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CELEBRATING ANIMALS & PEOPLE; TRYING TO FIND HOMES; MAKING AN IMPORTANT INNOCULATION REMINDER

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY JULY 17-18, 2024 [PetPowellPress] Here we are on the brink of midweek. My Senior Office Cat William was not in the office, so I went hunting.
I found him sacked out on the “cat blanket” in the old rocker in our MSB (Multi-Species Bedroom).
I said to him, “William, did you know the Rubik’s Cube is 50 years old?” And he replied, “What? What? You're some kind of puzzle, Typo.” And he shook his head in disgust and went back to sleep. Wise cat.
COMING UP? SPCA’S
PAWS CAUSE 2024
We got a note Tuesday morning about the SPCA of Texas Young Professionals planning their Paws Cause 2024 for July 25 — it’s designed to help animals. And, this is the cool thing: “Puppies will be on hand for guests to hold and cuddle during the evening.” [LARRY CONFESSION:  If I were a young professional rather than an aging amateur, you’d find me sitting in a chair enjoying a dessert and hugging and serial-cuddling dogs and cats. Sounds like a perfect evening to me.]
You can get more info about this event and what the event will do by going to spca.org. The news release says the “casual fun-filled evening{ at Mata Hair House, 1444 Oak Lawn Ave. #112 in Dallas’s Design District, will be “raising funds to support the origination’s work caring for vulnerable animals in North Texas.” (Tickets are $100.)
Also, in the news release, SPCA of Texas Young Professionals Chair Carlie Moe says the Paws For Excellence” awards at the event will “honor animal welfare heroes—individuals, partners and organizations—that have made a significant difference in the lives of animals in North Texas. Nominations were open to the public and we received numerous entries for champions that have worked extremely hard to improve life for vulnerable animals in North Texas.”
[LARRY ASIDE: You’ve probably noticed the photos of Cherry and Zeus in this report. I don’t know if Cherry will be
among the cuddling pups at this event. She’s a nearly 3-year-old, 52-pound mixed breed dog with a big ol’ happy face, currently in the SPCA’s Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center at the SPCA. And in case you’re looking for an interesting cat, this guy Zeus seems to be interesting (as well as a happy-to-visit-you cat). He won’t be at the Paws Cause 2024 unless he disguises himself as a puppy. But, he’s among the many available SPCA felines. He’s about a year-and-a-half old, weighs 7 pounds and is a Domestic Shorthair Mix. (“Cream” is his coat/the SPCA wrote.) _ — LARRY NOTE: He moved me to writing poetry, so I rhymed coat and wrote. Maybe a real poet will adopt him and write volumes of best-selling poetry celebrating a declaration of inspiration. I”ll stop now; don’t hav-uh cow.]
ATOM GIZMO? ADOPTED?
STILL WAITING IN GARLAND
We got a note from our pal Kimberly Jones on Tuesday about this guy Atom Gizmo (#A271890) still waiting for a home — he’s in the Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center.
He’s a 5-year-old neutered, brown, brindle and white Pit Bull/Plott Hound mix and he’s been waiting in the Garland Shelter for more than two months.
The note with his photo read, “The most wonderful dog … is a 6-year-old teddy bear who is a true love bug. Easy going yet has a zest for life. The thing that makes him the happiest is time with a human. His one wish is a home of his own. His bags are packed. Please help share Atom Gizmo everywhere. He deserves a home and to be a treasured family member. Help us get Atom Gizmo adopted today.” Follow THIS LINK to the Atom Gizmo listing.
Call the shelter at 972-205-3570 or visit Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center at 1902 State Highway 66 in Garland,
MEANWHILE, SMILEY BOY
WAITS IN MESQUITE
There are others waiting, too, as you’ll see in a moment. The good thing is the Mesquite Animal Shelter is a place that hustles to get animals into good homes. There’s a whole team of volunteer dog biographers and one of them is Judi Brown who tells us about Smiley.
That dog with the toothy grin? Yep, Smiley.
Judi writes, "Smiley was named by one of our volunteers that was really taken with this boy and his silly grin. Happy is a word that describes him best! The Shelter has him listed as a Lab mix, but my Dog Scanner said he’s a Portuguese Podengo.
“He’s a 1-year-old, 54-pound, wiggly, fun-loving boy who came to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/10 as a stray.
“The first thing he did coming out of the kennel was give me kisses on my hand. He was patient while putting on a scarf. He stayed close for extra attention. He did sit with some coaxing and kept backing up, but not sure he really knows the sit command. There’s no doubt though that he wants to please. He’s alert and curious and explored the yard and the room in which his pics were taken. …
"Smiley wanted to make friends with all the dogs he passed by in the kennels. He is a mixture of a fun-loving, happy, amusing, zany, friendly, sweet boy. Besides that he’s calm and gentle. He would do well with children. It’s too hot for him to be outside in the Texas heat. He wants to be a mostly inside dog sharing family time.”
You know the system: Cite Smiley’s ID #56336719 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. Same system for these next two dogs.
Judi’s dog-writer colleague Debra Chisholm provided this bio of Bianca (#56327881), listed as a
“Red Heeler Aussie Cattle Dog.” She’s about 8 months old, weighs 24 pounds and came into the shelter as a stray on July 9. Debra writes, “She is a small to medium size dog for someone wanting that size dog, but would not do well in an apartment. Her breed is a working dog. She needs an adopter who understands the breed and would care properly for her.
“A staff member reported that at first she would not walk on a leash and defecated on herself because of her fear. However, after a bit of decompression time and the staff working with her, Bianca has been opening up and now walks fairly well on a leash. She is still nervous with the loud noises of the ongoing construction inside and outside the shelter, but finds comfort in being with people. I noted she is a calm and gentle girl, cautiously friendly at first, but once she’s spent time with a human friend who shows her kindness, she quickly warms up. You can’t help but grow fond of her sweet face, mild-mannered behavior and shy demeanor. She has a chill personality and low energy level. She has a ways to go before she feels completely comfortable with people, but all it seems to take is for someone to interact with her and show her kindness and gentleness.”
Debra also provided the bio of this “delightfully charming fellow” named Manchas. His shelter ID is #44969372. He is listed as a Catahoula Leopard mix. Why is the in the shelter? Surrendered on /April 8 — that’s right, in the shelter for more than 3 months. He’s about 4 years old, neutered and weighs 60 pounds.
Debra writes, “The back story is that Manchas was adopted, rehomed and then found as a stray and brought to the shelter. His original owner states that he is not able to take care of Manchas because he works out of town. This remarkable boy has lots of personality. He knows the sit and paw commands. He is exuberant and excitable. Sweet boy is playful and loves squeaky toys! He will entertain himself and you when playing with his toys. He sits for treats and takes them politely. This friendly boy is perfectly happy with being petted and loved on. He has the best smile and would truly be a wonderful pet for someone who would stay committed to him, allow him to live inside and give him plenty of daily
exercise, playtime, and maybe even teach him a  few new commands.” Cite his ID #44969372 when you call the shelter at call 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected].
See more Mesquite animals — dogs and cats, by clicking on this LINK.
Among the kittens?
This is Cheetah (#55935184), a 2 1/2-month-old Domestic Shorthair with a basic gray color.
Cheetah arrived on May 16.
She’s a smallish girl and listed as “Rescue Only” as she waits in the shelter’s Cat Room.
CONTEMPLATIONS
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FOWARD
Last week we posted a bit of an upbeat story about this Mesquite dog named Spot. You see the “spot” between his ears. His bio, by Judi Brown, told us that he’d come into the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on July 1. At the shelter, this happy, friendly dog — only 5 months old — found his own toys in the shelter and entertained himself. He’d sit for treats, stayed close to the humans and was well-mannered and loving.
In the evening mail on Monday we got this note from Judi's colleague Debra Chisholm: “Just wanted to let you know the sad news that Spot tested positive for parvo and that vivacious sweet friendly youngster had to be put down.”


