in those challenges — there’s a great joy in seeing an animal survive a challenge and find a human that matches ‘em perfectly. …
BACK TO THE TRIP on Monday that took 7 hours or so. It included driving from one side of Dallas to the other twice — toward the clouds on Monday morning and directly into the blinding sun on Monday afternoon. But you know what light rivals the sun? The Brakelights of Dallas. A lot of ‘em. They tend to gather on I-30 as you approach Dallas and re-gather on I-30 as you leave downtown Dallas. Probably no truth to the suspicion that the illuminated buildings in downtown Dallas were inspired by the brake lights on the cars constantly circling the heart of the city on the freeway system I-30 to I-35 north to Woodall Rodgers, and south on that short freeway I-345 back to I-30 west again. I’m surprised somebody hasn’t invented a table game for kids call CIRCLE THE CITY with the twice daily goal of CLOG DALLAS.….
Yeah, you guessed it. Larry Powell isn’t getting enough sleep again. I wasn’t laying awake worrying about how the Cowboys would do in the Super Bowl. And that’s my last Dallas Cowboys gag of the 2023 football season. Time to work up some new material for how the Cowboys’ 2024 campaign will go during the election year. No official schedule is out yet, but it's possible they’ll play neither the Kansas City Chiefs nor the San Francisco 49ers. They may, however, have 3 games against the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League. Relax. I made that up. O Canada.
—- Give tips or doubts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘GET MORE SLEEP, CLOWN!’ In the subject line. —-

MOONEY'S CHALLENGE TO BEAT THE ODDS ; OTHER ANIMALS IN A SHELTER SITUATION...AND HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!

EDITION OF MONDAY, FEB. 11, 2024 [PetPowellPress] As this is being written near mid-day Sunday, I have no idea how the Super Bowl will turn out. I’m focused on a little dog as I type this. Here are 3 photos of him, taken as he was being driven to a vet’s office.
His name is Mooney and here is a heartfelt quote from his rescuer Kimberly Jones:
“I just want him to be okay! He's so small and just a baby.”

