ReadLarryPowell.com

DOGS, CATS AND COUNTRY MUSIC -- THREE GREAT THINGS IN THE TEXAS WORLD

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY MAY 11-12, 2023 [PetPowellPress] We’re holding open a spot atop this edition for confirmation of a celebration. Yeah, I’m gonna let you know what it is as soon as it’s confirmed. BEGIN SPOT-HOLDER TEXT HERE: So you won’t be on edge until you see the announcement, it is none of these: I’m not running for president or governor or accepting the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer in Great Britain. My funspouse Martha has not accepted the lead in a revival of the Broadway musical Thumbs the Old West Harpist. And my sons, the guitar-playing Bret and Bart or Bart and Bret (depending on whose agent wins the billing argument) are not going on the road as a Chad & Jeremy/Peter & Gordon/Sonny & Cher Tribute Band. The tour was cancelled because of a disagreement over who would portray Cher. They’re twins — it’s not their first professional disagreement.
Some of the preceding “SPOT-HOLDER” may have been made up. Also, because I write about dogs frequently, rather than refer to that passage as a “space-holder,” I referred to it, with canine appropriateness, a “Spot-holder.” I awoke my canine advisor Porche to read the preceding to her. That is the face she gave me. It would be a blank look if not for the teardrop of disappointment in the corner of her right eye. END SPACE-HOLDER
.
IS THIS A TRIO OF
UNWANTED DOGS?
Yes, there are three of ‘em and that’s a trio. But we prefer to refer to them as not-yet-wanted dogs. The human who wants one of these beautiful big ol’ dogs just isn’t aware that the canine love of his or her life is readily available. (This handsome fellow is Reid — we’ll explain his situation in just a minute.)
Please pass along these notices of “available” to people you know and trust. Could be a friend, a neighbor, a relative. An ex-in-law who is a good soul. It’s important to match animals with the good hearts. Important but not impossible, right!?

OK, so we got this semi-desperate email from the determined folks at 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that works against great odds to get animals safely out of shelters that have low human traffic and rare adoption inquiries. It is a gargantuan mission in this largely animal-ignorant Metroplex. [LARRY ASIDE: Referring to it as “largely animal-ignorant” is not a snap judgment. The Don’t Care/So What people keep shelters full and don’t give a hoot about killing animals so there’ll be more room at shelters so more animals  can come in just to be killed. You could call what I’ve just typed a “sermon,” but, it’s not so much opinion as it is heartbreaking truth.]
Things to remember about 4-Legged Helpers: If you are a 501c3 Rescue and you want to claim one of these dogs, transport can be arranged. 
The Ferris Animal Shelter also takes in animals recovered by or dumped in the Hutchins Animal Shelter. 
The 4-Legged Helpers contacts? Call or text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].

This girl is Lainey. She’s in the Ferris Shelter, a spayed "Weimaraner/Pointer/Possibly Rhodesian Mix,” according to the shelter’s analysis.
And the bio reads, “Just the saddest situation. This girl has been waiting since last September for her forever home or rescue. SEPTEMBER!!!!  Someone fostered her for a long period of time to help out but no rescue group ever stepped up for her and now she is back at the shelter. She is spayed, all vaccs.    Please. So deserving!!!  Found out and about with two Heeler puppies that a rescue pulled.  We think they were probably hers. Very cute and sweet.  Please help!!!” FYI: $200 is pledged to the 501c3 that can help the Helpers save Lainey.
That brings us to the wonderful Bella who also has a $200 501c3 pledge. We’ve posted Bella several times and have yet to inspire a nibble — get in touch with the 4-Legged Helpers to ask about Bella. She’s the Boxer/Catahoula mix — a young dog — “found in front of a veterinary clinic in Dallas. Apparently someone that could no longer care for her was desperate to try to save her and tied her there in hope the clinic could help. She’s extremely well-behaved. Amazing eyes! Gentle little soul. She is a sweet, little couch potato. The vet clinic where she currently is cannot keep her. She is the most wonderful girl. Good with dogs. Loves absolutely everyone.”
And we close the 4-Legged Helpers three-dog appeal with the dog that opened this segment — Reid, who also has the $200 pledge. Reid is in the Ferris shelter, too. He’s a Boxer mix, the Helpers say. And his biog reads: “Wonderful with other dogs! Including all male dogs! Reid is a wonderful boy that was found out and about on his own. Everyone that has met him loves him. Such a sweetie pie!”
I think we’ll title that final photo: “Reid: Waiting in Springtime.”
A BREED THAT’S RIGHT
ON THE SPOT FOR A HOME
[LARRY EXPLANATION: Yeah, like so many of you, Dear Readers, I watched the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show broadcasts and every time I spotted a dog I’d think, “I’d like to have one of those.” Of course, we’re already at the limit on dogs and we’ve solved the math of getting one dog per breed by getting dog with several breeds. I might have, I confess, lingered a bit when I saw a Dalmatian romping through the routines. I think my fascination with Dalmatians developed when I was a child in Texarkana and there might have been only one Dalmatian in town. I’m not kidding. Just one, maybe. But that was then and today this Dalmatian could be yours. Read on.] 
I was scrolling through the 10-million or so “dog notices” on my Facebook stroll Thursday when I ran across this post by Plano-based Dalmatian Rescue of North Texas. 
This girl is Dory Dalmatian. Spot that alliteration, did ya?
 DRNT reports, “Sweet Dory is ready for adoption!! Dory came to us as an owner surrender. Losing her family was very hard for her. She is 6 1/2 years old, housebroken, spayed, and up-to-date on all shots and heartworm prevention. 

“Dory is a small gal weighing only about 40 pounds. She loves people (bonds quickly) and is great with other dogs. Don’t worry Dory, your forever family is out there and we won’t stop looking until we find them!!
“
"If you’re interested in adopting Dory, please send an email to [email protected]"
You can catch up with Dalmatian Rescue of North Texas by clicking on THIS LINK.

[LARRY ASIDE: As I close this segment, I am reminded that for most of my young life I only recognized Dalmatians as “Firehouse Dogs.” Pretty sure I’m not alone in that. But, as I grew up and met more and more dog people, I realized that Dalmatians have a loyal following as family dogs; they don’t just ride the firetrucks and howl along with the sirens. Like Dory, they can find a comfy place and nod off with their humans. GOOD DOG!]
CATS IN CLOSING:
TWO WAITING IN DAS
We try never to get offstage (so to speak) without mentioning opportunities to acquire cats, among the most forgiving household cohabitators in the known universe. Readlarrypowell.com speaks from personal experience and, as it turns out, we have cats similar to the two in this segment.
That tuft-eared tabby on the left is Tripo — no idea why #A1178566 has that moniker. The cat’s bio on the DAS website at bedallas90.org leaves the “SEX” designation as “Unknown.” The cat is small, weighing just 11 pounds, a Domestic Shorthair currently in Kennel # LFC 037. It is possible that when acquired by DAS, the cat did not have credentials. Possibly lost them somewhere along the way.
Now, that brings us to a cat with the improbable cat name “Peanut.” How about those eyes and whiskers and eyebrows! That’s a well-accessorized cat. And this cat has been examined and is a “Female,” # A1178947. Peanut is a 2-year-old Domestic Short Hair who weighs in at 9 pounds. She’s in Kennel # LFC 053.
And, as you know, I hope by now, the big Dallas Animal Services Shelter & Adoption Center is at the the corner of Westmoreland and I-30 just west of downtown Dallas by a few minutes if the cars are flowing at a rational speed.
See more animals and learn more about navigating the shelter at bedallas90.org.
That’s where you can also see the dogs that sit waiting for either a good human or a needle. [LARRY ASIDE: Typical of traditional Texas animal control, the system that prevails in overpopulated shelters is this: “Got an animal problem? Let’s kill it.” Come on, humans, y’all are smarter’n that. Right?]
And, yes, I took a screen shot of a bunch of the dogs waiting for either homes or rescue or the needle at DAS — this number of dogs is a TINY PORTION of dogs at DAS. Save ‘em all. Click on the artwork to make the names of the dogs big enough to read. Somebody save that Rottie girl. And the rest of 'em, too.

 

 

 

 

CONTEMPLATIONS
WENDY AND SHANIA?