So, Dear Readers, to my eyes it looks as if someone had adopted this dog months ago but neglected to get those key shots that dogs always need to get early in their little puppy lives so they can live beyond 5 months. Someone out there is the reason Spot did not have enough lifetime to find that happy home that all dogs and cats deserve. Parvo — what an awful thing.
If you know people who don’t get “the shots” for those “new puppies,” lecture them. Get the dog vaccinated. Save its life. These “shots” matter.
[LARRY ASIDE: Yes, in person I can deliver a much sterner lecture to a knucklehead who doesn't respect a puppy. I suspect I am not the only "Animal Nut" who can lecture sternly. Bless that babydog Spot.]
—- Offer advice by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] if you have a solution to making people smarter. —-

AN OKLAHOMA CHIHUAHUA; SOME DALLAS AREA DOGS; AND AN OLD SCHOOL PHOTO

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY JULY 15-16, 2024 [PetPowellPress] Let’s focus on dogs and cats and, perhaps, I may re-enter the effort to win Lotto Texas.  I feel as if I’d saved about 20 bucks, but then I had to buy dog and cat treats. It all works out in the World of Feline/Canine Economics.
Not that I spend a lot of money on dogs, cats, kids and grandkids and, of course, my frugalspouse Martha, but that is my Personal Dog Porche Noel in the new flower-accented collar I bought her a few weeks ago. She’s a doll ain’t she! If you don’t have a Porche Noel, stop by you town’s animal shelter and adopt one. You’ll be a better human for doing it. Aw, heck, everybody reading this probably already has a houseful of dogs and cats! So, pass it on that everybody needs a Porche Noel.
That cat? Why, that’s Junior Office Cat Stevie Ray Treeboy stretching out to catch a few winks on the auxiliary desk where we keep another of our get-busy-writing computers fired up and ready to help with The Next Lesser American Novel. Stevie Ray says he has a page ready to go. “Needs a plot,” he told me.
IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA
A CHIHUAHUA CHALLENGE
Our longtime Oklahoma tipster, the determined animal fan Terry Lynn Fisher, has run into a challenging canine episode in Burns Flat, out in the far western edge of the state.
This time the challenge is a Chihuahua and a need for safe and healthy quarantine.
That’s the alleged biter, according to our pal Terry Lynn. It’s a challenging story of a dog in trouble.
On Sunday, Terry Lynn writes, “I was contacted by a woman who was honestly hysterical.” The night before her kids had “let her little Chihuahua out and when it ran out, the lady next door (in the duplex) was out yelling at one of the kids. The dog ran over and snapped at the neighbor lady.”
Yep, crisis right away. Terry Lynn writes that the “neighbor lady” made a call to the local police and showed them the bite. There is some dispute over whether the bite is fresh or an old one from some other dog.
Whatever the case, the little dog was taken in by the police and is now in quarantine in an un-air-conditioned city shelter. Terry Lynn is working to get the dog out of the shelter and into quarantine with a vet where it won’t have to endure the 100-degree days in a city shelter with outdoor kennels.
Terry Lynn says she talked the Burns Flat ACO and “I did talk the ACO into letting us put it at the vet for those 10 days.” The challenge now is finding a vet who can help at a less than overwhelming fee.
The owner of the dog, according to Terry Lynn, “works two jobs supporting her five children. Yes, five children. She’s a CNA at a nursing home and then works part time at a convenience store to supplement that income. She said she could make small monthly payments to help pay somebody back, she just doesn’t have the money up front.. …If, for some reason, she can’t pay the fee to the Pound or the vet after those 10 days, the dog will face being put down.”
Terry Lynn is.spending her time calling area vets to find the most affordable facility. She adds, “I thought I would reach out and see if this was something that somebody might be interested in helping with. I totally understand if not, because it’s not an injury, it’s not a thrown-away dog, it’s a dog that bit somebody and really needs help being kept safe those days quarantine.“
Terry Lynn says, “We’re looking at between four and $500 that we have to raise. We have to get it out of there tomorrow, or they will not release it for the 10 days and they can charge whatever the heck they want. If anyone’s interested in donating to help, please let me know. This is urgent for this little guy.” Email Terry Lynn at [email protected].
MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE
SOME ADORABLE ADOPTABLES
The folks at Mesquite’s Animal Shelter have quite a pretty inventory of dogs and cats these days. And we’re citing some of them, thanks mainly, to the biographies proved by volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown, our longtime contact.
Of this first dog, Judi writes, “Zane is a social butterfly. He loves everyone! He’s a 2-year-old, 46 pound blue/white American Staffordshire that arrived at the Mesquite shelter as a stray on 7/9. A happier guy you’ll never meet.

“He’s full of zest and has an abundance of kisses to offer you.


“When I took him out of his kennel, I didn’t think he’d ever stop wiggling and his tail doesn’t stop wagging! He seeks affection and stays close so he won’t miss out on your attention. He sits for treats. He’s so motivated by treats it was very difficult to take pictures of him standing. 
“Every time I tried to take a photo of him he would sit in anticipation. That means he should be very easy to train. He could use some manners training on learning to take a treat gently. He did his business when he got out into the yard. He wiggled and waggled meeting other dogs. He had a semi- strong pull on the leash. He’s curious, alert, happy, friendly, well mannered, and affectionate. He definitely wants to please. He’s what we call the whole package. Since he doesn’t jump on you, he should do well with children. He wants to be an inside dog where he can chill with his new family.”
Zane’s shelter ID is #56329029 — cite it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for this fellow:
Legend’s ID is #56309979 — use that when you ask the shelter about him. Judi’s bio of Legend may inspire you to ask about him. She writes, “This big boy has a BIG HEART and a gentle spirit! Look at those beautiful eyes and you can tell that he is a sweet boy!
“Legend is a 3- to 4-year-old, 76-pound Great Dane/Black Mouth Cur mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/6 as a stray. He’s got so much love to offer.
“He literally stands with his body next to yours for closeness. He was very patient while I was brushing him and when I got done he bumped the brush telling me to continue. After he got done doing his business in the yard, he came galloping up to me. It seems that he’s got a good balance of energetic playfulness and calmness. He sits for treats and takes them gently.
“When I sat down he came to me and put his head on my lap. He walks OK on a leash. Dogs were barking at him when he went by and he didn’t want any part of it! He does have some calluses on his elbows indicating he has spent some time outside on the concrete.
“Texas summers are too hot for him to be outside. Besides as loving and affectionate as he is, he wants to be inside with his family so he can share his love. As gentle as he is, he would most likely do very well with children! BONUS: He’s already neutered!”
You can see these pups and many more dogs and also many kittens and cats by clicking on the Mesquite Animal Services link HERE.
You’ll see a lot of dogs and cats at this Mesquite Shelter link —among them is this handsome fellow named George. He’s described as a small orange cat — #55914101 — a Domestic Shorthair Mix.
He’s just over 3 months old and came into the shelter on May 13.
He’s currently “Rescue Only” and you can meet him in the shelter’s Conference Room.
[LARRY ASIDE: Never had a cat named George? He might be a good one to start with.]

CONTEMPLATIONS
Idle thoughts on a less-than idle day
Ever think longingly about your elementary school? Mine was leveled decades ago. Never been able to find a photo of the majestic ol’ building, Highland Park Elementary School in Texarkana, Texas. Even wrote about it for my ol’ column in the Metro section of The Formerly Big Paper Downtown. I only got responses that said something like, “Our alumni group hasn’t been able to find a photo, either!”
…That’s an odd thought for summertime, isn’t it? I oughta be revving up my emotions in support of any Texas Rangers in the Major League All-Star Game in Arlington Tuesday night. …
… If you have moved out of Dallas, do you miss it? If so, what part of it? Did anyone answer “The easy-going freeway traffic” on this pop quiz?
—- Offer ideas for anything by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put GO RANGERS IN 2ND HALF in the subject line. —-

DURING A HUMAN WEEKEND, ANIMALS ARE STILL WAITING FOR A LOVING PERSON

EDITION OF MONDAY, JULY 15, 2024 [PetPowellPress] This is being typed on Sunday afternoon as Wimbledon draws to a close. The Texas Rangers have already beaten the Houston Astros. And there's nothing particularly new or significant regarding the Cowboys, Stars or Mavericks.
Still, here's a quick summary for the past two days: "That was some newsy weekend!"
 Thus, we'd prefer to have not-so-tough-to-endure-newsy weekends for the rest of the year. Somebody make a note of that and get it to the proper authorities. Now, let's look at some ways to make the world a better place for animals and humans.
AND, THEN I SAW THIS PHOTO
OF A DOG IN A SHELTER.
Yeah, based on the note posted on the Facebook page labeled "Raising Awareness For Urgent Shelter Dogs," this dog was in the Dallas Animal Services Shelter when photographed.
On Sunday, I clicked back to the site -- here is the LINK:
 https://www.facebook.com/RaisingTheBarUrgentDFWShelterDogs.
That'll give you a look at animals in need.
And, as you scroll down you'll find this photo of Bo and this report:
 "Tagged for Rescue." Then it reads: DEADLINE TUESDAY, 7/16 at 11AM." 
[LARRY ASIDE: I clicked around on the DAS site and found that the photo had been "archived," which I hope means packed away because someone actually showed up to save the impossibly skinny dog's life. 
The early posting for Bo read this way,]

ADOPT/RESCUE
Bo A1221057
3 years old
Male
52 pounds
Heartworm Negative
https://adopt.adopets.com/.../b2d6e3af-719e-49fb-970d...
Bo was found as a stray in the community. He is very underweight and has hair loss but has been very sweet with staff.
Medical: (Bo) came into medical, tick-infested, malnourished and under conditioned. (Bo) also has a wound on top of head.
Starting (Bo) on refeeding program, also starting (B) on pain meds and topical ointment for wound. {B) was given Bravecto for hair-loss and ticks along with topical tick treatment.

