ReadLarryPowell.com

ONCE UPON A TIME, A GUY PAINTING A HOUSE ACQUIRED A GREAT PERSONAITY IN A CAT SUIT

[DEAR READERS: You can interpret that headline in a few ways, but I'll confess right now that I've never acquired a personality in a cat suit. I don't own a cat suit. Now, read on about William Powell.]
Here we are, my fellow Americans, celebrating Labor Day 2024, a Monday federal holiday created in honor of Americans who work!
As my Senior Office Cat William Powell points out, “You are, after all, the son of a union man.”

So true. And we have workers in our own home office. Now, let’s ease our way into this edition of our long-running weekend feature titled “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.”
That is one of the our earliest photos of Senior Office Cat William Powell. I’d been outside, one foot on a ladder and the other on the “brick-walled” front-of-the-house flower bed. Why? Because in that Summer 2018 it was time to paint the wood trim on our home in a nice neighborhood in southern Oak Cliff. And that brings us to William Powell’s arrival.
There I was — only an aluminum ladder to keep my fat backside delicately balanced — and I was scraping some inexplicably untidy white paint off the wood.
[DEAR READERS: Keep in mind that at that point in life I’d spent from Summer 1965 through Summer of 2018 without ever having learned to do anything profitable except type while simultaneously remembering the alphabet and the rules for spelling and grammar, some of which I followed flawlessly for decades. I never learned how to really "work."]
I looked down from my uncertain perch and sitting on the sidewalk between the flowerbed and the grassy yard, was a young cat. I got down off the wall by deftly descending via ladder and sat down on the flowerbed wall while feeling safe for the first time in hours. That’s my blue shirt — the rest of it had white
specks and accidental smears. And that cat that ventured up to sit next to me is the wandering —- nearly
grown-up — kitten who would become known as “William Powell.”
In the following hours he quickly adapted to his position of leadership in the household. [That's William snoozing in his personal rocking chair in the bedroom. He might share it with Junior Office Cat Stevie Ray if pressed.]
Nowadays, the first thing every morning is William shows the other cats and the dogs that it’s time to have breakfast at their assigned AODs — Areas of Dining. Then, when I go to my office to begin typing on some piece of great fiction or entertaining nonfiction or letters and emails to my dear friends, William races to beat me to the office. [On the left, that's Dudley the Angel, William at the door to Martha's office and, on Martha's office floor, Hastings, the kitten rescued off a Duncanville Street.
Back to William: He leaps onto his Office Observation Platform Site (OOPS) to make sure all is OK from the house to the street [photo right]. If it isn’t he may sound an alarm — kind of a guttural snarl. Amplified, it would sound like a giant dinosaur threatening a city in a movie.

William, as the Senior Office Cat, is also responsible for educating Stevie Ray Treeboy, the Junior Office Cat I rescued when I found him yowling to the world while intently gripping a flimsy mimosa branch early one morning in 2018 — that mimosa was about 25 feet from the flowerbed but, a few years later, the new owners had the tree removed and took out all the precious flowers (My rose bush! My rose bush!, bawled the typer) I’d dripped paint on when William and I gave that side of the house a new coat of tough, cheap white paint.
Back to the day I met William. That’s my blue painting shirt in the corner of the photo as William — such green eyes — explains the principles of paint-brushing on wooden surfaces to me. He held up his front paws and all I could see was fur nearly covering the pads. He said to me, “Follow this rule: If you’re painting, keep these babies covered!” he yowled as he whipped out his claws. He added, “The rule is ‘Cover the surface, don’t carve it!’ That’s the Law of the Cats.” [LARRY ASIDE: I speak Cat semi-fluently.]
Such a smart cat. In fact, that  day I met him, I walked over to our front door, opened it, asked, “Would you like to come in?” He responded by walking in, looking around and staying— He has never again volunteered to help me paint anything in or out of the house.
“I’m a housecat,” he once told me. “It is my elevated position in life and I’m keeping it.”
William’s “do-no-actual labor — advise only” attitude is why he’s in top management at readlarrypowell.com.
He raised Stevie Ray — taught him how to nap quietly, how to show up for meals, how to flop in the office and be ready for assignments. How to charm, then lecture dogs — the dogs learned behavior rules from William, too.
Yes, Dear Readers and dog and cat fans, the guy who types all this stuff is crazy about cats and dogs. And William Powell is the guiding light for mannerly behavior in its, dogs or children in any office situation.
The feline napper William Powell is a cool cat — awake, asleep or monitoring the work in the office.
The final photo? There’s William and Stevie Ray in a counseling session on that Office Observation Platform Site. (OOPS). [LARRY CONFESSION; William refuses to refer to it as “The OOPS.” He’s too clever a cat to stoop to my level. — LARRY]
[DEAR READERS: Send photos of your slumbering critters to [email protected] and tell us why you love ‘em and how you got ‘em. We’ll spotlight them in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. It’s a joy to see why people love their critters — and readlarrypowell.com believes it helps people decide to make room in their lives for a dog, a cat or any other critter in need of a loving life.]

HOLIDAY WEEKEND? MAKE LIFE A HOLIDAY FOR DOGS & CATS. WHAT OF LEVELLAND & UFOS?

