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DOGS AND CATS IN SHELTERS -- WHERE DO THEY ALL COME FROM; & HISTORIC TERM....

EDITION OF TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025 [PetNewsPress] Once upon a time city shelters were empty.
I don't remember that particular "once upon a time" but I've only been around since somewhere around the middle of the 20th century. Maybe some of you older than I am can remember when a dog or a cat in a city animal shelter would have been lonelier than a Dallas Cowboys fan at a Philadelphia Eagles rally.
Moving along and we'll have a safe Contemplation today.....
MEANWHILE IN THE DALLAS SHELTER
WE CITE A FEW DOGS AND CATS....
I'm not sure how far back the "Once upon a time, the shelter was empty" description existed in Dallas. But think DAS's

shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland filled up before I could drive off the parking lot back on the day of the grand opening.
Naturally I'm not saying Dallas citizens dump dogs and ignore spaying & neutering, but, well, gees -- the dogs and cats aren't all arriving because they're flying in from outer space.
Here are some of the dogs waiting at DAS and some of the cats waiting there also. Click on the photos to make 'em grow big enough to examine.
Also, anybody can see the photos (and get a look at the DAS Statistics by going to this website
https://bedallas90.org/home/pets/

You just have to sit at a computer and do a little on-line navigation.
That's how and where I got these photos of dogs and cats that are available for adoption in Big D.
DALLAS ISN'T ALONE IN THIS;
TAKE A LOOK AT FORT WORTH
So I clicked into the Fort Worth Animal Shelter to look at the animals -- available dogs and cats waiting there.
There is a category there called "Urgent Placement Pets. " [LARRY NOTE: I'm not quite certain, but I think FW used to label those waiting on the brink of a needle as "CODE RED ANIMALS"]
What ever the history, the FW Shelter website here  now reads:
"Urgent Placement Pets are those identified as needing immediate placement, such as adoption, foster care, or rescue.
"Fort Worth Animal Care & Control is an open-intake city facility, meaning we cannot refuse any animals, regardless of their condition, species, or health status. This includes injured, sick, nursing, or behaviorally challenged animals, which presents unique challenges in terms of space, resources, and care.
"FWACC collaborates closely with rescue groups, foster homes, and adoption programs to manage the volume and ensure animals have the best chance for rehabilitation and adoption. In some cases, they may be given more time to find a home, while others may sadly need to be humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering."
And the site also has this: "The Urgent Placement Pets listed below urgently need help and are at the highest risk of being euthanized. Their situation is reassessed daily to determine the best course of action."
MEANWHILE BACK
IN THE FAR EAST
OK, I mean the "far northeast of Texas." Yes, this is a visit via computer to the Texarkana Animal League -- it's on the Texas side of the Twin Cities. [LARRY NOTE: The city's animal shelter is on the Arkansas side of town --you can Google it. This is a note about animals in an organization of do-good citizens!] And I read the hometown paper, my former employer back in the 20th century, The Texarkana Gazette. I saw a tip in the Tuesday edition -- the Gazette publishes the Texarkana Animal League's "Pet of the Week" and sometimes the "Pets of the Week." This time the feature offered a couple of brothers. So I went to the Texarkana Animal League's Facebook site HERE.
And there I found the message and photos;
"***PETS OF THE WEEK PLEASE SHARE***
"Archie and Charlie are Chihuahua/Terrier mix brothers who are about 3 years old. They have been at TAL for a long time and would love to find their furever homes. They are active boys who need a yard to play. We would love to see them adopted together as they are a bonded pair If you are interested in adopting these sweet boys please complete an application via the link HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED MIND EXPEDITIONS
While being in a crowd of cars as I tried to drive through Dallas at 5-something in the early morning, I wondered: How long is morning rush hour between Fielder in West Arlington through Dallas on I-30? How 'bout that evening rush hour on the same route? Think either will affect World Cup traffic like the clogging affects a rational driver's sanity? Just wondering. ...
Dogs are wonderful companions. So are cats. So are kids. In the last few days I've spent time with our dogs, our cats and our twins -- all appear to be very well-behaved. And two of them can drive nicely. What? Yeah, the twins. Dogs and cats have chauffeurs. Everybody knows that. ....
By now you've noticed this picture. It is similar to (and may actually be) the billboard on west-bound I-30 as you drive through Sulphur Springs, Texas. When I read the words "BOMB SHELTER" I was immediately taken back to elementary school and the duck-and-cover drills during the red-hot cold war. Ah, the good ol' days.
--- Offer brainy ideas by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and put 'GIVE PEAS A CHANCE' in your subject line. ---

NOW, ABOUT DOGS AND CATS 'WANDERING' AND A SPAY & NEUTER COMMENT, ETC...

