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From calls for help, to phones and Van Lingle Mungo...

We have some stories that may touch hearts today.
At least one of them should have touched hearts a week ago, but you never know what’s going on in the world.
It isn’t like there isn’t any pressure on rescuers and do-gooders. Still.... well, read on. We’ll get to it.

FIRST, A KITTEN: You’ve got to love the creeps North Texas turns out. They are legion and they are about as sorry as you can find on the planet.
You can’t beat ‘em. You might want to, but that would be wrong and, as we know, two wrongs don’t make a right. So, good people, grind your teeth as you read this report from the great animal-saver, Martha Hofmeister, the Dallas lawyer who created what her admirers call “the Marthanet” -- a surefire rescue network.
She began, “Hey, want to save a kitten’s life?”
Then she writes about Luann Hicks‘ latest Dallas animal adventure.
“Luann works for Meals on Wheels. When she was out delivering in a poor neighborhood about a week ago, she saw a methed-out guy throw this kitten away in a flower pot because he pooped in the house (not his exact words). She took the kitten to the vet to have him checked out and was warned by one of this guy's neighbors not to bring the kitten back as the ‘owner’ was abusive. Luann told the guy that the kitten is very sick and needs to stay at the vet's.
“He's about seven weeks old. Luann does not have an ideal living situation for him (she has five rescued dogs, and one 16-year-old rescued cat - none of whom tolerate the kitten).
“She said he purrs like a lawnmower when he's loved on. He's currently at Katy Trail Animal Hospital. To ask about this lively kitten email luannhh@gmail.com or call 214-522-3035.
THE STORY WE’RE WAITING TO TELL: You’ve seen these dogs here before. Jess and Daisy. They are the loyal companions of Laura Patterson.
The story we are waiting to tell is the one that says Laura is experiencing tremendous emotional relief because her dogs have a place to go.
As you recall, Laura is in the grip of pancreatic cancer. She’s getting  things in order for her wonderful senior dogs. Yes, they’re old. Yes, one of them has a medical condition that is controlled by meds. But both are good companions and their fates should be 
Here’s what we reported back on June 11. “Jess is the 14-year-old male, 70-pound neutered brown and white mix and Daisy is the 45-pound, 13-year-old spayed Pointer mix. Laura says she got them when they were puppies. They’ve all lived together for all those years. Daisy is completely healthy, but Jess has Addison’s Disease and gets daily medication and a monthly injection.”
Yesterday, Laura sent us a note that read, “Starting to get some movement. My sister-in-law in Massachusetts belongs to an  Addison's group (one of her dogs has it) and she put it out on the blog-o-sphere, which helped a lot.  Still keeping paws crossed however. “
As you veteran rescuers know, “movement” can frequently be uncertain. It’s always good to have some solid situations. To help Laura, email lchildspat@sbcglobal.net.
GABI, SAVED AND LOVED: We wrote about Gabi when our pal Della Wallace discovered the awful situation. She stepped in and rescued Gabi. And, now on our Prayers & Passages page, there is one more story about this former “throw-away dog.” Click on the Prayers & Passages button in the upper right corner of this page to read about Gabi. A heartbroken Della told us yesterday, “This is my Gabi! I am her Mum!”
The "before" photos of Gabi are pretty sad -- exactly what you'd expect to see if the words "neglected" and "starving" are in the description. It's better to remember Gabi as a little dog who was loved.
CARROLLTON’S CLOCK IS TICKING:  We got a note from Carrollton in the afternoon that said there’d been no movement by anyone to get the many dogs off the Carrollton Animal Shelter’s death row before the Tuesday evening deadline. 
Among those animals is this one -- Buddy, who we featured yesterday.
To offer to help any of the animals, call Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise (CARE) at 972-466-3420 or email care@cityofcarrollton.com. You can see the death row animals by clicking on the Facebook link HERE.
TRYING TO HELP CHANCE: Krista Mc Anally, the director of the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake Shelter at Tool, Texas, is trying to keep a dog out of the facility.
Chance is his name and Krista says that “if Chance cannot find rescue or a foster, he will be bought to the shelter on Thursday or Friday.”
She doesn’t want him in the shelter; she wants him in a  good home or a good rescue group.
Here’s the story: Chance is “a 6- to 8-year-old Pit Bull that was picked up by a Good Samaritan 2 weeks ago. Amy [the Good Samaritan] has taken him to the vet and gotten his shots and taken him into her home. But she cannot keep him. 
“He is current on his shots, housebroken, good with other dogs and loves people. “Chance needs a loving home to live out the rest of his years with the care and affection that he has probably never known.”
To ask about helping Chance, email Krista at dogshsccl@yahoo.com or call 903-432-3422.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Does the new Superman movie make you miss phone booths? Beg pardon? What’s a phone booth? I don’t know of one in North Texas offhand, but my funspouse Martha and her funsister Donna found one a couple of months ago outside the Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero, Calif. You walk into it, pick up a phone headset off a cradle, drop some change into the slot -- oh, I’ve lost you whippersnappers, haven’t I? Calls used to cost a nickel, then a dime, then a quarter, then everybody got cell phones and booths began to vanish. ... Favorite cheese? Havarti? Cheddar? Bleu? Asiago? Spray? ... How about those Texas Rangers? They won a game, beating the division-leading Oakland Athletics, ending a six-game losing streak. Two in a row? Is that possible? In honor of the Texas Rangers, we’re going to cite Dave Frishberg’s jazz hit from 1969. Click on Van Lingle Mungo and swing away.
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The beat goes on...

Let’s see what’s on the typing agenda for this fine Monday.
This is going to be a long Monday report. Lots of animals need help, lots of people need help with animals and lots of people need praise.
Oh, one Texas Rangers note: This is Buddy, a Lab mix in the Carrollton Animal Services shelter. This photo was taken BEFORE the Rangers loaded the bases in the 9th and dribbled in one run on a weak infield hit, then lost the game, 7-2. [At the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, the beating goes on.]
Buddy has the greatest face for a grinning dog -- and, in that photo on the right -- for a dog sweating out his odds in the Carrolton shelter. [All the photos on Readlarrypowell.com are courtesy of the shelters, groups or people trying to help them.] More on Buddy and other Carrollton dogs later. But I just couldn’t resist starting Monday with what looks like Buddy’s impression of a kiss-up employee spotting the new boss for the first time after a corporate takeover. Perhaps I read too much into the photograph -- but he’s so human, as eyewitnesses to corporate kiss-ups will tell you. No offense to corporations, of course.
Let’s just move on:
ADVISING CONGRESS: The Texas Humane Legislation Network, just about worn out from advising the Texas Legislature on animal issues, is turning its attention to some bills in the big Congress in Washington, D.C. If you go to www.thln.org you’ll see an alert asking for citizen help in guiding Texas Congressmen as they prepare to vote on bills involving the treatment of farm animals nationwide. You’d think Congress could relate to some animals you find on a farm. Which reminds me, the SPCA of Texas has some equine adoptions available.  For example, there’s that pig, Petunia, a year old and available. And the donkey is 15-year-old Jingle. If elected, both swear to feed at the public trough and Jingle promises to be stubborn as a mule about things. See more adoptables at www.spca.org.
A REBOUNDING DOG: Our reliable tipster Stacey the Stylist (that’s Stacey Carney who monitors things west of the Metrosprawl) sent us a note about this dog in Cisco, Texas.
She wrote, “This poor baby is on her third attempt at a new home. How I’m not sure. She's absolutely adorable. she was born in the shelter and taken into foster care. Her last owner had large dogs and she was mauled -- no blood but badly bruised. So the foster took her back and now needs to find her a forever home. She has had a bad run of luck and is ready for a real  home.  She enjoys kids grade school-age.  Her favorite things are paper and being laundry specialist in finding socks in clothes basket. She is potty pad trained."
The dog was born on Feb. 9 -- she’s a Cairn/Chihuahua mix who tops the scales at 4 pounds.
Stacey says, “Her foster mom is an amazing lady and our ONLY on-sight volunteer.”
To offer to help place this dog, call 254-631-7029 or you can email  stacey_the_stylist@yahoo.com.
SHIPPED OUT OF DALLAS AND SAVED: Over the weekend, Tawana Couch, founder of the Society for Companion Animals, sent a bunch of photos of dogs that had been flown from Dallas to New York State.
SFCA moves unwanted dogs from Dallas to shelters that can adopt them. The Middletown Humane Society got a load of discarded and endangered Dallas dogs and adopted out nearly a dozen of them in May, including this year-old terrier mix, Raffles.
To ask about helping Tawana with this missions -- she always needs transportation help and help with loading and unloading and, of course, money -- email tawanacouch@mac.com . Read about the Society HERE.
HOT TIME, SUMMER IN THE CITY -- Wait, not quite summer. But it’s late, late spring and there’s some simmer in the atmosphere. Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise sent us a note about dogs on the clock at the city shelter -- the needle goes in after 6 p.m. Tuesday if nobody steps up to save these lives.
We decided to show off the summer faces of several of these dogs.
After all, you’ll want to know what your new friend will look like when it’s so hot that sweat runs into human eyes and blurs things.
These dogs are all eligible for rescue right now. Just as only you can prevent forest fires, only humans can save their lives. Fact of life in the urban sprawl.
Call 972-466-3420, or email CARE@cityofcarrollton.com. See the endangered animals on Facebook HERE, Some of these are “rescue only” because of their breed, but I’m running as many of their photos as I can because maybe you know someone who can help them get off death row.
All of the big dogs were strays who found their way into the shelter.
But that little Chihuahua-looking mix, Honey, weighs in at 17 pounds and was taken to the shelter by someone who told CARE that “they did not have the room” for the dog. Obviously, she’s a gigantic dog.  Perhaps when  the owner said  he or she didn’t have room, he or she meant room in the heart.
You've already met Buddy. The other dogs are, from left, and I’m not kidding about this name: Chips A Hoy, then Ron, and Mary -- all with the Hot Weather Summer Dog Tongue Look. It’s the style right now. 
ARLINGTON T-N-R PROGRESS -- The Arlington Feral Cat Coalition says things are looking up. The trap-neuter-return proposal for the busy city is going to be discussed at at a Code Committee meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Arlington City Hall, then, if things work out, again at the general city council meeting at 6:30 p.m. -- that’s from an email from TNR activist Kathy Beeler. You can follow this effort on Facebook HERE. Organizers urge supporters of TNR to show up at the meetings with a splash of red -- blouse, shirt, scarf, hat -- to demonstrate support.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Nope. Purebred Chocolate Lab -- registered, 3-year-old spayed female named Mocha. Needs a home. This was forwarded to us by Sydney Busch, our reliable tipster with Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake -- the subject line was “Looking for the perfect lake dog?”
Indeed, the 100-pound, happy girl needs a home “because her owners don’t have time to give her the life she deserves. She is kept outside in a hot backyard with nothing to do.” She’s said to be good natured around adults, kids and other dogs. “She loves to swim and retrieve.” Call 903-887-3537 or 214-238-4850 or email janhflowers7@gmail.com.
Mocha’s the name, being a Lab is the game. Lab people know how much loving fun that is.
FROM CORSICANA, AN AFFECTIONATE POINTER MIX: This dog is year-old Sadie -- she’s being threatened with a ride to “a very high kill shelter in rural Corsicana.”
Tabitha Wilkes, who generally does cat rescue, is working to find a home for Sadie. 
Here’s what she wrote, “Long story short, I picked up 2 of Sadie's sisters (Penny & Maizy) back in October. They were in the usual street dog condition- very poor. They were young enough that I was able to keep them in a kennel for a few days until I could place them. 
“I did regular drive-bys daily in the area where I found the 2, just in case there were more. A couple of weeks later I discovered their mother chained to a tree in a backyard and Sadie was by her side. I reported it to animal control but no 'laws' were being broken. I kept driving by in hopes Sadie would wander off property so I could save her, but she never did.
“A few months passed and I went again to check on her and was told by neighbors that the family in the house had moved out, 2 weeks earlier. The mama dog was missing but Sadie was still right there, in the backyard.
“I trapped Sadie and got her into a foster situation where she has been socialized and spayed, but the man of the hose says Sadie has to go ‘right away’ and plans to take her to our high kill shelter on his next day off work. He is tired of foster dogs. ... Sadie is an outside dog only. They have worked with her, but she has never known a house and doesn't want to be in one. That is the trouble I have had in placing her.”
Email texasartspot@yahoo.com or call 903-874-4497.
EVERMAN ROTTIE DIDN’T PRODUCE ENOUGH PUPPIES, WINDS UP ON DEATH ROW: Heather Harrison, the volunteer who pitches the animals that wind up in the Everman Animal Shelter, send a note Sunday night saying the “Everman pound is beyond full. They are coming in faster than they are going out. There is no space left. All dogs are now at the risk of euthanasia.”
She sent the collage on the right.
But you also see that photo collection of Ariel.
She is a 2-year-old Rottie. “This sweet girl was surrendered to the pound for NOT producing enough puppies for her owners! She is very sweet, submissive, and well behaved.  Appears to have been abused possibly.  Good with other dogs.
[Larry aside: Someone needs to make sure the ex- owners don’t get another fertile dog. Not going to change their minds, probably, so you’ll have to change their access.]
Oh, and don't forget Tyson the Boxer. Still waiting in Everman. Big, lovely dog and not a soul interested in saving his life. How can that be?
To ask about helping any of these dogs (clip on the photos to make them larger), call 309-299-5665 or email nickale7@yahoo.com.
AUCTION A BIG HIT AT TOP HAT ‘N’ TAILS: Lots of success Saturday night at Top Hat ‘n’ Tails, the Paws in the City annual fundraiser. I was home with the dogs and cats working on some surefire literary blockbuster things when the Paws In The City president, my funspouse Martha, called excitedly from the Frontiers of Flight Museum. There was lively music in the background, laughter, that sort of thing.
She said the auctioneers -- longtime TV and personality Scott Murray and beloved former Dallas Cowboy Preston Pearson, a Paws mainstay since the beginning -- were really working hard on behalf of animals. They were running the live auction in an extraordinarily crowd-pleasant fashion, now and then creating special unplanned golf outings with Mr. Pearson to boost the bidding.
Ah, but there was a big surprise in the house! The featured personality for the evening Chelsie Hightower of Dancing With the Stars, offered an unplanned package that included a visit to Dancing’ With the Stars in Hollywood and introductions to celebrities. Keep reading. You won't believe the deal -- just know that it’ll help a lot of animals.
As you know, it takes more than one person to pull off an event the size of Top Hat ‘n’ Tails. Paws President Martha sent this note of gratitude to Readlarrypowell.com Sunday afternoon. She wrote, “Tina Fairbanks, event chair, Becky Haisma, event producer, and dozens of volunteers worked their hearts out and pulled off another amazing feat. Volunteers worked for weeks and then from early morning to past midnight, stopping only briefly to put on a top hat, tails or a coat of mascara before the guests arrived. The dancer donors were fabulous with their Arthur Murray partners. The most jaw-dropping fun, though, was the way Scott Murray
and Preston Pearson double-teamed the live auction, sweetening the deals for bidders to score the most money for the homeless pets we serve. The big finish was provided by honorary chair Chelsie Hightower, who could not resist joining in Preston and Scott's auction riffing. The two tickets she donated to ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in L.A.  were literally snapped up in seconds for $9,000. We can save a lot of cats and dogs with that money. It is humbling to see everyone come together for a cause like this.”
You can navigate to the Paws In The City dogs and cats by going to the site HERE. AsMartha points out to me, it takes money to save these animals, but it also takes open hearts to bring the animals into homes.
On that Paws site you’ll find Cha Cha the Cat -- ain’t she a beaut? And you’ll find (lower photo) this dog Peaches, who showed up inside the bars on our front porch in Oak Cliff -- so thin I thought she would die on the spot. But the great Paws founder Becky Haisma helped me find a place for Peaches (this was before Martha was on the board of Paws!) and Peaches’ life was saved. She has since been through a special behavioral training program with inmates at a prison and graduated with honors! She was helped by Paws In The City’s fundraising efforts.
And so was this little dog Colby.

Colby was at Top Hat ‘n’ Tails and had a role in the stage presentation. But little Colby, who came to Paws In The City from Dallas Animal Services, is a three-legged dog and he’s just now getting used to the situation.  He’s a 5-month-old Doberman/Vizsla mix who is living in a foster home and working on learning about the ol’ saying, “Dogs are born with three legs and a spare.”Martha says little Colby stuggled a little in negotiating the steps to the stage, then, when Colby was reluctant to try to go down the steps, someone scooped him up and hugged him and carried him out of the spotlight, showing Colby some special affection, much to the crowd's pleasure. He and other dogs and cats there were examples of the animals being helped by the event.
CONTEMPLATIONS: I really want to say something today to rescuers and to rescue-group members and supporters whether you’re helping the giant well-established organizations or you’re a shelter worker making important connections with rescuers and adoptors or whether you’re the little groups of two or three friends who decide to help the animals that roam into the neighborhood. You are to be applauded for opening up your heart to these wonderful and sometimes not-so-wonderful just yet animals -- you are frequently their only hope. You also are so frequently the person who brightens another person’s life by making the right connection -- a friend finds a friend because of you. Yeah, proudly wear the label “animal nut” -- that means you’ve got the most human of hearts. ... Saw a headline over the weekend: “Woman’s life savings destroyed by termites” and my first thought was, “She’s lucky. Rats got mine.”  My apologies to any actual rats. ... Some marketing outfits sent me an email with this subject line: “Break Free from Your Cocoon of Idleness Like a Sweaty Butterfly.” A sweaty butterfly? Ah, of course, here’s your song of the day from the great Bob Lind, “The Sweaty Butterfly of Love.” Click HERE.
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(1) Tandem couch-sleepers; (2) A rescuer's challenge

Welcome to the weekend and our long-running feature “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.”
Over the years we’ve published hundreds of photos of sleeping dogs and cats, other critters and three or four husbands out like a light -- either people send their pictures to us or we snap one around the house.
That’s the story of this photo. Snapped it around the house. I have had many stern warnings about photographing my slumberspouse Martha when she’s sleeping. I could not resist this time.
I had been typing and re-typing some literarily startling sentence in a short story or a letter or something when I decided I needed a fizzy water. As I stood to leave the desk area, I glanced at the couch in front of the television and spotted Martha asleep with her head on the arm of the sofa.
If you have animals at your house, you probably are aware of this practice -- buy a cheap cover and throw it over the good upholstery to keep pawprints from decorating it. That’s why we have this fascinating jungle print over a red couch that is so bright it looks like it’s battery operated.
Anyway, there’s Martha comfy and asleep with her blonde noggin on the arm -- that dog with the fascinating facial pattern is Porche Noel. She had wanted to pile up on Martha and sleep -- happens now and then -- but Martha had apparently discouraged that, so Porche crawled up onto the back cushion of the couch and gently began to flow down off the cushion onto her pal Martha.
Anyway, just for the record, that dog is a Dallas street dog. Showed up on our front porch at Christmas a few years ago, hence, Porche Noel is her name.  She’s a hoot. And so is Martha.
[To nominate your household slumberer for the spotlight of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, send the photo and info to dallrp@aol.com. Remember, we present these photos of slumbering beings to encourage those among us who are insomniacs, as I am.]

A NEEDLESS ADVENTURE WITH A DOG:

We’ve mentioned Cheryl Hausenfluck on Readlarrypowell.com before. She’s a rescuer. Usually gets the oddball cases.
Nothing changed, as last week proved. Veteran rescuers know these things just happen. One day you’re worried about familiar number of animals -- your animals -- and the next they’e arriving in buckets and they’re in bad shape. The odds are awful. 
Cheryl’s been coping with this all week after taking in this momma dog -- not name but Cheryl’s calling her, informally, “Little One.”
The only uplifting part of this story is that someone took a sincere shot at saving the mom and her litter. The odds were awful -- worse for some of the puppies than for others.
Cheryl’s first note on Thursday morning read, “Little stray dog had 9 puppies. Five didn’t make it so far. A couple were born dead. And one died yesterday after I took pictures. ..  just too weak. And one has a tear all the way through the skin on its back ... I’m doing the best I can and I have several rescue groups trying to network her and the pups.”
[Larry aside: Seriously, what rescue group or household is immediately prepared to take in a momma dog and sickly pups? Nobody, right? It’s just a challenge most people can’t handle. But there are good hearts who try. Anybody who has ever picked up a litter of kittens or saved a stray and had her domino in your garage knows what the biggest challenge is: survival. Just simple survival.]
I sent back a note to Cheryl asking, “Don’t you ever get involved with a normal dog situation?”
And she replied, “No, of course not. That would be too easy.”
The bluntly persuasive Cheryl explained, “I just couldn’t let this little dog go to the pound. I told my friend she could save herself a trip and take the dog out back and shoot her because that was going to be the same outcome at the shelter -- just with a needle. 
“So she let me take her to my house -- and I would keep her but she wants to eat my cat.  No aggression towards the dogs or people but see the cat and she goes berserk.“
While coping with this dog and her pups, Cheryl contacted her vet who said the momma would get some vaccinations that “won’t interfere with her nursing.” The vet also was going to take a look at the injured puppy. But by Friday morning, that dog and the runt of the litter were dead.
So, what's the dog's name and what's next?  “I haven't called her anything yet. ‘Little One.’ I guess. I may have some leads  on a home.”
But nothing is solid. And it wouldn’t hurt to have some backups. To offer to help Cheryl with this poor dog and her surviving puppies, call 940-368-1076.
[Larry aside: This is a story that is not infrequently repeated in the greater metrosprawl. People fail to spay and neuter. The result is street dogs or neglected dogs give birth to huge litters. Over the years, I’ve marveled at the fact that show dogs and other “high-dollar dogs” will have a litter of one to three puppies, but street dogs -- without nurturing or benefit of any special food or vet care -- will deliver litters of a half-dozen to a dozen, sometimes beyond. If the puppies don’t die from pre-natal neglect, they are born into a world where nobody wants them. They get about seven or eight weeks to find a home and then they either repeat the life their mother was living or they go to a city or county shelter where they are petted lovingly as somebody shoves a needle full of death juice into their little wiggling bodies, making them absolutely still and lifeless within seconds.  Got to be some way to make people smarter about taking care of their animals. Big Fix For Big D, the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, the Kaufman County Animal Awareness Project, Feral Friends, the SPCA, etc. -- they’re all preaching the gospel but the people who need to be converted aren’t showing up for church.]

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A long Friday wrapup: A tortured dog with "night terrors," Curly comes home and other tales...