EDITION OF FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024 [PetPowellPress]. As we head into the Labor Day Weekend, everybody remember to ignore the … wait. I forgot what we’re should ignore.
Oh, yeah! Ignore glowing circular objects flying in formation in the Texas sky. Consider this: “I’ll never forget the Thanksgiving Saucer Invasion of the Panhandle in 1957.”
Hang on. Time-out. (Pregnant pause…..) Oops, I accidentally copied and pasted a rejected sentence from my next sci-fi novel — it’s titled, “That’s Not Dallas: It’s Houston.”
Speaking of, did you see the recent news story about Dallas distributing a promotional packet that, instead of a picture of Big D had a photo of Houston on the cover?
Somehow that “can’t tell Dallas from Houston” event reminded me of a 1957 sighting of flying saucers at Levelland, about 45 minutes west of Lubbock in the Texas Panhandle.
More in Contemplations. First, we try to help Earthlings help Earthdogs and Earthcats. [LARRY ASIDE: It’s an election year — I promised not to mention Earthrats.]
AND NOW, INTRODUCING
A LITTLE PUMPERNICKEL
[DEAR READERS, At readlarrypowell.com we learned long ago that one of the surefire ways of becoming transfixed by a dog or cat involves the ol’ phrase: “Look directly into the eyes….” I was reminded of that when I read our pal Debra Chisholm’s opening to the story of this   Mesquite Animal Services dog. The eyes will grab your heart! Read on and hand your heart over.’]
Debra writes, “Look into the eyes of this precious boy and you will see uncertainty and yes, even hope.  He is Pumpernickel, a mixed breed boy that was found wandering around in a parking lot in a high business district.  The likelihood that he was dumped is high considering that there were no houses nearby. 
“Perhaps it was because he has Demodex mange and his owner did not want to deal with it.  Who knows?  Bottom line, he is at the Mesquite Animal Shelter and needing out.”
He is “rescue only” due to the Demodex mange for which the shelter is resting him.
Debra says he’s 5 or 6 months old, weighs 28 pounds and “He does not know to walk on a leash so had to be carried to the room in which I did his eval.  We will be working with him on that.  He likes treats and takes them politely.  He will sit in anticipation of yet another one.  Despite his past experience he is in good spirits and enjoys human companionship, being spoken to softly and gently and petted.
“I got some tentative tail wags from sweet boy as we hung out together.  This calm and gentle pup needs out badly because a city shelter is no place to get healthy from a skin issue such as Demodex. “
Pumpernickel is #56628872. Cite his number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected].|
Debra also provided the photo and bio of this beauty, Wendy.
{LARRY ASIDE: Is that not clearly a Hollywood publicity portrait for a beautiful household dog? If we didn’t already have a Wendy Dog I’d get in line to sign the papers.]
Debra says Wendy is “an American Pit Bull/American Staffordshire Terrier mix picked up as a stray by one of our officers and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 8/23. She weighs 60 pounds and is about 2 years of age.”
As you know, Dear readers, the Mesquite volunteer dog biographers spend time with the animals to help prospective adoptors and rescuers understand them. Debra wrote, “Wendy initially had a hard time feeling comfortable with us and still is somewhat timid and nervous.  Currently in her kennel she is a bit lethargic and uninterested in what is going on around her.  However, when I got her out and walked her around she perked up.  She responds to human closeness and affection.  Right now she has a low energy level but we expect her to become more lively and alert as we continue to interact with her.  She likes treats and will sit for them, taking them nicely. In the room in which I took her pictures she climbed onto a lower shelf that had a pile of fluffy blankets and was content to enjoy the luxury of the quiet space and soft blankets. She appears to have lived as a outside dog with calluses on her elbow and a coat that is dull, though she seems to have been well fed.  Wendy has found a place in my heart and I'm hoping someone will read this eval and view her pics and realize her potential to be a devoted companion.”
Wendy is #56624046. Cite that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected].
DEAR READERS: As you know, Mesquite Animal Services, the staffers and the volunteer dog-writers maintain a steady presentation of the shelter’s adoptable dogs and cats. So, OK, here’s one more dog before we get to a cat.]
This guy Gabe comes with a set of directions on his photos. Debra forwarded the bio by Catherine Ludwick. Gabe is #5524967. [HIs first photo directs "Kiss here!"]
Catherine wrote, "Spending time with Gabe may result in the following side effects: (1) uncontrollable urge to kiss Gabe’s wrinkled forehead, (2) tendency to relax while rubbing Gabe’s silky ears, (3) pride when people stop you to tell you how pretty Gabe is, and (4) desire to pet and cuddle Gabe.  Gabe is a 2-1/2-year-old neutered male American Staffordshire/Tosa mix who weighs 57lbs.
"He came in as a stray on 2/9 to the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Yes, that’s over 200 days in the shelter, and Gabe is struggling! Let’s save this extraordinary boy.”
To ask about Gabe, cite his ID #5524967 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
At this Mesquite shelter LINK you can see all sorts of dogs and cats — all ages. And you’ll even see some without names. For example, this is #56662654 — a Domestic Medium Hair Mix who came into the shelter on August 29. The age is not listed in this cat’s bio. And neither is the gender. This is, thus, the cat with no name. [LARRY ASIDE: Perhaps “Clint Eastcat” would be a good name.]. This cat’s gender is not identifiable and that suggests a reluctance to reveal secrets to strangers. A lot of cats are like that. This one is “available,” the shelter bio says, and you can see “Clint Eastcat” --ask for him by number, of course! -- in the “Feral Room.” [LARRY ASIDE: It has been our experience that “feral” is just a label and the label can be changed with the right amount of tender human care. FYI: Our Senior Office Cat William Powell and Junior Office Cat Stevie Ray Treeboy both came from feral situations and have turned out to be quite adorable. Get to know your cat; let your cat get to know you; pay them above the Screen Actor’s Guild Feline Character Actor scale.]

CONTEMPLATIONS
BELOVED ‘ANIMAL NUTS’ & 
THE LEVELLAND STORY OF 1957
At one point in our decades-long history at readlarrypowell.com, I almost knew how many shelters there were in the area known as the “Metroplex.” And I had a bit of a handle on how many rescue groups were operating around here — operative word “LOTS,” as in “lots of ‘em!." But it takes a special talent for organization and a gift of wrangling numbers to keep up with the statistics. You’re ol’ pal Larry has no number sense and his ability to organize accurately and consistently vanished in first grade when he got an box of 8 crayons and lost count at 4.
So, here’s the suggestion: The internet was created to help animal lovers keep up with the populations of city shelters, non-profit shelters, animal rescue groups and general challenges to the well being of animals. Yep, the whole internet was created just for us saps with cheap computers and limited attention spans. That’s a blanket description that inexperetly and without supportng facts covers all 254 animal-loving counties in the Lone Star State. Our theory at readlarrypowell.com is this: There is at least one Animal Nut, er, Animal Advocate with a computer in every single one of those counties.
If you know of a county without an Animal Nut (among the highest forms of praise we can deliver at readlarrypowell.com) let us know. Our two highest forms of praise? “Good dog!” and “Good cat!”
NOW ABOUT LEVELLAND. Levelland and UFOs? Yep, made a big splash in November 1957. I made a reference earlier to Levelland being about 45 minutes west of Lubbock. As it turns out, in the world of UFO Lore, Levelland is 2 1/2hours east of Roswell, N.M, by car — I don’t know how far it is by flying saucer. Here's a LEVELLAND UFO WIKIPEDIA LINK.
—- ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY WEEKEND ON PLANET EARTH and tell us where you’re from by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘I SAW YOU ON MARS’ in the subject line. ——

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2024 [PetPowellPress] I fell in the kitchen Tuesday morning. Tuesday evening rain fell on our neighborhood. I’m not sure there’s a connection. My Office Cat William Powell has waved me off of my inclination to pursue scientific explanations. He traces everything back to July 1969 when The Eagle landed on the moon without asking the local landing strip for permission. “Galactic manners matter,” William frequently tells me. “Earthlings could learn from the communication customs.”
WE GET A HAPPY REPORT
& AN APPEAL ON BEHALF
OF THE GOOD GIRL PHOENIX
You may recognize this dog — Phoenix is the little girl who was inexplicably, but seriously burned, rescued by the Euless Animal Shelter and wound up in the care of Trinity GAP Rescue. Horrible burn on her back.
And, here she is, in the cone that signals “I’m getting well!,”
Our pal Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com forwarded an update from Steffenie Vela of Trinity Gap Rescue. As you may know, barkleyworld.com was established to help animals get hard-to-fund medical care. And Trinity GAP Rescue evolved from a project of the Euless Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program.
The update on Phoenix is “she is healing so nicely and GAP thanks you ALL for your donations to help her.”
Now, there is “another urgent need, Karen’s note read. And she quoted Steffenie:
Phoenix “is losing her medical foster September 4 and has no place to go. We need a foster for this sweet girl. She is doing so great and is also in training since she is a 7-month-old puppy. We just can’t put her in boarding or back at the shelter after all she has gone through.
“Her wounds are almost healed and she no longer has to go to the vet except for check ups. She is our miracle puppy!
“Thanks to all who supported her. We are so grateful.
“If you would like to foster or adopt this amazing and loving girl, please email [email protected]."
And, remember, you can also help animals by donating to barkleyworld.com — the story of its creation is on the website.
A LOOK AT (QUOTING)
‘UNDISCOVERED TREASURES’
Our longtime Mesquite Animal Services contact Debra Chisholm, forwarded this message about a dog named Beckett (#55930966).
The note from Catherine Ludwick has several facets of rescue and shelter life.
Catherine wrote, “There are lots of undiscovered treasures at Mesquite Animal Shelter! All you have to do to find it is to look beyond kennel behavior and spend time outside of the shelter with these dogs!
“One such hidden treasure is Beckett. What a beauty inside and out. Beckett is a social and active boy who wants to be with his people. Outside the kennel he’s calm, curious, and affectionate; Beckett shines!
“Beckett is a stray who arrived on 5/15 at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. He may be Belgian Shepherd and Black Mouth Cur in his breed mix. He has the most captivating eyes, weighs 53 pounds, is approx 1 1/2 years old, and has been neutered. He is one lively fellow with plenty of personality. Don’t overlook Beckett!” Remember, cite his ID #55930966 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
See many more “undiscovered treasures” in the Mesquite Animal Shelter — plenty of dogs and plenty of cats at this MESQUITE SHELTER LINK. 
Among the adoptable kittens is this guy Carrot, He’s small and “red,” his bio says. A Domestic Shorthair Mix, he’s just over 3 months old and arrived at the shelter on July 26. Available to adopt — just walking the shelter’s Conference Room and look for a brightly kitten called Carrot.
CONTEMPLATIONS
DINAH & INSPIRATION…
It seems appropriate that readlarrypowell.com cites with gratitude the “star” of last weekend’s Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cat Nap. — that was this beautiful girl Dinah, nominated by her human, Lori Teutsch of Dallas.  Dinah’s held the job as “loyal companion” for the past 8 year. She was adopted at 7 weeks old from Texas Pawprints Cat Rescue.
I love it when people love their animals and help us show them off to people who may not have a cat or a dog. (If you’ve got a dog or cat and photos of the beloved critter sleeping or napping, send the story of how you got ‘em and what they mean to you and  photos of them awake, sleeping and napping to [email protected]. My belief is that demonstrations of beloved animals in a loving home encourage other people to understand that they, too, can both help animals and benefit themselves by adopting an animal and living up to the joy of being the human the animal loves.
Send photos of your slumberer/napper/sleeper and their stories to [email protected]. We’ve been celebrating the animals and their people in our weekend editions since the early part of this century. And we've never had a typographical errrur. -- Sincerely, Larry (& His Sleeping Dogs and Napping Cats.)
—- Celebrate animals and tell people about the cool sides of dogs and cats by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