Touches the veteran rescuer heartstrings, doesn’t it.
How did Kimberly first meet Mooney? Happened last week. Kimberly explains, ““This little puppy was being given away on Nextdoor ... I could tell he had something going on - possibly sick - and he is emaciated. I couldn't bear someone taking him for free and not getting him vet care. I picked him up [that]morning around 9:30 am and took him directly to my vet clinic... 
Metro Paws Animal Hospital White Rock.’
Kimberly wrote that a thorough check by the vet found: “This little one is parvo positive and he seems to be blind and have possible neurologic issues (could have caused the blindness). I cannot turn my back on him. They are hospitalizing him now to get him started on supportive care (IV etc).”
That was as the weekend arrived.
On Saturday, this report came: “He is better than yesterday but still not good. They're not as worried about the parvo as they are his neurological issues and they are worried about distemper. They are feeding him with a syringe and are taking turns checking on him while they are closed (tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night). There is something going on with his stomach also. It's very big and hard and on x-ray looks like kibble but they said it feels like rocks.”
Then on Sunday, Kimberly got this report from the vet: “She said he is improved since yesterday but he still isn't out of the woods. She said his stomach is still very hard and painful and he still has neurological symptoms but he is eating from the syringe willingly and they have taken him off of IV. She wants to take it day by day and each day reassess him.”
DEAR READERS: As you probably know, a sick puppy facing such diverse health challenges will need some financial support.
Kimberly writes, “I need help with this baby's vet care.” There are two ways to help the dog registered as “Mooney Jones at Metro Paws Animal Hospital White Rock.” Call Metro Paws White Rock at 214-324-1500 on behalf of Money Jones. Or donate to his gofundme site at https://gofund.me/3d5d6785. . This is going to be a bill of at least a couple of thousand-plus — Mooney isn’t just getting a rabies shot and a check of his ears. This is a rescued puppy who was saved from a terrible death due to human ignorance or human unwillingness. Now, it’s up to the angelic hearts of the metro area and the skilled veterinary medicine personnel to help this puppy grow into being Mooney the Dog.
Here’s a link to a VIDEO OF MOONEY, the puppy who may be beating the odds.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
HANDSOME GAMBIT WAITS
Oh, Gambit’s not the only dog or cool cat waiting at the Mesquite Animal Shelter, but, trust me, if readlarrypowell.com hadn’t learned how to show restraint, Gambit would be watching cable TV mysteries with my funspouse Martha and catching up on Super Bowl reports with …OK, OK, I can’t adopt him, but someone sure can.
Look at that face. Look at the grin. And read the bio of him we got from volunteer dog-writer Jamie Dotson…..
Gambit’s a 3-year-old “Doberman Pinscher/Black & Tan Coonhound mix who weighs 75 lbs. He came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 2/5 as a stray. He is stunning! The black and tan markings really stand out on his handsome face. He appears to have had a family at one time who did take care of him, and is house-trained. Since he has not been reclaimed, he has found himself up for adoption. He is a very loving boy that enjoys having his ears scratched. He will lean in close and lay his head on my lap, then flash me those pearly whites with a big smile. Sometimes he will put his hands in my lap just to be even closer to be petted. … As we walked past the other dogs barking at him, he would get close as if to make friends, and did not show any aggression to him.” What’s he need? Jamie writes, “most importantly to live indoors where he can show his love for his human companions by snuggling close. He has captured my heart and I know he will yours.”
You know the system: Cite his ID # 5225609 when you email [email protected] or call 972.216.6283.
THIS MESQUITE BOY is MJ, described by Jamie as “a 49-pound, year-old, neutered male Carolina/Pharaoh Hound mix.” And there’s this: He’s a “sweet and gentle boy” who “was surrendered on 7/20/2023, when he was 6 mos old. … While in his kennel, he doesn’t show very well as he will jump and bark in his way to let you know if you get him out of his kennel, his behavior is not the same. Once out he is calm, gentle and loving. Walks great on a leash and takes treats gently. He will lean in close, put his head on your lap and give you a kiss or two. He would make a great family companion. Being at the shelter for so many months has begun taking a toll on sweet MJ. He is declining by losing weight, and that bright sparkle I always see in his eyes is dimming. His ears are always standing straight up and a smile on his face. Lately his ears are down, and the sadness is showing on his face. You can see his enjoyment when you spend time with him, yet he knows he has to go back to his kennel, again, alone.” He’s a “Volunteer favorite.” And Jamie says that "all he has wanted is to have his own loving family to spend time with, to cuddle with, to run and play in the backyard, then live inside cuddling next to his human companion, dreaming with a smile on his face. The hope he had is fading and it is heartbreaking.” To ask about #52682237 email [email protected] or call 972.216.6283.
Volunteer dog-writer Debra Chisholm fills us in on the details about Jazzy, picked up as a stray on Feb. 2. She says, “My Dog Scanner app suggests the following in her breed mix—Norwegian Buhund, Siberian Husky and German Shepherd. Jazzy weighs 65 pounds and is about two years old. She has a beautifully colored luxurious thick double coat.
“She is still a bit uneasy in the shelter environment. Jazzy has a low to moderate activity level and yet is playful.  She is amiable, affectionate and gives kisses. When offered treats, she could take them or leave them. This mild-mannered, sweet and sensitive girl would love to find her very own forever home in which her people will stay committed to her.”
And, see that Jazzy stretching photo?  Debra writes, “Precious girl will come up to you and gently put her paws on your chest area, indicating she would like to have your attention. Judging from the way she reacts and responds at times it’s possible she has been heavily disciplined. Would you please help sweet girl out of the shelter and on the way to her forever home by networking or tagging at [email protected], typing in the subject line TAG, ID 55213192. Interested but need additional information? Then please call 972-216-6283 and talk to a staff person or email [email protected]."
DEBRA WRITES that “I have named this lively youngster Honey because her beautiful coat is the color of honey and she has a sweet personality to match.?She's a year-old, 49-pound American Pit Bull mix who came in on Feb. 3 as a stray. “Honey appears to have been well cared for and yet she has been at the shelter for a week and no one has come looking for her. She is a fun-loving, spunky girl who is quite playful and excitable. She would be a good fit for an active family or person willing to invest in her with daily playtime, exercise, and enrichment.  Obedience training would be a wonderful way for her to fit in better with her new home.
“Honey does not want to live as an outside dog, but wants a home in which she will be inside with her people and an integral part of the family unit. She is happy to sit for treats and takes them nicely. She is friendly and quite happy to receive petting and other loving attention— that is once she slows down! This beautiful energetic youngster is hoping just the right person comes to adopt or rescue her so her stay at the shelter will be a short one.”
Honey is #55215378. Cite that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
You can see many more Mesquite dogs and cats by going to the city shelters’s website HERE. https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1239/Animals-in-the-Shelter
[LARRY ASIDE: If Kansas City’s passing game won the Super Bowl Sunday, you can tell people that your new cat was named in honor of Kansas City quarterback, that Texas kid, Patrick Mahomes and change the spelling of the first name of Patt the Cat. He’s a small, gray Domestic Shorthair designated ID#55237142.
He came into the shelter on Feb. 7. And you can find him in the Cat Room. Just ask to see the rare Domestic Shorthair Mix. He’s rare in that he’s the only cat we’ve ever seen named Patt.
CONTEMPLATIONS
WINTER, FOOTBALL, WRITING
I went outside once Sunday and immediately went back in. I am not suited for such a climate. Makes me start to worry that the April 8 eclipse will chill Texas beyond repair — my knees will chip, my ankles break and my nose will drop off — wait…wonder if there’s a spell that’ll get just a little of my nose to drop off during an eclipse? …
Some game Sunday! Who’da thought the Dallas Cowboys could have pull that off! Wait. Sorry. Wrong century for the Cowboys in a Super Bowl. ….
WRITING? Sure. Every day. But my Office Cat William Powell is working on a novel. What’s he calling it? “It’s a WORKING novel,” he reminded me. “I don’t have to have a title yet. But I’m leaning toward The Day The Cat Stood Still. Has cinematic possibilities, don’t you think? Cue the spooky music." Wise cat.
—- Offer cash-cow tips or hints for humanity by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “IT’S ONLY MONEY, RUBE’ in the subject line. —-

THERE WAS THIS ONE NIGHT WHEN DOGS STIRRED AND CATS CUDDLED....

