Care Companion Animal Rescue Effort Cedar Park Tx

EDITION OF MONDAY, Dec. 6, 2021 [PetPowellPress] We have such a great story about Sebastian The Cat today. And we have some "last chance" opportunities with 4 dogs. 
What do they have in common? All need homes. All have the same guiding light working on their behalf. That'll be part of today's edition, too.

SEBASTIAN — BEAUTIFUL BOY
WITH BEAUTIFUL PERSONALITY …
Yes, we've posted this stoic photo of Sebastian and his wonky ear before. The effort to help him find a home started in late October. He was in the care of a Denton County contract animal custody outfit. Now, he is available for adoption at the Ellis County-based non-profit Hearts and Tails of Hope Pet Rescue.
We know this because we've been talking with Deb Kujawa whose official title with Hears and Tails of Hope is "The Cat Coordinator." And, she's also fostering Sebastian and that's how we know the inside story of this "Creamsicle Cat."
The first time we saw Sebastian's photo, he was being pitched for adoption/rescue by the non- profit 4-Legged Helpers — their mission was to get him out of a "custody situation" in Denton County and into a loving rescue or a home.
 So, in a bit of a "mission accomplished" situation, we have some good news about this "Creamsicle Tabby" described as being a "beautiful kitty that is very loving and completely adorable."
He has that one wonky ear — the result of polyp. And it adds to the allure of this boy. He's very distinct.
And, as you'll see in these other photos, Sebastian's personality is sweet and strong. We got these photos because Sebastian has landed at a warm and wonderful spot with Hearts and Tails of Hope Pet Rescue. And he's available for adoption. Go to the Rescue's website HERE to see how to adopt.
Deb says Sebastian is "very healthy" and he has a "tiny, not very audible meow. He's a very, very kind cat." He enjoys being the point of affection from a human and, as you can see in that "doorway" picture, he had, as Deb said, "No problem with my cat, Chleo."
You also see Sebastian on the Catio. That's him nose-kissing Bao The Cat.
Deb says she "took Sebastian outside to see how he'd react." He was just fine in the company of other animals.
Here's the part that might just make you want to get in line to adopt Sebastian. This big, healthy sweetheart has "a tiny, not-very-audible meow," Deb says. It has charmed her. 
She also says, "Sebastian is a big, sweet loving boy who loves to be loved. if I stop petting him, he takes one of his paws and taps my arm. … He's a purr machine. And he will high-five with both front paws!"

Sebastian is probably somewhere between 3 and 4 years old, a bit on the chubby side and available. We don't know his history as a family cat, but there are signs that he knows how to adore a human -- high fives, gentle paws, sweet purr...
Now, while Sebastian needs a home, his benefactors at Hearts and Tails of Hope Pet Rescue have needs, too — volunteers and fosters. Fosters, animal people know, are the foundation of successful rescues who have no place to call a shelter. They open their homes to help save lives. It's just about as noble an animal-rescue function as you can think of — you help an animal become comfortable in new surroundings and trust humans while you give it time to find that perfect home. You'll be a life-saver and you'll be blessing someone else's life with the work you've done with a dog or cat. See how to adopt or volunteer by clicking HERE.
Now, give out a "tiny, not-very-audible meow" and thank all the people who have given Sebastian a chance at a long, happy life.
4-LEGGED HELPERS
LISTING FINAL PUPS…
On Friday afternoon, as we were putting together that weekend report (see our Let Sleeping Dogs Lie...edition) on all the puppies found in a box in Mesquite, we got a note from Laura Macias, our longtime tipster with 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit formed to work with small shelters. 
The shelters targeted by the Helpers are those places with small facilities and big populations of unwanted dogs and cats. They have no public relations team on staff to "get the word out." Sometimes they worked with cities that were more interested in warehousing animals briefly because there's no budget for saving the lives of dumped, unloved, stray or mistreated dogs and cats.

Laura's letter was about helping 4 specific dogs in the Helpers' "sphere of concern." 
By Sunday, according to the Facebook note from the Helpers, there were not 4 dogs left. Just two — Elias and Blake. You can see them at the 4-Legged Helpers Facebook page HERE.
The note reads, "Call or text 972-897-4926 or Facebook message Heather Herndon-Marks if you can help save the life of one pictured!"As this is being written Sunday evening, some of these dogs have donations to the 501c3 rescue that'll save the dog.
 Elias, in the custody of the Denton County animal custody contractor, is 2 year-old, described as a very happy, super-smart, medium-sized dog. Elias has an amazing talent and it is so cute — he can catch treats mid-air. Any treat! He also can sit on command, walk on a leash and his best talent is giving kisses." Adores kids, they say. Also, he "enjoys bath time." He's fixed, chipped and vaccinated. Healthy at 50 pounds.
That brings us to Blake, a Lab/Border Collie mix currently in the Ferris Animal Shelter. He and Beagle-mix buddy Josh were "out and about" but not really strays — they were found in a "known dumping area out in the rural county area surrounding Ferris."
[LARRY ASIDE: By the time you read this, maybe they'll all be spoken for and the 4-Legged Helpers can have a moment or two to relax. Like so many rescue groups, they've been working hard against great odds — it's financially expensive (nobody in rescue ever wins Lotto Texas) and, emotionally, it's a daily heart-kicking. So many to save, so little time and money. Anger might even be a factor when you can't pull it all together in time to keep a dog or cat from getting the needle. Ah, but when you do beat the odds, what a kick! Save 'em all. Right? Right.]
CONTEMPLATIONS

SEASONAL NOTES….
Watched part of a great Christmas movie Sunday afternoon, Die Hard. The first one. With Bruce Willis up against the fantastic bad guy Alan Rickman. Favorite film starring the late, great Mr. Rickman: Truly, Madly Deeply. A wonderful ghost story of love. That was released in 1990. In 1999 he did a great comic turn in Galaxy Quest as an actor portraying an alien in the film starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Tony Shaloub (Praise Monk!). …
Quick! Name a great song for the season! I drove back and forth to Texarkana on Saturday — along the way it was tough to find an AM station that wasn't playing Christmas records. I don't have a favorite at this moment. … Anybody know of a community theater in the Metrosprawl that is doing a traditional version of A Christmas Carol? Failing finding one of those with the visiting ghosts, I'll just watch Scrooged again — maybe the old film version with Alastair Simms as Ebenezer Scrooge. God bless our TV schedules -- every one.
— Offer holiday advice by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put "STUCK IN THE CHIMNEY' in the subject line. —

[NOTE TO DEAR READERS: Sometimes the unfortunate part of the national, global, state and local news is that to tell us about and warn us of awful human behavior, the focus must be on people with malice in their hearts and fiends determined to make life worse for others. Between all that and the pandemic, it's tough to be upbeat. Perhaps you'll find comfort in this edition of readlarrypowell.com -- We present the more common "other side" of the human image -- the good, gentle, loving side. Sometimes they foster, sometimes they rescue and sometimes they do all that plus working to make laws stronger. I hope, Dear Readers, you will see the Good Side at work in this edition. -- Sincerely, Larry and The Senator]
ONE DAY IN TEXAS
THERE WAS A BOX...
This story has many elements but the primary factor is the pile of sleeping puppies -- perfect for our weekend edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
As you may recall, Sir Isaac Newton's first law of motion says an object in motion stays in motion. The other element of Newton's law says an object at rest stays at rest.
We don't know how Newton came up with those two points, but it is our unlearned suspicion at readlarrypowell.com that both the motion/at rest theories dawned on the celebrated scientist while he was fostering puppies.
If you have ever fostered puppies who are new to the planet you know that a puppy in motion tends to stay in motion until, suddenly, that puppy is out of gas and may -- literally -- fall asleep, i.e., a puppy asleep tends to keep snoozing.
You see the photos of this "batch" of babies. Sleeping puppies.
The shorthand of the story came from Rachel Winsley-Ground who is personally involved with these little puppies. 
She posted (on Thanksgiving) photos of the littler.
And, in response to a question from readlarrypow- ell.com, Rachel wrote "DFW Lab Rescue has taken them under their wing. I am just the foster."

[LARRY ASIDE: As I exclaimed in admiration to Rachel, "Just the foster? Fostering is heroic! Life-saving!" I also believe this: "People who take up the challenge of fostering puppies are about to encounter an 'Adventure of the Heart'." That's an observation from personal experience.]

So, take a look at these babies. Rachel's report says there are "6 yellows, 2 chocolates, 1 black." (She says the 6 boys are 2 Chocolates and 4 Yellow; the 2 girls are Yellow, also. All cute, of course.)
And she noted, "Bottle-feeding shifts available in exchange for puppy breath and snuggles!" 
And she adds to anyone who ought to be paying attention: "Spay or neuter your dogs and cats!!"
What? How does that fit into this story of puppies-in-a-box? You think these puppies are the product of a loving, wise home? Not hardly. Rachel's note about the "Thanksgiving 2021 Project" for DFW Lab Rescue explains that this litter includes "nine 6ish-day old puppies found in a box with no mama."
Who found them? Rachel explained, "The story is they were found in a box, under a tree, off a walking path by a lady in Mesquite. She couldn't leave them so she took them home and then she filled out a 'found' submission form somewhere and it got forwarded to myself and DFW Lab Rescue. Everybody responded and I agreed to take them on and DFW Lab Rescue will adopt them out once they are weaned and ready!
"They were approximately five days old when they were found."
There were nine in the box -- one was lost last week. Rachel says, "The remainder are now on antibiotics to hopefully fend off whatever bug the deceased one couldn't.
"I have been in the rescue world for 16 years. I will take on the pregnant ones or the bottle babies usually. I have 3 teenage daughters who have always helped me so they don't know any different! They are a big help with this litter."

How are the pups doing? Rachel reports, "Their eyes are now open and they know the routine to eating! We will start puppy mush in about 2 weeks!"
The note from the jogger, a young woman, was posted on the DFW Lab Rescue site. It read, "I'm writing to you in a plea for a litter. I found a litter of pups while out jogging on Saturday. I've been reaching out to all rescues I could get info on. Unfortunately I can't keep fostering them BC it's against my lease and I can be evicted. They look to be Lab. ... They don't have their eyes open, so they're not very old. ... My last resort will be taking them to the shelter and I only have this week..."
So, there you have it for now. A jogger saves the dogs; Rachel will be guiding the into the adoptable-puppy age; DFW Lab Rescue will be trying to find better homes for them than the one that left them in a box along a jogging path.
May each one of these wonderful puppies grow up to be a beloved family dog that readlarrypowell.com has the joy of featuring in our weekend edition "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap." God bless those little babies and the people who have helped them.

[LARRY NOTE: Tell us how much you love your dogs and cats and other critters by sending us their biographies and photos of them sleeping or napping in the place they call home. We're proud to tell people how much you love your companions. Email the photos and info to dallrp@aol.com -- we'll proudly post them in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap . That's my personal dog Porche Noel, sleeping on the end of the back of the couch. She is deeply loved and adored. Like all dogs oughta be. She was once unwanted. Now she's a dog whose humans are nuts about her. Free dog, you know. Limped into our lives and stayed.]
--- Offer fostering advice by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put 'SAVE 'EM ALL' in the subject line. ---

EDITION OF FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 [PetPowellPress] I'm writing this on a Thursday morning — my breadwinner- spouse Martha has just left for work, the recycled trash truck has come by (about 5:30 a.m. — Wendy The Guard Dog's bark alerted me.)… The regular truck hasn't been seen yet and — wait, Wendy and the other two dogs are barking. Yep the trash truck is growling its mid-morning way down our autumnal street where the once-green trees are yellow, brown and red and, in the garage, our light-up Christmas dog quietly awaits installation in the front flower bed. 
The calendar is already at the 3rd of the month and we're on the brink of leaping into shopping and decorating and …well, you know. Things we had all year to get ready to launch have yet to be organized. I did clean off my desk this morning and discovered my long-lost note about the brakes recall on my car. Make a note to check on that after the First of the Year. That photo? Wendy's ready for Christmas — that's her Santa's Sleigh Sleeping Comforter she uses when she decides to dream of sugarplums when Martha's at work.
HOW ABOUT THIS GUY HOWDY!
HE'S WITH REDCOLLAR RESCUE
I couldn't resist using this photo of Howdy because, clearly, that's not a red collar he's wearing. But, he has a reason. FYI: The first time I heard of RedCollar Rescue was when our longtime Houston tipster, the great Alexandra Kelsey tipped us to a story about a dog in need — years ago. This guy Howdy is "recent."
RedCollar Rescue sent out a note Thursday thanking all the people who'd donated as the rescue group moved toward it's $15,000 goal for its Emergency Room Fund. (You can still donate HERE.)You know about Houston's traffic — sometimes it's good for neither man nor beast. In this case, it wasn't good for Howdy. He was one of those "urgent" cases the Emergency Room Fund Helps. The RedCollar Rescue folks report that "our little guy Howdy is doing better! He was hit by a car, rescued, spent a week in critical care due to internal injuries, had orthopedic surgery to repair his broken leg and finally was discharged to a foster home for recovery." He'll be "ready for adoption soon," RedCollar reports.
If you cannot wait for Howdy, there is, on the RedCollar list, this girl Cali, about a year old and 20 pounds and described as a "poodle mix of sorts" — the "sorts" may include Cocker Spaniel. 
She avoided Houston traffic though, her bio reads, "She was found running down a busy street by a Good Samaritan. They brought her to the ER to be scanned to see if she had a microchip. A RedCollar volunteer just happened to be at the ER with another sick dog, when they came in. Cali had no chip, so we agreed to take her into our program if no owner could be found. No owner came forward." Her bio says she's "shy with new people" nervous at first, needs a patient human and "loves to cuddle." 
[LARRY ASIDE: When it comes to animal rescue, Texas has a huge number of "Good Samaritans." Unfortunately, it NEEDS a huge number of Good Samaritans."]
SADIE GETS RESCUE HELP
AND HAS A FOSTER HOME;
OTHER CHANCES TO HELP...
We mentioned Sadie the Pregnant Dog a few times on behalf of the folks with 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on several animal-sheltering spots around the sprawling Metrohex, er, Metroplex, where loose animals face tough odds.Regarding Sadie ("very pregnant"), 4-Legged Helpers' Laura Macias reports, "She has a rescue backing and a foster! YAY!!!!)." Lucky Tails Rescue took Sadie in and we expect an announcement soon about the "birth of multiples."
In the meantime, the 4-Legged Helpers are working with several other animals including these cats. The orange and white cat is the brother AKA Ollie. The girl, all curled up and napping, is Ana. Both are "fixed" and vaccinated and available at the Waxahachie Animal Shelter. To ask about helping them or adopting them, call or text the 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat-girl_71@yahoo.com. 
They're described as "adorable in person" and both are said to be good cuddlers who "love sitting on your lap." They're just under a year-and-a-half old..
And, the Helpers are also working on helping more dogs. We're citing these two Earhounds currently in the care of a contract caregiver in Denton County. Peppa's that black and white girl — about 50 pounds, maybe 5 or 6 years old and very good inside the house "if kept on a good schedule."
The other Earhound is Robby,  only 10 months old and already in a fix. He's healthy, sweet, and described as "happy and adorable." Get in touch with 4-Legged helpers to save these two.
And go to the 4-Legged Helpers Facebook site HERE to see more animals that are in need of some good-hearted help because they missed the happy boat the last time it launched.
RAPUNZEL, RAPUNZEL,
NEEDS TO LIVE SOMEWHERE
This Canaan Dog/Husky Mix, Rapunzel, may not have a lot of hair to hang down — as the famed subject of the fairy tale -- but she does need a home. We learned of her via Mesquite Animal Shelter volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm.
Rapunzel is about 2, weighs 45 pounds and is spayed. She first encountered the shelter when she was "seized on 9/29 by one of our officers along with other dogs," Debra wrote. And Rapunzel "was recently adopted, but returned to the shelter because she escaped and was gone for three days." The shelter life is rough on her nerves, though she appears "to have turned a corner and seems more trusting." Debra thinks this work-in-progress dog would do well, perhaps, in a quiet home without kids. And she'd need to have the "escape routes" eliminated. She's #48618015 — use that number when you call the shelter at 972-2116-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. (Use these contact points and the ID #s for the next 3 dogs, too.)
Now, about this dog with eyes of two colors…Debra writes, "I've named this snowy white youngster Pearl. Her breed designation on the Dog Scanner app is a Canaan Dog mix.  She arrived on 11/23 … as a stray." 
The 40-pound year-old dog has "silky soft white fur" that is accented by one beautiful brown eye and one beautiful blue eye. And, Debra says, "She's a delightful pup with a lot of enthusiasm.  She enjoyed chasing the tennis balls I threw though she did not want to give them back to me, preferring to play with them.  She also likes squeaky toys.  She does not jump on you.  She knows the sit command and will sit for treats, taking them gently.  She's friendly and happy to receive attention from a human companion." Pearl is #49132547.
Volunteer dog biographer Judi Brown met Olive, this 6-month-old "gray terrier mix that was surrendered to Mesquite Animal Shelter on 11/30. The kennel card states that she was unwanted. The owner-surrender form said that the owners had too many dogs and that they were getting in fights. The surrender form also stated that she's dog aggressive. However, from the puncture wound that she has below her eye it looks to me like she got the worst of a fight. She's extremely sweet and passive. If a new adopter has another dog I would suggest further dog testing. As sweet as she is it's hard for me to believe that she's aggressive. She's very timid and unsure of her surroundings. During the photo shoot she was cautiously friendly and did come to me. She even put her head on my lap. When I visited her at a later time in the day she had warmed up even more and was showing some spunk! So there's no doubt that she's friendly and wants to be loved." The 21-pound, 6-month- old still has "puppy" qualities." She's #48365414 when you contact the shelter.
Judi also met and wrote about Travis, a 32-pound, youngster who, she says, "could win a personality contest. He's a fun loving, friendly, energetic, loving, goofy, happy puppy with floppy ears and brindle coloring. This adorable mix breed (possible Plott Hound) is 11 months old and arrived at the  Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray on 11/27. He is not fixed. When I first went into Travis's kennel he backed up into the corner and was trembling. But within one minute he made the decision that I could be his BFF! He then turned into a wiggly waggly happy puppy with an exuberant personality! I even got kisses! He explored the yard and spent some time looking outside the gate. When he was doing that he was whining. That was sad because I suspect he was looking for his owners. Travis has an outstanding rather goofy personality. He definitely wants to please." When you contact the shelter, ask about #49150004.
Judi says that Travis " sometimes gets excited and jumps on you but then he's just a puppy. He sits for treats and takes him gently. He walked well on a leash. He tried to make friends with many of the dogs in the bay. I did not see any signs of aggression. Travis weighs 32 pounds. He's a good looking boy."
CONTEMPLATIONS
BASEBALL, HOT DOGS AND WHATEVER
It's all over the news — Major League Baseball is in a lock-out. Unless there's a miracle, no big league baseball for 2022. Here's a CNN story. Things may change. Still, thre's a history. The very first season of the Texas Rangers (1972) was delayed for 2 weeks by the first players strike in Major League Baseball history. Lately, the Three Ps have cursed the Rangers — Pandemic and Putrid Pitching. …
Speaking of hot dogs: As a vegetarian, I've not had a hot dog at a sporting event in decades or ever — probably ever. I have had nachos. But you can buy vegetarian hot dogs in stores. Taste pretty good — you just put 'em on a bun and add onions, pickle relish, mustard and vegetarian no-beans chili. Probably the same calories and no animal had to die. …
Anybody else think that movie theater pricing — tickets and concessions — is linked to major oil companies and their gasoline stations? Sheesh. Is there — in this era — such a thing as a "second-run, discount theater" for people who love movies on big screens?
—- Offer film tips and theater gripes by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 2021 [PetPowellPress] If you could write an opening sentence that would persuade people to read the rest of the presentation, what words would you use? One of my dear colleagues in journalism in the 1960s said the perfect gripping lead paragraph for a shooting story was "Pow! Mud! BLEEP! And handcuffs!" Then you'd write the facts.
For our purposes today we're going to edit that lead into a more mannerly expression. We're going to try, "Wiggle! Yap! Lick 'n' Cuddle! PUPPIES!" Read on.

THE TWO LITTERS THAT

CHALLENGED WEATHERFORD

Our first note about this situation came from our longtime pal Karen Lee, the driving force behind barkleyworld.com, the non-profit animal-helper inspired by Dennis and Karen's late dog Barkley. They help people get help. Sometimes the helpers help other helpers.

As this case was developing, Karen wrote, "Hey Everyone, what is it about the end of the month that always brings an avalanche of pet pleas for help.  I mistakenly always think I've got it made another month and then…"
She explains that the "first and most urgent plea came from a fellow rescuer, Michelle with iRescue out of Weatherford, TX.  My husband Dennis actually helped Michelle file paperwork to receive their 501c3 status back in 2013—about the time Barkleyworld was established as well. They are a wonderful group of rescuers and I just wanted to share that…"

Karen also wrote, "iRescue is the real hero here--we just stepped up to help at the end. But they rescued all these puppies and then dealt with all the parvo. So please make them the center of your story."

[ LARRY NOTE: That first step of "We'll take 'em" is the big, courageous step in rescuing animals.]

By now, Dear Readers, you've spotted the photos of the puppies. With Karen's help we got in touch with Michelle Witkowski, president and spokesperson for iRescueHomelessPets.

Here's how all of these puppies wound up getting attention. Michelle tells us, "A shelter volunteer at the Weatherford shelter, Deborah Haller, reached out to us.  She had two sets of puppies that needed out ASAP.  The shelter is no place for babies.
"One set of 7 had a mom with them and the other set was dumped without their mom. She had fosters that would take, so I agreed. Funding and fosters are the biggest need in rescue, as you can imagine.
"Within a day the litter with 7 started getting sick.  The next day the other litter started getting sick.  They had been next to each other at the shelter.
"Of course, it was the day before Thanksgiving so the local vets couldn't help us with taking them in because of staff leaving for the holidays.  We decided to take in the 3 that were the sickest to the emergency vet.  A local vet clinic provided us with the meds to try to treat the others at home.  So we muddled through the best we could.  In the end we lost 5 out of 7 of the one litter.

"WE have been very blessed with extreme Donations from Karen Lee and Patty Williams.   Without them hospitalization would not have been possible and more would have died.
"In spite of all the generosity, our account has been decimated by this.   It's very disheartening…"
The puppies, she says, 'will eventually be available for adoption. They will be listed on our page." [LARRY ASIDE: The photos we've used are some of the survivors of these stricken litters, Michelle tells us. If we hadn't already adopted the household quota at readlarrypowell.com, there might be a couple we'd take! And that is always the case in these animal stories.]

TO DONATE TO iRescue and Barkleyworld to help not just these animals, but many more, we have the links: The iRescue links are HOMEPAGE HERE and FACEBOOK HERE. And if you'd like to write a check, sent it to iRescue, PO Box 32, Weatherford TX 76085. The PayPal donation link is rescue@irescuehomelesspets.org.
And you can donate to barkleyworld.org at that website. You can also see the accomplishments of the enduring non-profit at that link.