 

IN THE WAKE OF AN AMUSING KITCHEN MOMENT, WE DISCUSS A MOMMA DOG AND 3 PUPS, PLUS HIGH POINTS IN A LIFE

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY/MAYBE BEYOND 8-27/28/’24 [PetPowellPress] OK, Dear Readers, we’re a little slow out of the chute for this particular edition. More in Contemplations. But at least (knock on wood) it’s not two internet failures in a row. And, yes, that is my personal dog Porche Noel -- I love her plays a major role in this edition's early morning drama. She also has never spent a moment in a city shelter -- that we know of -- rescued dog, adored and treasured.
FYI: There are a zillion (not an official count) city taxpayer-financed shelters in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. Anybody know of a shelter that has a bit of room for more dogs and cats? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Just as humans put these animals into shelters (by intention, accident, or raging ignorance), only humans can get ‘em out. What we can’t figure out how to get people beyond the usual pro-animal circles interested in saving these lives. Bless all you animal people for keepin’ on keeping on!
MEANWHILE, MOM & HER
3 STILL-NURSING PUPS
NEED A SAFE PLACE
Yep, this is a Momma Dog and her babies story of a special situation. They are safe BECAUSE of a shelter and now they need that transitional home.
As you probably know either from eyewitness accounts or from a reports on readlarrypowell.com, Mesquite Animal Services has staffers and volunteers constantly at work saving lives of shelter animals. Sometimes they save ‘em BEFORE they are shelter animals. Read on.
Our prime source for the Mesquite bios and photos is the group of volunteer biographers who not only write about the animals but also get to meet them and learn about them so they can better profile them on the Mesquite Animal Services website. Helps people get interested in adopting an animal — such as that beautiful, obviously momma dog, Maxine, and her three pups.
Debra Chisholm tells us about this family. She begins: “Let me introduce you to three adorable 2-month-old pups and their Mom, Maxine.”
The puppies have been “coat-coded” so we can tell them apart.

Debra writes, “They are Poppy ID 56575473 (white), Boots ID 56575479 (black), Roxie ID 56618918 (brown/black) and mama Maxine ID 56575465.
“Maxine, Poppy and Boots were picked up by one of our officers and Roxie was brought to the shelter on 8/21.  Here's their story:  “Maxine had been homeless and eluding our officers for months.  “When one of our officers spoke with the residents, they stated that she had pups on their property that she had made her home — an abandoned vacant backyard full of trash and junk. 
“Finally on 8/15 one of our officers calmly and gently approached Maxine and after gaining her trust was able to leash her and bring the three of them to the shelter. Apparently she was tired of trying to survive alone with her pups.  The pups all weigh between 5-6 pounds. 
“Poppy, the white pup is the most extroverted and active.  She is quite the explorer, playful, friendly and an absolutely adorable ball of fluff. 
“Boots, the black pup, is timid, shy and fearful. He just seemed to want to find a corner in which to huddle and hopes he appears invisible.  However, he did warm up a bit during the photo session and began to explore the room.  He was totally OK with being held, cuddled and loved on! 
“And then there's Roxie, the brown/black pup, also shy, timid and uneasy.  She, too, was a-ok with snuggling, cuddling, and being kissed and loved on and is in need of plenty of TLC, patience and affection. 
“Mama and pups are a package deal since the youngsters are not weaned.  A city shelter is no place for 2-month-old-puppies whose immune systems are not adequately developed. 
“Please assist by networking or tagging at [email protected], typing their ID numbers (above) in the subject line.  They are a precious family in need of a well-deserved home.  If more info is needed please call 972-216-6283 or email at [email protected].”
CONTEMPLATIONS
CONFESSION? KERPLUNK?
Had an early morning slip & fall on the kitchen tile and I can’t raise my right typing hand any higher than the colon. What? The colon on the keyboard, silly, though I did jostle the innards and I won’t be able to pitch for the Texas Rangers for a couple of weeks. Truth is, I never really considered Porche Noel to be a roadblock until about 5:56 a.m. when she moved to the right when I expected her to move to the left. Ooof. She’s OK. Was untouched by my fall and then ate well, too.
Early in the morning I wrote, “I’m hoping to draw a comfortable breath by sundown — it’s the right side and that nostril is a little larger — now! Never pick your nose while innocently walking through your own home — I’m always learning philosophical lessons from my own mishaps.
Back to Porche Noel: My mission was to get her outside before she went inside, if you get my drift.
The delay I spent gasping for air (while waiting for the team first aid crew to rush into the kitchen with a stretcher and oxygen) was enough for me to recover and stand up while waving to the crowd. (The other two dogs and a chuckling cat were just observers, though the cat kept pointing to my slick-souled house shoes and laughin’, “Shoulda paid extra for the Claws Model!”.) That's Stevie Ray with the straight face -- as soon as the shutter snapped, he exploded with catlaughter.
To the mechanics of the situation. When I Iean to the left as I type, I feel normal — that’s not a political assessment from a longtime journalist — it’s a recognition of my new never-before-felt rib pain! Lose enough weigh and when you hit the floor, your ribs will let you know how exposed you are to a painful, sudden adult onset tumbling injury. Moving along….carefully. ….
IN A BIT OF SPEED-READING across the open screen on my computer I read “Who generally has the cheapest car insurance” and immediately I thought, “How does The Who score cheap car insurance?" Upon rereading, I realized the line had nothing to do with The Who but was just bait for an insurance company. Though, it did amuse me to think of old rock-n’-rollers retiring from the road and opening an insurance office.
What was The Who’s biggest hit? No idea. How about My Generation or, from the 1970’s "Rock Opera Tommy,” Pinball Wizard?
In honor of my fellow Baby Boomers and all our assorted “good and holy and decent” causes, how about The Who’s My Generation from December 1965? Remember the opening line, you rebel children? “People try to put us down.” [LARRY ASIDE: Clearly I struck my head in that kitchen fall and I have awakened six decades in the past — I still have my hair and my beard and, sometimes, I can sing along with a song on the radio if it’s tuned to a satellite broadcast from the ‘60s. Anybody else remember rock ’n’ roll on the AM radio frequencies? OK, everybody stay safe and watch your step.]
—- Talk about my generation or shoot yer mouth off by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘PARDON ME, SIR, MAY I HELP YOU UP?’ in the subject line. —-

NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGE OF COMPUTER 'SITUATIONS' AND HELPING ANIMALS, TOO --- MAYBE

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY AUG. 26-27, 2024 [PetPowellPress] The bewilderment of a Monday is difficult to endure sometimes. Old habit from school days. At least I don’t have a test I haven’t studied for this morning. I may have typed that sentence 3 hours too soon.
Look at it this way: Life is a pop quiz day after day.