As I type these sentences, it has been hours and hours since I’ve seen my pillow. I know where it is. I just can’t get to it. I'm too busy.
Thus, I am in a proper mental condition to write our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
Why am I sleep-deprived? Two dogs, two cats and Mr. Insomnia, Comfort denied! Pardon my whining.
Porche Noel (In a floor nap, left) and her pal Wendy (bed nap, lower right) have been nocturnally restless lately. And, as any good dog fan will tell you, if a dog needs to go out at 2 in the morning, so does one of the slumbering sap humans on the bed.
That is me.
The dogs and I went out into the chilly darkness and to keep from waking the gainfully employed slumberspouse Martha, the critters and I went to the other side of the house from the bedroom and cranked up the big-screen TV in the living room.
Soon, we’d divided up the couch between three ol’ dogs: Porche had curled up on the leftmost cushion, Wendy had sprawled on the center cushion and I had squeezed onto the right cushion and the TV remote —something you don’t really notice until you sit on it.
My security quilt — made decades ago by Martha’s mom — is falling apart because of years of washing and keeping restless me warm from nature in the winter and warm from vigorous air-conditioning in the summer. I also had my unrequited desire to nod off. I am, afer all, a grown-up insoniac -- it's a decades and decades old curse.
The dogs were quickly asleep — curled up comfortably. And I was sitting upright on my corner of the couch. I was watching the first of two reruns of Psych (one of my favorite series) before getting through a rerun and a half of one of my all-time fave TV shows, Monk. Apparently I nodded off before the news at 5 a.m. and awoke at 6 a.m. when Martha came past the living room to go to the kitchen and prep breakfast for the dogs and cats. She didn’t expect me to stir. Ha! I’m an insomniac; my wake-up alarm is constant..
You, perhaps, have noticed some photos of a couple of cats in a recliner. [Click on the artwork to make it grow!] These are my office cats — the gray tabby is William Powell and the black and white youngster is Stevie Ray Treeboy. These photos were taken during the 4 a.m. broadcast of the Monk re-run. I can’t remember which episode.
While two dogs gleefully snored (I'm interpreting what I heard)  on the couch with me, I had begun to wonder where the cats were. So I turned slightly to the right and, yep, there, in the glow of the TV, were the Office Cats. William is the Senior Office Cat and Stevie Ray is the Junior Office Cat.
At night, they have the run of the house — and their choice of chairs.
I hired all-grown-up William in the spring of 2018 after we painted a house’s wood trim together. I found Stevie Ray, a tiny, yowling kitten, hanging onto the unstable, flimsy limb of a mimosa tree in our Dallas front yard in early 2019.
William, in our home in Dallas, lived in the central bedroom rather than mingle with the other cats and dogs. Baby Stevie Ray needed a mentor in all things feline and most things canine. We bunked ‘em together and they’ve been pals ever since. They’re adorable and literate. Neither bets on pro football but both will play “Slap the Ball” up and down the hall if a golfball or tennis ball should suddenly appear at 2 or 3 in the morning. They’re 24-hour cats. Those are Stevie Ray's World Cup paws sticking up over the arm of the chair.
That four-face presentation of a cat? I shot those mugshots during the week when my funspouse Martha was sitting in her recliner and her cat Esme decided to join her. That is some stoic face on a free, formerly feral kitten who wandered into our care from the front porch feral colony in 2012. We think she was among the kittens in the final feral litter of our 20-year attempt to spay/neuter/return members of that colony.
May your cats and dogs help you sleep and give you great joy in your lives.
I can tell you this: I’d much rather share a bed with a happy slumberpup than discover that someone has tied a roping horse to the bedpost. I can’t help but think that city girl Martha might object to having to find an electric blanket that’ll fit a rodeo horse. And the cats would hire yet more “Household Environment Protection” legal specialists. As William Powell has said to me now and then, “Be careful, bub. We know people.”

[DEAR READERS: Send us photos of your darling sleepers and nappers and tell us how much you adore them and why. You may be the inspiration someone needs to go to a shelter and save the life of a darned good housepet. Email Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap at [email protected]. Thanks. “Save ‘Em All” and “Git Some Dadgum Sleep.”]
— Thank you for visiting readlarrypowell.com. Pass it on. —

FRIDAY BRINGS REPORTS ON ANIMALS NEED SOME BREAKS; PLUS A SUPER BOWL PICK?