HONEY'S SWEET BUT 'COWERS

WHEN YOU GO TO PET HER';
AND THERE'S BINGO & MITZI
There's a descriptive headline for you. We learned of this dog from Mesquite Volunteer Dog Biographer Judi Brown who asks of potential adoptors, "Do you have enough love, time, and patience to bring a beautiful dog with a lot of potential out of her shell?"
The year-old, 50-pound mixed breed girl Honey came in on Nov 22 as a stray and "will need to learn to trust," Judi says. She also writes, "Although she is very sweet, loving and gives kisses, her immediate reaction is to retreat. She wants to make friends and when she does approach when called she comes to you in a somewhat crouched position. She also cowers when you go to pet her. She is a work in progress and hopefully with the staff and volunteers working with her she will start to relax. She's already a beautiful dog but I know she has a beautiful personality ready to come out."
Honey is #49124107 at the shelter — use that ID when you call 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite to ask about Honey.

Judi also has made acquaintance with Bingo, a year-old, small-frame (38 pounds), sweet, smoky gray/blue "terrier Pit" who arrived as a stray on the 24th.
He's "friendly, happy, fun-loving and affectionate," Judi says, adding that, "His soft gray coloring makes him stand out! Then, add to that ears that fold over and you have a good looking boy! Bingo is not lacking in enthusiasm and energy. Sometimes he gets so excited that he jumps on you but will get down with correction. He sits for treats and takes them gently. He chases balls but does not retrieve them. Several customers came up to talk to him when he was in the yard and he greeted them with tail wags and kisses."
Bingo is #49138881 — info you need when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
That brings us to Mitzi, also a dog who caught Judi's attention. Check out Mitzi's eyes — yep, one blue, one not. Judi writes that the year- old Pittie/Bulldog mix came into the shelter on November 3 as a stray. She's now in the general population and Judi says she expects that "customers will see how adorable she is" and she'll be adopted soon. "When she first came in she was put in quarantine as she needed time to decompress. She was having a hard time adjusting to the shelter environment. When I went into her kennel today I spent a good deal of time talking to her and getting her comfortable with me. She is very timid! You could tell she wanted to make friends but was having trouble trusting. Once I spent more time with her in the shelter yard she began to relax and even had a little spring in her step as she walked! She would come to me and put her head on my lap or snuggle up next to me." To ask about this "gentle and calm" and "very loving" girl, use her ID #490097390 when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
 She's gentle and calm and very sweet!  She's also very loving. She is well mannered and likes treats. She did not understand the sit command.  She did her business as soon as she got out into the yard. We walked back-and-forth in the shelter yard and she walked very well on the leash. She ignored all the dogs in the bay. However, we always suggest if you have other dogs to have further dog testing done. Because of her laid-back, timid nature I think Mitzi would do better in a quiet, laid-back household. Mitzi weighs 53 pounds. She is mostly white with some freckling, stand up ears and one blue eye and one brown eye. She is not fixed.

Email rescues@cityofmesquite.com to tag Mitzi. Type tag in the subject line along with ID 49009730 to ensure proper tagging. If additional information is needed please call 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.com. Thank you.

See more Mesquite adorable adoptables by going to the Mesquite Animal Services site called Animals in the Shelter HERE.

THE HUSTLE CONTINUES

FOR 4-LEGGED FRIENDS

This guy Robby — how cute can a dog get? He's one of several dogs with pledges to 501c3s thanks to the hard work of 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit that focuses on animals  with the luck of winding up in small and low-traffic shelters.
Robby, in the care of a contract animal control outfit in Denton County, has a pledge of $125 He's 10 months old, "happy and adorable" and "loves to cuddle." Neutered, vaccinated and heartworm negative. Great with other dogs and kids. The Helpers outline his life in a positive fashion. The negative part is he's on the clock. Somebody needs to save him. Call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
And go to the 4-Legged Helpers Inc. Facebook page to keep up with the donations and the rescues on the list with Robby.

CONTEMPLATIONS
ZHIVAGO, A CAT, PITCHING

While watching the great 1965 motion picture Dr. Zhivago on Turner Classic Movies, I heard one of the Russian characters say, "Things will be different after the revolution." Always late to the intellectual party, it occurred to me that "different" is not a synonym for "better." We oughta remember that before weighing every vote we cast. FYI: I first saw the film in 1968 or '69 at the State Theater in Atlanta, Texas. As I recall, big films came to Northeast Texas not quite as quickly as they got to the big cities. After the technical revolution (streaming movies) that was different.…
That's my revolutionary cat, Stevie Ray, taking it easy on a stack of boxes I've been meaning to unpack for two years. He's patient and he does not remember the Russian Revolution, though he did nod off while I was watching Dr. Zhivago and suggests that I should, once again, try to read the novel by Boris Pasternak. Yeah, maybe…

As we segue from wonderful November into glorious December, we'll try to remember the "peace on earth" message and hope it takes over every segment of global society. Yep, longer odds than winning Lotto Texas with the same numbers I've been playing for decades. Speaking of odds, the Texas Rangers have bought a new shortstop. Now, if only the pitchers can get the opposing batters to hit the ball on the ground between second and third instead of sending the hardball flying into the outfield stands. What? Pitching matters?
—- Offer thoughts or ambitions by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put CALM DOWN in the subject line. —-

EDITION OF MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2021 [PetPowell Press] This photo was snapped at 8:40 a.m. Monday as my office cat, William Powell, and I were in a conference about assorted journalistic and literary endeavors. From his lounging position in my lap, William looked up at me and said one word — something not frequently heard from the mouth of a former neighborhood feral. He said, "Penultimate," then nodded off.
And that is how we came to note that this, the 29th, is the penultimate day of November 2021. Not only is it the penultimate day of the month, but Holiday Insights, the online calendar, says it's Chia Pet Day and Square Dance Day. Surely someone somewhere is celebrating "Square Dance With a Chia Pet Day." William is not a fan of the square dance. "Too many flying feet in too small a space for a cat born for leisure," he says.
Now, William has a home; let's see who doesn't. That cat on the left doesn't. Her name is Lily. Read on.
LET'S TALK CHAINED DOG
GETS A SOLID RESCUE…
Remember when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed that outdoor dog bill and said, "Texans really love their dogs" and it only took a couple of special sessions of the Legislature to get that law passed? Just a few months ago, remember?
Here's a case of a Texan loving the dog right into a "critically urgent" situation. And other Texans getting the dog to a safer situation.
The note from 4-Legged Helpers read that this girl Katie "was rescued from a really horrible situation…." She's 2-to-3 years old and the chain in that photo is what kept her in place outdoors in Dallas, the Helpers say. Katie is a Lab/Shepherd mix — and, of course, those are two ready-to-romp dog breeds. Katie must have been miserable on a chain.
The Helpers report, "This poor baby was living outdoors and not being cared for. Fortunately someone agreed to give her up and we were able to get her to safety.  Despite that horrible existence, she is the most precious, gentle, lovable soul.    SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.  Loves other dogs.  Sweet as sweet can be.  Please, won't you help?  She absolutely adores everyone and everything."
To offer to help Katie — via rescue group or adoption — call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
As our Dear Readers know, the non-profit 4-Legged Helpers help many areas of the Metrosprawl. These two dogs are in the care of a Denton County animal control contractor. Peppa is the Ear-hound Border Collie or Smooth Collie mix. Baylee's breed? She's a "Cutie Patootie" — wait, sorry, that was the description the Helpers gave her. She's really an 8-month old, 50-pound Aussie Shepherd or Border Collie Mix who is a "love bunny." [LARRY ASIDE: I believe the "Love Bunny" is in the same family tree with the "Cutie Patootie."]
And we've mentioned this girl before — the "very pregnant" Sadie, a Lab/Shepherd Mix at the Bridgeport Shelter northwest of Fort Worth. The Helpers report, Some people apparently tried to turn in Sadie to the shelter and when they could not, they dumped her where, fortunately, she was found by someone."She's a 43-pound, medium-sized, dainty-pawed "precious and extremely loving" dog. Remember, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
And here's the thing to remember: You can read full bios of these dogs and many other animals on the 4-Legged Helpers' Facebook page HERE.
MONDAY IN MESQUITE,
THE ANIMALS ARE WAITING…
One of the great things about the Mesquite Animal Shelter is the energy of the volunteers. They do a lot of work to help get animals adopted, but also, the volunteer biographers work hard to get the animals' personalities and needs before the public. Lots of emails, lots of photographs, lots of hands-on learning about the animals.
If you look at this dog and he says, "I wanna be (PAUSE PAUSE) your Teddy Bear" you people with a sense of rock rhythm will guess right away that this dog is Elvis (#49088259). He ain't no Hound Dog, though. He's a 6-month-old, 40-pound Lab mix who came into the Mesquite shelter on Nov. 16 as a stray. His volunteer biographer Judi Brown writes, "He was overwhelmed with the barking and commotion at the shelter. He's been a work in progress and has made considerable progress so far, even though there's still more work to be done. When I first interacted with him he would shake uncontrollably. Then he would either flatten or just stand frozen like a statue!"
Then, one day last week, she writes, "He actually walked cautiously around the yard and even came to me when I called him! Even though he was cautious he seemed to enjoy having his ears scratched. We will make him a volunteer project and do another evaluation when his true personality starts to emerge. There's no doubt he's a very loving, gentle boy."
And isn't that a great blaze on his chest! So Vegas! To ask about Elvis, use his ID #49088259) when you cal the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm had the honor of getting to know Blizzard (#49035921) who she describes as an "attractive happy-go-lucky Anatolian Shepherd Dog mix youngster…. He was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 11/8."
Why would this 70-pound, year-old, beautiful dog be dumped at a shelter? Debra writes, "The reasons the owner gave for the surrender were conflicting and confused so it is hard to state specifically what caused Blizzard to end up at the shelter. Blizzard lived with this owner for 5 months and the family dynamics changed and Blizzard was no longer working out--through no fault of his own.  Owner stated that Blizzard was OKI with children and was fine with other dogs.  He lived both in and outdoors. He is a lively and high-spirited youngster and during the photo shoot had a great time romping around the yard.  He raced after the tennis balls I threw but did not return them to me.  He does jump on you in his enthusiasm.  He walks well on a leash. Blizzard has bonded with one of our staff who commented what a terrific dog he is -- friendly, affectionate, sweet-natured and fun-loving, wanting to stay close."
Now, there is this "marketing" problem for Blizzard. Debra says, "Unfortunately he does not present himself well at his kennel window--probably barrier aggression.  However, when he is taken out in the yard he shows his true colors and is a delightful pup."
Use his ID #49035921 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Same contact points for these animals on the weekend "dog tip sheet" at Mesquite: Heidi (left #49092784), Kaleb (above left, #49144694) and Precious  (far right #49123703). Go to the Animals in the Shelter LINK HERE and you can read their biographies and the reports on their positive natures by Judi and Debra.
There also are cats you can read about. We've focused on this one. We opened today's report with Lily's "looking up" photo. And that's her and her cute nose with big eyes on the right.  Lily (#48590033) is a year and about 3 months old and has a dynamic face.
Clearly a Tabby, she's in the Cat Room at the Mesquite Shelter — has been at the facility since September 3. There are a lot of kittens and some older cats available at Mesquite. Lily has a face that, when she greets you in the morning, may make you realize how happy you are to have her around the house. Great set of ears, too.
CONTEMPLATIONS
ASSORTED MONDAY NOTES
I'll tell you who might be happy that Matthew McConaughey isn't running for governor of Texas — headline writers at newspapers. You'd run out of space in a headline. And with that many letters, the opportunities for spelling error are multiplied. This is not a political announcement from readlarrypowell.com, it's a note of "Whew! Close call for the headline writers" — used to be one — it can be a challenge. I cite headlines about former U.S. National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski. …
We were perusing The Rundown , our pal Jeff Crilley's daily news tip report from the company he founded and leads, Real News PR , and we spotted a headline: "Haute Chicken." Didn't expect to see that combo in a headline, did ya? When you click HERE it'll take you to a video of a business that makes clothes for chickens. I'm not kidding. And I know a lot of people in the Metrosprawl raise chickens — keep 'em as companions, in fact. Don't know how they dress. …
The whole dressing chickens (not chicken 'n' dressing — I'm a vegetarian) reminds me of the great minds of Alan Abel and G. Clifford Prout Jr. (aided by Buck Henry) and a campaign in the early 1960s. It was led by the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals. And if you remember that, you are (a) way old and (b) a fan of satire. Read more HERE and laugh your dog's pants off! Buck Henry? Played the hotel clerk in The Graduate . What? You haven't seen The Graduate? Literary/witty/happy American Society crumbles anew. Oh, yes, that is William Powell (from today's opening). He was on the brink of a nap when he took this selfie to show off his magnificent coat and declare, "I'm a cat born to be in the buff. Move along. I'm drowsy."
—— Offer bright ideas or dim thoughts by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put "SWEATERS FOR SQUIRRELS" in the subject line. —-

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Dear Readers.
This is a special Thanksgiving edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. It is dedicated to everybody who ever brought a dog or a cat or any other animal home and he or she became a part of the family quicker than you can say "Gravy, please" at the Thanksgiving table.
Our story for this edition carries us along very different routes — one with smiles, one with chills, then smiles again.
We begin with the discovery of a dog named "Rufus" in the Fort Worth Animal Shelter at Christmas time in 2010. He was about a year old and had run out of time at two shelters after spending a year or so surviving on the streets of Haltom City. Shelter staffers shuffled him around to save his life for as long as possible.
My primary source is my long-time friend and exceptional journalist David House. We worked together at The Texarkana Gazette in the '60s and in the latter part of the 20th century at The Dallas Morning News. David's quite a writer and he and his wife, Andra, are nuts about that "lop-eared" dog, Finnegan. (We'll explain the change of names shortly — the shelter said he appeared to be a mix of three kinds of Irish terriers, David reports.)
As we prepared to launch these tales, I asked David if he had a photo of Finnegan sleeping. A couple of days later he sent that first photo of Finnegan in Andra's lap. He explained, "This is the best I can do so far regarding a pic of Finnegan sleeping. … He was snoozing in his all-time favorite spot (Andra's lap), but the instant before I took this picture, he awakened and was on high alert. He guards Andra as dearly as he loves to sleep in her lap."

So how does a charming dog like this wind up in the home of the writer/editor David and his wife, the singer and all-round swell person Andra House? 
David writes, "In 2010, I was two years into freelancing from home. It was a lonely experience. I missed my doggies -- Cleo, the sweet and peaceful Rottweiler; Chats, my happy little Maltese. I started looking online at doggies residing at the Fort Worth shelter and spotted a picture of Finnegan, sitting there with his big Finnegan smile and floppy right ear. He looked and still looks like the perfect little blond doggie. I call him our 'palomino puppy.' Fell in love with 'Rufus,' as the shelter people had named him."
David also writes, "The shelter lady took these pictures for me just as we began the adoption paperwork. … I think Finnegan knew he had been rescued. Melts my heart to look at all these early pics."
David and Andra had talked about getting a dog and, basically, Rufus made the vote unanimous. David says, "I emailed the shelter about Rufus and went to visit him a couple of weeks before Christmas 2010. He was alone in a fairly large open-air run with a high fence. When he saw the shelter lady coming, he was ecstatic and was jumping at least four feet in the air. He only weighed 18 pounds (25 pounds now). Such a happy little guy, but he looked skinny and dreadful. He hadn't been clipped in no telling how long, if ever, and his wiry outer coat around his shoulders looked like a lion's mane. Hadn't had a real good bath either.
"The shelter lady said 'Rufus' was about a year old, maybe a tad older, and had been transferred to the Fort Worth shelter from the Haltom City shelter after he had stayed there as long as permitted. She said he'd been a stray picked up on the streets in Haltom City. They didn't know how long he'd lived like that and maybe he had been dumped.
"The shelter lady put a temporary leash around his neck and let me walk him outside for a while. He peed a lot and did his little in-place poop dance. He was so lively. I loved his spirit and how he enjoyed being outside. I brought him home for a day visit. He was reserved in the house but enjoyed the backyard. He seemed to be so very tired. I swear I could see dark circles beneath his eyes. God knows what he had been through. Andra warmed up to him quickly and said if I wanted to adopt him, go ahead. So I took him back to the shelter after a while. He didn't resist being returned to his run. Broke my heart to have to do that, but I had adoption paperwork to do, and they wouldn't release Rufus to me until he had had his 'surgery,' etc.
"When I told the shelter lady I wanted to adopt Rufus, she teared up and rejoiced, because, she said, he had been at the shelter as long as allowed and would have been put down within days.
" 'He's so sweet and smart'," she said, 'but you need to know that he's very food-focused.' Experiencing starvation does that, I can well imagine. Finnegan was in the shelter office with me. I swear he sensed what was happening and started wagging his tail, and he jumped up on me. …"
David says "Rufus" could go to his new home after his "surgery" was performed. And in a day or so, the shelter called. "I got to the shelter really fast, met with the shelter people and suddenly Rufus and I were walking outside again for him to pee and/or poop then head to his forever home.
"I put his new collar on him, got the leash we had bought and walked him around outside. He was pretty dizzy from anesthesia but handled everything nicely. Then we went to the car, I put him on towels in the back seat and away we went. I had an Abba CD playing, and as we left, they began singing Take a Chance on Me, which brought tears to my eyes. That song is his little anthem.
"He was understandably a bit car sick on the ride home, and he threw up in the backseat floorboard, but I didn't care. When we got home, he came right in, jumped up on an old blue recliner in the den and seemed to just totally relax like he knew he was home at last.  Andra was really sweet to him. He ate it up. He loves Andra beyond description.
"We wanted to rename him, because he didn't seem like a 'Rufus,' so we started thinking about names. A couple of days later, just before Christmas, we had taken him with us on an errands drive. When we came home and were pulling into the garage, Andra said, 'Home again, home again, Finnegan.' Bingo! We looked at each other and said, 'That's his name! Finnegan!' It was a Christmas thing for all three of us.
"We couldn't have him groomed until his incision had healed, but we took him to the vet a few days after Christmas as directed. I couldn't believe how happy he was on the exam table. They took his picture for his file, and he's smiling ear to
floppy ear."
BUT ONE DAY IN 2021
FINNEGAN 
ENCOUNTERED A VILLAIN…
On September 13, one unexpected movement put Finnegan at peril. David began reporting this story on September 14 when he wrote: "Our little fur baby, Finnegan, is in a tough battle resulting from someone's inhumane actions. Yesterday, during our second daily walk about a block from home, he suddenly lunged into a front yard we were passing and found a quick snack. Before I could stop him, I saw one silver nail fall out of his mouth, then a second nail, then a third. They were about an inch long with large heads like a roofing nail but were not galvanized. He had eaten a nail-studded piece of wiener and, as the vet's X-ray later found, he had swallowed one nail that remains in his stomach and may require surgery to remove.

"I found three other nail-studded wiener pieces nearby, sacked them up and hurried us home. Called the vet. Long story short, the vet believes the nail isn't sharp enough to pierce Finnegan's stomach or intestine if and when the nail moves there. He reported the matter to the North Richland Hills Animal Service.

"Officers interviewed me at the vet's then went to the house where Finnegan had found the demonic snack. They searched the yard and found many similar pieces of nail-studded wiener along with screw-filled pieces of hamburger meat and a strip of duct tape imbedded with nails.

"They interviewed the couple at the house and a number of neighbors. None had seen anyone baiting the yard, they told officers. So we're left with many questions and are waiting to see whether Finnegan can/will pass the nail or whether surgery will be needed. Please keep Finnegan in your thoughts and prayers and all innocent animals who suffer ceaselessly from ignorant, brutal human cruelty."
On September 17, David posted this and that photo above: 
"Here are pictures of the nail that was removed from Finnegan's stomach yesterday via endoscopic surgery. It's quite corroded from having been in the little guy's stomach for three and a half days, but at least it wasn't galvanized, so no heavy metals were released into his bloodstream that would have led to organ failure and death. He's coming around today slowly but surely after suffering so much trauma this week. Our special thanks go out to Dr. Michelle Larue of Veterinary Specialists of North Texas for operating on Finnegan and Dr. Jed Ford of Family Pet Clinic North Richland Hills for referring Finnegan to VSNT and all the care he gave to Finnegan throughout this week." [larry PHOTO NOTE: You see in that photo that Finnegan has a little bandage on his right leg -- so this is after his medical experience. Isn't that a great face?]

