It never ceases to amaze me how people accept or do not accept animals as a part of the family or consider their pet as just an aggravation. I was approached last week with the question,"you still worrying about them animals--how long you gonna keep this up?" I agree that I am growing long in the tooth but expect to be buried with the prayer that someone will carry the torch for the animals that cannot speak for themselves. ...

And so there are folks in this city and county that just can't imagine why we really need a county shelter.

I remember Walker Park, when I first moved here, 44 years ago, and how excited the children were that they had a park to enjoy.

While watching the storms of rain and wind, I noted how scared the children (great-grandchildren) were. We played a game of what to do if a tornado were to come roaring through Mississippi County, as it was suggested by the weather man.

I've been thinking, and anyone that really knows me -- well, I been thinking!

I am about to give you readers some "paws to ponder." I recently heard on TV an alarming announcement that I am certain it was from a Memphis Shelter. I do not watch much TV but often have it on just for the noise.

Sure seems like Thursday rolls around faster than it used to (my article deadline). But then, nothing these days can be anticipated, especially this crazy weather.

It seems every day the news just appears to get worse. I have gotten to the point that I don't even want to read the paper or watch the news on TV.

The Carousel Farms Pet Cemetery has interred another of the family-loved animals.

Sometimes I find myself feeling my way in this darkness. It seems I am going in circles. A younger me, always impatient, this older version of me is often reminded that my time is running out to fast.

Well, we all know that when the Lord closes one door, He will open another.

Well, spring has sprung, and yet we know that as crazy as this weather has been, we will probably have snow Easter Sunday. Wouldn't be the first time!

How about that weather? It has been some time since I have seen weather like that. I had a little down time and did not have to suffer the weather. I lie there thinking and worrying how many animals were not in a nice cozy house with a fireplace and nice warm food to eat.

This night, I said goodbye to my longtime friend, Diana Weidman.

Another load of puppies were picked up off Lily. Strange how no one knows who these animals belong to!

I am past worn out preaching to the choir. Getting old I suppose, or maybe just plain burned out.

The purest form of love is family, whether it be human or a pet. And when a person or pet you love dies, it's natural to feel sorrow. It's natural to express grief.

We are still pushing for the Mississippi County Animal Shelter as well we should. The anticipation of its arrival is almost as bad as being pregnant.

The year is gone, thank God! I pray that the new year will bring us peace and tranquility. It's gotta be better than last year.

Been kinda whiney the last few weeks. Sign of the times -- lots of stuff on my plate! I remind myself of the William Yeats saying, "But I, being poor, have only my dreams, I have spread my dreams under your feet; tread softly, for you tread on my dreams."

Every once in a while, I remind myself that there are wonderful people in this troubled world of ours, some in this very county. But hounding me too often are the so-called humans that just ain't gonna do that which is right and abide by the Bible.

I don't know how much you know about PETA, but perhaps it is time the public got a glimpse of their practices as opposed to the practice they claim.

Gotta sad story to relay to you and possibly the owner of a white Pit.

Rodney Kankey, 52 of Viola, will be tried Dec. 3 in Fulton County Circuit Court in Salem. Pretrial will be held next week. He was charged nearly three years ago with 118 counts of animal cruelty.

Maybe this is just a bad week. Maybe I'm getting crotchety in my old age. But I am getting progressively aggravated with the attitude most of the city/county has taken regarding animals being tossed out into the wilderness.

I have been watching my beloved companion "Gretchen" begin to fade from my life and it is very difficult to accept.

Too often we hear complaints or dissatisfaction regarding Blytheville. I have made Blytheville my home since 1970. Sure, we have some unsavory things happen, but so do other towns and cities.

For many people a pet is not "just a dog" or "just a cat." Pets are beloved members of the family, and when they die, you feel a significant, even traumatic loss.

The Inaugural Blessing of the Animals will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 on the lawn of the First United Methodist Church in Osceola.

And the beat goes on! Another week of county animal problems brought into the city. Folks, everything is ready for the new shelter, except the money. And yes, we have a bank account, and yes, it is slowly but surely growing.