It’s Friday and the birthday of the U.S. Army. In honor of the Army we’re going to use this picture of Pippin to note that, in military slang, there is a word that represents the Infantry. You may have heard someone yell, “Hey, dogface!”
If the dogfaces were all this handsome, Hollywood would station cameras at  Army bases and look for matinee idols.
You just can’t beat the face of these Lab fellows for total adorability.
More on him later today. And we’ll discuss Curly, the Fair Park performing Macaw who is, well, a “flight risk.” She’s been found after an adventure. More in a minute.
Now, read about Shadow. I had to start today’s report with someone other than Shadow because the Shadow story is one ugly episode in the history of mankind. Mercifully, something good happened. Read on:
THE STORY OF SHADOW: Anne Fletcher sent me the first note about attempts to raise some medical support money for this pup Shadow -- a dog who “does wake up with night terrors of sorts.”
Night terrors. Why? Anne explained, “Ghastly case of abuse.  The dog loves everyone including other dogs per his foster.  He does wake up with night terrors of sorts resulting from suspected traumatic stress syndrome.  ... The foster says he thrashes and snaps in his sleep.  He wakes up and wants to be cuddled.  It broke my heart to see her original plea.”
The Collin County Humane Society has taken up the medical side of getting Shadow healthy -- there are physical problems because the dog was, according to the people who are protecting him now, abused and starved and kept in a tight space intentionally exposed to a “wrapping” of live electric wires that jolted the dog horribly when he could not avoid brushing against them.
The subject line said “abused, starved and electrocuted” but “electrocuted” means killed and this dog wasn’t killed, just tortured. Nice, huh? The dog’s foster mom explains, “The owner had shaved patches of his hair off and put him in a very small space that was surrounded by several layers of electric fencing. There were several burn marks on him that I treat with burn cream to help ease the pain.”
The foster mom also says, “We as a group were able to get 7 out of 8 dogs from this guy. Five were puppies that were 7 weeks old and a female Chiweenie dog and Shadow. There is still a male Chiweenie dog there and sadly I have not been able to rescue that one but am keeping a very close eye on him.”
There’s a cruelty case pending, we’re told, though witnesses may be reluctant.
Now, here’s what CCHS needs in the way of funding Shadow’s future: Mange Treatment,  $130; heartworm treatment, $200; skin scrape, $30; heartworm test, $25; vaccinations, $30; microchip, $10, high calorie food, $45 a month and [Larry aside: This grinds my gizzard]; $4 a month for “anti-anxiety meds for sever nightmares (PTSD).”
You can donate to Shadow by going HERE. You’ll see photos of the dog’s “before” and some “after” poses, too. [That's Shadow under the blanket, hanging out with his foster's "personal dog."]
Here’s the report from Amanda, Shadow’s foster mom. We’re not giving her complete ID because there’s a person of questionable behavior who might behave unpleasantly and try to get his dog back. She describes herself as “one of the people who was able to get him away from his previous owner.”
And there’s a story. “How Shadow came to me was by contact through one of my fellow church members who knew that I take in abused/abandoned animals and help them find better, happier forever homes. 
“The witness to the abuse of Shadow was threaten by the previous owner who has been in jail for rape and abuse towards females so she is scared for both herself and her two young daughters to give a statement to the police when asked to. The county that this all happened in is Hill County ... When Shadow first arrived at my house I knew this was going to be a long road for him as he has two puncture wounds on his back that were infected. They had shaved him in areas so that the electric fence would hurt him even worse if had try to escape the small area they had him in. The morning before he came to my house the witness saw the previous owner kick Shadow repeatedly in the side which lead to him having bruised ribs.
“Even after all that abuse I could still see the that there was light in his eyes and the will to survive anything that he needed to live. 
“Shadow loves kids and has no problems with adult males either after all this so his trust has not been broken. He plays well with other dogs and can tolerate cats to a point.
“Now with all his injuries and neglect I knew it was case bigger then I could handle alone so I sent out a cry for help on Facebook where I was contacted by several people who were willing to help me by donations for his first vet visit the following Monday morning.”
The first vet visit showed that Shadow was suffering from heartworms, mange, puncture wounds and malnutrition. So Amanda has been feeding Shadow 3 times a day -- special high protein, high carb meals to build up his weight. Yet, she says, “there are days he refuses to eat because he is not use to having food and water available to him at all times.”
Oh, geez, is that not sad? But get this.
“We are also experiencing nightmares where he is waking up thinking he has to fight for his life. He wakes growling and snapping at the air as if he was going after his attacker. It usually takes him a few minutes to realize that he is safe still and he calms down fairly easy. He loves to cuddle and give kisses to everyone in my family (including my other dogs) in the house. He has a lot of love to give and would make a great dog to family who can love him as much as he will love them.”
CURLY TAKES WING BUT WAS FOUND THIS MORNING: You may recall that about 3 weeks ago this Macaw Curly got caught in a breeze at the Summer Adventures in Fair Park and was blown off course. She was recovered the next day with another flying pal. On Tuesday, during the Wings of Wonder show, Curley too over again. Spokeswoman Sa;ly Wamre says, “We are not sure if winds caught her again or if she just went rogue.” 
The good news just after 9 a.m. came from Sally. “This just in! We got a tip from neighbors on the M Streets area of East Dallas. She was napping in their crepe myrtle tree and our handlers are on their way back here with her now. I’m about to send out an update to all our media friends who get complete credit for spreading the word about who she belonged to.”
Curly will now get some cage rest and contemplation and gentle reminders not to take wing but to stay where it’s safe. The Wings of Wonder Show is NOT named after the question, “I wonder where that bird went?”
THE COLLIN COUNTY LOOKER: Honestly, this guy Pippin is about as handsome and charming a young fellow -- probably under 3 in spite of the white muzzle -- as you can find in a taxpayer-support shelter.
He’s waiting for either rescue or the needle -- sad fact.
Our Collin County Animal Services shelter-walkin’ tipster, Allison Roberts, sent a note describing Pippin as a “squatty Lab mix” -- but obviously he’s simply a perfectly proportioned and delightfully charismatic fellow who knows how to sit and shake. 
But there’s more. She says he “does the most adorable sit-up type thing where he puts both his paws in your hand. ... This dog is a perfect family pet.”
He’s one of many perfect pets waiting for help at the shelter. Pippin is #415642. To ask about him or any animal in the overpopulated CCAS shelter, email both ldrummonds@collincountytx.gov and animalshelter@collincountytx.gov.
MEANWHILE IN DALLAS: DAS Rescue sent out both dog and cat notes overnight. These cats are simply symbolic of the big load of kittens currently awaiting either exit-by-rescue or exit-by-needle at the city’s big Dallas Animal Services Shelter and Adoption Center.  (Email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com.)
These two with the “What are you lookin‘ at, bub?” attitude are just 5 weeks old. 
And speaking of young, this momma dog is 2-year-old Fifi and those are her pups. DAS rescue explains that the family needs out of the shelter. DAS Rescue asks, “Who wants to raise their babies in a scary shelter when there might be a wonderful foster parent out there who could take you?” So, why are Mom and the Kids on death row in a city shelter? They were, the DAS says, “surrendered by the owners because there were just too many for them to handle.”
[Larry aside: See, here’s how this works. You save money by not having your dog spayed, then when your dog has puppies, you lose patience with her not paying attention to your “Don’t you dare get pregnant” lectures, then you take her and the litter to the city, dump them and walk away, rid of the annoyance. Then you can go get another dog and explain to her how not to get pregnant. Yep, Dallas -- City of Geniuses.] 
MEANWHILE IN ARLINGTON: Susan Tandukar, our tipster with Partners of Arlington Animal Services, sent us this collection this morning.
Lots of dogs on the EU list for the day. Click on the collage to make it larger.
Susan writes, “We were informed that they are starting the day out with only FOUR open runs.  Which means that all dogs on the EU list are in danger of being EU'd today.  All tags/adoptions must be done before 2 p.m. today. To contact the shelter, email NSanimalrescue@arlingtontx.gov.  Address for shelter is 1000 SE Green Oaks, Arlington, TX 76018 and they are open from 10 am. to 6 p.m.  today.”
You can see the PAAS Facebook page HERE https://www.facebook.com/PAAStx or to see the EU/Urgent Album, click HERE. 
See that Pit boy Tucker? Said to be “fearful” and losing his hair -- he’s NOT a shelter dog. He’s probably sombody’s dog and so very unhappy in the shelter. Saving his life could be the most angelic thing you’ll ever do. 
A SPECIAL ON THE CATS: The SPCA of Texas is running a half-off deal on all 120 cats and kittens currently in the SPCA of Texas facilities in Dallas and McKinney -- it’s Adopt-a-Shelter Cat Month. Go to spca.org and navigate to the available animals or stop by the shelters -- 7 days a week, noon to 6 p.m. The more cats adopted, the more room there is for cats that aren’t getting adopted in partner shelters or backyard litters.
That kitten's name is -- not kidding -- Aikman. And that other cat is a donkey named Joey. Not a special on the donkeys, but, heck, all donkeys are special, don't you think? Earhound, you know.
ASSORTED NOTES: 
-- Henderson County Humane Society (the shelter in Athens)   benefits from a wine-tasting, art selling, music-making fun event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at Castle Oaks Winery “between Athens and Canton.” You want some directions? OK, city kids, here goes: “Take highway 19 NORTH (toward Canton) from the loop in Athens. Go 4 miles to CR 3911 on your left (Ragtime Industries is at that intersection). Turn left. Take CR 3911 along its many curves for 1.9 miles – you will intersect the joining of CR 3910 and 3909. You will be looking at the dirt drive to the winery – THERE WILL BE LOTS OF SIGNS POINTING THE WAY! AND IT WILL BE WORTH IT!” So I looked at available animals on the HCHS site HERE   http://www.hchstx.com and found Sugar, the Cocker Spaniel. I’ve seen Cocker Spaniels work and I’m pretty sure Sugar could put a nose to the turf and find Castle Oaks Winery without a hitch, then call you on your cell phone and give you directions.
--Take Me Home Pet Rescue will benefit Saturday from Rescued By Wine (yep, it’s a wine-tasting) 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Marcus Cafe at 2701 Custer Parkway in Richardson. For $30 a person -- this is a humans-only event -- you’ll get to sample wines, enjoy “delectable food” and possibly win “some amazing raffle prizes.”  Go to www.takemehomepetrescue.com for details.
--Paws In The City's Top Hat 'n' Tails fundraiser is Saturday night. Details at www.pawsinthecity.org. Adoptable animals on that site, too.
-- Theresa Brandon, who keeps us (and every other ol’ newshound in town) up to date on things at the Cedar Hill Pet Memorial Park, sent us the link to a “very emotional and beautiful piece” presented by KTXD-TV this week. As you may recall, a group of good-hearted people rescued the pet cemetery and they’re all determined to make it a showplace with a War Dog Memorial. Click HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS: The United States Army is celebrating its birthday -- 1775 -- my math is lousy but God bless America and the U.S. Army -- 238 years old, the Army site says. I’ve known some of those Army people through the years. Oh, yeah, my ol’ man was one of them. Back in the ‘40s he got a free all-expenses paid U.S. Army Infantry walking tour of Europe. Apparently there was some sort of group rate and -- oh, I’m kidding. Drafted, you know. The U.S. Army -- thanks and Happy Birthday.  Read about the Army HERE. God bless the United States Army. They’re celebrating by having a platoon scale a bakery and blow up the candles on a cake. I’m kidding. I’m such a peacenik I don’t know how many people are in a platoon. ... Enjoy the weekend. My lawnmower broke. I'm pretty happy. ... A good movie to watch this weekend? I don’t have a clue. To go to a theater these days you need to sell some blood -- if you want popcorn and a Coke, you need to work with the loan officer the bank has stationed next to the concession stand.
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Big Earl, helping people, helping animals and an old pro...

A lot of people never get this close to a Rottweiller. Their loss. Their big honkin' loss.
You’ve got to get within reach to hug a dog’s neck. 

This is my pal Earl, officially “Texas Earl The Cheeseman” though we don’t know why -- it came to us in the pressure of rescue and need for a name at our vet's office and it seemed to fit. Lately I’ve been calling him the Duke of Earl because he’s taking on a regal attitude.
And last night, while I gave treats to a couple of dogs in the kitchen, Earl remained flopped on the nearby den floor. He had his big head up and was watching, but wasn’t making a move. So I walked over and handed him a treat and it dawned on me what was going on.
After years of watching other dogs and a cat or two come running to me for treats, Earl has begun to retrain me so that I will bring the treat to him. Seems to be working.  He’s the duke of Earl who is a king.
CHECKING IN ON LAURA PATTERSON:  You saw the story we did about Laura Patterson, coping with the challenge of pancreatic cancer and the oh-too-swift passage of time as she tries to find a place for her two dogs to live.
Here’s the note we got from Laura Wednesday. I think it may demonstrate grace under pressure. “Just wanted to send a quick note to say thanks for including Jess, Daisy and myself in your column on June 11th. I don't know why I should be, but I'm constantly amazed at the kindness of others and how far we humans will go to help the four-legged kind."
Response hasn't been overwhelming, though one person has offered financial support. I told Laura that sometimes it takes  a couple of days for people to respond to such situations -- they have to work things out in their own homes, find places for an extra dog or two and set up new routines.  And I know that our original report has been copied and sent to many, many rescuers.
The competition for space has been tough this spring -- more puppies and kittens than anyone expected (always the case), more shelters with growing populations, rescue groups crying out for foster help. But somewhere there’s a place for these two dogs Jess and Daisy. To give Laura some encouragement or help, email Pattersonlchildspat@sbcglobal.net.
Remember, these are older dogs. One of our Houston contacts, Alexandra Kelsey, asked about their cat compatibility and Laura told us, “Jess would probably be fine, but definitely not Daisy. Sorry to say.”
Just have to find her a home that also isn’t cat-compatible. Things will work out so that this pair has some love coming their way.
Laura is setting an example in her efforts -- taking care of the animals before someone else has to do so. Animal people have urged that for years. Laura deserves the comfort of knowing that things are going to be OK for her two pals.
NOW, TO THE NEAR-ROTTIE SIDE OF THINGS: Our pro-animal pal Karen Lee sent us a note that began, “Gotta love the Rotties.” 
Can I get an “Amen!”?
So, the story she sent us came from Jennifer Limvorratre of Maggie’s Angels.
Jennifer wrote, “This 6-month old Rottweiler mix pup is in need of a loving home (or loving foster home) by next week!  Her owner cannot care for her anymore due to a very hectic work schedule.  She is spayed, and her owner says she loves everyone!  She is living outside, but I'm sure she'd love to be an inside dog with lots of love and snuggling.
"If you have ever had a Rottie in your life, then you know how loyal and loving they are!  They will forever touch your heart and life.”
To offer to take this pup, call 817-897-1382 or email maggies_angels@yahoo.com.
And, yes, Jennifer’s assessment of Rotties is right on the big ol’ nose. And the Rottie part of this dog guarantees that she’ll be able to properly train a human.
ON A RICOCHET TRAJECTORY FROM OUT AT THE LAKE: The ever-dependable Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake, began her note, “You all know I don’t sent out ‘need home’ from outside the lake area, but this one broke my heart.” 
Indeed, you’ll agree. The letter came from Julie Kelly. So we called her last night to check on the status of Rusty the Dog. Still needs a home. Here’s the story that is touching hearts -- and, hopefully, inspiring a home to open for an older dog.
Julie works at The Dog Spot, a grooming and boarding place in Salado, right down I-35,  about 140 miles south of the metrosprawl. She writes, “Two weeks ago an elderly lady surrendered her Dachshund-Cocker Spaniel mix to us, She was diagnosed with terminal cancer and cannot take care of herself and the dog anymore. we have tried to re-home Rusty over the last 2 weeks but he is a special situation. Rusty is 12 years old, partially blind due to cataracts and is going deaf. Other that those things he has a clear bill of health and is on no medications. With him being so old we have no luck at all finding him a home to live out the rest of his life. We have had him in our facility for 2 weeks and cannot keep him long term. We try to give him attention between working. He is left in his boarding room most of the time. We need to find him a home/foster to live out his life. He is a super-sweet, mild-mannered dog who gets along with other dogs and cats. Again he has NO medications and is healthy. The owner signed an ownership surrender to us. We could really use your help.”
To offer to help Rusty, email jkelly2027@yahoo.com or call The Dog Spot at 254-947-3647 or 254-449-1132.
A SUMMARY OF THREE SEASONS:

IT IS FLEA SEASON: Good grief, who needs to be told that twice? Anyway, on Saturday night Paws In The City is staging its annual Top Hat ‘n’ Tails fundraiser at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. It’s a fun evening that helps boost the funding to save and heal animals.
Rather than tell you about people who are having fund raising money, I thought I’d show you one of the pups who is going to benefit from these people “cutting a mean rug,” to borrow from a bygone era. This dog Gage is a victim of horrific flea assault. Paws In The City got him when a local shelter asked for help with the 3- year-old Black Lab. He’d arrived at the shelter after years of not having been properly cared for -- allergic to fleas, he was losing hair like a toupe-wearing TV anchor in a hurricane. Gage was also poorly fed -- but he’s happy and dog and kid friendly. Hasn’t been through the “cat tryout” yet.
What he needs is a loving foster to go along with his medical care. Then he’ll be ready for adoption. To offer to help him, email stephanie@pawsinthecity.org. . There’s also a video of Gage romping -- he’s a pretty smart boy, as you can see, quickly going to the gate as if to say, “Let’s blow this pop stand -- I need a home where the deer and the antelope roam.” Or something like that. Click HERE. He's not dancin' on the video, but once he gets a home, it's just a matter of time.
IT’S ALSO HEAT SEASON: Yep the temp is rising and I’m sure it’s not only the season of heat but, probably for some animals, the season of being in heat. But we’re just talking temperature right now. No sense talking the other "heat" topic with people when they don’t understand the birds and bees. If you’ve clicked on readlarrypowell.com I figure you already know the spay/neuter story.
And if you need to be told to protect your animals from the relentless Texas heat, you’re probably too stupid to read a news release, but, assuming I’ve inspired you to learn to read so you can see what else mean I’m saying about you, I’m giving you the link to the SPCA’s tips on protecting your animals from the searing climate. Click HERE. You'll also see some stories about people who have enjoye some time in courtrooms because they weren't kind to animals.
I went to the SPCA site at spca.org to look at adoptable animals and find a cool critter to illustrate this story. One of the coolest is this 2-year-old poodle named Zack. Here he is pictured in his "breeze catcher" -- you know, the dog stands in front of a vent or fan and catches the breeze.
AND IT IS STILL PUPPY AND KITTEN SEASON: Well, of course, there’s a big building at 1818 N. Westmoreland in Dallas that looks like a place to deposit animals even though there’s a big sign out front that says “ADOPTION.” 
Sure enough, lots of animals arrive at that Dallas Animal Services & Adoption Center site. 
For example, Wednesday afternoon the folks with the Dallas Animal Services Rescue Team sent out an appeal for help with five Australian Shepherd-mix puppies -- they’re about three weeks old and were “brought in by a concerned citizen who reported that, the note says, “unfortunately the mother ran off and was unable to be caught.” [Larry aside: I believe at this age they are not referred to as a "litter" but either a "pile of dogs" or a "wiggly wad of dogs."]
DAS was working with the youngsters to keep them fed and warmed while looking for a helpful rescue group. (Offer to help at dasrescue@dallascityhall.com.) 
Kittens? No. Haven’t had any all year. Oh, wait, I’m daydreaming again.
The place is loaded with kittens. Here are two examples. Email that dasrescue address to offer to give these two boys a safe haven.
Seriously, Dallas may be in the running for Ten Most Popular Places To Unload Kittens. Of course, it may also be listed as being among the “Ten Most Popular Places To Find a Loving Kitten.” One hopes.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Yesterday we issued a special career “Thank you” to the fabulous Tony Shalhoub and mentioned a few of his triumphs. Jeff Stuart saw the list and quickly reminded us of something we’d forgotten. Jeff wrote, “Don't forget the first time I really saw him and got to love him...Antonio Scarpacci on Wings. Still laugh at him and Thomas Haden Church on this show.” Absolutely!  ... Best ice cream? Vanilla? Which reminds me, who among you has eaten mellorine? ... The pro golfer Miller Barber died Tuesday. He was a Texarkana, Texas, kid -- to me, he’s a hometown hero.. You can read about him in The New York Times obituary -- not a lot of kids from Texarkana get a New York Times obit. That means he was really something. The link is HERE. If you have hay fever or allergies, you’ll understand the career challenges faced by a man who needed not to sneeze at key moments on a putting green.
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The look of love...

Something about this dog’s smile just cracks me up.

That’s the kind of face that makes you smile first thing in the morning. Especially if it’s on the pillow looking back at you.
Yeah, people who have dogs with an authorized SAP (Sleep Anywhere Pass) know what I’m talking about. Yeah, an USAP is the same thing -- Unauthorized Sleep Anywhere Pass. They love you. Love 'em back.
We’ll tell you more about this mug in a minute. First we’re going to introduce you to a spectacular Earhound.  There’s a story. Of course. Here goes:
A FREE-ROAMING DALLAS EARHOUND: You know how every now and then a stray dog in Dallas winds up in the right hands at the right time?
Meet this dog. No official name yet. Needs a home.
Wasn’t carrying identification when found. (Subliminally, needs a home.)
How do we know? Because this dog had the good fortune to be found by someone whose first question often is, “May I see some identification?”
Texas State Trooper Mitzi Storey says she was working in Dallas and found the guy at the corner of Lake June and Buckner Boulevard last week.
The insite story is the trooper was working a security job “when this little guy wandered into the store and found me. He is in foster care now but we really need to place this little guy in a good home. I cannot stress to you how very sweet he is. He has not been neutered. We have had his first round of shots and wormer. Also started him on flea treatment.”
How about that for another Dallas Dog Miracle -- I oughta write a book. But, first, we’ve got to help Trooper Storey find a home for this “little guy.” Email bloodhounds.ms@gmail.com to offer to help the dog.
There have been some contacts. “We have ahd a few enquiries, but ran from them,” the Trooper says. “They had Pits and very questionable backgrounds and intentions.”
[Larry aside: In case you wondered, the official Texas State Trooper mission, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety website HERE  is “Protect and Serve Texas.”  As a walkabout citizen whose seen Troopers helping animals, I'd say that includes Texas dogs, frequently more worthy of protection and service than some of Texas’ humans.]
KITTENS AND CATS: You want some proof that there are people missing the notices about spaying and neutering in Dallas? Stop by the Dallas Animal Services Shelter & Adoption Center and ask to see the kittens.
We got one of those notes from the DAS Rescue Team -- a situationer that said DAS “is filling up fast with adorable cats and kittens. We have quite a few ready for their new homes or foster homes.” 
See that little black and white kitten? Notice the giant hoofs? That fellow is a member of a family of a momma and a bunch of siblings, but this kitten is (a) the only black and white kitten and (b) the only polydactyl kitten in the crowd. That’s right. Extra toes. Big paws. Big purr. Big problem if nobody claims him.
And that orange cat? That’s a “senior” cat who wound up in the shelter but is very affectionate. As a DAS staffer noted, when the photo was being made “he got as cloe to the edge as he could.” He’s described as “a super sweet boy” who just wants all the attention he can get.
To ask about any of these felines or any felines in the shelter or any dogs in trouble in the shelter or any dogs not in trouble in the shelter, email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com.
AND NOW, MUTT WITH THE MUG AND HIS PAL: This is one of those emails that gets handed around. We got it from our pal Karen Lee, the animal advocate who knows cute dogs when she sees ‘em.
The story came from Julia Lilly, who wrote, “I found these two dogs on the road last week after the big storm.  After some work, we were able to find the rightful owner.  When we took them home the wife answered and didn't seem very pleased to see the dogs. I made a comment about it which she ignored at the time, but after we left, it sparked a family conversation. Turns out the woman does not want the dogs and never has. The daughter who they were for never pays attention to them and spends most of her time with friends and online. The father travels a lot and feels that in his absence things may not be very happy for these two and decided finding them a home would be best.
“The wife wanted to dump them at the shelter but he thought to call me instead.  Thank God!  These are really nice little dogs.  They agreed to keep them until I could place them.”
Julia told us last night that the dogs came from a “nice home” in eastern Fort Worth but “nice home,” she said, “But nice home doesn't mean it is always a happy home. Glad I found them. Sounds like they would have landed in the shelter eventually.”
The don’t have to be adopted together. Pancho is the white dog, a year or so old and probably, Julia says, a “Schnoodle,” a Schnauzer/Poodle mix. Bolt, about 4, is a Yorkie who was “born neutered.” [Larry aside: I think that means undescended testicles and, though I have played a doctor on stage, I have no idea if that actually diminishes the ability to produce sperm. Perhaps someone can tell us.]
To offer to help these crate-trained dogs with “happy personalities” find a home or homes, email julilly@yahoo.com.
THE FACE OF A MATINEE IDOL AND TWO PAIR TO GO:  [Larry aside: Black and white cats, old dogs, actors, playwrights and boxers’ faces -- these are a few of my favorite things that didn’t fit into that song with “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.” And that brings us to this guy.]
Heather Harrison, the volunteer who keeps beating the drum on behalf of animals in the Everman City Shelter, sent out a note last night about this year old male boxer, Tyson.
“This handsome little fella is till very much a puppy and in need of some training. He loves to wrestl and play. Great with other dogs.”
So much for the dog. How about the shelter? Heather writes, “The Everman Pound is full. He must get to safety!!!”
To help save the great boxer face and the rest of the great boxer’s body and soul, call 309-299-5665 or email nickale7@yahoo.com.
But WAIT! THAT’S NOT ALL at Everrman. These two pals, Red and Duke, have been in the shelter for months, Heather says. “They are a bonded pair that must stay together. Folks only offer to help Duke, but leave Red behind.” (Click on that photo to make it much larger)
Red is the 2-year-old female Boxer mix and Duke is the 2-year-old male Schnauzer mix. She’s “very sweet and outgoing” and he’s “very mellow” and “adores his friend.” 
Heather says, “The found is full and this odd little duo is at risk!”
Check out the Everman shelter’s Facebook page HERE.
Oh, and the other pair? The two Siamese cats we mentioned last week -- Milk (right) and Chester (sliding down to the left into Contemplations) -- are still on the clock. Check with Heather for details on those two.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Maybe it’s time to issue another one of those “Thank you” notes to people who have provided enjoyment for us but we haven’t quite gotten around to joining a fan club or sending an actual letter. So, here’s my heartfelt “Thank You!” to Tony Shaloub, a veteran actor who many will remember only as the classic TV detective Monk but whose record of appearances is laden with enjoyable performances. Galaxy Quest, Frasier, Big Night and even the long-ago Bill Murray movie Quick Change. Monk reigns. Oh, wait, how could I forget Men In Black?  ... Major Crimes is turning out to be a very worthy successor to The Closer. ... I’d like to take this moment to complain about fortune cookies. My springrollspouse Martha and I ate at a popular chain Chinese bistro over the weekend and opened our fortune cookies to find these lame passages. Her’s read “Be tactful; overlook your own opportunity” -- whatever that means. Mine read, “To climb the ladder of success, work hard and you’ll reach it.” Naturally, in the 21st century that’s a load of malarkey. The keys to success in this century, as in the last, are DNA and luck. Better luck that those fortune cookies showed. Besides, those are not fortunes. How about: "You will cross a bridge today." Or "You will find someone who adores you nearby." Heck, as I'm typing that Wendy the Dog is looking at me as if I'm overdue servign breakfast. She's right. And I guess that is an adoring look. Here's one for the rest of you: "You will celebrate numbers today." Oh, goodness. It IS lottery day!
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Rescue is a personal matter...