As you know, we have no problem mentioning things that are driving us nuts. I forget who they are — I mean “what” they are. Sorry, didn’t mean to get personal with Washington, D.C. …
Moving along: Yesterday I mentioned our girl Wendy was having some veterinary work done on her teeth and other areas of interest. She came out of it pretty swell. Got the “good for her age” description — she’s 14. I hope to also be “good for his age” for a long, long time. Anyway, she had a benign floppy “thing” removed from the top of her left paw — needed stitches, so now, for the first time in her life, she’s wearing an “Elizabethan collar” — on Day 1, still wobbly from anesthesia, she did a bit of bouncing through the house On Day 2? Practically a ballerina wearing an exotic dance costume. No photos. Her agent says wait until the Canine Dance Union gives the OK.
So we’re going to close by solving a mystery. There’s a real estate firm’s TV commercial (I’m almost certain it’s real estate) these days that shows a guy jumping around on table and counter tops in his kitchen and it has an upbeat song with lyrics that don’t quite fit a very familiar tune. I did some research. The tune was also used in a Chevy Colorado commercial years ago. Drives me nuts, so to speak, when I can’t place the tune. Ah, but I did my research this time and, Ladies and Gents and Others, here’s the real estate ad LINK. And, HERE IS THE CHEVY LINK.
But for the sake of our sanity and in honor of a great performer/writer, here is wonderful Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like A Woman video.
— Offer country hits by clicking on comment below or by emailing [email protected] and put Texas Country Rocks in the subject line. —

THE MISSION IS SAVE 'EM ALL AND GIVE 'EM GREAT HOMES, PLUS WE CONTEMPLATE TV

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY, MAY 10-11, 2023 [PetPowellPress] I think I can see the summertime break from school from where I’m sitting. Old habit left over from 12 years of public school. I believe the prayer began, “Dear Lord, Please help my report cards.”
OK, enough of that. My mind is wandering today because….I have no idea why. I’d ask a Psychic Parrot but we don’t have one. I’d turn to a cat, but they’re asleep. The dogs? Kind of not interested in predicting anything except the certainty of meal time.
That, by the way, is my Executive Office Cat William “Pink Nose” Powell auditioning for another appearance in the weekend’s Let Sleeping Dog’s Lie & Napping Cats Nap. If you have a sleeping dog, napping cat or any other snoozing critter, send photos and info to [email protected] William’s ready for school to be out, too. He’s tired of ghost-writing term themes for lazy history and literature students.
THE DOGS AND CATS
OF AMERICA AWAIT
They’re not awaiting in the wings for the director’s cue at the Westminster Kennel Club Show. The animals we’re discussing frequently can be found in city taxpayer-financed animal shelters — some facilities are honorably financed and staffed; others are in need of upgrades and city council support when the annual budget is designed. It takes a village to complain effectively.
Moving along, we do have access to many facilities where the shelter care and promotion is wonderfully done. There’s a recognition that the animals aren’t just there to be stored until their time runs out. We cite, as we have done before, the volunteers helping animals at the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
Thanks to volunteers, we know about these animals waiting at the shelter for the right humans or rescue groups to make contact and get them into good homes.
We’ve opened this segment with that cute photo of Bozzly. Our tipster, the volunteer dog-writer Debra Chisholm, says Bozzly was handed over to the shelter on Feb. 17, 2023 -- she'd been adopted from the shelter in September of 2020. Yep, she’s been in the shelter going on 3 months. The pup is about 5, weighs 75 pounds and is spayed. 
Debra’s note reads, “One of our volunteers has spent a lot of time with this girl and has the following to say about her: ‘Bozzly LOVES walks and does quite well on a leash.  She does not appear to be dog reactive.  She is high-spirited and energetic.  Bozzly will jump on you so this is a behavior that needs to be corrected.  She is crate-trained.  She is friendly, affectionate and enjoys receiving loving attention.  She sits nicely for treats and takes them gently.  Our volunteer feels she would be best suited for a person or family that is active and would undoubtedly enjoy walks, runs and jogs.” The former Bozzly Human says the pup “did well with their 4-year-old daughter.” And she’d been an outdoor-only dog in that home.
[LARRY ASIDE: Oh, come on. That’s an indoor dog if I ever saw one!]
 To ask about Bozzly, use the ID #38579018 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
Same system for this next pup. Jillian (#5279544) a year-old, not-yet-spayed, 40-pound “Terrier/Black Mouth Cur Mix.” She arrived as a stray on May 4. Debra wrote, “This pup really captured my heart with her well-mannered, calm and somewhat timid personality.  She walks quite nicely on a leash and did not react to other dogs when walked past them--even those who barked at her.  She pottied in the shelter yard.  She likes treats and takes them gently.  Jillian does not appear to know any commands.  She is amiable and affectionate and tried to climb into my lap.  She is more than happy to receive petting and other loving attention.  Jillian does not seem interested in balls or toys and spent a good deal of her time in the yard with her nose to the ground.  She appears to have been an outside dog from the looks of her coat and from being covered in fleas.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Just like Bozzly, Jillian looks to me like she’s a perfect indoor dog for the right indoor family.]
Debra also writes that Jillian “ looks to have been in some kind of scuffle as she has scars on her head and both ears have tears.  However, these do not appear to have been recent as they look to have healed.  There are a lot of reasons that Jillian would be a good family pet.”

Judi Brown, also a volunteer dog-writer for Mesquite, is issuing ANOTHER appeal for this girl Dottie. Why? “Because she’s being overlooked,” Judi wrote.
Dottie is a 2-year-old, 45-pound, spayed Australian Cattle Dog mix who arrived as a stray on March 11. She’s #52222081 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] ofmesquite.com. 
“When she first came in she was very shy and was slow to warm up to people,” Judi reports. “Since then she’s had more interaction with the staff and volunteers and she’s come out of her shell. She has learned to trust. She still is on the shy side but is definitely loving and wanting to be your friend. She also does not make a good impression at the kennel window. She gets overly excited trying to get your attention. Once she gets out in the yard her true personality shines, and I mean shines! Dottie is such a good girl!  She sits for treats and takes them gently. She gives you lots of kisses and tail wags. … Dottie has done her time and waited patiently for you. She would like nothing better than to curl up next to you or on your lap while you’re watching TV or reading a good book.”
Now, we get to the big boy dog with the familiar name. Judi writes, “I have named this reddish, big boy Clifford after the Clifford in the children’s story books with Clifford The Big Red Dog. That Clifford is an amazing dog, and this Clifford is also.”
 She says, “The shelter lists his breed as a Terrier Pit mix. My Dog Scanner said he’s a mix of part Belgian Malinois, Boxer, and even part Black Mouth Cur. Whatever he is, he is handsome with his beautiful coloring and captivating eyes that look like they’re lined with eyeliner. Clifford was picked up by one of our officers on 4/27, weighs 72 pounds and is about 2 years old.
“He’s a really good dog with many fine qualities. He loves squeaky toys. He found one and didn’t want to part with it. He would literally put it on the ground and squeak it with his paw. He  chases balls but does not retrieve them. He sits for treats and he gives his paw. He takes treats gently. He stays close to his human friend. He comes when you call him. He’s gentle, calm, friendly, outgoing, alert, and well mannered. He walks well on a leash, especially considering his size. … He’s a great guy that would make a fun, loving, loyal companion to a loving family.”
 Clifford is #52530837 and that’s the number you give when you contact the shelter by calling 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] 

We always remind you that there are more dogs and cats awaiting homes in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Here's the LINK. [LARRY ASIDE: While volunteers and staffers work to find safe places for them, some of the cats do what they might do in your home: Lounge and wait to be picked up and cuddled. I don’t know about the guy in this photo, but I do know how my black and white cat Stevie Ray reacts to things — he purrs and cuddles with me. It’s a cool feeling — and I’m the father of twin human cubs. I know cuddling. They never purred — until they were teenagers and I think that was their singing style.] OK, back to the cat labeled 1500 Liberty in the Mesquite Shelter. He’s a large, black and white Domestic Shorthair Mix of undetermined age. He came in on May 4. And he’s going through medical work, as found cats and kittens do. But he also is available for adoption — his ID is #52579669.
[LARRY ASIDE: Here’s my theory about having a cat for a companion: You’ve had worse mammals walk into your house, but why bring up anybody's relatives, right?]
CONTEMPLATIONS
WENDY, TROUBLE & DETECTIVES
Yeah, that’s me and our dog Wendy one recent evening as we put on our stage makeup and rehearsed a play we co-wrote, The Old Man and The Poetic Lapdog. I'm still having trouble getting that stage paint out of my hair. Wendy's a big fan of British mysteries — takes after my AnglophileSpouse Martha. The pup's full name is Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden — long name for a medical record. She was getting dental work as this was being written Wednesday and is scheduled for a checkup on her 14-year-old hips. Martha rescued her when she was a puppy bouncing unwanted along behind a couple of people on South Polk about 14 years ago. On Wednesday, for the first time in a while, she was not in her usual spots in the house while I’m writing. I can’t walk into the living room and wake her up from a nap on the couch. But, she’s due back home in the afternoon and life will return to almost normal — it can’t be normal when I’m dieting. I’ve always looked at ice cream as “normal.” But.. well….don’t go near the refrigerator, you know? ….
We missed the whole Westminster Kennel Club final judging Tuesday night, but in checking things, I discovered that one of the finalists for the big crown was this handsome American Staffordshire Terrier name Trouble. I think that "Trouble" is a cute name for a Staffie, not for a Staffie's “behavior tendency.” And, if you google this particular dog you’ll see how much he’s loved by his handler/owner. The sermon here is this: EVERY Staffie and Staffie mix ought to get the loving treatment from the moment it’s born until the end of its long and happy and endearing life. What keeps this from happening? People. Here’s a question for the ages: How can we correct the behavior of people for the sake of dogs and cats? …
NO KNOWN CONNECTION to the previous topic, but lately I’ve enjoyed watching detective shows more than I have since Peter Gunn and Burke’s Law and Mike Hammer were on TV decades ago in the black and white broadcasting era. Lately, I’ve appreciated cable reruns of shows I saw in first run: Psych, for example, entertaining and “different.” And, of course, Monk, a great detective show. And, at the end of its first season, I found myself earnestly enjoying the ABC drama Will Trent and wishing the second season was already here. Ramon Rodriguez stars in the title role and he’s supported by some great plotting and writing and actors. Bless those Hollywood writers and give ‘em what they want/what they’ve earned. And speaking of supporting actors: In the finale, one of the supporting characters plays a very important role in bringing a criminal to justice. That is Will Trent’s accidentally adopted Chihuahua “Betty.” In real life, Betty is portrayed by canine actress Bluebell. No known Texas ice cream connection — The 8-year-old canine actress is British, according to a report in Parade magazine. Did not see her in the video from the Coronation. Author Karin Slaughter is the creator of Will and Betty and books that inspired the TV series. We’re already waiting for next season.
—- Offer viewing ideas or tips for shopping for crowns by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “CHIHUAHUA’S RULE!” in the subject line. (FYI: We’ve had two at readlarrypowell.com. Rosie and Vera.) —-

