Foxtails are not foxy at all

Cinder is a gorgeous one-year-old domestic shorthair. He has striking markings and incredible golden eyes. Cinder is shy and is gradually getting used to people. He avoids being touched, but with patience he will make a wonderful family member. Come out and meet him; he would love a forever home with you.

Cinder is a gorgeous one-year-old domestic shorthair. He has striking markings and incredible golden eyes. Cinder is shy and is gradually getting used to people. He avoids being touched, but with patience he will make a wonderful family member. Come out and meet him; he would love a forever home with you.

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Satch here, and my curiosity landed me in a world of hurt! I love to run and play by the river. The downside of that is there is tall grass growing along the riverbanks. That is where the problem began. I happened to sniff up a foxtail and it infected my eye. I was miserable!

Foxtails belong to the “mean seeds” group, which includes any plants that have barbed grass awns or seed heads. We can pick up a grass awn in an ear, eye, mouth, nose, or between our toes. These mean seeds can even burrow directly into our skin.


Courtesy

The foxtail that was pulled out of Satch.

 


We are sniffers and if a foxtail gets into our noses it can travel throughout our bodies. The shape of the plant barbs allows the seed to move forward continuously spreading bacteria as they go. These barbs can start at the nose but travel to the eye, brain, or into a lung. If inhaled they can cause pneumonia.

Grass awn disease is a problem for any dog that walks or runs through tall grass. These plants are quite common in North America, especially during May through December. The best way to avoid getting foxtails is to avoid areas where they are growing.

That doesn’t sound like much fun because I like walks in the wild. Mom is now taking precautions when we go. After a walk mom checks between my toes, then ears, face, and mouth. She also runs a fine-toothed comb through my coat to make sure there are no awns in my hair.

I dodged the bullet with my foxtail encounter, because we were able to tease the barb out of my eye. A trip to the veterinarian, some ointment and I am as good as new. That foxtail almost out-foxed me.

XOXO

Satch


LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have 18 adorable kittens: 10 boys and eight girls. All our babies need foster homes. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
Policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under 5 years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.


IN NEED OF

Help! We need emergency funds to repair our main air conditioning.

Items for the CAPS garage sale. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up. 

Cat litter for our guests’ comfort.
Friskies wet cat food and any dry cat food except Meow Mix.
Aluminum cans. If you have cans to pick up, give us a call (775-423-7500) and we will come get them. You can also drop them off at CAPS.
 
SHOUT OUT TO
To all of our staff and volunteers who walk and care for our guests in spite of the heat. You are the heart and soul of CAPS!
To the donors who have made donations using our Facebook page. A pooch smooch to you!
 
COME SEE US
CAPS is now open. We suggest appointments for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500.

 

DON’T FORGET
July Holiday: National Pet Fire Safety Month
To mark your calendar for CAPS garage sale Sept. 9 and 10.
You can help “Pup Grade” our kennels. We rely on fundraisers, donations, and volunteers for our sources of revenue. At this time, our kennels are in need of serious service. Our water system is failing, our indoor kennels need flooring, and the main air conditioner needs repair. If you are able to contribute expertise, supplies, or monetary assistance please call at 775-423-7500.
CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.

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