[LARRY UPDATE AS 3 PM APPROACHED:  SOMEWHERE IN THE GREAT INTERWEB, ALONG ABOUT NOON, THERE WAS AN UNEXPLAINED BREAKDOWN OF SOMETHING THAT CAUSED OUR CONNECTSION OUT IN THE WORLD TO STOP WORKNG. NOW, AS WE APPROACHE 3 P.M., STUFF IS WORKING AGAIN. MY APOLOGIES ON BEHALF OF THE DOGS, CATS AND PEOPLE FOR THE INEXPLICABLE CRASH OF THE NONBIOCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM. SURELY NO HUMAN WAS TO BLAME. ]
QUILT? YOU NEED
A CATS ’N’ CUPS QUILT?
Yes, readlarrypowell.com confesses to being solidly a Fan of Cats. We’re also a Fan of Dogs. And, now and then, we even slide into the toughest category of all: “Fan of People.” You know how tough people can be to love.
OK, enough kidding about people in a political year. Look what these people have done on behalf of animals — again!
We got the note from our reliable tipster, Sydney Busch, the guiding light and public voice of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake. As you probably know, the Friends operate the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas.
And their efforts are admired by a talented team of crafters who have, for years, quilted annually on behalf of the Friends, the Clinic and animals.
Sydney explains, “The wonderful women of the Gun Barrel Quilting Guild have again made and donated to us a fabulous full-size quilt to raffle…”
And, Sydney says, this beautiful quilt (the photos are “front and back) is on display at the clinic in Gun Barrel City. The tickets to support the Friends and help the animals are $5 each or 5 for $20. [LARRY ASIDE: There is no limit to the amount of money you may spend to help the Friends help the animals.]
The quilt will be raffled at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, “just in time for Christmas,” Sydney writes.
If you’re in Dallas, you can get to Gun Barrel City in about an hour (minding the speed limit) by taking U.S. 175 southeasterly for about 60 miles .The clinic is at 122 Old Gun Barrel Ln #8 in Gun Barrel City.
[LARRY ASIDE: I cited the driving directions from Dallas because, as we all know, based on financial and corporate and sports reports, etc., Dallas has become the center of the universe. It’s all those new people who need directions. People who live in East Texas and Fort Worth already know how to get to Gun Barrel City.]
By the way, the Friends Clinic does spaying and neutering on Tuesdays and, on some Saturdays, it opens for low-cost vaccinations and a few other treatments of animals.
To get in touch with Sidney, email [email protected] or call 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701. Follow the Friends at www.friendsoftheanimals.org or on Facebook HERE.
[LARRY NOTE: I’ve been posting photos of the Guild’s quilts for several years and they’re always fascinating. The kittens in the cups got to me this year! Who’da thought of that? Next year they’ll probably create a quilt with cats quilting! Live models will pose for it. I’m almost certain cats can quilt.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
SOME OF MANY TO HELP
Welcome to a Monday presentation of a brother/sister pair at Mesquite Animal Services.
First up is Clover (#56606144) — his sister is Cookie (#56606124).
“Sweet and timid,” Clover is, according to our tipster, the dog bio writer Judi Brown.
Judi says Clover is “also sweet and timid’ and, “He is darker than his sister and his ears are bigger. Clover is a 5-month-old, 18-pound Pittie/Basenji mix…”
Clover and Cookie came in on Aug. 20 as strays.
Judi says “Clover “wagged his tail constantly and stayed close seeking my attention. He’s very gentle and calm. He will most likely be much more outgoing when he’s in his forever, loving home. When I sat down he put his head on my lap. He was very hesitant about walking on the leash.  That’s something you could teach him. He loves having his ears scratched. He would like to be an inside dog where he can lay by you, and you can scratch his ears. As a reward, he will give you kisses!
Email [email protected] to tag Clover. Same contact point for Cookie. And, yes, use their ID numbers when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

Judi writes that Cookie is “not only sweet, but timid.” She’s 5 months old, weighs 21 pounds and is a Pittie “with alluring hazel eyes.”
Judi says both Clover and Cookie “are too thin and need some groceries. Cookie’s ribs are showing. In spite of being timid she stayed close, obviously wanting to establish a relationship. At the same time her tail wagged constantly. She’s not only sweet, but she’s calm, gentle, and well mannered. When I sat down, she literally got on my lap and put her head on my shoulder. She didn’t want to get down. She seeks companionship, and there’s no doubt she would be very loyal. She would do best with a laid-back family.”
Lots more dogs and plenty of cats available at Mesquite Animal Services. You can see them at the shelter’s link HERE.
And among the cats and kittens is a kitten heading toward cat-hood!. This is Moon (#56363972).  Gw a little over 3 months old, a Domestic  Shorthair Mix and smallish with a brownish coat. He’s been in the shelter’s care since July 15 and the is currently available to become your personal cat. Where can you see him at the shelter? Where else would you put a communicative cat? Moon is in the Conference Room.
AND THEN, THERE’S A NEED
TO HELP DOGS GET OUTTA TOWN!
You’re aware, no doubt, of Tawana Couch’s enduring non-profit organization The Society for Companion Animals.
We’re citing two needs that appeared in the latest email we got from Tawana.
— “TRANSPORT AND FOSTERS NEEDED!,” the headline read. And the text says SFCA needs “ volunteers willing to travel to surrounding animal shelters where we have pre-arranged rescues. Usually the pickup date/time are flexible. If you are willing to join our on-call list to pick up dogs and deliver to Boykin when needed, contact Tawana at [email protected].
— Then there’s this special need: HALF-DAY FOSTERS FOR 8 DOGS. That’s for August 29 — hours are 3:30 pm. To 7:30 pm. Tawana’s note says volunteers “pick up the dogs at Boykin Kennel at 3:15 p.m. to take home, then drop off at 7:30 p.m. at 619 Woolsey Dr. In Dallas. Five medium dogs, 1 small and 2 extra large. To volunteer to help, email [email protected].
[LARRY ASIDE: There are worse things you can do in life than help animals find homes. It’s been our experience that the dogs love to be loved and the cats are careful about it, but generally come around. Bless ‘em all.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
THINGS THAT GO FAST?
How quick is August? Real quick. Labor Day is only week away and that’s next Monday, the 2nd of September….
But wait a second! You want to know something REALLY FAST!!!???
I was reading the morning report from veteran newsman and founder/guiding light of Real News PR Jeff Crilley and discovered this astounding fact: Today (yep, Aug. 26) is the birthday of Macauley Culkin, the child-star of the Home Alone hits. Yep. He’s 44. Son of a gun, I used to be 44, too!!!!
[LARRY ASIDE: I don’t remember getting to 44 as quickly as Mac got there! I got to 60 pretty quickly, though.]
I was in a store over the weekend that was installing its Halloween decorations. Can’t we just slow down and enjoy the national non-holiday culture?
—- Offer tips and stuff by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected]. —-

DINAH -- THE CAT WHO KNOWS HOW TO NAP AND ADORES A HUMAN, TOO

This cat with the “Look of a Star” is Dinah.

Her human Lori Teutsch sent readlarrypowell.com a note that opened with this sentence: “Here is a candidate for your Sleeping Dogs/Napping Cats feature.”
One glance at that opening photo and we knew this veteran cat had won the spotlight in our long-running weekend feature “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.”
The upside-down napping cat picture sealed the deal.
Lori tells us The Story of Dinah. She writes:
“My cat Dinah has been a loyal companion for eight years now. 
(She was adopted through Texas Pawprints Cat Rescue — the website is HERE  and the Facebook link is HERE.)