AN ASSORTMENT OF DOGS, A DARLIN' CAT, A BIT OF HISTORY AND THE I-30 TRAFFIC

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2023 [PetPowellPress] History reflects via the Encyclopedia Britannica that May 9, 1502, was the date Christopher Columbus launched his “fourth and final voyage, hoping to find a passage to Asia.” More in Contemplations, history nuts.
SOME BIG NEWS
FROM SMALL SPOTS
Yes, it’s really important for the brain to find good news in the world. Day after day of desperate appeals for homes for animals at on-the-clock peril will, as one of my newspaper colleagues used to say, “drive you right up the blamed wall.” 
Here’s some news that’ll help us safely get down the wall and back to earth for just a moment. 
We happen to have run across this bit of good news when we took a look at the Facebook site of 4-Legged Helpers.
The text that came with the upbeat artwork read, “At the shelter, Trevor dreamed of a better life. Thanks to all the people who had a hand in getting this boy out of the shelter and into a foster home... he is now in the Dream Come True phase of his journey!

“THANK YOU to everyone who supports rescue efforts and second chances.”
And when you go to the Helpers’ Facebook page HERE you’ll find another dog we’ve previously mentioned. This girl Bella.
Here’s the artwork and the story. Bella’s a “young adult” who weighs in around 50 pounds and she’s a Boxer-Catahoula Mix. [LARRY ASIDE: I look at that as a demonstration that she’s good enough to win at least a couple of categories at the big Westminster Kennel Club Show.]
Bella is the girl who was found “tied to the door” of a rural Dallas County vet clinic. The theory is the person who left her there “hoped the vet would be better able to help her find a new home. So far they’ve had no luck and they really need our help,” the 4-Legged Helpers bio reads.
It also says, “She's had some formal training and is very well-behaved. She loves people & loves other dogs. All she's missing is a home where she'll be loved and cherished. We're seeking a rescue or adopter to help give her a new life.” To ask the Helpers about Bella, callor text 214-949-2726 or email [email protected].
THE SENIOR DOG DOTS
NEED A GOOD SPOT TO LIVE
We learned of this girl Dots from longtime animal helper Karen Lee, founder of barkleyworld.com.
 Dots is in the City of Arlington Animal Shelter. She’s #52337215.
The note from Karen reads, “This beautiful girl is a senior pup, which is probably the reason she is constantly being overlooked. But at 8 years old, she is ready to live her golden years in a loving home with a family. She has been in the shelter far too long. 

“Dots is affectionate, loving, calm and has a very easy going demeanor. Dots has a wish and it’s to have a loving family who will give her lots of pets and a comfy bed to sleep on. She is a little on the heavy side so walks to help lose a little weight would be even better. Dots is a volunteer and staff favorite. We can’t believe she is still waiting to be adopted, but we hope these pictures and this post will do the trick!”
Dots came into the shelter on March 29 and she’s eligible for the 425 VIP Adoption Fee.” Her SHELTER LINK IS HERE. 
Click on this LINK  to see how to adopt from Arlington.

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
THEY’RE ALL SHOW-QUALITY!
We’re starting with Lucille, a Terrier/Dog Argentino mix with a bio provided by our tipster Debra Chisholm, one of the volunteer dog-writers at Mesquite Animal Services. 
Why is beautiful Lucille in the shelter? She, the story reads, “was adopted as a pup from the Mesquite Animal Shelter and returned on 1/19 due to the fact that her family is moving.” We’ll get to “Happy tail” in a moment.
 Lucille is spayed, a year-old, 53-pounds and “considered long-term because she has been at the shelter for nearly 4 months.”
Debra continues, “How to describe Lucille's personality and behavior?  She's a spunky, happy-go-lucky, fun-loving, tail-wagging pup.  She does jump on you and this would need to be addressed.  She might not be a good fit for a family with very young children until the jumping issue has been resolved.  Lucille needs an active person or family who would give her daily exercise, play time and enrichment. … During the photo shoot she ran and played in the yard, chased tennis balls and was just generally on the move.  She is very excitable and high energy. …  Lucille does have an issue called limber tail syndrome or ‘happy tail.’  She can get very active in her kennel wagging her tail against the walls and gate, causing her tail to bleed, resulting in blood on her kennel walls and on her coat.  With rest, the tail can return to normal.”
Lucille is #51234724. Use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]

Use the same system to contact the shelter about Faith (#52091809). Faith came into the shelter as a stray on Feb. 18. She is about 3 months old, spayed and weighs 60 pounds. 
Debra writes about this mixed breed pup that “soon she will have been a shelter resident for 3 months and she would be delighted to leave her temporary home and find her very own special forever home.  She has such a unique appearance with the markings on her coat and has one blue/one brown eye.  She walks well on a leash. 

“When I led her past kennels of dogs barking at her, she did not react.  Out in the yard, she spent a lot of time exploring, stretching her legs and seemed so happy to be out of her kennel.  She has a confident and trusting nature.  Faith is friendly and likes petting and loving interaction. … For some unknown reason Faith has been passed over by potential adopters which is unfortunate because she would undoubtedly make someone a devoted and loving companion.”

See more Mesquite adorable adoptables by clicking on the shelter link HERE.
From that point you’ll be able to see not only more dogs, but plenty of cats of assorted ages. This beauty is #52605709. Shes thought to be just over two months old, a Domestic Medium Hair Mix with a white and orange coat and some darker highlights. She came in on April 8 and is available in the shelter’s Cat Room. Her cellphone number is 52605709 — I’m kidding. That’s her shelter ID number. Not sure who you’d get if you called that number. So, to ask about #52605709, just go ahead and call the Mesquite shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
If I had room for a kitten, I think I might call her Darlin’. That would give a person a chance to work on his Conway Twitty impression. Hello, Darlin’.
CONTEMPLATIONS
FREE SAILING AND OTHER TRAFFIC
We opened today's report with the note that May 9, 1502, was the date explorer Christopher Columbus, according to the Encyclopedia Brittanica, launched his “fourth and final voyage, hoping to find a passage to Asia.” …

OK, Dear Readers, I believe you’ll agree with me that it is probably true that he crossed the Atlantic and successfully, though accidentally, found waterways reaching into Texas and made it all the way to Arlington where, suddenly, he found his route clogged by road, bridge, flyover and exit re-construction at I-30 and 360. 
After several years, he sold his ship to an amusement park company and it became an ornamental addition to a park that wouldn’t be opened until the 1961. …

Traffic? I might have made some of that up —- had time to think about it while trying to travel from Grand Prairie to Fort Worth without a motionless traffic jam. I remember driving on the Dallas/Fort Worth Turnpike (it became I-30) and the only traffic snarls on it were from having to slow enough to aim your change at the toll basket. That’s a postcard from the early ‘60s (almost certain, based on that ’60 Chevy in the photo. It may have gotten as far as Arlington, then been stored to wait until the construction was completed. Yeah, I’m sure we’ll all appreciate it when it’s finally done and we can see the well-luminated I-30 through Arlington from our new condos in the Metrocrater on the Moon.
—- Offer driving advice or hope for the future by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put ‘CONFUSING LANES AHEAD’ in the subject line. —-

FOR MONDAY'S EDITION: DOGS LINGER IN THE 'AVAILABLE' POSITION; A BIG OL' CAT; CONTEMPLATIONS ABOUT 'NORMAL'

EDITION OF MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2023 [PetPowellPress] On a morning after a tragic weekend, we hold off on commentary until Contemplations. Now, let’s move into highlighting the opportunities for big and wonderful hearts to help other big and wonderful hearts.
LOOKING BACK IN ORDER
TO HELP GOLD MEDAL THE DOG
LOOK HAPPILY AHEAD
How far back do we look? March. When this stray was rescued.
 We’ve been trying to help his devoted rescuer/follower Amy Poskey, veteran animal advocate in Denton, encourage someone or some organization to get this dog out of a shelter and into a lifelong happy home.