The lady who contacted me was very distraught about her kin -- (three men, her brothers-in-law) had a wonderful little dog named "Charlie." They have little joy in their lives, so this pet was very dear to them.

OK, all right! I should have been a teacher so I could say, "We're going to do this 'til we get it right."

Well, if the rest of this week is like the first of the week, I am going to have to visit a shrink!

I am continually asked about the Paws in Prison project that we have been working on for well over a year.

Seeing so many animals about our town and knowing how crowded our shelters are, this beautiful sentiment comes to my sad heart. It was written by Carol Herd:

I realize that all animal owners are not going to love their pets as they do their children but, how do you just move away and leave pets without any food or water? When is it they just stop caring about their animals enough that they leave them tied to a fence without food and water? Why would you leave them shut up in a house without food and water?...

Paws in Prison began the last part of 2011. It began as a partnership with Central Arkansas Rescue effort. There are lots of good things coming from this program

Many thanks to Diana Holmes. She advised me of the Jonesboro Club program last Tuesday which would most certainly be of interest to me (Paws in Prison).

Hope your Fourth of July was as wonderful a celebration as mine was. Family and friends are so hard to beat. The food was fantastic -- being a food fanatic it made the holiday even more enjoyable.

Did you ever consider that animal abuse is another form of family violence? I once heard a speaker say that animal abuse takes numerous forms in the context of family violence.

Forty-three years ago I came to Blytheville with three kids, two hamsters, a Weimaraner, a Schnauzer, two white rats and a Boa constrictor.

Promises! Promises! Promises! I hate to be a grouch, but I made a promise to the county folks that I would be a part of building a shelter that would be beneficial to the cities and our county. I never said how long it would take.

A shut mouth gathers no foot. And I am about to stick my foot in my mouth (or whatever)!

If you haven't heard, a Newbern, Tenn., man is being held in an Arkansas jail for poisoning three horses, and a friend of mine is nursing a broken heart.

Hard to believe a week has passed and an other article yet to be written. Even harder to believe that our trip to Helena/West Helena new animal shelter (scheduled three weeks ago) was attended by three of us.

This day belongs to all the mothers that read this, and what a joy it is to become a mother.

What a week! Lotsa good things, positive things happening and we are so much the better for it.

As a nation we claim to love our dogs and cats. Millions of households have pets, and billions of dollars are spent yearly on pet food and supplies.

There are so many of us that possess that wonderful love for animals, they are so like family. "Gretch" has been a little under the weather, and it is like having a child that is ill.

On occasion, I am asked what "exactly" is an animal hoarder. This usually comes up when someone is accused of being an animal hoarder.

Kudos to our congressmen who did their homework on S.B. 13. They thoroughly dissected it from over three pages to a paragraph which states that an animal owner is only responsible for "reasonable expenses for an animal's care when it is seized by law enforcement or by an animal control officer."

Many times I have used this article as a vehicle to try to reach and teach. To teach readers that animals are wonderful creatures that love unconditionally and share a powerful bond with humans.

Well, here we go again! I hate to dwell on the negative but, if you are not notifying your congressmen on SB 13 and 14 you best do it or hang up the existing Arkansas animal cruelty as a felony. Once again the bill proposes that only law enforcement personnel, not animal rights groups or individuals, are allowed to investigate complaints of animal cruelty...

I am most happy to report that our startup committee met Wednesday. It was my pleasure to announce that according to Judge Carney, the land that Mayor Kennemore and I have coveted for the most of 10 years will be released to us for our shelter project.

There are many things we all do -- right things and wrong things. Too often, we just let things ride, because, we just do.

Well, how about this news! Senate Bills 13 and 14 now have a co-sponsor. A Sen. Gary Stubblefied. A month ago I was advised by Sen. Burnett that it most probably wouldn't fly. Someone out there thinks it will!

It is or would be correct to state that Blytheville is not exactly a cultural mecca. It has it's good points. It would, however, be fair to state that after 43 years, it has been home to me and mine.

Maybe it is just the desire to remember what used to be good -- remembering things that meant something and wondering if things will ever be the same.