Rescuing an animal is always a personal matter. It’s you against the situation.
Sometimes the situation isn’t a roaming dog in a neighborhood or a cat giving birth in a storage shed.
Sometimes the rescue is an act of the heart. By an “ordinary individual” -- you’ll see how “extraordinary” this can be.
I spoke briefly to Laura Patterson last night. The day had wiped her out. She’s in a rough spot.
Yesterday we got an email from her asking for help. I've never met her, but her story touches the heart. The 60-year-old divorcee from suburban Dallas wrote that “basically I am a woman who has terminal cancer and need to quickly find a home for my dogs. Can you please help? I have heard from several resources that you have wonderful connections, which I’m counting on.”
[Larry aside: It is our wonderful readers who have the halos. We are proud to have the ear of some wonderfully decent people. Here’s the rest of Laura’s story.]
The villain is pancreatic cancer, Laura told us with fatigue in her voice. She said it had been a rough day. I asked if she were worn out from treatment. “Oh, no,” she said. “We are beyond that now.”
With her declining strength she is trying to find a place for her beloved dogs. Time is moving too swiftly. She’s appealing for help to beat the clock on behalf of Jess and Daisy.
On the flyer she’s distributing she says she has “3-5 months to live. Please help! I have 2 senior dogs and I have already lost so much strength that I am unable to walk my dogs. Won’t you help an old lady rest in peace knowing her 2 ‘children’ have found a new loving home.”
Laura may be an “old lady” to some, but she is just 60. And “while I am still able,” she phrases it, she is trying to make sure her two canine friends don’t become a burden or statistics.
Jess is the 14-year-old male, 70-pound neutered brown and white mix and Daisy is the 45 pound, 13-year-old spayed Pointer mix.
Laura says she got them when they were puppies. They’ve all lived together for all those years.
Daisy is completely healthy, but Jess has Addison’s Disease and gets daily medication and a monthly injection.
Jess “loves to take the lead on a walk” and he is a “kind, lovable.. . big galoof,” Laura says. Daisy “patrols the yard” to “ensure it is squirrel-free,” says Laura. She’s not a fan of storms.
“Jess and Daisy have been with me since they were pups and are absolutely the loves of my life. But I’m really desperate and need your help. They’re good, good dogs and will give someone countless love and devotion in their waning years.”
Here is the paragraph that may touch some hearts: 
"I am just an ordinary individual--not a rescuer or foster--although all my dogs over the years have been adopted.  I have friends who can help me with transport. ... I have a nice backyard where the dogs roam when I am not at home and they hang out with me inside the house when I am home--which seems to be most of the time these days.  My cancer is spreading quickly and I'm really stressed about finding a new home for Jess & Daisy.  Because Jess is a medical needs dog, I am willing to help with vet bills if that helps sweeten the pot, so to speak.”
To offer to help, email lchildspat@sbcglobal.net. 
You’ll be helping two dogs that don’t even know they need help.

ASSORTED NOTES: 

-- We’ve gotten reports from shelters facing tough decisions all over the area. Everman, Little Elm, Collin County, Hood County. Only hope is people.
-- From Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprises, the note reads, “OK, folks, getting super urgent here, still lots of cats and kittens who need your help. Please, if you can take just one believe me it will help. There is also a little Dachshund who is selective in who he likes, and he may not like me BUT I am sure if you rescue him he will love you.”
That cat Morra was surrendered because she didn't get along with the other family cats -- probably jealousy over those great socks. That very slective Doxie is named Grumps. Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise at 972-466-3420, or email us at CARE@cityofcarrollton.com. The CARE animals in trouble are HERE.
-- Kelly Bond of Homeward Bound Animal Rescue, who frequently walks the Dallas Animal Services Shelter, is also a regular visitor to the Young County Humane Society Shelter in Graham, northwest of Fort Worth. She says the shelter is currently “overloaded with Huskies and Husky mixes” and there are “lots of small dogs, a beautiful older Yellow Lab, a gorgeous white Boxer and a ‘gazillion’ kittens.” Email her at kelbond@sbcglobal.net to arrange some transfers to safety. The website is www.humanesociety-yc.org.
-- Terry Lynn Fisher in Burns Flat, Okla., sent out a note months ago about getting help for this dog Sweetie, a Cocker/Golden mix she pulled from a kill shelter near Oklahoma City. Before she could find a home for Sweetie, the dog had a stroke. Terry Lynn says that “thinking she didn't have a lot of time left, we decided to keep her for whatever time she had. Well, she is doing great. She acts like a young pup at times. She is housebroken, uses the doggie door and is usually well behaved.” The rub is she doesn’t like the other dog in the household. “So, with a very heavy heart, and tons of tears, I am going to try to find a home for her.” email remembering_oddball@yahoo.com to ask Terry Lynn about helping Sweetie.

-- From out at the lake we get “team emails” from both Sydney Busch of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake and from Krista Mc Anally who runs the shelter at Tool for the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake. The hustle is on to find a home for this dog Maggie -- she is about a year and a half old and spent most of that life chained to a tree. “A kind person” rescued the dog, got her spayed and vetted and she’s house-trained and ready to go to a good home. The rescuer has two older dogs that don’t get along with Maggie, so the attempt is on to find Maggie a good place to live. (Email jbkathy@swbell.net .) Both Sydney and Krista are working to keep Maggie from going into the shelter -- they’d rather see her in a good home.
The challenge with this guy Hercules, a 2- to 4-year old “Rott Hound Mix” is that he dodged being put to sleep once already -- but he’s scheduled for June 19. He had been scheduled for tomorrow. 
Someone pledged $500 to save him -- the money would go to the approved rescue group that steps up to take Hercules, Krista says. He’s been in the shelter for 2 months and “is showing signs of kennel depression,” Krista says. She adds, “Everyone loves Hercules.”
To help save him, call Krista at 903-432-3422 or email dogshsccl@yahoo.com.
--ONE MORE LAKE NOTE: Remember this dog? Cane Corso mix who was pregnant and in the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake Shelter and on the clock?
Krista says someone stepped up to save her life. “She was pulled by Animal Allies of Texas and is in a foster home in Justin waiting to have her puppies. Mel Hamilton of AAT picked her up from the shelter.”
So, at some point, AAT is going to need help with a momma dog and some pups, maybe. Stay tuned.
--AND AT DAS there were some puppy challenges Monday. Danielle Fry of the DAS Rescue Team sent out a call for help with a couple of puppies, including this obvious Earhound. 
The little German Shepherd, DAS says, “had a line of adopters out the door for her, but she tested positive for parvo.  She is a highly adoptable little girl, she just needs help getting over this terrible virus!  She is about 4 months old and ... still pretty active.  All she wanted to do was play and it was very hard to get a shot in focus. Our veterinarian reported that she tested a ‘strong’ positive and did not want to eat the food that was offered.  She needs out of the shelter ASAP!  If you can help her, please let us know!  We are unable to hold her for very long because we can’t risk the spreading of parvo here at the shelter."
The other Shepherd puppy doesn’t have a parvo problem -- she’s got a fractured femoral problem “on her left read leg,” DAS says. She’d just come into the shelter. There’s more. “She also appears to be covered in motor oil.”
[Larry aside: There are people who think dousing a dog with motor oil will cure mange -- I wouldn’t be surprised to find people who think a coating of motor oil will heal fractures. This is Dallas -- big stupid things happen here.]
To offer to help these puppies, email DASrescue@dallascityhall.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS: After today’s report, there is a tendency to feel awful about the way things can work out. But when you look at the situations today what you really see is not animals in trouble, but people working to protect them. And there’s got to be some uplift in that. From our opening story to stories we don’t even know about, there are people working to save animals. Sometimes what they do rubs off on other people. Sometimes they inspire people to do more than they thought they could. Sometimes the animals inspire people to do more than they thought they could do. We’re just human. But there are angels among us.
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Rescuing an animal is always a personal matter. It’s you against the situation.
Sometimes the situation isn’t a roaming dog in a neighborhood or a cat giving birth in a storage shed.
Sometimes the rescue is an act of the heart. By an “ordinary individual” -- you’ll see how “extraordinary” this can be.
I spoke briefly to Laura Patterson last night. The day had wiped her out. She’s in a rough spot.
Yesterday we got an email from her asking for help. The 60-year-old divorcee from suburban Dallas wrote that “basically I am a woman who has terminal cancer and need to quickly find a home for my dogs. Can you please help? I have heard from several resources that you have wonderful connections, which I’m counting on.”
[Larry aside: It is our wonderful readers who have the halos. We are proud to have the ear of some wonderfully decent people. Here’s the rest of Laura’s story.]
The villain is pancreatic cancer, Laura told us with fatigue in her voice. She said it had been a rough day. I asked if she were worn out from treatment. “Oh, no,” she said. “We are beyond that now.”
With her declining strength she is trying to find a place for her beloved dogs. Time is moving too swiftly. She’s appealing for help to beat the clock on behalf of Jess and Daisy.
On the flyer she’s distributing she says she has “3-5 months to live. Please help! I have 2 senior dogs and I have already lost so much strength that I am unable to walk my dogs. Won’t you help an old lady rest in peace knowing her 2 ‘children’ have found a new loving home.”
Laura may be an “old lady” to some, but she is just 60. And “while I am still able,” she phrases it, she is trying to make sure her two canine friends don’t become a burden or statistics.
Jess is the 14-year-old male, 70-pound neutered brown and white mix and Daisy is the 45 pound, 13-year-old spayed Pointer mix.
Laura says she got them when they were puppies. They’ve all lived together for all those years.
Daisy is completely healthy, but Jess has Addison’s Disease and gets daily medication and a monthly injection.
Jess “loves to take the lead on a walk” and he is a “kind, lovable.. . big galoof,” Laura says. Daisy “patrols the yard” to “ensure it is squirrel-free,” says Laura. She’s not a fan of storms.
“Jess and Daisy have been with me since they were pups and are absolutely the loves of my life. But I’m really desperate and need your help. They’re good, good dogs and will give someone countless love and devotion in their waning years.”
Here is the paragraph that may touch some hearts: 
"I am just an ordinary individual--not a rescuer or foster--although all my dogs over the years have been adopted.  I have friends who can help me with transport. ... I have a nice backyard where the dogs roam when I am not at home and they hang out with me inside the house when I am home--which seems to be most of the time these days.  My cancer is spreading quickly and I'm really stressed about finding a new home for Jess & Daisy.  Because Jess is a medical needs dog, I am willing to help with vet bills if that helps sweeten the pot, so to speak.”
To offer to help, email lchildspat@sbcglobal.net. 
You’ll be helping two dogs that don’t even know they need help.

ASSORTED NOTES: 

-- We’ve gotten reports from shelters facing tough decisions all over the area. Everman, Little Elm, Collin County, Hood County. Only hope is people.
-- From Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprises, the note reads, “OK, folks, getting super urgent here, still lots of cats and kittens who need your help. Please, if you can take just one believe me it will help. There is also a little Dachshund who is selective in who he likes, and he may not like me BUT I am sure if you rescue him he will love you.”
That cat Morra was surrendered because she didn't get along with the other family cats -- probably jealousy over those great socks. That very slective Doxie is named Grumps. Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise at 972-466-3420, or email us at CARE@cityofcarrollton.com. The CARE animals in trouble are HERE.
-- Kelly Bond of Homeward Bound Animal Rescue, who frequently walks the Dallas Animal Services Shelter, is also a regular visitor to the Young County Humane Society Shelter in Graham, northwest of Fort Worth. She says the shelter is currently “overloaded with Huskies and Husky mixes” and there are “lots of small dogs, a beautiful older Yellow Lab, a gorgeous white Boxer and a ‘gazillion’ kittens.” Email her at kelbond@sbcglobal.net to arrange some transfers to safety. The website is www.humanesociety-yc.org.
-- Terry Lynn Fisher in Burns Flat, Okla., sent out a note months ago about getting help for this dog Sweetie, a Cocker/Golden mix she pulled from a kill shelter near Oklahoma City. Before she could find a home for Sweetie, the dog had a stroke. Terry Lynn says that “thinking she didn't have a lot of time left, we decided to keep her for whatever time she had. Well, she is doing great. She acts like a young pup at times. She is housebroken, uses the doggie door and is usually well behaved.” The rub is she doesn’t like the other dog in the household. “So, with a very heavy heart, and tons of tears, I am going to try to find a home for her.” email remembering_oddball@yahoo.com to ask Terry Lynn about helping Sweetie.

-- From out at the lake we get “team emails” from both Sydney Busch of the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake and from Krista Mc Anally who runs the shelter at Tool for the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake. The hustle is on to find a home for this dog Maggie -- she is about a year and a half old and spent most of that life chained to a tree. “A kind person” rescued the dog, got her spayed and vetted and she’s house-trained and ready to go to a good home. The rescuer has two older dogs that don’t get along with Maggie, so the attempt is on to find Maggie a good place to live. (Email jbkathy@swbell.net .) Both Sydney and Krista are working to keep Maggie from going into the shelter -- they’d rather see her in a good home.
The challenge with this guy Hercules, a 2- to 4-year old “Rott Hound Mix” is that he dodged being put to sleep once already -- but he’s scheduled for June 19. He had been scheduled for tomorrow. 
Someone pledged $500 to save him -- the money would go to the approved rescue group that steps up to take Hercules, Krista says. He’s been in the shelter for 2 months and “is showing signs of kennel depression,” Krista says. She adds, “Everyone loves Hercules.”
To help save him, call Krista at 903-432-3422 or email dogshsccl@yahoo.com.
--ONE MORE LAKE NOTE: Remember this dog? Cane Corso mix who was pregnant and in the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake Shelter and on the clock?
Krista says someone stepped up to save her life. “She was pulled by Animal Allies of Texas and is in a foster home in Justin waiting to have her puppies. Mel Hamilton of AAT picked her up from the shelter.”

So, at some point, AAT is going to need help with a momma dog and some pups, maybe. Stay tuned.
--AND AT DAS there were some puppy challenges Monday. Danielle Fry of the DAS Rescue Team sent out a call for help with a couple of puppies, including this obvious Earhound.
The little German Shepherd, DAS says, “had a line of adopters out the door for her, but she tested positive for parvo L  She is a highly adoptable little girl, she just needs help getting over this terrible virus!  She is about 4 months old and ... still pretty active.  All she wanted to do was play and it was very hard to get a shot in focus. Our veterinarian reported that she tested a ‘strong’ positive and did not want to eat the food that was offered.  She needs out of the shelter ASAP!  If you can help her, please let us know!  We are unable to hold her for very long because we can’t risk the spreading of parvo here at the shelter.
The other Shepherd puppy doesn’t have a parvo problem -- she’s got a fractured femoral problem “on her left read leg,” DAS says. She’d just come into the shelter. There’s more. “She also appears to be covered in motor oil.”
[Larry aside: There are people who think dousing a dog with motor oil will cure mange -- I wouldn’t be surprised to find people who think a coating of motor oil will heal fractures. This is Dallas -- big stupid things happen here.]
To offer to help these puppies, email DASrescue@dallascityhall.com.

CONTEMPLATIONS: After today’s report, there is a tendency to feel awful about the way things can work out. But when you look at the situations today what you really see is not animals in trouble, but people working to protect them. And there’s got to be some uplift in that. From our opening story to stories we don’t even know about, there are people working to save animals. Sometimes what they do rubs off on other people. Sometimes they inspire people to do more than they thought they could. Sometimes the animals inspire people to do more than they thought they could do. We’re just human. But there are angels among us.

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People and animals and contemplations...

Good morning, if you’re reading this in the morning. Otherwise, hello and sorry you didn’t get to this earlier on Monday.
Here’s our report and we’re appreciative of readers, tipsters and advertisers. Because of you, we’ve can tell these stories on the World Wide Web. Thanks for helping animals and other people who help animals.
THE METROPLEX MUTTS: Last week we reported that Metroplex Mutts was attempting to place its animals because the spirit of the organization, Tricia Todd, was in a terrible situation. Saturday morning, cancer claimed this noted rescuer. We have service details on our Prayers & Passages page. (Click on the button in the upper right side of this page).
We think what we are doing here would please Tricia. Rather than running her photo with this item, we're running photos of two of 13 dogs that Metroplex Mutts is urgently trying to place. They are Chow siblings, Beauty (left) and Bravo. 
There are more than a dozen dogs still needing help -- big, little, young, old. You know how it goes. Go to metroplexmutts.org to see their photos and get their info. To ask about helping them email Garnell McMichael at garnell58@yahoo.com or Susan Ruth at metroplexmutts1@gmail.com.
Visit our Prayers & Passages page for information about Tricia’s services.
THE BURNS FLAT CRISIS: Over the weekend we got an upbeat note from our pal Cathie Desell, a big fan of the big cats and a big fan of the little cats, too. She’d been on a road mission, meeting legendary Burns Flat, Okla., rescuer Terry Lynn Fisher in Vernon, a midway point between distant Burns Flat and Dallas.
You may recall that last week Terry Lynn sent out a cry for help for three kittens that had been involved in some kind of animal attack while their mother tried to protect them in a boat where she was trying to shelter them. Mom was killed in an attack by some beast and one of the kittens was horribly injured. That little brindle kitten didn’t make it, but the two others did and Cathie reports, “Those 2 kittens are so cute! They are friendly, know how to use a litter box and love to play with toys. They will make great pets when we find them homes.” (Available soon!)
Available right now are several dogs in the Burns Flat shelter and Terry Lynn has written a touching appeal for help.
“This is the time I have prayed would never come. It has been almost 7 years since I started pulling from this shelter in our small town,” she writes. “After learning they just took the innocent babies they picked up out behind the dumpster and blew their heads off... THAT was how they euthanized.
“Somehow, with God's grace and wonderful, caring people, we kept this pound at 100% NO KILL..That's right, we moved each and every dog into rescues. But now, I am overflowing. Every kennel at the pound is full, as are every kennel we have in other locations. The few people that foster for me are full as well. So now, after a month short of doing this for SEVEN years, I am facing several being killed... and all because of LACK OF SPACE! ... If you can take just ONE, it will help with a little more time for another.”
These are some of the Burns Flat dogs.
 The two bonded dogs are Bandit, an Aussie mix male, and Lacey, a purebred Red Heeler. Terry Lynn says, “These two were dumped out in the country. They stayed on the same corner for over two weeks, waiting for their people to return. They never did, so I went and got them both.”
That big ol’ dawg with the great blaze on his chest is Max, a Lab mix with a very gentle way.
To ask about any of these or any other animal at Burns Flat, email remembering_oddball@yahoo.com. 
IZZY ON THE LIST: This guy is Izzy and he’s not the only dog on “the list” for Monday at Arlington Animal Services. We got the info from the volunteers who monitor things at the Arlington shelter.
Izzy and others must be tagged by 2 p.m. Monday or it’s curtains. 
What is Izzy’s crime? “Demodectic mange, fence jumper.” 
You can see more dogs at this Partners of Arlington Animal Services site HERE  and the endangered cats HERE.
As you know know, we highlight Earhounds on our website and that is why we picked this cat’s photo -- this cat is so obviously an Earhound.
A FOUND DOG IN LONGVIEW: Kelly Locke is looking for help with this dog -- looking for a foster or an adoptor. 
She explains that on June 7 her fiancé found the dog -- possibly a long-coated Retriever mix -- “running around chasing cars at the 281 and Page Rd intersection here in Longview, TX. He managed to catch her and brought her to our apartment where she has been since. She appears to be about a year old, medium-sized, does not appear to be spayed and has no tags or microchip. She has an all-black long coat that is pretty matted around her rear legs. She is very friendly and energetic, loves getting petted and belly rubs. We have two dogs (both rescues) of our own and she got along OK with them. We unfortunately are unable to keep her as we live in an apartment. She has been on our balcony mostly because her first night with us we found ticks on her (we removed two of them safely). We have been posting around East Texas websites looking for her owners and posting found posters but no luck.”
So, this dog has a limited amount of time in the apartment and needs a place to go now. To offer to help, email kelly.locke88@gmail.com.
ASSORTED COLLIN COUNTY ANIMALS: There is always a parade of interesting animals at the Collin County Animal Services shelter.
Our tipster, the volunteer shelter walker Allison Roberts sent a weekend load of critters that need help getting out of the consistently crowded shelter -- population explosions of people generally lead to population explosions at animal shelters. 
One of the dogs is this fellow Lucky, a 2-year-old Lab mix who was struck by a car and survived because CCAS managed to get a vet involved in taking care of the big fellow. Lost a leg, but he’s otherwise a pretty active fellow (#413496). He loves to run, loves to get back scratches and loves to cuddle. He’s neutered, micro-chipped, up-to-date on shots and is heartworm negative. [Larry aside: The 3-legged dogs I've known have all turned out to be adorable, affectionate, lively and, in most cases, the "leader of the pack."]

