AN ASSORTMENT OF ANIMAL-RELATED TALES, PLUS SOME FLASHBACKING CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY MARCH 27-29, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Opening Day for the Texas Rangers and what can we say? Win 'em all. Radio baseball is exciting great baseball.
A World Series Parade is a Happy Parade.
Petting our dog Dudley's noggin -- he played briefy in the Northeast Texas Pine Sapling League. That's him in his ol' warm-up uniform. I might have made that up. Moving along now....
FORT WORTH SHELTER
LOOKING FOR FOSTERS...
When you open an animal shelter's online page, you just never know what'll pop up.
You may already know that on the 24th FORT WORTHS' shelter posted this note: "Fort Worth Animal Care & Control is temporarily suspending all new animal intakes as we work to manage a recently confirmed case of Canine Distemper Virus. We appreciate your patience."
The shelter also would appreciate some foster folks to help out with the load of animals the shelter cares for daily.
At this link  you'll find the details of becoming a foster for Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. And you'll find a big illustration that shows you don't have to live in Fort Worth to be a foster for the city's shelter. It's a pretty big area of eligibility for people who want to help animals by getting involved in the life of a Cowtown Critter.
COINCIDENTALLY, A CALL TO HELP
CHARLIE THE FORT WORTH CAT

This feline tip came from our pal Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com, the non-profit that helps people help their animals.
But this time the cat doesn't need some kind of intricate surgery, she just needs a new place to live. Karen's a "Multi-force" in helping animals.
She forwarded the appeal to help Charlie find a new home.
Charlie's human, Sylvia Hill, wrote, "I’m reaching out in hopes of finding a loving home for my cat, Charlie. Unfortunately, my other two cats have not been getting along with her, and despite my efforts, she continues to be bullied. It’s causing her a lot of stress, and I truly believe she would thrive in a home where she is the only pet.
"Charlie is 9 years old and has a sweet personality when she’s in a comfortable environment. She has been experiencing some behavioral issues due to the stress of her current situation, but I am confident that with patience and in a solo animal home, she will do much better. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and in good health."
To ask about "giving Charlie a good home" or "if you can help in any way," the contact points are 817-734-5932 and [email protected]."
[LARRY ASIDE: One reason I posted this appeal was there might be someone who knows someone who can help. Though the years I've encountered feline behaviorists who help cats get through the tough spots. Anybody know one who might help Charlie adjust later. OH, AND THE OTHER REASON is I like Charlie's pictures!]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
JUNIPER AND LUKE
The bios on these two pups came to us from longtime Mesquite dog bio-writer Judi Brown who worked with both of them to get the facts!
Juniper is #58050295 -- cite that ID # when you call the Mesquite Animal Shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Juniper is a 2-year-old, cream-colored Siberian Husky who, Judi writes, "has come a long way from when she first arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/20 as a stray. When she first arrived, she was very confused and scared and hunkered down in the back of her kennel.
"With staff and volunteers working with her and showering her with TLC, she has responded. She is learning to relax and trust."

And Judi notes, "However, she is still skittish. Loud noises and sudden movements startle her. She wants to make friends and will continue to come out of her shell. She sits on command."
And there's this from Judi, "At this point, she didn’t take a treat and she is not eating much possibly due to a slit in her tongue. She is going to the vet to have this checked out. She is very alert, scoping out her environment. She’s sweet.  She’s also friendly and judging from her constant tail wags she’s happy. Huskies like to run and are therefore known to escape. This beautiful girl will need a tall secure fence. She will also need frequent brushings."
And Judi also provided the bio for Luke (#355603730)
"Luke could win a personality contest as he’s the whole ball of wax!," Judi declares. "He is a one year-old, 49-pound American Terrier Pit that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 3/25.
"Owner gave two reasons for the surrender: landlord issues and health of owner."
Luke was "already fixed" and his surrender form "said that he was an inside/outside dog and that he is housebroken. They said he was not raised with dogs or cats, but that he does get along with other dogs. He was raised with children and gets along with them."
The surrendering people "also said he loves to play," but Judi counters with, "I would say he loves to frolic. He’s a very happy, easy-going, affectionate well-mannered boy. He jumps up,
but knows not to jump on you. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He’s highly motivated by treats and continues to sit in anticipation of another one. When I sat down, he came to me and at one point wanted to get on my lap, but then settled down and just gave me kisses. ... Since he’s such a lover, he will want to spend most of his time hanging out with his new loving family in the house.
Cite Luke's ID #55603730 when you call the Mesquite Animal Shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
You can see more adorable adoptables by going to the Mesquite Shelter site HERE. That includes cats, including the one named for a mustard, Wasabi!
CONTEMPLATONS
Just a meandering moment
I once road a passenger train from Texarkana to El Paso -- but that was in the 1950s and was an overnight ride. Ah, the memory that hit the brain this morning ... I worked for seven newspapers during my typing career, er, reporting/editing career -- not one of them is in the building it was in at the time. Two of them are completely out of the business. ... These thoughts inspired me to recall the quote from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus who gave us this wisdom; "The only constant in life is change." He said that after driving through downtown Dallas. Wait. Let me check that. Heraclitus is said to have lived around 500 BC. Dallas was still waiting for its first shipment of asphalt.
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