The live cat tree ornament

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas isn’t it? I have always admired the Christmas spirit demonstrated by the residents of Fallon. Just strolling around the neighborhood and looking at the decorated trees is fun. Which brings me to my recent adventure with the beautiful orange-and-white striped cat.

When I first noticed the cat, I thought it was an ornament because all I could see was the big gold eyes and ears sticking out of the decorated tree. Then the ears moved and the entire cat’s head popped into plain view. The cat was at the very top of the tree, and it seemed to be stuck.

Visions of firemen and ladders flashed through my mind. Oh good grief, it was way too much drama for me to embrace, so I tried to talk it down.

“Here kitty, kitty,” I shouted. The cat looked my way but hunkered down and meowed. I stood for a while trying to tease the cat down but decided to walk a distance from the tree and see if he would figure a way down. To my surprise, he jumped and landed safely. I have to give it to him for style. He landed, looked over his shoulder and snubbed me. Ouch!

I decided to research the amazing feat I had just witnessed, and I found out that cat’s claws face backwards so they are better at climbing up than down. But they also have a reflex that enables them to fall safely even from considerable heights. They stretch all four legs out sideways, so the loose skin on their belly forms a kind of parachute. Then, a second before reaching the ground, they push their feet downward and arch their back to minimize the shock of landing. Sort of like hang gliding.

So cats are pretty nifty animals and in a way they can fly. I keep my eye out for the living tree ornament, and I’m in awe of cool attitude he displayed. Who says Christmas trees are just for humans anyway? That cool cat has a decorated launching pad.

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

You or a loved one can be Who’s Who this week. Are you frantically searching for the perfect gift for someone who has everything he needs? Look no further, because instead of giving a gift that may become a landfill item you can give the gift of kindness. Please consider giving a donation to CAPS in honor of someone. Our staff and residents will hold you in their hearts forever.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

Cleo, a smaller American bull dog mix, is two years old. She is fabulous, faithful and friendly. If you are looking for a cutie who will walk by your side and look adoringly at you Cleo is your girl. Make her holiday and come by to walk her, you won’t be disappointed.

We have four adorable four-month-old puppies, two female and two male, looking for a home. We also have six male and eighteen female kitties ready for new homes. Make this a holiday to remember with a new pet to enjoy life with. 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 will be at Walmart tomorrow, along with Ki and Urtle at our Kissin’ Booth. Come by and give our boys a big hug and kiss. We have the 2016 Happy Endings calendar (they’re almost sold out.), shirts and caps, so please check them out before or after greeting our canine volunteers.

The 2016 Happy Endings calendar can also be purchased at 3-Dimension Shipping and the Flower Tree Nursery.

Flower Tree Nursery is again raffling a 15-gallon tree. The drawing date is to be announced and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. Raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree Nursery, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets. A Paws-up to the Bailey Family for their continued support of CAPS.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. 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.