On September 18, David posted what he called a "Pupdate on Finnegan." He wrote, "He's coming around. We guess he's about 90 percent back. Finally trotted a little bit on his early morning walk today, which lasted about six blocks instead of a half a block. His tail was nice and curly, not droopy. Pooped normally, left a number of 'Finnegan Was Here' messages on bushes, etc. Saw a cat, stopped, ears went up, growled. Normal. But he wasn't up to charge the cat. Fine with us. …. Then he saw a squirrel, stopped, ears went up, stared at the squirrel but didn't move, and I could almost hear him thinking, 'Aw, what the heck. I want breakfast.' So, no big chase. Ate his breakfast then got in his favorite chair and kicked back. Ran happily past the sprinkler on his way to the side yard to pee. That's why his face looks all wet in the picture. A good Saturday so far, and we are so thankful."
ON SEPTEMBER 19, Andra took over the keyboard on Facebook on behalf of Finnegan. She wrote, "Finnegan says thanks for your concern, outrage, prayers, pink light and good vibes during his endoscopy to remove the nail from his stomach ingested from the demonic bait last week. He is almost 100% recovered already. Still awaiting testimony or security video to have enough evidence to win criminal case. May sue, though. We are grateful this was not a fatal incident, thanks to our vets at Family Pet Clinic of NRH and Veterinary Specialists of North Texas. …"

And, now, during the long Thanksgiving Weekend of 2021, we look at the great face on this guy Finnegan and wish him many more years of happiness with David and Andra. We are, indeed, thankful that we know people who love animals and make room in their houses and hearts for the wonderful animals. Finnegan's face makes us smile, and we're thankful for that, too!
[ LARRY ASIDE: While we could not get a photograph of Finnegan in a full-on sleeping dog situation, we are calling an audible, as they say on the gridiron, and summoning photographs from our house to stand in for Finnegan to demonstrate how your animals can represent the spirit of the title of our weekend edition, "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap."  You probably recognize that cat's pose. The Senator, napping close to his favorite electronic instrument, began his nap while watching a documentary about the Olympics high- dive competition and curled right into a position guaranteed to get 10 full points from the Russian judges. Porche began sleeping as she was on her Ol' Hippie Rug of Transcendental Pupatation and dreaming of accepting an invitation for a sub-orbital spaceflight that launches from our backyard in Texas. I've been watching this dog for years -- I'm not completely convinced that she could list "Planet Earth" as her birthplace. Now and then I seen some "Mars" in her behavior.
Send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or slumbering critters of any kind to dallrp@aol.com for our weekend feature Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap and, of course, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season. Hug your dogs and cats and whatever else you've got on the household payroll and tell 'em we love 'em. Happy Thanksgiving, From Larry, Martha & The Gang.]
—- Offer ideas and holiday diet tips by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put 'DROP THE PIE AND MOVE AWAY FROM THE TABLE' in the subject line. —-

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY NOV. 23-24, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Ah, the week marches on as if we had no reason to calmly, slowly, admiringly contemplate the joys and beauties of November. Take some time to stare at a tree. Look up at the November sky — day and night.
Consider the beauty of the moments. And ask yourself: Would this dog Porche Noel be a good Harry Potter in the all-canine sequel, Hairy Potter and The Sorcerer's Yorkie? She really loves close-ups.
CODY, MISSING SINCE OCT. 17
IN GRAPEVINE BEAR CREEK AREA
For those not familiar with Grapevine, there is a park, Parr Park, that runs along the Bear Creek trail area. It is in that part of of the city that Cody, this handsome Samoyed, is believed to have vanished. We got the note about him Tuesday from his human, Tom Kendle of Grapevine. 
He sent this "missing" poster with his note (Click on it to make it grow). I think you can see his despair in the note he wrote: "I wish I didn't have to connect with you, but my dog Cody, a Samoyed, went missing early Sunday, October 17th. He was tracked into Parr Park by Pet Detective Bonnie Hale, but his scent was lost at Bear Creek (even with very low water (4-6" in the creek there). I've done about everything I can think of and that's been recommended on various lost dog websites." So, there you have it folks. If you've seen this fellow Cody or know his whereabouts, get in touch with Tom as the number on the poster, 817-798-8038.
Tom also told me, "I know the whole neighborhood seems to be watching for him, as I get about one  'false alarm' a day.  From either his postings on Facebook or Nextdoor, he seems to have a kind of group that's following his story."
After all this time, Tom says, "It's almost like the aliens beamed him up. Either that or someone picked him up, as that park is surrounded by huge expensive homes. And Cody, being the cute dog that he is, was probably thought to belong to a person in that area. Not knowing he traveled at least 1/2 mile to get there. Cody is very friendly, probably too friendly, so he'd probably go along with someone. But why that someone wouldn't take him to a shelter or a vet is beyond me."
Cody is not Tom's first Samoyed, so he  knows how they can be. He writes, "I remember when I first got a Samoyed, my first one Chewy. Because I was new to owning a dog (we had a poodle when I was a kid but that doesn't count), I went to the book store and got a book on Samoyeds.  In the first page of the book, the author wrote ' the Samoyed is a nomadic breed.'  I guess I'm finding it out the hard way now."
[LARRY NOTE: So, Dear Readers, pass this item around to people you know in Grapevine and other areas just in case Cody hitched a ride from someone who was just passing through the area. After all, sometimes a "found dog" winds up in a shelter in a city a long way from home. Could be the case.]
' CRITICALLY URGENT' —TWO WORDS
AN ANIMAL DOESN'T NEED TO HEAR
Yep, those are the words used by 4-Legged Helpers in their latest appeal to get help for several animals in shelters and in "foster" care in the Metrosprawl. Maybe all of these dogs and cats have donations to help them get into a safe place, we gather from reading the Helpers note.
The Helpers sent a note with dogs and cats and we immediately focused on this first girl, Sadie. She's in the Bridgeport Animal Shelter northwest of Fort Worth and she is described as "very pregnant."
So? Here's the "so" part: The Helpers write, "Very pregnant and needs 501cd3 rescue and/or foster immediately. This shelter closes over the Thanksgiving Holiday and the ACO is out several days."
You can call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com to help Sadie (and dog below, Raven) and cats, and other dogs, etc. — the etc., meaning helping the people who are trying to help the animals.
 The Helpers report that Sadie "knows sit and is so very sweet and well behaved. Only 43 pounds so she is a great little medium-size dog with dainty paws.  She is adorable, precious, and extremely loving.  Pics are from when there took her to the vet to get her checked out.  Note that she is heartworm negative and healthy!"
Beautiful Raven is a year-old, 52-pound Shepherd/Husky mix with "gorgeous blue eyes." Her story reads, "She adores children (lived with toddler twins), all other dogs, and even kitty cats. She is just as sweet as she is pretty!  Already fixed, fully vaccinated, and heartworm tested negative so she is completely healthy. She is a wonderful dog despite originally being with people that had not even named her."
[LARRY NOTE: Yeah, that last sentence brought me to a screeching halt, too. Didn't even name her? Sheesh.]
Here's the deal: Use those contact points above to ask about helping Sadie and Raven. And go to the Helpers Facebook PAGE HERE to see more dogs, more cats, more donations that might make taking one of 'em into your rescue group a little easier.

MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
,
CHECK OUT THE BEAUTIES
Dogs are like humans — you shouldn't judge them by their looks. But, it helps, right?
All that silliness aside, look at this guy Maverick.
Our tipster, the volunteer Mesquite dog biographer Debra Chisholm reports that "attractive Bull Terrier" Maverick, about 2 and 52 pounds, came in as a stray on the 18th. How does a handsome dog like this become a stray?
Human wasn't careful with gates? Burglar left a dog open? Dog can climb a fence? Someone dumped him and drove away — it happens. We just don't know.
Debra's bio says Maverick "seems to have boundless energy and is in nearly constant motion, except when he is sitting for treats, which he takes gently! He's a delightful and fun-loving boy with places to go, people to see and things to do!  He's ready for adventure.... He has an outgoing and confident personality and I'm willing to bet he has never met a stranger. Maverick spied a dog in the parking lot outside the shelter yard and was so interested in the dog, seeming to want to play and be friends. … He does jump but mostly just up in the air and not as much on you. This would be a good dog for an active person or family who would spend time training, exercising and playing with him." Maverick is #49102977 at the shelter — you should use that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com to ask about him.
That brings us to Debra's next spotlight — and keep that contact info handy. This is Dakota, #49095575 at the shelter. 
Debra writes that the "handsome nearly purebred Siberian husky Dakota arrived on 11/17 as a stray … He weighs 65 pounds, is approx 1 1/2 years old and is not neutered.  He walks beautifully on a leash.  When I led him back and forth through the bay he did not react to the dogs who were barking at him.  He pottied outside. Dakota spent much time scouting out the yard and was a bit standoffish, though not unfriendly, with me.  However, he's new to the shelter and will undoubtedly feel more comfortable and warm up to the staff and volunteers as time goes on. He is a calm, gentle and well-mannered boy with a mellow personality.  He doesn't jump on you! He takes treats gently but does not know to sit for them.  He doesn't seem to know any commands and wasn't interested in toys or chasing balls.  He appears to have been taken care of nicely and even has a new Christmas collar on.  One wonders why his people have not reclaimed him."
[ LARRY ASIDE: Geezalou, surely someone already loves this dog!!! Where are they?]
Debra says that "due to the nature of Huskies, Dakota will need to have an 8-foot secured fence, to live indoors in a home, NO apartments, and with a yard he can run and play in." 
Can you please help this boy out of our overfull shelter?  You can do so by networking or tagging at rescues@cityofmesquite.com, typing in the subject line TAG, ID 49095575.  If you have additional questions please call 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmes- quite.com.
[LARRY FYI: Click on THIS LINK and you'll see more dogs and cats available at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. While there are a lot of kittens, there are also adult cats at Mesquite. here's a prime example: Margo (#48680952). She's a little over 3 years old and a Tabby who is in the Cat Room at the shelter and has been there since SEPTEMBER 17 — that's a while to be "in custody." No idea how she came into the shelter, but you can bet your asparagus on Thanksgiving that she didn't call Uber and arrange a ride to the front door.]
BIDDING'S OPEN FOR GALT'S
HOLIDAY FOR HOUNDS AUCTION
Yep, the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas is open for bidding business to help "build up some extra funds to cover our routine expenses and prepare for that next big unexpected need on the horizon." 
You've seen how that can happen. The GALT folks wind up getting called in to rescue an unexpected dozen dogs from racing kennel or they get summoned somewhere to help with a cruelty case. [REGARDING CRUELTY CASES: We cite that great photo of Nick and Nora — she's the one with pointy ears — a couple of pups rescued in a cruelty case in Paul's Valley, Okla. The were just babies — puppies! — and, based on the company they were keeping, appeared to be Greyhound puppies.] GALT took them and they blossomed into these beautiful not-Greyhound dogs. They're available through GALT.
We did find a Greyhound with a seasonal name among the availables at galtx.org. That's Holly. She's described as a "sweet, little lover-girl [who] thrives on one-on-one attention and craves affection from her people. When she sleeps (and she does sleep) she sleeps deeply. Except for occasionally digging through the garbage looking for treasure, she has excellent house manners. She also rides well in the car." [LARRY ASIDE: That garbage line cracks me up.]
Back to the auction: You can see the items by clicking on THIS LINK. Among the items are pieces of art — There are "non-dog" items including "gift cards, vintage accessories, crystal and Dallas Symphony tickets." 
One of those pieces of art is this fabulous dog coat — created and hand-made by the noted designer/artist Molly Jelic.
Go to galtx.org and you can see the pieces of living art that are the dogs in the care of the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas.
CONTEMPLATIONS
NOVEMBER, CAT-CON, DOG DUMP...
Is it too early to ask Santa to bring the Texas Rangers a stable and strong pitching staff, fielders with amazing range and arms and bats that work in every inning. Or is 2022 another traditional Texas Rangers Rebuilding Year — they oughta sell sweatshirts with that on 'em. Wouldn't even have to designate a year. …
Were you more comfortable in the era in which thieves stole the whole car or are you more comfortable in the era in which thieves just steal the catalytic converter? Is this just a big city situation? Do tractors have catalytic converters? Yeah, the world puzzles me sometimes. A story published in March says the "average" cat/converter (slang term) costs between $800 and $1,200 — does stealing one of those still qualify as a crime in Dallas County? Anybody know?
NOW HERE'S A CRIME that was witnessed by someone who wrote it about it. "Cindy" posted this Tuesday on a neighborhood bulletin board page for eastern Fort Worth. The author wrote, "To the jerk in the gray Chrysler with the red shirt, we saw you!! Police are involved and you're on camera. May you rot in h%#l for throwing your poor terrified little dog out of your car on Rosehill. In case you're interested, after trying to catch your little one for an hour, we had the assistance of an amazing Fort Worth police officer who came to our rescue. She was able to grab the baby after we corralled baby into a corner. You pos, karma is a beech." Well, a person is inclined to remind "jerks" in general that abandoning an animal in this manner is against the law in Texas. As for Cindy's final sentence — "You pos, karma is a beech," we can only type, "Amen, unless you change, you POwhatever."
—- Offer opinions or defenses by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put "KARMA KICKED MY BLEEP" in the subject line. —-

EDITION OF MONDAY, NOV. 22, 2021[PetPowellPress] Our theme this week is Thanksgiving. Wait. We have two themes: (1) Thanksgiving and (1) Lay off the sweets, the gravy, the biscuits, the cornbread, the potatoes. Anything that looks good, drop the fork and walk away. Keep the spoon -- someone may have been experimenting with a low-carb/no-calorie chocolate pie. That would be a reason to be thankful.
 Look, if you've got an annual physical coming up in December, the last thing you want to do is waddle into the doc's office with a Thanks-giving smile on your face and a freshly applied layer of calories testing the seams on your shirts and pants. So, having issued that advice, let's move on to trying to help animals and being thankful for the people who work at saving 'em all.
That's my dog Porche giving us her impression of a happy dog after being allowed to sit next to a favorite diner at the Thanksgiving table -- she cautions, "Don't eat so much that you can't fit on the rug."
'JUMP ON YOUR AND...NIP'?
KENNEDY HAS POTENTIAL!
That photo of Kennedy with the front legs crossed grabbed my heart right away. He looks like a good ol' pal of a dog. And, his biographer, the Mesquite volunteer Debra Chisholm, suggests that the right human will find themselves with the right dog when they adopt Kennedy (#84944454). 
He came into the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a stray almost a month ago -- October 2. He's about 10 months old, weighs 55 pounds and isn't neutered. 
Debra writes, "This is a youngster who is high-strung.  He wants to stay close to his human companion and will jump on you frequently and nip.  He is in constant need of redirection.  Kennedy is highly excitable on a leash. This is a pup who has a lot of potential but will need some one-on-one additional training in order to fit in well in a home with a person or family. He needs daily exercise, play and attention and, until receiving additional training, will not be a good fit for a family with a senior adult or children."
The beauty of this situation is the Dallas/Fort Worth area has lots of trainers and experienced hands who can help you show Kennedy that he is safe with you. Use his ID #48944454 when you want to ask about him and call the shelter at  972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Keep the number and the email handy because they'll help you ask about saving the life of this 10-pound Earhound, more formally known as a "Chihuahua." Mabel (#48826231), probably just over 8 years-old, isn't spayed. 
She came into the shelter on Nov. 18 and immediately became a "rescue only" dog because of her health. Debra wrote, "Mabel's health issues include a grade 5 heart murmur, oronasal fistulas (holes in the roof of the mouth) and some extensive dental issues. ... She walks well on a leash, is sweet, lovable and friendly. She's curious and was interested in all the smells and sights in the shelter yard.  Mabel went to the potty in the yard.  She's calm, well-mannered and gentle.  She needs a rescue who is willing to take her on and give her some relief from the medical issues she has."
[LARRY ASIDE: Mabel has the look of a dog who'll sit and listen when you want to talk. Maybe it's the eyes. Could be the ears, I guess.]
And here's this pretty Pitty (maybe) boy Moe -- his biographer is the great volunteer Judi Brown who spent some time trying to help him adapt to shelter existence.The 2-year-old, 49-pound uneasy-at-the-shelter boy came in as a stray on Nov. 11. Judi writes, "He is bewildered, confused and doesn't understand why he's in such a noisy place. He is scared as you can tell from his photos. He does come out of his kennel but seeks the security of walking between your legs. When out in the yard he will either pancake (flatten) or stand rigidly in one place.
"When I have sat down on the ground, with time he will cautiously come and then he put his head on my lap. He likes to have his ears scratched. He's calm, loving, and very sweet.  He was too intimidated by the other dogs when walked through the bay to tell if he would get along with them. However, he did try to make friends with other dogs through the windows."
Judi says that Moe will "become a volunteer project, but hopefully someone reading this would come up and spend some time with him. He needs bushel baskets of TLC in order to build trust and develop to his full potential!" 
Moe is #49060955 -- use that ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
MENTIONED LAST WEEK,
POPPY'S STILL WAITING
This girl Poppy, 6 years old and 88 pounds, is one of the "projects" of Gail Whelan at Companion-animal Network. Poppy is, Gail reports, "losing her home through no fault of her own."
As you can see, she is a majestic beauty and has a face that encourages humans to be better people, don't you think?
To ask about adopting Adorable Poppy, call Gail at 903-967-3226 or email can.adopt- ions@yahoo.com. 
"She is basically PERFECT," Gail wrote of Poppy. "She has been living with other dogs and CATS and is great with everyone!  She is spayed, current on all vaccinations and heartworm negative!!!!  Poppy STILL has the typical high energy of a Lab, so no couch potatoes for her!  She LOVES to play fetch and would be a tremendous complement to any home.  Poppy could stand to lose a few pounds, but who doesn't?"
[LARRY NOTE: Gail's closing sentence flows right into our Thanksgiving week theme, doesn't it! We may expand the theme to be "Give thanks, lose pounds, adopt Poppy."]
SEBASTIAN, HIS WHISKERS,
HIS EAR, HIS NEW HOME?
Yep, that's the "Creamsicle-colored" tabby Sebastian -- you can tug his whiskers, you can scratch his ear, but you'll need to give him that new home. We've had the world on public notice for around a month that he needs a new home. The 4-Legged Helpers have been telling everyone they know. Other people have been sending their Sebastian notices around, too.Sebastian has championship whiskers, a wonky ear (thanks to polyps) and no home. What cat needs that sort of challenge in life? This guy just needs a place to emphasize his Delightful Sebastionness. Follow the 4-Legged Helper HERE https://www.facebook.com/4-Legged-Helpers-Inc-446145002506239 . To ask about him, call or text the 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS

THINGS OF A THANKFUL NATURE
If summer rain had fallen on our yard at the same pace as the leaves were falling Sunday, I'd never have worried  about all the front-yard grass turning brown and crackly from the summertime desert conditions. I own a rake. I'll have to find it. Could be under the chainsaw, where ever it is. ...
In keeping with our Thanksgiving theme, I found this on Facebook. My much younger, consistently slim cousin Prissy Elkins Roughton posted this bit of art over the weekend. Reminds me, I'm still coping with the time change from Nov. 7 -- and I am eating bad stuff to help me accept the fall back. That's my story, anyway. ... Over the weekend I saw several stories about the death of songwriter, musician, clever artist Dave Frishberg at 88. Most of the stories identified him as the writer of Schoolhouse Rock's I'm Just a Bill -- I was born too early for that. But I do remember his heard-on-the-radio baseball song from 1969: Van Lingle Mungo, a song with a title that is the name of.a 1930s-early '40s Brooklyn Dodgers/New York Giants pitcher. The rest of the lyrics are the names of other baseball players from, generally, that era -- some stars, some regular players with flash. You can hear Van Lingle Mungo by Googling "Van Lingle Mungo song" -- I couldn't get the direct link to paste. But, to solve a mystery, Van was the All-Star player's given name, Lingle was his mom's maiden name and "Mungo" was the family name -- Scottish. In fact, a baby naming page HERE says Mungo "is a boy's name of Scottish origin meaning 'my pet'." St. Mungo is the patron saint of Glasgow. Van Lingle Mungo is having a better year than the Rangers. He's being mentioned in the company of hits.
-- Offer baseball advice or diet tips by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put 'MORE COWBELL' in the subject line (Thank you, SNL!) ---

Is sleep important for a dog?
Our initial response is "Does a fat puppy's tail wiggle?".
But, we must trust the science, as is said. We answer this question, thus, with an experiment of observation conducted for this weekend's edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
I think you'll appreciate the scientific nature of this exercise.
I spotted one of our rescued dogs, Porche Noel (i.e., found on the porch at Christmas) sleeping on the back of our expensive couch, originally designed for humans, but clearly suited for canine occupation.
Quickly grabbing my 21st century camera and hoping it wouldn't ring while I was focusing on Porche, I snapped a photo of this sweet dog out like a light in her comfy position.

In the background, you can see my assertivespouse Martha's personal dog, Wendy, rescued away from an unpleasant situation on a busy Dallas street. Wendy is always interested in what's going on in her house. She watched as I snapped the shots of Porche but did not comment.
With the first clicking of a photo, Porche awoke. Here you see a facial expression that displays disgust with the photographer while also illustrating how Porche, who studied under the 20th century comic strip star, Mandrake the Magician, is able to "Stare hypnotically" at a human, thus forcing that human to "move along, now," as an authority figure might say. I did move along.
 The "look" on that dog's face gives me chills.
That "move along, now" was a searing response from a dog who stands barely as tall as the top of support socks reaching to a point just beneath a fat man's dimpled knees. So, quickly, I realized we had scientifically uncovered unarguable proof that sleep is important for a dog. Particularly this one.
Later, I found sweet Porche piled up in the middle of our bed and locked into a slumberpose indicating that, though she is nearly human in most situations, once that dognap gene kicks in, she is the quintessential example of a sleeping dog who is being let lie.
She and her household staffer, the author of this piece, are currently working on a volume of 21st century literature that will focus on answering the ancient question: Can insomniacs be taught to sleep? And her initial scientific response has been, "Keep the camera out of my face, yawnboy."
Such a dear dog. That's the photo we'll use on the bookjacket. 
She was free, you know. Didn't cost a dime. Got a free dog in Dallas. That has long been just another complimentary service provided by the City of Dallas. Keep your eyes open in your Dallas neighborhood and you, too, may get a free dog without having to visit a Dallas Animal Services adoption facility.
Of course, no matter where you get your free dog, you will not find one as wonderful as Porche Noel. She's got breeding. 
Well, not really "breeding," but you could take her to meet the queen and she'd do her darnedest to simulate the behavior of a royal Corgi. She does snore, however. Refuses to wear her night mask and gave me a set of ear plugs earlier this month. "Autumn brings on my snores — it's the time change," she explained. "Insomniacs will understand."