“She enjoys snoozing on the couch on hot summer days and napping in her cat tree during cooler times.
“When she isn't watching the bluejays swoop down and grab their peanuts, she is ‘on patrol’ looking out the screen of
her custom ‘cattio.’  Yes, life is good,” Lori declared.
But Dinah isn’t just a “layabout cat.”


Lori explains: “Dinah performs an important service by keeping the baby gecko population in check. When one of those creatures enters the house, I yell ‘Dinah!!!!!’ and she comes running to chase and devour her ‘treat.’  🙂  That really makes her day and I am so glad she solves that problem for me. In reality, she is my treat, and a great friend and roommate. ❤️.”
We have some more photos of Dinah that Lori sent. This is one photogenic kitty cat.
Lori explains these photos with these paragraphs:
"Dinah has vestibular syndrome [balance and motion problems]  and, long story short, she has made almost a full recovery.  She  may never climb or jump for example a fence but she can jump up on the chair and couch.  
"I had these steps made for her so she could climb on the 'Lazy Boy' chair, up on the steps to her cat tree.  I've included a couple of pictures of them."

And there's that photo of Dinah stretched out -- demonstrating her ability to nap like a grown up cat!

So, how did Lori find this varmint-control, cat-napping cutie?
“I got her at 7 weeks.  She seemed so shy at Hollywood Feed where Pawprints was set up.
"They put her in my hand and I had to take her!  😁. Once she got home she was full of energy and I don’t remember her ever sleeping.  Always on the go.

"Her nickname is ‘D’ and sometimes I tell her she is Little D living large in the Big D.”
[DEAR READERS: Hello. I am Senior Office Cat William Powell, a formerly free-roaming OCC (Oak Cliff Cat) who
managed to land a job monitoring cat and dog situations at readlarrypowell.com. It’s my job, today, to invite you, Dear Readers, to do as Lori and Dinah have done and tell us the story of your snoozing dogs or catnapping kitties. Send stories and photos to [email protected]. Those of us on the website staff will spotlight them in our long-running weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You’ll be helping other good-hearted people decide to give a happy place in their homes to a dog or cat or a dog and a cat or dogs and cats. The world always can use more examples of happiness. Thanks, William Powell. [email protected]. Available for Consultations — Fee To Be Determined. Relax -- that's a joke from an independently wealthy feline. Regards, William.]

LOTS OF ANIMALS STILL WAITING FOR HUMAN DECISIONS; WE ALSO TAKE A CASUAL LOOK/ AT POETRY LIFTED FROM A BOOK

EDITION OF FRIDAY, AUG. 23, 2024 [PetPowellPress] I’m blaming the heat for draining my desire to keep typing until my fingers sweat off. But, the doesn’t mean I can’t cite animals in need of homes or poetry that features such things as cows and termites. Yes, blame the heat. Now, moving along:
LITERARY-MINDED? NEED
A GOOD PAL TO READ WITH?
DEAR READERS: At our house we practice the highest levels of civilization by always having these four things: Plenty of dogs, plenty of cats, plenty of calories and plenty of books.
Thus, please allow me to introduce you to what I’ve found on the SPCA of Texas website's adoption lists.
PAUSE PLEASE: Speaking of books. Before readlarrypowell.com was even in elementary school, I had books — gifts from my parents and my Aunt Noni (“Noh-knee -- how the cousins and neighbors all pronounced “Nora” in those days).
Among the books I proudly possessed were the Mark Twain books Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. My dad and mom would help me understand what I was reading.
Having explained that my connection to Mark Twain is “early childhood literary circles,” I’ll now explain that my appreciation of Mark Twain’s name is what drew me to this dog on the adoptable dogs list at the SPCA of Texas’ website spca.org. Yep, Bark Twain caught my eye. [If we had room, I’d be applying for him!] He’s a 2-years-and-10-months-old mixed breed who weighs 56 pounds and is currently available, according to his “page,” for a $25 fee at the SPCA of Texas,  His bio says “Kids under 12 Okay. Other dogs okay.” Here’s the Link to Bark Twain.
I also found photos of other wonderful adoptables and picked this quartet to highlight. Same website — spca.org, You also can click to adorable/adoptable cats. These are 8of them. [LARRY ASIDE: I can’t recall ever having met a cat named Strudel or having ever encountered a feline named “Tommy The Cat.” (He's an older fellow in need of a really good home.)]
Old cats, young cats. Old dogs, young dogs. Old writer, formerly young writer, relates to all ages of dogs and cats -- not available for re-homing. 

[LARRY ASIDE: Special admiration for and appreciation to the enduring SPCA of Texas for continuing the mission of protecting animals and finding good homes for them. FYI: At spca.org you can also see how you can help by donating or, importantly in the EoCS (Era of Crowded Shelters), fostering animals. If you told somebody “I’m fostering Strudel,” (the little top-right kitten) would they look at you with a bit of curiosity?]
MEANWHILE, CHECKING IN
ON LAST WEEKEND’S TOTALS….
During the week we went hunting online to see how things went with what was labeled last weekend as the “Clear The Shelters Mega Adoption Event.” We spotted the response online at the NBCDFW website — makes since because the local NBC TV station (Channel 5) launched the event a decade ago. Click on THIS NBCDFW LINK   and you’ll find a headline that reads:
“705 animals find forever homes in Clear the Shelters MEGA Adoption Event.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Anybody know where the public can find statistics showing how many animals were adopted from local taxpayer-financed city shelters during the 10th annual Clear the Shelters Mega Adoption? Also be pretty interesting to see if we could find out how many dogs and cats were dumped at shelters during the same celebratory adoption period. Not that people have a lack of comprehension of what their actions mean to animals.]

CONTEMPLATIONS
THE FUTURE? IS THERE RHYME OR RAISIN?
OK, one raisin joke per century. That word play was left over from the 1900s. Found a word kit in an old notebook. Let’s move on .
In the email Thursday morning I got a note about “The Cordless Ultrasonic Rodent Repeller. For $50."… Before I opened the email and read it, I thought this was something you set outside your door to discourage visiting politicians in an election year.
Relax. I’m just kidding people running for national office. Everybody in a small town knows a broom or a wet mop works just as well. (I’m kidding. I hope you knew that already.)
Speaking of favorite TV shows. I was watching Monk on recent morning and the detective’s line was a description about his beloved wife Trudy. “She could recite a hundred poems by heart,” he said. And I thought, “Holy lazy iambic pentameter! I’m way, way behind on memorizing poems.”
I can’t even name 100 poems or even claim confidently that I’ve read 100 poems. So, I’ll just offer one that I learned something about while appearing in a play with The Great Pretenders in Carrollton decades go — one of my fellow actors in the murder mystery Laura was far more literate than I. (He played the villain and I played the cop.)
I’d always lazily thought the Purple Cow poem was the work of the magnificently clever Ogden Nash. But, no, clever though it is, it is not by Mr. Nash. It is a poem first published in 1895 by Gelett Burgess (1-30-1966/9-18-1951), a poet, artist, art critic, author and humorist, my research reveals haphazardly.
Here’s the Burgess Purple Cow poem:
I never saw a purple cow,
I never hope to see one,
But I can tell you, anyhow.
I’d rather see than be one.

Now, in honor of Ogden Nash (8-19-1902/5-19-1971), a 20th Century poet and humorist, we’ll site this 4-line poem, “The Termite,” by Mr. Nash. He wrote:

“Some primal termite knocked on wood
And tasted it, and found it good!
And that is why your Cousin May
Fell through the parlor floor today.”

[LARRY POETIC NOTION:

The purple cow inspired
Wondrin if the termite might be hued
Or simply nibbled through the floor
While happily gnawing nude.

