What’s happening at CAPS

We really didn’t have a cold winter this year, but most people still tend to morph into couch potatoes during that part of the year. But with spring approaching next week, many of us have turned our thoughts to outdoor activities. Having more outdoor activities to do — whether they’re simply fun (like hiking) or actual labor (like tilling a veggie garden) — means toning up lazy muscles and strengthening your cardiorespiratory system.

And what does this have to do with CAPS? We can help you get in better condition because we have dogs of all shapes and sizes to walk. The shelter is very fortunate to have a small group of dedicated dog walkers, but we need more. Someone comes down with the flu; another has an appointment that can’t be rescheduled; a child is sick. Life happens. Our pooches, however, still need walking and socializing with a variety of people. This results in our canine guests being better leashed-trained, healthy and happy, thus making them more adoptable.

CAPS board member and dedicated dog walker Rita Hand sends out this appeal to our community: “We at CAPS are in dire need of volunteers to help walk dogs. Is there anyone with spare time who wants to exercise and have some good clean fun doing it by walking the dogs on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday?

“They are so appreciative to have someone come in and give them love and exercise. We are so shorthanded that some days we have to shorten their walks so that all dogs get their exercise; this is truly unfair to these precious dogs. Please, anyone out there who likes dogs and walking, come out to CAPS and help.

“If you are having a bad day, I guarantee you that an outing with the dogs will put a smile on your face. I know this because it works for me every time. If you want to have good exercise and a rewarding experience, come out to CAPS. If you have questions, call me, Rita, at 427-3376. If everyone did some volunteering, this world would be a better place. It is a great feeling to help make a dog’s life a little brighter. ... Thank you.”

If dogs aren’t your “thing” but cats are, we have plenty of feline friends who would love for you to come meet them for playtime and snuggles. Like dogs, cats (perhaps more so) are more adoptable if they socialize and play with a variety of people.

In other happenings, we are beyond thrilled to announce that Flower Tree Nursery, which changed ownership last fall, will again be donating to CAPS a tree to be raffled every season. All raffle proceeds go to CAPS and directly benefit the cats and dogs in our care. This time, a floribunda crabapple tree, with a retail value of $81.99, has the honor. Tickets, $1 each or six for $5, can be purchased at the nursery. The drawing will be held on May 31 at Flower Tree (you don’t need to be present to win).

Next, please note on your calendars that on May 3 we’ll again hold our annual Bark in the Park and 5K Strut-Your-Mutt Walk/Run. Like last year, this event will take place at Churchill County Fairgrounds. We’ll have more info to spread about this event in the next few weeks. Visit our website (www.capsnv.org) for updates and, of course, this column. While you’re online, check out our Facebook page, Churchill Animal Protection Society, which gives a peek at shelter life.

Finally, please stop by and see us at Walmart tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ki the Kissing Pooch will be waiting at his Kissin’ Booth to greet old friends and meet new ones. (Ki does in fact have a fan club, but he hasn’t let that go to his head.) We’ll also have our usual wares for sale along with baked goodies.

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