[ DEAR READERS: Please send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or any other critter that catches a few winks to dallrp@aol.com. Tell us how you got 'em and why you love 'em. We'll spotlight these adored family members in readlarrypowell.com's long-running weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. You'll help other people decide to open their homes to animals. And you'll help insomniacs have hope that they, too, can sleep if they can just learn to mimic that hypnotic glare in this photograph.]
— Offer ideas or lullabies by clicking on 'comment' or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and putting FLUFF THE PILLOW AND SHUT YOUR YAP" in the subject line. —-

EDITION OF FRIDAY, NOV. 19, 2021 [PetPowellPress] The Senator was insisting on practicing with the "portrait" function on his new cellphone and this is what we got. It makes his nose look pinker and mine look bigger. Makes his left eye look hypnotic and mine look closed. Makes his hair plugs evident and my hair look grayer than the jet black that it actually is, as I remember it. Ever lived a cat that will put up with you 24 hours a day? As we were beginning this edition, The Senator padded into the room, jumped onto a vacant chair, looked at me and walked across the keyboorraaarrrord, er, keyboard. He then sat on the right side of me and waited for me to role the empty chair into his usual right arm position. 
Yes, I rearrange furniture at the behest of this cat. He stepped off the desk, into the chair, sat and stared at me for about 20 seconds, then jumped off the chair and padded out of the office. I have no idea what that was all about.Puzzled once again by my cat (also my personal advisor and confidante), I move on to write about some dogs and other cats.
[LARRY MESSAGE TO PEOPLE WITHOUT ANIMALS IN THEIR HOMES: You're missing a lot. More importantly, your heart is missing a lot. If you're reading this, you are near an animal shelter, within dialing distance of a rescue group and, sometimes, within walking distance of a free cat or free dog who happens to be passing by. It's a matter of the heart.]
STRAYDOG NAMES SHIRLEY
ITS 'PUP OF THE WEEK'
The legendary "near-to-the-Metrosprawl" no-kill shelter and sanctuary, Straydog Inc., works to find homes for animals nobody appears to want.
[LARRY NOTE: Oddly, some of us want the dogs, but we've already over-wanted dogs and cats at our houses. So it becomes our hope that we can help animals find homes.]
Readlarrypowell.com happily cites Straydog's Pup of the Week, this girl Shirley. She is a "hound/Australian ? Shepherd mix" born in 2017. Relatively young girl (keep that in mind as you read this report."
As you see in her photos, she's got a blue eye and a brown eye — Straydog credits the Aussie Shepherd part of her family tree. Her bio reads, "Shirley is a sweetheart and takes her treats gently. She likes children and all people but she does not do well with other dogs.  She would be happiest as the only pet in your home.  She would do well in a home and would be a great family dog running and playing with your children.  Come and meet this gentle girl at our shelter!"
As you can see, Shirley also can show you what she looks like on a hot day in Texas — that is a Texas Dog Tongue, clearly. 
To arrange a rendezvous with Shirley, email straydogshelter@gmail.com. That is the same email to use when you decide you want to ask about this dog Sam who, in the photo, looks as if he might really be disappointed that he is not "Pup of the Week."
Shirley was born in 2017 — Sam was born in 2009, Straydog says. His story is he's a Boxer-mix born in the middle of that year. And he is "really sweet, big cuddle bug. He really likes being around people, and loves his treats, bones, and toys too. Sam is crate-trained and does well with other dogs. Sam is also good with children, but we aren't sure if he likes cats. He loves having a companion to play with. Sam has had all of his shots. He's been neutered and he is on monthly heartworm prevention."
You may be the human who puts a smile on that dogface!!!
HERE ARE TWO
WEEKEND REMINDERS
As the next weekend gentle moves into focus, we cite these two as reminders.
The cat is Sebastian — significantly recognizable set of ears —- and the dog is Max, a stray who "gives hugs" and is a Ferris Animal Shelter favorite, according to the folks at 4-Legged Helpers who post the animals in need on their Facebook page HERE. The Helpers have a big load of dogs and animals on the clock in the area. Get in touch to adopt or to help rescue. Call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
A PAIR OF TUXEDOS
SHOWING OFF NEW HOME
This photo was too good to pass up. It was posted on the Facebook page of Road Trip 4 Paws, the non-profit founded in 2015 to "help reduce the homeless pet population in Texas by finding forever homes for dogs and cats through local adoptions in the Dallas/ Ft Worth Metroplex."
These two helped 'em live up to the mission. The used to be known as Reno and Vegas, but in their new home, according to the post, they are "known as 'The Disney Brothers' Walt and Roy" — that's Walt Disney of Disneyland/Mickey Mouse game and his brother Roy, more famously known among Baby Boomers as "Roy," one of the two adults in the cast of The Mickey Mouse Club afternoon TV show. Back to the cats: Road Trip 4 Paws writes that Walt and Roy "are looking pretty settled in at their new forever home! They were adopted recently and we are over the moon excited they got to stay together. Their new family just 'thought
they wanted one kitty until they met these incredibly sweet, handsome tuxedo boys! They came to us as tiny tiny babies from the Graham Humane Society of Young County and it might have taken them a little longer to be adopted but getting a home together made it all worth it!"
CONTEMPLATIONS
A HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS, ETC.
I saw something different Thursday.
I happened to be in my hometown, Texarkana, Texas — one-half of the slogan "Twice as Nice." The other half is Texarkana, Arkansas. When I was a kid reporter in the 1960s, the cities' slogan was "Double Dynamic." In 1971, my twins were born. Yep, they fit both mottos.
Anyway — back to the mission on Thursday. I was in my childhood home where I was still organizing things Mom and Pop left behind — a and, as is my habit, when I finish with chores I take a spin through downtown to see what's changed (you may interpret that as "see what's left downtown" and it may be making a comeback). My old paper, the Texarkana Gazette, has moved from the Texas-side on Pine Street to a former bank building about 30 feet inside Arkansas at the formerly big business intersection of Broad and State Line.

The once-great store Buhrman Pharr where you could buy farm needs, rat traps, plows, etc., at one end and register for your wedding, buy China and get a wedding dress at the other end, has, for several years, been residential lofts. I miss that store. After it closed, Martha declared she no longer had a reason to ride all the way to Texarkana with me.
Ah, but the biggest change I've seen has to do with the placement of a Christmas tree directly on the Texas/Arkansas state line that runs right through the U.S. Courthouse/United States Post Office on the northern edge of downtown. For many years the "official" tree of both cities (Texarkana, Texas, and Texarkana, Ark.,) was always a towering fir tree majestically decorated right smack on that state line on the courthouse/post-office plaza. Then, decades ago, the local symbol of Christmas was banished from the federal property. Where was it moved to? A city park across the street — on the Texas side by about 60 feet — I shot the park photo in 2019. That monument behind the tree? It's the "Confederate Mothers Memorial," said to be the only Confederate monument in Texas with a woman on it — that's a male soldier on the top. The woman is in the sheltered second level. This year, there is no Christmas tree in the park lawn. [LARRY THOUGHT: If a Christmas tree can return to federal courthouse property, it's probably just a matter of time until that Confederate memorial is in a warehouse somewhere. I'm a much, much, much bigger fan of Christmas than the Confederacy.]
—- Offer ideas or blank stares by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com. —-

EDITION OF WED/THUR/FRI NOV. 17-18-19, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Let's get this out of the way right now: "Coyote urine." That oughta hold you in suspense for a while. Now, we move on.
WE BEGIN WITH A CAT
CALLED SWEET PEA
Looking at Sweet Pea's face "mask" you almost think she might have a theatrical background, perhaps starring in an all-cat version of Phantom of the Opera.The 4 1/2-year-old girl is #41747650 at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control — she came in on Nov. 13 and is among the many dogs and cats awaiting homes there. You can see more of them by clicking HERE.
This girl is described as "large" and also as available to be displayed at PetSmart — and that means she might just be a sweet cuddly cat.
[LARRY ASIDE: Her name is a big hint, I suspect. Cats make good companions, if you are a human worthy of cat companionship. We have cats at readlarrypowell.com. Not one is named "Sweet Pea." Yet.]
SOME DOGS THAT NEED
SOME DOG-LOVIN' RESCUE…
Animals are in shelters all over the metrosprawl. Some shelters have public relations systems, organized volunteers and dedicated "friends." Not always the case with smaller shelters.
That brings us to 4-Legged Helpers and the latest email sent by the non-profit. [LARRY ASIDE: The note from the Helpers is full of animals including the lop-eared cat Sebastian, who we've posted so frequently my cats are starting to think he's a relative. I love Sebastian's photo — he's on the Helpers FACEBOOK PAGE HERE with lots of other dogs and a few cats. If you want to ask about any of these animals, or if you want to volunteer to help the Helpers or you want to donate or be a driver or just say "Thank you for loving the animals," call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
Now, these two dogs are an interesting case (that's just one, Blake, on the left). They're in the Ferris shelter where they were "found out and about by a kind person who was extremely worried about them." Where exactly? "Known dumping area out in the rural county area surrounding Ferris," the Helpers' note reads. Both are adorable and "best buddies."
 Blake appears to be a Lab mix. Josh, as you may suspect by a single glance at his handsome face, is a Beagle mix.
This guy Robby is in the care of an animal control unit under contract with Denton County. (So, yes, your best way to ask about him is via the Friends.). 
Robby's a neutered Bulldog mix available right now. He's heartworm negative. How's that for good news.
And the Helpers say, "Robby is just as sweet and as cute as can be. Only 10 months old and so HAPPY and adorable. LOVES to CUDDLE - cutest thing ever. Great with other dogs, kids, and absolutely everyone!!!."
This able-to-stretch-out-and-relax girl is KayDee. She's in the same spot as Robby. No kin. KayDee is described as a "bulldog mix" who is "absolutely ADORABLE. LOVES, LOVES, LOVES all people - all other dogs. She is cute as can be. Approximately 2 years old. She would make a perfect companion for someone with other dogs due to her being such a good little girl and loving to play. She is only 40 pounds and a wonderful, sweet, amazing little girl. Very affectionate."
AND THEN THERE'S POPPY,
THE PUREBRED LAB GIRL
This comes to us from Gail Whelan, longtime animal rescuer and founder of the Companion-Animal Network.
Gail reports that Poppy is 6 and weighs 88 pounds. Then Gail writes, "She is basically PERFECT.  She has been living with other dogs and CATS and is great with everyone!  She is spayed, current on all vaccinations and heartworm negative!!!! Poppy STILL has the typical high energy of a Lab, so no couch potatoes for her!  She LOVES to play fetch and would be a tremendous complement to any home. Poppy could stand to lose a few founds, but who doesn't?
"She was not in a home where they were able to spend a lot of time with her, but she is EAGER and willing to please her people.  She is losing her home through no fault of her own."
To ask about adopting Adorable Poppy, call Gail at 903-967-3226 or email can.adoptions@yahoo.com.
A reminder from Gail and C-AN: "We are not limited by geography but are generally in the north Texas area.  We are looking for the RIGHT home and don't mind driving.  We bring our dogs to the prospective adopter's home so you are not required to travel.  There is not an adoption fee for Poppy, but an application must be completed and approved and, if adopted, a contract must be signed."
MEANWHILE IN MESQUITE
MEET -YES! — ADORABLE ADOPTABLES
We're going to start with Athena, a Mesquite stray whose bio has been created by the volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm.
 Athena (#49032507) came in as a stray on November 7. Debra writes, "She is microchipped and her owners were called but sadly they have not chosen to reclaim her." The 2-year-old, 61-pound, already-spayed dog's family tree indicates, via Debra's scanner, that "she is a mixed breed with possibly Ridgeback and Belgian Malinois in the mix."
The "outgoing and confident" girl is a "strong puller" when she on a leash. But she has been "well cared-for with a soft, velvety coat, nails clipped and no sign that she has been an outdoor dog.  She is athletic and enjoyed getting up and down on our play equipment.  She likes playing with stuffed toys.  She is friendly and affectionate.  Athena is energetic and lively and would seem well suited for an active person or family who would exercise and play with her.  There is a lot to like about this high-spirited girl so please help her out of our overcrowded shelter if you can." Remember, use her ID 49032507 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Reba is the 5-year-old, 84-pound, not spayed "spunky girl" who is "playful and lively" with a "calm, laid-back personality" Picked up by a Mesquite Animal services officer on November 10. 
"She is friendly and enjoys receiving attention," Debra says. Didn't show aggression when walked past the barking dogs in the shelter's kennels. Her ID is #49055021 — use it when you contact the shelter (972-216-6283/rescues@cityofmesquite.com).
And this girl Gracie (#49060903) is a Terrier mix who earned this praise from Debra: "Precious sweetheart."
 She came into the shelter on the 11th — a stray. Not spayed. Weighs 49 pounds is about 2.
"This girl is very uneasy in the shelter environment," Debra writes. "She would not walk on a leash because of her anxiety and when an attempt was made to lead her through the bay she 'pancaked' from fear of the dogs barking at her.  She had to be carried to and from the yard.  She had her tail tucked when arriving in the yard for her photo shoot, but with some gentle TLC she quickly began to come out of her shell and that tail started to wag!  Gracie has a calm demeanor and is well-mannered.  She does not jump on you.  She stays very close and is a friendly, affectionate girl who wanted in my lap and gave kisses.  She is a very loving girl.  She just needs to be in a quiet home environment in order to blossom.  There was a couple in the yard and she went up to both the husband and wife, staying close and snuggling and seeming to plead with her eyes for them to take her home and give her a chance.  We will continue to work with her. … This girl will tug at your heartstrings with her sweetness." Remember, use #49060903 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
See more dogs and cats in the Mesquite Animal Shelter by clicking on THIS LINK.
CONTEMPLATIONS
RAT TIP; SOAP OPERA
Let's just get this over with: "coyote pee." Yeah, probably never thought you'd read that today. But, there's a reason. I was reading a neighborhood bulletin board from right here in our very own metrosprawl and a woman wrote about a "rat infestation" in her home and neighborhood. She said the first company called for help said they'd rid her of the rats for $9,000. That's a lot of dollars per rat - or maybe not. Depends on the number of rats. Anyway, another company didn't charge that much and, as the woman wrote, "The Battle of the Rats" is underway. This inspired a lot of people to offer tips for ridding the house of rats. My favorite was this: "Coyote pee is an amazing thing. U will not be disappointed. Go to the feed store." What that answer did was make me wonder right away, "How do you get the coyotes to pee in the bottle?" Then, I thought, "There's room in rural areas and nature preserves to set up coyote urinals so the fellows can just walk up and hike a coyote leg." Surely there's no mad scientists' lab somewhere that has coyotes locked up in labs where they get all they want to drink and a place to "go," too. Good luck with the rats. And, of course, now and then a colony of feral cats can come in handy. But, then, people just bitch about the cats once the rats are gone. …
Did you see the video of a deer seeking shelter in a Michigan church on the first day of the state's hunting season? Here's a link to the CBS report. Be nice if people would quit shooting each other and other animals, too. Kind of think there's already been too much killin' on this planet. …
That's all I've got for contemplations. The coyote pee threw me off.
—- Offer ideas and doubts by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and putting 'SAVE THE DEER' in the subject line. —-

EDITION OF MONDAY/TUESDAY, NOV. 15-16, 2021 [Pet PowellPress]   Let's just start this thang 'n' git on with  our bidness. Yeah, it's been more than a week and I'm still maladjusted to the time. I keep falling back and stumbling forward. My mind is a jumble. I almost can write to the end of a sentence without stopping, but I cannot read to the end of a sentence without losing my way. My attention span is shorter than a …. Mercifully, I'm in no mood to challenge William Faulkner.
I know my limits. Doggerel and catterel.
A dog can bark/
a cat can purr/
beyond four lines /
cain't thaink that furr.
My plucked-from-a-mimosa tree baby Stevie Ray is trying to teach me his "Humane inverted Focus!Technique — the t-shirt logos are styled "HiF!T". I understand he's working on a network contract for HiF!T. OK, I'm going to re-focus. Ommmmmblurrrrry. 
Click on Stevie Ray's photo and make it grow so you can appreciate the beauty of his inverted gaze.
DUCKY THE 'OUTDOOR DOG';
HUEY'S A STRAY: BOTH WAITING…
Oh, boy, I just love these stories of dogs that reveal the nature of the human beings who once said they'd love 'em forever.
These stories come from our dog biography-writin' contacts at Mesquite Animal Services, Judi Brown and Debra Chisholm, who do hands-on interviews with the dogs they meet so people can see what the canine personalities are like while reading about the lives they've led in human care or in human disregard.
 Run-on sentence but you get the drift. Some people -- sheesh.
Ducky (#49039486) is described as a "Plott Hound/Terrier mix." She was, Debra writes, "originally adopted from the Mesquite Animal Shelter as a pup about 5 years ago. She is currently 6 years old and is spayed. She was recently returned to the shelter by the original owner, adopted again and returned less than 2 days later."
[LARRY PAY ATTENTION NOTE: here comes the "oh, brother!" explanation."]
Debra writes, "Ducky was returned to the shelter by her owner of 5 years because she was afraid of thunderstorms. She lived exclusively outdoors. When questioned as to why not bring the dog indoors during storms, the man responded, 'Why would I do that? She's an outdoor dog.' He claimed he got some medication from the vet to help keep the dog calm during storms, but that it was not effective."
That's one owner's explanation.
Here's the next situation. Debra writes, "The 2-day owners returned Ducky because she snapped at their puppy who was being too playful and Ducky did not like it. They stated that she lived with another dog, cats and children (2 and 5) and that Ducky was OK with the cats and children but not the puppy."
Meanwhile, at the shelter, Debra says that Ducky walks "nicely" on a leash, enjoyed exploring the yard, "seems well-mannered and calm." The "friendly but somewhat reserved Ducky … likes treats and takes them gently." And, Debra writes, "This is a girl who needs an owner who will stay committed to her and who will allow her to be an important part of the family, living inside where she will be socialized, have proper shelter and care." Remember: Use her ID # 30620559 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
Use those same contact points when to ask the shelter about this guy Huey — yep, an Earhound, but also a German Shepherd and we are moved to ask, again, "What's with all the German Shepherd Dogs showing up in shelters in the metrosprawl?" Seems like an epidemic of unwanted GSDs. 
Judi Brown writes that Huey (#49039486) is a year or two old, is gentle, is well-mannered — and there's this: Judi writes, "STUNNING describes this MAJESTIC … German Shepherd that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 11/8 as a stray." The 84-pound boy has "large standup ears, a long nose and captivating hazel eyes. He has a long body. He has an amazingly gentle, calm, loving, friendly personality. He's one of the most affectionate dogs I've met in a long time! He explores the yard showing that he's alert, very smart, and curious but he prefers to seek out human companionship. It was obvious he wanted my attention and yet he was not demanding about it. He loved having his ears scratched. He snuggled up close with his tail wagging. He sat for treats and took them gently. He came when I called him. He never jumped on me. … In my opinion this dog is absolutely amazing! I can't understand why his owners didn't come looking for him." And, she says, "Judging from how well-cared for he is and the fact that he spent time standing by the door on a nice day indicates to me that he has been mostly an inside dog. I'm sure he would like to be adopted by a family that will have him in the house with them." Remember, ask about Huey #490394862 by calling the shelter at 972215-5283 or emailing rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
You can see many more Mesquite Shelter dogs and cats by clicking on THIS LINK. \ Among the dogs you'll see this girl Madonna (#48985372), possibly a Border Collie mix, who, Judi says, came in as a stray on Halloween and "was afraid of her own shadow. She is a work in progress and some of the volunteers are taking a special interest in her in order to gain her trust. We even had a behaviorist come and work with her. When she first got here we were not able to get her out of the kennel unless she was carried. Now she will walk out of her kennel with some coaxing."
You may also see that cat Nash (#48688209), a 3-month old black and white fellow who arrived at the shelter on September 18 — and in this photo he's wearing a look of having just been told, "You match a dog named Madonna!" A little pride, a little puzzlement.
FAB DOGS AND A CAT
ACROSS THE METROSPRAWL
Here we go with some dogs and a cat who have drawn the attention of 4-Legged Helpers. And, indeed, that cat has drawn the attention of readlarrypowell.com whose office currently is "over-catted" or Sebastian might just have a home.These aren't all in the same shelter, so the common contact point is 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or via emailing cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
 We're leading with Sebastian. a neutered, vaccinated orange and white (Creamsicle) Tabby who is in the custody of a Denton County animal control "contracted by the county." "He is a beautiful kitty that is very loving and completely adorable," his bio reds. And he's got that wonky ear because he had some polyps — may need some additional medical care. And the Helpers' bio reads, "You will not be disappointed if you save him. He is a love bunny. … He is so special and sweet." 
That big girl Callie is an Aussie/Border Collie mix currently awaiting a home in the Bridgeport Animal Shelter, northwest of Fort Worth. Her bio reads that she's spayed and vaccinated and, in caps, "HOUSETRAINED." And, the Helpers' note reads, "Callie is a super cute girl who adores people! Would do fantastic with children 6 or up, too, based on observation while temporarily in a foster home. …Playful, fun, very sweet. She would be a perfect dog for a person looking for just one dog to adore and love - that way she can have all the attention. She was found out and about on her own and so wants someone to love."
And that brings us to Luna, a spayed/vaccinated/microchipped Bull Terrier mix currently in the "DFW Area," the Helpers say.
They also describer as "HONESTLY THE BEST DOG EVER - SHE IS THE SWEETEST LITTLE THING!! ADORES OTHER DOGS!! This girl is so small - she is petite and tiny (bull-terrier sized) and cute as can be!!! … Everyone completely adores her. Please help! Best, sweetest, most wonderful girl you can imagine. Everyone that has met her adores her."
And Max is this Bulldog mix, currently at the Ferris Animal Shelter — he arrived as a stray. The Helpers report, "The shelter has done a great job with him getting him healthy.   LOOK AT THAT ADORABLE FACE. Sweet baby! He adores people of all sizes. Would be perfect for someone just wanting one great dog to love... he is precious... GIVES HUGS.  The vet clinic staff tell us they fell in love.  He is very gentle & loving. ABSOLUTELY ADORES PEOPLE!."
Again, for these animals call or text the 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
MEMORY THE GREYHOUND
AND HER SPECIAL STORY
The folks at the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas sometimes call this girl "Emry" or "Em." Her name is "Memory" and the League adores her. The opening sentence about her, on an email from GALT, reads, "Memory opted to retire before racing even one race so that she could begin her search for a forever home with a backyard full of nature for her to explore and hopefully another Greyhound for guidance. She loves to roll in the grass, watch squirrels through the window and go on walks. At just three years old, this youngster deserves the best of everything the world has to offer."
Sounds wonderful, right. Then you get to the second paragraph. It reads, "But life is often unfair. Our vets recently diagnosed Memory with Canine Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis, or CUPS. CUPS is a painful disease of the mouth affecting a dog's gums, teeth, cheeks and tongue. Memory's case is severe and our vets recommend that Memory have all of her teeth removed to manage her condition. The treatment will be accomplished in four separate surgeries, removing all the teeth of one quadrant of her mouth at a time. Each surgery is estimated to cost several thousand dollars, so times four will be quite expensive. We could really use a hand with these vet bills so that we can continue to remain true to our mantra of "No Grey Turned Away" regardless of their medical needs. You can be a part of Memory's story and her journey forever home with a donation to our Giving Tuesday Facebook fundraiser or to our Dr. E. Kelly Nitsche Veterinary Care Fund on our website. No amount is too small to help Memory."
That's the bottom line on the surgeries, but there's this other challenge: GALT is trying to find "an experienced foster rescue home without cats near VCA Preston Park Animal Hospital in Dallas." That home would need to provide transportation to the vet for post-op care. To volunteer to foster, email fostering@galtx.org.
And to read more about Memory, click HERE. Her full name is "Dancin' Memories" and she was born on Sept. 5, 2018 — sire was Dancin' Dakota and mom was Hi Noon Absolute. Her bio reads, "She's got a fine princess prance on a leash so she'll make you proud and regal when you walk together."
And the person who wrote her bio also declared, "Her personality is blooming which is the most exciting and interesting part of owning a Greyhound!"
CONTEMPLATIONS
STAGGERINGLY IDLE THOUGHTS
How 'bout them Cowboys? I don't know why I said that. Let me consider my inspiration. Was it the game Sunday or the memories of season-after-season since the previous century? … I was in a big store over the weekend to pick up some critter supplies and I saw a big sign hanging over the Christmas toys and decorations area. It read "JOY WORLD." It's either missing two words — "to the" — or they bought it second-hand from an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant that shut down during the pandemic. … The mornings have been wonderfully chilly lately. So what? You don't like waking up and walking outside to sweat in the glare of the August sun? Texas, our Texas. Still my favorite state. New Mexico is a close second. Used to be part of Texas, you know. … As I type this, the dogs Porche and Dudley are sacked out on the office floor — Wendy is on the couch in the living room. She's more refined. My office cat, William, is snoozing on the fluffy seat cushion on a dining room chair. I don't pay him enough to sit here and watch me type. … See that photo? Shot it in Dallas last week. It's a photo with a story, but I don't know how I'll ever get it. You may be able to make out the soft drink cup next to the street sign's pole and, right in the middle of the cement, ONE sneaker with the heel apparently chewed away. Makes you wonder if the panhandler was holding a burger and trying to outrun a hungry Dallas stray. Not that Dallas has panhandlers or stray dogs, of course. I was writing fiction.
— Offer thoughts or near-thoughts by clicking on 'comment' or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put "WAITING FOR THE OTHER SHOE TO DROP" in the subject line. —-