Dallas Animal Services (Texas) To adopt: email [email protected] and go to the shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland. Rescue tag: [email protected]."
[LARRY ASIDE: There are a zillion (only a moderate overexaggeration) more dogs and cats on the clock in the DAS Shelter & Adoption Center on Westmoreland at I-30. People can go there and save lives of animals who've been betrayed by humans at least once. Also, click on this bedallas90.org LINK to see more DAS animals. Just as you might see a poor ol' mistreated starving and bewildered Dallas dog at the shelter, you may also see a couple of cats that would make a house more like a home.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE:
TWO DOGS, THREE STOOGES
Jamie Dotson, of the team of volunteer dog-biographers at Mesquite Animal Services, provided us
with the bios of Jackson and Indigo. 
We also took a look at the Mesquite Animal Services cat population and and found... well, keep reading. Remember that when you want to ask the shelter about one of these animals, you cite the shelter ID number when you call the shelter at 972.216.6283 or email  [email protected].

The dog Jackson (#56229909) is a year-old "spotted American Pitbull" who weighs 43 pounds, Jamie reports. Arrived at the shelter as a stray on June 24. And Jamie writes that Jackson "is absolutely stunning! And to go with those good looks, is his lovebug personality. He enjoys going on walks, sniffing all his surroundings. If you decide to sit, he will give you a smile and put his head in your lap for petting. Jackson walks well on a leash, takes treats gently and maybe house trained. He is calm, gentle, well mannered, he is the whole package. He has so much love to give to just the right family! ... Can you give Jackson not only all the love he deserves, but have a secured backyard to play in, then live indoors where he can spend time cuddling with this family? If so, you must come to the shelter to meet him!"

Remember, cite his ID#56229909 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].


 That brings us to another of Jamie's biographed dogs, the handsome Indigo. 
She says this beautiful dog is a year-old, neutered, Siberian Husky. The 54-pound pup came into the shelter on April 12 as a stray. She writes, "This sweet, gentle boy is very handsome! This sweet boy loves to go out for walks and tho he can be a strong leash walker, he enjoys stopping at times for petting and just enjoying being out of his kennel. He has such a great smile and sparkle in his eyes. You can tell he wants so badly to find his own loving family, where he has a secured tall fence in his yard to run and play in. He would do best with an active family that understands the husky breed, their grooming
needs, to live in a home, not an apartment, and plenty of affection he will share with his loved ones. Once he runs out some energy he does like to take long naps on his own dog bed, and take treats gently. ... Indigo looks forward to leaving the shelter with his forever family so come spend time with him!"

You can see more dogs and plenty of cats by clicking on the Mesquite Animal Services link HERE  and navigating to the available animals by clicking on species and gender, etc.
I clicked on cats and found these three kittens that I suspect may have come from the same litter not too
long ago!

The names "Mo," "Larry" and "Curley" rang a bell in my Baby

Boomin' Brain.
Perhaps you recall those fellows, too.

[LARRY ASIDE: We don't have any cats named after the Three Stooges, but my Senior Office Cat is William Powell, named for quite a distinguished personality.]
CONTEMPLATIONS

CONSIDERING THE DAY, ETC.
One of my favorite on-line sites is the Holiday Insights online calendar. For July 15, I learned of the special days represented on the day. So, July 15 is (1) Be A Dork Day [Been there.]; (2) Gummi Worm Day [I'm a vegetarian -- no Gummi Worm for me; it's got gelatin.] (3) National Give Something Away Day [Yep, done that!] (4) Tapioca Pudding Day [Celebrated as a child -- once.] and, as Holiday Insights says, "Cow Appreciation Day -- Go out and give a cow a hug." [Never actually ever hugged a cow...but I have petted one on the forehead and wished it luck. Vegetarian, you know.] ... 

BASEBALL FANS: We have a "Get well soon" wish for a Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher -- the team announced that Dustin May is out for the rest of the season because he just had surgery for "a torn esophagus." No idea how that happens to a pitcher. Maybe he strained it while trying to shake off a catcher's signal. Seriously, may all pitchers find themselves healthy so the game can be at its best. GO RANGERS .... 

Back to the weekend: Call this an advisory note based on experience. (Feel free to shout "Amen!" if you share your home with a critter.) Tough and puzzling times come along and sometimes, if you're an observer and not a participent (bless your hearts),  the first and best comfort you find is with the cat who jumps into your lap or the dog who crawls onto the couch and flops down next to you to watch a ballgame.

--- Offer advice or solutions by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and put 'GET A GRIP & KEEP IT' in the subject line.---

SLEEPING DOGS LIE, NAPPING CATS NAP, MARTIANS ARE ON THEIR OWN....

GREETINGS FROM EARTH: Perhaps you saw the news stories during the week about the NASA Mars Mission.

Greetings, also, from our Simulated Martian Cat, Hastings Streetboy (found as a blind kitten in the middle of a Duncanville street about 2 1/2
years ago. We asked him to wear his blue contacts and appear to be completely serene to enhance the mood of this report in our weekly Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
That’s a recent photo of Mars from THIS LINK though it does look a lot like those Sandhills at Monahans in West Texas in the 2nd photo. Well, except for the footprints in Monahans. [LARRY NOTE: I’m assuming those are “footprints.” Cue the spooky Martian music. Here’s the MONAHANS SANDHILLS STATE PARK link.  Back to the Mars Mission.]
The headline in the July 8 Tech-Times captured the situation perfectly. “NASA Mars Mission Crew Captures Yearlong Journey That Never Left Earth.” Here's THE LINK.
The four volunteers, NASA says, “entered the 17,000 square foot, 3D-printed habitat on June 25, 2023.” As space-travelers are known to say, everything went “AOK.”
[LARRY MARTIAN ASIDE: As I read the opening paragraph of the Tech-Times story, I had a question. Here’s the opening: “At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, an innovative experiment in human endurance and scientific discovery has wrapped up.” I saw “Houston” and immediately wondered if Mars had lost power during the Beryl “visit.” Probably not. Maybe.]
There were four humans in that fake Martian environment — I’ve lived with humans and I’ve lived with animals. [LARRY ASIDE: But I’ve not lived with Martians that I know of though I have had my suspicions.]
Let me explain what’s happening in that lone dog photograph. That is my funspouse Martha’s Personal Dog Wednesday Wagstaff Arden, call name Wendy. At about 5 a.m. Friday, she jumped off our bed, trotted down the hall and into the living room and jumped onto the couch. I followed her and chose the recliner. Porche followed her and chose the other end of the couch. Stevie Ray Treeboy was already on his special place, the right arm of the couch.
As I tried focusing in a room lit only by the TV, Wendy eased off the couch, starred at the community dog bed on the floor and, suddenly, shoved her nose under it.
And, utilizing her "Sense of Predawn Frolic," she pushed the bed up into the air, then, as I grabbed for my camera, she dropped to the floor, the bed landed on her face and ears and she began to stretch like as dog beneath the bed. She was quite happy adjusting the bed.
For about 8 minutes.. Then she jumped back onto the couch with Porche and Stevie Ray Treeboy.
Suddenly, they all were sleeping. How do I know this? Because the only human in the room was, once again, wide awake before the early morning news was on TV, before the overnight radio shows were off and before his brain had recovered from the dreams of being stuck on Mars and learning that, throughout the universe, Mars is known as “The Planet Without Naps.”
There is no sleeping-late in our house. Well, except for my slumberspouse Martha and the dogs and cats.