Then there are these two 8-year-old Lab mixes, Zoe (left) and Chloe. How they wound up in the shelter is kind of -- what’s a good word for this? -- how about “goofy.”
The story is a child in the house tried to take a toy or a treat from one of these dogs and got nipped -- but the human in the house didn’t know which dog did the nipping, so both of them were dumped at the shelter. Now, having reached the age of 8 and having had a longtime home, they are on death row. Isn’t that a fine how-do-you-do.
Then there are Jasper, a neutered Lab mix, and Kelcie, a spayed Collie. Both also are 8 and they’re in the shelter because one human died and the other was not in condition to care for them so she signed the dogs over 2 weeks. 
To offer to help these animals or any other animals in the CCAS shelter in McKinney, email ldrummonds@collincountytx.gov and animal shelter@ collincountytx.gov .

HOW ABOUT THIS DOG HUNTER! We got the news in an email from Ann Pote who’d taken a personal interest in this guy. We featured him on May 28 -- his name is Hunter and he was in a fix. This Treeing Walker Hound had been struck by a car, had undergone treatment to repair his hip and was on the brink of returning to the Denton Animal Shelter. Debra Roan had tipped us about this. 
Ann says, “I called Debra Roan after I read about Hunter in your column and called the vet office to pay for additional boarding while she networked with rescue groups. I also offered an incentive donation to a rescue group.  We are all thrilled that American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue has taken Hunter (now Laredo) into their program.
“It appears that there were others helping and donating as well, but I don't have the details.  Hunter/Laredo had his hip surgery on June 6 and it went well.  When he is further recovered, he will be neutered and start heart worm treatment.  Obviously, he had not received proper care in his previous circumstances (whatever they were). Thank you for featuring him.  I'm sure Debra may have let you know, but I think she has been pretty busy saving doggies.”
[Larry aside: The angels are at work out there in the world. Readlarrypowell is simply the conduit for information. It is those folks in halos who do the real work in the trenches.]
DANCIN’! DANCIN’! In case you don’t already know, my funspouse Martha is president of Paws In The City and that’s why you could hear her on KLIF radio’s Scott Murray Show last night on 570 AM. Our dogs were a little curious to hear mom's voice coming out of the box that usually has the baseball game.
Martha and fellow board member Tina Fairbanks, founder Becky Haisma and longtime dynamic supporter (and former Dallas Cowboy) Preston Pearson joined Dancin’ With the Stars star Chelsie Hightower to promote the Top Hat & Tails 2013 fundraiser Saturday at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
The theme is disco, “Take a Chance on Me.” You can read more about the event and get tickets at www.pawsinthecity.org. Scott will emcee the benefit.
I’ve been writing about Paws In The City for many years, long before Martha became involved. In fact, some of the names involved with this group I was writing about when I was typing consonants and vowels for the big paper in Dallas nearly a decade ago. People just keep going -- that’s because the mission of helping animals keeps going. You see it all over the 501c3 Map of the Metroplex.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Some mornings you wake up and you think, “Did that dog sleep there all night?” Apparently. That’ll explain the permanent bend in the back of the knee, the need for a knee brace and the limp that doesn’t go away until noon. Still, there is some comfort to having that dog think you’re part of the pack. ... Watching the Tonys last night I began to wonder how much longer Broadway trot out Annie to belt Tomorrow. In case you need reminding or didn’t know, Annie came from the newspaper comic strip Little Orphan Annie which ran from Aug. 5, 1924, until June 13, 2010, when it was cancelled. What? Annie hit Broadway in 1977 -- the first time. ... Got an email with the subject line “Visit the hometown of the thong.” It took me back to a time when a “thong” was one of your flip-flop shoes. And when I opened the email it was an ad for traveling to Brazil. New York claims to have invented the “thong” undergarment. Other places claim it, too. Who really knows and, of course, who really cares?
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Ah, those little nappers! And a website, a trial and a camera...

One of the great joys of life with the animals is catching cats napping.
As you can see, these cats are napping. Thus they are in the spotlight of our weekly feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap. [Click on the art to make it grow.]
When our pal Patty Sprong sent the photo to Readlarrypowell.com, I told her it looked like a cluster of cats after a 3-day drunk.  I was kidding. Only humans go on a 3-day drunk.
This Clowder of Cats is one of Patty’s foster projects.
She explains that the cats are “my foster kitty family: Mama Mia and little Scout, Willow and Jaxx. All are available for adoption through Mazie’s Mission. The kittens will be ready in the middle of June and Mama Mia is ready right now.
“They are all precious and so entertaining. I laugh and laugh just watching them. I normally don’t foster cats,”
[LARRY TIME OUT: At this point in the story I feel the need to declare that nobody “normally” fosters cats. You’ve got to make arrangements so that they are comfortable in the house -- which they quickly begin to think of as their property. Now, let’s resume Patty’s quote.]
She decided to foster kittens because, she said, “I wanted to step out of my comfort zone to help because the shelters are so full of little kitty families right now. It has been a great experience and I recommend it for anyone who can help this time of year.”
You can see how to adopt these snoozers by going to www.maziesmission.org.
[REMINDER: To nominate your slumbering critters for the spotlight of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and Napping Cats Nap, our long-running, world-wide-read weekend feature, send photo or photos and info or inphos to dallrp@aol.com. Remember, we post these sleeper and napper photos to help human insomniacs understand that sleep is for everyone. Honest.] 

THREE QUICK WEEKEND NOTES

---DCAP’S NEW LOOK: We check in with Dallas Companion Animal Project now and then to see if there’s any news, projects, events, etc.. involving the task force with the mission of reducing euthanasia in Dallas. A glance at the DCAP website HERE revealed this just-posted note Friday: “We’ve got a great new website in the works and hope to debut it in the next week or two.  It’ll have lots of great resources and information about DCAP and the programs we provide.  So stay tuned!  It’s going to be BIG!" 
We'll keep you posted when we hear things, too.
---GUILTY IN ONE CASE: Edwon Julian, the guy accused of throwing Kisses the Kitten off a 2nd story stairwell landing at a Richardson apartment complex, was found guilty of felony animal cruelty Friday. We got the news on a text from someone at the courthouse. Ironically, the jury that nailed him for killing the kitten decided he wasn’t guilty of assaulting the cat’s owner, his girlfriend, and her teen daughters.
So, in a quirky way, legally there was no assault legally proven to the jury's satisfaction, but the cat is still legally dead, victim of some sort of domestic dust up. Sentencing will be later and the guy might get some long time in the big house because he’s got a record. 
--- AND A BOY DOG JUMPED OVER A FENCE TO FIND A GIRL DOG IN HEAT!!!! STOP THE PRESSES: OK, so to most of us this is not news that a dog in heat attracts the opposite sex. But now and then curious things show up on television. For example, there was a story on Channel 11’s 6 p.m. news Friday about a Cedar Hill guy who was asleep in his home, had his security cameras turned on and the back door of his house open. He has 3 dogs. Two were roaming free. The girl dog was in heat in a cage inside the house. Suddenly, having jumped a back fence, a strange Pit Bull boy comes into the house to “visit” and one of the other dogs persuades him -- not all that meanly -- to leave and he does.  All of this was captured on a security camera. Some may ask, “Why does this guy need a house full of security cameras and if he does need special security arrangements, why does he leave the back door open?” Others, however will ask, “Does he not understand that his girl dog should be spayed and that he can get the dog spayed inexpensively through the Kaufman County Animal Awareness Project or the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection. Heck, if he’s got the dough, he can get the dog spayed at any vet’s office in the known universe.
I guess we should be thankful that the girl dog wasn’t being allowed to run free and attract a crowd. And, heck, maybe he just got the dog -- not to make excuses for not getting her fixed, extending her life, preventing the birth of unwanted puppies and not causing consternation among the neighborhood boy dogs who haven’t been neutered. [The video may be on the KTVT site. It was Friday night.]
I guess some people will say the remarkable thing is that a boy Pit Bull, laden with the reputation of his breed, invaded a home and didn't kill the owner while he slept. OK, first, the Pit's mind wasn't on anybody but the girl. Secondly, this demonstrates that, frequently, Pits will hew to the cry of the '60s, "Make love, not war." --- To comment, click below. ---

A Friday report with lots of notes...

We have a number of stories to report today. All of them will touch hearts and maybe homes will be improved and spirits lifted.
Here we go:
FOUR DOGS AND A CAT ON THE CLOCK: There’s a communications situation at Dallas Animal Services and the usual dasrescue email is “down until Sunday,” we’re told by the DAS Rescue Team.
Keep reading. We’ll tell you what addresses to use to ask about these faces.
Now, these five animals are not the only animals on the clock at the city-run, taxpayer-financed Dallas Animal Services Shelter and Adoption Center, but they do have a “due out date” and it is today. The “positive” interpretation of “due out” is they will be adopted or rescued by the end of the day. The other interpretation is that they won’t be and the options are limited -- either a reprieve or a needle. These Very Special Pets have been in the shelter for at least 45 days without drawing interest even thought they are adorable and adoptable.
The shelter is open from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. today. To ask about these animals, call the adoption line at 214-671-0249 or email catherine.mcmanus@dallascityhall.com or bay.touch@dallascityhall.com.
Click on the photos of Sasha, Kayla, Scooter, Starr and Baby to make them larger.
[Larry aside: We’ve had dogs like these at our house over the years and they always prove to be great friends. And, as regular visitors to Readlarrypowell.com know, we vigorously endorse black and white cats as entertaining and affectionate companions -- we’ve had two of them and they are “different.” No science there, but lots of observation and comparison to other cats. In a Metrosprawl of millions of homes and people, there surely are safe places for these animals.]
SUGAR AND DESTINY WAITING FOR A HOME: Take Me Home Pet Rescue continues to look for a good home for Sugar and Destiny, two beautiful and well-behaved dogs who need a break.
We've mentioned them on Readlarrypowell.com before.
The dogs have been in need of a loving environment since their lives were upturned several weeks ago in the wake of the murder of the Kaufman County
District Attorney and his wife.

Initially, through a misunderstanding at the time of recovery, these dogs were believed to have belonged to the victims in the shootings. In an effort to save the dogs, Readlarrypowell.com is now told, there was an incorrect suggestion made to the rescue group that took them in.
The bottom line is the dogs have also become victims in this crime and efforts are underway to give them a life in a stable environment. 
Here’s the TMHPR statement: "We took the dogs in good faith because the fact is that no matter who possessed the dogs, circumstances had rendered them in need of a good and safe home or homes. Our efforts, dealing with facts as we believed them to be, were aimed at one simple goal: honestly, decently helping two dogs. We hope to place them soon in a forever home. They are beautiful dogs with wonderful souls and we want to make certain that they find a home to match."
For more information about the dogs and to ask about adopting them, contact info@takemehomepetrescue.com.
In an e-mail sent to Readlarrypowell.com on Thursday, Elise wrote, “We have decided that since the dogs have been boarding for over 5 weeks now that if someone is interested in adopting only one, that that will be fine. .. We would love to see them adopted together but at this point, we would just like to see them adopted into loving forever homes.  Maybe their new owners would consider play dates so the girls can see each other.”
HELPING A VETERAN RESCUER: [An update on Saturday, June 8: Friends of Tricia Todd recieved word Saturday afternoon that Tricia died Saturday morning. More to come on memorials and services.] Word of the challenge facing veteran rescuer Tricia Todd of Metroplex mutts has been jetting around the internet for days now.
Rescuers and supporters of Metroplex Mutts received a note from Garnell McMichael and Susan Ruth that told the sad story.
In case you haven’t seen it, it reads: “As most of you know, Tricia Todd was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in early 2012. After a recent stay in the hospital, she is now at home under hospice care. We are asking all of you to keep her and her family in your prayers. “ 
The note came with photos of the dogs that are awaiting help in the wake of this awful development. You can see them by clicking on metroplexmutts.org. 
You’ll see that they range in size from little Lucy at 10 pounds to McKool at 100-plus.
The note explained “The current volunteers and fosters of Metroplex Mutts will continue to place the remaining 20 or more dogs in the foster program either in forever homes, or placement with other reputable rescue groups We are DESPERATELY in need of donations to cover the boarding costs for those not in foster care, and current balances on our veterinary bills.”
Two ways to donate: Mail to Metroplex Mutts, 4925 Greenville Ave., Ste. 200, Dallas, Tx  75206 or via PayPal at metroplexmutts@tx.rr.com.
Michelle Ferrer also sent us a special note about this big dog McKool, an Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix she describes as “Tricia’s particular favorite. 
There’s always one that grabs your heart and won’t let go. At 5 years old, 100 pounds and definitely Mr. Laidback-Cool & Relaxed, he certainly deserves his name. I’ve met this guy personally and can vouch that he is good with other dogs, handles adoption events like a pro, lets kids mess with him, has a soft mouth for treats, and is truly beautiful.  He’s a loyal and loving dog without wanting to lick you unconscious. All around, a great companion. McKool has lived with Tricia in her home (and myriad rescue pups), and is well socialized. It would do Tricia’s heart a world of good to know that this special guy has a loving home since she can no longer provide one.
Would you be willing to give McKool some attention in your column? Surely, one of your readers won’t be able to resist him. ... Anyone who might be interested in him can make contact at metroplexmutts1@tx.rr.com.”
NEWS FOR ROWLETT: Our longtime tipster Dwana Carabajal, a veteran rescuer and foster mom, sent us this note early this morning about the Rowlett Animal Shelter: “We have finally gotten approval for our very 1st offsite adoption event. Firewheel Brewing Company in Rowlett is having a fundraiser to raise funds and gather supplies for the Rowlett and Sachse animal shelters. They have invited us to bring some of the shelter dogs to the event and we got the city's approval. So, please help us spread the word. The event is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at 2806 Lawing Lane, Suite C, Rowlett, TX 75088. Our shelter is full and we really needs some adoptions so please come out and meet some of our fantastic dogs available for adoption. Our wonderful volunteers of Friends of Rowlett Animals will be caring for and showing the dogs at the event.
That dog Bella -- as you can tell she is small with a big presence -- is a $25 dog. Twenty-five lousy bucks and that Rat Terrier girl is yours. You can see more of the Rowlett animals HERE.
DOG IN A SPOT IN KELLER: This is Murphy. He’s heartworm positive. Needs a home. He’s in the Keller Animal Shelter, which triumphed earlier this week when a pair of girls -- Maisie and Molly -- found a foster family. Our tipster, Fiona Green, sent us the update and then added a note about Murphy. “We found a foster family for the 2 girls but now we need a rescue group for a heartworm positive dog. Look at this happy face. All Murphy wants to do is hug you and play and run and have fun. However, because he is heartworm positive, he may not have that chance unless he is rescued by Friday. For more information, please contact us at animaladvocatesofnorthtexas@ymail.com or contact the Keller shelter directly at animalservices@cityofkeller.com or at 817-743-4517.607.”
ROCKWALL’S PICASSO: This one is making the e-rounds, too. This guy is Picasso. The note that came with his photograph read, “He’s lost hope. At shelter for 121 days. Depressed. Losing weight.” 
He’s a senior dog -- so what. He’s big and he’s 9, but with the right hearts involved, he’s got years left. 
The Collin County Humane Society is the rescue group that manages the Rockwall Animal Shelter and the note about Picasso is simultaneously heartbreaking and irritating. 
It reads: “Picasso was living in an outdoor enclosure with another XL doggie who kept escaping the pen.  Picasso always stayed put in the yard while the other dog was brought to the shelter on numerous occasions; however, the family decided to surrender Picasso instead. When Picasso arrived he was scared and had a large laceration on his head that needed to be sutured. This poor senior has never known true love, and would really like a second chance.”
He’s neutered, micro-chipped, up to date on shots but heartworm positive. 
That last one is a negative that can be traced directly to the pinheads who had him outdoors without proper protection from heartworms.
To ask about helping Picasso,  email call the shelter at 972-771-7750, ext. 2607.
MEANWHILE IN BURNS FLAT: Way out there in western Oklahoma in the little town of Burns Flat, there’s a beacon of hope for unwanted animals. Her name is Terry Lynn Fisher and she keeps on keepin’ on against great odds, in the face of personal challenges and with an amazing ability to restrain herself in the face of idiocy. Yep, you gotta admire the ability to keep moving and save the animals.
Here are some of her current stories:
She writes, “The first guy is such a good boy. He was dumped in the country and left to die. He laid on the corner where he was thrown out for 3 weeks. A lady dropped food off every day, for she felt so bad. Finally, she got a hold of me and we got him to come to us. Now, he is outgoing and friendly. He is fine with other dogs and doesn't show much interest in cats. He’s about 1 to 2 years old; he is in need of a safe place.
“The younger one is under a year and so so precious. He was found skin and bones and terrified of any movement. He has put on some weight and now trusts the human hand.”
Now, about that mom an pups, Terry Lynn explains, “This beautiful momma survived a house fire, along with her 8 young babies.. The house burned completely to the ground. A teenage boy ran into the burning house to pull her and these babies out of the fire. They are about 5 weeks now. 
“The home they are staying in is across from where the fire was. The family has moved off and the lady keeping them is not allowed pets, so she is desperate to move them. My pound is NOT set up for babies, at all. I had an offer to foster, but that has fallen through so I am really needing a safe place for this family asap.”
Contact Terry Lynn at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com.
DOG CUSTODY AWARDED: This from a press release from the SPCA of Texas regarding a custody hearing on Wednesday at the South Dallas Government Center in Lancaster: “Judge Valencia Nash awarded custody of two dogs seized from a Dallas residence on Friday, May 31, to the SPCA of Texas. The SPCA of Texas was also awarded $981.35 in restitution. Under the authority of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office’s, the SPCA of Texas took custody of two cruelly treated dogs from a residence in the Oak Cliff neighborhood ... The dogs were being housed in the back yard on the property without access to food or an appropriate water source. One of the dogs had a blue barrel with a hole cut out for shelter, while the other dog did not have a shelter from the elements. Both dogs are so thin that their ribs and hip bones are showing through their skin.” Go to spca.org to see how to help with the SPCA’s rescue program.
REMINDER: Paws In The City’s annual Top Hat & Tails fundraiser is Saturday,June 15, at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The theme is “disco with ‘Take a Chance On me’” And the honorary chair is star of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, Chelsie Hightower. Official host is Dallas Cowboy great Preston Pearson and the emcee is veteran broadcaster Scott Murray. 
Get the details and ticket info at www.pawsinthecity.org.
CONTEMPLATIONS: We consumers of media are always overdosed with the poor behavior of humans. That’s the way journalism works -- it serves as a warning for the well-behaved that there are those among us who aren’t such swell individuals. Journalism warns us to be on the lookout for evil people such as the guy who murdered the 84-year-old woman in Arlington, or unscrupulous public employees or awful situations that threaten children and adults. Journalism isn’t perfect, but it’s the best we’ve got -- the second- and third-hand hearsay of social media has proven that. But there’s more. Our responsibility as just plain humans is to go beyond the newsprint, the TV and radio news and the newsclicks online. We must remember and appreciate the courageous grace that the great majority of humans demonstrate on a daily basis -- we live among people who are heroes even though they see themselves as doing nothing more than “the right thing.” Yes, this passage is a thank-you to the people who step up as examples of good when it is difficult for them to even stand up. Bless their hearts. ...Things to contemplate today: Finishing college; vacationing in New Mexico; learning to play piano; washing the pickup now that the monsoon season is over. That pickup thing is probably the one. ... Was the work week was so rough that you’ve lost track of the days? I’ll bet there aren’t 5 people on the job across the country who don’t know that it’s Friday. Clock-watching, the American speciality.And since school is out, click HERE.
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Honoring Americans and doing good...