EDITION OF MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Anybody ever look through a neighborhood on-line bulletin board and ask, "How can one neighborhood have that many lost dogs and cats and so many apparently
desperate humans?"
Yeah, I just thought I'd start of Monday with an upbeat question.
OK, if you've got a solution to this situation of "Dogs and Cats Lost Right Under Our Noses", fill us in -- email [email protected].
My rescuespouse Martha painted that portrait of our longtime Cocker Spaniel Inky, the late Cocker Laureate of Texas and Poet.
I found him when he was naked from mange and running loose in Kiest Park. I mention him and his condition because sometimes over the years of "finding" dogs I've come to believe that to some humans the words "lost" and "dumped" are synonymous in their heartless attitudes of I-can't-be-bothered by vet bills and boarding the mutt/cat when we're about to go on vacation.
YOU WON'T HAVE TO HUNT
FOR THESE ADOPTABLES
We've been writing about dogs and cats in shelters for years and years at readlarrypowell.com. Sometimes they're strays. Sometimes they're surrendered. Sometimes they're born in shelters.
Thanks to the team of volunteers and staffers at Mesquite Animal Services, we have the bios based on how the

animals arrived and how they've come to behave around humans.
The story of Hazel (ID 58234757) came to us from our longtime Mesquite Animal Shelter tipster Debra Chisholm. This dog with the personality photo is listed as "bulldog." Hazel was "picked up by one of our officers on 4/2 as a stray. She weighs 45 pounds and is about 2 years old.
"She pulled on her leash, anxious to get out into the yard. I discovered why. She had to go to the potty and apparently had held it for sometime! So Hazel may be house trained.
"She thoroughly enjoyed exploring the yard and pretty much covered every square inch. She has an interesting and attractive coat. Hazel is well-mannered, calm, gentle and friendly. She had no problems with me giving her loving attention and petting. ... This precious girl would undoubtedly make someone a loving and devoted companion. Her dream forever home would include a loving family who would give her daily exercise and enrichment as well as a cushy, comfy, doggy bed and some yummy snacks. Oh and last but not least, an inside life so she can socialize and bond with her people."
Remember, cite her ID # 58234757 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email [email protected].
Same system, but a different ID number for this guy Toby -- ask about #58248229 when you email or call the shelter.
Debra says Toby is "my newest doggy friend... [came in] with one of our nice, friendly shelter officers."
Toby is about a year old and weighs 45 pounds and he's already neutered. Debra writes, "Toby has the most attractive brindle coat and according to my Dog Scanner app is a 91% Dutch Shepherd. He seems to have been nicely cared for but his people have not come looking for him."
She says he "walks very nicely on a leash. He did his business as soon as he arrived in the shelter yard. He appears to have adjusted well to shelter life, and has an outgoing, confident personality. He has a moderate activity level. Toby is playful and had so much fun chasing tennis balls around the meet and greet room. He does jump on you some and whines a bit. Those two things could be easily corrected. This friendly tail-wagging boy enjoyed being petted by me. Though the staff and volunteers have been kind to him, he longs to be in the home of loving and caring people who will provide a safe, secure and committed life for him."
And now we have Bucky (#58088922) -- same system to call or email about him.

Debra writes, "This fun-loving, high-spirited pup is Bucky, a Flat Coat Retriever, Lab/Retriever mix picked up and brought as a stray to the Mesquite Animal Shelter by one of our officers on 3/27. He weighs 33 pounds and is approximately 6-7 months old.
"He is such a playful life-of-the-party kind of guy. He is crazy about toys and balls! Bucky is fine with receiving loving attention, once he slows down that is. He is busy, busy, busy! He does jump on you quite a bit and that is normal puppy behavior, but needs to be addressed as not acceptable. He is a spunky boy with a real zest for living. He will put a smile on your face if you spend any amount of time with him. Bucky will no doubt make some person or family a wonderful companion. Obedience classes would definitely benefit this boy in helping him to understand how to live in harmony with his people. He will need lots of patience as he acclimates to his new family in learning the house rules." He'll be a good inside down, Debra say, and "would not be happy living in someone's backyard."u(See the shelter hours and location by going HERE.) Oh, and here's a Mesquite cat looking for a home. Sorry about the blur -- the Mesquite site DOESN'T BLUR~ IT FOCUSES PERFECTLY! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTEMPLATIONS
SOME MONDAY MEANDERING
LARRY CONFESSION: I forgot one of the reasons dogs and cats find themselves abandoned by their humans. Pregnancy. Yep, some humans apparently don't understand how fertility is not just limited to humans. I've heard of people who, after their dog or cat turns up "with litter," will defend themselves by confessing, "I told her not to get out of the yard and get herself pregnant, but she just didn't listen to me." Three important words in the animal world: SPAY AND NEUTER. You can make a positive difference in the animal's life and your life. Yep, if you can't comprehend spaying and neutering a dog or cat, ask your veterinarian how much the charge is to spay and/or neuter you -- if you know which one you need. I'm kidding and hoping some people in the Dallas/Fort Worth Pregnaplex will wise up. Some days I'm just a little more miffed when I start typing. I'm no saint, but our dogs and cats are happy and un-pressured by Mother Nature. They've demonstrated calm attitudes for years. ...
I don't want to panic anybody who's still working on the Easter Holiday, but I got a weekend email with this subject line: "Google Alert - Macy's Thanksgiving parade..." Relax, I get 'em all the time -- it's a well publicized parade year-round. ...
Ah, warm temperatures. That oughta last about another 45 minutes in Dallas/Fort Worth then go right into the Sizzle Season.
--- Offer advice on any topic by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and make the subject line read "YOU DON'T DESERVE MY ADVICE, CLOWN!" ---

ONE OR TWO OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMANS TO LOOK AROUND AND SMILE!

TRUE OR FALSE: Animals are more amusing than humans? How's that for a way to launch into our  weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.