Arkansas needs to create a database or some type of registry that handles repeated animal abuse. Arkansas could be a leader that would create stronger penalties for animal cruelty and neglect (and make it stick).

How does one measure love or happiness -- a good friend, a good meal, laughter of a child? I do know that too often when love is suppressed, the hate settles in. Pick up the paper, watch TV, and it is all laid out before us.

Listen up all you animal lovers! I don't know what Sen. J. Hutchinson of Benton was smoking when he drafted S.B. 13. I do know he has no idea what he is talking about.

I suppose there is nothing quite so upsetting as something you love to come up missing. Missing -- gone -- maybe forever.

A few months ago Adam Reeves, in a special article for the Democrat-Gazette, was openly chastising Iowa's U.S. Rep. Steve King.

"Time has no divisions to mark its passage. There is never a thunderstorm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new century begins, it is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols." So it was stated by Thomas Mann (1924). He would never imagine how true that statement is in this county we live in -- in this world we live in. Nor the city we inhabit...

"On the first day of Christmas, my puppy gave to me, the Santa topper from the Christmas tree. ...

If you are reading this article, then the world did not come to an end! Praise the Lord!

The second Sunday of Advent brought forth a celebration of God's love in many of the live of others. This was the blessing brought forth by the unfortunate closing of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Blytheville.

What a lovely week this has been. I have been quite under the weather for weeks, and this week I am improving wonderfully well! Nothing in this world can beat good health.

Good endings come from prayerful beginnings, this I believe! My desire to put to use that which is necessary and good will bring forth a shelter that will serve the county well.

For the very few that remain unsure about construction of our very own county shelter, I will offer excerpts from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

This article may not be a help or interest to many readers, but surprisingly enough, I am often asked what to do with feral cats.

A recent incident is another reason it is important to look to a future shelter out in the county.

As this month comes to a close, I hope many of you were able to participate in this October month, which is "adopt a shelter dog month."

Last week I was invited to Wilson to speak to the ladies club there that are much interested in what we are wanting to do with the animal shelter in Mississippi County. They listened with interest as I explained the advantages of proposing such a project.

I rather expect the majority of the readers have read or at least heard of "The Tale of Two Cities." Betcha never heard of the tale of the two kitties?

I came across the following article that had some great info regarding the feeding or the do-not-feed list. A lot of it I knew, but wondered if everyone knew what you should not feed your cat or dog.

While our committees are reviewing, revising and reveling in the tasks at hand, I would like to take the opportunity to kinda fill you in on the what's going on in the animal world of Paws in Prisons.

In these unsettling times, the expression, "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is" usually holds true. Not this time. Progress is being made toward providing a county animal rescue.

I believe it was 2009 when the Arkansas animal cruelty law came into being. Well, being the 46th state to admit that torturing an animal was more than a Class A misdemeanor shows progress. (Perhaps we were a little on the late bloomer side, but I digress.)

If you ever hear complaints against our Great River Medical Center, I want you to remember that every living thing is important to them.

A lot of interest in the county shelter of late. Some of the comments are positive and some are negative. It is hard to imagine that there are those who could find fault with anything new that they don't understand, and that makes it all wrong.

Another major step has occurred in our quest for a county shelter! We finally received our Federal Identification Number and glory in it. Try and start a bank account, even with $12,000 in your hand without a FIN and you will find out it ain't gonna happen.

I reckon as how I love all animals, but dogs are my very favorite. I find myself nearly always carrying on about dogs, not on purpose, really.

It seems like just yesterday although the many years have passed since bread was 5 cents a loaf and gasoline was 12 cents a gallon. Back then friends were true and trusted friends. Those were the days when men loved women and women loved men and neighbors knew and cared for one another. ...

Wednesday morning of this week was chocked full of a board working together selecting an animal shelter plan. Everyone seemed excited to be a part of the choosing of a plan that hopefully will not be cost prohibitive but, one that could be efficient and able to add to when the time arises...

I suppose, it's only natural, that when you read an article with the name of the town where you were born and raised, you just automatically read the article.