I’d use the awake time to write a Lesser American Novel but with only about 5 hours of sleep, you can’t see from one end of the alphabet to the other. [LARRY NOTE: That's Stevie Ray's mugshot -- had it made for his agency when he was up for the lead in a cable series named 'Call Me Handsome.'  It's a detective show in which the lead character is a Beauty Shop cat who works cases based on things he's overhead between the clients.]
They are all cute when they’re sleeping. All the dogs, the cats and, of course, The Slumberspouse.
[DEAR READERS: Please send photos of your somnolent dogs and/or cats or any other snoozing beasties to [email protected] and we’ll proudly feature them in our weekend edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. We’re always proud to show off other folks’ critters! I’m going to ask NASA to include a couple of dogs and cats in the next interplanetary experiment. FYI:
One of NASA’s online sites HERE notes the gravity difference between Earth and Mars. How different? What weighs 100 pounds on Earth weighs just 38 on Mars. (I’m saving up to buy a ticket — will be packing my own scales for the trip — perhaps on Mars you can just call me “Roundboy Slim.”] That's Porche demonstrating how to properly use the big bed in the living room -- she's a veteran sleeper. 
[FOLLOWUP NOTE FOR HOUSTON, THE SITE OF MARS: My experience with Houston is almost as light as my experience with Mars. But I do have experience with animal rescuers and advocates in what’s now known as “Space City” but we traditionalists refer to as “The Bayou City.” Those folks do good work, tough work, to help animals. Let us know about Houston organizations that are in need or have tougher-than-usual missions after that darned hurricane. At mid-week we wrote about our pal Alexandra Kelsey of Houston and her tip on the post-Beryl challenges faced by Melissa Pharr and Boarding4/rescues & Animal Welfare. Scroll down to get the contact info. Bless the animals and the people they inspire.]

 

ECHO (ECHO) GETS SOME ATTENTION; SO DOES BERYL; AND -- REALLY -- A DOG NAMED 'SPOT'!

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY JULY 10-11, 2024 [PetPowellPress] Remember when: Back in April we were all excited over the total solar eclipse. Now, the eclipse has faded (How’s that for phrasing!) and we’ve been revved up with presidential politics. Except for those who are rescuing and advocating animals. No time for politics. Read on — we’ll get to a dog named Echo in a minute.
HOUSTON SITUATIONS
AFTER BERYL’S VISIT
We don’t have a list of every animal in need or every organization helping them, but we did get a tip from Houston.
Our longtime Houston source Alexandra Kelsey tips us to the efforts to help animals. She cites Houston animal advocate Melissa Pharr of Boarding4Rescues & Animal Welfare. The organization is known for dealing with Colorado rescue groups to get Houston-area animals into safe places.
AK writes, “Melissa does a wonderful job for the dogs and cats, but right now she is dealing with hurricane damage from Beryl. The FB link below has photos and details. 
“Melissa has so often stepped up to help with local pleas, and I know right now she would be so grateful for help in getting her rescue back together after the storm. Melissa is copied and reachable at 979.332.1772.”
There are two Facebook links that reveal the situation. The FIRST FACEBOOK LINK HERE  gives you a sense of the initial challenges.
The SECOND FACEBOOK LINK HERE    provides an assessment and reports, "The animals are safe. The main facility sustained no damage, WE NEED BOOTS ON THE GROUND.” That photo is from the second link.
[LARRY NOTE: Bless ‘em all who got to meet Beryl and may Beryl and any relatives never visit again!]

SO, THERE’S THIS DOG ECHO:
HOW’S THAT FOR A SHELTER FOTO!
I guess it’s appropriate that a dog named “Echo” would have one email followed shortly by another email, i.e.,The “Echo E-Mail.”
Our longtime Mesquite dog bio/tipster Debra Chisholm forwarded this photo and this appeal that appears to have been written by Echo. [LARRY ASIDE: I cannot swear that Echo did NOT write it. After all, I did not see him not writing it. How’s that for logic!]
Echo’s note reads, “Waiting, watching and waiting and watching as all the people walk on by wondering when will my day come?  How much longer must I wait?  I’m starting to get stressed and I’m trying to remain positive but when will my day come?  Please come and get me and take me home to a place where I belong. Until that time I’ll keep waiting and watching as the people stroll on by.
“I’ve been here 560 days and it’s getting harder and harder to remain positive. I want a home with a fluffy bed and toys, lots of toys. The shelter has a bag of toys waiting to go with me to my new home. I want to be loved and to love

my own people. I want a yard to run in and play fetch. Am I wanting too much? Don’t I deserve these few simple things?  Why do they keep on walking by? Don’t they see me here? Watching, waiting and wondering when my day will come.
“So please come and get me, here I am. My name is Echo and I’m almost 3 years old. I weigh about 50lbs. I’m neutered, microchipped, current on my vaccinations and dog friendly. Please don’t make me wait any longer. Come and take me home. You can network or tag me at [email protected], typing in the subject line TAG, ID number is 51374171.  [Those are Echo Echo photos.] Questions? Then please call 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected].”
That SECOND ECHO E-MAIL included a report from another volunteer Mesquite dog biographer, Jamie Dotson. It has these details, “Echo was a stray at the shelter in 2022 originally, and he was so excited when he was adopted on 5/23 of this year. Yet two months later he is back at the shelter and his owners did not reclaim him.
“Echo is an active energetic pup that loves to run through the shelter yard chasing balls. Yet he found his favorite place while out in the yard….the toy box! He will jump right in, sort through all the toys to find just the right one. He will entertain himself with the toys and is always a joy to watch. Echo is a very active boy that would love to have an active lifestyle with his own loving family….He is a very playful and fun loving boy, so having a secured backyard would be great! He loves everyone he meets. He knows the sit command, walks well on a leash, yet can pull with excitement at times, and takes treats gently. … He is a happy boy that loves to be petted and loved on too! If you are looking for a running/walking partner Echo is your guy!” Echo is #513741171 at the shelter. Cite that ID# when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] with the subject line TAG 513 741171. 
MEANWHILE, IN GARLAND
THERE’S THIS DOG….
We got the tip on this dog from Kimberly Jones, known for rescuing animals and also for helping the little Frenchie Mooney and his big running buddy Apache survive recent medical situations.
This dog is just trying to survive in a city shelter. He’s 6-year-old Atom Gizmo. [LARRY ASIDE: I have NO idea where the name Atom Gizmo might come from. If you know, email [email protected] and we’ll spread the word atomically — or electrically or gizmally.]
Atom Gizmo’s bio reads, “The most wonderful dog has been waiting over 60 days at the Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center… His name is Atom Gizmo. He is a 6 year old teddy bear who is a true love bug. Easy going yet has a zest for life. The thing that makes him the happiest is time with a human. His one wish is a home of his own. His bags are packed. Please help share Atom Gizmo everywhere. He deserves a home and to be a treasured family member. Help us get Atom Gizmo adopted today.” Email [email protected] to ask about giving Atom Gizmo a good home.