Try this. TRUE OR FALSE: Animal are more amusing than humans unless the humans are in office in Washington, D.C.
I'm kidding.
But I'm betting that even dogs and cats in Washington smiled at that line. What else have they got to do these days -- Kidding! Kidding!
OK, here's the deal:
I'm declaring that we're caught up in a Period of Adjustment at our house. Summer temps are here and some beings will want to sleep where the air-conditioning blows best. Or maybe in front of a fan or under a ceiling fan.
That's Wendy on the dog bed and the cabinet door is open because that's where household cat Esme likes to nap.
They're so human, these household inhabitants. And that is Wendy giving me the "Must you bother me?" look from her Throne of Naps.
So the Sleeping Dog in the first photo is Wendy, i.e., Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden, the dog Martha rescued from a street-side un-attended romp in 2009.
That big fellow happy to help hold down the carpet under the ceiling fan's furious breeze iis Dudley the Angel, a member of the canine staff since 2013 when he just wandered up and came in for a spell. We're still trying to define the length of a "spell." .
I don't know about the mood in your house, but these two dogs have a gift of enhancing tranquility when they find a happy place between the human and the TV and spend all 9 innings listening to the radio broadcast of the Texas Rangers game. It's our system and we're sticking to it right on through the triumphant World Seres 2025.
Is there a way to gently wake these two and convince them that it's time to "go out" for a few minutes before they go to their happyspots in the bedroom?
Sure. Just pop open a treat jar -- wakes up the dogs and a couple of cats.
The other non-sports-fan cats just go back to watching a late-night talk show or another rerun of Andy Griffith as the original Matlock.
What can you say about a cat? Learned this from my feline friend Hastings Streetboy -- that's him in the closeup. He says, "Give me enough time and I'll convince you that I own your bed." Seems to be adequately prophetic.  
[DEAR READERS: Send photos of your slumbering dogs, cats or any other animals to [email protected] and tell us their story/your story. We'll spotlight them in our weekend edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Hail the beings who can get some sleep! Even if they are "only human."]

FOR A FRIDAY EDITION, WE LOOK BACK NOT FAR, BUT ALSO AT EMOTIONS OF THE PRESENT

EDITION OF FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Ah, Dear Readers, I know you'll probably relate to this situation.
And if this edition reads like I'm taking time off, then you've read it exactly as intended. Just one shift -- that's all I'm intending to take off.
But here's what has happened.
A couple of weeks after she left us, I'm still mourning Porche Noel, my dog. I have mourned before for dogs and cats but this one is sticking to me a little longer. [LARRY NOTE: As these photos show, we were pals. In the first one she's asking me to order a pizza, and in the second she is smiling sweetly at my having picked her favorite pizza for us to share. That's how I remember it, anyway. Back to the topic....]
This odd lingering of sadness did not happen with me and my beloved Inky the Cocker Spaniel, though my tenderspouse Martha swears I was in the darkest funk for a while.
No dog or cat passes through my life without a mourning that, as near as I can tell, is stored in my brain and can be called up at any moment by a memory or a comment or spotting an old photograph.
This time it's different. I'm deeply moved by the loss of my Office Dog & Supportive Friend Porche Noel.
How do I know? There are signs. I keep turning to check on her in her bed behind my chair in the office. It's empty. I've sometimes begun to prepare 3 dishes of dog food when only Dudley the Angel and Wendy Louise Wagstaff Arden are showing up for canine breakfast.
But here was one of the toughest moments and it hit me as I was driving about 8 miles between a filling station and the ATM at a neighbor- hood bank.
I punched a button on the car radio and heard some early lines in the Jerry Jeff Walker song Mr. Bojangles as performed by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
I listened a few lines, enjoying every note and word, and then suddenly I'm hearing this part of the song about Mr. Bojangles:
"He spoke with tears of fifteen years
How his dog and him traveled about
The dog up and died, he up and died
After twenty years he still grieves....."
And at that point I punched the off button and, yep, I thought I was going into a full-on sob at 60 MPH while thinking about Porche Noel.
Never experienced that before ...
So, as I post this revelation I wanted to do two things:
(1) Tell you, Dear Readers, what happened and
(2) Ask anybody if there's a way other than "wait it out" to get past this situation.
I miss her barking. The irony is, when we rescued her after she was either dumped by or escaped from a puppy mill, Porche could not bark -- she could only rasp. That went on for several years. Other dogs stopped barking to look at her with "What thuh?" looks on their faces.
I think, at the end, as she was drifting away, she wanted to rasp one more time for old time's sake. I'm pretty sure I saw her smile.
We knew the end was coming, but, alas, my dog "up and died." And I'm trying to cope.
Thanks for listening, Dear Readers. Got any theories of coping, email [email protected].
So we'll see you this weekend when once again we present Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Tell your critters you love 'em. Thanks, Larry

A COFFEE-HAPPY THURSDAY CONSIDERATION OF ASSORTED THINGS ON PLANET EARTH...

