North to Alaska and mushing

A big thank you to Watson for writing the column last week. I’m glad he covered the need for donations for our CAPS veterinary fund. I had no idea that we were in serious need. The reason we are in need is that we have had a record number of puppies and kitties this year. So far we have had 38 puppies and 17 kitties.

The cost of spaying/neutering and shots for all of the tiny residents has wreaked havoc on the veterinary budget. Services for one animal costs approximately 150.00. We are sure that the littlest residents have brought joy to many a family. Thank you for any donation you gave or can give to our fund.

While Watson was slaving away writing the column I was in Alaska enjoying my family and the fantastic scenery. One activity I loved was meeting an Alaskan Husky. Seward, Alaska is the home of the Seavey family and Iditarod dog sled teams. Mitch and Dallas Seavey are both winners of the Iditarod, a grueling 1000 mile dog sled race.

I expected the Husky’s to be a huge wolf like dog but to my surprise they are much smaller and varied in appearance. The dogs I met were about 60 pounds, tall, and athletic. They were full of energy and I was told that they demand constant exercise. I could tell they were well taken care of and were totally bonded with their musher.

It was fun meeting the Iditarod dog team, but I couldn’t wait to get home to Watson and our dog park. In Alaska mush may mean racing but at our house it means lunch time at the old ranchero. Watson and I enjoyed a joyful reunion mushing our lunch down.

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

Jeff and Jill Chrisistiansen are the owners of Jeff’s Copy Express and Spring Valley Rentals. Over the years they have supported CAPS by supplying storage space for all the items we receive for our annual garage sale fund raiser. We are profoundly thankful for the support they have given CAPS. It is heartwarming to realize how much our community gives to keep our no-kill shelter operating. A four paw salute to Jeff and Jill. You are hero’s to both four legged and two legged critters in Fallon.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS ZOO?

Our newest mother is Lebbee who is a Wiemaraner cross. Recently she gave birth to nine puppies. I will let you know when the pups are old enough for visitors. They are cute!

Policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under five years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.

CAPS NEWS AND EVENTS

CAPS’ garage sale is coming soon. We need your gently used appliances, furniture, tennis rackets, treadmills and miscellaneous items. We don’t need clothing. If you have items to donate, you can drop them off at our storage units located at 1105 Taylor Place (Spring Valley Rentals) units 67 and 68. Someone will be there from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday. If you cannot make it on that date, call Rita Hand at 775-423-6346 or 775-427-3376. Please leave a message if necessary, and Rita will return your call as soon as she can.

Flower Tree Nursery is raffling a 15-gallon tree of your choice. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets. Be sure to get your tickets soon. The drawing date will be Sept. 6, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win.

CAPS will be at Walmart Sept. 19, along with Ki and Urtle at our Kissin’ Booth. Ki is the veteran of the kissing booth, and Urtle is the kisser-in-training. Come by and join their fan club. We have plenty of shirts and caps, so please check them out before or after greeting our canine volunteers.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89406. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnv.org) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likable.

Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.