Holy history buff, this is D-Day. June 6, 1944. The Normandy Invasion.
Lots of American graves over there. And in many other places, too. Everywhere there is an American marker, freedom matters.
We’ll contemplate life later today after we present these items about opportunities and needs for "do-gooders" in a free America.
SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT: By now you’ve probably noticed this dog.
Our trusty Earhound scout, Stephanie Daniels, communication specialist with the SPCA of Texas, spotted this oh-so-obvious representative of the Earhound category. 
Stephanie declares, “I’m pretty sure I’ve said this before, but this time, I mean it. I found the best Earhound this morning [Wednesday]. 
“Meet Merlin, a 7-month-old Bull Mastiff mix. He has the most perfect triangle ears you’ll ever see.”
[Larry aside: This may be an Earhound American Registry Society sub-category known as "Ballet En Pointe." I spell that right? You may be asking yourself why in the world does such a dramatic work of art wind up in the “unwanted” category. Seriously. How could you give up a dog like that?]
“Sadly, Merlin was surrendered to us for being ‘too big.’ Although he’s still young, this pup already weighs 63 pounds! Wow!" Stephanie says, then adds, "Anyone looking for a big puppy should come and meet this guy because he is so sweet and handsome!”
You can meet Merlin at the SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, just a few minutes west of Downtown Dallas. For info and directions go to www.spca.org.
And try not to smile when you see this big ol‘ tail-waggin‘ Earhound.
TWO NEEDS OUT AT THE LAKE: PAPER AND PLASTIC: Look, we don’t often get the chance to discuss recycling -- unless you’re talking about second- or third-hand dogs and cats that we’re trying to help place.
Now, here is what is needed by the Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake -- this is according to our reliable Friends tipster Sydney Busch.
In a general appeal to the public she writes, “If you have a cat, you know all about those plastic containers litter comes in...we can re-use those.”
That’s right. Finally a use for those plastic tubs. Turns out they make excellent trash receptacles. Line ‘em with a bag and they’re repurposed.
And Sydney says, “We could use a heavy duty shredder at the clinic. Anyone have one they would like to donate? We are shredding thick thermal paper so it should be as heavy duty as possible.”
If you’ve got some litter tubs or a shredder and you want them to be used in a noble fashion, drop them by the Friends of the Animals Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic on Tuesdays in Gun Barrel City. Read about Friends of the Animals HERE -- they operate (so to speak) the world’s most successful spay/neuter clinic in Gun Barrel City, as regular visitors to Readlarrypowell.com know.
They’ll also take tax deductible donations -- in case you want to help replenish the Friends’ funds for helping animals -- at Friends of the Animals, P.O. Box 5455, Mabank, Texas, 75147.
The clinic is in Gun Barrel City, the post office box is in Mabank and it’s all part of the Greater Laketroplex.
OH, MY, BARNEY AND GOLDIE IN A FIX: Christie Hansen got in touch with us about Barnie and Goldie. It’s one of those, “You can’t be serious” stories.
Christie works at a vet clinic. Barnie is 7 and “docile.” Goldie is 8 and “very skittish.”  Both are healthy, up to date on shots and “fixed.” And they were in a fix when they arrived. 
“The owner brought them both in to be euthanized today [Wednesday] at the vet clinic where I work. The vet asked to let us find a home for them and of course she was very grateful. She's been a client for over 10 years. She is elderly and moving to her brother’s in Florida and he does not have a fenced in backyard and won't let dogs in his house.”
[Larry aside: Sis, make sure you know Brother’s rules before YOU move in!]
OK, there’s more about the dogs. Christie writes, “They are both sweet dogs and neither likes loud noises. Goldie was abused as a young dog and is still skittish. Both DO NOT like cats. Both have some Chow in them. Goldie looks to have some golden retriever. She's the female as you've probably already guessed. I think an elderly person would be perfect. No kids. Somewhere quiet. They have never bitten anyone. Anyone can contact me via email. I hate to give them away free but we are desperate for a home for both so I would do that but the new owners will need to fill out adoption app and be interviewed and I would need to do a home check (even though there is no fee I've promised this wonderful lady I would find the perfect home).”
The contact point is Christie’s emial: christie.hansen@sbcglobal.net .
MEANWHILE IN SUNNYVALE: Jonnie England, the noted animal advocate, tipped Readlarrypowell.com to this situation. The Sunnyvale Animal Shelter on the eastern edge of Dallas, has more animals than it needs and is desperate to find homes and help for the animals. The Animal Control Officer, Kathryn Eckel, works hard to help get these animals a safe haven, but, as Jonnie explained, there was not one adoption the entire month of May.
Kathryn explained in an email that “All these dogs have only been here a few weeks. Keep having dogs come in and not going out if they were not claimed by owners. Lots of animals that were displaced because of the storms I suppose. A lot of them are awesome adoptable dogs. We are just very small with no foot traffic. So they aren’t being seen.”
This guy Zipper, a Pom mix, is one of the adorable adoptables -- got that “I’m ready to go home with you” attitude. He likes to be petted and to snuggle. He’s a year and 10 whipping pounds. And, according to the shelter bio, “He has a magnetic personality.”
[Larry aside: Magnetic personality? Heck, in Dallas, he’d be elected to the city council. Relax, I'm kidding the council. There's not an un-magnetic person on the council. I'm pretty sure.]
There are plenty more cute dogs in that shelter. To ask about them email Officer Eckel at sunnyvaleaco@townofsunnyvale.org or call 972-203-4119. The shelter is open Monday through Friday. It’s at 371 Long Creek Road. 
THESE DOGS MAY BE RECORD-SETTERS: When I opened up the photos of Gordo (left) and Peter I was immediately convinced that they are the famed Grande
Chihuahuas de Tejas, said to grow to nearly 200 pounds and serve as guardians of entire sections of the King Ranch. Of course, I was wrong.
These two little dogs, according to a tip I got from our pal Karen Lee, are Gordo and Peter and they weigh in at a barely a handful.
They are currently with the West Side Animal League in Fort Worth and WSAL “desperately needs a foster or home for these two cuties,” the email read.
To offer to help these two find a safe place, email westsideanimals@gmail.com.
GARAGE SALE RESCHEDULED: Kelly Richert of the Feral Friends Community Cat Allians says the garage sale benefitting the organization has been rescheduled for June 14 and 15 -- a Friday and Saturday -- at 1118  Creekwood in Garland. If you have items to donate email khelms@tx.rr.com to arrange a time that you can drop off the goods.
CONTEMPLATION: I’m not mentioning World War II and the Normandy Invasion because I find glory in war. I’m a guy who celebrates peace. I can celebrate peace because of the people who went to war for America. If the bad guy won’t put down the weapons and walk away peacefully, it’s up to the peacemakers to make the peace.  And when it is made, those peace-defending Americans are to be honored and the accomplished mission is best celebrated by living in peace, encouraging peace and nurturing peace.
When I started my career in journalism in 1965, the streets of my hometown had a ton of World War Ii veterans vibrantly moving around and contributing to the peaceful society. As I’m writing this, I’ve got a TV on the background and I paused long enough to see the story about some woman giving the First Lady a bit of guff at a gathering. I like to think that the guff-giving woman realizes that she’s able to speak her mind because so many America soldiers believed in freedom of speech -- and that the First Lady realizes that, too.
So, today, when I hear “D-Day” or “Normandy Invasion” or “Omaha Beach” or any of the other once-familiar sites along that blood-soaked coast, I will thank those World War II folks who followed orders and went into a hell most of us can’t even begin to imagine. 
And, remember, Normandy was an allied invasion -- not just Americans gave all.
I don’t know how many soldiers died that day or days later or even years later because of injuries in the invasion. But anyone who has been literate since 1944 has read the stories of hearts that were broken, marriages ended by enemy bullets and families suddenly with one or more empty chairs at the holiday dinner tables.
As a Baby Boomer, we could look at these World War II veterans and civilians as reminders of the determination that the unified United States demonstrated to pursue peace and protect our precious American freedoms. 
Today, as we mark the anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, we may not be able to look at those veterans marching and working, but we can sure see them. They are here in everything we get to do because we have the privilege of living in America. 
America, the beautiful -- thanks to you World War II people and the people who took steps for freedom on June 6, 1944.
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A midweek report -- assorted opportunities...

Here in Oak Cliff, Texas, the coolest place in Dallas, summer appears to have arrived. The robins of spring are gasping for cool air -- it was something like 84 when I started typing this around 9 p.m Tuesday.
But the temp had topped 100 in Lubbock Tuesday and there probably isn’t a robin left in the Panhandle. Do birds get frequent flyer miles?.
Rather have a hot spell than awful storms. But just a hot spell, not a heat wave.
Those dogs?
A bonded pair in need of a safe haven. When they came into the shelter, it appeared that they may have been dragged behind a car or truck.
We’ll explain in a moment. Here’s our report for Wednesday:
AT DAS, THERE ARE DOGS: We got an email from Danielle Fry of the Dallas Animal Services  It had a load of dogs on it, such as these pictured here.
Some of them, she explained are awaiting the end of their stray hold. “By trying to network them earlier, we are hoping to get them out sooner. Some of them are not available for adoption and are made for ‘rescue.”
Those dogs may be shy or may have a health issue, so the appeal for help is made to the shelter’s “transfer partners.” 
To offer to help the animals in these categories, email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com. 
A790598 is the 2-year-old, beautiful Staffie. The DAS folks describe her as a “love bug” and one worker says, “I was petting her in her kennel and when I went to leave, she rolled over on her back for more!”
The little guy is Zorro (A789999) “surrendered by his owner because of the evil landlord.” Yep, on the clock. 
And A787537 is a dog who has begun to rebound after an injury and may have a “deformity in her leg.” The shelter also says, “She has been here since May 15 and e are unable to give her much longer.”
See other DAS animals y going to www.dallasanimalservices.org and navigating to the list and photos.
FROM THE KELLER SHELTER: Fiona Glass send us this appeal for two dogs currently awaiting their fate in the Keller Animal Shelter just north of Fort Worth on I-35W.
She writes, “I wondered if you might be able to help us find a home for the two girls in the attached photo whose status is now considered urgent. 
“Maisie and Molly have been at the Keller shelter for a month. When they arrived they both had blisters all over their paws as if they had been dragged or burned. Their feet were so painful that they didn't want to walk for the first few days. Despite their pain they never once complained and were always very grateful for any attention they received.
“The girls are extremely bonded and we are assuming they are either sisters or that one is perhaps the mother of the other. They are a joy to walk and enjoy giving and receiving love. Both are heartworm negative and current on shots. Is there any way you might be able to help us promote them to try to help find them a second chance in life together? Anyone interested should contact the Keller shelter at 817-743-4516 or at animalservices@cityofkeller.com.”
There you have it folks -- two dogs in need of a way to survive.
TWO CATS IN EVERMAN: Both are Siamese, we’re told by our tipster, Heather Harrison, the volunteer with the Everman Animal Shelter.
The story is Chester is a 2-year-old male Flame Point Siamese with ice blue eyes. He’s affection and “full of personality.” Vetted and neutered and available.
The other cat is Milk, a year old female Siamese who is said to be timid at first but warms up.
She might be a valuable addition to your home because she seems to know her way around a washing machine. Vetted, spayed and, like Chester, being squeezed out of a place by an increasingly populated shelter.
To ask about helping these cats or any animal in the shelter, email heather at nickale7@yahoo.com.
A LOAD OF PUPS: We got this photo last night from the volunteer shelter walker Allison Roberts who monitors Collin County Animal Services in McKinney. As regular visitors to Readlarrypowell.com know, CCAS has been in the process of taking in hoarder dogs. The shelter has no open kennels, Allison says, but continues to take in animals and trying to save them.
These dogs -- 3 boys and 5 girls -- are Rottie/Lab mixes. (You know the drill: Click on the photo to make it larger.)
Allison says they came in “covered in fleas and ticks -- you can see them in this picture. They had just been bathed and fleas were still falling off. But as you can see, they are so beyond adorable.”
To offer to help this very clean litter, email both ldrummonds@collincountytx.gov and animalshelter@collincountytx.gov.
TWO COURT CASES: The trial of the four men charged with animal cruelty in the death of Justice the Dog has ben delayed again and will be reset at a date to be announced, reporters our courthouse monitor, the animal advocate Jonnie England. The cage got bumped from its June 10 start by a capital murder case (baby shaken to death). That accused individual has been in jail 3 years awaiting trial. The Justice defendants have been in jail a year awaiting trial.
In another animal case, Jonnie reports that the man accused of killing a kitten by throwing it off a second floor apartment stairwell is moving along. The man faces animal cruelty charges in the death of the cat and an assault charge in the domestic disturbance that set off the cat episode. The jury has already returned a verdict in the animal case, but the court his holding onto it until the jury brings back a verdict in the assault case. If he is found guilty, then the court will hear the penalty phase of the case. 
So, more to come.
CONTEMPLATIONS: How about that Texas Rangers score last night? Better ignore my suggestion to start planning a World Series parade. ... One of my emails yesterday arrived with this subject line: “Claim your bottle and burn fat without diet or exercise.” I assume it is a large bottle and you crawl into it and a friend throws in some bottled water and seals the bottle for a year. ... Begun your summertime daydreaming yet? Finished your Christmas shopping yet?
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People, ringworm, kittens, dogs and Molly at the Fair...

The reasons animals are in peril surely must astound the sane among us -- they stun me and I’m nowhere near sane.
We have a variety of dangerous situations in today’s report: Some animals have been nearly neglected to death, some were struck by cars perhaps, some were dumped, etc.
What do they have in common? They’ve all been let down by a human. What else? Other humans are trying to save them. These “other humans” are taking up the slack created by the dim bulbs who roam the land without regard to life and decency.
But, we can’t do much about them until they get caught breaking a law, so the mission priority is to help the animals. It’s a moral struggle. But here goes.
SAVING SOME KITTENS: Feral Friends is looking for fosters for some kittens -- Pam Asturias says. Bijou the momma cat and her five kittens are in need of a place to go. Ringworm is the complication. “I normally do not send out this type of plea for help, but I am desperate,” Pam writes. “I have 10 kittens at my house right now with severe ringworm and I cannot take any more.  This litter does not have it as severe, but still need a place to go so they can be medicated.  The estimated time is 3- 4 weeks.” Email pkaska@yahoo.com. That little cat would be solid black if it were not for the big ringworm gaps. [Larry aside: We’ve had one ringworm kitten in all the years we’ve picked up strays -- he has grown up to be a 20-something-pounder with a handsome orange and white coat and a wonderfully loving demeanor. Griffin, the big orange and white cat, was quickly cured. Many shelters consider ringworm a fatal illness and when the glowlight (or whatever it’s called) picks up a bad glimmer, it’s curtains for the critter. Humans can either fight ringworm with a fatal action or they can do the right thing and cure the animal. Usually just that simple.]

HELPING A WANDERING DOG:Talea Davis sent a note about a Pit mix she and a friend have been taking care of since they found her roaming the countryside.
“Over the past few days that she has been in our care we have named her Sweetie, because of her good nature and because she likes to give everyone kisses,” Talea explains. “Sweetie is good with cats, other dogs (both big and small), birds, bathing, and ear cleaning. Sweetie is potty trained and she is not food aggressive. Sweetie would make an excellent pet. It has been over a week since Sweetie has been in our care. Unfortunately, Sweetie has been starved to the point where you can see her ribs when she breaths and she is showing signs of heart worm. My friend and I can not afford to give Sweetie the proper care that she needs.  
“She needs immediate veterinary care and must be gone by Tuesday or will be shot by my friend's dad.”
[Larry aside: Oh, dear Friend’s Dad, please don’t do that. I think it might just be against the law in the State of Texas -- I don’t know if that matters to you. But maybe it does. And if it doesn’t, well, don’t do it because it’s the wrong thing to do. I don’t know you, don’t know where to find you and, also, I’m not a gun person. But I do have some ol’ prayers laying around and I’m going to use one that asks the kindness spirit to touch your heart. I’ll hear if you make good this threat to shoot the dog -- and so will others. But we’re nothing compared to the echo that gunshot will create in the Hereafter. Be nice to the dog. Please. No need for impatience.]
Talea says that calls to all sorts of rescue groups north of the metrosprawl have failed to get any help.
If you can offer this dog a foster home, or a home or a rescue spot, email taleajdavis@gmail.co or call 907-470-0018 or 940-902-3868.
STILL NO TAKERS: Not a soul has shown any interest in adopting this dog -- we pitched her a couple of weeks ago and not a nibble.
One of her supporters, animal advocate Karen Lee, sent out a note last night that red, “I’m begging for this puppy’s life –she is pound bound no kidding--- Cheryl [Hausenfluck]  has tried to take her in but her dogs won’t accept her---and Cheryl is trying to rehome another rescue dog, Jessie, that she has—but this puppy is the most urgent of the 2 right now----please someone help this puppy girl!”
Email hausenc@nmac.com or call 940-390-3012.
[Larry aside: Probably two out of every three dogs I hear about are either Pits or Chihuahuas. Now and then someone will send a note about a blizzard of kittens, a tsunami of puppies. Once I saw a guy walking a pony across Kiest Park and my first thought was, “Oh, lord, don’t let ‘em start dumping ponies in the park.” Pits and Chihuahuas are tough enough. I’ve found some of each in city parks. This dog, however, was a wander-up  -- didn't have enough time to drive to a park, so some creep did a "neighborhood dump," I guess.] 
THE DUMPED DOZEN: If you’re on any critter rescue mailing lists, you may have gotten this photo and story. To quote from the note,these are are “12 puppies some jerk abandoned in the woods in Crosby -- Indian Shores subdivision. If anyone can help find rescues/fosters willing to help these pups, please contact Kathleen Harrot at 713-805-9038.”
Yep, down northeast of Houston. [Larry aside: Close enough to a highway for someone from Dallas to drive that way and shove the puppies out. Not saying that could be the case, but the only things that might keep it from happening are the price of gasoline and the fact that the casinos are in a different direction.]
ANOTHER DAS CRISIS: It’s a big city. There are going to be crises every day. This one came in last evening from DAS Rescue. The note explains that the probably year-old Dachshund/Spaniel mix has suffered a broken pelvis -- maybe. Still needed x-rays last night and, as regular followers of animals in Dallas know, DAS doesn’t have an x-ray machine. “She is able to balance on her hind legs but is unable to stand on her own.”
So the challenge is to get her into a place where she can be properly healed. Rescue partners should email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com. She‘s A790859.
And there are 4 Chihuahua puppies -- a black and tan, a beige and two nearly white -- who were caught by a citizen who couldn’t catch the momma. DAS says the citizen was “worried about the little pups so she brought them to us. The puppies’ teeth are just now starting to come through. We unfortunately do not have the staff to give these puppies the attention that they need at this time.  They should be able to eat canned food but are at the point where they will need some help to learn how to eat solid food.”
Finding a place for them to go is the goal, according to DAS.
SPCA, ELLIS COUNTY SHERIFF TEAM UP: The SPCA of Texas and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office combined forces to get seven horses and a dog out of a state of neglect in Waxahachie Monday morning. You can read the story about the awful condition of the animals and how to help the SPCA feed and care for them at spca.org.  The custody hearing is Thursday in Justice of the Peace Jackie Miler Jr.’s Precinct 2 Courthouse, 701 S. i-35, Waxahachie.
CAT OUT BY THE LAKE: From our lakeside tipster Sydney Busch of Friends of the Animals at Cedar Creek Lake comes a note about an 8-year-old “well-cared for black and white cat” named Missy. She’s spayed and does “OK” around kids and dogs. Her 94-year-old human is moving into an assisted living facility. To offer to help Missy find a good home, call 903-451-9789.
MOLLY RINGWALD? AT THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS? You dang betcha. Got the news release from the State Fair of Texas folks. There are a number of acts scheduled to give free concerts on the Silverado Main Stage during the Sept. 27-Oct. 20 Fair -- for example, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel will be there on opening night. And Blondie play there on Sept 28. Many others throughout the Fair. But on Friday, Oct. 4, the headliner is actress/singer Molly Ringwald presenting a jazz program billed as “An Evening With Molly Ringwald.”  How about that! More details about the Fair at www.bigtex.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Tom Cruise -- generally fun to watch? Outside of the global rebellion it would ignite, I don’t know why Tom Cruise couldn’t play James Bond. Yeah I watched Knight and Day again last night. It was on cable while I was working. Over the weekend we saw a liquor billboard with the great Clive Owen on it -- increasing stateside visibility? Might be the next James Bond?... Molly Ringwald at the State Fair of Texas -- that is such an odd thought that I almost think it means the Texas Rangers have a chance at winning the World Series. .But, wait, there is a chance that the city without public transportation, Arlington, is going to get bus service! Molly Ringwald at the Fair! Buses in Arlington! Start saving for World Series tickets. ... OK, everybody. Let’s all relax. Just a thought. Oh, and I got an email with the subject line “You’ve been selected for a complimentary psychic reading.” My personal reading says no.
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Happy faces and deadlines on Tuesday...

We have some happy faces today. And we have some faces on the clock, people trying to help them, opportunities to donate and t-shirts to buy. 
And we even have a contemplation comparing a canine rescue effort to something that was once pretty common among people in the United States of America. I don’t know -- maybe it still is.
But first we’re going to discuss this photo. 
It comes from the folks with Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise, the city’s shelter.
This is Johnny. And I don’t know how many of you readers have ever seen a big happy dog who wants to play, but that photo of Johnny is the epitome of an “I’m ready to play and I pick you” photograph.
There are people who are unfamiliar with dogs and would have no idea that this is a “play pose.” It’s actually much more than that -- it’s a “compliment pose” -- this dog is saying, “I trust you enough to play with you.” He’s on the clock for Tuesday. More on him later.
4 P.M. TUESDAY THE NEEDLE GOES IN: This is a Cane Corso mix, our tipster at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake tells us. 
That would be Krista Mc Anally, who directs the HSCCL Shelter at Tool, just over 50 miles southeast of Dallas.
Her’s the complication. Krista, who has hustled many a dog to safety, finds a really tough case every now and then. She writes, “This girl came into the shelter as a stray. She is VERY VERY PREGNANT and is ready to give birth probably within the next two days. She is a Cane Corso mix. She will be euthanized unless we can find a foster or rescue by 4 p.m. Tuesday. The shelter is FULL/BEYOND CAPACITY and she cannot deliver at the shelter as there is NO SPACE for a mom and litter. Must have foster or rescue commitment by 4 p.m. Tuesday. She's a bit of a wiggly-butt and wouldn't sit still.”
You want to help this dog? Contract Krista at 903-432-3422 or email dogshsccl@yahoo.com. You can see more animals at hsccl.org. 
MEANWHILE BACK IN THE METROSPRAWL: Maybe we ought to refer to this as the Petrosprawl -- nah, that would probably upset some oil company. No pretro around here, just pretobidness.
But, look, here’s the deal. Where there are lots of animals, there will be too few dollars. We got the tip on this from Karen Lee, veteran animal advocate and supporter of the Euless Trinity High School Girls Awareness Program --- the legendary GAP Club.
The weekend letter reads, “There just never seems to be enough funds for all the pets in need of vet care and this past week has been a doozy! We’ve gotten word from Dr. Riley, that Skyler, a gorgeous, but severely malnourished white German Shepherd/Husky mix has to have a mammary gland tumor removed, has a serious intestinal tract infection AND  is strong heartworm positive, as are our little cutie pug man Gordon and his soul mate Greta!  And then along comes Sierra, a beauty of a Heeler girl with a broken leg….needs a pin……and this JUST IN---precious puppy Jackson with a horrible case of sarcoptic mange which is so contagious and so painful!  Jackson will have to be hospitalized for a week or more until he is
well enough to go to a foster home---poor baby---arrggghhh.”
So, foster homes and money -- two great needs.
The GAP Club is trying to raise money with a T-shirt sales program -- the link is HERE. That's the shirt design on the left.
As Karen writes, “Thankfully these pets are in the care of the Trinity GAP Club with emergency vet services performed on faith that money will be raised!  GAP is estimating well over $2,000 on this group of dogs alone!  GAP is allowed a 30-day tab and then bills must be paid—but we are so thankful to our awesome vet Dr. Riley, Keli and staff for putting up with us!”
To help in any way, email SteffenieVela@hebisd.edu. The donation link is HERE.
A SAN ANTONIO NOTE: We were tipped to this awful incident by Margaret Morin, the noted animal lover from Dallas, founder of the Save Jenny the Elephant Campaign. This story has to do with a reward being offered for information leading to arrest and conviction of the two creepy SOBs who tortured and killed George the Duck on the Riverwalk near the Original Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio. Creepy SOBs -- who else kicks, beats and strangles a harmless duck? You can Google dozens of stories about this offense. What kind of minds are in these people? Goodness gracious what a sad, sad story.
AH, DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES: Dogs and cats await. What they await is up to people.
Shelter-walker/tipster Kelly Bond of Homeward Bound Animal Rescue distributed a weekend note with photos of kittens who are in big trouble because the city has too many of them and they are too young to adopt -- they’ve got to go to rescue. 
So, rescue groups should contact dasrescue@dallascityhall.com to tag the kittens and get them to safety. 
Otherwise, they have simple been saved so they can be killed.
DAS rescue sent out a note last night that reads, “Dallas Animal Services currently has over 100 adoptable cats and kittens!  We are in dire need of kennel space for all the cats being brought to DAS.  We are currently offering a special: $5 adoptions for cats that are 6 months and older! We also have many kittens that are just too young for adoption!  They just need a little time, time that we are unable to give.”
No time to give. Email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com or drop by the shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland.
There is no time to give.
THE PLAYFUL DOG JOHNNY: He is #28364 in the Carrollton Animal Services shelter. 
HIs biography, prepared by the CARE (Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise) staff says he’s about 6-to-8 months old who was a stray. 
Yes, he was a stray but then there’s the back story: A kid adopted him from a friend, but the kid didn’t have mom’s permission to get a dog, so, basically, mom dumped the dog. [Larry aside: What the heck, we were already past Mother’s Day, so this angel of a woman has a
whole year to rebuild her image.]
Johnny is among several animals on “the list” for Tuesday at Carrollton. There’s Petey the Earhound, Kelly the smiling pit, and the three stray sisters, Lori, Cori and Dori. (Their photos are below this one of Hank.
Yep, dogs of all sizes on the clock at Carrollton this week.
And there is that solemn dog Hank. A black Pit Bull in a kill shelter. Goodness, Hank needs an angel.
To offer to help these animals call CARE at 972-466-3420 or email care@cityofcarrollton.com.
You can see the endangered animals on the CARE Facebook site HERE.
And these are the puppies -- Lori, Dori and Cori, sisters in a fix. Too cute. And on the clock.