EDITION OF FRIDAY, FEB. 9, 2024 [PetPowellPress] Welcome to our extra edition for Friday. We’ll follow it up with the weekend edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap if I don’t pull a finger muscle — a flexor digitorum profundus, perhaps — while typing dramatically.
Here we go:
CHICKEN NUGGET WAITS
IN FORT WORTH’S SHELTER
Why does readlarrypowell.com know about this dog? Because the famed foster Patty Sprong shared the post by DeeAnn Skinner and others at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. Yep, end-of-week networking. Keep it up.
This dog with the Hollywood face is Chicken Nugget (#55112606), a 2-year-old, spayed, 43-pound dog-friendly resident of Fort Worth’s Silcox Adoption Center at 4900 Martin St. in southeastern Cowtown.
She’s available “foster, adoption and rescue,” the note read. Here’s that info: Adoptions are noon to 6 p.m.daily at the Silcox Center; Rescuers should email fwacctag@fortworth texas.gov; Fosters should email [email protected]. And, according to the note, “If you’re not a current foster please apply on line at tinyurl.com/fosterfwacc.
[LARRY ASIDE: Our dogs and cats will tell you we’re suckers for cute faces and this girl Chicken Nugget has one. And, like all animals shelters, she’s on the clock. It’ll take a human heart to save this face.]
THE DRAMATIC STORY OF SIRI,
A TRINITY GAP DOG IN NEED
The pictures will tell part of this dog’s story. We got the rest of it thanks to our pal Karen Lee, famed for helping animals and having founded barkleyworld.com to help animals by helping people trying to help animals. This pup Siri fits right into that mission
You may know of the Trinity GAP Club, organized in 2003 at Euless Trinity High School —The GAP part stand for “Girls
Awareness Program” and one of its first projects was to get involved in an effort to help animals in the Euless Animal Shelter. Teacher Steffenie Vela has been the guiding light since the founding. With that background, we move to the actual story of Siri, thanks to our pal Karen at Barkleyworld.com.
Steffenie’s note begins, “This sweet American bully was found malnourished and near death when animal control was called in Euless. The ACO immediately called Trinity GAP Rescue for help.   We immediately got her into our vet where she is now, spending a few days getting life-saving medical care.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Here comes some of that heartbreaking part of the story.]
Steffenie writes, “The vet discovered Siri was chipped and has been missing for over two years. She was stolen as a puppy out of a back yard at six months old. The owner registered her as stolen, but sadly had given up recently on finding her alive and adopted two other dogs.  Due to his current situation and Siri’s medical needs, he has released her to TGAP, so she can continue to receive the care and attention she desperately needs to recover.”
AND HERE ARE THE MEDICAL CHALLENGES: “Siri has been diagnosed with anemia, malnutrition, intestinal parasites, high liver enzymes, and a bad infection from a wound on her lower back that is so deep it goes to her bone. 
"In addition to medication, she is going to need hydrotherapy, four small meals a day, and lots of TLC.   Bloodwork will continue to be done regularly until her levels are within normal range.  We need help to cover all of her medical costs.”
And Steffenie explains, “We are asking for donations for Siri and help in sharing her post.   Donations can be made on the links below:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JJXGKGMTMRVNC&ssrt=1690941225777
Or Venmo at Trinity_Gap_Rescue.”
[LARRY ASIDE: We’ve been writing at the non-profit Trinity GAP Club since Steffenie launched it in 2003. Here’s some of the core explanation for the organization: “The Trinity GAP Club (Girls Awareness Program) was started in 2003 by Steffenie Vela. It was her daughter’s dream to create a place where girls who were not involved in other school activities could join and become part of their school and community. Trinity GAP Club is an all-girls club that functions through Trinity High School in Euless, TX. The mission of Trinity GAP Club is to give these high school girls a positive outlet for their time and to show them positive alternatives for their lives.” Email [email protected]. And Trinity GAP’s Facebook page is HERE.]
PEARL, SNOOKY, TESS AND ROCKY
AMONG THE MESQUITE ADOPTABLES
FYI: Mesquite is running a $14 adoption special during February.
We got the bios of these dogs from the Mesquite Animal Services volunteer dog-writers Debra Chisholm and Judi Brown.
Pearl’s is a heartbreaking tale of disgusting behavior by humans. (THAT’S LARRY’S EDITORIAL COMMENT)
PEARL (#55188415) is a girl who knows how to pose, don’t you think? Her bio from Debra reads that the “American Pit Bull mix arrived on Jan. 30. Debra wrote, “Pearl had the misfortune of being abandoned in her home by her owners. She appears to have had at least one litter of pups. Pearl weighs 40 pounds and is about 3 years old. This precious girl was so thrilled to be out of her kennel in the shelter yard and enjoying the beautiful day during her evaluation. … Pearl is a friendly girl and A-OK with receiving loving attention. You would not have to spend long with her to fall in love and wonder how and why her people could leave her. She deserves another chance…”
To ask about Pearl, be sure to cite her ID #55188415 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. .
Remember, as Debra notes, “Our shelter is critically overfull and we desperately need some good adoptions and rescues.”
Veteran Mesquite dog-writer Judi Brown met up with this guy Snooky and began her bio of the little rascal very sweetly.
She wrote, “What’s better than chocolate, better for you, and lasts longer? The answer is the love and devotion that Snooky will give you! This adorable cream-colored terrier mix (possibly part Cairn terrier) is 2 years old and weighs 26 pounds. He arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 1/30 as a stray. He’s the total package! His eyes sparkle with happiness. His corkscrew tail is fluffy and soft like the rest of him. He’s fun loving and playful. He loves to scamper and do zoomies around the yard. Then he comes back to his human friend for approval and a bit of ear scratching. You’re rewarded with kisses. He likes squeaky toys. He sat patiently while I brushed him. He does not know the sit command but backs up in order to try to figure out what you’re asking him to do. He’s highly motivated by treats and takes them gently. He did his business as soon as he got out into the yard indicating he may be housebroken. He has a strong pull on the leash. He was pulling me in the lobby in an attempt to meet other dogs. His tail was wagging the whole time. However he had a slight personality clash with one dog. We always ask if you have another dog that you ask the shelter to do a dog test. … He would love a yard to play in, but would like to spend most the time hanging out loving on his new family.”
Remember, cite Snooky’s shelter ID #55190959 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for these other Mesquite animals.
That dog with the dramatic coloring is Tess. Debra describes her as a “cutesy American Pit Bull mix who arrived as a stray on Jan. 29.” She’s #55180163, a year-and-a-half old, 50-pound “high-spirited girl” with a lot of “spunk and personality.”
As you can see from that second photo, Tess “did zoomies around the yard” and she also loved playing with a tennis ball. “
And Tess “rolled around in the grass with abandon and thoroughly enjoyed playing outside on the beautiful sunny day. There is not a bit of shy or timid about her. She is confident and outgoing, and would be a wonderful pet for a person or family who is active. She would undoubtedly love to be played with, exercised, given enrichment, and included inside with her people in the family circle. … She’s a playful, sweet, friendly girl needing assistance in finding her perfect forever home ,,,”
Debra also wrote, “Our shelter is so overfull with dogs coming in daily. We badly need good homes for our dogs through adoptions or rescues.”
Our last dog of the day is Rocky (#55201658) who, according to Debra, is an American Pit Bull mix brought in as a stray on Feb. 1. He’s about 5, weighs 49 pounds and is a “stocky and muscular fellow” and, she wrote, “He seems too thin and underfed.”
She also writes, “ He has a low-key personality, is calm and well-behaved. Rather than running around and playing he just wandered slowly around the yard seeming to enjoy moving about in a large area and being outside his kennel. He likes treats, but has not been taught to sit for them. … Though he is not high energy, he is active and alert.”
Cite Rocky’s ID 55201658 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
You can see more Mesquite animals at this shelter link.
Among them, #55201644, known as Sophia. She’s a 5-year-old small, grey cat who came into the shelter on Feb. 2.
As you can see, she has an appetite and knows how to dine. What kind of cat is she?
Ah, the very rare (in some households) Domestic Shorthair Mix.

She’s in the Conference Room at the Mesquite Shelter.
Waiting. And nibbling, of course.

CONTEMPLATIONS
FRIDAY WANDERINGS…
I got an email from a big store and the subject line announced “This week’s spring savings are in…” and I immediately winced because I’m still waiting for the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast. Time moves faster than I do. Spring doesn’t get here until 10:06 p.m. Metrosprawl Time March 19. Of course, by next weekend, we’ll be getting notes about the back-to-school sales. …. Should we pick a Super Bowl winner? Hang on let me see who Dallas is playing… oh, wait. Sorry. OK, I think I expect Patrick Mahomes to triumph on behalf of the team once known as the Dallas Texans, now known as the Kansas City Chiefs. San Francisco can get tough. So, in summation, I don’t have a clue and that’s why I don’t bet on sports. … Anybody else miss going to a one-screen movie theater? Maybe sitting and watching a movie that isn’t animated or a sequel or a … Sorry, I’d slipped into the bygone era when, sometimes, “movies” upgraded to “cinema.” Old guy carping. Where’s the TV remote. I’ve got cable.
—- Offer advice or doubt by clicking on “comment” below or by emailing [email protected] and put “SHSSSH” in the subject line. —-