For this mid-November edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap we go to the streets of Houston.
Thanks to our longtime Houston tipster (and pretty good writer) Alexandra Kelsey, we learned about this dog — and, as it turns out, there is a photograph of the pup sleeping on the rescuer's couch. Yep, the rescuer proudly was "letting a sleeping dog lie." Appropriate for our weekend feature. And so is Alexandra's story of the hero in the story.
That dog's name is — oh, we'll get to that in a moment. But you can see that she picked a spot and isn't taking up too much room on the couch and we can only assume, based on visual evidence, that she carefully placed the TV remote on the arm of the couch before nodding off.
Alexandra K began her part of this story with an oh-so-true statement: "Most people would have walked right on by." Then she asked, "After a hard day at work, when it's been storming outside, how many would even stop to notice a tired, wet stray dog?"
Then she introduced Art Palacios.
Not only did Art "notice" this dog, he also, Alexandra wrote, "kept an eye out for this dog in the coming days.  And when Art realized the dog was definitely a stray, he took her home with him. He cleaned her up.  He took her to a good vet.  And he hoped that there was a family looking for this dog.
"This precious girl has been a great houseguest for Art," Alexandra writes, "but even though she clearly has lived in a house, none of Art's efforts have turned up her family.  And she has no chip.
"Art cannot keep this dog, as much as he adores her.  He is a student who also works, and he is rarely home."
That was the appeal to help Art place this polite dog. His attempts to find help with this placing the girl were not working out. 
Only a few hours after we saw the first appeal Alexandra on Thursday, we got this follow-up from her: "Freedom Street took this darling girl in, and the dog is headed to the vet." [LARRY REMINDER: Keep reading -- we're going to tell you the dog's name in just a moment.]
Freedom Street Rescue's website is HERE.  The "100% foster home-based" Freedom Street Rescue describes itself as "a small group of Texas-based dog lovers who pull from high-kill shelters in and around Houston. We adopt 99% of our dogs out of state and transport them to their new homes anywhere in the U.S. and Canada."
Alexandra also sent this about Art: "If anyone is inclined to write his employer to send compliments, [here] is the contact link for Frenchy's. Art Palacios works at the Scott Street location, and I am sure that any favorable emails would help him in his job! (THE LINK is https://frenchyschicken.com/contact-us.)
And Alexandra says, "Art is also interested in finding an internship in the legal or legal-related paralegal field, if anyone has resources for that."
In his appeal, Art wrote that he is a student at the University of Houston and was at work at t Frenchy's on Scott Street when he spotted the dog.
 She was, he wrote, "friendly and approached, but was very wet and cold from the storm that had been going on all day. I gave her a little bit of my leftover chicken from the day." That was on November 3. He decided to leave her there — maybe she'd go back home. 
But on the 7th, there she was, roaming the area and he says he "decided I didn't believe she should be out any more."
He called the city animal control for help with her but no one responded. So, on he 7th, he says, "I had her tied up in shade with some water for the day near the restaurant until I got off work, then took her home, bathed her, fed her, etc. I wanted to reunited her with her owner as she is clearly a well-behaved indoor dog."
He took her a vet clinic and she didn't have a chip. So, he took her back home. 
"She is well-mannered in home, she does not cry, whimper, or bark, and knows to use the bathroom outside. She has not demonstrated any destructive behavior on furniture (only using a dryer ball as a chew toy, since I had none). I've set up cameras while I've been out to work and class, and found that all she really does is nap on my bed or couch while awaiting on me to return. She's not great with commands such as sit, come, etc., and is not great on a leash either, but in the home, she does outstandingly well. She's very cuddly, and loves belly rubs."
And, reading that description of the dog's demeanor from Art, you'll understand why her name throughout this experience has been "Miss Manners."
In his appeal for help, Art wrote, "As much as I adore her, I cannot keep her. As I work up to 8 hours a day and stay in a classroom for 4 or more hours, I sometimes spend extended periods of time away from home."
You'll recall our pal Alexandra Kelsey wrote at the beginning of this story, "After a hard day at work, when it's been storming outside, how many would even stop to notice a tired, wet stray dog?"
And because student/restaurant worker/admirable heart Art Palacios stopped to help this dog, there is a wonderful opportunity for someone to audition with Freedom Street Rescue to be the person or family that gets to live with the wonderful Miss Manners and let the sleeping dog lie on their couch with their TV remote!
[DEAR READERS. REMEMBER, send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or any other slumbering animals you know to dallrp@aol.com and include their bios — tell us what makes them special members of the household — or pasture — we featured a sleeping calf a couple of months ago. You'll be helping people decide that they need one more loving resident in their homes. And you'll be reminding insomniacs that they can get some sleep if they can just find the right spot and position on the sofa while having the remote within reach in case something keeps them awake.]
— Offer snoozetips or SFR (sympathy for insomniacs) by clicking on 'comment' or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and putting 'JUST TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, YAWNFACE' in the subject line. —-

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY NOV. 11-12, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Once upon a time we were steamrolling through time and hit the brakes to take a quick look at assorted challenges in the first two weeks of November. None of these challenges are in Washington, D.C., of course. I'm content to be a mere taxpayer in the national process. I mean, geez, look at the chunk they take out of ya for that — no telling what the fee is to get a spot in the big clubs in D.C. Might have to keep paying your taxes, too. The only person in our house with any experience in "the big game" is this fellow, The Senator, our senior advisor. We were having a wide-ranging conversation that reached a point of agreement: He should eat a snack and I should not. He is wise and he has a pink nose.
I have hazel eyes — only around 5 percent of the people on the planet have hazel eyes. And I am, perhaps, the only person in the world with hazel eyes AND a pink-nosed cat named The Senator. [LATER IN THIS EDITION, we cite kittens from two food groups: Tator and Walnut. Which one is "Walnut"? Can you tell at first glance? By the way, "Tator" is the male spelling for "Tater" — if I remember my native Northeast Texan patois correctly.]
CAN MONEY SOLVE
ANIMAL PROBLEMS?
Well, you like to think that money is the perfect addition to the animal rescue recipe: Take one or more animals in need, introduce the big heart of a rescuer, sweeten with cold cash and mix to celebratory taste. I hope this situation is remedied before you can even read this item, Dear Readers.
 Seems so simple.

But then there was this note from the folks with 4-Legged Helpers — it cited 3 dogs (Chloe, Paisley and Tyler) and reported that they had donations pushing $400 each to help get them out of the low-human foot traffic Lancaster Animal Shelter. To ask about being the 401c3 that is going to save the lives of these dogs, get in touch with 4-Legged helpers by calling or texting 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
These are 3 "long-term dogs" — they've been waiting a while at the shelter.Tyler is a young, male Border Collie/lab Mix who is "just as cute and loving as can be," the Helpers bio reads. Smallish — just 51 pounds. And he's probably no more than a year old. So he's in that age where he can learn and he can love. He is "always sweet."
Chloe is the "young, spayed Shepherd mix" in the Lancaster shelter. She and Paisley (below) are probably siblings caught out straying together, the shelter says. The 50-pound Chloe is "just darling," her bio reads. She is a "very happy and friendly young girl." And she and Paisley "adore each other and get along perfectly."
Paisley weighs in at 45 pounds and like her sis, is "super cute and very young, so the perfect age," her bio reads. The bio reads, "Paisley is a very sweet and friendly young girl. She adores Chloe…"
[LARRY ASIDE: Maybe they'd be perfect together in one loving home. Kind of a dream adoption. But, as home with multiple pups can tell you, the human love is the glue that holds it all together. The dogs, it turns out, can be velcro!]
Keep up with 4-Legged Helpers' efforts to save more and more animals by monitoring these dedicated animal advocates on their FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.
NOW WE TURN TO TATOR
AND HIS PAL WALNUT
We've cited the rescue work of Cheryl Morse-Stephenson before. On her Facebook page she is described as a "volunteer, photographer and promoter at Mount Pleasant Animal Services and Shelter."
So, you know she's got some emotion invested in the efforts to save animals that have entered the care of the city shelter in the little Northeast Texas town of Mount Pleasant, about 2 hours northeast of Dallas on I-30. [LARRY ASIDE: I mention that so you'll know the roads are paved and you'll enjoy the drive when you go up there to get Walnut and Tator.]
I've attempted to lighten the mood, but I hope you'll still feel the fire in Cheryl's Facebook comment described as "feeling angry."
She wrote, "Are you FLEEPING kidding me? Two more returned adoptions. They are 5-month-old kittens and they were returned for being too active! WHAT? WHAT in the h*** did you expect? If you want calm, adopt an older cat. It's THAT SIMPLE."
Cheryl told us Walnut "is the one with white; Tator is the Tabby." 
Both were born a little over 5 months ago. Tator is #A48774122. Walnut is #A48774112.
Cheryl says the shelter's hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Here's a link to the info for Tator and Walnut. There's even a video of the "too active" little rascals. 
You can follow Cheryl's work with saving animals by going to HER FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: The cure for "too active" kittens is time, though, of course, I find "too active kittens" quite adorable and absolutely entertaining. Our experience has been that kittens eventually become nappers who will, for fun, surprise you with a sprint through the house or a bounce off a wall or harmless climb up a curtain. Sometimes after they get through the kitten stage, their most active events are dining, litter-boxing and purring. Of course, if you have the good fortune to live with a mature cat such as The Senator (clearly he respects time), you may find yourself engaged in campaigning, kissing babies and lecturing to poly-sci classes at major universities. All we are saying is give Walnut and Tator a chance to mature — for your own sake.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
WEATHER, RADIO AND THE ROCK
OK, let's all get back to worrying about winter and the Texas power grid. I think I heard a power official virtually guarantee on Spectrum Cable TV news channel that Texas is going to be just fine this winter. There, Ladies & Gents, is what you call your "challenge to fate." Keep the winter coats handy and the car gassed up so you can flee to Oklahoma and "hunker down" in a casino. …
Sometimes I listen to British radio on my phone which, as you Baby Boomers know, replaced the pocket-sized transistor radio we'd embraced during the British Invasion. That's a rock 'n' roll term, kids....
The British invaded via radio and records — ah, those were the days. Right, Mary Hopkin?
—- Offer high notes and happy tunes by clicking on 'Comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put "GET A HAIRCUT" in the subject line for ol' time's sake. —-

EDITION OF VETERAN'S DAY, 2021 — Thanks to the people who have served the United States so honorably in the armed forces. Without you, mokes like me would have never had careers writing in a free press.
That kid on the left is my father, J.C. "Calvin" Powell, in his early Army photo — drafted in the early '40s.
The gentleman on the right is a fellow I met one time, Martha's beloved daddy, Johnny "Red" Muse, his countenance caught by a sketch artist in France in 1945.

The day I met Mr. Muse, he walked out of his home  and was carrying an infant granddaughter and had a toddler granddaughter holding onto his right pants leg and a first-or-second-grade grandson hanging onto the left side.
Johnny Muse was wearing a big ol' grandpaw grin — yes, he transitioned from military service into husband and daddy and grandpa with ease. After a war, destiny gave him a much happier road to travel.
Fate had these two "boys" touring Europe at the same time — Mr. Muse and Pop Powell (they never met each other) had gotten the group rate on their U.S. Army walking tour of Europe. Other people got the same rate in the Pacific and Africa and wherever there was some despicable human of demented character trying to claim the world on behalf of evil.
It wasn't "The War to End All Wars" as World War I was labeled, or Korea or Vietnam or the 911-inspired desert fighting. But, in post-war terms, World War II was "The Big One."
Mr. Muse was a medic with Gen. George Patton's army. That was a busy position under that general's theory of war. God only knows what Mr. Muse saw in that up-close-and-personal view to the bloody, tragic, unimaginable aspect of war. Martha says he never talked about the war or the memories.

My Pop was an infantry soldier from Normandy across countries he'd only heard about. Like Mr. Muse, he wasn't on a tour bus — he was shooting bullets, dodging bullets and being a fellow who helped set free a Nazi concentration camp.
He spoke to me only twice and briefly about his wartime experiences — the horror was still in his voice.

I suspect that we are not the ony offspring of veterans whose daddy or mommy couldn't talk or chose not to tell their kids about the ugliness of humans going to war with each other.
On this Veteran's Day, I think it is important for children of veterans to understand their parent or parents who went to a war or who served in an "on alert" time in history. Understanding is important — you are understanding hearts not just one moment in one day.
In some cases, it would help you understand why your dad can't sleep, or smokes like a fiend, as we used to say. 
Or why quiet moments are treasured and church and prayers mean more than we know.
Or why, when a flag passes by, or is spotlighted at a ball game, there is a whole different line of memories marching through the heart of a veteran.
Or why there is irony in that people who refuse to salute the flag have the right to do so because of people who put their lives and futures at peril to protect the rights of strangers who happen to be their fellow Americans.

We really need to appreciate not only the joys of our lives, but the joys of the veterans' lives, too. Imagine the pressure of protecting the greatest nation on earth. Thanks to all of you who stood up and stand up for the rest of us.

— Click on 'comment' below. —-

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9-10, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Some days you find yourself bewildered by the way things go. Then, you turn the TV on and you are suddenly centered. How's that for a Baby Boomer's explanation of bringing immediate order to your universe? We're going to address that in Contemplations, but first, we need to focus on the animal stories .
Wait, one more thing. I finished that sentence and hit the end of the typing highway. So I turned and looked at my two canine companions for the day, Porche Noel on her rug and the great Wendy (Wednesday Louise Wagstaff Arden) happily nosing my camera phone. And I asked a deep question,
"Y'all ever wake up and say, 'I don't feel like being a dog today.'?" They kept looking at me as if I might say something wise. Hah.
WHEN THE TIMING WORKS
IN BURNS FLAT, OKLA.
Yep, in animal rescue, sometimes it's all in the timing. Consider this story from long-time Burns Flat., Okla., resilient rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher, who may hold the Oklahoma Record for saving animals from bad situations.
She wrote, "Came home with this baby today. Sadly, don't have any place for the dog so I'm searching for help now then will go back and pick him up   I went to a doctor appointment  and stopped to get a drink at the Sonic … I kept hearing a kitten cry but couldn't see it. I noticed this poor dog curled up in the grass there.
"The girl brought my drink out so I asked her about him.  She said he has been there over a week and wouldn't leave.People would throw food out to him. She also said a Siamese kitten hung with him and they curled up together when the sun went down and it got cold. "I went to leave and as I pulled around back I watched a car go right over the top of this kitten.  I got out and this baby ran and jumped in my car. I left some food out for the dog and the girl promised to keep an eye on it for me while I try and figure what to do with him
"For now I need help with this cat. It's not very old.  Maybe 4 to 6 months. If anyone can help please let me know."
 To help Terry Lynn with this Sonic situation, email her at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com.
TWO FAMILIAR FACES,
SAME FAMILIAR SITUATION
We've cited both of these cats before. Oddly, in the general area of millions of people, these two cats cannot find a couple of loving homes.
You'd think that in an area with full schools and full freeways and and full animal shelters there'd be at least two people who have room for a cat in their homes.
Do they just not know that cats are available? Do they just not care? Are they the same people who don't care about the dogs in the shelters, too? Equal opportunity don't care/so what nonchalance about life.
Look, we know about these cats because we're on the mailing list for 4-Legged Helpers, a small but focused non-profit that tries to let as many people as possible know about the plight of animals in small shelters.These two are in a shelter in Denton County that, the Helpers tell us, prefers to remain unidentified. So, your best bet at saving Sebastian and Oliver is going through the Helpers — call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. The Helpers can arrange transportation if a non-profit — a genuine 501c3 rescue — will claim these two and save their lives. Such a simple act of kindness.Sebastian is a neutered "Creamsickle" Tabby. "He is a love bunny," the Helpers say. In their appeal, the Helpers wrote, "Please, do you know someone willing to take and save him? … We are so sad for him — he needs you — please help."
Yeah, the Helpers make personal pleas for these animals. Works a lot of the time — but these cats have been "on the list" for quite a while now. Oliver, the Tuxedo fellow, is another cat tied for the title of "Sweetest Cat Ever." He is described as "very affectionate and extremely loving. … True purrfect Lap Kitty," the Helpers say. He's fixed and vaccinated. 

And when you go to the 4-Legged Helpers' Facebook page HERE you'll also find an appeal for this girl Maggie. She's in the care of a "very kind person" who found the 3-month-old, 16-pound girl "straying" in Dallas County. Rather than dump her in an odds-against-the-animals shelter with low foot traffic, the rescuer engaged 4-Legged Helpers in working on her behalf.
AND OPEY GETS A
PERSONAL ENDORSEMENT
This guy Opey is in the Mesquite Animal Services Shelter (one of the few in the area that has "dog biographers" to tell prospective adopters about the nature of the animals).
 Our pal Judi Brown, a veteran volunteer biographer, declares, "Opey is my favorite dog at the shelter and for that reason I want to pledge $75 to a 501c3 that will rescue him." (Email judibrown321@yahoo.com for more info.)
Judi writes, "All Opey wants to do is to put his head on your lap or get belly rubs. He's craving love. He does not make a good presentation at the window but once out in the yard is a real love bug! Because he does not make a good presentation at his kennel window and is not the prettiest dog in the shelter he's being overlooked! But he is one of the sweetest dogs there. Please pass the word on."
He's a 3-year-old, 67-pound terrier — might be a Jack Russell/Border Collie mix. He was, Judi wrote in her initial evaluation, "literally abandoned at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 9/25. He was very timid and needed TLC to bring him around. He has been a volunteer project and still a work in progress. There's no doubt he wants to make friends so with a slow introduction he could easily be your BFF! Opey is a very sweet, gentle boy that comes when he calls and puts his head on your lap. He likes to stay close. … If you're looking for a gentle, loving dog to hang out with please come and meet Opey. He would do very well laying at your feet while you're reading a good book or watching TV." To ask about adopting or rescuing Opey, use his ID #48736131 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. 
Keep that number and the email address handy because it's the info you'll need for the rest of these animals, too.

This guy is Coconut, another project of biographer Judi. She says, "You'll have to come in and meet him in person to witness his true beauty." He's a year-old mix breed "possibly Ibizan hound or Lab mix." He came in as a stray on November 3 — isn't fixed. Out in the yard, she says, "He has a very long nose and kept it glued to the ground to smell just about everything in the yard. … On top of that he was very active, even leaping and bounding around the yard for joy. He was constantly on the move. For these reasons I was not able to capture his true essence. Several times he started whimpering.... especially when he was looking out the gate. I believe he was looking for his owners. It made me sad but also made me realize he's capable of deep love and loyalty." When you contact the shelter, ask about #49008572.
And this girl is Lily (49015310), also a Judi project. Judi explained, "She got her name because she's lily white with a sprinkling of freckles across her cute nose. Another name for her could be Sugar as she is truly that sweet! Lily is a 3-year-old mix breed (probably retriever/Lab mixed with some Dalmatian) that arrived at the Mesquite Shelter on 11/4 as a stray. She is not fixed. She met me in the kennel with happy wiggles and wags. It didn't take much time with her to realize that she's a real jewel. She is friendly but not overly so, she's playful, she's affectionate, and she's well mannered! She sits for treats and take them gently. …. She showed her joy by bounding around the yard. I threw a ball but she was not interested.  When I sat down she came and put her head on my lap. One time she even tried to crawl up on my lap.... all 52 pounds of her! She comes when you call her! … Because she's relatively calm and does not jump on you she would most likely make a wonderful pet for a family with children."

There are so many more, but we'll close with this guy Paul — his biographer, Debra Chisholm, says her dog scanner reading for Paul was "Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (98%)" who was surrendered to the shelter on September 30 for the reason that he simply was not wanted."
[LARRY ASIDE: You know, it's probably best that he was surrendered at a shelter with a vibrant adoption program by someone who didn't want him rather than staked out in a backyard and ignored or turned loose in a city park or on the side of the road or sold to someone who needed a bait dog. Still, "not wanted" is an awful thing for a dog to face.]
Debra says the 5-year-old, 43-pound, not-neutered Paul "is very athletic and can jump up and catch a treat in his mouth….He knows the sit and down commands. … He is enthusiastic and energetic and will jump on you in his excitement.  Paul walks well on a leash.  He likes treats and takes them gently. He likes to play with plush toys.  Paul is friendly and has a sweet nature.  It's likely Paul has lived outside.  He had some tufts of fur missing on his back and hip but the fur has mostly grown back in the time he's been at the shelter. He also has some dry skin that could likely be remedied with some fish oil tabs or just a healthy diet. Paul had a rough time of it at first, not adjusting to the shelter very well but has since had time to decompress and is feeling more confident and trusting of people." Paul is #48774483 — use that number to ID him when you call the shelter at 972-215-6283 or email rescues@cityofmes- quite.com. 
Remember, you can see more Mesquite dogs and, of course, lots of cats and kittens, by clicking on the shelter site HERE.
Among the cats, is #48104500, known as Grumpy. Though he may not be "grumpy." He's around 6 months old — he came into the shelter on June 29 — that means he was a tiny kitten when he arrived and now he's a small, nearly grown boy with a great face and the sensational black and white coat of — based on our experience with cats at Readlarrypowell.com— a merry prankster.[LARRY APPEAL: Save 'em all. Yes, it's possible. We're humans — we can do just about anything! We've been to the moon; we've got smarts, don't we? We have good hearts, right? Don't let any animal live a single moment as "simply not wanted." Not a moment.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
TEA, FILM ANIMALS, YOUR DOG
Call this a "LARRY CONFESSION." I've stopped drinking coffee and switched to green tea—that'll explain a lot. I haven't been jittery in a week — and I've begun speaking with a British accent. Notice how I swiftly typed "akcent" rather than the enhanced Texas version "HACK—SCENT, Y'ALL!". Lord knows what I'd have typed if I'd been hopped up on a gallon of hot java. …
In the opening I mentioned being a Baby Boomer and turning the TV on to help me find the center of my existence. On Tuesday morning, I found that Turner Classic Movies was showing It's a Dog's Life, a 1955 film starring Wildfire the Bull Terrier as the central dog (voiced by TV and film star Vic Morrow, a victim, decades later, of a helicopter crash on the set of Twilight Zone: the Movie.) Also in this film was Edmund Gwenn who, in 1947, portrayed Kris Kringle in the first film version of Miracle on 34th Street . And, in 1954, he also played a heroic scientist in the horror film Them! The International Movie Database summary of Them! reads, "The earliest atomic tests in New Mexico cause common ants to mutate into giant man-eating monsters that threaten civilization." Yep, sounds like it could have been written in the 21st century, doesn't it? You know — if you swap tiny viruses for the giant ants.
Back to It's a Dog's Life, the IMDB site of the film lists a "Crazy Credit." It's from the movie's prologue and it quotes the voice of evolution Charles Darwin: "I agree with Agassiz that dogs possess something very like a conscience." Louis Agassiz (1807-1873) was a "Swiss-born American biologist." While he may have been right about dogs, research reveals Agassiz was also so wrong and was, in today's terms, a racist. Here's a LINK to a revealing article in a 2019 edition of The Harvard Crimson . [LARRY ASIDE: My dogs can show remorse and guilt and happiness and they also have ambition. That makes them way smarter than a lot of humans who have held "lofty" reputations on this planet.]
—- Offer ideas or objections by clicking on 'comment' or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put 'MY DOG LAUGHS, TOO' in the subject line! —-