EDITION OF THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025 [PetPowellPress] We'll begin this edition with a declaration: Go get a shelter dog and/or cat. Give it the best home to share that a human ever had.
Ah, Dear Readers, the oddly charged typer of words Larry Powell is just idling through a Thursday morning. I'm focusing on nothing in particular except how much this mental state feels like high school when I didn't bother to study for a Latin II exam. Sic friat crustulum. That's not a calming mental state. Translate? It's "That's how the cookie crumbles." Old saying, kids.  [That's my Senior Office Cat William Powell looking out the office window and wondering, "What is this clown up to now?]
Now, back to dogs and cats, my dear friends on this planet. Not sure I have friends on other planets.
[LARRY CONFESSION: We've never had a shelter dog or cat -- all of ours were and are "pre-shelter" -- grabbed 'em off the streets or off the front porch as they wandered through the neighborhood.]
Back to adopting a shelter dog and/or/cat: TIME OUT!!!!
Please allow me to remind you (whether your dog came from a shelter or city park, etc.), the SPCA's Strut Your Mutt (The Race To End Animal Cruelty) is Saturday at Fair Park in Dallas. Go to www.spca.org to sign up and get more info on the beloved annual event! [Fair Park is an interesting place to visit even when the State Fair isn't in full swing.] Oh, there's this, too: REMEMBER,
YOU DON'T HAVE
TO HAVE A SHELTER DOG
TO STRUT YOUR MUTT
But just in case you'd like to get a shelter dog, we went onto the spca.org website and clicked open the adorable available dogs and spotted this white pup Archer and this mostly white cat Nina. [LARRY ASIDE: I point out the color of their coats because, frankly, I feel the urge to tell you that neither appears to be a descendant of
the lately-famous and scientifically revitalized species known as the Arid Wolf -- wait, that's Avid Wolf --hang on. Let me check the records. The Dire Wolf. I repeat what I predicted in yesterday's edition: It's just a matter of gestation time until shelters start getting "surrendered Dire Wolves" and they start showing up near the walking paths in Dallas City Parks. That park planned for the Trinity Bottoms in Downtown Dallas looks like the perfect place for Rejuvenated Dire Wolves to thrive. I hope I'm wrong. Probably not -- after all, the planet's most unmanageable factor is involved: humans. Anybody else remember the Italian Greyhound craze?]

BACK TO THE NOTION
OF SHELTER DOGS AND CATS.....
There are things we'll suggest to help improve household life for your dogs and cats from a shelter or not from a shelter. First, teach 'em to enjoy a hug -- that builds trust and, also, it helps the human remember to try to live up to the image the dog has of you. Not that any humans just like to "own" a dog rather than "bunk with a dog or cat" or "hang out with my friend the cat and his pal the dog." It's all about warming the relationships and dynamics of cats, dogs and humans. [Guess which species has the most difficult brain to train? Hint: Got a mirror? That's Martha's rescued-off-the-street dog Wendy. A loveable hugger.]
Oh, and there's this aspect, too. It's a social aspect in that it gives you something to talk about with the dogs and cats without bringing up politics.
Make sure the dog and/or cat has its or their own cable remotes. Might as well have their own TVs, too -- cats are prone to watching BBC mysteries and dogs like to watch sports that involve chasing a ball.
REGARDING ANOTHER MATTER: I'm back on coffee. I went off coffee for a solid month. Then, Wednesday I had two cups and I forgot, as I drew that second cup out of a "one cup machine," put it to my lips and began that first sip. It was at that point that I remembered (with searing prompting) how hot that coffee can get. To borrow a phrase heard in my youth, "That burnt the hair off muh tongue!" (I believe I remember that coming from my Grandpa, a working man who liked his coffee hot. He worked for Miller County, in Arkansas, just across the line from Texas where I was born. He once let me sit in his lap and "drive" his county-issued road grader. I'm not sure the County ever got it out of the bayou. I'm kidding. But Grandpa did have a three-legged shepherd-type farm-dog named Red. First dog I remember adoring. He ran like the wind. Bless his big ol' heart.
And bless the hearts of all of you who give good homes to dogs and cats and love other animals, too.  [THAT'S OUR GOOD BOY DUDLEY THE ANGEL --- he never met Red, a 20th century dog, but he's heard stories of the handsome 3-legged farm dog. Dudley likes stories where the dog is the hero.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
BRIEFLY....
I checked with the online calendar Holiday Insights to see what "day" is commemorated on April 10. It's "days," not day.  [EXPLANATION: That is Senior Office Cat William in the front window counseling Junior Office Cat Stevie Ray Treeboy who has just asked, "How should I respond when that guy quits typing, picks me dup and hugs me like a baby?" William replied, "Remember who feeds you twice a day."]
The calendar says April 10 is Golfer's Day, National Farm Animals Day, National Siblings Day and Safety Pin Day. Possibly Safety Pin Day is dedicated to the management of the Dallas Mavericks. They've got to find something to hold that team together.
-- Offer response or doubt by clicking on 'comment' or email [email protected] and ask "WHAT DID YOU PUT IN THAT COFFEE?" --

AN ASSORTMENT OF ANIMAL EXPLANATIONS AND ADOPTABLES, TOO...AH, READ ON....

[EDITION OF WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY APRIL 9, 10, 2025] We've got an update on rescued little dog Gigi today -- happy story
And, then I'm whining, too. Here goes: OK, here's a question for ya: What's the worst thing I see every morning?
A cat trying not to heave into my sneakers on the floor on my side of the bed at 4:30 a.m.? A dog wagging his or her tail with a sign that reads, "Sorry! Couldn't get the back door open! Why'd you lock it?"
Nope. Worst thing I can see daily is a blank page. Been that way since I learned to type.
Whew! Felt good to get that off my mind before I tried to analyze the re-appearance of Dire Wolves in our century. More on that later. This is our beloved boy dog who asks that we alter his name in honor of his ancestors, thus he is now known as DireDudley The Angel. He wanted to pause in his favorite room in the house -- the kitchen. More in Dire Contemplations.
AN OPTICAL ILLUSION
OR A DOG'S IDENTITY?
Readlarrypowell.com ran into this "mugshot of a dog" entirely via serendipity.