IN THE WORLD OF ANIMALS, SOMETIMES THERE ARE HAPPY TRIUMPHS, BUT ALWAYS THERE ARE CHALLENGES

EDITION OF FRIDAY, FEB. 9, 2024 [PetPowellPress] I’m writing this in an office with three snoring dogs and a cat who is glaring at them from his sleeping chair.
Is it possible to find comfort in a dog’s gentle snore? Absolutely. The interruption of tranquility arrives when a cat saunters in and begins mewing for some treats out of the snack drawer..
That’s sweet baby Porche Noel snoozing in the office as I type these lines. She would help me write, but says, “You don’t pay enough, tightwad.”
The dog snoozing behind her and to the left of my desk chairs is  the dog rescued by my funspouse Martha,  Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden, aka, Wendy. She’s not as much of a snorer but she is a delightful dog when she’s awake and aware — “awake and aware” sounds so human.
Before I forget, the Holiday Insights online calendar says February 9 is both National Pizza Day and Toothache Day. The calendar doesn’t cite how either came to be or if they are connected, but does support good dental care and good pizzas — two anchors of every presidential campaign.
Our dogs endorse every day as pizza day — but they are frequently given the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl response: “Wait ’til next year.” FYI: I got an email from a magazine and the subject line promised “Super Bowl Recipes” so I thought I’d forward it to the Cowboys but I don’t have the corporate address.
SINCERE REMINDER: If you don’t have a dog, think about getting one. If you have one and can’t have more, think about volunteering at a shelter or with rescue groups that help other people get a dog. [LARRY ASIDE: There is all kinds of room to do good on this planet, even though a lot of people choose to do bad. Bless and change their rotten indifferent hearts.]
AN UPDATE FROM THE LAND
OF SMALL CITY SHELTERS
Those folks with 4-Legged Helpers keep working to help animals get out of small, overcrowded, rare human-traffic facilities. There are several on the southern side of Dallas.
We’ve gotten updates from the Helpers and it’s kind of nice to hear that Mason (left), the dog who was left behind at a “Love’s Travel Stop” on I-45 south of Dallas. appears to have adoption in his immediate future.
Efforts to find the dog’s lost trucker have been futile. So, he’s been in the Ferris Animal Shelter waiting — until this week. Our tipster Leighann Hayden reports that Mason appears to be on the brink of being safe as an adoption is about to occur. He’s gotten rave reviews as a loving dog who loves to pay with other dogs. He is, his bio reads, “Honestly the best dog anyone could ever adopt or rescue.”
Regarding dogs we’ve previously mentioned, the report is that the Wilmer dogs Pyrenees Charlie and Lucy and a heeler named Bailey are now safe. (Scroll down to previous editions and you can see these animals.)
But the Ferris dogs “need help badly.” These dogs are the Lab (or Lab mix) Josh and a female Lab or mix named Claire. Plus, there’s a possible Lab or black Mouth Cur mix named Boone…
And here’s the rest of that note about dogs who need homes: Farrah and Milo (left). Two pups that almost starved to death. Not very big. May be whippet mixes. Maybe pocket pointers. Both incredibly sweet. Scared of kitty cats when cat-tested. They are so sweet.”
To ask about any of these dogs or helping any dogs or cats that’ll come along in the future, call or text the 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
A MARKETING IDEA
FOR A GOOD DEED
You know how the fertility of dogs and cats is legendary in Dallas, right? I was scrolling the ol’ internet Thursday and ran across this “poster” from the Humane Society of Dallas County. Here’s the Facebook LINK
And here is the traditional LINK.
What caught my eye was the phrase “SPAY IT FORWARD.” I worked in marketing for a while but I’d have never thought to use the phrase “Spay It Forward”
[LARRY EXPLANATION: Of course, I wasn’t working in animal welfare and birth control so it wouldn’t have made sense for me to suggest that an international diplomat “spay it forward.” It does make sense, however, to support spay/neuter programs to keep kittens and puppies being born just too be killed in shelters, or in rural areas where they may be regarded as “morsels for predators.”]
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE VALUE OF THE ADVOCATES….
One of my longtime pals in the pursuit of kindness and safety for animals, Beverly Fyfe, put it perfectly: “Too many animal advocates are leaving us.”
The advocates who’ve left recently? Mary Mitchell Trimble, widow of the great animal advocate Skip Trimble, and the enthusiastically determined Elaine Munch, wife of Mel, a great supporter/partner of Elaine’s work.
These are people of accomplishment.
We’re linking to Mary’s obituary HERE.
And this LINK takes you to a tribute to Elaine at the site of the Texas Humane Legislation Network.
These are people who, in concert with many other animal advocates, have made a difference in shelters and in respect for animals. They changed human behavior toward animals — animals once regarded as needless annoyances.
They’ve gone on and they can’t be replaced, but what they accomplished can be inspirational.
For example, here’s a quote from Elaine in the THLN tribute. 
“I'm part of something much bigger than myself or one group alone. We haven't changed the world (yet), we are truly moving forward, and what's more important - we are trying.”
Now is the time to follow their lead.
Why?  It's important to the cause.
As Beverly lamented after losing Mary and Elaine, “Too many animal advocates are leaving us!”
—- Offer suggestions for improving animal lives by clicking on ‘comment’ below or emailing [email protected] and put “SAVE ‘EM ALL’ in the subject line. Thank you! —-