CONTEMPLATIONS
A DOG ACTUALLY NAMED ‘SPOT’
AND OTHER MIDWEEK NOTES
Normally I wouldn’t slip an adorable shelter dog into CONTEMPLATIONS, but what we have here may just be a rarity: This is a dog actually named Spot. [LARRY ASIDE: When I was a pre-schooler and an only child (that didn't last long) I had a dog named “Spot” but haven’t seen a lot of Dogs Named Spot since then — that was in the last century, fyi.] So I went to Google and found THIS SITE that explains the “history of dog names” and it reports, “A popular book series between the 1030s and ‘60s, Dick and Jane included a character named ‘Spot.’ Initially, Spot was a cat, but it was later their dog.” [LARRY ASIDE: “Spot the Cat” sounds “not quite right,” according to my Senior Office Cat William Powell. Now, back to Spot the Dog.]
As you can see, this Mesquite Spot has a spot right atop his cute noggin’ Our tipster, the volunteer Mesquite dog biographer Judi Brown wrote, “Spot is the whole package! Several staff members have told me that he’s their favorite. You’ll understand why when you meet him. Spot is a 5-month-old, 38-pound (still growing) mostly American Bulldog but possibly part Boxer. He arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/1 as a stray. It’s obvious how he got his name if you noticed the spot between his ears. Spot loves everyone! He’s very friendly, very loving, very playful, very well mannered, and obviously smart. He found toys on his own and entertained himself with them. Already at only five months old, he fetches and brings the toy right back to you! He sits for treats and takes them gently. He’s well mannered and obviously wants to please. He stays very close wanting extra attention. When I sat down he immediately came to me and put his head on my lap.” To ask about adopting Spot or meeting him, cite his ID #56277431 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]. See more Mesquite animals by clicking on THIS LINK.
TWO QUESTIONS FOR THE DAY? See if you can answer these questions of our times:
(1) Will the Texas Rangers be able to maintain the “fire” they appear to have re-developed in the last week or so?
(2) How many reporters, professors and “insiders” are currently writing books that explain the 2024 campaign for President of the United States? Bonus question: How many will have the words “Mystery To Me” in the title?
—- Offer answers or questions by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘TAKE A VACATION, GOOFBALL’ in the subject line. —-

SAVING SOME DOGS, CITING A COLORFUL CAT AND IDENTIFYING A WASP

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY JULY 9/10 2024 [PetPowellPress] Looking through the note cards and file folders for something upbeat to
begin this edition, I was helped along by encounter with Mother Nature.
True story: Monday morning I stepped out onto the front porch to get a feel for the weather and look to the east for the sun. I shut the door, turned and took two steps to the edge of the porch…. MORE IN CONTEMPLATIONS. First we have other stories to tell. My Senior Office Cat William Powell just gave me the “Let’s move it along” glare." Thus, moving along....
FOSTERING — A GIFT FOR YOU
AND THE ANIMALS, TOO
We got a note Tuesday morning that reminded me right away of the assorted animals we’ve fostered — it hasn’t been a back-to-back situation, but it has been rewarding. Usually we’ve had too many of our own critters to dare bring another dog or cat into the crowd. [LARRY NOTE: Our cats have lawyers who don’t hesitate one second to carve off a big chunk of The Powell Fortune.]
But ask around: There are people who juggle more than one or two foster critters at a time. It is --simply, admirably -- what they do with their big ol’ fosterhearts.
The appeal that sparked this tribute to fostering came from our pal at the Society for Companion Animals, Tawana Couch. The organization needs some fosters to hold onto dogs until they can be spoken for and flown off to a far off place (or maybe driven not so far). To see about fostering for the SFCA, email Tawana at [email protected]. If you can’t foster, but you want to help. SFCA always needs key donations to support the waiting animals. Go to the SFCA LINK HERE https://www.societyforcompanionanimals.org to see how to help.
TWO FOLLOW-UPS ON DOGS`
FROM WESTERN OKLAHOMA
These are contrasting reports from our longtime Oklahoma tipster Terry Lynn Fisher of Burns Flat, way out in the “nearly in the Texas Panhandle” portion of the Sooner State.
UPBEAT STORY FROM TERRY LYNN: She writes, “Last month, I posted about a beautiful pit dog that had been attacked by coyotes.  Sadly, her back leg was totally shattered in the attack.  She did have multiple other wounds, but that back leg was the worst.
“They ended up having to remove the leg. I had a couple of people send money towards this Vet bill, and there were several more that stated they would help. It doesn’t matter how much or how little, I just really need to help.
“Vet contacted me today (Monday) and said there is still a balance of about $680 due on this.  If you helped with this, thank you so very much because it made it a lot less. If you offered to help and still can, please let me know. This is not my regular vet and I really need to get it paid down.  
“She is doing well and will recover fully. She is actually running now and getting around just fine as the wound heals.”
That photo is of Diamond, now upright and walking and being a dog while wearing her cone at the vet's.
SECOND UPDATE FROM TERRY LYNN:
Earlier we wrote about Terry Lynn’s attempts to save young dogs that had been dumped an a remote area along I-40 not far from Burns Flat. She tried and tried to trap the fourth dog. Now, we have this report from Terry Lynn, sent on July 4. The subject line? It read, “
Subject: My pup was killed.”
And she wrote, “With a very heavy heart, I am letting everyone know my last I-40 pup has been killed. I received a couple of messages about a dead dog and we went up to check. It appears he was [on the highway] trying to eat a coyote that had been killed a couple days ago and was hit by something sometime this morning.  
“I’m so heartbroken over this. I’ve tried for almost four months to get him, leaving food and even water out so he didn’t starve.”
Then, our obviously heartbroken rescuer Terry Lynn directed her comments toward the dog who was too clever to be saved. She wrote, “I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you sweet boy ….  We tried so very hard…. I wish you could have known love  at least once.
“Run free little guy!” And then Terry Lynn addressed the people who follow her: “Thank you all for always supporting and encouraging mw not to give up.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Rescuers — they have determined souls and really tough hearts. Bless all of you and the animals you’re trying to help and will help.]
MEANWHILE, IN MESQUITE,
SOME ADORABLE ADOPTABLES
This is nothing new, this appeal to help shelters save the animals they’re sheltering. Mesquite Animal Services has a great system. We lean on these volunteer dog-bio-writers from Mesquite because they personally meet and get to know each animal they profile for the shelter’s website. [LARRY ASIDE: This dog is Stacy. Her story follows this brief interlude: You can see the complete and personal bios of each of Mesquite’s adoptables by going to the shelter’s WEBSITE. [LARRY INFO: I'm having trouble getting that link to post correctl. So please just Google Mesquite Animal Services and click to the 'Animals in the Shelter.]
There is this extra situation that animals and humans are coping with at Mesquite: “Our shelter is critically overcrowded and we need some good adoptions and rescues. Added to that, there has been considerable ongoing construction noise and chaos created by renovations and additions to the shelter which adds to the stress level of our wonderful dogs.” [ 
STACY is today’s first dog. Bio-writer Debra Chisholm says the “precious Youngster” is a “mixed breed” who came into the shelter as a stray on MARCH 25. “She is more than ready to put shelter life behind her and hopes to find her forever family
soon. Stacy weighs 47 pounds, is about a year old and is spayed. This is one spunky and excitable girl. She does not show well in her kennel due to the stress of living in a 7 1/2' x 4' kennel without the opportunity to get out every day to stretch her legs and go to the potty. And not to mention the dogs all around her that bark and raise quite a ruckus. People often don’t realize that a dog’s behavior in the shelter is often entirely different than when they get out, decompress and get acquainted with the other furry family members and the human family in their new home… She loves treats and takes them nicely. She’s playful and enjoys playing with toys. Stacy is friendly. She has a nice personality and likes to be petted.  …”
Use Stacy’s ID #55595693 — cite it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@#cityofmesquite . Same system for all the other animals and their shelter ID numbers.
LADDIE (#56299684) is described by Debra as a “cutesy high-spirited pup” and the photos show a clearly ready-to-romp-with-ya-dog. He’s said to be a Lab mix and he came into the shelter as a stray on July 4. Debra writes, “Laddie is a happy-go-lucky, tail-wagging youngster, with an exuberant and excitable nature! He weighs 33 pounds and is about 5 months old. This youngster needs an active family that will provide him with enrichment, training, exercise, and playtime daily. He promises that once he gets through the awkward puppy stage, he will behave himself and become an integral part of the family unit. But he begs you to be patient with him. He is athletic and likes to jump and climb. ,,, Being highly motivated by treats may make it easier to train this boy. …Laddie is playful and loves to play with toys. He is quite firm about not wanting to live in someone’s backyard.”