Why is Amy so determined to help this dog who loves tummy rubs and has great blue eyes?
 We found the answer in the opening of an appeal Amy sent out in March to her friends and acquaintances in the pro-animal world. She wrote, “Hey, Everyone! To make a long story short… I called the shelter about this sweet, stray boy and one of the ACOs was able to catch him.  Poor baby was timid.  Nobody came for him so now he needs our help!
"We have rescue but we need a foster to make that happen.”  
We looked at the Denton bio for Gold Medal at 9 a.m. Monday and here’s what we found. It opened with his shelter number:
“52361722.
“Located At: City of Denton Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center
“Description: My name is Gold Medal. I am a male, white and black Australian Cattle Dog mix. Age: The shelter staff think I am about 3 years old. More Info: I have been at the shelter since Mar 15, 2023. Data Updated: This information was refreshed 2 hours ago.”
Here’s the LINK.
You’ll find that Gold Medal is guessed to be between 2 and 5 years old, he weighs 50 pounds and he’s an Aussie Cattle Dog mix.
Is he house-trained? Might be. The report he “does not make much mess in his kennel.” 
Health? Heartworm positive, but, as Amy has noted, the payment for that treatment is covered. [LARRY ASIDE: We’ve adopted and fostered several heartworm positive dogs through the years. It’s basically not a big deal as long as you keep the dogs quiet and get to enjoy being mostly still and not so active — which is how most dogs thrive, anyway, right? Why do you think you own a couch?]
Gold Medal is neutered, microchipped, good with other dogs (nobody knows about cats) and, as you can see in that photo, can train a human to do tummy rubs.
As Amy wrote in the early emails, Gold Medal arrived at the shelter “really dirty” and was wearing a worn-out collar with chew rope still dangling from it. And there’s this: “The staff said that he was very scared at first and is still timid until you walk him or interact with him.  He seems very submissive and will flop over for a belly rub when he feels comfortable with his visitors.” 
He’s making progress everywhere except being rescued and adopted. If you can help Gold Medal, get in touch with Amy at [email protected]
AND THEN THERE’S ANGIE,
NAMED FOR LOCAL ANGEL…
Yes, this dog with the fab ears and face has been mentioned here before. She’s named for her rescuer, Angie Manriquez, the local angel for whom the rescue group Angie’s Friends is named. 
We got this batch of info from Gabriela Pataro,
She sent a report that reads, “HELP us find a Foster or  FUREVER home for Angie Dog and Honor Angie’s work.
“Angie dog was named in honor of Angie by Dallas Animal Services. Angie originally spotted this stray and a male in West Dallas.   She pursued the male and DAS caught the girl.  DAS is investigating the neglect of both dogs as they were  in poor condition and [the ‘owner/owners’ were] likely breeding her.
“Angie Dog has made great strides since her capture on  April 19. She is gaining weight and learning all about the world of good people, great food, health and rest." [LARRY ASIDE: You may interpret 'great strides' as "taking over the bed and snoozing like she owns it.]
The bio continues, “Her traits so far are: great intelligence, she’s quiet, non-destructive, not anxious, has good potty habits, knows a doggie door and is definitely a Velcro dog.
“She would be a ideal dog for a disabled person or a person needing a comfort dog.  She is not reactive to other dogs, ignores cats, doesn’t cry when she hears a siren, and enjoys her morning walk.  She is learning basic commands and knows to run to her crate when she is naughty.

“Her ideal home will have a yard, a dedicated human and Maybe another dog to play with.  Her current foster home is under distress because their pets are not receptive to Angie.  They had a bad experience with another dog and are not welcoming Angie Dog who has taken this graciously. She is grateful for the indoor life and human attention. The humans need relief from the commotion though. 
“Officially she is property of DAS  and as such will be treated for her low grade heartworm stage by DAS and spayed by DAS.  She is already fully vaccinated and microchipped.”

The Dallas Animal Services adoption page for Angie is HERE. You’ll find that her ID is #A1177209 and she’s listed at a 6-year-old “mixed breed.” [LARRY ASIDE: That sure looks like a whole lot of German Shepherd lounging in the foster home above and on the shelter cot (right). DAS listed her at 61 pounds — looks like 61 hungry pounds, so readlarrypowell.com, an over-eating expert on weight gain, thinks she’ll add some poundage with proper feeding and additional snoozing in a happy home!]
If no ransomware or anything gets in the way, you can call the shelter at 214-670-6800 or email [email protected] or stop by for a visit at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd. in Dallas, right next to I-30 West.
ANYBODY ASK ABOUT
A CAT NAMED ‘VINNY’?
Not yet. Maybe you didn’t know Vinny is available to a good home. He’s an 8-year-old Domestic Shorthair Mix patiently waiting for the right cat-lovin’ human to show up at the SPCA of Texas and adopt him.

This fellow weighs in at 12 pounds and is currently in a foster home. His bio says “Other cats Okay.” 
He may have actually written his bio — readlarrypowell.com has experience with all-grown-up cats and this sounds like it could be an actual bit of cat-writing.
Vinny’s bio reads, “I'm a handsome older gentleman who is looking for my forever home. I'm a very affectionate cat who some might call clingy, I just call it love! I have lived in a home all of my life but due to family circumstances I need to find a new forever family who will love me as much as I will love them back.”
He’s not keen on dogs, but he is OK with other cats and genuinely loving humans. He’s at the SPCA at 2400 Lonestar Drive on the eastern side of Downtown Dallas. Vinny’s bio is HERE and you can also set up an appointment to meet him. And, also, you can donate at that site.

CONTEMPLATIONS

THE WEEKEND’S EVENTS
Friday night, my funspouse Martha and I met up with some longtime friends for laughter and recollections. It was a splendid evening that ended a little later than usual for us. Why was that important? Because we were getting up before 4 a.m. Saturday to go fishing….I’m kidding. We were getting up to watch the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Martha is a devoted anglophile and, by marriage, so am I, I guess. We watched all the way through the event on a BBC channel. We saw the crowds of Britons and others celebrating this rare moment in British history. The last time there was a king’s coronation was Charles III’s grandfather in 1937. We watched like a couple of Americans whose families had roots in Mother England but whose foundation is in Texas where we were born into families without oil wells and cattle but with the Shadow of the Depression hanging over the checkbooks and light switches. After the Coronation was over, we suited up and went for lunch at a place I can’t even remember right now. Honest. It'll come to me. …
And at some point we turned the TV on and found that, once again, the "normal" Texas world we live in had disintregrated because of a hellish attack on innocents. People who, like us, had been having an “normal day.” 
When I was a kid reporter in Texarkana in the mid-1960s we could still hear the echos of the gunfire from downtown Dallas. So could newsrooms all over the nation. But, as I recall, in the mid-60s murders generally made front page news because they were RARE in the communities of America. But, then on Aug. 1, 1966, there was that awful attack by a sniper from atop the big tower at the University of Texas in Austin. Before he shot anyone on the campus at UT, he opened fire on a family that was innocently entering the viewing area atop the tower. A family on a normal visit to a university campus. Normal. Ordinary.
I wondered if the number of murders had increased after JFK. Or after the Tower shooting. And I found a place called the Disaster Center, apparently a FEMA division, that listed murder rates through the years with a ton of other statistics. It’s a dazzling and confusing table of numbers that probably needs an expert to read and interpret. And there’s not a listing since 2019. Maybe the agency ran out of money.
Whatever the case, Saturday’s statistics won’t show up for a while. But Saturday’s actions already are in the national memory. As were the mass shootings that occurred before Saturday. What does nearly every case have in common? Some person apparently in need of mental health treatment was pulling a trigger. We need a way to help people get mentally healthy without being shamed and without thinking that creating horror will make their lives one bit better. How do we do that? I don’t know. I’m just a reporter. But I’ll proudly write about the solution when someone figures it out. In the meantime, make mental health a priority for Americans. You'd think seeking mental health would be more of a priority than losing 20 pounds with a newly developed medicine. Might as well make mental health a priority for the rest of the world, too. Too much government-authorized killing of innocents of all ages on Planet Earth. Respect life. Embrace peace.
— Offer ideas or thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] —-

FOR THE ROYAL WEEKEND, A DOG MOVES AND THE REASON IS ..... YES..... IT'S A CAT!

For our Royal Weekend May 6-7, 2023, edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, we present animals slumbering out of place. 
Readlarrypowell.com enjoys demonstrating the tranquility of household companions.
And, for this edition, we'd like to point out that we have no dog or cat with a royal name, unless, of course, “Porche Noel” qualifies in some former French colonial property near the North Pole.

