This, that and everything else

Though I’ve mentioned it almost weekly in this column, it has come to my attention that many people are not aware of the garage sale that we will be having on Sept. 20–21. We would greatly appreciate it if the faithful readers of this column would spread the word. Fundraising events such as this truly help keep the shelter open. Imagine what it would be like if CAPS weren’t here.

Did you know that, since its startup in 1986, CAPS has found homes for over 2,700 cats and dogs who otherwise may have been euthanized because nobody wanted them? Because CAPS is a no-kill shelter, those furry friends who are adopted but (sadly) returned to the shelter are guaranteed loving care for however long they live; this won’t happen in a traditional shelter.

Also, with our low-cost spay/neuter programs, which are funded by grants and private donations, we have helped low-income individuals and families get over 1,800 dogs and cats altered. Here are eye-opening facts about what can happen within five years: An unspayed female cat and all her non-altered offspring can theoretically produce almost 12,000 cats. An unspayed female dog and her non-altered offspring can theoretically produce over 12,000 dogs.

And there is this: CAPS is the only Churchill County animal group, private or public, who maintains an operating facility, keeps their “guests” up to date on vaccinations and strictly follows NRS 574.600–660: spaying/neutering a dog or cat before the adoption takes place. CAPS’s goal is to go out of business because there are no more homeless cats and dogs. It would be, however, a huge loss to our community if we closed the doors because we ran out of operating funds.

So, please help us out by spreading the word and/or attending the garage sale (place and time to be given in next week’s article). To hold such a sale, we still needed the goods to be sold, so we’ve been asking for donations of household, garage, yard and whatever-else items. We thank those who have responded, and we will be collecting items again tomorrow. The place and time? Spring Valley Rentals at 1105 Taylor Place (the street next to Walmart), unit A85, from 9 a.m.-noon.

Can’t make it tomorrow, are housebound or have items too big to handle? Well, we’ll come get them! All you need to do is call Rita Hand, and she will schedule a pickup for you (home: 775-423-6346; cell: 775-427-3376). Should Rita not immediately take your call, please leave a message, and she will return your call as soon as she can.

In other “news,” Flower Tree Nursery has again donated a beautiful tree to raffle, with all proceeds going to CAPS. This time it’s a gorgeous 15-gallon blireiana plum tree valued at $79.99. This tree has striking color in the fall and fragrant pink blossoms in the spring. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. The drawing is Oct. 19 at Flower Tree, and you don’t have to be present to win.

As some of you might know, Susan Henderson has sold Flower Tree Nursery and will be leaving on Nov. 1. For over 10 years, Susan has been donating to CAPS a tree to raffle in the spring, summer, fall and winter. There are not enough words to express how grateful we are to Susan and her outstanding staff for supporting us all these years. The CAPS board and staff wish the very best for Susan in her further adventures along her garden path.

Finally, don’t forget to mark Oct. 19 to attend our annual autumn fundraising event. We have had an art auction and dinner for many years, but this year it will be completely different. We will again have a dinner, buffet style, and some live auction items, but the rest will be an evening of entertainment filled with mystery and excitement! Be sure to read next week’s column that will “let the cat out of the bag” about this upcoming fun fest.

This week’s article was contributed by Betty Duncan, a member of the CAPS board of directors.