Did ya hear the story about two animal control ladies and the skunk?

A rescue animal is a joy to behold and mine certainly no exception. That is to say she is as fine an animal that I have ever owned.

One day when you get bored, drive about town and see a life at the end of a chain! Underfed, underloved, covered with fleas and ticks and in some cases mange!

Having lived these many years and being a witness to hard times most of this life, it seems we are living in troubled times.

The month of June is a special month -- the excitement of a summer coming on and signs of new growth. It is also special for another reason. It is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month!

Is there ever a more beautiful sight than a horse grazing in a pasture or galloping across grassy green acres?

I recently read an interesting article written by veterinarians and vet techs. I thought it might be neat to share some insider tips and cautionary tales, all of which might save time, trouble and even trauma, as they put it, for everyone in the family.

I'm guessing that it would be fair to say most of us were born with the knowledge that there is a time for laughing, loving, worshiping, sorrow and good times.

Hi, everybody! I am back from the "hinges," and I am proud to be back. My heart is now sporting the newest in heart jewelry.

Such a week, last week, poor Terrie! Can't help but wonder what this world is coming to!

Such a day! A call from Judge Carney last month set my mind in whirl. I was invited to speak at a luncheon being held this day at the Manila Depot, to all the mayors in Mississippi County, (17 were invited.)

Everyone dreads the day when we have to say goodbye to the ones we love. Whether it be human family or family animal, the sorrow is much the same.

True to my promise, I would like to address issues we face with people who do not know how spaying and neutering affects an animal. There are many myths floating about, so hopefully readers will realize there are myths and truths regarding the procedure.

I hope to raise awareness of pet over-population to this city -- to this county by bringing info via this article.

Life is strange, and as I grow older, the stranger it gets. All this to say, so many things begin to connect and suddenly you think well, duh!

I am often asked how long I have been so involved with animals. My answer would take to long in a casual conversation.

After years of begging for stricter legislation, we now have stricter laws in place that disallows abuse of any sort. Mind you, abuse continues to go on and will for years to come.

Did you see the news or perhaps read about the two women caught transporting 100-plus dogs in a U-Haul trailer? No ventilation. Animals cramped into cages, some ill and most not properly cared for.

Talk about " the cup runneth over." Terrie reports that this would fit the description of her shelter!

It is never an easy thing to say good-bye to a loved one, especially a mother.

Merry Christmas and I hope it was a merry one -- now it is on to a fruitful new year! Did I say fruitful? WOW!

In the spirit of Christmas giving, keep in mind that everyone neither wants or needs a Christmas animal. Everyone loves puppies and kittens and the companionship that pets bring to our lives. But pets are not always suitable for some.

What a night -- what a special night! If you missed the dinner/auction, you missed a great party! We had at last count 155 attendees. We had just the right amount of food and everyone left full and happy.

By the time you read this article, we will have been there and done that! By that, I am making reference to the Spaghetti Dinner Auction.

By the time you read this article, Thanksgiving will be over and time to look to planning a new year. Better still, look to planning our next endeavor.

Tuesday night was a time to come together to communicate and bring the Spaghetti Dinner/Auction plan together. Everyone donated their time and talent to the needs of the upcoming yearly fundraiser.

Well whaddya you know? The Democrat-Gazette out of Little Rock, on the front page, if you please, shows a dog headed for the Rescue Waggin'.

This past Tuesday night was indeed a red-letter day for the Humane Society! It was well attended by some say 25 others, say 27. I say what a great meeting!

Looks like Blytheville is fair game to Channel 8 news. Every time I turn around they seem to be there with that camera. This time it was in regard to the high incident of dog bites with renegade dogs

How would some one explain a person like Richard Schlosser? I suppose I would describe him as a good friend to everybody.

Halloween came a bit early this year to the Humane Society.

It goes without saying how wonderful it is to have this flurry of volunteers networking with our humane society. We seem to be adding a new table every month to accommodate the numbers so willing to be willing.

Back by popular demand! It is quite clever:

Not that I think it will do any good but, in this business, you gotta try.

