THE STORY OF FREYA IN HOUSTON; A NOT GREY NAMED MACK; FRIDAY CONTEMPLATIONS

EDITION OF FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Every niow and then.....Hang on a second. I just knocked my  big plastic "cup" of coffee off my desk. It hit the floor, didn't open, but rolled into sleeping Dudley the Angel who, alarmed, kicked it rolling across the room -- the dog's OK, the carpet's still dry, the coffee is still warm. That's Dudley, who shook his head in disgust and moved out of the office into the hall to nap. Here we go, returning to today's report:
LOOKING AT FREYA:
TRIUMPH FOR A DOG
Triumph for people, too. Every now and then, in the tsunami of dogs and cats in trouble in Texas shelters, we happen across a situation that is one step away from a happy ending after being one step away from the needle. Many people take many steps to save-the-day. Or in this case, save the dog.

We got that reminder in the mail from our longtime Houston tipster and all-round-swell person Alexandra Kelsey.
First, the background: On Jan. 31, an appeal was issued by La'Krystal Harrell at Houston's Harris County Pets Resource Center.
"This is an urgent call for help for Freya, a sweet, loving dog ... get her out of the shelter before it’s too late. Freya has captured the hearts of so many...Freya came into the shelter as a stray, and while she has an old fracture that’s now healing, she’s walking and running just fine on it. She’s resilient and full of love ..."
So, there she was at the end of January in a bit of a fix. The clock was ticking toward "too late." (LARRY NOTE: That's her on her "see ya" ride into a new adventure with human hearts. Middle photo shows and office visit. Third photo shows Freya and fans!)
But, because of humans with good hearts and determination, Freya survived the experience.
And we've gotten a note about this dog from our pal Alexandra. It is, in our observation, an explanation of how rescuers feel when they manage to help an animal in a bad spot survive. It's from the heart, as you'll see. And if you're also a rescuer, you might express joy in knowing there are other people who understand and accept this drive to save 'em all.
Alexandra writes, "When my coworker Karen Cloud got me involved in the animal rescue community years ago, she forgot to tell me that as a hobby, it ranked up there with any other hobby involving serious spending.
"Rescuing animals is a calling and a joy, but as you all know, it involves filling up the dog bed with money and
letting it all soak into the dog.
"Freya is an amazing dog, and everyone loves her. She’s had a challenging path. 
"The shelter’s HW test showed her as negative, but a more advanced test found that she’s HW+. 
"At vetting, we found during an ultrasound that she has cardiomyopathy.  She had to be spayed.  And she is yet to do her HW treatment.  So, between procedures and medications and boarding after a complicated post-pregnancy spay, this girl was racking up costs like crazy.
"Freya had some very kind and generous donations.  And a friend was kind enough to use her personal account at the vet to front all the costs.  Of the current total of $2,254.37, we’ve been able to repay her $1,625.00. But, that leaves a $629.37 shortfall.  Freya will go through HW treatment in about a month, I think, so we have that future expense.
"If anyone would like to support Freya’s journey, let me know at [email protected] and I can give you donation information, either PayPal or through the 501(c)3 rescue.  The shelter staff adored this dog, and everyone who’s met her has been charmed by her. 
"And, should you know someone looking for an amazing dog who wants to be an only dog, let me know. Freya won’t disappoint!  
"Thanks to all of you for your support of this rescue project and for all that you do each and every day for the animals."
[LARRY ASIDE: And, there you see it, Dear Readers/Rescuers, it's clear that we've determined there's no "off switch" in the dedicated rescue community.]
MEANWHILE, GALT'S GOT
THIS GUY NAMED 'MACK'
[LARRY NOTE: The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas has been one of our favorite hard-working rescue &
adopt organizations for years. And as we read through this appeal we thought how wide-sweeping the organization motto is. That's it on the right. Through the years we've seen GALT go beyond "No Grey Turned Away" to help all sorts of dogs, though, indeed Greyhounds are the beloved dogs who rule the roost -- if a dog can rule a roost.]
The latest note from GALT reads, "Sometimes GALT takes in Greyhound mixes that aren't ideal for our adopters. When that happens, we submit a DNA test to understand more about the dog. Mack is one of those mixy mixes where his sighthound breed traits are overshadowed by his more protective breeds.
"Mack needs a home with a yard, no cats or small dogs, and a family to help
him with his reactivity toward other dogs. He’ll need some time to acclimate to a new home with other dogs and learn to take his cues from them.
"Mack is food-motivated and will crate with a treat. As he gets older, Mack is getting fuzzier – channeling his Borzoi genes. He is a very smart boy and ever so willing to learn new skills and please his people. We need your help to find the right family to help Mack be the best version of himself. ... "
To offer to help Mack, get in touch with GALT: email [email protected] or call 972-503-GALT. That's the info at the website galtx.org where you can see many other adoptable adorables.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Closing out the week in thought?
I'm not sure what I'm doing today qualifies as "thought," but some of it is happy reporting.
For example, GALT's going to celebrate its 24th birthday in April. Here's a thought: "As the breed survives, so do the rescuers and their determination to 'Save 'em ALL!'  Details and opportunities to get involved as a rescuer/supporter/advocate at galtx.org. ....
Back to other notes: I got a note in the email that had the subject line "SPRING FEVER ALERT" and I thought it was a notice for a low-cost sale on extra-strong sneeze tissues that can also be used to gently dab watering eyes. Nope. It was a sales pitch for yard attractions that spin in the pollen-filled wind when you stick 'em up in your yard. I'm for letting the pollen drop to the ground and stay there. Let the yard bugs enjoy the after-effects of a good sneeze. ...
I also got an email with the subject line "Your dream sheets come with a free surprise!" I'll let you write your own punchlines for that sentence. I've had enough surprises in the sheets. Wait. That didn't read just right, I was referring to waking up with a dog and a cat wrestling to get onto your pillow while you're still asleep on it. Also, in the early '70s we had twin boys -- for about 4 years I never knew what the little pranksters would leave under my pillow or at the foot of the bed under the sheets. A bowl of oatmeal can be quite surprising.
--- Say something nice and appreciative about rescuers and advocates by clicking 'commen't below or email [email protected]. ---