EDITION OF MONDAY, NOV. 8, 2021 [PetPowellPress] The time change — either way — makes me depressed. Pick one and leave it there, Dear Congress.
We have clocks in our house that have to be hand-changed. Fortunately none require crawling up on a ladder. I know that one of the cats can change the time. Stevie Ray, in his "kitten stage," enjoyed stretching up and swatting the second-hand before I moved the clock out of my office. Yes, it was a "tribute clock" to our young fellow Stevie Ray. But he preferred not to note the passage of time.
We sort of appreciate that stance. Well, not that stance on the furniture, but that emotional stance. I am moved to ask, however, who works harder to get into trouble? A kitten or an ambitious politician.
MONDAY DEPRESSION NOTE:
THE JOSHUA SIX…EUTHALERT!
Yeah, i crunched "euthanasia" and "alert" together and came up with a word that, perhaps, will inspire people to help get these animals out of the shelter at Joshua, just a handful of minutes south of Fort Worth. 
The note read, "The Joshua 6 are still going to be euthanized on Monday at 4."
Euthanized "for space," the note says. the contact is the volunteer rescue coordinator at 214-816-6128 or the shelter at 817-774-9450.
These are the animals, according to the note we got via longtime tipster, rescuer and advocate Kimberly Jones.
Freddy is this 5-month-old spayed, vaccinated, sweet, pretty and sociable dog.
Mamma is an 8-month-old tortie Petite, they say. And "just ready for someone to love and be loved by…."
Estrella, "at the shelter for quite a long time," has a $100 donation. She is "about 3" and while there are people who've said they were coming for her, nobody has. She's "a big sweet, fluffy Husky mix."
Sissy is the properly attired cat, dressed formally, and showing how she can pose for photos.
Buddy is the white-coated, 4-year-old Labrador with "lots of Lab energy" and a "Lab smile!" "Hard to believe he's running out of time," the note reads.
Charlie is the green-eyed cat lounging in a proper cat bed.
Six animals, all at peril, because humans have a clock ticking toward 4 p.m. Monday. "Euthanize for space" -- isn't that one of the ugliest terms to ever come out of the animal shelter business? Sheesh. Humans are better than that, aren't we?
UNDERWEIGHT, STARVING, STRAY:
DRAMA NEEDS HAPPY ENDING
Look at the face on this boy Oscar! He's a happy dog and he's starving. But he's in a good spot now — he's in the Mesquite Animal Shelter. Our tipster, volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm, wrote, that Oscar "was picked up by one of our officers and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 10/30 as a stray.  Oscar weighs 45 pounds, is not neutered and is approximately 4 years old. He is underweight and is being given extra food in order to put some pounds on his thin frame.  He walks OK on a leash and did not show any aggression toward the dogs he walked past.  When he came to a row of crates in the hallway and the dogs began barking at him, he got scared and 'pancaked.'  It was hard to get him to move due to his fear.  He enjoyed scouting out the yard.  He has a low-key personality and is fairly calm and gentle yet lively and active. His tail wags lots!!"  He's #48982505 at the shelter. Use that number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityof mesquite.com.
Dexter (#48981002) may have the best ornamental face we've seen — he's possibly a "Louisiana Catahoula Leopard and husky" combination, Debra writes. [ LARRY ASIDE: I'm betting Louisiana because that facial pattern sure looks like a New Orleans Saints logo!]  Dexter is about 2, weighs 55 pounds, isn't neutered and came in as a stray on October 30. 
Debra says, "He has an exuberant personality and thoroughly enjoyed running and bounding around the yard during the photo shoot." Needs someone with an active lifestyle —- someone who can keep up with his own lively lifestyle.
That brings us to Haley, a 2-year-old, not-yet-spayed, mixed breed (possibly German Shepherd/Anatolian
Shepherd/Black Mouth Cur in the mix), Debra writes. Well-mannered with a "mellow laid-back personality," she has a "moderate activity level," reads her bio. She's working on warming up — right now she's "a bit skittish." Came in as a stray on October 28. Use her ID #4896657 when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
And we cite the impossibly cute fellow Dobbie, "a Boxer (with possibly Portuguese Pointer in the mix) who was picked up by one of our officers and brought to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 10/28 as a stray.  This is the second time he was picked up by an Animal Control Officer.  Dobbie weighs 57 pounds, is about 1 year old and is neutered. He has a cute underbite which makes him rather unique looking.  He is a high-spirited pup with lots of energy.  During the photo shoot he raced and bounded around the yard, thrilled to be able to stretch his legs. He chased the tennis balls thrown but did not know to bring them back.  He is playful and curious and alert to his surroundings.  He does jump on you in his puppy excitement so that will need to be addressed.  Dobbie knows the sit command and will do so for treats, which he takes gently.  He walks well on a leash but is a bit of a puller.  Dobbie is a friendly boy with a fun-loving personality.  He would seem to best suit a person or family with an active lifestyle in which he would be exercised, played with and trained.  He has so much potential and needs an owner who will stay committed to him!"
Dobbie is #48732878 — use that when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email   rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
RAFFLE TICKETS AVAILABLE
FOR THE GBC GUILD QUILT
See it as a gift for someone, see it as a warm addition to your household, see it as a happy way to help Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake get a bit of a financial boost for the chilly days of winter.
The Friends will benefit from the raffling ($5 a ticket, 5 tickets for $20) this quilt. According to our longtime reliable Friends of the Animals tipster Sydney Bush, this six-foot-by-five-foot quilt was "lovingly made and donated by the Gun Barrel City Quilting Guild.
Tickets are available from 6 a.m. until "4:00ish" on Tuesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on the Second Saturday of each month at the Friends of the Animals Spay/Neuter Clinic, the world's most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas.
The raffle drawing is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20. (Questions: contact the Friends at 903-451-4701 or 214-808-4701 (cell). 
Theme of the quilt is "Wherever we may roam, there's no place like HOME." Kind of a warm feeling for a warm quilt as we warmly enter the traditional post-Halloween holiday season.
And a reminder, while the Friends "operate" on Tuesdays at the clinic, on the Second Saturday of each month (November 13, this time), the Friends' clinic hosts a clinic for "vaccinations, heartworm testing, microchipping and other non-surgical services." No appointment necessary for the shots 'n' chips clinic. Appointments needed for the Tuesday's spay/neuter procedures.
CONTEMPLATIONS
Time, Eggs & Walter the Cat

Here we are, already a week into November and racing toward the end of 2021. The only thing that'll slow us down — and you pro-basketball fans may appreciate this — is the eternity it can take to play the last 2 minutes of an NBA game when the score is tight. ….
Is it to late to shop early? Depends on the TV station you're watching, I guess. We wrapped up out shopping back in March — everybody's getting dyed eggs. I make an Easter joke. On a related note: Deviled eggs? Pro or con?…
Pardon my personal note about a truck (I own a 1999 Ford F15, but I didn't buy it because of a cat.) If I were shopping for a pickup, and I'm not, I might take a look at the Chevy Silverado ONLY because of the cat Walter. After my experience with Chevrolet Vegas in the early 1970s, lingering bitterness makes me unlikely to spend money on a Chevy, but Walter did win me over with his acting and charm. It's a great commercial with a Walter the Cat doing dog things to the tune of a 1920s folk song by Harry McClintock, The Big Rock Candy Mountain. Here's a link to the commercial. And here's a link to Harry singing The Big Rock Candy Mountain . None of our cats appear in TV commercials, but if you click HERE you'll get Stevie Ray's favorite song around the clock about time — it's a philosophy he endorses. He says he was born in "glad rags."
— Offer solutions to the time change by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put "GO, CAT, GO" in the subject line. —

[Welcome to Autumn Time Change Weekend and a bit of wisdom from our most esteemed feline, The Senator, addressing the "Art of Slumber" for Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap .]

HOW TO DEFEAT
THE DEMON OF INSOMNIA
By The Senator
Senior Advisor to the General Population
Greetings, fellow sleepers and those who wrestle with the challenge.
Getting to enjoy the mythical "good night's sleep" has proven to be a challenge in the 21st Century.
No need to get political or international, but you get my drift. Decibels and content echo throughout the nights.
For this edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap , we will focus on cats.
Why? Two reasons: (1) Foremost, I am a cat and (2) I have yet to encounter a cat who has insomnia.

Being challenged by a human's insomnia, however, can be vexing. You'll be out like a light in your favorite living room chair and, suddenly, some  human will stagger into the room, grab the TV remove and shake the chair until you get out of it. Then he or she will leave the room and go to the kitchen. When you're comfortable again, they return with something that, apparently, can only be chewed in the manner of a hungry horse -- no offense to horses. So, what is the best way for a cat to sleep.
 That photo of me on a delightfully speckled blanket shows the proper, traditionally artistic way to curl up and snooze.
Humans, pay attention: You will need to be limber. Warm up with back bends and side-straddle-hops (as the military used to call jumping jacks, I've been told). Just google "side straddle hops" and you'll have a selection of bi-pedal choices. No cat does side straddle hops. Dogs are bewildered by the concept.
I have included photos of my latest student in the Lost Art of Enjoyable Sleep. 
He is a young man named Stevie Ray Treeboy. He was found in Oak Cliff (Stevie Ray Vaughan's home neighborhood). At the time the 5- or 6-week-old kitten was gripping a flimsy limb in a Mimosa tree -- he was about 5 feet off the ground and yelling -- not for help. Just yelling.
The human reached out and grabbed him and that's how Stevie Ray became a "Kitten of the Manor."
I, of course, arrived more than a decade ago by walking onto the front porch and being invited in for a discussion of America's future.
 Frankly, I'd been worn out by my Senatorial experiences and gladly took on the position of Secretary of Wisdom in the household cabinet. 
Now, you see here that I am curled up and sleeping just perfectly -- my paws are obscured, my luxurious tail reaches to the point of my cute little cat nose and keeps it warm while I drift away in the "Nocturnal Curl." Learned that from disgruntled former sled dogs one year when I was protesting that race in the snow and ice of Alaska. A Senator can get tickets to just about anything -- still working on the latest Abba ticket.
Back to my slumber: I am an efficient sleeping machine. [SENATOR FYI: If you do not have a tail of appropriate napping length, remember, we sell custom-created Faux Feline Furfalls that I designed to help humans simulate the proper sleeping attitude nightly. All you need is Velcro and the courage to "dress feline." $50 each or two matched tails for $100. Not available for use on millionaire spaceflights -- some sort of intellectual rights dispute.]
Regarding the Nocturnal Curl: I encourage all cats to sleep in this manner -- it is the pose that artists have favored since cat-themed holiday cards were invented.
This next photo was snapped during some event on television -- not sports or news. Perhaps Young Sheldon, as I recall. Set in Texas, you know. 
At any rate, this photo, taken by my illustration aide Larry "Outtafocus" Powell, is focused over the back of my handsome head -- you'll note that I have the outline of another cat's head on the back of mine. Shadow of The Other Cat, I call it.
 As you can see in this photo, I am crammed between the heft of my aide and the stretch of young Stevie Ray.
 I have lectured him repeatedly about the need to not sleep like a dog, but I have failed in my attempts to get him to rise to the level of a classically-educated feline.
 (That is my pal Dudley the Angel sleeping on a bare floor -- who knows why!)
Still, Stevie Ray and I do share something that humans can only wish they might find at 2 a.m. on a Sunday morning in November: The ability to go back to sleep. That is the strength to wake, then the opportunity to be as tranquil as is possible when a Sleeping Dog is Let Lie and a Napping Cat is Allowed to Nap. 
Thank you for your time. Remember: Stay limber, learn to purr gently and curl comfortably. Three steps to a restful night in the 21st Century. (That's Stevie Ray demonstrating that he almost knows the Cat Sign Language for "I have a question." Just a slight twist of his expressive tail and he'd have had it!)

With appreciation and I know I can count on you in November 2024,
The Senator
Enjoying My Campaign Plans
 And Napping For a Purpose

[LARRY REMINDER: Dear Readers, please send us photos of your dogs, cats, fowl, mammals, reptiles or amphibians slumbering so we can fill up our Holiday Season Weekends with stories of love and admiration for animals. Email photos of slumbering animals and their biographies to dallrp@aol.com. Tell us how much you love 'em. That'll help other people decide to give a home to animals. And it'll help insomniacs learn how to attach the Faux Feline Furfall and nap away!!!]
--- Offer slumbertips or skepticism by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and putting "WAKE UP AND SMELL THE DECAF" in your subject line. ---

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY NOV. 3/4, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Our topics today include animals (of course!) and books. Why books?
Ah, this turns out to be something strange — Holiday Insights, the online calendar, says Both August 9 and the first Saturday in November are celebrated as "Book Lovers Day."
Why two days? No idea, the calendar people say. And they echo what many of us know: Any day is a good day to read. My favorite book about a dog is Beautiful Joe. Other people may favor Call of the Wild. It isn't like dogs and cats rarely inspire books. I'll still pick up a collection of Charles Shultz's Snoopy cartoons for an uplifting moment. And my dog Porche, left, is a big fan of the Harry Potter books, I am led to believe. More about books in Contemplations where we also have some comments from animal people and Confucius!
RARE FIND IN MESQUITE:
A STRAY BLACK DOG?
Oh, I'm kidding. Stray dogs, black dogs and the combination of both aren't rare at in the Mesquite Animal Shelter or, for that matter, in any other shelter in on the continent! (More on that at the end of this segment about Baxter.)
Debra Chisholm, volunteer dog biographer at Mesquite Animal Services, says Baxter is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. How'd he wind up in the city shelter? One of the Mesquite Animal Shelter officers found him straying around town on October 29. The "brindle black" pup is about 7 months old, weighs 39 pounds and isn't neutered.
 Debra writes, "Baxter has a beautiful shiny brindle coat and appears to have been well cared for.  He walks well on a leash.  When led past a few kennels housing smaller dogs, he was interested in them and showed no unfriendliness.  He is well-mannered, calm and gentle and has a mellow personality. He is friendly and has a pleasant nature. He does not jump on you. He is affectionate, wanting to climb in my lap and he likes to receive attention.  Baxter enjoys treats and takes them gently. He is a curious little fellow.  He seems a bit uneasy in the shelter environment with the noise from the other dogs and all the activity." Baxter is #48978134 — use that ID number when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
NOW ABOUT SHELTER DOGS: So, I typed that line about black dogs in "any shelter on the continent" and thought, I'd better research that. So, out of the blue I searched for "Animal Shelter Calgary" and in a split second I was looking at the website of the Calgary Animal Rescue Society -- that's the logo. And I was also looking at a 4-month-old black Earhound and Lab mix named Clark (#48990785). He was born on July 5. Is smart. Loves playing with kids and dogs. His bio says he's "only met one cat (the cat was cranky and didn't want to play)." The Canadians' set their puppy adoption fee at $500 — pays for a lot of medical care, a month of insurance and a chip.
But, here's the thing: If you start in Dallas, you can get to Calgary in 29 hours by car — traveling at a legal speed for 1,881 miles, Google maps say. By the time you got back, you and Clark would be good friends.
Or you could just go to Mesquite and adopt Baxter — besides, I'm not sure what sort of legal challenges are involved in adopting a dog in Canada and bringing him back to Texas. (I suspect most times, some rescue group is flying the dogs from Dallas to Canada!) No telling what a Canadian dog would think if you stopped at a Buc-ees. [LARRY ASIDE: Heck, I'm not even sure what I think when I stop at a Buc-ees. Probably I'm tying to self-hypnotize with the phrase "DON'T BUY THE CHOCOLATE. DON'T BUY THE CHOCOLATE."]
MEANWHILE IN EULESS,
GAP RESCUE'S APPEAL
The Trinity GAP Rescue folks work hard to help the Euless Animal Shelter keep things moving. The latest note from GAP
spells out the needs. It reads, "Urgent! The Euless shelter is full and we do not even have all the pictures of all the dogs! We need fosters to save our shelter dogs. Will you help? Contact evegapfoster1@yahoo.com or steffeniegaprescue@gmail.com for information on fostering or adopting."
Among the pictures they do have is this one I spotted on the GAP Facebook page: That is Ghost, clearly a bulldog with what appears to be "cherry eye." He's available, not just adorable.
NOW AND THEN YOU WONDER
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH PEOPLE
These next two adorable animals are in the watchful eye of 4-Legged Helpers.
This girl is Ellie (AKA Ellie). She's in Ferris, a young Lab mix who is "available now." And The Helpers' note explains, "We had posted this darling girl previously and the finder thought they had an adopter. Well, the adopter ghosted them and did not show up. Ellie is now in need of a rescue. If you are interested, please, let us know immediately. Loves other dogs!! Very sweet girl found just S of Dallas in the Ferris/Dallas County area. She is incredibly loving and just as sweet as can be. The person that found her said she is about 1-2 years old and loves giving hugs. She is really adorable! The person that found her is unable to keep her and is begging for help before she has to go to the shelter."
And, we've posted this photo of Sebastian before — oddly, nobody has wanted to adopt him from his spot at a Denton County facility that prefers to be anonymous.
The 4-legged Friends say he has "the cutest face ever" --read larrypowell.com says he has a championship set of whiskers. His colors are "truly the colors of a Creamsickle and he's just as sweet," the Helpers report. And he's got that odd ear because he "had some polyps in his ear" — may need vet checks in the future. 
The Helpers wrote, "We are so sad for him - he needs you ...please help. You will not be disappointed. He is a love bunny. Please help save him! He is so special & sweet ...look at that face…"
To ask about these two or any other adorable adoptables in the concern of 4-Legged Helpers, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
Go to the 4-Legged Helpers Facebook page HERE and you can see many, many animals that are in need of people who are capable of loving and understanding animals. That starts when the people have big hearts and a sense of devotion.
SPECIFIC NEEDS FOR HUMANS
WORKING WITH CATS AND DOGS
We got these notices of needs via our longtime tipster/guiding light of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, the great Sydney Boesch. 
Her first note had to do with Kaufman County Cats. That organization has some specific personnel needs. The note reads, "Kaufman County Cats is in need of volunteers to help clean cat kennels every Monday and Wednesday morning for a couple of hours at T-Bar-T in Kaufman…All supplies are provided, including lots of gratitude from the kitties there waiting for their new homes...If you can make this commitment for either (or both) day, please contact Lynn Ackerman at mlynnackerman@gmail.com.
Now, what could the Friends of the Animals need? Some supplies for the world's most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, Texas. 
So, what could this clinic possibly need? "Bleach," read the first word. Followed by "Newspapers — we use these to line small kennels and to line cat-carriers — and we share them with a cat rescue." Drop off these donations at the clinic from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon."
To arrange deliveries or ask questions, call the 903-451-4701 or (cell) 214-808-4701. Email sydney@friendsoftheanimals.org. [LARRY'S QUESTION: What are animal advocates going to do when newspapers finally go all-on-line? Paper companies should begin marketing "InkFree Papers For the Household Pets."]
CONTEMPLATIONS
CAREFUL DOG CARE; FOUND CAT; BOOKS
We spotted this note Thursday morning from someone we know as a genuine dog lover. It was first posted 6 years ago and had photos of bite marks on human limbs. You know how old stuff pops up on Facebook as an "anniversary note." Our longtime tipster Amy Sewall Pelzel told us Thursday that it was one of those deals. Still, things may not have changed all that much. Her note at the time read, "To all of the irresponsible dog owners near me: let this be a friendly warning! I am DONE being attacked on my morning runs by your loose dogs! I love dogs more than just about anyone but I (and my 2 dogs I run with) have now been attacked 3 times in 2 months. I now carry mace and a taser so please know I will use them! It is scary, dangerous and so unnecessary. My dogs and myself have been chased, bitten and scared! It is not fair and I refuse to put my dogs in danger. And although I don't want my dogs to hurt yours.... If they do, legally it is still your fault so please protect your dogs, yourself and care about the others responsibly exercising their dogs! Thank you!" FYI: She's still running and carrying Mace. [LARRY ASIDE: Can you imagine being on an innocent run and suddenly you're attacked by dogs who wouldn't be able to do that if their humans had a lick of sense? There's a pipe dream for ya: So what/don't care humans with a lick of sense] ...
WE MOVE FROM CONTEMPLATING THOUGHTLESS PEOPLE to a situation many of us have faced through the years — mostly because there are -- stop the presses! -- people who just don't spay or neuter their free-roaming cats. This Eastern Fort Worth neighborhood note from rainy Wednesday read, "I have an abandoned kitten, found early this morning in the cold rain. I think approximately 5 weeks old. We cannot keep it because we have 4 and they are all old. I have reached out to vets and rescue places and either get no answer or they won't take. She's (I think) very loving and would make a good indoor cat." A few hours later, after several exchanges of message, this cat rescuer posted, with great relief, a message that read, "We found her a home!" [LARRY ASIDE: Now, we don't know anything about any of the people or the kitten, but we can just about spot-on declare that somewhere in the history of this kitten, some human let her down and it took at least two people to step up so she can live to be not a rain-soaked kitten, but an adored cat.]...
AND NOW WE ADDRESS BOOKS. At the outset of today's report, we mentioned that Book Lovers Day is celebrated on both August 9 and on the "first Saturday in November." This Saturday evening you can read — you know, before 2 a.m. when the time changes (Fall back) and confuses your senses and the "let's-go-out-schedule" of your dogs. So, on the Holiday Insights page, there was a "Today's Quote." It came from Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, born 9/28/ 551 BC/Died 5/11, 479 BC. Keep those dates in mind when you read "Today's Quote": "You can not open a book without learning something." I'm almost certain no Barnes & Noble stores were open at the Beijing Plaza and pretty sure Half-Price Books was years from opening in The Great Wall Mall. So, a little research in a Taiwan Today story HERE read, "Written records existed in ancient China long before the word shu came into use, in the sense of ' book,' in the early years of the Warring Kingdoms (402-221 B. C.)." We'll close with another quote attributed to Confucius: "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." Thus, I will admit, I am not knowledgeable enough to even begin to plumb the depths of my ignorance.
—- Offer agreement or argument by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put 'HEY, BRAINS!" in the subject line. —-

EDITION OF TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2-3, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Did you know that November 3, according to Holiday Insights, is Cliche' Day, Housewife's Day and Sandwich Day? All rolled into one, as the cliche might go. Not sure there are "housewives" these days. Homemakers, probably. We'll get to Bella Abzug's quote in Contemplations — some of you will have to "look up" the source of that quote. Kids. Sheesh.