SOMETIMES THE CHALLENGE IS FOCUSING; SOMETIMES IT ISN'T; SAVE CRITTERS BY TYPING

EDITION OF LATE WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY FEB. 7-8, 2024 [PetPowellPress] Anybody else having trouble organizing your life, your housework, you daily responsibilities? My urge is to blame something — weather, international attitudes or lack of sleep. That is my young Junior Office Cat Stevie Ray Treeboy lounging Wednesday afternoon on his official “Scratching Chair” as I try to type complete sentence after complete sentence without committing a comma blunder, a misspelling or a typographical cuh tass tro pheeee. Let’s move on before I sin agin.
TAKING A LOOK AT SOME
ADOPTABLE ADORABLES
In our previous edition we posted the story of Wiggles (#55161730) at the Mesquite Animal Shelter and we promised to spotlight some of the Mesquite animals that were mentioned in the same appeal.
Same system is still in place. Pick the animal, get the shelter ID number and call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
We got the story on Wiggles — cute dog — from volunteer Mesquite Shelter dog-writer Debra Chisholm who wrote, “She is appropriately named because her tail rarely stops wagging and she is so happy and excited that she wiggles all over!"
And here are the dogs we promised we’d mention in this edition.
Check out that face and the markings! Debra writes, “This happy-go-lucky girl is Daphne [#55183073], picked up by one of our officers as a stray on 1/29 …She is listed as an American Bulldog.” Daphne, at about 2, weighs 60 pounds and, as Debra writes, “You will note that in all of her pictures she appears to have a big grin on her face! She has so much enthusiasm and just seems happy to be alive!
“Unfortunately, this sweet girl does not have an owner looking for her at the shelter… [She] is OK with joining with another family or person who will stay committed to her. She walks well on a leash, but does have a bit of a strong pull. That may be because as soon as she entered the yard, she did her business! She had fun doing zoomies all around the yard even though it is wet due to so much rain. She didn’t seem to mind getting mud on her feet because she was having such a great time stretching her legs! She will sit for treats, and she takes them nicely. This is a girl with an extra dose of energy and she would love to be in a home in which she would get daily playtime, exercise, and enrichment. … Daphne is friendly and happily allowed me to pet her, especially if I had a treat in the other hand!”
DEBRA REFERRED TO PHOENIX as an “attractive youngster” and explained that he came in as a stray on the 29th. He’s about a year old, weighs 50 pounds and “has a mellow demeanor, is calm, well-behaved and doesn’t jump on you. He is a gentle soul! He did his business as soon as he got out into the shelter yard. He also climbed up on our play equipment in search of some yummy treats he saw me put there (very observant fella)! He walks quite nicely on a leash. Phoenix does not seem to know any commands, nor is he interested in toys or balls. His main focus was on the receiving of treats! He is amiable and had no issues with me giving him pets and loving!” Phoenix is #55183076 when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
As Debra writes, “This big handsome boy is Xavier, a German Shepherd picked up by one of our officers as a stray on 1/28 … He weighs 66 pounds and is approx two years old. This lively, active and high-spirited boy was thrilled to pieces to play Sherlock Holmes in the yard sniffing out all the various smells, and wondering what dogs left all those interesting scents. He is curious and stood on the bench, looking through the window at the dogs across the hallway in their various kennels.
“Xavier walks well on a leash. He loved the yummy treats I offered him. He does not appear to know any commands but seems like a smart boy, and could doubtless respond to obedience training! Xavier would be delighted to have his stay at the shelter be a brief one.”
Xavier is #55175224. Use that ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Sienna is a year-old, 35-pound terrier mix who came in as a stray on January 31, Debra reports. She’s #55195096.
Debra writes, “She is uneasy in the shelter environment, nervous, and a little timid. She has a low to moderate activity level. She was not interested in toys or balls. She does not seem to know any commands. This very likable girl takes treats and does so gently. She is friendly and wants to be close to a human companion. Whenever I sat down during the photo session, she would come over and put her paws on my knees and want to be close. She was more than happy to be petted and loved on.
“I noticed that when I went to pet her, she would sometimes flinch.  She will discover as time goes on that the staff and volunteers at the shelter want the best for her and want her to be as comfortable as possible until she walks out the front door on the way to her very own special forever home.”
Sienna is #55195096 — use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
You can see these animals and many more by going to the Mesquite Animal Shelter’s website HERE.
You’ll see dogs and cats. Yes, cats. Among them? This girl Marley (#55221137) is 7 months old — she came into the shelter on Feb. 5 and she’s available. She’s a medium-sized Domestic Shorthair Mix waiting in the Cat Room at the shelter. And there are several other female black kittens waiting — may be kin, may not be kin.
Remember this note from Debra: “We are desperately overfull at our shelter, and need some rescues and adoptions into loving homes, so please help if you are able.”
CONTEMPLATIONS
A CITY, ROMANCE AND A ROMAN TALE
OK, let’s be honest. Check one — only one — of these:
I despise Dallas because of the traffic.
I dislike from my heart the euthanasia.philosophy in the animal shelter, thus I despise the way so many Dallas residents disrespect their animals to death.
I despise Dallas because it is constantly changing, wiping out familiar areas for the sake of progress.
You don’t have to despise Dallas to respond to this two-bit survey. I’m also not sure the freeway merger routes of I-30 east and west and I-35 north and south were not planned by a comedian who thought it would be a great place to have a laugh during rush hour,
DALLAS THINGS I MISS? The big green building just being green. … Reunion Arena …. Taxco’s restaurant downtown. I spell that right? The sign’s gone and I can’t check my spelling. But I miss the food. I should miss more food, my docs tell me. … A chance that the Dallas Cowboys would have a big stadium in Downtown Dallas. … Grumbles Hamburgers in the West End. And I also miss the vibrant early West End, too, and The Old Spaghetti Warehouse. Am I food-centric or what? . … The El Fenix on Colorado just over the river bridge from downtown. That doesn’t have to do with food. It has to do with passion. My funspouse Martha and I “dated” there (as did her parents decades earlier. We were’t the only romantics in town who spent time there. What happened? It’s been bulldozed in favor of a multi-storied building without the soul or aromas of that El Fenix! Same fate that got Polar Bear Ice Cream on the other side of the block. Took my kids there when they were toddlers. … Every now and then I miss living in Dallas. But I get over it. I sit down and I work on my novel exposing the truth about … WAIT! I can’t go into that without my lawyer’s OK. …
TRUE ROMANCE? Have you been paying attention to the flap about Taylor Swift’s romance with Kansas City Chief Travis Kelce? These star/athlete romances are nothing new in America. Even Shakespeare had the title for this situation: Much Ado About Nothing. This isn’t anything new in the word.
FOR EXAMPLE: I REMEMBER READING IN MY LATIN STUDIES that the Roman gladiator Sharpus Spearus was having a fling with Distractda Bladeus when she winked at him and an enemy’s sword nipped Sharpus’ nose and changed his legendary profile. You probably read about that in your history books. Distractda is credited with looking at the tip of Sharpus’ nose on the arena sand between his sandals and announcing,
“Amor nasum in faucibus reliquit. Vale nasal tuum. Sic friat crustulum.”
I”ll translate what Distractda said: “Love left with the tip of your nose. Farewell to your nose. That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
I might have made up the Roman romance part of this item. The translation is, however, accurate according to my on-line source at Latin Translation.
FYI: There is no truth to the tale in Rome that my twin boys were originally named Romulus and Remus because my grandmother Annie Mae Thatcher’s family could be traced back to Roman Emperor Caligula. We named ‘em after literary giants: Freddy and Flossie, the Bobbsey Twins. OK, I made that up. The boys are Bret and Bart, coincidentally the names of the Maverick brothers on TV, and my little boys are very forgiving of my attempts at humor. And so are their lawyers.
—- Offer wisdom or coping lessons by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and make the subject line read “SOMEBODY NEEDS A HEALTHIER FOCUS.” —-