ACE (5547199) is a “handsome” and “mixed-breed” pup who was surrendered to the shelter on March 5. That’s pushing 5 months of living in his 7 1/2 feet-by-4-feet kennel without — his bio reads — “the
opportunity to get out daily to stretch his legs and go to the potty, as well as listening to dogs barking all around him is affecting him negatively. A staff member mentioned that he sometimes reacts in an unfriendly manner to dogs who walk past his kennel. If you are interested in this youngster,  please ask the shelter staff for a dog test. Former owner stated that he lived inside, is house trained, lived with and was OK with other dogs and does NOT like cats. Reason for the surrender was that they have or are expecting a baby.”
Ace is “a bit too eager” to take treats, but that can be fixed — he is, after all, “OK with receiving petting and being loved one.” [LARRY ASIDE: Adopt him or tag him for rescue. He just needs a place to demonstrate his abilities to be a loving canine companion.]
JASPER (#55596579) is a heartbreaking story [LARRY ASIDE: I describe it that way because I know what it’s like to miss a brother.]
Debra says Jasper is an American Staffie mix who, with his brother Johnny, was picked up on March 25 as a stray. He’s about 3, is neutered and weighs 54 pounds and Johnny has been adopted while Jasper is still waiting for a home.
Debra writes, “He wonders why his brother was adopted and he wasn’t. They are almost identical in looks and personality. He’s still holding out hope that that special person will come and see what an amazing boy he is and get him out of the shelter. He does well on a leash, knows the sit command, is lively, active, playful, and loves squeaky toys. He does jump on you and manners training would certainly be in order.  It seems obvious that Jasper lived outdoors because in one of these pictures you can see the scaly skin and hair loss on his back. During his time at the shelter, he has been given nutritious food, and has been treated for the hair loss. And he looks so much better! Jasper is another dog that does not show well in his kennel with barking and jumping and it just gives people the wrong impression. Once outside the kennel, he calms down. I had him in a room recently and the officer that picked the brothers up came in. He ran over to her and gave her hugs and kisses! Can you please help Jasper find that special home?”
cite it when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@#citymesquite .
Remember, when you go to the shelter’s website you not only can see dogs but you also can see lots of adorably-coated cats. In particular, there’s this 3-month-old cat (#55914127 — long name for a kitten) who is wearing an incredibly interesting coat. She’s a little over 3 months old — came into the shelter on May 13 and is currently kept in the shelter’s Conference Room. She’s “rescue only,” but at some point someone is bound to look at her and name her….
CONTEMPLATIONS
A CAT'S NAME?; SOMETHING BUGS A FELLOW
About that as-yet nameless kitten in Mesquite. Probably there are a million unnamed cats and kittens in Dallas/Fort Worth. Spay and neuter would cut back on the Naming The Cats Crisis. (I may trademark that phrase…Hmm.) Anyway, I’ve named a few cats in my lifetime… This orange and black baby with the white paws in Mesquite should get a name that signifies how much she’s loved by her new human/humans. If I were adopting her, I could go with “Dearybelle” or “Darlin’” or “Lady GagaMew.” Maybe call her “Mews” but spell it “Muse” in honor of my wedded animalnutspouse Martha Mews, er, Muse. Yeah, when we married, it was a merger of two animal households with cats and dogs. Somebody adopt #55914127 and email [email protected] and let us know how she’s doing. My Senior Office Cat William Powell just suggested, “Patience — because she’ll need it to train her humans.” He’s such a hoot!

Now this report:
Back to The Front Porch Fright: You may recall that I’d just stepped onto the porch and turned to look at the sky. As I looked slightly upward toward the clouds, a brown wasp (I think, maybe) came buzzing at jet speed from across the sidewalk right up into the beard that thickly disguises my double or triple chins. In a split second I thought “Oh bleep” and reached up to slap the wasp away before his stinger could add another chin to my face— only I missed. The wasp — a “he” I’m assuming — crossed the speed of sound while leaving for the neighbor’s yard.
Sting me? Nope. Just a warning to be careful when I leave the security of my home office and venture into the world.
These are two pictures of the kind of wasp I selected from the TWID Files that the Texas Office of Flying Unknowns (TOFU) maintains in Beeville. The auxiliary office is in Bug Tussle.
I didn't get a real clear view of the speeding wasp -- but, then, who does?
—- Offer tips or fits by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “RANGERS RULE’ in the subject line. —

AH, FOR MONDAY WE FIND ASSORTED NOTES AND A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY JULY 8-9, 2024 [PetPowellPress] A quick glance at my stacks of emails on Monday morning tells you where my mind is. I looked at the subject line and, in my brain, it read “AFFORDABLE VACATION….”
MY second look? The line actually read “AFFORDABLE VACCINATIONS AND MORE!”

Turns out it was a news note from our pal Sydney Busch, the guiding light at Friends of the Animals Low-Cost Spay/Neuter/Clinic in Gun
Barrel City.
The news is this: The clinic does the spay/neuter mission on Tuesdays, but this Saturday, July 13, the clinic has its special “other” needs for animals.
Sydney’s note describes this as “affordable vaccinations, microchipping, heartworm testing and more! No appt necessary.”
The event is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the clinic at 122 Old Gun Barrel Ln #8, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156. If you have questions, call 903-451-4701.
As you know, the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake operates, so to speak, the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
Remember, Saturday is the day for the “Affordable vacations, er, vaccinations and more.”
MEANWHILE, ON THE SOUTHERN
SIDE OF THE BIG D SPRAWL…
These two dogs — Shawn and Suzie (right) have been on the “help these dogs” list for months.
Where are they? Our prime contact in their case, Laura Macias, reports, "They are at a gun range in Dallas County so the threat is real. They have constant gunfire going off and they are in a kennel at night, but during the day can
wander off and if so will become animal food (coyotes and bobcats in area) or whatever else the few people around there want to do to them.”
These two may be siblings. Their bio says they were found in a very rural area east of Ferris. And that area, according to the bio, is a “known dumping area for eery kind of dog you can imagine. …Both of these young dogs are incredibly sweet. Very loving. Available individually or together.”
To help neutered Shawn and spayed Suzie call or text 214-949-2726 or 972-897-4926 or email [email protected].
MESQUITE SHELTER DOGS?
THEY’RE WAITING FOR A HOME
Our longtime Mesquite tipster, the volunteer dog biographers Judi Brown, provided this look at a youngster named Waylon.

She writes, "There’s nothing not to like about this boy. You’ll be the envy of all your neighbors as you take Waylon for a walk. Waylon is a 1- to 2-year-old Portuguese Pondengo/Siberian Husky mix that weighs 57 pounds. He arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 7/1.
“As strikingly handsome as he is and as soft as he is, he will not be at the shelter long! Waylon has some slight hair loss down his back and sides, most likely from a flea infestation. That has been treated with Nexgard. He was a little standoffish at first. He is still cautiously friendly. With TLC and time he began to relax with me. When I called him, he came to me letting me scratch his ears. It was apparent he wanted to make friends. He doesn’t appear to know the sit command but did back up in an attempt to do what I was asking. That shows he’s well mannered and wants to please. He does like treats so should be easy to train. He is sweet, affectionate, curious, and alert. With more TLC, he will reach his full potential. … At the end of the photos shoot I was given some tender kisses.”
Waylon is #56285393 at the shelter when you call 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] to tag Waylon. Type tag in the subject line along with ID 56285393 to ensure proper tagging. Thank you.
Same system for reaching the shelter about other dogs and cats currently seeking responsible homes: Call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]/
RALPH IS #562846902, Judi reports, adding, “If you’re looking for a sweet, affectionate, gentle dog, come to the
Mesquite Shelter to meet Ralph. The shelter lists him as a German Shepherd mix, but my Dog Scanner said he’s most likely a Black Mouth Cur/ Anatolian Shepherd mix. He’s two years old and weighs 58 pounds. He came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/2 as a stray. … He is so sweet, loving, and well mannered that he captured my ❤️.  He did jump on me a few times but immediately got down when told to do so. He definitely wants to please. He comes when he’s called. He stays close. He sits for treats and takes them gently. …He has the right amount of energy and playfulness mixed in with calmness. Besides that he is very furry so would make a really great cuddle bug!”
That brings us to Barkley (#56276684) who, Judi writes, “scampered and romped around the yard, and then he would come up to me trying to entice me to join in his game. Barkley is a 1-year-old, 57-pound mostly black retriever/Lab mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 7/1 as a stray. There’s something I wasn’t able to capture in the photos, that makes him unique and even more attractive….he’s got soft longer fur around his neck. He’s a happy, energetic, playful boy that would probably do well with young children. He wasn’t specifically interested in toys or balls. He has his own little game. I think he wants you to chase him. He sits immediately for treats and takes them gently. He is very alert. He explored the yard and the room in which I took his pics. He’s friendly, affectionate and well behaved. … He has a relatively strong pull on the leash and tended to get tangled. He’s a real sweetheart! He told me he’d like to have a yard to romp in but would like to spend most of the time in the house with his new family.”
THERE ARE MANY, MANY OTHER DOGS AND CATS in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. You can see them and learn about them by clicking on THIS MESQUITE LINK. 
Among the animals is this cat-in-a-box, #55847703. Just over 2 months old, this black female came in on May 3 and is currently in quarantine and listed as “rescue only.” Domestic shorthair mix, of course.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED NOTES
Back to vacations: I’ve been to Gun Barrel City for a drive with the aim of something to look at besides freeways. Found a good restaurant. Enjoyed the Near East Texas scenery. My affordable vacations are neither elaborate nor long. But telling people who aren’t from Texas that you’ve been to a place called Gun Barrel City, does draw a curious look now and then. They look to see if you're packin' iron. Especially when a feller turns on his native Texan accent.
… I got an email from an organization that helps high school classmates keep up with each other. The reason I opened the email was the subject line read, “YOU HAVEN’T CHANGED AT ALL.” And that, of course, is no where near accurate. I have changed more than TV sets. …
We’ll close with this note: What summer heat? It’s only 81 and the dogs tell me the back yard is too wet for a “visit.”
—- Offer helpful ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘GO RANGERS’ in the subject line. —-

