Kansas City Playlist: Neglected Doggies Struggle Amid Brutal Winter

As another arctic blast confronts Kansas City and so we take a moment to consider our furry friends whilst tragically realizing that harsh weather impacts so many puppers who fend for themselves on local streets.

Here's a recent quote about the sad situation trending in our cowtown . . .

Officials there say they have received an 87 percent surge in call volume when it comes to "general neglect concerns" for dogs compared to December.

"Numerous dogs have been brought to the shelter due to unmet needs - including the lack of outdoor shelter or shelter that is adequate for this weather, shortage of dry/warm bedding, or the absence of caretakers," KC Pet Project said on its Facebook page. "When these critical needs are neglected, putting the dogs at risk of harm or death, we have the authority to bypass a warrant for seizure under exigent circumstances to ensure their safety."

Now, we've had debates about "no-kill" policy and the future of KC Pet Project is uncertain at best.

However . . . 

Just for tonight . . . Because it's so damn cold out there and going to get worse . . . We take a moment to acknowledge the work of so many tireless Kansas City volunteers who offer compassion to doggies stuck in the cold. 

Accordingly . . . 

We offer another gentle reminder, that most don't need, to take care of pets as temperatures plunge to arctic levels . . . And all of this inspires our www.TonysKansasCity.com playlist on the topic of ungrateful and eternally friendly dogs . . . Now, let's fetch some of our favorite songs . . .

As always our playlist is dedicated to nostalgia and this old 70s band is a good place to start given their moniker . . . Here's the backstory: The band Three Dog Night got its name from an article about indigenous Australians that Danny Hutton's girlfriend, actress June Fairchild, read. The article described how on cold nights, the Australians would sleep in a hole in the ground with their dogs for warmth. If it was especially cold, they would sleep with two dogs, and if it was freezing, it was a "three dog night".

A fun fact about this 2001 hip-hop party classic . . . "Who Let The Dogs Out" by The Baha Men was originally a feminist anthem critical of men who catcall women. Ironically, the tune became a dancehall classic and anthem for bawdy behavior from both young men & women.

It wouldn't be a TKC playlist if we couldn't find an obscure track from the 90s. Accordingly, "Dogs Are The Best People" was a mixed blessing for The Fauves -- It was the biggest hit for the Austrailian guitar pop crew BUT earned them fame as a "novelty" band. Still, the song speaks to a great deal of GenX sentiment that still rings true . . .

A quick history lesson for the bridge . . . "Move It On Over" is a song written and recorded by the American country music singer-songwriter Hank Williams in 1947. We've heard several versions of the track over the years and even the George Thorogood cover is one of the rare staples of classic rock radio that still holds upon the 1000th listening. However, tonight we offer tribute to the orginal that's regarded as one of the earliest examples of rock and roll music.

Finally . . . We conclude with a collab that started the post-music era which currently dominates American culture. Actually, the partnership between Snoop Dogg & The Dramatics was better than the original 70s-era tune. Moreover, the 1994 video offers a glimpse at esteem & respect for the 70s-era "Blaxsploitation" cinema that still remains a touchstone for present-day urban culture. Real talk: No matter demographics, just about every GenX guy still knows every word of this rap music classic that they wouldn't DARE recite in public.

As always, thanks for listening and have a safe & fun Saturday night.