I accidentally opened Facebook while trying to hit another button and there it was: Portrait of a Pup.
If I had any skills, I'd recreate it as a painting big enough to hang on a living room wall or in the foyer of a fantastic palace of live theater in New York.
Here's the deal with this photo. It's part of a "Bio of Bentley." Inadvertently spotted it early Wednesday morning.
The Bio, on the Collin County Adoptable Pets page on Facebook, reads, "Hi, I’m Bentley (58218321), a 1-year-old Miniature Schnauzer with a heart as big as my adorable ears! I’m a
precious little guy who’s sweet, friendly, and absolutely loves to be held. If you’ve got room on your lap and in your heart, I’d love to meet you!"
If you're not already in McKinney, you will need to drive to that city north of Dallas and north of Plano, too -- TIME OUT. One word bulletin has arrived: "ADOPTED."
So, here's the deal. He wasn't the last critter noticed posted online by Collin County Adoptable Pets in McKinney.
You can see more on FACEBOOK here at that Collin County Adoptable Pets page.
I've included this collection of animals on that site. You know, just in case your household needs a good dog and/or cat.

 

 

 

 

A MATTER OF 'THANKS'
FROM GIGI THE PUP....
(AND A REMINDER, TOO)
You may remember this little dog from the stories a month or so ago about veteran rescuer/animal advocate Kimberly Jones saving her from a lousy life by "persuading" her from a "vendor" of puppies. Gigi probably was destined for life as a "breeder" except she had health problems that may have been fatal if not treated.
Gigi is a 4-months-or-so-old Frenchie mix who was "being given away on social media with
her brothers."
These are new photos of Gigi in a healthy state and Kimberly writes,
"For everyone who has donated towards little Gigi - thank you!!!
"She has settled in and is more comfortable here with me. She is best friends with my dog Apache and she loves being outside."
And Kimberly reports, "Here are some photos of her taken Monday: CLICK HERE: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6n9AoYewbqo1mCSW7."
As you may recall, Kimberly got Gigi into the save-em-all world of the rescue group DFW

Furgotten Friends. You can see plenty of other available adorables by visiting the DFW Furgotten Friends site.

And Kimberly has this to add today.
"Gigi is currently at DFW Furgotten Friends' vet having blood work done to check her kidneys... And also get some vaccines etc...  
"I will let everyone know what they say when I pick her up later! -- Thank you, Kimberly."
You can still donate to Gigi's health care, etc., by going to the DFW Furgotten Friends site HERE:   . ("Please mark your donation for GIGI," the note reads.) Kimberly can be reached at www.moneyandsage.com.

CONTEMPLATIONS
DIRE NOTE, DIRE DUMPING & AND OTHER STUFF
You may be fully aware of the "de-extinction" of the Dire Wolves -- it's been in all the papers, however many of the papers are extinct, of course. I do not know if there are plans to de-extinct American newspapers' print editions. I miss picking up the daily paper, smelling the ink and asking, "How in the heck did that typo get into a headline?" Ah,  fond memories. I never met a Dire Wolf, but I'm sure I'd have fond memories of the little wolf puppies, too. And, no doubt, given the attitudes of so many people, there will come a point when local animal shelters have to beg people to "come visit us and adopt recently dumped litter of Dire Puppies."
Not that I have no faith in the Brightening of American Minds....
A HOUSEHOLD FYI: I was amused this morning to learn that our dogs and two of our cats have petitioned household management (My sternspouse Martha) that they will be referred to as "DireCuddlers." Oh, they're not that dire for cuddling! Getting a seat in front of the living room TV is a matter of having a reservation in our household. And I can't afford one ticket at the prices the cats set. ...
Yes, Dear Readers, you are right. Porche Noel would have NEVER let me write about "DireCuddlers." I miss the finely sculpted touch of her paw on prose.
--- Offer advice or doubt by clicking on 'comment' below or email [email protected] and put "IMPORTANT ADVICE" in the subject line. ---

FOR A TUESDAY, A RAMBLING EDITION WITH OTHER NOTIONS AND TIPS...

EDITION OF TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Once upon a time. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Neither one of those openings fits today. So, we'll try this: "Good grief! Look at that sun! Where are the clouds?"
That's as far as I can get with a weather report. So, let's move along into the animal kingdom. I got an email this morning with the subject line "New Arrivals" and I thought, "Geez, can't people just hold onto their pets." I clicked it and the note was from a jewelry store about its new selection of rings. Let's move on....
FRIENDS' SHOTS, TESTS, CHIPS
& MORE IN GBC ON SATURDAY
The "Friends" is the Friends of the Animals Veterinary Clinic and the GBC is Gun Barrel City in near East Texas.
That's also where the Clinic, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday the 12th will be offering, as the note from Friends' Mainstay Sydney Busch reads, "Affordable vaccinations, heartworm testing, microchipping, more!"
You don't have to live in GBC to take advantages of the deals on animal care. If you have questions, call Sydney at 903-451-5701 or 214-808-4701. Visit the Friends and read about their successes and their opportunities to help animals by going to www.friendsoftheanimals.org. There's also a how-to-donate button on the website. And there's a Facebook link HERE.
MEANWHILE, IN BURNS FLAT,
THESE TWO NEED A PLACE....
You may recall the onslaught of need-to-be-rescued dogs that occurred earlier last month in the far western Oklahoma town of Burns Flat.
The veteran rescuer and animal advocate Terry Lynn Fisher was inundated by a dozen or more dogs that had been found.
Among the saved dogs were nine puppies who'd been dumped in a high-coyote population roadside spot of land.
Terry Lynn hustled into action and got those dogs to safety. "Safety" is generally interpreted as "parked at Terry Lynn's until somebody adopts them or a rescue group takes them."
You may, also adopt these pups.
"These two are urgent," Terry Lynn says. "Under four months. Catahoula mix. Have had their shots.
"They're at my house" And Terry Lynn has her own health challenges that's she's working with. As she says, "For health reasons I really need to find them a place ASAP."
Email Terry Lynn at [email protected] to offer to help these two pups. You don't have to be in Oklahoma to help Terry Lynn and these two once-dumped dogs.
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
THIS GIRL SAPPHIRE.....