SAVING ANIMALS, PROTECTING A PARK, AND A NOTE ABOUT SPARKLY GREEN SHOES

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY Feb. 6-7, 2024 [PetPowellPress] This edition of readlarrypowell.com has one thing on its mind. Wait. I forget what was on my mind. Instead, let’s help some animals and a Fair Park project. Plus we’ll Contemplationize good sole advice — Amen! Which threw you? The non-word contemplationize or “sole advice”? Read on.
THE SMALL SHELTERS
AND THE BIG PROBLEM
We got this email Tuesday morning from Laura Macias and the 4-Legged Helpers folks who focus on helping overcrowded, under-visited, under-funded, under-staffed and under-sized city shelters.
Yep, small-town shelters.
The introductory paragraph read, “WAITING ON ONE DOG TO COME IN AND SAY GOODBYE- EMERGENCY - HELP - TX. FERRIS/HUTCHINS SHELTER IS ONE DOG AWAY FROM HAVING TO EUTH - PLEASE - PLEASE HELP - SOME OF THE CUTEST PUPS & SWEETEST DOGS EVER - HELP SAVE A LIFE.”
The note also read, “One of the ACOs said they are one dog away from having to euthanize…”
And the note explained, “When they have a bite case holding for a citizen, or an abuse case they are pursuing (like now), this takes up kennels as well.”
Yes, what that means is an innocent stray or a dog dumped by a so what/don’t care human is doomed as quickly as if he’d bitten a plug out of the mayor’s keister during his speech at a political banquet.
Two things: To help any of the animals on the small-shelter watchlist, call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]. And if you’re a 501c3 with room for a shelter animal, let these pro-animal people know and they’ll arrange transportation to you.
The dog photo we opened with is young fellow Josh — “This is a baby,” his bio reads. “Josh is a darling Lab or Lab Mix who was found out and about on his own in Ferris. He is just as adorable was can be. Sweet and so cute.”

These two are Lucy and Charlie, a couple of young Pyrenees pups who are in the small Wilmer Animal Shelter. Their bio reads, “These young dogs are so adorable. Super sweet.  Found out and about together. Possibly siblings  Note they were out during the rain and are somewhat muddy.”
MILO AND FARRAH you’ve met here before. Brother and sister —found roaming in Hutchins and “literally starving to death,” their bio reads. “They look so much better than they did but they still need some fattening up. They were cat-tested and did great (they both thought kitties are rather scary, LOL).”
These several from the latest appeal we’ll try to keep brief but impactful — the faces might just do it if your heart is the least-bit tender and you’ve got a spot in your home or your rescue group.
That first baby is Claire, a Lab or mix who is in the Ferris shelter and described as “one of the sweetest young dogs you could meet. She adores all people and other dogs….Loves rolling upside down and having her tummy petted ...”
Claire was found “out and about” with two dogs, including this guy Boone. He’s described as a “Black Mouth Cur or Lab mix” and, at 15-to-18 months old is aid to be “so all and so incredibly sweet." …The shelter staff believes he is house-trained. Why? Because he keeps a clean kennel. How is he with cat? The report is the staffers “were doing everything they could to get him to look at the kitty but he really did not care — which is a great sign that he has been around cats.”
And we’ve mentioned this guy Joey, possibly a Boxer or Hound mix who beat the odds when he was rescued from the Glenn Heights shelter after he’d gotten a euthanasia date. He’s a big ol’ happy-faced “very, very sweet boy” in need of a human to help him beat the odds a second time in his life.