That dog on the carpet is Dudley the Angel, the fellow who inspired this edition because he was, indeed, out of place. (Appropriately, he’s named after the angel played by Born-in-Britain Actor Cary Grant in The Bishop’s Wife (1947). And, yes, the toes of my shoes crept into the frame on the lower left.)
FYI: At our house, these days, you won't find a dog named King or Prince or a cat named Queen or Duchess. Certainly no cat named Consort, though we suspect that may become a popular handle here in The Colonies. How about this name for a rock band? Chuck King & The Consorts? Well, that exhausts my suggestions.
[LARRY ASIDE: By the way, we offer this sincerely: God save the King. And the rest of the royal family, too. A Lord who owns a newspaper only knows how much money reporters and photographers have made off the royal family since the invention of the printing press!]
Thus, we turn to a practically profit-free living room in a town in Texas, a state and former nation, neither of which has ever been property of the British Empire.
Their loss.
 What inspired this edition occurred one recent evening as my AnglophilicSpouse Martha watched British antique auction shows on cable. We watch those with the “Closed Caption” on so we can understand what they’re saying. [LARRY NOTE: I’m pretty sure that our wonderful late British friends Jane and Della would appreciate that and laugh at us justifiably. They have a good vantage point these days. I need to point out that Martha speaks splendid and fluid English, even, on occasion, she can demonstrate royally “the Queen’s English.” Once stopped all proceedings in an East Texas Dairy Queen by ordering in a British accent. The cook came out of the kitchen to get a look.
Moving along, I was reading when, just over the top of the right-side page (an actual hand-held paper product) I saw a big ol’ dog on the carpet where he usually isn’t. 
“Why isn’t he in the dog bed?” I asked, then told myself, “I know he likes to sleep in the bed.” [LARRY FYI: That's Wendy after taking over the bed later in the day!]
As I examined the room, I realized neither of the other two dogs — Porche Noel or wonderful Wendy Louise Wagstaff Arden -- was in the dog bed. Nope, the bed was occupied by our Apprentice Office Cat Stevie Ray Treeboy (found on the flimsy limb of a mimosa tree not far from Stevie Ray Vaughan’s old neighborhood in Dallas).
[LARRY NOTE: That white "blob" on the couch is Porche sleeping on her back with her front paws up and her back paws comfortably positions. Free dog, you know. Very entertaining.]
Our Stevie Ray the Kitten was loud, young and adorable. He holds onto those credentials as a "really loveable cat." And, clearly, he’ll sleep in a dog bed. Not all cats will do that. Many a person has bought a dog bed for the cat after the cat has nixed the idea of sleeping in a cat bed. Ask around. Cats have their standards. They won't tell you what they are, but they have 'em.
Stevie Ray brought into our home the absolute soul of goodness and the entertaining charm of all black-and-white cats. Yes, based on experience, we believe black and white cats to be the most adventurous,, exciting, affectionate, household cats. He’s our third black and white cat and the descrip- tion of enter- taining rowdiness fit his predecessors Cyril and Poirot, now gone to add entertainment value to the Hereafter.
[DEAR READERS: I couldn't get all of Dudley into one sideways photo, so I took a shot of his white-tipped tail and back paws in one picture and his white-tipped nose and front-paws in the other. He looks black in the photos, but when the sun shines on this Border Collie mix, his Chocolate Lab ancestry glows! Please tell us about the animals you love and send photo of them sleeping and awake to [email protected] We’ll give them the weekend spotlight of readlarrypowell.com. It’s a public service to remind people that their lives will be better with a loyal dog or an entertaining cat. Or a sleeping dog and a napping cat. Honest. And you’ll help insomniacs realize they, too can get some sleep if they can just find the right-size dog bed.]
—- Offer tips on making money by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “SAVE THE HOLLYWOOD WRITERS” in the subject line. —-

FROM HAIR TO THE HAIRY -- A CULTURAL TRIP ACROSS THE YEARS...SAVE 'EM ALL

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY MAY 4-5, 2023. [PetPowellPress] There’s a big flap over the U.S. Navy using a drag performer as a recruiting element. Then, there’s the big flap over Bud Light’s promotion involving a trans performer.
As a teen in the mid-60s the big flap of a “pop culture” crisis in my generation was “Git uh haircut, boy!”
The HAIRY CULTURAL CRISIS was launched on a Sunday night — we can pinpoint Feb. 9, 1964. That’s when the barbering and hairstyle industries in America got a hairy wake-up call. All over America, living room TVs were tuned to The Ed Sullivan Show. The Beatles brought their rebellious hair style to the rebellious youth of America. (More in Contemplations.)
FROM A PUBLIC GROUP
FOCUSING ON DAS DOGS
There’s a Facebook page called “Dallas Urgent Shelter Dogs” that posts photos and info regarding dogs in the big city’s big shelter where the big needle stays busy. 
Here is the FACEBOOK LINK.
Sometimes the animals have some time left; sometimes their time is measured in hours and minutes.
I have no idea how much time this quartet of dogs has. We’re relying on information posted at 9:21 a.m. Wednesday. It reads this way:
“Four 5 m/o pups found together
Dallas Animal Services
Look like GSD/Husky mixes
A1178078 - MOCHA female, 27 lbs
A1178077 - FRAPPE female, 26 lbs
A1178059 - KINGSTON male, 21 lbs
A1178058 - ASHTON male, 21 lbs
*I am a volunteer. Contact the shelter with adoption/transport questions.”
Here is the DAS Facebook link  — the site mentions dogs and cats and the recent ransomeware attack
At bedallas90.org -- the shelter's webite -- you can link up to the how-to info about adopting and you can see the dogs available in the shelter. Neither the Facebook link nor the bedallas90.org link has the quartet of dogs (as of this writing)...
[LARRY ASIDE: Most shelter’s have online sites that show their adoptables and also tell you how to get in touch to ask about a specific animal. Some shelters discourage phone calls and ask for emails. Organizations such as 4-Legged Helpers, deal with smaller understaffed and under-financed suburban and semi-rural shelters and try to help those animals get out before Small Town Time Expires. You can find 4-Legged Helpers on FACEBOOK HERE.
this guy Flynn is one of those dogs the Helpers have been trying to save from losing his life in a small, rarely-visited city shelter. Click on the artwork to make Flynn's photos and lines of type grow]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
THE DOG-WRITERS’
HOPEFUL BIOGRAPHIES
We begin with volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown's take on Drako. He’s a 3-year-old, 67-pound Plott Hound mix with a “glossy brindle coat.” Judi introduced him with this sentence: “If Drako could speak and if he was humble, he’d have bragging rights. He’s got so much going for him!
”
He must have had someone who loved him at some point — but he came in on April 27 as a stray. Judi writes, “He was microchipped, and his owners were called but they chose not to come get him. I just can’t figure that one out. I seldom fall for a dog as quickly as I did for Drako but he captured my heart with his loving, friendly, easy-going, playful, happy personality! He no sooner got out into the yard when he found a squeaky toy and ran around joyfully squeaking it! He chases balls and retrieves them …. all the time wagging his tail! He sits for treats and gives his paw. He takes treats gently. He’s very well behaved and wants to please. As big as he is, he’s extremely gentle! He’s curious and alert and explored the yard but kept coming back to me. … I just can’t say enough about Drako. He’s an amazing guy and would make an amazing pet for an active family. He would most likely do well with children. He would need a large yard to play in and a loving family to love on!”

Drako is #5253436 at the shelter. Use that ID when you call the Mesquite Shelter at 972-216=6283 or email [email protected]

Same system for this girl Precious, #52531238. Her biographer is Debra Chisholm who says Precious also came in as a stray on April 27. And, she says, “My Dog Scanner app suggests the following mix in her breed: American Staffordshire Terrier, Austrian Pinscher and American Pit Bull Terrier.  Precious weighs 52 pounds, is approx 2 years old and is not spayed.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Pause here to take a look at the demeanor of this dog Precious. That’s not exactly a dog that ISN’T precious, is it! Read on and try not to cringe.]
Debra writes, “This sweet girl was nearly paralyzed with fear upon arrival.  One of our volunteers has been working with her daily to help her feel more comfortable and less fearful and nervous.  One of the goals is to establish trust and confidence in the shelter staff and volunteers.  She is coming along and our volunteer was able to coax her out of the kennel and out into the hallway.  Precious is especially afraid of the leash. 

“This calm and gentle girl is willing to cuddle, be affectionate and give kisses.  She likes treats and takes them gently.  She will continue to receive the TLC and patience needed for her to be ready to leave the shelter and acclimate to a foster home or adopter.  Precious has the potential to be a loving and loyal companion and she will continue to be worked with in order for that to be in her future.  She has quickly become a volunteer favorite!  An updated eval will be sent in a week or two as we are confident she will continue to make good progress.”

[LARRY ASIDE: If anyone knows the lout who didn’t properly care for this very wonderful dog, let us know. I’m in the mood to deliver a stern lecture about the value of dogs and the emptiness of human hearts and heads.]
Debra also tipped us to this girl Amelia, a 2-year-old, spayed, 30-pound Terrier mix who came in as a stray on Feb. 11. That’s 3 months of survival in a city shelter. Debra writes, “This is a fave of mine and I'd like to fill you in on her wonderful attributes.  She knows the sit and shake commands.  She will sit for treats and takes them gently.  She is frisky and enthusiastic.  Amelia treasures the times she is taken from her kennel and allowed to romp about in the shelter yard.  She has a moderate activity level.

 “Amelia is a compact size and would be a good fit for someone needing a smaller-medium size dog.  She has a friendly and trusting personality.  Amelia is affectionate, will jump on the bench beside me in the yard and wants to sit on my lap.  She is happy to receive loving touches.  Amelia walks quite nicely on a leash.  She's a real charmer and is more than ready to change her place of residence from a city shelter to her perfect forever home in which she will receive the TLC she deserves.”