THE FREEDOM TO MAKE A WEEKEND LAST 4 DAYS -- THAT, MY FRIENDS, IS INDEPENDENCE

We're stretching our July 4 edition through the weekend and designating it as our long-running feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
One reason is readlarrypowell.com is taking the long weekend. Why? Felt like the thing to do.
One "thing to do" is to show the flipside of my personal dog, Porche Noel.  These first two photos show her flipsides on her office bed.
She came into our collection of critters at Christmas in 2009. Very active and puzzled dog. She was snarly. In fact. as a poorly treated, starving dog, she wanted everybody else's meal. Thing were tough until we convinced her that she was
actually going to get fed. 
The other dogs cut her some slack and so did the cats.
Porche Noel adjusted. She couldn't bark -- she could only rasp -- her collar or her rope had been too tight around her starvation neck. She had a little trouble walking because her back hips and legs had been abused and were weakened -- we don't know if she was a "breeding" dog by accident or on purpose or if at all. Somehow she escaped the awfulness of that life and wound up on our street in the City of Dallas.
It was clear she was in trouble when we got her.

How did we get her?

Here's how it went: We kept a twice-daily feral cat free-food buffet on our front porch inside the burglar bars and matching burglar-bar gate symbolic of the area.
The cats and their kittens loved it. We'd make friends and work to get them spayed and neutered. And it took us nearly two decades but by the time we sold the house, the neighborhood ferals had been spayed or neutered. Many were adopted. 
We like to think that there were no replacement ferals after we left but, of course, that was in an area on the south side of Dallas that has long been famous for unfixed strays and subsequent large litters of puppies and kittens. (We adopted some of each and found homes or shelter for the rest.)
One day my funspouse Martha, returning from an errand, walks in the house and asks, "What's with the dog on the front porch?" 

And I asked, "What dog?"

Sure enough, there was a dog on the porch. This dog had squeezed through the burglar bars, then eaten all the dishes of cat food in the buffet. At that point, this rasping, limping, frightened dog had become too wide to squeeze through the bars and escape the porch. 
I opened the front door of our house, looked at her and said, "Come on in" and she did.
Porche Noel has been sleeping on our bed almost ever since -- she took over the spot when my Cocker Spaniel Inky (right) left us for Higher Quarters in 2015. I believe Porche realized there was an opening and jumped onto the bed. She can't jump that high at this stage of her life, but she has a human who will lift her up and off  the bed or couch or floor or chair, etc., when needed. 
That's her (upper right) on her first trip to a vet (that we know of). 

And I've included a photo of Porche Noel slumbering on the couch with her pal, Martha's Personal Dog, Wendy Louise Wagstaff Arden.
Wendy bunks with the humans, too. Ever had one of those dogs who
firmly believes that beds were invented for dogs and humans can just move over? It's like that Hank Williams Sr. song from 1947 -- Move It On Over. I could swear I've heard Wendy, under her dog-breath, singing, "Move over little dog cause a big dog's movin' in."
Our other dog, the very handsome Border Collie/Chocolate Lab mix Dudley the Angel, prefers his bed on the floor -- from that spot he can

rise easily and patrol the house. Why? He likes to bark to remind the cats to behave themselves. You wouldn't think a cat could mew, "Oh, sheesh, Dudley, go back to bed."
But I swear I think I heard that one night...Could have just been my sleep-deprived brain misinterpreting a chain of Porche's snores.

[CINEMA ASIDE: DUDLEY AND HIS CO-STAR WILLIAM POWELL appear with the permission of Money-maker Movies, producer of their latest film, No Horse In The Picture.]

 DEAR READERS: Enjoy your Fourth of July weekend and celebrate the great nation of the United States.
Send pictures of your patriotic dogs and cats slumbering to [email protected].
Tell us why you love them and the nation and we'll feature them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.]

FOR THIS EDITION, A WONDERFUL PHOTO FROM A COOL SITE IN JERSEY; A CHALLENGE WITH THE ONLINE HOOKUP IN A HOTTER STATE

EDITION OF JULY 3-4, 2024 [PetPowellPress] Our dogs and cats and their humans (me ’n’ my mustbecoolspouse Martha) adore air-conditioning. 
Here we are with an edition that’ll cover two days — and our Contemplations will be a beaut!

You perhaps recognize my darling personal dog Porche Noel in her “office pose” as she naps while I type. Good dog, cool baby. That's the red blossom that now decorates her collar -- she loves posing with it.
LARRY FYI: You may think of this day, July 3, as a regular summer day around here. But here is a different thought thanks to The Rundown, the news tip publication from ol’ DFW TV newshound Jeff Crilley. President/CEO of Real News Public Relations.
One of the many tips in The Rundown that caught me this morning was the reminder that July 3 is National Air Conditioning Appreciation Day. [‘AMEN!’ shouted your typer, larry!] 
July 3, explains The Rundown, celebrates the “father of air-conditioning Willis Haviland Carrier,” the engineer credited with inventing a working a/c.
I did some extra research and found that he’d been married 3 times and had no children but he kidded that was because he was “not heir-conditioned.”
AN EXPLANATION
FOR THIS EDITION
Normally we’d have a handful of dog and cat photos — adoptable animals being cared for in a city shelter or the home of a rescuer. But this morning something odd happened. My e-mail froze and I couldn’t fetch overnight and earlier emails.
So, we’ll just declare that Dallas, Fort Worth, Mesquite, Garland, Grand Prairie Irving, Arlington and the Euless Animal Shelter tended by the Trinity Girls Awareness Club Rescue. Go to trinitygaprescue.org to see more adorable able photos. These three happened to be among the many the


GAP Rescue youngsters are working to place.
Don’t forget the Everman Shelter, the 4-Legged Helpers Rescue in small towns on the south of Dallas, the SPCA of Texas, the Humane Society of North Texas, the East Lake Pet Orphanage (on Northwest Highway in Dallas — oh, I could go on and on but you probably already know about all these folks and the other angelic individuals who team up to populates the region’s list of Do-Right-For-Animals people.
[LARRY NOTE: In the meantime, my funanddearspouse Martha has been working on helping me recover 74,000 emails that vanished. Well, maybe not that many, but there’s almost one for every cat in the county. ONE MORE NOTE: Our plan was to run some update photos of Kimberly Jones’ wonderful dogs that received such public support, the little Frenchy boy Mooney and the big ol’ dawg Apache, the little guy’s running buddy. We’ll recover them and do that ASAP. ... A THIRD NOTE: I've got to quit eating chocolate sundaes over my keyboard and mouse — I’m kidding. But I’m sure all this is neither the computer’s nor the online provider's fault. Could be the heat.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
FROM THE EAST, A COOL PHOTO
Longtime readers of our website know that the veteran print and broadcast newsman Andrew Fisher holds the exalted position of Executive Editor of our Eastern Seaboard Bureau in Denville, N.J. His wife Annie, the noted pickleball star, is Chief Executive Officer. And the Executive Office Cat/Calming Influence is Chloe, the rescued street kitten who, in this Photo by Andy, demonstrates that she knows how to turn furniture into a place to celebrate slumber.
We segue, thus, from Andy’s photo of his favorite cat, to another photo of nature on Indian Lake in Denville where the Eastern Seaboard Bureau is located.
This photo, which looks as if it could be on a best-selling book's cover or popular postcard, was taken by Andy this week. [LARRY NOTE: As I am typing this, the early afternoon temp in our neighborhood is in the “Elevating 90s” headed toward the “Sweatbath 100s.” Denville? As I type this, the temps there are in the low 80s.]
Isn’t this a beautiful photo of early morning nature?

