Hog dog: It’s the Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July to you! My family always looks forward to this day because we have a barbecue, salads, watermelon and cake. Our favorite thing to barbecue is, you probably guessed, hot dogs. Watson looks forward to his own hot dog and gobbles it up pronto.

How exactly did the hot dog become one of American’s favorite foods? More curiously, how did the hot dog get its name? The history of hot dogs is convoluted with many cities, celebrities and charlatans trying to claim credit for the invention of this delightful sandwich.

Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, is traditionally credited with originating the frankfurter. The popular sausage was known as the dachshund, or little dog, sausage. It is likely that the German’s introduced the practice of eating the dachshund sausages nestled in a bun. When Germans immigrated to America, they brought little dog sausages and dachshund dogs too.

Barry Popick, a prominent hot dog historian and linguist at Yale University, says the term “hot dog” began appearing in college magazines in the 1890s because students referred to the wagons selling hot sausages in buns outside their dorms as dog wagons. One of the most popular stands was dubbed The Kennel Club. The term “hot dog” was born, and hot dogs have been favorites ever since.

May your Fourth be the best ever! Hot dog, it’s a privilege to be part of the great American experience. Hooray, for the red, white and blue.

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

Bridget Shurtliff is the friendly lady who works on Saturdays. She always greets everyone with a cheerful hello and big smile. Bridget has volunteered for CAPS since November 2013. When the Saturday job became available, she was the number-one choice. She spends her Saturdays answering the phone, facilitating adoptions and loving the guests. We are lucky to have such a bright, happy lady to make everyone feel loved and welcome. Kudos goes to Bridget for her great attitude!

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS ZOO?

We have the most adorable gray-and-brown tabby kitten who you’ll just have to meet. His name is Little Tiger, but he doesn’t know that he’s little. Little Tiger is four months old and playful with a capital P. The cutest thing about Little Tiger is he thinks he’s a big tough tiger. He is so much fun to play with. His best move is the stalk before he springs. He’s really funny! Come out and play with him because you won’t be disappointed.

We also have 13 frisky kitties and three female puppies who are too cute for words! CAPS’ 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

Vote for CAPS in the Animal Rescue Site’s Shelter Challenge. The website is theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com. At the top of the homepage, click on Shelter Challenge.

CAPS will be at Walmart on July 18 with Ki and our Kissin’ Booth. Join Ki’s fans and give him a thrill. We have new designs for our shirts and caps, so please check them out before or after greeting Ki.

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, call Rita Hand at 423-6346 or 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 September 6, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win.

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.