She's a beaut! Sapphire -- ID #58221610.

Our tipster, the dog bio-writer Debra Chisholm reports, "This delightful and charming girl is Sapphire, a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard mix picked up by one of our officers as a stray on 3/31.
"This attractive girl weighs 84 pounds, is approx 6 years old and is spayed. She has the most stunning ice blue/gray eyes!
"She is one busy, on-the-go type girl who is lively and active. She loves treats and takes them
nicely. She walks well on a leash. ... She was not interested in toys or balls, but rather seemed to enjoy exploring the yard and the room in which I did her eval. She is friendly, was A-OK with me giving her loving attention and rolled over for belly rubs. She appears as though she’s been well cared for, but possibly was mostly an outside dog judging from the calluses on her elbows. She stayed very close to me and just seemed to want to be near a human companion.
Cite her ID #58221610 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or e-mail at [email protected].
CONTEMPLATIONS
THINGS WE FACE
It's trash day here at Martha's Kingdom and her husband takes great joy in prepping the two bins -- the recycling and the regular one. It could be worse -- at least I can listen to TV and/or radio while I bag everything properly. I am clearly better at bagging trash than I am at writing money-making novels, plays and ... OK, so I'm reminded of the old joke. A student asks a famous writer (I can't remember which one), "What's the best way to make money writing?" and the writer replied, "Ransom notes." The closest my mind has to a criminal involvement is the fact that I've read The Godfather three or four times. Bless Mario Puzo. ...
I've also read almost the entire collection of The Bobbsey Twins books. Started that in early elementary school in the 1950s and was stunned out of the mission when, in 1971, my unexpected twin boys were born on Jan. 17 -- same day the Dallas Cowboys played in and lost their first Super Bowl game. Until encountering double-diaper duty with the boys, I though "twins" were perfectly behaved, well-trained fictional characters. There is reality in diapers....
This morning I'm particularly missing my dog Porche Noel. This is the second week since she went back to where she came from, i.e., Heaven, source of all dogs and cats. I had no idea how loud she was on a daily basis until things got so quiet in the house for hours at a stretch. I'll move beyond this. After all, it's a sunny day and I'm in the mood to jog two miles. It's a mood I can overcome with ease. I simply pick up the TV remote and click "on." Heck, yeah, I'm an intellectual...I may need to reassess that. Daily.
--- Offer advice by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and put 'Find a brain, chump!' in the subject line. ---

ON A MONDAY: MOODS, ADOPTIONS, CATS AND DOGS AND CHANGES IN THE PAST

EDITION OF MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2025 [PetPowellPress] Now and then I awake on a Monday with the an attitude that
says that even going back to sleep isn't going to rescue me from a bad attitude.
This could be that Monday. On the other hand, as I was beginning to type a few words, I heard an odd cat purr (not an odd cat purring) behind me and turned to catch our only female feline, Esme, "kneading" the blanket she prepared to sleep on in her cat bed in the office. Rescued her from her feral lifestyle in 2012. Sweet cat. Hangs out with my rescuespouse Martha most of the time.
WERE THERE ADOPTIONS
IN DALLAS DURING THE WEEKEND?
Perhaps you recall that the Humane Society of North Texas teamed with PetCo Love and a bunch of rescue groups to present the Mega Adoption Event at Dallas' Kay Bailey Hutchison Adoption center over the weekend.
This artwork was posted with the answer on the HSNT website after the big adoption event ended. Here's the HSNT link.  As you see, the number of adoptions during the weekend was listed as 395 -- that's dogs and cats.
[LARRY PONDERING: There are a lot of shelters and rescue groups in the Metrosprawl. Is it conceivable that each weekend there might be nearly 400 dog and cat adoptions in the area? I'm betting this might be twice the number of adoptions that usually occur on a weekend in the entire DFW area. Bless all the animals that didn't wind up with a home -- may they find one this week through the traditional channels of dog and cat adoption! I don't even like to think about how 395 animals wound up available for adoption at the same time -- Having observed human behavior for years, I can only declare that some people are ______ ... OK, I'll stop there, but you can fill in the blank.]
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE,
THE EYE'S CLEARLY HAVE IT!
We got these photos and the bios of Layna and Luna from volunteer dog bio-writer Judi Brown at the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
Perhaps you've noticed the eyes on these pups.
On the left is blue and brown-eyed Lanya (#ID 58239664) and on the right that's blue-eyed only Luna (#ID 58239671).
Judi writes, "If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion that’s well behaved, come to the Mesquite Animal Shelter and spend time with Layna. She is a 3-year-old, 40-pound Siberian Husky with one blue eye and one brown eye." Thus, Judi writes, they are "at the shelter through no fault of their own."
About Lanya, Judi writes, "She walks well on a leash. She wasn’t interested in meeting other dogs. She didn’t sit for treats but did back up in an effort to do what I was asking her to do. As smart as she is, she would most likely catch on quickly. She does take treats gently! She loves to cuddle and have her ears scratched. She wants to be mostly an inside dog. And as fluffy as she is she would be a great snugglebug! Huskies like to run so, therefore are known to escape." [Both dogs will need a "tall secure fence," Judi emphasized.]
About Luna, Judi writes, "If you’re looking for a very attractive dog with sterling attributes, come and meet Luna. She is a little bit more active and alert than her sibling. She is gentle, sweet, calm, attentive, and well behaved. When another dog was outside the gate she got really excited wanting to meet the dog. She doesn’t appear to know the sit command, but told me that’s something she would be glad to learn. She’s certainly smart enough to! Huskies like to run so they are often called escape artists. Luna will need a tall secure fence along with frequent brushings. When I walked her out to the yard, she walked right beside me. What are you waiting for? Luna is waiting for you!"
To ask about these siblings, cite their names and ID numbers when you call the shelter at (972) 216-6283 or email [email protected].
See more Mesquite adoptables -- dogs and cats -- by clicking on the shelter link HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS
A MONDAY SESSION....
Got an email with the subject line "We see lots of points in your future." I was kind of afraid to open it. But it turned out to be from an office supply company not a clinic. ...
Are you in the early but determined stages of World Series Fever with the Texas Rangers? Oh, my, it could happen again, right?...
Here's an odd note. I haven't been to a movie theater since the pandemic. Is it me or is it the movies? I do miss some movie theaters, but most of them have been bulldozed.
It's the same ol' problem, I've lost my copy of the handbook, "Growing UP To Cope With Change." Yeah, I still miss the Old Spaghetti Warehouse in Dallas' West End. Been gone since 2019. Most of the places I miss are restaurants, he typed chubbily.
--- Offer missing place tributes by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing [email protected] and put WHY MUST FAMILIAR BELOVED THINGS CHANGE? in the subject line. ---