Amelia is #52047839 when you call the shelter at 972-216-5283 or email [email protected]
 Once again, same system for this pup — #52536086.
Debra writes, “I have named this darling girl Maggie.  She was picked up by one of our officers as a stray and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 4/28.  Maggie is a mixed breed, weighing in at 60 pounds, not currently spayed and approx 5 years of age.  She is the most gentle, calm, well-behaved girl. … She is a bit timid but understandably so due to having arrived only a few days ago. She is doubtless baffled as to where she is and why she has landed in this strange place.  She walks beautifully on a leash and did not seem reactive to other dogs she passed. … She has a low-key personality and yet is lively and active.  She is alert and seemed quite interested in standing at the gate and watching the activity in the field and the parking lot.  She likes treats and takes them gently.”
Debra say Maggie “would doubtless be a good fit for an older couple or person in a quiet environment.  She tugged at my heartstrings and I hope will do the same for just the right person.”
When we clicked on the “Animals-in-the-Shelter” link for Mesquite, we found a newcomer, a kitten who came in on May 3. He’s #52573353. His bio says he’s about a week over a month old. He’s small and “available.”
[LARRY ASIDE: Yep, a black and white Domestic Shorthair Mix just like our beloved Apprentice Office Cat Stevie Ray who, to my knowledge has never been to Mesquite and, also, was “fixed” long before #52573353 became a twinkle in a cat’s eye. That’s Stevie Ray’s face on the right and, yes, we believe the kitten is as handsome as Stevie Ray, but maybe not as adventurous - yet.]
Here’s the LINK TO ANIMALS IN THE MESQUITE SHELTER.
CONTEMPLATIONS
NATIONAL CHANGE, CULTURAL SHIFT & HAIR
Connecting to our opening approach, before the challenge of hair, the major insult in America was the idiocy of racism. I remember these things: White Only water fountains, restrooms, movie entrances and seating, schools, seating on buses by race, etc. The other entrances and sites were designed as "COLORED ONLY" -- you probably knew that if you either lived in it or read a history book.  Idiocy in America. I still can’t believe what I saw in my childhood — or in my early reporter years in the ‘60s and ‘70s and sometimes beyond. God bless the people who triumphed. Here’s a SONG BY SAM COOKE that fits things. Has a great video with it. A visual tour of the past. ...
MOVING ALONG: ALLOW ME TO TRANSPORT YOU BACK TO THE MORNING AFTER THE BEATLES appeared on national TV on Ed Sullivan’s show. Here’s THE LINK .  The hairlines of American males began to look different as rock and soul stars got attention and connected with young lives. I cite this for the sake of children born to late to have lived through the "hair revolution." 
Show of male hands: Ever get sent home because your hair was too long — "too long" being “going down past the tops of your ears.”  The BIGGEST CLASSROOM/CHURCH/FAMILY CULTURAL CRISIS occurred after The Beatles rocked Ed Sullivan on Sunday night, Feb. 9, 1964. That’s the date the barbering and hairstyle industries got a wake-up call. The Beatles brought their rebellious hair styles to the rebellious youth of America.
INSPIRATIONAL HAIR? Between 1964 and 1967, hair grew in America and skirts shortened, as I recall. Anyway, since I didn’t wear a skirt, we’ll focus on hair. On Oct. 17, 1967, New York got the off-Broadway premier of Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical.” Sing along, “Give me a head with hair, long beautiful hair….” Here’s the link to the original cast singing what became a hit for The Cowsills a couple of years later.  Scott McKenzie sang, “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear flowers in your hair.” And, of course, there was the confrontation song, Loggin’s & Messina’s Your Momma Don’t Dance (And your Daddy don’t rock ’n’ roll) with the line, “Get outta the car, longhair!” We’d be remiss if we didn’t cite the 1969 album Abbey Road and The Beatles lines in Come Together that describe “old flat top” who is “grooving up slowly.” The line reads, “He got hair down to his knee - got to be a joker he just do what he please…” Hmmmm. The Hair Revolution -- maybe you did have to be there. I still get told I need a haircut.
—- Offer hair-care tips and revolutionary chants by clicking on ‘comment’ below or email [email protected] and put GET A JOB, LONGHAIR in the subject line. —-

UNFOCUSED TYPIST HONES IN ON MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR ANIMALS....

EDITION OF LATE MAY 3-EARLY MAY 4, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Today I’m like a bad camera trying to aim at the big orange tower at Six Flags Over Texas while being gripped by a wobbly teenager in a seat on the herky-jerky Runaway Mine Train in its debut year, 1966 — I just can’t focus.
 cOh, wait, Six Flags didn’t open the Oil Derrick Observation Tower until 1969. 
See, some facts make a difference — they help me focus. 
That’s my left hand and Stevie Ray — I was doing a magic trick for him — making my left forefinger disappear. He yawned, but I didn’t catch that on film.
 Stevie Ray doesn't believe I have the skills to be a magician even though I can make food appear twice a day and treats appear whenever he meows. Hmm. Perhaps I am a magician's assistant.
PART I 

Call this edition two things: Unfocused and proud to look you in the eye and say “MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU.” Yep, came via the “May the Force be with you” line from the 1977 film Star Wars, first in the the long-running chain of space operas. (If westerns are “Horse Operas,” then space movies can be “Space Operas,” right? What do you call political movies? I’m going with “tragicomedies” on that. Agree? Disagree? 
Who cares?|
So, on Thursday, May the 4th be with you. And, if you’re not an heir to the British throne, May the 6th be with your bets at the Kentucky Derby. Bless all the horses and keep ‘em safe.

PART II
While allowing my brain to wander the world,,,,Wait. For a split-second it just stopped right here. Maybe it’s a wild thought that comes from seeing too many notices this week with photos of dogs and cats that say “HAS TWO HOURS LEFT OR WILL BE EUTHANIZED.”
You’ve probably seen a lot of ‘em in your time as a rescuer and animal advocate. DEATH THREAT NOTICES. 
Think about this: There’s no law that says a shelter can’t display animals online as soon as they come into the taxpayer-financed shelter. Would doing so make adoptions and rescues run faster and keep animals from being “pressure-packed, last-minute — all you SOBs who don’t take him feel guilty” appeals? 
Is it time for someone to standardize how shelter animals are publicized so their chances of rescue and adoption can improve? Or is everybody satisfied with the “HEY, LOOK! THIS DOG DIES TUESDAY UNLESS YOU FIND A HOME THAT ISN’T ALREADY OVERLOADED WITH RESCUED ANIMALS!”
Anybody got any ideas to improve methods of saving the lives of animals on the shelter clocks. Trust me, the shelter personnel — most of ‘em, I’m pretty sure — would rather prepare adoption papers than hypodermic needles. 
Surely, the age of whizbang computer systems, there’s a better way to publicize the at-risk animals on a tax-payer financed website. Timing — that’s the key to everything, right?

PART III
I began working as a reporter/editor/columnist in 1965 and I’ve spent a big chunk of my grown-up years writing about animals. I also taught journalism briefly at the university level. And what would I like to see people who write tip sheets about found animals or any animals do? This: Include who, what, where, when, why and how in every note. Who’s the animal? What happened? Where did it happen and Where is the animal now? When did this happen? And Why did it happen — dog dumped, dog a stray, dog thrown out of a truck on Dowdy Ferry Road? Plus, what is the “How?” It’s “How can I contact the right person who'll help me rescue this animals in the most efficient way? Efficiency saves animal lives! You need reliable information! Youwouldn’t call the fire department and yell into the phone “THERE’S A FIRE IN MY BATHROOM. COME HELP ME.” You’d darn sure include the key information if your buttocks happened to be on fire, right?
 I’m speaking specifically to people who haphazardly post half the facts on Facebook and then are amazed that nobody responds.
Of course, I have sinned in print. But, I try not to and I fully recognize the parts of a story that make up the Life-Saving Appeal. Yep, “the W’s.” The previously mentioned Who, what, etc., and that “H,” too. You owe it to the animals to be thorough and loving with what you type.
[LARRY ASIDE: The work I do benefits every day from people who include everything in their animal notes — shelter volunteers, soft-hearted and hard-working rescuers and advocates, etc. Angels on the Earth, these people are. They’re examples of how to do the job right in the face of tough challenges. I’d give ‘em a raise if money mattered to rescuers, advocates and do-gooders in the animal community.]

PART IV
Speaking of life-saving. We’ve all seen scores and scores of emails and announcements begging us to help a dog or cat at the “last minute” or even weeks early! How about making a point of telling all of us what happened to the animal you declared was on the brink? Sometimes it might be an uplifting adoption or a “pull” by a life-saving rescue group. Make this experience positive!
 We can’t be left to believe that they all moved to Happy Puppy Farm or Big Purr Cathouse and are living the dream. Results matter. 
They inspire other people to get involved. I typed that last sentence in honor of all of the veteran rescuers and fosters I’ve known for years who absolutely will break down and cry with joy, with sadness or with a desire to beat the stuffing out of some jerk who tossed a cat or dog into a trash bin or a bag of kittens or puppies into a creek. That crap happens.

PART V
When I began writing readlarrypowell.com and other animal tales in the 20th Century, I thought that people would wise up. I foolishly expected things to get better. What a dunce I am. Dallas had a new big shelter. The no-kill facilities were growing and becoming more recognizable to the community. Rescue groups were growing. The population grew, too, and not every newcomer or oldster wised up when it came to protecting animals. They joined the disgusting array of “don’t care/so what” people who don’t give a flip if a perfectly good dog or cat gets a needle in the neck or gets run down by a car or starves or dies from an easily fixed medical condition. You probably know some of these empty souls.


CLOSING NOTE
Dear Dogs and Cats and Other Animals who encounter humans, May the 4th and every other day be with you and may the hearts of humans work to make you welcome where ever you are on this entire, battle-scarred Planet Earth. And if you’re a human without enough heart to try to save an animal, buy a mirror and stare into it until you realize how much you need to change to make the whole darned planet better.