About this wonderful photo, Andy writes, “It was about 70 when I shot the dawn from the northeast corner of the property. A little more humid today than it was yesterday or Monday, but still enjoyable.” [LARRY ASIDE: Yes, people in New Jersey celebrate Air Conditioning Appreciation Day — just not for as long in the summertime. Chloe is dedicated to reasonable temperatures.]

---Send photo appreciations, a/c appreciatons or photos of cats and dogs to [email protected] and put "CELEBRATING COOL" in the subject line. ---

LOCAL SHELTERS FACE THE HOLIDAY CHALLENGE AND THE CLOCKS ARE TICKING

EDITION OF JULY 2-3, 2024 [PetPowellPress] This was the opening of the dog bio buy Judi Brown that grabbed me…“Sarge was found tied to a no dumping sign with no water, nor shade w/heat index of 109°!!! No dog nor human deserves this kind of treatment. Sarge is a good dog!” We’ll get to Sarge’s story shortly. In the meantime, we address animals trying to outlast the clock in Dallas and Fort Worth shelters.
MEANWHILE, IN DALLAS,
THERE’S A DEAL FOR THE 4TH
When you go to the Dallas Animal Services website HERE the first think you’ll see is this deal for adopting dogs 40 pounds and larger. Might help rescue groups. And, as people who monitor DAS’s population know, the place is loaded with big ol’ dawgs.
If things go as they usually do, when the neighborhood fireworks explode on July 4, the city shelter’s population of strays will increase because — and tell your favorite knuckleheads — dogs and cats run from fireworks. Run blindly. For a long way sometimes.
At the DAS website, click on the Daily Report Card and compare the INTAKES to the OUTCOMES, in particular “EUTHANASIA.”
MEANWHILE IN COWTOWN,
A COUPLE OF THE MANY DOGS
This girl, all adorned for Independence Day, is Diamond — #56020281 in Fort Worth Animal Care & Control’s Chuck Silcox facility.
[LARRY FYI: We owe a big thanks to longtime FW contact Ginger Leach for keeping us in the loop on FW’s animals.]
The story on Diamond reads that the 4-year-old, 52-pound girl “needs a tag by 5 pm on Thursday, JULY 4th, out of the building by 5 pm on Friday, July 5th.”
Why?
The note reads: “Intake 5/29- stray. Last call reason- observed to hard bark and growl at certain handlers.”
One of her advocates reported that while taking “her out…I didn’t observe any of these behaviors. She was easy to leash and walk out to the play yard where she followed me around and then let me put her head band on.” The rescue email for Diamond [email protected] . To ask about fostering her , email [email protected]
Ginger’s post about this girl reads: “Maisy Sue A0056242736 - this 137-pound girl is such a delight. I am quite smitten with her.
“She is heartworm negative and suspect she is spayed but can check…We prefer rescue so the appropriate home can be found for her. She has completed her 96 hour stray hold and is ready to go.
Email rescue tags to [email protected].
Both of these dogs are at the FWACC Chuck Silcox Adoption Center at 4900 Martin Street in southeastern Fort Worth.
[LARRY ASIDE: Remember, Dear Readers: The clock in Fort Worth ticks with the same certainty as the clock in Dallas. Save ‘em all.]
THE SARGE STORY &
OTHER FROM MESQUITE
We’re opening with this family of dogs and featuring Winnie. Her story was written by volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm. She opens the bio, “Cute, cute, cute...that describes this adorable Siberian Husky mix I have named Winnie. 
She was picked up by one of our officers and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 6/17, along with her mom Faith and brother Jake.  They are kenneled together and are the most charming little family.  Winnie weighs 12 pounds and is approx 3 months old.  There is not one bone of shyness or fear in her little body.  She is crazy about toys and plays with them to her heart's content. 
“She likes treats and takes them nicely.  She is a bundle of puppy exuberance and spunk.  She does not know how to walk on a leash, so leash training would be a priority.  Winnie would benefit greatly from obedience training, as would all pups.  She is friendly and has a delightful personality. Can you tell I am ‘taken’ with her?  Huskies are known for "talking" and Winnie does plenty of that!  Therefore, she would not be suited for apartment life.  The neighbors would not be ok with her happy talk.  She needs a person or family with a yard and a tall secure fence as huskies have a reputation for being escape artists.  She is most certainly not suited as a yard dog.  The oppressively hot Texas temps do not suit breeds with heavy thick fur.
WINNIE’S ID is #56262983. You see the photos of her mom Faith and brother Jake with their numbers. Use those ID numbers when you email the shelter at [email protected] or call 972-216-6283.
Debra’s colleague on dog-writing, Judi Brown, begins this bio with, “I don’t know what it was about Hank (something indescribable) possibly his imploring eyes but I found him extremely appealing. And the fact that he has a fantastic personality contributed to the fact that I think he’s one of the sweetest dogs at the shelter and my fave!  Hank is a two-year-old 75 pound white and tan terrier pit that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 6/7 as a stray.  He’s so so sweet and well behaved. After he did his business in the yard, he came and sat down next to where I was standing.” Hank is #56252822 — cite his number when you contact the shelter at [email protected] or call 972-216-6283.
JUDI ALSO provided the photo and info about Gabana, a 9-month-old, 57-pound “brownish with some white” Pittie/Staffie who came into the shelter on June 25 after she’d been “abandoned.”
Judi asks, “Why?” And then Judi answers, “Maybe she was too playful. Maybe she was just acting like the puppy she is. It would be hard to find a happier pup. Gabana never stopped wagging her tail. If you sit down, she comes to you and literally washes your face with kisses. When trying to take pictures, she had me going around in circles because she wanted to be so close to me. She does sit for treats, but doesn’t stay down on her rear for very long. She gets too excited! …She wanted to make friends with other dogs. I did not see any aggression. She is already spayed. She was constantly panting, even though she spent most of time in the shelter the shelter was a little warm. She definitely would not be able to tolerate this Texas heat. She needs to be a mostly inside dog.”
Gabana is #56239548 — cite that number when you contact the Mesquite Shelter.
AND THAT BRINGS US TO THE STORY OF SARGE as written by Judi:
“Sarge was found tied to a no dumping sign with no water, nor shade w/heat index of 109°!!! No dog nor human deserves this kind of treatment. Sarge is a good dog! He is a 3-year-old 82-pound Mastiff mix. My Dog Scanner said he’s also part American Bulldog. He’s a big boy and a gentle giant. He was brought into the Mesquite Animal Shelter by one of our officers on 6/27 when notified about Sarge’s situation. He is very curious and explored the laundry room.  He sits for treats most of the time. He does take them gently. He was not interested in playing with toys. He’s well behaved with good manners. He only jumped on me one time. He’s basically really laid-back. It was warm in the shelter and he chose to lay down quite a bit. He has a strong pull on the leash. He barked meeting other dogs, but he was wagging his tail, so he was probably just wanting to play. … He came to me when I sat down wanting more affection and even tried to get on my lap! He definitely wants to be an inside dog and would love to share family time with his new loving family. Will that be yours?”
When you contact the Mesquite shelter, cite Sarge’s ID #56257263.
See these complete biographies and the bios of other dogs by clicking on the shelter’s website HERE
https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1239/Animals-in-the-Shelter . You can also see a lot of adoptable cats and kittens.
CONTEMPLATIONS
AN ELEVATION?
I was watching a TV show Tuesday morning and a guest was discussing making Fourth of July snacks more adorable and showed how to shove a popsicle stick with red, white and blue ribbons into a triangle of watermelon. That’s when she said the phrase I never expected to hear in my entire life. She said happily, “It elevates the water melon presentation.”
It had never occurred to me that the presentation of water melon could use any elevatin’.
Then I thought: ‘AMERICAN POLITICS! — needs popsicle sticks.’
—- Offer advice or ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] with dignity and brilliance. —-