THE EDITION WITH A ONE-CAT COLLAGE....

Welcome to this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
You should be able to tell right away which species has the spotlight in this edition. (Click on that one-cat collage to make it grow!). And what is the cat's name?
"Maybe her name should be 'Curly'," read the sentence that came with the curled-up cat collage.
Her name is Chloe and some of you may recognize her from previous appearances.
Yes, both the photo subject and the photographer are members of our Eastern Seaboard Bureau on the shores of Indian Lake in Denville, N.J.
And Curly -- er, sorry -- Chloe has a key role in our Eastern Seaboard Bureau -- she is a calming influence, a comfort, a confidant and more.
Eastern Seaboard Bureau Office Cat Chloe has two personal staffers. They are the humans -- Eastern Seaboard Chief Executive Officer Annie and her husband, our Eastern Seaboard Bureau Editor-in-Chief Andy Fisher, the veteran broadcast and print reporter in the New York City region and beyond. He's also a pretty sharp photographer. 
Andy included these facial photos of Chloe and, as cat fans know, that is "one good-lookin' cat with expression in her eyes!" She has several expressions and can pose with them when needed!
Her story is she joined the household in 2016.
Andy once explained, "When she joined the household in 2016, 911 Dog and Cat Rescue told us she was born to feral parents in Morristown on April 30 of that year, so she's been with us since mid-kittenhood." 
Today, as we both were appreciating Chloe, Andy sent this appreciation/explanation of Chloe:
"My father used to tell my brothers and me, "'Make yourself useful as well as ornamental!'
"That describes Chloe. She knows when we're sick or downhearted and stays close until we're feeling better. 
"She gets us up in the morning (how she knows it's 5 o'clock I'm not exactly sure, but she does) and checks on us periodically during the night. 

"She's not much for meeting strangers, and a clap of thunder will send her scurrying to her safe place.
"But she must have had a rough childhood on the street before coming to us at six months. 
"We forgive her her few shortcomings, because she's a top cat, awake or asleep."
[DEAR READERS: Celebrate your wonderful beloved animals by sending photos and bios to [email protected] and we'll spotlight them in our long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. Other people will love your animals, too. And, at readlarrypowell.com we love to celebrate people and their critters or critters and their people.]