POST-CLOSING NOTE
Let me tell you about the good people doing animal rescue and promoting them. They risk their lives, their health and their fiscal well-being to get animals out of potentially fatal situations.
I write this to support those people who, in the face of ugly challenges and opposition, maintain their love for animals and their senses of humor.
 Many years ago I was among several speakers at a pro-animal event in a northern suburb of Dallas. After the event, I saw a cluster of “known rescuers and advocates” gathered around the back of a car and shooting the breeze like ol’ soldiers at a reunion. There was laughter and suddenly some of these people — MOSTLY WOMEN (I PROUDLY point out THE HEART AND ENERGY OF RESCUE) — began rolling up their sleeves and laughing even more. What was going on? They were talking about the challenges of rescue and they good-naturedly began showing off scars left on their arms from the mange they caught rescuing dogs! Bless their hearts!!! 
I’ve avoided mange. I’ve got scratches and bites from rescued cats. The only one of our dogs who ever bit me was my beloved Cocker Spaniel Inky -- I rescued him from Kiest Park where he'd been dumped as a nearly nude, mange-stricken, purebred Cocker.  He was blind in one eye ("Probabl from trauma," his vet said) and, once, when I reached down to pick him up from the wrong side, I startled him and he flopped those big ears around and nipped my left hand. My fault. Inky remains the reason my heart beats in support of rescuers and the rescued — that’s the portrait Martha did of him. It hangs in our dining room in honor of the boy who made life better after some other human had made his life worse. Sometimes we call it "Starshine Inky" and sometimes "Confetti Inky." Bottom line is we miss the little guy. I found Inky as I was walking three other rescues from Kiest Park that we'd had a while -- they would become Inky's lifelong pals along with me and Martha and a handful of rescued cats. You may be more familiar with this photo of Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas, who, periodically performed "impressions" for us in the photo form. This is Inky showing us his impression of a spaceship pilot ready for a snack after declaring "May the 4th Be With You" after having gotten a free and large snack from the Wookie who bakes cookies for Wookie Cookie Happy Yappy Snacks.
Go out and save some animals — you’ll live a better life. And, from my heart, a thanks to all the people who for years have sent me notes about dogs and cats that need humans to save them from situations other humans created. You people are magnificent. 
—- Offer responses by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put “SAVE ‘EM ALL” in the subject line. —-

NOBODY WILL HELP GOLD MEDAL? ARE YOU KIDDING? PLUS, OTHER DOGS, CATS AND A NOTE ABOUT MUSIC

EDITION OF TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2023 [PetPowellPress] We’ll get to Gordon Lightfoot in Contemplations. And Lord knows what else because I’m still organizing my day, my week and several months and years. How many boxes can a guy stack in a garage? Moving along without benefit of a dolly. .
I have two office cats who won’t let me type until they’ve had their treats. Hang on. Tick tick tick tick…Ah, we’re back. Now I’ll try to organize this report. Yes, that is formerly Apprentice Cat Stevie Ray giving me the “Rigid Tail Glare” while he waits for me to finish this sentence and grab treats for him.
IS THE CAMPAIGN BUILDING
TO SAVE GOLD METAL?
More emails have arrived urging me and all others on the senders' address lists to save Gold Medal, the beautiful dog waiting for either a home or the needle at the animal shelter in Denton.
We first wrote about him a while back when we got a note from our longtime tipster, the relentless animal advocate Amy Poskey. She’s been hustling to help this guy ever the blue-eyed, young Aussie Cattle Dog mix was rescued off the streets and given temporary room and board at Denton’s Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center.
How “temporary”? Depends on you, maybe. Or your neighbor. Or somebody you don’t even know who has a good heart and a place for a good dog. 
Amy says the dog is “sweet, clam, handsome, loveable” and she has this to add: “We have two rescue offers but we need a foster home in the DFW area to make that happen.”
Email Amy at [email protected] Call the Denton shelter at
940-349-7594. 
Gold Medal is #52361722 —- he has heartworm, but also has a pledge for that treatment. You just need to give him love and comprehension of his needs. That photo on the right is one of his arrival photos, when Gold Medal was still rough from roaming without food or care. Things have gotten better.
There’s the latest appeal for a dog who had the good fortune to be picked up by a good human and now needs just one more good human to step up in his behalf.
[LARRY ASIDE: It can’t be easy being a stray dog in Dallas/Fort Worth. Apparently it’s damnably easy to be the person who lets dogs become strays. That’s someone who needs some treatment.]
MEANWHILE, PRODUCTION
CONTINUES UNABATED
IN CAT COMMUNITY
“Cat community?” Yeah, I think that’s the alternative term for “Metroplex.” Cats are pregnant or delivering or have delivered all over the Metrobirthingplex this spring. And the Feral Friends Community Cat Alliance is trying to find help and homes for all of ‘em that show up on their radar.
You see the artwork that arrived with the latest Feral Friends appeal for financial and hands-on help.
readlarrypowell.com, which already has bagged its limit of unwanted cats and kittens, dared to look at the “Adoptable Cats” photos on the Feral Friends website feralfriends.org. And there we found these two perfectly wonderful examples of available feline darlingness.

Her bio says Allie “was born around 4/19/21” — yep, she’s all grown up and waiting. Badger was born in winter — around Feb. 26 — and he’s waiting, too.
Feral Friends, fyi, has a foster program you can get involved with. And, also, on the Feral Friends website you can read about getting involved in the Race To Reduce Litters Program.
[LARRY ASIDE: You’ll be timed in the 40-yard dash — if you can’t catch a randy Tom Cat or Teasing Wanna-be-a-momma cat within 40 yards, you may not be fit enough to race cats and separate them. OK, I made that up, but I’m kind of tired of picking up nearly newborn kittens off city streets and I’m hoping to get people involved in reducing the number of unwanted felines who are born just to be killed. That’s an awfully immoral circumstance, don’t you think?]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
OPPORTUNITIES TO TRIUMPH
In today’s edition, we have these situations that need human hearts to lift the animals to a triumphant position in life. They’ve already been rescued; now they need to be saved.
Our tipster, the Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog-writer Debra Chisholm, says this guy Brady is a “Terrier/Dogo Argentina mix that was picked up as a stray by one of our officers and brought to the…Shelter on 4/25.  Brady weighs 50 pounds, is approx 1 year old and is not yet neutered.”
He has a skin condition that shows up in photos and in person.
Debra writes, “Upon arrival at the shelter he was given a skin scrape and it confirmed that he has Demodex.” Yep, Demodectic Mange — unpleasant tiny mites who have invaded his coat. Very curable. Debra says, “He has been started on Nexgard and is beginning to heal. I was informed that he looked worse when he arrived.  “This fellow has a chill personality and is calm and gentle, though is lively and active.  Brady walks quite nicely on a leash.  He loves treats and followed me around the yard wanting more!  He stayed very close to me and I feel it was a combination of desiring to be near a human companion and wanting additional treats!  This tail-wagging, sweet-natured youngster is more than happy to receive petting and close contact.  One day his skin will be free from the mange and he will have a soft silky white coat.  It's sad that a pup this young has to deal with Demodex due to not having proper care.  Please help Brady understand that there are people who care about him and want to give him a second chance at a happy and carefree future.”
Brady is #52513347 at the shelter — call 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
Same system for contacting the shelter about adopting or rescuing or fostering or somehow helping “this cutesy pup” Kelsey, as she’s described by Debra. 
Kelsey (#52532292) is about 10-months-old, not yet spayed and weighs 38 pounds. Debra writes, “She is a delightful girl who would make a wonderful pet for some person or family looking for a puppy to train, raise, include as a vital part of the family and stay committed to!  I would describe her as a dog with a zest for living!”
Furthermore, Debra writes, “She is a happy-go-lucky, fun-loving youngster with an exuberant and outgoing personality.  She does jump on you and that would need to be addressed.  She doesn't know any commands--yet--and wasn't particularly interested in toys or balls.  She is friendly, affectionate, wanted to climb on my lap to give kisses and is more than happy to receive loving attention. …This playful life-of-the-party youngster would like more than anything to have the very briefest of stays at the shelter.  Won't you please assist Kelsey on the way to her forever home by networking or tagging at [email protected], typing in the subject line TAG, ID 52532292.  Inquiries can be directed to 972-216-6283 or emailed to [email protected]"
As you probably know by now, you can see more Mesquite Adorable Adoptables by clicking on the city’s shelter website HERE.  Cats? You want a cat? Here’s a symbol of the cats available at Mesquite. This guy is Jasper. We posted him before but can’t believe nobody dropped what they were doing and went after him. Jasper (#52341870) is among the varied representatives of allegedly unwanted cats waiting in Mesquite. His age is uncertain, but he is a a medium-sized fellow whose coat is basic gray/white. He came in on March 30 and he’s available, currently waiting in the Conference Room at the shelter. [LARRY ASIDE: I’d go get him, but if we bring another cat into our house, an alarm goes off in Austin and the Texas Legislature raises our Cat Tax. I’m kidding. There is no Cat Tax — yet. All of our cats are certainly worthy paying taxes — the Cat Enjoyment Tax. Finances street repairs throughout the state. I’m kidding. Not sure anything finances that.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
MUSIC AND THOUGHTS…
Never got to see Gordon Lightfoot in concert and never got around to sending him a thank-you note for his music and now it’s too late. Natural causes at 84 in Toronto in his beloved Canada. …
Possibly, for some of you whose intellectual tastes have yet to mature, he’s a “you-had-to-be-there” artist who sang at the right time in the ‘70s when things were rotten for so many people and their emotions. I hope nobody is enduring those challenges in the 2020s, but, of course, as an experienced human, I know now that daydreams aren’t real and we all hit a rough spot or two on the road of life. …
Tried to pick out Gordon Lightfoot song to properly close Contemplations. Carefree Highway is one of my faves, but so is Sundown. Click through the ads, of course for Sundown  or If You Could Read My Mind . 
Perhaps we should just “slip away” on Carefree Highway from 1974. “Turning back the pages to a time that I love best.” — a calming lyric from the unpleasant and unsettled ‘70s that still manages to chill on a spring day in 2023. Thank you, Gordon Lightfoot, for putting it into words.
—- Offer positive thoughts by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put READ HAPPIER NEWSPAPER STORES, LARRY in the subject line. Yeah, fat chance. —-

DOGS, CATS, CONTEMPLATING A CORONATION MOMENT AND A FORT WORTH SINGER'S ENGLAND SONG

EDITION OF MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023 [PetPowellPress] Been thinking about ways to make May move slower and so far I’ve got just three. May have 4 by the end of this report. I’ll outline ‘em in Contemplations. First, some dogs and cats.
MEANWHILE, CATS & DOGS
WAIT AT THE ‘CITY’ IN DALLAS
Yep, we’re talking about Dog ’n’ Kitty City, the no-kill shelter run by the Humane Society of Dallas County at 2719 Manor Way near Love Field.
For this attempt to publicize cats, we decided to focus on the faces. We’ve got domestic Shorthair Tabbies with different faces and one whose mustache overpowers his whiskers. See them and the available dogs at www.dognkittycity.org.
First up is Morgan, born July 16, 2009, and a senior girl. The shelter bio says “Morgan was found living under a dumpster in Irving on 8-22-2009. One of our volunteers started feeding her and it was very apparent she was a little ‘throwaway.’ She responded warmly to attention and wanted nothing more than a tickle and a good meal.