CONTEMPLATIONS:  It finally struck me on Saturday night exactly how to characterize the work of the Society for Companion Animals. It’s a refugee program.

I was reading the story Channel 33 did on SFCA when I got a “1950s”  feeling and realized founder/spirit Tawana Couch is basically conducting a refugee evacuation. Yep, just like back in the post-World War II era when the U.S. would rescue refugees and give them opportunities for good and safe lives stateside, Tawana is delivering refugee dogs to safe places. She saw a need and works to solve a problem. Sort of sad that the best chance an unwanted dog might have in Dallas is to get out of town.  That Channel 33 story is HERE. There are safe havens in Dallas, too. “Homes,” they’re called. Don’t know what the activation code is. ... June feels good so far -- like summer. Of course, summer won’t get to Dallas until 12:04 a.m. CDT on June 21. ... What’s that? When does the time change? November 3. Don’t you remember when it changed to Daylight Saving Time on March 28? Oh, and the Dallas Cowboys play the Minnesota Vikings at noon on the day the time changes -- there’s your excuse already, Cowboys. And, of course, the World Series starts on Oct. 23, which means that with days off for travel and if the series goes the full 7 games, the Texas Rangers will still be celebrating that 2013 World Series triumph when the time changes. Ah, optimism.
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Soapy Cooper, genuine sleeper...

The world has lots of room for snoozers and sometimes the snoozers make their own room.
Consider this spotlighted pup in our weekend feature, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.
That is not really a “normal” place to sleep.
We got the explanation from Allison Roberts, the volunteer shelter-walker at the Collin County Animal Services Shelter in McKinney. FYI: The shelter has a bunch of vigorous volunteers who don’t mind taking dogs out for exercise.
“This is Soapy Cooper who decided to curl up under the volunteer desk after a walk yesterday [Thursday].  Those are volunteer bags and purses he is napping on,” Allison explains.
She says, “Soapy is a shepherd mix whose been waiting about 3 weeks for a home -- he is a laid back guy and would be a great family pet!”
You can see more adoptables on the volunteer-driven Facebook page HERE and you can also see that CCAS is running a $25 adoption special on many, many dogs. 
[To nominate your slumbering critter -- dog, cat, lizard, lemur, cow, cactus newt  or any other snoozing beast -- for the spotlight of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, sent photo and info to dallrp@aol.com. We’re happy to demonstrate to the world that sleep is not just a dream.]
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Ah, May, you were so swift...

On Friday, the calendar was stunning. Last day of May. How can that be?
Someone hit the retrorockets and slow this year down. At this speed we’ll all have to have a special session to get business done at the end of the year. Now, today’s report:
THE DA’S DOGS: Elise Bissell, the executive director of Take Me Home Pet Rescue, sent us the photos and info and the opening paragraph of the news release sums up the story in a heartbreaking way.
It reads, “When Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia were assassinated in their quiet suburban home on March 30, they left behind not only five grieving children and friends but also two much-loved family dogs. Nearly forgotten in the horror and confusion following the double murders, the national media scrutiny, and the intense police investigation, the dogs were recently accepted by Richardson, Texas-based Take Me Home Pet Rescue and now anxiously await their ‘forever homes.’”
That’s the bottom line. Victims of horrible crime need help.
The dogs are thoroughly bonded and must be adopted together, Elise says.
They are Destiny and Sugar, both somewhere between 3 and 4. Destiny is probably a Beagle/Spitz mix and Sugar is a “white American Eskimo.”
Elise says TMHPR was patient with its assessment of the dogs. “"We wanted to figure out their personalities and see what they were like with kids and other dogs. That gives us a much better idea as to what kind of family or home environment would be best for them."
TMHPR is taking adoption applications -- like all TMHPR applications, they’ll be carefully reviewed. Go HERE to get an application.
The official TMHPR news release has this quote from Elise and it explains how humans can be affected by two dogs whose lives were upended by an astoundingly tragic human act. She said, “These dogs don't know what happened, they just know that they're not with their previous family anymore, and that's got be sad and confusing for them. But they're resilient and so loving. There's been too much trauma, too many tragedies in the news lately, that having Destiny and Sugar with us has really lifted our spirits and reminded us that life goes on, and that love and friendship are great healers."
THE STORY AT DAS: On Thursday evening Dallas Animal Services Rescue Team sent out this note: “It’s a broken record Thursday here at Dallas Animal Services.  What does that mean?  It means I feel like a broken record.  We here at Dallas Animal Services are once again full; the summer is not being nice to us or our furry friends.  We are in need of help from our transfer partners!  We have so many wonderful animals that would make great companions, we just do not have the space nor time for all of them.”
[LARRY ASIDE: The ugly truth of Dallas -- not enough homes, not enough open rescue spots to handle the “throw-away animals” produced by a village of idiots.]
Among the dogs is this Cocker Spaniel/Poodle named Maddie (A789362). She’s 7 and, of course, sweet. DAS Rescue reports, “Our vet staff spent 3 hours shaving off 4 pounds of fur.  The fur even strangulated her left front paw and cut into the muscle. Her paw is still a little swollen but she is able to put weight on it. We are doing hydrotherapy on her leg and it is looking better every day.”
She’s older, developing cataracts, has cherry eye in the right eye -- three strikes. But she’s energetic, was almost too wiggly to pose for a photo and now needs a home or a rescue. And, as veteran dog people know, 7 is barely middle aged in these little dogs. 
To ask about helping Maddie or any of the animals in the shelter, email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com.  See more animals at www.dallasanimalservices.org or just drop by the shelter at I-30 and Westmoreland. 
WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE ANIMALS IN THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE? That’s probably a poorly phrased question. We’re actually focusing on animal laws, not the animals in the Legislature -- they’re the problem of the Austin cops. 
Anyway, generally, we know that euthanasia-by-gassing has been outlawed.  And, Rick Bousquet, the Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network tells us that law goes into effect January 1. 
Something like 22 Texas shelters can gas away until then -- unless animal advocates step up to make sure no animals are at peril from gassing between now and New Year’s Day -- heck, maybe that moratorium on euthanasia will catch on after New Year’s Day, too. 
You might wonder if there’s a place to see a roundup of the Lege’s animal law actions. There is, Executive Director Bousquet says there’s a link to “our post session report” and it is HERE. 
The online newspaper Texas Tribune has an assessment of the anti-gassing law HERE.
THINGS CHANGE QUICKLY IN MCKINNEY: Yesterday morning we got an email from volunteer shelterwalker Allison Roberts about a “very pregnant heeler” in the Collin County Animal Services Shelter in McKinney. Late in the afternoon the subject line on the new email read “Now w/newborns! Heeler and 6 pups (so far).”
That’s the family in the photo. Allison sent a note just after 7:30 a.m. that a rescue group has “tagged” the mom. Which group? Collin County Humane Society -- heroes of the day for an entire new family.
The CCAS shelter is being pounded by new arrivals and slow-to-go old residents. To offer to help any animal in the CCAS shelter, email both ldrummonds@collincountytx.gov and animalshelter@co.collin.tx.us.
ASSORTED NOTES:
-- Here is an alphabetical list of local shelters without an overload of animals: . Thank you. We’ve gotten overload notices from Collin County, Dallas, Everman, The Colony, Balch Springs, Weatherford, ... just pick a shelter. If it has one animal, it has too many. Last day to adopt an animal during Be Kind To Animals Month. May need a special session this weekend, eh?
--Tawana Couch, founder of and spirit behind the Society for Companion Animals, reports that the SFCA, which jets unwanted Dallas dogs to happier and safer places around the country, is supposed to be focus of a story on the Channel 33 9 p.m. news tonight. Depends on the vibrant news of the day, of course. ... 
-- Yesterday, the SPCA and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office teamed up to get six “cruelly treated dogs” off a property in Red Oak. They were “living inside a feces-filled, urine-soaked house” and “suffering from various issues.” Their owner had been hospitalized and a neighbor was feeding the animals but the burden was too much for all concerned.  Custody Hearing is June 6 in Justice of the Peace Jackie Miller Jr.’s Court in Waxahachie. ...
--Yesterday morning we got a desperate note from Jeff Keese, an individual (not a rescue group member) who said, “I’m trying to save a dog from euthanization at 2 p.m. today. I’m willing to adopt this dog if no one will.  He is labeled Rescue Only because he showed stress upon entering the Arlington Animal Service.  He was surrendered by his family when they moved.  His name is DJ and he is an American Bulldog and his ID # is 19991246.  Can anyone help me stop this?” We sent some suggestions and today Jeff says he’s picking the dog up thanks to help from Homeward Bound Animal Rescue. We’ll let you know how this works out. ...
--Bedford opens its latest attraction at 9 a.m. Saturday. Bedford Bark Park opens at the city’s Meadow Park at 3200 Meadow Park Drive. One more “park” and I set the record for park in a paragraph. Park your car at the park and park yourself inside the park and witness the dog park ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Dogs will park. I mean “bark.” It is, after all, the Bark Park.
CONTEMPLATION: This is my Mom’s birthday -- Pearl Powell up in Texarkana. I’m not sure how old she is -- I think she’s just a couple of years older than I am. Last time we went to see Mom, she baked a low-fat chocolate pie -- I didn’t know they existed -- and it was quickly added to my list of “Cravings.” Long list. Her biscuits are atop the list. She writes poetry. Reads it at church now and then, I’m told. Must not be too bad. They keep letting her come back to church. So, I’ve commissioned Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas to write a commemorative poem. He calls it “I’m Careful On The Carpet.”
Happy birthday granny,
Stand back from the candles
A cake like that is something
the fire department handles.

“Happy Birthday!” from Inky, the Cocker Laureate of the State of Texas and members of the “Oak Cliff Wolf ‘n’ Cat Pack.”
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Fab faces, tough stories, pressure and show biz

Today will be a mutterfest.
Every time you see a situation that can be easily solved by human involvement, mutter. You’ll wear you lips out. But it’s cheaper than therapy.
And we’ve started today’s presentation with a set of distinct eyes. This is one pretty dog face with an extra facet of a distinct feature. Hypnotic, isn't she. We’ll tell you about her in a moment. We’ll also tell you about a Balch Springs opportunity. Now, here we got with our mutterfest:
LOOKING FOR REAL ESTATE: Most rescue groups have plenty of animals. What they don’t have plenty of is foster homes or real estate.
Right now, the Before the Bridge rescue group is looking for real estate.
Why is that? Lost a neighborhood dispute in Wylie and now the group has to move. Neighbors sued in 2012, says Before the Bridge’s Marsha Duncan Fleming. “As part of the mediation agreement,” Marsha says, “We are required  to move our dogs from the property in Wylie by June 15. We had already been searching for a suitable property where the dogs could be safe and happy -- in other words, be dogs. We located such a property in Wolfe City and expected to move in by the deadline. However our loan fell through Tuesday afternoon and now we are out of time to begin again.
“What I would like from your readers are suggestions and ideas about where we can temporarily house our 30 dogs until we can figure this out. My daughter and I have taken lifetime responsibility for these dogs and are not prepared to lose them or give them up because of a legal battle. We are desperate at this point. Starting to panic, which is not helpful. Could you put out a plea for us?”
There’s the plea. Among the animals that will be helped is this dog, Merryweather, who is a former West Dallas dog -- she was originally rescued with her sisters by the great Fairy Dogmother of Dallas, Angie Manriquez. 
If you’ve got helpful ideas for Before the Bridge, call 214-202-3107 or email beforethebridge@gmail.com.
A TON OF CATS: We don’t have the exact weight of all the unwanted cats and kittens at Dallas Animal Services but it must be somewhere around a “ton of cats.”
[Begin muttering.]
Rescue groups can ask about helping by emailing dasrescue@dallascityhall.com.
We’re running a photo of just four of many kittens.
They’re adorable. They have their own personalities. Given half the chance, they’ll run your household and make you think you’re in charge.
Remember, at some shelters, including DAS, young kittens get the needle because they are judged too young for adoption based on a number of reasons.
See more DAS animals at www.dallasanimalservices.org.
There may be a ton of dogs there, too. 
MEANWHILE IN BALCH SPRINGS: in case you don’t know, Balch Springs is a smallish burg on the southeastern edge of Dallas -- I-20 and Highway 175 south -- and it has an animal shelter.
These are a couple of the animals in the shelter this morning. Elise Bissell, executive director of Take Me Home Pet Rescue, tipped us to this situation because the rescue groups that usually work to help this unpublicized shelter -- TMHPR and Richardson Humane Society -- are full, all out of fosters.
“D Day is Friday for the cattle dog and the weekend for the Lhasa,” says Elise. 
There’s more. Week before last, Elise says, “[her shelter contact] brought me a kitten that had been tossed out of a car during the train storm. . Fives weeks old. Doing great.”
In the past year, RHS and TMHPR have managed to save 30 dogs and 8 cats from the Balch Springs Shelter. 
“There is no website with photos of the available pets nor do they participate in social media, but they do work hard with what they have to get the word out,” Elise explains. “There are many great pets that end up at this shelter. Since they don’t have the funds allocated to advertise or hold the dogs for very long, many of them are euthanized. We have rescued Maltese, Shih Tzus, Border Collies, Aussies and Shepherds.  Most of the ones we have taken have been strays. Recently we just brought in a litter of a kittens and their friendly momma who delivered in a warehouse.”
Elise says this Lhasa is a year-old male and the Cattle Dog is a young female. To offer to help them, you can get the shelter info at www.cityofbalchsprings.com.
The adoption fee is $25. [Mutter. Mutter. Just 25 bucks? Heck, empty that shelter!]
AN OVERBOOKED FOSTER THANKS TO A COUPLE OF WANDERUP PUPS: Kelly Wilson sent us a note that has elements some of you may have faced before. I’ll call it “overwhelmification.” That’s probably not a word, but it does explain what’s going on.
Kelly explains, “I am a foster for a couple of different rescues and have five dogs of my own. I am overrun and cannot keep these two that came running up to me in my driveway last week. They were clearly someone’s dogs but I have exhausted all possibilities of finding their owners. I have even checked with vets in the area to see if they recognize the wound that the little female has (cut pad) or if they use that color vet wrap [bright pink] and none of them do. One vet told me they think the little male is a Golden mix but the golden rescue turned us down, saying that he looks more like a Lab.”
Thee dogs are sweet and well-behaved. They’ll be in boarding through Sunday because “I do not wan to take them to a kill shelter. They re to precious but I have to find somewhere for them to go by next week.”
They are both small, young dogs -- no collars, no chips. They were thin when she got them. To offer to help Kelly with these dogs, call 214-334-4132 or 972-219-4469.
FROM THE BRAZORIA COUNTY POUND: “I am at the begging point,” began the note from Tammy Grable, the ACO in the county shelter in Angleton, south of Houston. She was appealing to rescuers, one of whom forwarded it to Readlarrypowell.com 
Mutter. Mutter.
“We have so many wonderful babies here and so many here for quite some time that we are about to have to let go.  I am including some of the newest that came in yesterday, we had a total of 24.”
With the 5 kittens that are there, that means a lot of animals are on the clock. Nineteen of the dogs are Pitties, Tammy writes.

We’ve picked 3 photos. One is of #709, a female Lab mix with eyes that don’t match but fit her perfectly. She’s probably given to whimsy.
The other two dogs are a couple of Lab mix puppies (707 and 708) -- around 8 weeks old. One resented the camera being aimed at his face. The other was into posing for a proper portrait. 
Yes, they’re brothers. 
These three dogs have been in the shelter only since Tuesday -- but other dogs
have been there much longer. Particularly the Pits. [Insert vigorous mutter now.] We’re not running a photo of one of the Brazoria pits because none were sent to us and they also are not on the shelter website HERE but Tammy’s note describes them as “all loves and great with others.”
To offer to help any animal in the Brazoria shelter, call 979-388-2365 or 281-756-2365 or email  bcsoaco@yahoo.com.
FOUR FROM THE COLONY: The Colony Animal Shelter is loaded with adoptables, we hear from our pal Patricia Barrington, the Animal Services Division Manager.
We’ve picked 3 to highlight.
One is a dog who has a jailyard pose -- possibly asking passersby, “Hey, Mac, got a smoke?”
That kitten is either a free-roamer or has demonstrated an ability to do office work.
That Pit’s face is too much to pass up.
To ask about helping any animal in The Colony’s shelter, email pbarrington@thecolonytx.gov or call 972-370-9250.
Mutter. Mutter. People are needed. Mutter. Mutter.
CONTEMPLATIONS: If you really give a darn about what happens to this dog Jessie, let me know. Mutter. Mutter. I’ll put you in touch with the person who has her. She was a “found dog” and now she’s an “unwanted dog.” Mutter. Mutter. And Readlarrypowell.com has run several photos of her -- sleeping, sitting, flat out and upside down. So, I’ve decided to run this photo and see if it charms anyone. Based on the Readlarrypowell.com knowledge of dogs of all sizes and types, this is a huggable dog, at home riding shotgun in a pickup or sitting on a couch and watching sports or Jeff Foxworthy’s new program, The American Baking Competition. Oh, my, pie. ... I keep getting an email with the subject line: “Get help in opening your handyman franchise.” If life is ever so bad in America that I am your handyman, move across an ocean fast. ... And our final contemplation of the days has to do with our favorite thing next to animals -- theater people. Well, animals of a different kind, I guess -- relax, I've been there, not just with a ticket but with makeup and an on-stage memory that now and then sounded like we were playing, "Guess the next line." At any rate, our pals at Pegasus Theatre are presenting a play (a Churchmouse Production) -- Dead Wait by  Carson Kreitzer --  at the 15th Annual Festival of Independent Theaters in Dallas. These are the stars -- Jared Culpepper, Isabelle Culpepper and Andrews Cope.  Here’s the story: “Languishing in limbo, two dead waiters and Jayne Mansfield share the intimate details of their lives, and the violent tragedies that brought them to their current state. A sly and haunting meditation on being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Yeah, it’s not suitable for kids -- unless your kid is a theater kid and, then, well, he or she will know when to look away, close the ol’ ears and smile broadly as if the clever line was understood. Dead Wait runs May 31-June 22 at the festival at the Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther Drive. (Go HERE to get the show schedule and tickets.) Why do we like theater people? Because they are the epitome of hope and joy. With the rising of each curtain, there is hope that the show will go on nicely and at the end there is joy in the applause. Clapping hands, a laugh at the right place -- those are the real payoffs in theater. And so is money -- but not very often.
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Welcome to Wednesday which, this week, feels as if it has appeared a day earlier than usual.
Now, today’s report from Readlarrypowell.com, The Pet News Place For People and a place that loves animals because we’ve met too many people. I'm kidding.Read on and you'll see who that camera-happy dog is.
OMG, TWO THINGS HUMANS CAN GET IN THE DALLAS ANIMAL SHELTER: As I was reading a desperate plea forhelp from Dallas Animal Services’ rescue team, I ran across a hideous problem that can affect humans in great numbers if we are not careful.
I’m hesitant to call this an epidemic, but, well, is your insurance up to date?
Look, here’s the problem and try not to panic.
Believe it or not there is a dog in the Dallas Animal Shelter that has -- I don’t mean to set off a panic -- this dog is suffering from “valgus flexion.”
You get that and you’re in a bit of a spot.
And there’s no known vaccination that will keep humans from getting it.
Sorry to blurt this out. I'm getting this from the DAS appeal for help: The dog has been diagnosed with “valgus flexion in the area  of her left carpus.” 
Sends chills down your spine -- wait. Not down your spine. Oh, OK, some of you knee patients have been laughing along with me, I hope. Here’s what all that means, based on my studies on line last night. “Valgus flexion” is a problem with a loose knee and “left carpus” is the location.
Yes, this dog (A787637, upper right), a Min Pin mix, about 2 months old, is lame in her left front leg because of the knee injury. X-rays are needed to carefully diagnose the injury and design a repair/recovery program. But, as DAS says, “The injury does not hold her back at all! She is jumpy and playful. All she wants to do is run around."They're so human!
Now, DAS sent out this unsigned  request for help because the shelter “has lots of dogs in need of transfer,” the DAS staffer wrote. “We have a few senior doggies in need.  Senior dogs just break my heart. They are so full of love and are just easily overlooked with all the puppies.” [Transferring the animals into rescue may be the easier way to save the lives -- email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com. But there are plenty of adoptables -- see them at www.dallasanimalservices.org and email dasadopt@dallascityhall.com.]
Among the other dogs is that little black Chihuahua, Devonte, 12 years old and unwanted.
Then there’s the 8-year-old Corgi mix -- kind of an Earhound. Came in as a stray.
And the 4th dog is a 5-month-old Manchester Terrier mix who, the vet staff thinks, has an “old femoral fracture” and a dislocated left hip. Can’t put weight on that leg. Has a great attitude, though. And needs a human heart to match.
STILL NO TAKERS: Well, goodness, what are we to think of humanity in the case of Country the Dog.
You may recall the first story.
This dog (left photo is “before) was dumped at convenience store in Hillsboro -- someone put the dog out with a sandwich and left.
At least they gave the dog a sandwich.
Her current (and temporary) human Marcia Prechel says, “She was fully vetted last week and just wants to be with her person all the time. She is in Hillsboro, but we can work out transport. Vet references and home check required.”
Country is probably 2 or younger and she is “very calm, crate-trained and won’t jump on you. Absolutely adores kids and craves their attention.” [Country sure looks happier in her "after" photos.]
This isn’t Marcia’s first rescue, but she is finding it frustrating to get absolutely no interest in a dog with such a story. To ask about helping Country find a home, call 512-963-1823 or email marcia521@hotmail.com.
[Larry aside: At cocktail parties, this dog’s story would make you a hit yarn-spinner. Oh, and at church socials, too. Hmmm, I’m wondering now, are congregations under-represented in the animal rescue world? Anybody got any studies on that?]
THREE OL’ LUGS ON A BED: You might wonder just who benefits when Greyhound Adoption League of Texas stages its fundraising Grand Cru Win Tasting on Sunday, June 2. It’s from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Grand Cru Wine & Gifts, 5500 Overton Ridge Blvd., in Fort Worth. (Get details, tickets, at galtx.org.)
Who gets helped when GALT raises money? Here’s the official, latest explanation. “In the past 14 days, EIGHT strays, shelter releases, as well as farm and track greyhounds have been accepted into the GALT family. Soprano has a broken leg with surgery scheduled for this Thursday; Softly is under medical evaluation for a previously broken leg that has healed with possible complications; Sizzle, a stray from Waco, has completed her medical procedures; Tuuka is a stray from Wichita Falls; Pebbles, a stray from Waco, is being treated for Ehrlichia...”
What about those dogs on the bed? They are Mike, Ralph and Ernie,  “three 10-year-old boys from a neglected situation in Snyder, Texas.”
THE EVERMAN PRESSURE: The 10 Hound puppies at Everman Animal Shelter last week are down to 8 -- two have been adopted. But the shelter remains “beyond full,” says shelter volunteer Heather Harrison. 
Still, there is this purebred Blue Heeler, 2-year-old Boyd, on the clock for the last day of May -- just 2 days away.
“Very sweet” and “adores people,” reports Heather.
To help with any animal in the Everman shelter, email nickale7@yahoo.com or call 309-299-5665.
MEANWHILE IN BURNS FLAT: Oh, boy, when I see a mail from Terry Lynn Fisher has popped up in the inbox, I know there’s a story about to be told about an animal situation in Burns Flat, Okla., a small town out in the western side of the state.
Here’s what she sent yesterday. “As I got ready to leave work today, a guy came up looking for me. He had a momma cat have her babies in his boat. He was trying to wait until she took them and left, but sadly, last night, something got in the boat and killed momma. The little girl in the front had her leg mangled really bad.
“They are feral, but the guy said they left you hold them. He said he took them to the pound in Elk City and to 2 vets, but all of them just offered to put them down. These babies are so scared.... and the little Calico is in so much pain.”
Terry Lynn is determined to save the kittens and is taking them to a vet today. “I am still going to need a safe place for them to go,” she says.
And she’ll need help paying for their care, too. Contact Terry Lynn at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com or call 580-330-1459. The treatment will be at Elk Creek Clinic, 1301 Airport Industrial, Elk City, Okla. 73655. Call 580-225-4868. They know Terry Lynn.
THE TITUS HEROES: Remember yesterday when we celebrated the recovery of bolt-and-run dog Titus? We had the photo but no ID. So, now we’ve got the info from Titus’ human, Taryn Risucci.
She reports, “Their names are Nate and Dezra Edwards. Titus is VERY happy to be back home! And the other dogs were just thrilled to see him, too. He walked into the backyard and looked like he was dreaming. Then he went through the house room by room and you could really sense his amazement and relief! He hasn't left my side for more than a minute since we got him home, well until I had to go to work Tuesday!”
TESTIMONY TO BEGIN IN CRUELTY CASE: Our courtwatcher Jonnie England, the noted animal advocate, reports that testimony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. today in the cruelty case of Edwon Kumont Julian, 36, charged with tossing a kitten off a second story landing -- allegedly happened during a domestic incident with his then-girlfriend.
The case is being heard in the 292nd District Court, 6th floor of the Crowley Courts Building, Riverfront at Commerce, just west of the Triple Underpass.
LAST DAY OF HOPE IN CARROLLTON: We got a note overnight from the Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise folks about the load of unwanted animals -- today is their last day unless someone steps up. The Facebook site is HERE https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.341691295949675.1073741825.284936444958494&type=3&uploaded=1

CONTEMPLATIONS: Let me remind you that this is “Be Kind To Animal People Month.” Oh, wait. It‘s just “Be Kind To Animals Month.” Apparently there is no “Be Kind To Animal People Month.” Of course not. That would take some sort of a revolution within the animal rescue community and you’d have people snarling, “I don’t like the way she’s being kind. She’s not holding her mouth right.” I kid the nice animal people, of course. ... Finish this sentence: :The last time I got fed up with things I was ...”  Yeah, hard to decide which time. ... Has that 2016 presidential race already started? Is there an app somewhere than can put it on hold for a while? Let’s work out the current problems before we get a whole new batch?
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Faces and situations...Wednesday in our world...