Cliche', Housewife & Sandwich Day — how's that for an odd collection. No response? Cat got your tongue? Here's there's a cliche now! (That's my office cat, William Powell, demonstrating how much he loves hands-on head scratching.)
 OK, let's go to the cliche motto of my life: "Ignorance is bliss." Favorite cliche/sandwich? Pimento cheese? Grilled cheese? Baloney!A quote: "Ahhh. Bed, book, kitten, sandwich. All one needed in life, really." Hard to argue, right? We'll cite that quote again in CONTEMPLATIONS. We'll also discuss the ghosts at Dallas' former ultra-charming shopping "mall," Olla Podrida. Oh, my! Now, can Sadie the Dog wink? And is she winking at you?
MEANWHILE IN DALLAS' SHELTER
THERE'S A SADIE AND AN OGRE
Sadie can wink? That is the question. There are two photos of her on the Dallas Animal Services website HERE that show her with her right eye closed. But, when you click on her video, you see a wide-eyed girl romping in the exercise yard at DAS. She's a 2-year-old Pittie girl with a "total mama dog"personality because she's "constantly hovering and making sure everyone is OK." She is also described as "very playful … Loves to play in the paddle pool" at the shelter. She's A1125345, a 2-year-old who weighs in at 54 pounds.
Now, the good thing about adopting a dog or cat (these two are "free" right now) is you can re-name the animal. Sadie, perhaps, you'd want to stick with. Such a sweet name for a sweet girl. On the other hand, as I was scrolling through the available cats and kittens at DAS, I ran across this delightfully cute little girl named — get this — "Ogre." First definition for "ogre" is "a hideous man-eating giant." This girl Ogre (#A112997) is listed as a "growing" little girl who, at 2 months, barely tips the scale at ONE POUND. Yep, someone needs to adopt her and change her name before it goes onto all her medical, government and employment records. 
See how to adopt by going to bedallas90.org HERE https://www.bedallas90.org/home/pets/
A DONATION DEVELOPMENT
SHOWS UP FOR SOME DOGS
This revelation came from the folks with 4-Legged Helpers. There are $250 donations on each of these dogs and the donations will go to the approved 501c3 organization (or organizations) that take in the dogs. They're all in the Lancaster Animal Shelter.
We've posted some of them before, most recently Zuri and Aiden (Zuri the girl is the smaller of the two.)
The description reads that Aiden is a neutered male bulldog mix about 3 and 67 pounds. He and Zuri are bonded dogs. She's a 48-pound bulldog mix. She's spayed; he's neutered. And they are descried as the "cutest little shorties ever."
Also in the category of "donation dogs" are Chloe and Paisley.
Chloe is a young, spayed Shepherd mix and so is Paisley. 
They're about a year old and "appear to be siblings," their bio from the Helpers reads. Chloe is 50 pounds; Paisley is 45. And they adore each other — two "out-and-about" strays picked up and delivered to the shelter. They enjoy being with each other, the bio reads.
Also a "donation dog" is this guy Tyler, a young Border Collie/Lab mix — a 51-pound dog who is probably under a year old. Yep, he was a stray. Has an "innocent face," the 4-Legged Helpers bio reads.To ask about helping any of these dogs by adopting or rescuing, call or text 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
And, remember, you can keep up with the assorted animals that the 4-Legged Helpers are trying to save by going to their Facebook page HERE.
A CRUELTY CASE DOG NEEDS
HELP WITH MEDICAL WOES
Hope needs some help. We learned of her predicament from the volunteer Mesquite Animal Shelter dog biographer Debra Chisholm. She reports that Hope is "a Terrier mix who was seized in a cruelty case and placed in protective custody at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 9/29, along with one of her pups.  The pup has since been rescued. Hope weighs 54 pounds and is about 3 years old.  She is RESCUE ONLY due to medical issues she has, namely a prolapsed uterus and a metastasized breast tumor. She will be seeing a vet soon. Hope is a shy and timid girl.  This beautiful girl has a low-key, mellow nature and is calm and well-mannered. She does not jump on you.  Hope is a friendly, affectionate girl and loves attention. She is more than happy to allow you to pet her for as long as you are willing! … This is a girl who has had a rough start to her life but has so much potential to be a loving companion.  However, she needs you to assist getting her out and helping her on the way to her forever home. Our shelter is and has been overcrowded for several weeks and months now and any help in getting our precious pooches out the front door will be so appreciated."
To volunteer to help Hope use her ID #48618022 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email at rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS
QUOTES AND GHOSTS
We'll start with Bella Abzug, famed for her big hats. She was a lawyer and a 3-term U.S. Congresswoman (1971-77), feminist, pro-Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam War, representing parts of Manhattan and the Bronx. When it came to "housewife," she said, "I prefer the word 'homemaker' because 'housewife' always implies that there may be a wife someplace else." She was witty. And she also said, "A woman's place is in the house - the House of Representatives."…
Now, that quote ""Ahhh. Bed, book, kitten, sandwich. All one needed in life, really."? It's from a Texan by way of New Zealand and Canada, the author Jacqueline Kelly of Austin. She's not only a writer, she's also a physician AND a lawyer. She wrote the successful novel, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, about a girl growing up in Texas in 1899. Sold well. Won a Newberry Award. Paid for a lot of sandwiches; also fed cats. Her online bio reads, "She now makes her home with her husband and various cats and dogs in Austin and Fentress, Texas."
AND NOW looking back into the 20th century. I was reading Ana Niño's feature story in The Dallas Morning News about the once-wonderful Dallas shopping "barn" Olla Podrida when, suddenly I ran across my own name. Never expected to see it printed in The Big Paper Downtown again, but there it was. [HERE'S THE LINK TO THE STORY from Halloween morning.
Ana skillfully reported on this now-gone "barn-like-bazaar" Olla Podrida, i.e., named for a Spanish stew prepared in a clay pot. And she noted that it was a beloved shopping bazaar , then, wrote:
"Beyond its crafts and commerce, Olla Podrida was rumored to have some paranormal sights, specifically phantoms."
And, though I was in the middle of a quarter-century-long columnist career at the time, the story read, "In 1996, reporter Larry Powell interviewed a couple of shop owners before the mall's closing. Roger of The Front Porch was quoted saying: 'All I ever see are out of the corner of my eye — the three ladies.' "
And Ana's story cited my conversation with a shop owner named Vickie who said, "We have three ladies that walk through the mall dressed in long skirts and white blouses with their hair up. You can hear them murmuring but you can't understand what they're saying. ... There's a man who smokes a cigar, and a little child."
Of the cigar, Vickie's quote read, "You smell it, and it instantly goes away. That's how you know it's a ghost. Real cigar smoke would linger."
As I recall from my interviews, n obody knows where the ghosts came from. And nobody can say where they are now — the building site was replaced by a private school.

Ana, the writer of the Sunday story is credited as "Researcher. Part of the Research and Archives unit, Ana is a D-FW native who has waltzed back and forth between libraries and archives over the past decade."
That's William on Ghostwatch. He's been successful so far -- uses the "Clint Glint" he picked up from the Director Eastwood. "Scare the spectre before he scares you," William advised.
My theory of those ghosts is they still may be seen in the Dallas area, perhaps riding public transportation late at night, maybe visiting big empty buildings. Heck, the impressive former site of The Dallas Morning News may be available for haunting. But, since I no longer write fanciful columns for the paper, I don't have credentials that'll get me inside the old building so I can determine if, in Dallas County, ghosts must wear masks. My attempts to interview them at Olla Podrida failed. Couldn't get an appointment. They were hauntingly busy.

—- Offer ghost tales or praise of ancient columns by clicking on 'comment' or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put "THE BLANK PAGE SPOOKS A WRITER' in the subject line. —

EDITION OF MONDAY, NOV. 1, 2021 [PetPowellPress] And, in a blink of an eye, October is over and we're right into November.
 And what has changed? Did that 2 a.m. Sunday time change get to you? If it did, you're a week early. What were you doing? Rehearsing? Change is next week, 2 a.m. on the 7th. More about November in Contemplations. First some critter opportunities, as is our style here at readlarrypowell.com. Don't miss Curtis' biography -- he's a Houston dog.
THE OL' RESCUED
GERMAN SHEPHERD
Once again, readlarrypowell.com is moved to ask, "What's the deal with all the unwanted German Shepherds?"

The great Karen Lee of barkleyworld.com forwarded a note about this dog Lola. The note was a pass-it-on that went through the keyboard of Gail Whelan of Companion Animal Network. 
The note reads that Emma's Wish Senior Dog Rescue in Plano is trying to find a home for gorgeous Lola. 
She's 10, weighs 87 pounds and is kind of a tradition in big German Shepherds, has troublesome hip dysplasia. Thus, the note reads, she shouldn't "have stairs because climbing can be difficult..." And she's on medication, not a candidate for surgery and, if needed, the rescue will help her get a wheelchair.
 he's described as "a calm, loving, loyal, sweet girl, great with adults and kids – and she's been non-reactive to cats so far. However, she needs to be the only dog in the household."
Here's the contact information if you are, as the note reads, "willing to open your heart and home to this wonderful old gal, either as a foster or on a permanent basis?  If not, please share her info far and wide." To ask about helping Lola, call or text Regan Flower of Emma's Wish Senior Dog Rescue at 972.948.4054. Email EMMASWISHSDR@ GMAIL.COM. One more thing: Here the link to Emma's Wish on FACEBOOK. [LARRY ASIDE: If you, like me, have a soft heart for senior critters, be prepared to spend some time looking at the Emma's Wish dogs and trying to figure out if you can fit one more old dog into your house! If that Lotto Texas would just come through for me.. you know?]
MEANWHILE, IN FORT WORTH,
THERE'S HANDSOME CANE
(AND GRAVY WITH A BROKEN LEG)
We got the tip on this guy Cane, currently at Fort Worth from the hustling animal advocate Butch Burgin. The tip read that Cane is "the longest resident there." The shelter bio listed him as arriving there on June 16.Cane is an American Pittie mix who is 5 years, a month-and-a-half old. Large boy, they say. And he's waiting.
The note from Butch read that Cane "would seriously love a forever home and couch. The shelter is maxed out, and adopters or fosters are badly needed. Adoptions must be done in person."Email fwacctag@fortworthtexas.gov to ask about adopting or rescuing Cane.
His ID is #41407515 and if he happens to have been claimed by the time you decide to check on him, consider this guy Gravy (A48784903), found as a stray on October 2 and still waiting for someone to claim him and get his leg fixed. Here's a VIDEO from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control -- you'll see how Gravy manages to happily greet a human in spite of that dangling leg. And, yes, email fwacctag@ fortworthtexas.gov. [LARRY ASIDE: Geezalou, why hasn't someone helped this dog? Can rescue groups be as crowded as area shelters? Too bad we can't find the dog's actual human and give 'em a talking to, right? Maybe they haven't missed the dog yet -- it's only been a month and you know, as Gov. Greg Abbott once proclaimed, "Texans love their dogs."]
A SIGN THAT 'NORMAL'
RETURNING TO HOUSTON
We got this tip from our Houston pal Alexandra Kelsey. It has to do with Loving Arms Pet Placement. AK's note began, "Finally….after a long, long year and a half of being isolated and anxious, Houston seems on the path back to Normal! Who would have thought we'd cherish so much the chances to socialize, to hug our friends, to share some wine?" 
Loving Arms has scheduled "Wine & Dine for Felines (& Doggies, Too," its 2021 fundraiser, for November 13 at the Hearthstone Country Club. (One of the features depends on people who'll attend: Take a "small photo" of a "beloved animal for the Lights of Love memory wall."
Register online or call to reserved tickets and pay at the door. The event is "business casual" and covid protocols will be in place. All the information regarding the $75 tickets and attending are on the Loving Arms site HERE.
Now, that brings us to the reason Loving Arms exists: Critters. 
By now you've spotted that cat Boris, born in January. No idea how he got his name, but it seems to fit him. Loving Arms describe him as "a quiet, shy young man who warms up quickly to kind words. He loves head rubs and neck massages and will lean into you begging for more. Boris is a low energy boy who isn't into drama or busy activities. Boris likes to follow his person around the house. He is also very social and would do best with one or two cat companions in a quiet home with a single person or a calm couple." [LARRY ASIDE: Anybody know if Houston has any "calm couples"? Not sure about Dallas/Fort Worth. My funspouse Martha and I have been locked in matrimony for nearly 30 years -- "calm" ain't the right term. Too many found cats to be all that calm.]
Now, when it comes to this guy Curtis, born in 2014, he's got a story to tell. Somebody cue the honky tonk music because Curtis, described as a "hound mix," wrote his own bio for Loving Arms. Here's how he wrote it, if we are to believe Houston dogs are more literate than North Texas dogs. It reads, "My story sounds like a country western song. I was shot, hit by a car, dumped, unwanted and unloved. I was found, taken to a country animal control shelter and Loving Arms took me in. I was skinny, had worms, my leg was infected where I had been shot, the back of my neck had a wound also (possibly from another bullet), part of my tail was missing and I'm blind in my right eye. But other than that, I was just fine. Oh, and did I tell you, they gave me a toy, and OMG was that fun! I held it in my mouth and just shook it and shook it. I've never had so much fun!!!"
[LARRY ASIDE: Bless your heart, Curtis, and may you find a human who is kind and honorable enough to deserve a good dog like you. And if you know who shot you and treated you like crap, let us know. We're hoping to perform a vigorous and righteous break-in a 2021 model of the readlarrypowell.com Two-by-Four of Enlightenment. But that would be wrong. Might feel appropriate, though.]
MEANWHILE, 4-LEGGED HELPERS
MAINTAINS MISSION FOR SHELTERS
The 4-Legged Helpers focus on helping animals that are in shelters that have low-human-foot traffic and too much paw traffic. Sometimes the animals are just "in custody" not "in shelter."
You can keep up with their efforts on Facebook HERE.
For instance, over the weekend the Helpers focused on dogs who are in the care of an un-named entity that takes care of dogs picked up "out in the county." This smallish Bull Terrier mix is Luna, a "healthy and "wonderful" girl who is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped..
To ask about her call or text 214-949-2726 or FACEBOOK MSG Laura Macias.
Use those same contact points to ask about helping this entertaining black and white cat, Oliver. He, too, is an "out-in-the-county" animal who isn't in one of the more traditional municipal shelters. As you can see from his photo, he's a nimble fellow who'll be a point-of-conversation in any household.
CONTEMPLATION
NOVEMBER; GAS; VEGETABLES
Thought I saw the price of gasoline dropping this weekend -- could have been one of your seasonal illusions. Pretty sure the price of a gallon'll be rising again in November as people prepare to, borrowing from Lydia Marie Child's 1884 poem, go "over the river and through the wood" to either grandmother's house or a nearby casino that has a Thanksgiving hotel special and a seasonal buffet. ...
Is it fair to suggest that one of the main focuses of November in the United States is the Thanksgiving meal. The other, of course, is the time change at 2 a.m. Sunday November 7 -- Fall back, you may recall. Try explaining that to your well-regulated dog. ...

As a vegetarian and animal lover, I am moved to suggest "Save the Turkeys." Though, when I was a poor kid growing up in a Southern Baptist home 2 blocks inside the Texas line in Bowie County, chickens ruled the roost, so to speak. So, save the chickens and the pigs and whatever other critter you kill to eat. Big fan of vegetables -- my favorite vegetable is the hot biscuit -- not really a diet food.

--- Make remarks or call me names by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put 'No charging station in Grandma's woods' in the subject line. ---

For this weekend's edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap , we offer a tribute to Halloween and the people who dress their animals for the festive holiday.
It's a gas — especially when the animal plays along with it!
I have been led to believe that no humans in our household will suit up for Halloween. My sweetspouse Martha said she would have donned her traditional witch outfit but, she declared, "These days it cost way too much to gas up the broom."
I did ask our wonderful pal Dudley the Angel, "What are you going as for Halloween?" And he demonstrated and said, "You see it don't you? I'm an old man who accidentally went to sleep on the couch with his nose up in full-snore position."
Sure enough, minutes later, he nailed it.
"What was your inspiration?" I asked the lad.
He opened his eyes, looked at me and quietly replied, "You really had to ask?" Then he dog-chuckled. And went back to sleep. Sometimes he hangs his face off the cushions on the red couch.
Dudley the Angel is our wander-up Border Collie/Chocolate Lab mix (named after the Cary Grant character in The Bishop's Wife) who arrived during the Christmas season many years ago. But since it's early in the Christmas decorating season, he's our Halloween weekend spotlight dog for Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, our long-running weekend feature.
He's the only member of the household with a Halloween costume plan.
I adore this free dog. You can see Border Collie when his ears are on alert and, in that scene as he's preparing to investigate a squirrel in a nearby tree, you can see his "sporting dog" heritage. I was quietly reading a book when a squirrel started cascading out of a tree, grabbing for noisy limb after noicy limb, and managed to save himself. Dudley rose to race to catch him before he could hit the ground — I like to think that was his plan, of course. Maybe.
Dudley's coat, at first, appears to be black, but when the sun hits it, you see the golden Chocolate Lab tendencies of his hair. In other words, he's got the beauty of both breeds.
My hijinxspouse Martha and I have never "dressed up" for Halloween. I don't know why. Too busy working, probably. 
Sad to say, I cannot remember the last time I dressed for Halloween — may have been in elementary school.
Now, though, here is a solid truth: People may have seen me on Halloween and assumed that I was all dressed for the occasion, but, really, that's no mask, it's my actual face. That's also my natural walk, my own beard since 1971 and my usual clothing, some of it nearly as old as my beard. No wonder you'd think I was a Halloween hobo!
We did, of course, live with one very festive Cocker Spaniel for many, many years. That's the chameleonic Cocker, Inky. You see him as Pirate Inky. And there he is as Vulcan Inky in his Star Trek salute.
You see the portrait of him my brushspouse Martha painted not long after he'd left us.
And, of course, longtime readers may recall the photograph that cemented Inky's reputation as the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas and our official staff impressionist. Below you see him giving us his impression of a not-too-old to trick-or-treat middle-aged individual rushing into the kitchen with his bag of goodies and licking his chops in anticipation of a candy that won't put weight on your backside. It's the kind of candy that won't make no-rules/no-calories-on-Halloween human wonder for a moment why you're having more trouble buttoning your jeans two candy-filled weeks after Halloween. Yeah, it's a rare and elusive extraordinarily sweet Halloween treat made with Unicorn milk and berries gathered by a flock of Ivory Billed Woodpeckers.
[REMEMBER, DEAR READERS, once you've finished your candy, please send photos of your sleeping dogs, napping cats or snoozing critters of any kind to dallrp@aol.com and tell us the story of their lives, too. You'll be helping people decide to open their homes to a companion animal. Plus, you'll be helping insomniacs realize that all it takes to help them get a full night's sleep is a plastic bucket of chocolate candies. Avoid the all-day sucker — they'll keep you up nights.]
—- Offer costume tips or diet tips by clicking on 'comment' below or email dallrp@aol.com and put 'DROP THAT SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE BAR SLIM' in the subject line. Happy, safe Halloween. —-

EDITION OF THURSDAY/FRIDAY OCT. 28-29, 2021 [PetPowellPress] The wind blew steadily, not fiercely, down our quiet street Thursday. I heard an odd rumble outside and looked through the kitchen window in time to see a neighbor's empty trash bin rumble-rolling down the street, swerving in the breeze and bouncing up against the curb at our house and falling over. That's about as rough as I like to see a wind blowing.
And this quote is for kids in school and anyone with a desire to learn. It's from the ancient British playwright David Hare (he was born the year before I was born): "Thought is the wind and knowledge the sail." Don't let the brain pirates change your course. Now, some animal stuff and other things.
That cat? That's Barrington, one of the black cats available for adoption at Operation Kindness, the no-kill shelter in Carrollton. He has the look of someone who just watched a trash bin roll about 90 feet and bounce off a curb. See our opening catitem (that one word?):
OPERATION KINDNESS'
BLACK CAT SPECIAL
Yep, Halloween. Black cats are a traditional topic. And there was a time when some shelters wouldn't allow adoption of black cats during this spooky holiday period because, the theory was, mean people would be mean to them. Things change. Maybe all the mean people left Texas -- one can only hope. 
Whatever the case we got a note from Operation Kindness Thursday about this adult black cat Princess. She's 5 years and 7 months old, weighs 10 pounds and came in to the shelter on June 29.
The opening of the news release read, "Black cats are some of the most fluffy, playful and deserving animals of a loving home despite the stigma of being mysterious. Unfortunately, superstitious association around them makes it more difficult for them to be adopted, especially around Halloween.Operation Kindness is working diligently to show the love black cats offer and how much of a perfect companion they can be this fall season."
Barrington, the wide-eyed cat? He's 2 months old, weighs 2 pounds and is in Cat Room 2. And that's the 2rth. See Barrington, Princess and many other adoptable, adorable cats at Operation Kindness by clicking HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: We've had two black cats through the years, Bob and Annabelle Bob, and they were wonderful essential companions in our household for any holiday. Indoor cats. If you have a black cat, take the hint. Heck, if you have ANY cat, take the hint. Predators abound.]
STILL WAITING FOR SOMEONE
TO GET THEM TO A SAFE PLACE…
We wrote about these two (Zuri on the left and Aiden) earlier in the week and they are still waiting for someone to come to the Lancaster Animal Shelter and save their furry backsides from the needle.
They're described in a note from 4-Legged Helpers as "the sweetest, most cuddly, little bonded pair ever." They're about 3 years old and listed as "bulldogs." Zuri weighs 48 pounds; Aiden tips the scales at 67. "They are the cutest little shorties ever," the bio reads.
 And they're said to "adore each other and all other dogs. Love people!" 
To see how to get this pair of "complete lovebugs" into safety, call or text 4-Legged Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com.
And, if you go to 4-Legged Helpers' Facebook page HERE  y ou can see many of the animals in several areas of Dallas County and beyond that are being helped by this determined rescue group. For example, among the animals in Denton County is this orange Tabby, Sebastian. His bio reads, "You will not be disappointed. He is a love bunny. Please help save him! He is so special & sweet ...look at that face."
[LARRY ASIDE: Orange is a Halloween color. It's also a year-round cat color. And his left ear is "different" because he had some polyps that have been treated, the Helpers bio explains. Does have a championship set of whiskers! As a bearded guy since 1971, I kind of envy those whiskers!]
ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS
THIS DOG WHO WANTED A REWRITE
Anybody who's worked in animal rescue for any time at all knows that every once in a while you might look at a kitten and declare 'girl' when he's a boy. It can happen with dogs, too, especially if they're insistent on not being touched or examined. If you don't get a good look at the, er, equipment, well, you might just not quite get a telling glance at the merchandise, so to speak. 
So, our pal Judi Brown, volunteer dog biographer at Mesquite Animal shelter, has quickly issued one of those "second opinion" notes about the Aussie Cattle Dog Waylon. To quote Judi's note, "Waylon is now Winnie. Found out she's a female!! Sorry for the confusion!  The eval below corrects the gender mistake." So Winnie keeps the ID #48885646.
 Judi writes, "Have you ever heard the term 'You've come along way baby'? This expression fits Winnie.  Winnie is a 3-year-old Australian Cattle Dog that arrived at the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 10/16 as a stray. She weighs 44 pounds. She was not and has not been a happy camper due to fear. For the most part she stayed tucked away on a ledge at the back of her kennel. When volunteers would work with her she would cautiously venture towards them and eat out of their hand and then retreat back to the safety of the bench. She became particularly fearful and defensive when shown a leash. Until today when we had a behaviorist come to work with her we have not been able to get her leashed and out of the kennel. Our behaviorist, Bill Duncan, connected with her. He got a leash on her and once Winnie was out in the yard and walked back-and-forth a bit she began to relax. She then was receptive to being petted and loved on. I visited her later in her kennel and she was standing up! She seemed to welcome being petted. She was still cautious and still has a ways to go but the difference today was remarkable! We knew that she not only was a beautiful dog but that she had a lot of potential. … Meanwhile, if you have a foster that's experienced with working with fearful dogs please consider tagging Winnie." Use her ID 48885646 when you email rescues@cityofmesquite.com or call 972-216-6283.
And see more of Mesquite's adorable adoptables at the shelter website HERE.
GET HORSEY THIS WEEKEND
AT THE SPCA OF TEXAS EVENT!