[A TIP FROM LARRY: The “termite/might” combination is intentional. Still, never let an iffy termite poem bug you! Let it inspire you! You may find yourself with the heart to rhyme “hued” and “nude” without blanching.]
— Offer solid ideas by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put nothing insectly poetic in the note. —-

HELP SOME EARTH DOGS AND CATS; CONSIDER THE MARKET FOR MARTIAN KITTENS

EDITION OF WED-THURS-FRI AUG. 21-22-23, 2024 [PetPowellPress] This dateline is extended because I’m in the mood to mush on ahead. Wait. Is “mush ahead” really a term for a Texan to use in August?
I’ll get Senior Office Cat William Powell to assign that “Alaskan Usage Project” to Junior Office Cat Stevie Ray Treeboy.
NOT IN EARTH-ORBIT,
BUT STILL STELLAR DOGS!
[LARRY ASIDE: We’re going to dedicate the rescue and adoption efforts for these three dogs not just to the hard workers/volunteer writers at
Mesquite Animal Shelter, but also to the two astronauts — Suni and Butch. You may know them more formally as Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, two astronauts who left Earth on June 5 for an 8-day stay on the International Space Station but things are fouled up with the return and they may not get back to earth until next year. We don’t know if they’ve already voted absentee. That's a photo of their ship via NASA.]
We focused on these three dogs because of their names: Venus, Saturn and Pluto. Saturn and Venus are sisters of Pluto. Read on.
We begin with Venus (#56557817) because, after all, Venus is closest of the three to Earth.
Mesquite volunteer dog-biographer Judi Brown began her Venus bio with, "Has your life been boring lately? Are you
needing something to give it a spark? Venus is your answer. She will keep you on your toes and entertained and at the same time give you lots of love. She is 6-month-old brindle hound dog that weighs 12 pounds and came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 8/13 with her brother Pluto and her sister Saturn. She is too thin and could use some groceries. But that hasn’t stopped her from enjoying life to the fullest. She is vivacious, happy, playful, and affectionate. … She wants to spend most of her time cuddling with her new loving family. Children would be a bonus!”
Cite Venus’ ID 56557817 when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system for sister Saturn (ID 56557817.)
Of Saturn, Judi writes, “How can you resist those eyes and those floppy ears? This girl is so sweet and endearing! Saturn is a six month old, 19 pound dark brindle hound dog that arrived … on 8/13 as a stray. She came in with her sibling sister Venus and her brother Pluto. Saturn is too thin. Her ribs are showing. She could use some kibbles. In spite of being too thin, she is not lacking in energy. She is very inquisitive, indicating she’s probably very smart. She’s also a bundle of joy.  She would love you to share your home with her. She would love to cuddle with you on the couch or in her own special bed at your feet.”
Pluto is #56557827. Judi writes, “Pluto is a happy puppy that thinks the world is his oyster. Hopefully with a loving home it will be. Pluto is 6-month-old brindle hound dog that weighs 14 pounds. He arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on
8/13 as a stray along with his sisters, Venus and Saturn. They are all under-nourished and could use some groceries. However, that did not deter Pluto from investigating everything in the room in which I did his eval. He’s also a climber, but then again, remember he’s just a puppy. He would need extra stimulation in the form of playtime, toys, and exercise. He should do really well with children. He wants to be an inside dog, mostly where he can cuddle with his new family.”
Remember to save these dogs by adopting or rescuing, cite their ID numbers when you call the shelter at : 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
You can click on this MESQUITE SHELTER LINK and see many more adoptable dogs and cats and kittens. From Earth, of course, though they may be Heavenly creatures!
FROM ‘NEAR EAST TEXAS’:
LITTLE PISTOL NEEDS A HOME
We got the tip on this darling dog from our pal Sydney Busch, the longtime guiding light of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, the organizing and operating entity of the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic at Gun Barrel City, Texas.
As you may know, the Friends Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic is busy on Tuesdays with its mission of helping people get their dogs and cats “fixed.” And on some weekends the friends host a “shot clinic” that helps keep the animals healthy and vaccinated against evil germs and  communicable diseases.
Sometimes the Friends of the Animals step up to help in other situations. This girl Pistol is one of the little pups who may benefit from someone asking the Friends for help.
Sydney’s note reads that Pistol is “well house-trained..Loves to cuddle. Gets along well with others...Loves to go for rides on the golf cart and vehicles.”
Why does she need a home? Her surviving “Dad” called the Friends earlier this week “looking for help in placing her. This is his wife’s dog and his wife died a month ago.” In the midst of this tragedy, the husband is working to find a good and safe place for Pistol. The widower works for UPS and, Sydney’s note reads, “is gone for days at a time and cannot care for Pistol.”
To ask about giving Pistol a good, safe and adoring home, call 903-340-6890.
The Friends of Animals can be contacted on their website
www.friendsoftheanimals.org or on their Facebook Page .
NEIGHBORHOOD PHENOM:
THE SUDDEN KITTEN!
For years at readlarrypowell.com we’ve monitored assorted neighborhood bulletin boards and there are some consistent situations. Dogs always get out of yards; cats always have kittens that wind up roaming.
[HINT TO SOME NEIGHBOR- HOODS: In North Texas, with its “protect nature neighborhoods of trees and flowing water,” we live in a land of predators. If your cat goes missing after you let it out and it doesn’t show up to eat breakfast, it may have fallen victim to coyotes, owls, hawks, stray dogs, bigger cats (bobcats, for example), foxes, humans without hearts, etc. You MUST PROTECT YOUR ANIMALS FROM NATURE! No housecat knows to look up for a circling hawk!]
Now, here’s a case of a good soul — initials ER — in the Fort Worth Ryanwood neighborhood posting these photos and a note. And we’re applauding this human’s effort because it shows some heart. Here’s what the note says:
“We found this kitty on the street. Almost hit her with my car. Kept her but now I have to give her away because my dog is allergic to her. She keeps getting into his things and then he becomes really itchy to the point of him scratching his skin off. Pics of her and the result of her playing with my dog’s ear. I heard if she is taken to shelter they put her down. Can someone advise?”
[LARRY ASIDE: This is a case of Oscar Wilde’s famous declaration, “No good deed goes unpunished.” Helping this cat and treating that dog’s allergic ears may cost money.]
I don’t know how to link you to connect this rescuer, dear readers, but email [email protected] if you want to ask about helping out by adopting the cat. Or to give tips on how to find it a safe home.
CONTEMPLATIONS
BACK TO OUTER SPACE…WITH EARTHLING IDEAS
We renew our spaceflight dialogue with a return to the topic of the elongated mission of Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.
Unlike your reporter here, the Astronauts Suni and Butch — can you believe those names? How Hollywood is this getting to be!!! — appear to have conquered all hints of claustrophobia. Yep, that’s why I had to turn down that moon mission back July 1969— capsule was just too small! I know I’m not the only non-orbiting claustrophobic insomniac on Planet Earth. I might have made-up that “turn down the moon mission” part. I don’t fly. It’ll take more than a rocket engine to get my earthbuttocks off the ground.
Now, let’s look to the future of Mankind In Space.
No actual Martian Cats — that we know of — are currently available at local shelters. But it’s just a matter of time. [AND FRANKLY READLARRYPOWELL.COM is not exactly 100 percent certain that either the top cat Stevie Ray or the bottom cat Hastings (on a back-up office desk Wednesday morning) are actually from Earth -- both sort of showed up at unexpected moments in odd ways and already had their paperwork completed.]
Anybody who’s been involved in rescue for more than a half-hour knows how humans behave.
One day in the future you’ll roll up to a grocery store and on the parking lot, near the entrance, there’ll be a Mars Rover with a sign on the windshield that reads “Martian Puppies $25 each, $30 a pair.” Or you’ll see a sign reading “FREE MARTIAN KITTENS.”
You know it, I know it and the American people know it — somewhere in the United States there’s already a “breeder” plotting a way to take fertile male and female cats to Mars to get ‘em to “breed in that red sand so I can fly ‘em back to Earth and make a bundle selling Martian Kittens."
LARRY NOTE: I swear, just thinking about that marketing plan makes me believe just a little bit more that there are People Of Earth who have Martian DNA from visits to our planet before the invention of radar could have spotted a Martian Lander easing down near Roswell, N.M., or in the West Texas sand dunes at Monahans.
What’s that? I have no idea what it would take to spay/neuter a Martian cat — I’ve been focused on promoting that practice for Planet Earth, its stray cats and a few humans I’ve met and read about through the years.
—- Offer SPACE ADVICE by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘RED PLANET ROCKS’ in the subject line. —-

SOME CHALLENGES FOR A WEEKDAY IN THE HEAT OF AUGUST IN TEXAS...