Welcome to Wednesday which, this week, feels as if it has appeared a day earlier than usual.
Now, today’s report from Readlarrypowell.com, The Pet News Place For People and a place that loves animals because we’ve met too many people. I'm kidding.Read on and you'll see who that camera-happy dog is.
OMG, VALGUS FLEXION IN THE DALLAS ANIMAL SHELTER: As I was reading a desperate plea forhelp from Dallas Animal Services’ rescue team, I ran across a hideous problem that can affect humans in great numbers if we are not careful.
I’m hesitant to call this an epidemic, but, well, is your insurance up to date?
Look, here’s the problem and try not to panic.
Believe it or not there is a dog in the Dallas Animal Shelter that has -- I don’t mean to set off a panic -- this dog is suffering from “valgus flexion.”
You get that and you’re in a bit of a spot.
And there’s no known vaccination that will keep humans from getting it.
Sorry to blurt this out. I'm getting this from the DAS appeal for help: The dog has been diagnosed with “valgus flexion in the area  of her left carpus.” 
Sends chills down your spine -- wait. Not down your spine. Oh, OK, some of you knee patients have been laughing along with me, I hope. Here’s what all that means, based on my studies on line last night. “Valgus flexion” is a problem with a loose knee and “left carpus” is the location. 
Yes, this dog (A787637, upper right), a Min Pin mix, about 2 months old, is lame in her left front leg because of the knee injury. X-rays are needed to carefully diagnose the injury and design a repair/recovery program. But, as DAS says, “The injury does not hold her back at all! She is jumpy and playful. All she wants to do is run around."They're so human!
Now, DAS sent out this unsigned  request for help because the shelter “has lots of dogs in need of transfer,” the DAS staffer wrote. “We have a few senior doggies in need.  Senior dogs just break my heart. They are so full of love and are just easily overlooked with all the puppies.” [Transferring the animals into rescue may be the easier way to save the lives -- email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com. But there are plenty of adoptables -- see them at www.dallasanimalservices.org and email dasadopt@dallascityhall.com.]
Among the other dogs is that little black Chihuahua, Devonte, 12 years old and unwanted.
Then there’s the 8-year-old Corgi mix -- kind of an Earhound. Came in as a stray.
And the 4th dog is a 5-month-old Manchester Terrier mix who, the vet staff thinks, has an “old femoral fracture” and a dislocated left hip. Can’t put weight on that leg. Has a great attitude, though. And needs a human heart to match.
STILL NO TAKERS: Well, goodness, what are we to think of humanity in the case of Country the Dog.
You may recall the first story.
This dog (left photo is “before) was dumped at convenience store in Hillsboro -- someone put the dog out with a sandwich and left.
At least they gave the dog a sandwich.
Her current (and temporary) human Marcia Prechel says, “She was fully vetted last week and just wants to be with her person all the time. She is in Hillsboro, but we can work out transport. Vet references and home check required.”
Country is probably 2 or younger and she is “very calm,
crate-trained and won’t jump on you. Absolutely adores kids and craves their attention.” [Country sure looks happier in her "after" photos.]
This isn’t Marcia’s first rescue, but she is finding it frustrating to get absolutely no interest in a dog with such a story. To ask about helping Country find a home, call 512-963-1823 or email marcia521@hotmail.com.
[Larry aside: At cocktail parties, this dog’s story would make you a hit yarn-spinner. Oh, and at church socials, too. Hmmm, I’m wondering now, are congregations under-represented in the animal rescue world? Anybody got any studies on that?]
THREE OL’ LUGS ON A BED: You might wonder just who benefits when Greyhound Adoption League of Texas stages its fundraising Grand Cru Win Tasting on Sunday, June 2. It’s from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Grand Cru Wine & Gifts, 5500 Overton Ridge Blvd., in Fort Worth. (Get details, tickets, at galtx.org.)
Who gets helped when GALT raises money? Here’s the official, latest explanation. “In the past 14 days, EIGHT strays, shelter releases, as well as farm and track greyhounds have been accepted into the GALT family. Soprano has a broken leg with surgery scheduled for this Thursday; Softly is under medical evaluation for a previously broken leg that has healed with possible complications; Sizzle, a stray from Waco, has completed her medical procedures; Tuuka is a stray from Wichita Falls; Pebbles, a stray from Waco, is being treated for Ehrlichia...”
What about those dogs on the bed? They are Mike, Ralph and Ernie,  “three 10-year-old boys from a neglected situation in Snyder, Texas.”
THE EVERMAN PRESSURE: The 10 Hound puppies at Everman Animal Shelter last week are down to 8 -- two have been adopted. But the shelter remains “beyond full,” says shelter volunteer Heather Harrison. 
Still, there is this purebred Blue Heeler, 2-year-old Boyd, on the clock for the last day of May -- just 2 days away.
“Very sweet” and “adores people,” reports Heather.
To help with any animal in the Everman shelter, email nickale7@yahoo.com or call 309-299-5665.
MEANWHILE IN BURNS FLAT: Oh, boy, when I see a mail from Terry Lynn Fisher has popped up in the inbox, I know there’s a story about to be told about an animal situation in Burns Flat, Okla., a small town out in the western side of the state.
Here’s what she sent yesterday. “As I got ready to leave work today, a guy came up looking for me. He had a momma cat have her babies in his boat. He was trying to wait until she took them and left, but sadly, last night, something got in the boat and killed momma. The little girl in the front had her leg mangled really bad.
“They are feral, but the guy said they left you hold them. He said he took them to the pound in Elk City and to 2 vets, but all of them just offered to put them down. These babies are so scared.... and the little Calico is in so much pain.”
Terry Lynn is determined to save the kittens and is taking them to a vet today. “I am still going to need a safe place for them to go,” she says.
And she’ll need help paying for their care, too. Contact Terry Lynn at remembering_oddball@yahoo.com or call 580-330-1459. The treatment will be at Elk Creek Clinic, 1301 Airport Industrial, Elk City, Okla. 73655. Call 580-225-4868. They know Terry Lynn.
THE TITUS HEROES: Remember yesterday when we celebrated the recovery of bolt-and-run dog Titus? We had the photo but no ID. So, now we’ve got the info from Titus’ human, Taryn Risucci.
She reports, “Their names are Nate and Dezra Edwards. Titus is VERY happy to be back home! And the other dogs were just thrilled to see him, too. He walked into the backyard and looked like he was dreaming. Then he went through the house room by room and you could really sense his amazement and relief! He hasn't left my side for more than a minute since we got him home, well until I had to go to work Tuesday!” [Larry aside: People who do good deeds ought to get recognized for the effort. Rescuers, foster folks, adoptors, shelter workers fretting over an injured dog -- all of you deserve recognition. This story of Titus is such a long shot, it's a genuine happy ending.]
TESTIMONY TO BEGIN IN CRUELTY CASE: Our courtwatcher Jonnie England, the noted animal advocate, reports that testimony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. today in the cruelty case of Edwon Kumont Julian, 36, charged with tossing a kitten off a second story landing -- allegedly happened during a domestic incident with his then-girlfriend.
The case is being heard in the 292nd District Court, 6th floor of the Crowley Courts Building, Riverfront at Commerce, just west of the Triple Underpass.
LAST DAY OF HOPE IN CARROLLTON: We got a note overnight from the Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise folks about the load of unwanted animals -- today is their last day unless someone steps up. The Facebook site is HERE.
CONTEMPLATIONS: Let me remind you that this is “Be Kind To Animal People Month.” Oh, wait. It‘s just “Be Kind To Animals Month.” Apparently there is no “Be Kind To Animal People Month.” Of course not. That would take some sort of a revolution within the animal rescue community and you’d have people snarling, “I don’t like the way she’s being kind. She’s not holding her mouth right.” I kid the nice animal people, of course. ... Finish this sentence: "The last time I got fed up with things I was ...”  Yeah, hard to decide which time. ... Has that 2016 presidential race already started? Is there an app somewhere than can put presidential campaign politics on hold for a while? Maybe we could work out the current problems before we get a whole new batch.
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Happy finding, some hoarding and contemplations...

Welcome to what’s left of a 4-day workweek. I shout “Hallelujah” on your behalf.
And, now, on with today’s report. We’re starting with a happy note.
THEN TITUS WAS FOUND: You may recall that last week we reported on Taryn Risucci’s efforts to find Titus, missing since darting out an open door on April 22.
Over the weekend, we got this note from Taryn:
“The young man in the attached picture played fetch and ball with him for two weeks to gain his trust and get him closer to the house. This morning [Saturday] the son and mother sat outside for an hour determined to get Titus close enough so they could read his tags. His ID tag was gone and his city registration tag was worn but they could make out the city name and most of the numbers. They called the City of Carrollton Animal Services who narrowed down which dog it was through a combination of the legible numbers and his description. Titus is VERY skinny and had one tick in his ear but is otherwise well. The little boy who kept playing fetch with him is a HERO!”
[Larry aside: We're working on getting the IDs for the hero and mom, got emails in to all the right places, but no response yet. We'll give them credit when we know who they are.]
So, there’s the happy ending. Thanks to a tag -- even a “partial” -- the CARE (Carrollton Animal Rescue Enterprise) folks were able to make an ID and help return a dog to his home rather than start the clock on him.
IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE HOARDING ARRIVAL: We told you here last week that Collin County Animal Services was expecting dozens of dogs coming in from a hoarder. 
Here are a couple and one is an obvious Earhound.
Our tipster, Allison Roberts, the volunteer shelter-walker at CCAS, says, “These two pups are super cute and terrified at the shelter. i was able to pick them up -- no biting, but one peed on me. Poor things. They are about 3 months old.”
(Larry aside: The female is 414063 and the male is 414067. You’ll have to get closer to tell which is which -- I’m in Oak Cliff and they’re in McKinney and, as you know, you cannot tell the gender of an Earhound by looking at the ears.)
To offer to help, email ldrummonds@collincountytx.gov AND animalsheler@collincountytx.gov.
The volunteer-run Facebook site is HERE and the county-run site is HERE. 
SPEAKING OF HOARDING: There’s a conference coming June 7 -- the 2013 Southwest Conference on Hoarding is scheduled fro Friday, June 7, at Methodist Hospital at Colorado and Beckley in Oak Cliff.
You can get all the details off this artwork -- click on it to make it larger than a billboard. Or at least readable.
According to the written news releae, the $25 fee includes continental breakfast, lunch and “CEUs.”
[Larry aside: Dear readers, I am afraid I must confess that I have no idea what ‘CEUs’ are in this context, though I suspect they must be some kind of refreshment since they are listed with the edibles. Surely it is nothing a person could hoard. Look, it took me about 5 years to decipher GSD. I’m just now coming to grips with the idea that “BOLO” is a reference to “be on the lookout” and not a reference to a famed masked wrestler of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Yes, I hoard trivia. Time out: My savvyspouse Martha has just shaken her head at me, a familiar gesture, and said, “Continuing Education Units” but she may not be aware of the University of Indiana at Bloomington’s Central Eurasian Studies, also CEUs. Acronyms DMOOMM (Drive Me Out Of My Mind).  Someone’s probably got a phone app that’ll define all of ‘em you run into. QAABR (Quick As A Bunny Rabbit).]
To get more NFO or to register online go HERE http://hoardingconference2013-es2005.eventbrite.com, FYI: HERE means “here,” in the previous sentence, not Hairy Everywhere Rabbit Ear. NKU. Not kidding you.
TORNADO DONATIONS: Carol Eicher of the Diane Rabon Animal Fund in Fort Worth says supplies donated for the Moore, Okla., animals are being collected at Family Pet Care at 1501 Handley Drive in Fort Worth. “Monetary donations can be sent to me or put in the donation box at Family PetCare. PayPal donations can be made up to 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 30.”And, she says the non PayPal drive for funds at Family PetCare or via her will continue through noon on the 29th and will be delivered after the 30th. “Thanks for opening your hearts once again,” Carol says.  (Contact her at carolre@prodigy.net.)
BACK TO THE SHELTER? Debra Roan reports that this dog probably is going back to the Denton Animal Shelter Tuesday after several days of veterinary care -- he’d been struck by a car. This is a  Treeing Walker Coonhound. He had a dislocated hip and needed surgery, Debra reported.
She has fears  for the dog (ID #45553). “I don’t think he will make it if he goes back [to the shelter].}
To offer to help the dog, contract Debra at 940-453-8702 or debra.roan@gmail.com.
What would you name a Treeing Walker Coonhound? They’re calling this one “Hunter.” Appropriate, eh?
AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY YOUR ADOPTABLES: We got a note from Alexis Beshara, assistant manager at the Richardson Pet Supplies Plus.
She says, “My store loves to host different adoption groups on the weekend and I am looking to fill a couple/three more weekend days. I have the 5th Saturday of the month available for a group preferably as a standing appointment with us (i.e.: this group would come every 5th Saturday of the month). I also have the 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month available, as well, also for standing bookings. If you know of any that may be interested, please contact me via my email, alexisbeshara@yahoo.com.”
Call 214-276-5496, too, if you want to reserve a spot.
CONTEMPLATIONS: We saw a Pierce Brosnan film over the weekend, Love Is All You Need. [FYI: The theater, in Dallas, had a loan officer standing by so I could get enough money for a medium drink.] The ladies I was with declared the aging Mr. Brosnan to be quite the hunk. The film was made even more beautiful by the blue eyes of the female star (Trine Dyrholm) and the Italian scenery. Not a hint of Remington Steele or James Bond in the movie, but there might have been a little Thomas Crown. Intense businessman and naked woman.  [Larry aside: You realize, of course, that by using the term “naked woman” I have increased this website’s clicks by hundreds -- all teenage boys just getting out of school for the summer.] ... Former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher is starring in some commercials for Time-Warner and, I swear, every time I hear is voice I think he’s being dubbed by Napoleon Dynamite. Anybody else hear that? ... Just when you think “sine die” means something, the Texas Legislature goes into special session and all our belongings and savings are at peril again.  OK, relax, they’ve always done what’s best for the state and I am a ballerina dancing Swan Lake and executing a grand jete without cracking the boards on the stage.
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Memorial Day -- exercising the freedoms

America is a great team.
Nobody knows that better than someone who has been a journalist his entire professional life.  Politicians, soldiers, law enforcement, teachers, every civilian. It’s a team.
So, that’s why we’re starting our weekend edition with a grateful thanks to the folks who are honored on Memorial Day. People who died while serving the country.Without those people and what they’ve done and given up, there would be no ol’ newshounds around to stick a picture of a sleeping dog on a website and declare that each weekend’s edition would be titled “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap.”
We’d be running the photos “they” tell us to run. There’d be no ol’ newshounds to post a picture of Porche the Dog and kid that when she’s walking away from you it looks like a certain congressman or a supreme court judge or a city councilman or war-making paperhanger on the other side of the world. Freedom of the press. Freedom of speech. Freedom to try to make a living any legal way you want to as long as you’re qualified.  After all, I would never hang out a lawyer or doctor sign and I especially wouldn’t advertise that I can do home repair or plumbing. I could probably pull off “lawyer” in a small claims court with an inattentive judge, but I’d never convince anyone that I was a plumber.
Freedom of speech/freedom of the press/freedom to shoot off your mouth allows me to write that, though.
This may all sound flippant for such a serious holiday, but, I’m serious into my heart that these heroes saved this nation and by keeping the press free, they’ve saved it every day, every time some undeserving person gets elected to office and his or her story gets told by the media, it’s good for America. Reminds us to pay attention to the person we’re trusting with our futures. 
You know, those men and women who died in uniform and are buried not only across the nation but around the world deserve to know that we’re grateful we can nap like this dog and that we can poke fun at people in print. They gave up their freedoms to protect ours. 
I remember when the last Civil War veteran died and when the nation commemorated the War Between the States, i.e., the Civil War or as some hardheads in the South still refer to it, “The War of Northern Aggression.”  I remember my uncle coming back from Korea in the early 1950s and being darned happy to see the hometown again. I enjoyed celebrating the Bicentennial of the American Revolution back in the 1970s while there were still echoes of bombs dropped in Vietnam. There’s always some war somewhere with American lives on the line.
I don’t enjoy knowing that there are new graves in American National Cemeteries because of old warriors wearing out or new warriors making a sacrifice. But I am grateful for the heroes.
And every time I hit the keyboard on this computer and post a story about people taking time to help a dog or cat instead of having to line up for a planned spontaneous celebration honoring a creep, I thank those heroes. They’ve kept the bad guys from taking over and destroying the greatest nation ever.
We can’t honor them enough. But we can keep working for the America they protected. Until somebody invents a time machine, that’ll have to do.
A CHALLENGE AT COLLIN COUNTY: Volunteer shelterwalker Allison Roberts rushed out a note yesterday that says Collin County Animal Services is “expecting 40 dogs from a hoarding case next week. We must get 50 dogs out of the shelter this weekend or there will not be space and we will face EUs.  We have no open kennels.  Many of our dogs are vetted.”
Among the dogs who are on the brink is this guy Koda -- in the shelter because the owner “couldn’t take care” of him.
Seems like you could make a sincere effort for a dog with a great face like that.
Koda’s friendly and bright and fetches whatever is thrown. He’s 407805 -- a 4-year-old Shepherd mix. 
To ask about any animal at the shelter, email both ldrummonds@collincountytx.gov and animalshelter@collincountytx.gov . To see more animals that are facing a bad fate, go to the volunteer-supported Facebook page HERE.
ABOUT SOME PUPPIES IN MCKINNEY AND EVERMAN: You may recall that we mentioned a dozen Dachshund puppies that had been delivered to Collin County Animal Services after Child Protective Services told someone there were too many dogs in the house -- Allison referred to that as “hoarding by negligence”  All 12 have been rescued from the shelter.
On the other hand, the 10 Hound puppies surrendered to the Everman Animal Shelter, at the opposite end of the Metrosprawl, have not been claimed.  That's them in the prison chainlink fence pose. They’re all perfectly happy and good dogs, healthy and lovable, just not wanted. If you’d like to offer to get these 10 dogs into a happier place than a city shelter, contact volunteer Heather Harrison at nickale7@yahoo.com or call 309-299-5665. 
ANOTHER PITCH FOR THE ANTI-LINOLEUM DOG: We wrote about this dog Jessie last week and she still doesn’t have a hint of interest from anybody.
Her current angel Cheryl Hausenfluck says, “Haven’t gotten any hits yet, but, well, we know Pits have a bad rap.”
Not Jessie, though. She’s got a great reputation -- just doesn’t like to walk on linoleum and needs to be an only dog. Nobody knows what made her that way. Probably a human. Safe guess, I’d say. 
As you can see here Jessie is definitely trained to sleep.
She just needs a real home to help her get comfortable with a dog’s life. Has to depend on humans. And we know how that goes sometimes. 
To ask about taking in this dog or helping Cheryl with the fostering burden, email hausenc@NMAC.COM. 
Just a reminder: Jessie is about 2, fully vetted, spayed, vaccinated, heartworm negative, microchpped, healthy and needs to be an only dog. “She knows commands -- sorta,” Cheryl says. Just needs someone to help her learn.
CONTEMPLATION: Our Earhound scout Stephanie Daniels, the communications specialist with the SPCA of Texas, started a note with, “What a week! Whew!”
Yes, indeed, the SPCA has had a big week with the Oklahoma transfer and just normal things.
Stephanie had an upbeat idea after that tough week. “I thought that we should send over a silly Earhound to brighten everyone’s crazy week. This is Claire, a beautiful 10-month-old Pit Bull with a stunning set of eyes. She was surrendered to us about one month ago because her family just wasn’t ready for a dog quite yet. She’s sweet, silly and absolutely gorgeous! I believe our digital communication coordinator, Abby Glavy, captured this wonderful photo of Claire out in the play yards.”
And then Stephanie ends the note with a sentiment we share and something we hope for not just for us but for all you -- Veterans, civilians, elected officials, appointed officials, critters and Earhounds, too. She wrote that she hopes we have “a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend.” Seeing this Earhound with that doggy grin is a good start.
[REMINDER: To nominate your slumbering critter or deadbeat in-law, cousin or old college pal for the spotlight Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and Napping Cats Nap, send photo and info to dallrp@aol.com. Remember, we publish this because -- in America -- we can. Oh, and also to help insomniacs find inspiration.]
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As the weekend arrives, animals await and people are the answers...and so are belly rubs

A quote to remember: “I met her. I played in the yard with her and rubbed her belly. She is as sweet as they come.” -- Someone talking about a rock star, a reality star? Read on.
It’s Friday. Some people began their Memorial Day Weekend during rush hour yesterday. Some start tonight. And some hard-working people hold onto the holidays and use them later in the year.
If everybody took a day off at the same time you know what we’d have? Well, just look at Congress. (That’s probably an old joke from Bob Hope or someone back when Congress wasn’t all that scary.) So here’s today’s report in no particular order. Oh, wait, that dog is saying, "Yeah, I'm from Oklahoma. So what?" He or she is one of the refugees taken in by the SPCA of Texas and available in Dallas and McKinney. OK, now we move on:
OH, PLEASE. IS THIS CLICHE OR WHAT? Everybody who has spent a minute in rescue has heard the term “throwaway dog.”
This really is one. I learned about Chico this morning. I opened Karen Lee’s email first and she wrote, “How could someone do this?” and then I read Heather Harrison’s note. She’s the relentless volunteer with Everman Animal Services.
Her note explains, “This poor li’l fella was found IN THE DUMPSTER at the shelter!!  The ACO and another volunteer were taking out the trash, heard a whine from the Dumpster, opened it....and there was Chico!! Someone had thrown this li’l fella into the Dumpster to die, or be crushed to death by the trash truck!!