It is very hard to deal with people who insist on doing all the wrong things where their animals are concerned. I guess there will always be in our midst uneducatable people.

At the risk of being uncouth: It's SOSDD! Reckon after all these years of trying to deal with folks that obviously couldn't make change for a quarter is taking a toll on my well being?

Most of us that love our animals thrive on their return of that love. We realize that those same pet lovers love to take their animals everywhere they go.

A good friend and animal advocate, Mr Lampley, called me the other evening regarding his concern for the loving care of our animals and the need for it.

No wonder people often think that animal lovers are a little weird.

Well, whad'ya know? Our booths did surprisingly well! We had great volunteers to assist the ladies with all sorts of things -- candles, jewelry, Avon, purses, scrap-booking -- and the ice creaming wasn't bad either.

This is a story sent to me from friend Ann Hutto. I felt compelled to share it instead of my usual moaning. Hope the readers enjoy it as I did.

Perhaps you recently received a letter of invitation to become a member of the Humane Society. Please give it your serious, sincere consideration

We are always attempting to bring fun things to do to the city that benefit our shelters. Now we are offering something different in a sense, something that hopefully many will enjoy.

I'm sure that stranger things happen on a daily basis; however, this is a thing that I believe will go undefined.

We are faced with a concern that will be offensive to the perpetrators, but very disgusting to us. Something that just must be addressed here. It may be preaching to the choir but, it still must be approached.

Many years ago, early on a Sunday morn approximately 16 years, my Laurie came to the shelter with the saddest looking dog we have ever seen before or since.

Webster's Dictionary defines friend as "an ally, supporter or sympathizer." I can stand up tall and say that the Humane Society has so many friends too numerous to mention.

At our last meeting we put together some ideas we thought might interest the public and help us raise money for the shelter.

The heart is truly a lonely hunter for animals, as well as for humans. As an example: a recent encounter of a mass of tangled fur wandering about hunting for food, yearning for love, seeking some type of existence.

Several of my good friends have entered into a far better life than that which they witnessed on this earth (all in one week).

Does the sight of a chained dog break your heart? I can tell you anyone with love in their heart for an animal will be disgusted and hurt for the animal.

Sometimes when bad times hit, they hit very hard. Makes it even harder to understand when everything goes haywire.

Beans, beans, musical fruit -- the more you eat the more the loot!

Calling all bean eaters! Don't forget Monday night for a fun, fun bean feed! We will have several kinds of beans (four to be exact); and several kinds of cornbread from several great cooks.

I don't know who wrote it, but it is so true -- people come into our life for a reason, for a season or for our lifetime -- coming into this life to assist us through difficult times, providing us with guidance and support.

And another thing I have been belly aching about is this rabies thing. Over in Sebastian County, they have three confirmed and two suspected cases of rabid skunks.

For everyone's information -- if you are interested in great photos of your animal family better get to it and make your appointment (March 23--26)

Sunday afternoon, I received a call from Sheila Johnson who lives in the rural area of County Road 650 (on the other side of Osceola). She has called for help from sources that inform her that they cannot help her with the animal problems that plague many of the rural areas.

Well, whataya know -- I have finally made the big time. I have been advised by one of my kids and several good friends that some little sweetheart made a statement that attempts were made to contact Shirley Connealy and that she never responded to her e-mails or calls.

The students from Human Resources (ANC) Class visited the shelter Tuesday as planned. Seems like everyone had a large time with the animals and the thrift store.

I used to think no easy problems come by the way of animal sheltering. That's what I used to think! Now comes a whole new season of wonderful young people full of great ideas to get things done.

Funny how things have a way of working out. And seems to just keep working out!

As I have previously brought out through this article, working for an animal care and control agency is rarely easy. Especially in the front lines, the telephone, counter and the kennel.

Perhaps your name was missed in our publication of a blanket thanks to all of you for your generous donation. In no way is it a slight of your donation. It was merely a human oversight, and is in no way unappreciated.

A family in this very town, in my very own area, is heartbroken that their family pet has been killed by a marauding dog pack. We have been dealing with this issue for some time and are no closer to solving the problem than we were when it first began.