FOR FRIDAY WE HAE NEED TO BE SAVED AND BEEN-SAVED DOGS, PLUS A HAIL COMMENT

EDITION OF FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025 [PetPowellPress] It's a Friday. While watching a weather forecast on a local channel I heard one of the weather-guys say we could get "half-dollar-sized hail." Show of hands, please: How many of you have seen a half-dollar coin lately? We'll address this in Contemplations.
HERE'S THE STORY
ON CUTE KID HARLIE
A 'DATE' HAS BEEN SET
How about that face? Expressions for the camera, right?
Her name is Harlie and she is, according to our tipster Mesquite Shelter dog-bio-writer Debra Chisholm, a "beautiful Catahoula Leopard mix." About a year old; weighs 52 pounds. Is "rescue only due to an injury."
"A deadline has been set for this sweetheart for humane euthanization unless a confirmed tag reaches the shelter by 4/10 at 5:30 PM. She has been to see a vet and a summary follows: 1) She has a dislocation of the right hip/the femur is out of pocket. 2) vet recommends head to toe ostectomy. 3) a complete medical report and x-rays available from the shelter."
And Debra notes, "Except for the injury listed above, she is healthy and normal in every other aspect. She does not put any weight on that back injured leg and yet it does not seem to slow her down any. ... She is well behaved, lively, and active and has an outgoing and confident personality. ... She knows the sit command. She is so friendly
and seeks out attention. She wants to stay close to a human friend. Despite her injury, she is a sweet and amiable girl who would undoubtedly make some fortunate person or family a devoted and loving companion."
And, Debra asks, "Won’t you please have compassion in networking or tagging Harlie at [email protected]. Typing in the subject line TAG, ID 58050337. Please contact the shelter if you would like to receive the x-rays and medical report."
Call the Mesquite shelter at 972-216-6283.
WE'LL DEMONSTRATE THERE
CAN BE HAPPPY ENDINGS....
In yesterday's edition, we published Debra Chisholm's appeal on behalf of the handsome Bull Terrier pup named Tico.
You may have read Debra's precious explanation of how Tico came to be at the shelter. She wrote, "He was picked up by the police and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray. I got the impression that he really enjoyed the exciting ride in a police car..."
Early Thursday evening I got a note from Debra that read, "Tico got adopted today 👏 I had a feeling he would not be at the shelter very long."
Thus, Dear Readers, we have a happy report.
REMEMBER: There is an easy way to see the animals -- dogs, cats and "others" sometimes -- waiting in the Mesquite Animal Shelter and read a little bit about them. Go to the shelter's online site here: https://www.cityofmesquite.com/1239/Animals-in-the-Shelter ...
FROM HOUSTON:
A DUMPED PUP'S
TALE OF SURVIVAL -- SO FAR!
Sof far, so good, but there are challenges. Our pal and Houston tipster Alexandra Kelsey provided this story of the triumph of a dog named Bruin. Here's what she wrote:
"Bruin can’t tell us what happened to him in his first year of life, but his body is map of the sad things he’s experienced. 
"One-year old pups aren’t supposed to have non-functioning back legs.  They aren’t supposed to need surgery and skilled medical rehab to be able to walk.  They aren’t meant to need pain management to be examined by a vet.  And they are never supposed to be dumped on the street like garbage. 

"This is exactly where the rescue community crossed paths with Bruin - this sweet boy, who was someone’s garbage, ended up in a shelter and showed that he’s true gold.  Sweet and gentle, charming and quickly claiming hearts. 
"Bruin was rescued by the fabulous Freedom Street Rescue, and they immediately begin his healing journey.  It’s a long road, to be sure, but they know he’s worth it. Step One for Bruin was the critical orthopedic surgery on one back leg, and Step Two is his medical rehab.  That’s where you come into the picture. 
"A very skilled Houston clinic will do the rehab, and they have generously given a discount on the services. But, because of the extent of the rehab, the rescue is facing $2,500 - $3,500 in rehab costs. ...
"Freedom Street is committed to Bruin. Still, between the surgical expense and the
intensive rehab, this is an extraordinary recovery for this pup. I know the rescue would be very grateful to have donors partner with them on this journey. 
"I’m sure the rescue would be happy to have one-time donations or periodic donations during the rehab process. If you would like to help, below is the rescue’s link, and you can donate there.  Or, if you would like to talk more with Karoline and Rhonda about Bruin, I have copied them and their coordinates are also below."
www.freedomstreetrescue.org and email
[email protected]; [email protected]
Bruin says thank you!!!!"
[LARRY ASIDE: And there's the story on a dog with back leg problems. I'm posting this in honor of my late girl darling Porche Noel who was plagued with such challenges her entire life. We had her for 16 years and she was up-for-the-challenge every day of her life. I suspect Bruin may possess that determination, too. Thanks, Alexandra Kelsey, for the great summary of what's needed and how Bruin got to that point.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
SIZE OF HAILSTONES & HALF-DOLLAR NOTES
Regarding our opening paragraph today, we return to the topic of "hailstones the size of a half-dollar." Seriously, do you have a half-dollar ready to spend? Me, neither.

Following the history of the half-dollar coin is like trying to keep up with spending on a vacation: hard to do. Maybe you remember the Kennedy Half Dollar or  the Kennedy Half Dollar Bicentennial Half Dollar -- or maybe you're too you to remember those -- the first JFK half dollar was from '64 and the second JFK  (with front and back here) was from 1975-76 when we all celebrated the nation's 200th birthday. That was a good time! WHAT???? YOU WEREN'T BORN YET!!!! You don't remember the fire hydrants decorated like red, white and blue minutemen? I found these pictures of the two half-dollars I remember -- Ben Franklin and the JFK American Bicentennial version on line. Ol' Ben's version was the one I recall from my childhood -- I used to run down the street to his house and get his auograph. I'm kidding -- I knew about him and his half-dollar because I was literate at an early age.
As a public service, here are a couple of links to half-dollar history: One is this Wikipedia explanation HERE.  Pictues remind any of you kids about having seen the Kennedy half-dollar honoring JFK or the Bicentennial half-dollar (1975-76)? You can get a history at the US Gold Bureau site. HERE. I googled and found that site -- it's for collectors of coins. And, as you may suspect, I can only afford to collect coins if I spot 'em on the asphalt as I walk into a grocery store. Nobody drops coins anymore. They just don't fall like hailstones.
--- Offer quick money advice or don't by clicking on 'comment' below or send surefire Lotto Texas numbers to ... nah -- never mind. ---