“We are guessing Chico to be 3 years old. He is a sweet li’l fella that adores people and attention.”
There’s a big wound on his neck. A vet is looking at the little guy today.
And, as Heather has been reporting all week, “The pound is full. It is vital that Chico make it to rescue.”
Contact her at nickale7@yahoo.com or call 309-299-5665.
A DAS EARHOUND -- OH, AND A DALLAS DUMPSTER DOG, TOO! Dallas Animal Services’ Rescue Team sent out a note overnight about a ton of moms and puppies who need out of the shelter via rescue (and, of course, some are adoptable, too).
Among the dogs needing a safe place to go is this guy Patch. He is so obviously an Earhound that it brings a giant smile to admirers of the species.
Now, officially, this 6-month-old, 23-pound rascal is listed as “a Catahoula mix,” but the shelter notes “he has short little Basset Hound legs.”
In the shelter kennel, he is “fearful,” the DAS says, “but once taken out, he is a happy playful puppy. We are hoping Patch can be pulled soon since he gets so scared in the kennels. We want him to enjoy his puppyhood.”
He’s A787753. Email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com or dasadopt@dallascityhall.com.
And that Aussie Shepherd is going to available to rescue groups starting Saturday. He’s A788746 an DAS says, “This poor boy was found by one of our officers after he had been tied to a Dumpster. He deserves much better!.”
[Larry aside: There must be some kind of, pardon my entirely accurate French, “Dumbass Gene” loose in North Texas. The gene induces  idiot behavior in people who have dogs and cats they don’t want. The cure? Two-by-Four of Enlightenment -- if only it were legal.]
TCAP RUNS A CLEVER SPECIAL IN THE MIDST OF A CRISIS: We’ve gotten emails from nearly every shelter in the known universe begging for help with overloads of puppies and kittens.
Overloads! Yes, all you people who had a momma and a 4-kitten litter and dumped the family at a shelter, you’ve created a crisis by “handing off” the “problem.”  (Ask the people at Grandbury, for example. Or The Colony. Or Dallas.)
Now, there are ways to stop this “puppy and kitten season” tradition. Spay the girls, neuter the boys. Dogs and cats are like human teenagers -- lectures don’t work.
 OK, so here’s the TCAP special: It’s the “No More Fathers Day Special.” mention that when you call TCAP at 940-566-5551 to set up an appointment for a $20 neuter (with the inexpensive purchase of a full set of vaccines) during the month of June. (If your critter has a bio-complication --undescended testicle, for example -- there might be an extra charge for the work.)
You’ve got to call for the appointment. Four male pets per household, 
[Larry aside: For those of who unfamiliar with biology -- and trust me, there are people who think a spay or a neuter is the same thing and they want to “go with the cheaper surgery for my girl dog” -- let me explain. The $20 neutering is FOR BOYS. It is the removal of the testicles -- that stops the sperm. Didn’t you learn anything in high school? And the more expensive and more invasive “spay” surgery is an “ovariohysterectomy” -- removal of the ovaries. That’s where the eggs come from. If the sperm and the eggs meet, why, that’s what results in puppies and kittens. Now, the choices are (1) prevent the births of unwanted puppies and kittens via spay/neuter or (2)  box up the unwanted adorable puppies and kittens and, if nobody adopts them, take them to a shelter where there are people paid to shove a needle into their little bodies and kill ‘em deader than a slow dog on a highway, deader than a cat on a city street. It’s just that ugly. Maybe telling how ugly it is will make a point. Though, of course, we invoke our early aside about that gene situation that is rampant in North Texas.]
Read more about TCAP at www.texasforthem.org.
And those dog and cat models in these photos? They’re courtesy of Dallas Animal Services -- and as luck would have it, they’re available for rescuing at the shelter.
ONE MORE DALLAS DOG! I got one of those oft-forwarded notes about a special dog. And aren’t they all special. But this one really is, it turns out. Special because she has an advocate.
Monica Miles, a Legacy Boxer Rescue volunteer, was at Dallas Animal Services when she met this dog (#A788418).
And, here’s the story from Monica. “Yes. I met her. I played in the yard with her and rubbed her belly. She is as sweet as they come.”
Could be a little Boxer in her, some Pit Bull or maybe American Bulldog. Who knows? She is “so goofy and sweet,” Monica writes. “She is just the happiest girl in the shelter.  We took her out in the play yard and she was bouncing and wiggling all over the place, but her favorite thing to do was come lay at our feet and roll over.  She loves to have her belly rubbed.  She wagged her tail at every dog she saw so I believe she is dog friendly.  She has a cut on the tip of her tail from wagging it so hard. She is about 1 year old and so adorable.  Her stray hold will be up on 5/24 and she will need out of the shelter.”
So, there’s a personal endorsement of an unwanted Dallas dog. You can see how to adopt her at www.dallasanimalservices.org or email dasadopt@dallascityhall.org or get up out of your chair and drive your lazy backside to I-30 at Westmoreland and walk into the shelter and save a happy dog’s life.
About that second photo: Wouldn't it be great if humans could achieve such bliss! That Klyde Warren Deck Park in downtown Dallas would be full of office workers flopped on their backs every lunch hour! 
CONTEMPLATIONS: I was reading a press release about Texas’ new anti-gassing law for animal shelters and the release read, “This new law will limit the approved methods to injection only, which is more humane than gas as it takes effect faster, acts more reliably and causes less pain and trauma than gas. In gas chambers, animals may suffer extensively and claw to get out of the chamber before succumbing.  The ASPCA and THLN successfully worked together in a joint partnership to help pass this bill this session.” This is a big step forward in decency. Bottom line, however, is gas or needle, dead is still dead. Congratulations Texas for solving half a problem. Still got that Texas motto: "Got an animal problem? Let's kill it."... Odd advertising ploy by one automaker now. Its TV commercials proudly declare, “That new car smell won’t last long.” Are you people nuts? Consumers WANT that new car smell to last. That’s why car washes offer the fragrance! ... My pal Della Wallace, Realtor/Rescuer, sends me touching things now and then and while this video is a joy, I was genuinely moved at the way the humans behaved during a challenge involving a momma duck and her babies. To watch it click HERE. Be kind to all the animals, even the humans.
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Puppies by the litters, kittens by the buckets; the tornado effect; Maggie in a fix; a fake thrilla in Manilla...

It’s Thursday. Let’s dive right in. And we’ll remind you about this dog Maggie in a minute.   She’s just one more tough story in the Big MetroSprawl.
THE TORNADO EFFECT: If things went according to plan, overnight the SPCA of Texas moved abut 70 dogs and cats from the Central Oklahoma Humane Society to its Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney. As with the Human Society of Flower Mound’s movement of a bunch of Central Oklahoma’s animals earlier, these are not animals that were affected by the storm. They are animals that were already in the shelter when the tornado struck -- they’re being moved to make room for storm-affected animals.
Now, the SPCA will need some room, so it’s dropping its adoption fees by 50 percent for dogs and cats Friday through Sunday at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal cAre Center in Dallas and the Perry Center, too.
You can catch up with the HSFM rescue efforts by going to the society’s Facebook site HERE.
[LARRY ASIDE: And that’s a photo of a puppy and a smile from the Humane Society of Flower Mound operation. Honestly, who among us would NOT be smiling if we had our arms wrapped around that beautiful puppy?]
THE DOXIE DOZEN: For a few days now the Collin County Animal Services volunteer shelter walker Allison Roberts has been telling people how crowded the facility is. Then, holy puppy breath, on Thursday she forwards a note about a dozen surrendered Dachshunds.
And it includes one of the greatest pro spay-neuter sentences ever. She wrote, “The owner of these dachshunds wasn't a breeder by trade, just by negligence.”
So, Child Protective Services, she says, determined that the home had too many dogs and CCAS agreed to take the dozen Doxies. By Wednesday afternoon, two had gone to rescue and 10 were still waiting. “Some are not as socialized as others, but I was able to carry al of them,” Allison wrote. “They may not be great with kids,  at least until better socialized.”
To offer to rescue, email both ldrummonds@collincountytx.gov and animalshelter@collincountytx.gov.   That dog? That’s Bud, #413300. He looks like a guy who is asking, "You're not going to take me? Why? I'm a nice kid."
MEANWHILE IN EVERMAN: Volunteer Heather Harrison sent this note around about the Everman Animal Shelter. “The pound is beyond full,” she wrote. “These babies must get out.”
Someone delivered 10 unwanted puppies to the Everman Animal Shelter. Click on the artwork to make it largeer. To offer to help these pups, email Heather at nickale7@yahoo.com or call 309-299-5665.
[Larry aside: Not sure if the person who brought these dogs to the Everman shelter was, as Allison wrote above, a breeder “by negligence.” Doesn’t matter. The people who allow these unwanted puppies to “get started” don’t suffer by being sent to a cage to await a needle, do they. Nope, they just do the drop off and drive away to shop or go to a movie or maybe say, “That’s a load off. Let’s go grab something good to eat.” Ah, you hope indigestion becomes their constant companion. You do wonder how they can look the momma dog in the face after they take away her babies. I’m sure they don’t have to look her in the face -- she’s chained out in the yard and now and then they yell birth control advice to the dogs gathered in the yard. “Don’t do that! Git outta muh yard.” Always works.]
CATS LOAD DALLAS SHELTER: This note was distributed to Dallas Animal Services’ “transfer partners” Wednedsay evening. We’re running just a couple of the photos, but there are plenty more photogenic cats and kittens on the clock at DAS.
The DAS Rescue Team appeal reads, “Dallas Animal Services is full of kittens again!  Please look below at the adorable faces in need!  They all just need a couple more weeks before they can go to their forever homes!!  We know that everyone has kitties but are hoping that some have been able to be placed into loving forever homes We appreciate all that our transfer partners have done this year! Thanks you all for helping DAS to save these animals!  We could not do it without you!”
To offer to help these kittens or any animal in the shelter, email dasrescue@dallascityhall.com. You can see more animals by going to the DAS website HERE.
The story on the orange cat (A788717) is the little rascal was found by “some citizens who owned a Maltese,” DAS says. “While waiting for our officers to arrive, the Maltese and this kitten bonded. The Maltese would chase the kitten, then the kitten would chase the Maltese! So cute! Unfortunately the people were not able to have a cat. Our officers tried really hard to keep the firends together, but no such luck.” 
In the second photo, that’s A786041, a black Momma cat with 4 tiny brown tabby kittens. [Larry aside: I’m sure they’re simply the result of human idiocy. You can blame idiot humans for a lot of things on the planet -- sometimes you can blame them for neglecting to do the right thing, i.e., being responsible when it comes to preventing the arrival of animals born just to be killed.]
The shelter is at I-30 and Westmoreland, just a few minutes west of downtown Dallas. It’s open to the public. You may have a friend in there waiting to join you in a happy household.
HELP FOR MAGGIE: Three days ago we wrote about Kathy Brewer’s attempts to find help for this dog Maggie, previously a chained all -day dog, then a rescued dog and now a dog that really needs to be somewhere without the dynamics of other dogs.
The pressure, the constant fear of a big dog fight and the worrying are getting to Kathy and she sent a note to Readlarrypowell.com asking, “Do you know what Maggie's chances will be if I relinquish her to SPCA?  My old Lab Hailey is so fearful she trembles all the time and I can barely get her to go out and come back in.  And it is not fair to her."
So, if you help Maggie you’ll be helping Hailey. 
Perhaps someone has a spot in a rescue group or a no-kill shelter. It would be the merciful thing to do for Kathy. To offer help, email ibkathy@swbell.net.
JUSTICE TRIAL RESET: We got this in a note from animal advocate Jonnie England who has been monitoring legal proceedings in the famed Justice case in which four people are charged with animal cruelty in the death of the dog -- by fire -- in April 2012. The new trial date is June 10. If it starts on time, picking a jury will take a while and testimony may start at midweek in 292nd Criminal District Judge Larry Mitchell’s courtroom in the Crowley Criminal Courts Building. The defendants are in jail awaiting trial. They are Darius Ewing, Adrian Ayers, Darius Carey and Richard Valentine.
ELEPHANT PROTEST: Animal Connection of Texas and PETA are teaming to protest the elephant rides offered at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival n Waxahachie. The organizers are planning a peaceful protest from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, email animalconnectiontx@yahoo.com. Organizers also will provide the posters and leaflets, but not the parking and the weather may be a factor.
A BIG TEX UPDATE: Sue Gooding, the PR Guru at the State Fair of Texas, sent word yesterday that Big Tex’s head is coming together.  [Larry aside: Some of us, unable to get our heads to come together in a sane fashion, are envious.] You can watch the shaping of the noggin at this YouTube site HERE. The reconstructed Big Tex will make his debut on the Fair’s opening day, Sept. 27. The fair runs for 24 days through October 20 (Tex went up in smoke on the last Friday of the Fair in 2012). Sue reports that individual donations for  recreating Big Texas are at the $74,707 point. Check out the Fair at www.bigtex.com.
CONTEMPLATION: Today we’ll address spam ‘n’ hackin’. We’ve got a number of contacts in the animal rescue world and two have recently had their email addresses hacked and used to distribute what looks like a real problem. Here’s what the totally fake email labeled “Vacation Problem” says: “Just hoping this email reaches you well, I'm sorry for this emergency and for not informing you about my urgent trip to Manila,Philippines but I just have to let you know my present predicament. Everything was fine until I was attacked on my way back to the hotel, I wasn't hurt but I lost my money, bank cards, mobile phone and my bag in the course of this attack. I immediately contacted my bank in order to block my cards and also made a report at the nearest police station. I've been to the embassy and they are helping me with my documentation so i can fly out but I'm urgently in need of some money to pay for my hotel bills and my flight ticket home. All i need to get these sorted out is about $2,450 USD and promise to REFUND as soon as back home. Kindly let me know if you would be able to help me out so I can forward you the details required for a wire transfer.” One of the people who’s email suffered this fiction was an animal rescuer named Lydia who got word of the transgression and sent out a clever note that read: “Hi, Folks! My contacts are all pretty savvy, so I'm confident no one has fallen for the scam e-mail you received about me being in Manilla, having been robbed and needing funds! I have to say, the e-mail, itself, cracked me up big time, but it's a crime, so shame on the hacker. I'm broke, alright.  But, I'm broke in Houston, not in Manilla :)” [Larry aside: Heck, if I had extra money, I’d send it to Lydia to help her get out of Houston. I’m kidding. I’m kidding!] 

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Helping out people, helping out animals, wondering about Rowlett...

Helping near, helping far. Those are the kinds of hearts we see in the greater Metrosprawl,
And, of course, always look before you leap into donating. You’ll see lots of emails, lots of stories. Take time to look with your brain and not just your heart.
Naturally, there are still animals around here who need a break. We’ll get to this dog, Raven of Rowlett later in today’s report. Read on:
BIG HEARTS IN FLOWER MOUND: The Humane Society of Flower Mound announced yesterday that it’ll be taking at least 10 to 15 puppies and dogs from an Oklahoma City shelter so there’ll be room for refugees from Monday’s storms.
Stacy Smith, Vice President of Animal Advocacy for HSFM, said, “In a situation like this, what the rescuers in that area need most are two things:  money and space We’re happy to be able to free up some cage space so they have room to hold animals until they can be reunited with their families.”
She is quick to add that the animals coming to Texas were already available for adoption at the Central Oklahoma Humane Society -- these are not animals that might have been separated from their humans in the storms.
Most of these Oklahoma dogs will enter the Love on Wheels program which moves unwanted Texas dogs to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in DeWitte, N.Y. Helping Hounds is already awaiting the transfers, Stacey says. So, no local cage space is going to these dogs and putting the squeeze on dogs that already are unwanted locally.
To offer to help, go to www.hsfm.org and get info.
TWO DOGS IN A SIMILAR SPOT: Karen Lee, the noted animal advocate and the big supporter of Euless Trinity High School’s GAP Club (Girls Awareness Program), tipped us to two special Denton-area dogs that are in real need of places to live.
Currently their biggest champion is rescuer Cheryl Hausenfluck, a veteran of the tough critter situations.
First up is 2-year-old Jessie -- listen to this description: “Fully vetted, spayed, vaccinated, heartworm negative.  She is microchipped and registered with Home Again.   Healthy—no known medical conditions.”
If she were a Yorkie she’d have been adopted before I finished typing “fully vetted....”
The rub is this dog is one of those who “needs to be an only dog” or needs to live with a dog that out-dominates her. She’s OK with kids, doesn’t like boy dogs, loves to cuddle.
“She knows basic commands, sorta,” Cheryl says. And she’s kind of OK on responding to her name. She’ll let you know when it’s time to go out.
Kind of iffy with cats.
What about Jessie and floors? Glad you asked. Cheryl writes, “She does not like to walk across the Linoleum floor. She will cry and cry to come inside because she’s scared to run across the floor, but with some coaxing she will -- at a full run!.”
And that brings us to Pittie Puppy -- no other name right now. Cheryl’s former roomie has been taking care of this pup who wandered up into the driveway and had no other place to go.
Unfortunately, the puppy wandered into a domicile with a full load of dogs already, including some that just aren’t happy to have this puppy around and they let it be known.
So, the dog needs a place to go. And, to add to the load of challenge, the pup may be pregnant. That’s the going theory as this is written.
So, to ask about either dog, email hausenc@nmac.com and to ask about the wander-up Pittie, call 940-390-3012.
MEANWHILE, IN THE COLONY: The note carried a very simple subject line: “Adoptable Animals at TCAS.” Yep, adoptable animals at The Colony Animal Shelter.
And we got a load of dog pictures and load of cat photos and a note that red, “These handsome hounds and frisky felines are all awaiting new homes at The Colony Animal Shelter.”
The note and the descriptions came from Patricia Barrington, Animal Services Division Manager. She’s the gatekeeper for these animals. Email pbarrington@thecolonytx.gov or call 972-370-9250 and she or one of the staffers will arrange to open the gate so you can take a new critter friend home.
That Bird Dog mix (top left) is Bernadette, a lively, year-old girl who enjoys the two-way street of animal/anima fan affection. There are ome Beagle/Pug mixes at the shelter, some Lab/Chow mixes, a Yorkie... oh, the list goes on.
For example, that Bloodhound mix (right) is Sparky -- she’s 2. And she came from the home with handsome Lab mix Charlie. They can be adopted for $20 each plus the cost of a rabies shot. They are, Manager Barrington says, “great friends” and the shelter personnel hope they’ll be adopted together -- seems like the right thing to do since they are close pals.
Now, that brings us to the load of kittens in the shelter -- all colors, a variety of sizes. But because Readlarrypowell.com is a big fan of black and white cats, we’re using this little, lively kitten to represent any cat at The Colony’s Shelter -- what the heck, this cat represents all shelter cats. “Give me a home, I’ll be a great friend.”  Although this one seems to be asking, “Hey, bub, you with the camera. What are you doin’ in my space?”
THE ROWLETT CONSIDERATION: First, our Rowlett tipster, the rescuer Dawna Carabajal, one of the Friends of Rowlett Animals,, is a veteran at hustling on behalf of the Rowlett shelter population. That’s why she sent a note reminding us of the pressure. We’ll call it the “Circumstances of Spring” -- dumping and puppying and kittening -- this has put the squeeze on cage space in Rowlett.
And this week, as the Memorial Day Weekend approaches, the canine adoption fee in Rowlett is just $25.
Early Tuesday, there was a chance that euthansias were about to happen. Dawna sent out a desperate note. The pressure abated later in the day, but she explains, “The shelter is still completely full. Luckily 2 of the 3 dogs that came in today [Tuesday] were returned to their owners, so no one had to be euthanized today. But we did not have any dog adoptions or rescues today. 
“I really do not understand. I know that rescue groups are full, but I hear about rescue groups that walk other shelters but they never come out to Rowlett. We are only 3 miles past the Garland shelter. Why won't they come? Rockwall Pets does pull from our shelter when they can, but we need more support. 
“We have one dog, Raven, that has been at the shelter since December 20. She is such a sweet and lovable girl that gets along with everyone. Even after being at the shelter for 5 months she still has a great attitude. And then there is Missy (left), who has been there since  January 16. She is a very playful girl that loves tummy rubs. And Diesel, he has been there since January 9. He is a big boy that loves to roll and tumble with other big dogs. VERY playful boy. 
“Our small dogs and puppies get adopted and rescued but our medium and large dogs get left behind. 
“The shelter has extended the adoption special another week, so thru Saturday all adoptions are only $25, which includes shots and spay/neuter. 
“And of course, kitten season has finally hit Rowlett shelter, so our cat rooms are filling up fast. We have had a few of the kittens get adopted, but we still have plenty to offer. “You can see all of the dogs and cats available for adoption at our Facebook page Friends of Rowlett Animals. Sadly they do not always keep the PetFinder listings current so there are a lot of animals not listed there that are available for adoption.”
To ask about helping keep the Rowlett shelter space open, email  sadieand9pups@hotmail.com. The Friends of Rowlett Animals Facebook page is HERE. The shelter is at 4202 Industrial in Rowlett and you can call it at 972-412-5219 or email the shelter at atraister@rowlett.com.
CONTEMPLATIONS:  As this is being typed, the WBAP weather guy Brad Barton says it’s 60 degrees at Love Field. This chill keeps up and it’ll trigger automatic merchandising to start buying TV ads for winter clothing and Christmas shopping. ... See that photo? That’s what a Green-winged Macaw looks like when it perches in a neighborhood tree in East Dallas -- picture came from the folks at the Fair Park Summer Adventures extravaganza. That is either Moe or Curley -- both birds got blown away from the Summer Adventures show in Fair Park over the weekend and were found  pretty quickly. That was thanks to “media friends’ efforts in spreading the word,” says Summer Adventures PR rep Sally Wamre. The birds “were perched in a neighbor’s tree in Little Forest Hills in East Dallas and our bird handles immediately rescued them.” They’ll be back in the Wings of Wonder show at Summer Adventures Saturday through Monday. (Read more about them at www.fairparkfun.com.) And, like me, you can wonder if these birds understand the value of making a happy public relations splash! No telling what they’ve got planned for the State Fair -- perched atop Big Tex’s new hat, maybe. ... The Dallas Cowboys kept Tony Romo’s back surgery a real secret. Makes you wonder about other surgeries the team has hidden this year: executive hair transplants, robot hands that can hold onto a leather ball, GPS system implants into receivers unable to run routes. Ah, the possibilities.
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