As you can see from this SPCA of Texas poster, the organization is hosting a seasonal-appropriate festival at its property in McKinney. It's called Equine Halloween and it runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. "Pets Unable To Attend," but you can get a look at adoptable animals. Our part of Texas may not have a casino, but there will be Stick Horse Racing at the event. Click on the poster to make it grow. See details of the event at spca.org.
And, FYI, while the SPCA features many adoptable dogs and cats, it also has adoptable "other" animals. (Email spca@spca.or or call 214-742-7722 (7722 is SPCA)
For example you see the horse, a 13-year-old horse that is white and named Vanna and is adoptable at the McKinney facility. [What show is Vanna White on? Oh, yeah! Wheel of Fortune. My funspouse Martha and I once judged cookies with her when the show was being taped at the State Fair of Texas — nice person, impossibly thin for someone who knew anything about cookies! She probably has never eaten an entire box of Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies at one sitting.] That judging was many years ago — before Vanna the White Horse was foaled. Heck, yeah, "foaled" -- I can type horse terms. I can type pig terms, too. This is another SPCA adoptable, the "Pot-Bellied Pig Mix" Riley and I don't know when he was farrowed. I hope I've used "farrowed" correctly. Last thing I need is a bunch of pigfans mad at me. I need to know "somebahdee'll holler 'sooie' if thuh hawgs have me." Sorry, lapsed into my native Northeast Texan — didn't even have a shot of Cass County moonshine in me and I slipped right into the patwah, er, patois. [LARRY ASIDE: I haven't had bacon, ham, pork chops or any other kind of pork in decades — haven't missed it, either. No telling how many pigs lives I've saved. Northeast Texans are generally big fans of bacon. It isn't like the rest of the state doesn't like bacon. We'll just declare that things will change for the good of the pigs. And I'll be dancing with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes at Thanksgiving.]
BIG WEEKEND IN A LITTLE PLACE:
TERLINGUA'S CHILI COOKOFF
Our pal, the adorable, hard-working Kathleen Tolbert Ryan posted this photo of the installation of the latest billboard announcing the First Saturday in November arrival of the annual Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff. The granddaddy of all chili

cookoffs was launched in 1967 in one of the more remote locations in the Lone Star State. Founders were newspaper guys -- Wick Fowler of Dallas and Denton and Kathleen's daddy, The Dallas Morning News' famed "Tolbert's Texas" columnist Frank X. Tolbert. He wrote A Bowl of Red,i.e.,he actually "wrote the book on chili." And he founded the Tolbert's Chili Parlor restaurants, i.e., one's on Main Street in Grapevine. Here's a LINK to the cookoff.. Regarding that photo, Kathleen wrote, "Thanks to everyone that helped make this billboard possible. Ron Faulstich from Printing Solutions in Lockhart, And the workers that put it up... Bill Center, Chris Harrison, David Mendoza, Bob Dale and Paul Ryan. [LARRY ASIDE: It's good to see that some Texas traditions survive whatever humans and nature can throw at it! Pretty sure viruses can't live through a Terlingua summer. Almost sure.]

CONTEMPLATIONS
JURASSIC; SUSPECTS; WINDY
Things that you find on a neighborhood bulletin board: One person posted a note about giving up on a local grocery store because it always has out-of-date dairy merchandise, is always dirty and management is never positive or respectful in responses to her questions. She got an amen from a guy who cited another store with similar complaints and described it as "Jurassic bad." Never heard that term used to describe a grocery store — but it kind of works, doesn't it! Could describe a car dealership, an invasive medical exam, the price of gasoline these days. Jurassic bad. ….
Suspects: Coyotes, bobcats, foxes, hawks, cars, dumped-hungry dogs, free-roaming idiots. A note about a missing cat read that she'd been gone "since late 10/25. …about 6 months old. She is not wearing a collar. Unfortunately, someone found the collar across the street and returned it to us 10/26. She is afraid of vehicles and loud noises. …." Again, housecats outside are vulnerable to outdoor predators and fiends. Might be a good idea to make your cat an indoor cat. Particularly if you live near a wooded area or a river or an "unwanted dogs dumping area." Bless you, I hope your cat gets home safely. So many don't. Protect your cats from the world . …
Back to the wind. Not "the storm," just "the wind." We could pick from many songs: Dust In The Wind by Kansas, Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler, Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra…we're going to go with Peter, Paul & Mary's version of Bob Dylan's 1962 song, Blowin' In The Wind. That's where the answers are, my friend. And, when you click on this, you may get the opportunity to watch a commercial first. These days, that's the way the wind blows.
— OFFER CAT SAFETY TIPS OR WAYS TO ENJOY AUTUMN BY CLICKING ON 'COMMENT' BELOW OR EMAIL DALLRP@AOL.COM AND PUT 'IT AIN'T GONNA BLOW YOU AWAY, SLIM' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. —-

EDITION OF WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021[PetPowellPress] Some animals find homes quickly, some don't. Fact of life. This is written for October 27 which, Holiday Insights reports, is Black Cat Day, Navy Day (THANK YOU, SAILORS!) and National Tell a Story Day in Scotland and the United Kingdom (It's April 27 in the United States.) I think that difference has to do with whether Congress is in session… And that concludes my tribute to Tell A Story Day in Scotland the United Kingdom. I'll repeat it on April 27.)
What I regret is having failed to celebrate National Mincemeat Day on the 26th. Traditional recipes include meat, but I am a great fan of the modern no-meat-products-at-all-just-vibrant-fruit mincemeat pie during the holidays — if pressed, I will eat mincemeat pie year-round. Nobody ever presses me, though. Darn it. That cat? Well, we don't have a Black Cat right now and we don't have a Scottish yarn-spinning cat, so I did manage to snap a photo of our little bottle-bed, tiny kitten Simon, all grown up to the size of a duffle bag, but flopped over here on someone's old kilt. He's kind of contorted himself to catch a few winks.
THE BELL AND THE BUZZ
AT DOG 'N' KITTY CITY
We've previously told the story of these two rescued dogs, Bell, the female, and Buzz, the boy, but that doesn't mean they were immediately snapped up quick as a guy with five newfound bucks buys a Lotto Texas ticket on Wednesday. 
Nope, they've been in the care of the famed Humane Society of Dallas County shelter Dog 'n' Kitty City for a while now. We got the reminder on these two from the veteran animal advocate and rescuer Kimberly Jones who has been working to help them find better lives.
Bell is regarded as a "retired cattle dog" at the shelter and is officially listed as a "Cattle Dog/CoonHound mix." She's about 4. She came in with Buzz after they were moved around in some unpleasant circumstances and finally rescued and placed at the no-kill shelter. Bell doesn't "sit still for long", her bio says. And she is "not interested in playing with toys," her bio reads. It also says, "However, if you have doggie treats in your hand, she will chase those down all day long! Bell is not overly needy for attention and affection. Although she loves to be petted and scratched, she doesn't necessarily seek it out. We believe she would be happy and content with friendly feet to lay beside, a warm bed in the house, and a yard to run in. She just needs consistency and a place where she can feel safe! Although Bell came to us with a friend, in the shelter she has shown aggression towards other dogs. She will need to be placed in a home as the only pet. We would love to see this sweetheart have a brand new start. There is something so adorable about her personality and demeanor."
That friend is this boy Buzz, a mixed-breed with a brown, white and chocolate coat. We've run that hug photo before -- it catches Buzz's personality. His bio reads, "Love! Love! Love this big, beautiful boy! Although he has an independent spirit, he can be affectionate and endearing . He is 8 years young and had a tough life. Despite the hardships he has endured, he still seems to exude joy! He just makes everyone at the shelter happy! Great news - he seems to be POTTY TRAINED! He is also DOG FRIENDLY, but NO cats please. Although strong, Buzz is great on a leash. The volunteers at the shelter walk him daily and cannot say enough great things about him. He has not shown much interest in playing with toys or playing fetch, but that could change once feeling safe and secure in a new home."
See how to adopt these two at dognkittycity.org.
You can also find some cats at that site. And we found this girl Akira with a fantastic set of whiskers. She's a Tuxedo girl, black and white and born May 29, 2017.
Akira is at dog Dog 'n' Kitty City because her human died. And, the shelter bio reads, she's "been kind of sad since arriving" but is beginning to come out of her shell. As you may suspect, she needs a loving human to help her adjust to her new life and home.

RUBY THE PREGNANT MIX
AND PABLO THE LONELY DOG
These two are in the Mesquite Animal Shelter and one has presented the facility with a surprise — that would be Ruby. She's "rescue only" right now. Oh, boy, this is a story: You see here a photo of youngish Ruby, a 2-year-old mix who came into the Mesquite Shelter as a stray on September 30, our tipster, Mesquite Dog Biographer Debra Chisholm reports. "Until very recently, no one suspected that she was pregnant." [LARRY NOTE: That second photo of Ruby is kind of, well, a big hint!] Debra writes, "She has been seen by a vet who has verified that she is carrying 9-10 pups. Unfortunately before anyone knew she was pregnant, she contracted an upper respiratory infection and on 10/11-10/21 was given doxycycline to combat the infection.  Vet is unsure how the medication will affect the unborn pups."

Debra says Ruby "walks nicely on a leash, goes to the potty in the yard, has a mellow personality and yet is lively and spunky.  She does not jump on you.  Ruby knows the sit command and will sit for treats, taking them gently.  She chases tennis balls but does not know to return them.  She is a friendly girl with a sweet nature.  A city shelter is no place to give birth to a litter of pups. Please help Ruby find a quiet place to have her puppies.  The Mesquite Shelter is overcrowded due to many dogs being surrendered and brought in as strays and there is simply no good place for Ruby to have her pups there." Ruby is #48769014 — use her ID when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com."
That brings us to the Pablo report from Mesquite Dog Biographer Judi Brown. [LARRY ASIDE: Pablo has nothing to do with Ruby's situation, we hasten to add.]
Pablo, #48894661, is a 2-year-old, 8-pound boy who is either a Chihuahua or, maybe, a Chiweenie. He's got "beautiful bronze coloring," Judi writes. "How could you not fall in love with this sweet boy with a kind face?"
Pablo came into the shelter on Oct. 18 — he was a stray on the loose with a dog who appeared to be his sister. "They were very bonded and she has been adopted," Judi says. "He was very dependent on her. She gave him a lot of comfort. So now he needs someone that is understanding, patient, and will give him lots of TLC. I spent a lot of time with him and he did warm up to me. He even wagged his tail and jumped on my lap. He's a lap dog wannabe. But first you need to spend time with him to build up his trust. … He was too intimidated to introduce him to other dogs. … Pablo needs out of the shelter and into a loving, accepting  home ASAP! Not only is he a cutie pie and very sweet, he is already fixed!"[LARRY ASIDE: And, ladies and gents, you see why readlarrypowell.com cleared him of any civil action in the Ruby situation.]
To ask about saving Pablo and giving him hope and a home, use his ID #48894661 when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
TWO DOGS WAITING
IN DIFFERENT FW SITUATIONS
While perusing the scores and scores of animals waiting for adoption or rescue or..well, you know … in Fort Worth Animal Care and Control we found two dogs in two different states of shelter existence. Both are at the North Animal Campus of FWACC.
Here's the deal with that astounding Earhound with the fantastic facial accents. That dog's actual name is unknown, so he's listed as #48942394. And if you adopt him, you can name him. Clearly #48942394 is an Earhound. [ LARRY ASIDE: And, of course, we have to ask, why is another German Shepherd type dog in city shelter in the greater North Texas Metroplexian Makes-No-Sense Animal Dumping Grounds?]
Back to this dog. He came in on October 25 and is listed as being in the "New Arrival" stage.
That is completely unlike Anna Miller (#48638405), a just over 2-years-old Pittie mix who came in on October 10 and the reason readlarrypowell.com spotted her is your friendly neighborhood dogfan Larry was looking at the animals on Fort Worth's "CODE RED" list. And there was beautiful Anna Miller. We have no idea why the name. We have no idea why she's in isolation at the shelter.
Outside of the personality evident in that photograph, we know nothing of Anna Miller except that she's on the needle list.
For either of these dogs, email fwacctag@fortworthtexas.gov. No calls, just emails and visits. And you can see more Code Red Cowtown animals by clicking HERE .
[LARRY ASIDE: Some people say you can't save 'em all. Maybe not in the next 10 minutes, but you could start today by saving these two.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
THE FUTURE, ICE CREAM AND A SPOONFUL
In Tuesday's email, I got one with a subject line that read "Larry, land your next job on LinkedIn" and immediately I thought, "No thanks. I've got a surefire Lotto Texas ticket for Wednesday. Gonna need it if I intend to keep putting gas in my car the rest of this month." Anybody know how quickly the Lotto pays off? Gas prices kind of skyrocketed, didn't they. I may have to get a loan to drive to Austin to get the check. …
The daily news tip sheet The Rundown from The Great Jeff Crilley, the veteran newsman who founded Real News PR, had a very tempting story Tuesday. This features a grocery store in Plattsmouth, Neb. (at the mouth of the Platte —from the French for 'flat'— River). Workers created a 2,960-pound ice cream sandwich with 32 2-foot by 3-foot cookies and 182 14-pound cylinders of ice cream — looks like vanilla in the video HERE. I'm pretty sure I was born with the natural ability to polish off that ice cream sandwich in one sitting — one sitting of several days, but I'd never tag out! I'd wrestle it into submission. I'd give it a shot — but, even as I typed that "give it a shot" suggestion, alarms were going off in my assorted doctors' offices. …
I couldn't find an actual current ice cream song that sounded innocent, so I picked a 1966 song from a group whose name suggests what you might feel when you take that first nibble of ice cream. Click on THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL. 
 It's not summer in the city in North Texas, but the temperature could change at any moment.
— Offer ice cream advice or dieting advice by licking, I mean "clicking",  on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put 'LAY OFF THE SWEETS, CHUBSTER' in the subject line. —

EDITION OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 [PetPowellPress] Here we go with an edition for this particular day of the week. You've, perhaps, noticed that photograph. That is our quiet street at sunrise on Tuesday. Only a hint of rain — a sprinkle, or as my little boy Bret would say in his pre-school days, "It's sparklin'!"
This looks nothing like Indian Lake in Denville, N.J., home of our stellar Eastern Seaboard Bureau and veteran journalist Andy Fisher, our Bureau Chief. He reported early Tuesday morning, "Four inches in the rain gauge and more to come, the weather gurus say." So, from coast to coast to coast and border-to-border (East, Gulf, West; Canada, Mexico) may your weather turn out to be beneficial to your area and not the big scary thing all the new 21st Century weather gadgets predict.
May we have autumnal breezes; soft, generous rains; no searing or freezing temps — especially during the World Series. Go Rangers! What? Oh, yeah. Wait 'til next year or, as usual, the year after…. And why is that Greyhound smiling? Read on:
A DOG WHO HAS WON A HEART
BUT NEEDS TO WIN A HOME
Oh, boy, look at that great Rottie-style face! That is Hugo, #48327641, a 4-year-old Rottweiler mix who has been in the Mesquite Animal Shelter since July 30 and our pal Judi Brown is Hugo's official biographer. She says he "follows you around like a little puppy dog; lavishes you with slopping kisses!" 
She wrote that, basically, Hugo deserves another "look" because he's been in the shelter "way too long." Judi also added, "He's tired of waiting. He may have been passed by for a while because he had goopy eyes. He has been given several rounds of eye drops and his eyes appear to be much better. Please either tag or network Hugo. He needs out of the Shelter ASAP!"
Her original evaluation of Hugo read that he "is a handsome boy with beautiful brown and black coloring and hazel eyes. He greeted me in the kennel with wiggles and tail wags. I bent down and got my face washed with kisses! He kept his kennel clean and then did his business as soon as he got out into the yard. He explored the yard with his nose briefly, but then chose to follow me around. He literally followed me everywhere I went! When I sat down he tried to crawl on my lap.... all 64 pounds. So, he's a lap dog wanna be! He's gentle and calm. He wants to please. He sits for treats and takes them relatively gently. When I walked him through the bay he went nose to nose with a few dogs but some were barking at him and that agitated him. For that reason I would suggest further dog testing. He's a sweet, loving boy that wants to hang out with you. He would like to be at your feet while you're watching TV or reading a good book. He would also like to go for walks with you." Use his ID, #48327641, when you call the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
LILO THE SURRENDERED CAT WAITS;
SO DO 2 BONDED ADORABLE DOGS
We're highlighting 3 animals from the Lancaster Shelter. And the tip on them came from the folks with 4-Legged Helpers, the non-profit group. The Helpers report that this boy Lilo has a $100 donation pledged to the 501c3 non-profit that'll rescue him from the city shelter. He's also adoptable — you just get the handsome cat, not the donation, if you adopt him. Either way, he gets out of the shelter and it pays off for Lilo.
Described as a "young, male Gray Pastel Tabby," Lilo came into the shelter because he was an "owner-release from someone that could not care fo him." The Helpers' bio reads, "He is truly gorgeous and so SWEET.  Very loving and affectionate. He is not too sure about dogs being a friend so he will need either a dog-free home or someone willing to show him a nice doggie that will be friendly. He is a beautiful kitty and has such a sweet little face.  SO deserving." To help save Lilo, call or text the Helpers at 214-949-2726 or email cat_girl_71@yahoo.com. 
[LARRY ASIDE: Lilo looks as if he might have show-business intentions — kind of poses for the camera in one of those shots as if he's just finished singing the theme from Cats and is letting the applause wash across his soul!]
NOW ABOUT TWO DOGS… Zuri is that shorter female and Aiden is the larger male, both listed as "bulldogs" in their bios from 4-Legged helpers. That bio reads, "This is the SWEETEST, MOST CUDDLY, little bonded pair ever. About 3 years old. They are complete lovebugs and adore each other and all other dogs.  LOVE PEOPLE.  Zuri is 48 pounds and Aiden is 67 pounds. They have been treated with Bravecto by the shelter in an attempt to help with what appears in all likelihood to be demodec mange. THEY ARE THE CUTEST LITTLE SHORTIES EVER … Adorable sweetie pies!" [LARRY ASIDE: And all the signs are there that whoever had them before didn't treat 'em quite as nicely as they deserve. This might be the right time to take in a pair of pups who appreciate being adored by someone who adores them back.]
THOSE GREYHOUND RESCUERS
ENJOYING ANOTHER BUSY WEEK
Now, we've mentioned these two dogs, Nick (droopy ears) and Nora (not at all droopy ears!), before. The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas acquired them when they were rescued from an animal cruelty situation in Paul's Valley, Okla., as puppies. Such young puppies that they were labeled "Greyhound puppies" at the outset. 
As you can see, they are not. They are a pair of American Staffy/Boxer mixes who became Honorary Greyhounds with GALT. As such, they have witnessed hard work for sweet dogs by the big hearts at GALT.
While they're still available for adoption, GALT continues to rescue other dogs, not just Greyhounds, but, in this case some Whippets, too. The latest story from GALT says that this week the"intake team" has been busy "welcoming 19 new hounds to the GALT family" and that raises the population to 112 dogs in the program. [LARRY CASH AND CRITTER NOTE: Yes, donations would be nice — GALT says each new arrival has a $750 veterinary/chipping/etc. bill at the outset — adds up with 19 dogs, doesn't it! See how to donate at galtx.org. See how to adopt at the same link!]]
The 4 female Whippets, surrendered by a former breeder who "could no longer care for them, are Desi and Annie, both 8, and Chloe (5) and Sakura (4).
Then, on Tuesday, GALT got 15 former racing hounds. That added 5 more females and 10 males. GALT's report reads, "Lulu, a four year old, just retired from racing at Southland Greyhound Park. The other hounds came to us directly from Greyhound farms. Most are young, born sometime in 2020."
At its kennel, GALT has 50 hounds awaiting foster homes — see how to foster at galtx.org, also! And see what intake looks like when all those dogs arrive at GALT.
[LARRY ASIDE: We cribbed some of those photos from that sight because they're just so darned adorable, these Greyhounds. You see the Greyhound in the Red Mask (I think that was an opera, right). Then there's the Greyhound helping to fill out a medical form — see that clipboard — just like your doctor's office, right —more paperwork fewer Band-Aids. And, lastly the dog with the happy face. Just needs someone to smile at every day! Bless those hounds and the humans who help them!]
CONTEMPLATIONS
JUST A FEW NOTES…
My pal Andy Fisher, the crackerjack, long-time print/broadcast journalist and all-round swell fellow, and I were discussing weather Tuesday morning — his New Jersey area is getting a soaking. Really smart and determined stepson Ian, working on a postgrad degree, "is going to class via video today," Andy wrote. "I remember my high school wouldn't cancel classes unless the headmaster couldn't get to his office— and he lived on the property!" Ah, my fellow Texans, any of you outside of the Panhandle remember going to school in the snow because the early morning AM radio reported that the school district had declared "the roads are clear"? Yep, cheated out of a good day of storybook winter play. Darnit, had to learn something that day. Can't remember what it was. Might have been how to diagram sentences. Lost art, I suspect…
Can't adjust to the rapid witch-on-a-jet-broom approach of Halloween. Seems like about 20 minutes ago I was happy it was Labor Day and the State Fair of Texas would open soon. One more time: I didn't get enough of the 2021 State Fair of Texas. The theme for the 2022 State Fair? Not announced yet. Probably won't be "Enjoy the Texas Snow." Not after the 2021 winter! …
See that photo of those Greyhounds in the field? It came from the newsletter of the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas this week and to show you that Greyhound people have a sense of humor, here's how the photo description read:
 "As it is Greyhound Awareness Month, we thought we'd update you on the state of the Greyhound crop this year. These hounds are nearly done ripening in the field. If you too have Greyhounds sun-baking, be sure to check them frequently." Yep, Greyhounds in the field! Play your cards right and GALT will make sure you have a dog with a sense of humor! Bless the rescuers of all kinds of dogs, cats and other critters — it's a hard job to do if you don't have a laugh now and then!
—- Offer advice or stories of happy rescuers by clicking on 'comment' below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put 'ONLY AND IDIOT LAUGHS LIKE YOU DO' in the subject line. I'll cackle. —-

Care Companion Animal Rescue Effort Cedar Park Tx

Source: https://readlarrypowell.typepad.com/

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