One more from a small shelter? That’s Mason — the fellow who was “lost by a trucker on I-45 at the Love’s Travel Stop” several months ago. Efforts have been repeatedly made to find the driver who’s missing this happy, calm, handsome guy. Staffers opinions? Our shelter tipster reports, “The staff adores this dog. … They use him for testing every other dog since he loves every other dog. … They tell us that out of all the dogs they have had in the shelter, this is the dog that stands out as beyond special — the one dog they would all want to have as their own if they could. That is saying so very much.”
Remember, call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected]
WAITING FOR A HUMAN
WITH A SIMILAR PERSONALITY
 OK, I’m just kidding about a human living up to the name of this dog — Wiggles. But she does need a home and you or someone you know may fit right into the Realm of Wiggles.
Our Mesquite Animal Shelter tipster, the volunteer dog-writer Debra Chisholm, provided the bio on this 41-pound, around 2-years-old American Pit Bull Mix.
Debra wrote that Wiggles came in as a stray on Jan. 25. “She is appropriately named because her tail rarely stops wagging and she is so happy and excited that she wiggles all over! She is enthusiastic and has a moderate activity level. Wiggles has the sweetest personality ever! She is friendly, affectionate and wants to stay close to a human friend. She knows the sit command and is happy to do so for treats which she takes very nicely.”
There is this one relatively minor medical situation: “She arrived with a skin infection, and when taken to the vet it was discovered she has a staph infection. She is currently on medication which should take care of the problem within 14 to 30 days. It is not and has not been oozing. Wiggles is dreaming of the day when she is healthy and will walk out the front door with a rescue foster or adopter who will give her the loving attention and affection she deserves!”
Wiggles’ ID is #551617390. Use it when you call the shelter at
972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Our next edition will tell you about several more Mesquite animals including Daphne (#55183073), a dog with a big smile; Phoenix (#55183076), a mellow mixed-breed stray; Xavier (#55175224), a German Shepherd stray; and a “darling: formerly stray terrier mix named Sienna (#55195096) who is “uneasy in the shelter environment” but loved to be close to her human biographer.
And Debra’s note also included this caution: “We are desperately overfull at our shelter, and need some rescues and adoptions into loving homes, so please help if you are able.”
Remember, when you go to the Mesquite shelter’s website HERE , you can click on dog and cat displays and you’ll be able to use those ID numbers and the names (most of the time) to track down the animals we’ve mentioned. Then, once you know which animal you want to meet, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email them at [email protected] and help ‘em out by providing the ID#.
Among the many cats in the Mesquite shelter are some listed as “feral” though, of course, they might just love you and nobody else. Some cats can go “un-feral” with a lot of patience and a lot of love and good, steady food. We don’t know for sure about this one, labeled as  2900 Elder St. (#55224740) in the Mesquite Shelter’s Feral Room. She came in on Feb. 5 so, though she looks to be quite a lounger in that kennel, she may need time to accept humans. [LARRY NOTE: I know I needed time to accept them, Larry confessed and referenced his love for all Domestic Shorthair Mixes such as this fem feline in Mesquite].
MAKING SOME CONNECTIONS
TO HELP BELOVED FAIR PARK
Earlier in the week we mentioned my pal Myra Moore’s efforts to bring a spotlight to the need for protecting and repairing and treasuring Fair Park, the city-owned property with nearly two centuries of civic and and Texas history to protect, treasure and enhance.
The Dallas Morning News, for whom I edited and wrote for decades, chose to feature Myra’s efforts on the cover of its Sunday Opinions Section last weekend. You can see that story and the photos and get a real feeling for the personal involvement in this project by clicking on this link. [LARRY NOTE: Thank you, Myra, and DMN, for the use of the link for my non-subscribing Dear Readers.]
The headline is “Watching Fair Park Crumble” but Myra’s writing will give you hope that things are about to change for the better.
The photo we’re using here is one of Myra’s — as you’ll read in that DMN piece, she’s using the camera to speak personally about the things already lost in the park that was, in 1936, the focal point of Texas’ celebration of it’s 100th anniversary as a nation having won independence from Mexico. (Blow up that photo with a click and you can see the cracks in the building's surfacce.]
That Texas Centennial is why Fair Park has the huge collection of art deco buildings and a history of happiness for so many kids and grownups and collegians and fans of rock ’n’ roll, etc. Fair Park is a city’s living history of so many things. Myra’s blog at https://www.restorefairparkdallas.com/
can tell you about the proud history of Fair Park and give you an opportunity to get involved in making suggestions for protecting the park and its legacy. You also can comment there -- perhaps you've got great suggestions for helping preserve a peaceful bit of taxpayer-owned landscape and structures that are treasured by people who appreciate the past and the legendary effort Dallas made to win the spotlight of the Texas Centennial.
Back to the photo: Myra says it is “shadow play” —the shadow of a nearby statue on the side of one of the buildings along the Esplanade. See more about this Fair Park restoration project on Instagram HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE? If you want so see Fair Park in person, it's accessible! Just drive over or ride a DART bus or a DART train to the place or hire a ride or take a bicycle and enjoy a first-hand look. You’ll have lots to see. Make notes. Send 'em to Myra on that Restore Fair Park site. Lots to save, lots to protect from neglect and “don’t care” attitudes. It is, after all, a city park. Fair Park belongs to the citizens. Year round. Heck, it's where the Dallas Cowboys first placed, where the Dallas Texans (now the Super Bowl bound Kansas City Chiefs) first played, where Elvis, the Rolling Stones and other rockers performed and where actress Sandy Duncan appeared as a flying legend in the title role of Peter Pan. Lots of other memories launched by a visit to Fair Park -- be kind of nice to be comforted by the idea that you can always visit a happy element of Dallas history.
A HUNDRED YEARS
A MILLION APPRECIATIONS
A SPECIAL NOTE TO CLOSE WITH: I met Violet Muse in the late 1980s and my life hasn’t been the same since — and that’s a good thing. Just before noon on Tuesday, my funspouse Martha walked down the hall from her office and said, “Hey, did you realize my mother would have been 100 today?” Immediately I teared up. I miss the just-under- 5-feet-tall powerhouse Pentecostal preacher lady, the Reverend Sister Muse and her sense of humor and a love of the Texas Rangers. We watched a lot of baseball together.
A hundred years old didn’t happen on earth. She made it to 77 here. But she’s still with us: You can hear it in the laughter inspired and enjoyed at family gatherings.
She was a great friend, not just the mother of the wise-cracking girl I married. It was on our wedding day, Dec. 15, 1991, that my mom-in-law gave me great advice, one of many important things I learned from her.
It was sage advice that touched the sole. That sounds biblical, but we're not talking “soul.”
The wedding ceremony was on the second floor of the Gingerbread House, just off the town square in Cedar Hill. Getting up the long, long stairway to the second floor was a challenge for all but the fitness nuts — and we didn’t know a lot of those!
During the reception, the bride and I mingled among the stand-and-talkers and and enjoyed the scene. Then we heard an explosion of laughter coming from a row of chairs that had been re-aligned into a discussion circle.
And in the middle of that laughter was my little mom-in-law with the big grin and the big laugh and two bare feet. I leaned down to ask, “Havin’ a good time?” It was, after all, a liquor-free event. And she laughed her trademark big loving laugh, pointed at her bare feet and, just out of view under her chair, a pair of empty emerald glitter-coated “dress up” shoes she’d bought for her daughter’s wedding.
With a twinkle and a grin, she whispered, “Here’s the secret: Never wear uncomfortable new shoes to a wedding.” I’m pretty sure that’s the only time she ever wore them.
I can’t imagine her at 100 but I think the world would have benefitted from having her around all these days since Jan. 13, 2002. We benefit every day from having the photos of her and her beloved Johnny Muse in the living room.
Just FYI: I’ve never seen either of Violet Muse’s daughters — neither Martha or big sister Donna — in a pair of uncomfortable shoes. And I’m pretty sure Donna’s husband James, like me, also took her advice. I’ve also never worn shoes coated with emerald glitter. But I’m still looking for a pair. She’d have laughed at that — and next Christmas she'd have made sure James and I had matching sets of sparkling emerald glitter-coated dress shoes. That would have been a merry moment for her!
—- Offer notions and emotions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. Thanks for reading. Larry —-