“Morgan took some coaxing, as mom had taught her to avoid contact with strangers. Once Morgan realizes you are there for cuddling, you have a friend.
“Morgan is not available for adoption but she is available for our Guardian Angel Program. If you will like to sponsor Morgan on our Guardian Angel Program and will like updates please email [email protected] Once you become her sponsor we will email you with an update and a picture once a month. You are also welcome to come and visit her too. We are open everyday but Tuesday between 11:45 and 4:45.”
Mono, born 8/27/20, is the Domestic Short Hair Tabby lounging on a bed. His bio reads, “I’m Mono! I am a handsome tiger tabby who is a bit shy at first. I was surrendered with my sister, who was adopted, but I prefer to be an only cat. Now I am looking for my my forever home. If you want to adopt me, email [email protected] or contact the shelter.”
And that brings us to Simon, a black and white Tabby (Male Domestic Short Hair). Born 5/8/16, he is described as a “large adult.” His bio reads, “I'm Simon! I am a big Tabby ... with a brown mustache. I am a little shy at first, but like to be petted. I was brought to the shelter with my brother because my owner passed away. So, now you see, I am looking for a new home. I am healthy but need to stay on a special diet due to my irritable bowel syndrome. If you would like to adopt me, please email [email protected] or contact the shelter.”

There are a ton of adoptable dogs and cats at Dog ’n’ Kitty City. Most of them are available to see on the website HERE.
TWO DOGS READY TO GO
AT MEQUITE'S SHELTER
(SO ARE SOME CATS.)
We’re starting with volunteer dog-writer Judi Brown’s bio of this girl Macy (#52512594). This former stray is a 36-pound, year-old mix who, Judi writes, “If Macy does not win you over with her adorable looks, then she will do so with her happy, loving personality.”

So where do her looks come from? Ah, she’s described as a “Boston Terrier/Pittie/Bulldog mix” who came in on April 26. 
Judi writes, “Another name for her could be Cutie Pie. With her Boston Terrier markings, stand up ears, and stocky low-to-the-ground body she is absolutely darling. You’re sure to get lots of compliments on her when you take her for walks. She’s extremely affectionate, calm, friendly, and very sweet.

"It was difficult getting pictures of her because she followed me around and stayed so close,” Judi says. “I couldn’t get far enough away to get a picture to do her justice. She did not appear to know the sit command, but is motivated by treats and takes them gently. She also was not interested in chasing balls or playing with toys. She gently jumps on you for hugs. She just wants to be close. 
“When I  sat down she came to me, gave me kisses and put her head on my lap. … She’s what they call the complete package! As gentle and easy going as she is, she should do very well with a family with children. She would make a great snuggle bug, curled up at your feet while you’re watching TV or reading a good book.”

To ask about Macy, call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected] Same system for this next dog and the upcoming cat, too.

Josie (#52498002) is, Judi writes, “a very well-behaved, easy-going, tail-wagging, friendly, happy girl that is waiting for you. She is a 3-year-old, 42-pound Blue Heeler mix that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 4/23 as a stray. She is not spayed. She is alert and curious, and I’m sure very smart. She knows the sit command and takes treats gently. She’s motivated by treats and as smart as she is, would be able to learn more commands. She chases balls and toys, but hasn’t yet learned what to do with them. You could tell she enjoyed this activity. As her adopter, you could teach her to retrieve. 
“She actually heeled when walked on a leash. When I first introduced her to other dogs, taking her out, she sniffed some and ignored the ones that were barking at her. However, when I returned her to her kennel another dog initiated a barking match. We always suggest if you have another dog to ask the shelter staff for a dog test. 

“As gentle and well-behaved as Josie is, she would most likely do well with a family with children. Please come meet her.”
Use here ID #52498002 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected]
You can see more Mesquite shelter animals by clicking HERE
At that link not only can you see more dogs, but you can see many available cats, too. Among the cats is this one we’ve previously highlighted: The Domestic Shorthair Mix Ivy. She’s #52091178. She’s 2 years, 2 months and 8 days old and she’s been in the shelter since Feb. 18. You can see her in her special greeting spot in the lobby at Mesquite’s shelter. Ivy — some cat.
CONTEMPLATIONS
PERHAPS ONE OF THESE WILL WORK…
While trying to figure out how to keep May from moving along so swiftly that I cannot enjoy any of it, I came up with these suggestions: 
(1)Become a potential high school graduate — nothing make May move slower than waiting for a diploma. 
(2) Visit a relative who actually is going to go on vacation “as soon as school is out.” The discussion of the plan will take half-a-month... 
(3) We’ve had a lot of “alarm salesmen” in our neighborhood lately. One came into our house. That slowed time down for a while. The dogs barked and made things move even slower. The cats were in the bedroom trying to set off an alarm.

(4) Watch the skies for UAPs or UFOs. I pick UFOs. UAP sounds too much like “United Arts Pictures." Quite possibly, in 1951 United Artist Pictures had a film that actually was predicting what would be going on in the skies in 2023. That's the "lobby card." …
Yeah, #4 might be a weak way to make the time move slowly in May, but it’s Monday and I, myself, am lost in space. No where near a diploma, either. And if I go on vacation, it’ll be because I won Lotto Texas. I’ll be in either the Big Bend, New Mexico or look for me in Westminster Abby at the Coronation this weekend. I’m supposed to join a new group, Camilla & The Royal Pickers in performing a song written and recorded by the late Fort Worth star Roger Miller. Enjoy England Swings. FYI: The King and I were born 7 days apart. I got here earlier, but, even in the computer age, I’ve been unable to create, er, find the paperwork to prove my connection to the royal line. Never had a good royal line though I have been referred to as a royal dumbXXX.”
—- Offer advice or pity by clicking on ‘COMMENT’ below or email [email protected] and put DEAR ROYAL NITWIT in the salutation. —

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO LOOK UP THE NAPPING CATS' NOSES...

In the corporate headquarters of readlarrypowell.com, we are blessed with two Tabby cats. Gray, black stripes and some highlights. Got the “M” on the foreheads….the whole works.
We’re focusing on them for this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
What we hope to do is demonstrate a way the unskilled cat-eye can determine which Tabby is which. This involves a careful look at the nostrils.
These cats may be relatives. After all, they both showed up in the same Dallas neighborhood near Polk and Ledbetter. Esme arrived in 2012 — she particularly enjoyed the twice-daily group meal known as the Front Porch Feral Buffet.
In 2018, as I was painting the wood-trim on the brick house, William, a youngish fellow, walked up, applied for a job helping me — mostly via observation — and, then, took a permanent position as Office Cat William Powell.

If a room is only slightly dark, you may not be able to tell Esme from William.
 But, if you have a cellphone flashlight, you’ll be able to tell that William is the Tabby with the dynamically pink nose. Esme has a more sedate dark nose with only slightly pinkish coloring around her nostrils.
This photo is of Esme as she plots her leap from the floor into my lap in the living room chair we share.
I’ve also included a video of younger cat William Powell grooming while in my lap in the living room chair we three share. 
What does that video show? It displays a cat’s sincerity toward grooming. And, at the end, you get to see the glare a cat can aim at you when Celebrity Cat William Powell realizes the paparazzi is filming his most personal moments. It’s an icy stare.
Click THIS LINK to see the William video and get the full impact of a Tabby cat’s pink-nosed glare. 
Yeah, I have NONE OF THE SKILLS REQUIRED to convert that "still photo" into the moving picture you'll see when you click on THE LINK. Junior college dropout, you know -- I pay attention to cats and dogs instead of profitable knowledge. Why do you think I'm an insomniac?
[DEAR READERS: Please send photos and bios of the slumbering animals you love to us at [email protected] You’ll be inspiring other people to make room in their homes and hearts for dogs and cats and other critters that enjoy a good nap. And you’ll be helping insomniacs understand that they, too, can get some sleep if they can just figure out how to glare away interruptions and distractions. Takes practice.
—- Offer tips and lullabies by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing [email protected] and put STOP EATING AND NOD OFF, DIET BOY in the subject line. ---