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY AUG. 20-21, 2024 [PetPowellPress] I grew up in extreme Northeast Texas in a house without air-conditioning. But it was never D/FWHeatroplex hot. Summer in Dallas/Fort Worth always makes me appreciate air-conditioning, steady electricity and the joy of nightfall after a long August day.
Also, I’m not a big fan of driving on icy streets.
And now, with our typing fingers properly limbered and not overly warmed up for August, let’s move along.
THE TUESDAY UPDATE
ON DELIGHTFUL PHOENIX
You’ve seen enough photos of Phoenix’s mysteriously burned back. So I asked Steffenie Vera of Trinity GAP Rescue if we could get some facial photos of this great dog who is struggling against painful burns.
Steffenie sent these two photos taken by Phoenix’s foster.
“Phoenix is still in such pain and is back at the vet’s for a few days,” Steffenie reports.
As you can see in these pictures, Phoenix knows how to “ride” and she might just have an understanding of how to drink water — or lap up a milkshake — out of a human’s drinking cup!
In the mean time, she’s spending time (as you can see) in a special medical jacket that, if I recall correctly, carefully protects the burned area on her back and enhances healing. The vet staff is sweetly, kindly “hands-on” when it comes to helping Phoenix heal.
[LARRY ASIDE: As you may recall, Trinity GAP Rescue got a call from it’s partner in rescue, the Euless Animal Shelter, about this six-month-old puppy with the awful burns on her neck and back. GAP Rescue took over care of this dog. Nobody now involved with Phoenix is sure how the dog was burned, but they are certain “she is a complete sweetheart…with a trends spirit to survive.”
To offer to help Phoenix’s case — medical bills, apply to adopt, offer a viable tip on how she was burned — email Steffenie at
steffeniegap [email protected] and visit the non-profit’s site at  https://trinitygaprescue.org/.
Information on helping, fostering, donating and adopting are all on that site.
It is possible that only one person in this sprawling metro area knowns how Phoenix was injured — most
going theories are “it was intentional.” No proof just yet. Just theories. And, as Steffenie told us, “She is also terrified of men, so that is another red flag. She was found abandoned in a park, so no idea why or who could have done it. So sad.”
[LARRY ASIDE: I guess it’s possible that some jerk kid inadvertently hurt the dog. But, it seems just as possible that a grownup did it out of meanness  or meaneness's traveling partner: complete ignorance. The truth is that if we announced an opportunity to “discuss” this situation face-to-face with the individual who burned this dog, there’d be a line of people around the block waiting to “counsel” the fiend. One sweet and lovely person I know suggested something like “I’d only need 5 minutes — that’s all.” That sent chills romping up and down my spine. Frankly, I’m on her side. And I might even dust off my personal Readlarrypowelldotcom Two-by-Four of Enlightenment and do some “lecturing.”]
Now, as we move to the next item, remember, the mission is “Be Kind To Animals” — it’s a good rule for generations and the whole planet.
MEANWHILE IN OKLAHOMA,
DOG IN WEEDS NOW IN RESCUE!
And, yes, that rock-solid rescue is the legendary Terry Lynn Fisher, our longtime contact for animal challenges in the far-western Oklahoma town of Burns Flat. Lately she’s been carefully rescuing dogs that have been dumped along I-40 north of Burns Flat.

You may recall seeing this photo of the dog in the roadside prairie plants when we first posted almost two weeks ago.
Terry Lynn explains, “Roughly about 10 days ago, I started receiving messages about a little Chihuahua that was seen maybe 12 miles north of me. It was heading south on Highway 44 which ends up running across interstate 40, down into Burns Flat. Multiple messages were sent to me from different people stating they saw this dog walking down 44 headed south.
“The next day, the Sheriff Department called me and said they were getting reports about this little Chihuahua crossing interstate 40 several times.
“I went and sat down there with binoculars, watching to see if I could see basically where it was kind of hanging out at. It seemed to be going up to a parking lot that was a little bit off of the interstate, and I noticed it was hanging out there. I contacted those people and asked if I could set a trap on their property and explained what was going on, and they said, of course.

“Throughout the next week I got several pictures of him every day going to get food and water. With the heat index is over 110 I made sure there was water in the trap and outside of the trap daily.
“Every evening, and every morning would be seen at the trap, but he would never go in it. I had a larger one set before the small one, and I don’t think he was heavy enough to set it off, because the food was gone each day, but he wasn’t there.
“Last night my camera started alerting me that he was there, so I started watching the pictures as they came in. He was really interested in the food I had put in there, so I made sure to keep a close watch on it. The last picture showed the trap door closed, which I wasn’t sure if he got in it or not because he set it off before. No more pictures came for the next five minutes, so I jumped in the car and ran up there, and sure enough, there this little guy was. 
“Remember, he’s crossed the interstate several times each day, and avoided getting hit. Coyotes and whatever else could’ve been out there were unable to get him, so this little boy was a survivor.
“He was not happy when I loaded the trap up in the car. And it’s a fear-growling bark, you can tell just from his eyes. We gave him some water and I took him 35 miles west to my foster. I had one lined up, just in case we ever caught him 
“So this little guy is now off the interstate, and safe and home. The foster’s going to work with him to make sure he’s going to be adoptable, and if it’s a good fit for their family, she plans to adopt him herself.
"The original owner that gave it [away] signed right over to me, so the dog will not be going back to that guy that did not take care of it.
“I’ll be honest y’all, after losing one of my I-40 Pups to a car, I don’t think my heart could’ve taken to lose another one up there. So for me, this is victory, and such a blessing.
“Just had to share the awesome news of this little guy now be safe — Terry Lynn.”
And, if you want to thank Terry Lynn for her work with this dog and the other dumped I-40 dogs, email her at [email protected].
MEANWHILE, IN EVERMAN
PUPS AND CATS WAITING
The note that came to us from [email protected] was headlined “EVERMAN TX — PUPPIES SET TO DIE! RESCUE NEEDED."
The email’s opening paragraph read, “Everman TX Shelter is at capacity!  There are numerous puppies that need immediate rescue!  Shelter is pleading for rescue help!"
 (And there are more dogs and cats available at the Shelter — here’s the link to the website:
https://municipalanimalservices.net/adopt/
The dogs we’re highlighting are, according to the note we received:
“Tootsie - 4 month old, female Lab mix.  Very sweet & loving.  Dog social.  Loves to play.  Vaccinated.
“Blossom & Doodle - 4 month old, female Lab mix sisters.  Very outgoing & silly.   Love everyone they meet.  Vaccinated.”
[LARRY ASIDE: And that cat, as you can tell, is Bella — got some eyes-wide-open for this photo session. Catfans will ell you she looks like she’s absolutely ready to politely take over your house and make it a place comfortable for any species.]
To ask about helping these or any Everman Shelter animals, call 817-561-5495.


CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED THOUGHTS IN THE HEAT
Why does the heat kill the grass in my front yard while inspiring the weeds to grow as if their mission was to be so tall they block out the sun? …
The western side of our house catches more sun than the eastern side. By 5 p.m., the cats have moved out of the bedroom and into the cooler living room and home offices. I have TVs in several rooms so no matter how hot it is in the house, I can always watch something I’d have ignored if I could go outside and mow the weeds. …
Are you, like me, one of those rare persons in today’s world? You, also, remember watching political conventions with lots of old white guys at big hard-to-handle microphones on black and white TV broadcasts. Yep, many things are better and different these days. In my era, by cracky, you could see political conventions in black and white but only on three channels — ABC, CBS and NBC. Last night’s convention was on more channels than the Summer Olympics.
Things have changed on the ol’ TV dial…For one thing, you no longer have a TV dial. It’s the little things you miss. Like having to explain to your parents, “I don’t know — I just twisted the dial and it fell off in my hand!”
—- Offer anything brainy by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and ask “Captain Kangaroo was in color?” —

AH, EARLY IN THE WEEK, ANIMALS IN NEED OF WARM-HEARTED HUMANS (AIR-CONDITIONED HOME A PLUS)

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY AUG 19-20, 2024 [PetPowellPress] We will not mention today’s heat. Or yesterday’s. But, do you remember walking outside and your breath creating a wintertime fog in front of your face? Ah, and we’re driving without fear of ice on the highway!
And that concludes this Monday Positive Spin on the Weather. Now, our report.
Speaking of positive spin: That’s a photo of everybody’s "HOWDY!" pal Big Tex.
I snapped it with the backdrop of cooling, possibly rain-producing clouds at the State Fair of Texas on Oct. 12, 2021 — I can’t remember if there was any rain, but I can remember the temperature at our beloved Fair Park was nowhere near 100 degrees that autumn day in ’21. Mr. Tex will again rain, er, reign over the State Fair soon — 9-27 through 10-20. I’m almost certain the fair has never had a “snow day.” Almost certain — you know how Texas weather can be.
FOLLOWING PHOENIX:
THE BURNED GAP DOG
Our latest report from Trinity Gap Rescue about Phoenix?
TRINITY GAP’s Steffenie Vela reports, “Phoenix is now with a medical foster and doing very well but has a long road ahead of her.”
[LARRY ASIDE: You may recall we focused on Phoenix in Friday’s edition. Her back was badly burned. Do we have more of the story? Yes. Read on.]
In a later email, Steffenie told us “Phoenix was found near a park in Euless.  She had chewed off a leash and had a collar with no tag and no chip.
“No charges are pending because they [local authorities] do not know what caused the burn. 
“It could have been horrible abuse or, the vet said, she could have been exposed to something very hot.  It was not chemical and was either heat or hot water.  Sadly they can’t prove what caused it.
“The lady who found her has been checking on her but has dogs of her own.  She had to work to coax her into the car so we are very grateful that she did not give up on her and leave her to suffer in the heat.”
To ask about adopting or helping Phoenix, get in touch with Trinity GAP Rescue at the non-profit organization’s website trinitygaprescue.org. . You can keep up Trinity Gap’s work on behalf of Phoenix and many other animals by checking the organization’s Facebook site HERE. 
A COUPLE OF EXQUISITELY CUTE
DOGS, EARCAT WAITI FOR HOMES
[LARRY ASIDE: We suspect the human need not be “exquisitely cute” when they adopt these sweethearts from Mesquite Animal Services, But you will.need to have big hearts that can handle affection from adoring dogs and a sweet cat.]
We got the tips on these from Debra Chisholm, one of the volunteer dog-writers at Mesquite Animal Services.
We begin with Baby, described as a “beautiful German Shepherd surrendered on 8/15 to the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Baby weighs 78 pounds and is about 3 years old. The owner stated that he had found the dog abandoned and had kept her for 2 months. Unsure as to why he decided to surrender her to a city shelter.” [LARRY ASIDE: At least he didn’t just take her back to where he found her in trouble!]
Debra’s bio describes Baby as “a well-mannered, calm girl with a submissive and docile nature. She has a chill personality and is gentle. Baby may be house-trained as she kept her kennel clean and did her business when I took her out for a walk. She walked very nicely on a leash. She knows the sit command and will do so for treats which she takes ever so politely. She seeks out attention and is perfectly happy with having her soft silky fur stroked and being loved on. I found myself drawn to her sweet natured personality. She absolutely positively does not want the job of watch or guard dog, spending her life in someone's backyard.”
Baby’s shelter ID is #56572988 — cite that when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].

Same system for when you ask about Webster — look at those poses!
Debra writes, “This adventurous pup Webster is a mixed breed at about six months of age and 33 pounds that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 8/12. My Dog Scanner app suggests the following in his breed mix--American Foxhound, Beagle, St. Bernard, and Aussie Shepherd.  Whatever is in his breed mix, he is absolutely adorable!” [LARRY ASIDE: Certainly photogenic!]
Consider this tale of his arrival at the shelter. He’s just a kid, remember.
Debra writes, “ Webster had quite the harrowing experience before being safely secured by our animal control officers. He was so scared that he ran up into the underside of a truck and somehow got wedged in. It took some creativity and extra manpower to pull him out to safety.
“He has the cutest freckles, most beautiful brown eyes and the softest fluffiest fur! He is a happy-go-lucky, tail-wagging pup with an abundance of spunk and enthusiasm. He is so friendly, affectionate, gives kisses, snuggles, and wants to be close to a human friend. He would be perfect for an active person or family that would be willing to invest some time and energy in guiding him through the puppy stage that can sometimes be a challenge. He wasn’t especially interested in treats or toys. Mostly he just wanted to explore the room or stay close to a loving and caring person. ,,, I found this sweet little boy delightful and charming!
Webster’s ID is #56549787 when you contact the shelter.at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
When you click on the Mesquite shelter link HERE you can see many more adoptable dogs and, also cats and kittens at the Mesquite Shelter? This young fellow is #56456846 — a nearly 4-month-old nameless kitten who arrived at the shelter on July 29. He’s a Domestic Shorthair Mix who is available for adoption as this is being typed, read and posted on our website. [LARRY ASIDE: The only quote I could create for this kitten was this: “If I grow into these ears, I’m going to be one very comforting lap cat — but aren’t all us cats comforting to a properly receptive human.” Readlarrypowelldotcom hopes this cat finds a Happy Home of Adoration. We hope that for all cats and dogs.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE 21ST CENTURY, WEATHER & STUFF
Ah, Dear Readers: “Do you have your ‘activation code'?”
Yeah, that question popped up when I was trying to watch a TV program and the pop-up question had nothing to do with anything that I knew was part of my life. Ignore it? Nope. I went to an expert for help. I handed the challenge over to my Patientspouse Martha who shook her head as she reconnected me to the electronic world with the push of one button.
LARRY ASIDE: I’ve been a little slow getting things in order the past week. I’m one of those guys who has to undergo a med check-up every so often and it involves “prepping” and being “knocked out” and, thus, I spend a little time trying to “get back to normal” -- hard to do since I've never quite identified what "normal" is for me. I already was miles and miles and centuries away from anything close to “normal.” [I don’t get the brain exam until next month — I suspect the view will be the same both medical teams. I hope you laughed at that joke — larry]….
FYI: Saw a few TV commercials last week for “Clear the Shelters” which I think is a great idea. I also think every day ought to be “Clear the Shelters -- EVERYD DAY IS ADOPTION DAY!” Why can’t it be? Too much paperwork? No shelter in Dallas/Fort Worth EVER RUNS OUT OF INVENTORY. You know why? Because the whole collection of North Texas Zip Codes is full of people who don’t live up to their promises to their animals. How can we fix that problem? Issue new hearts. Rewire brains? Ask them to relocate to Mars? I’m too kind. And that's probably against some intergalactic law we don't yet know about.
—- Offer shelter ideas or Mars ticket bargain pricing by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and ask “How long WERE YOU ON MARS, TYPINGBOY? —-