July 5 is lost dog day

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July. I was surprised to find out that July 5 is the day each year when they have the most lost dogs brought into animal shelters. It makes sense because a lot of folks watch the fire-works, and they leave their dogs in the yard. Not all dogs are afraid of loud noises, but those that are try to escape the sound that they perceive as danger.

Watson is terrified of loud noises. Thunder, gun shots and sonic booms all reduce him to a shaking bundle of nerves. I have tried to calm him by petting him and reassuring him that it’s alright but to no avail. My friend, Susy Hicks, suggested swaddling. She told me that when her children were babies she would wrap them tightly with a blanket and they would stop crying and fall asleep.

I decided to try Susy’s method. I got a big towel and wrapped it tightly around Watson’s torso. He is a big dog, so I had to use two towels. At first he just panted and looked scared. I petted him and rubbed the towel closest to his neck. He did calm down slightly, but each time there was a boom he flinched. Eventually he relaxed, but he still seemed to anticipate the boom.

I have since seen thunder shirts for dog anxiety. They fit very snuggly and put constant pressure on the dog. I suspect that my swaddling towels are about the same but not fancy. My strategy for the next thunder or fireworks will be towels, music and petting. Good luck to all the dogs and who got lost in the celebration. Hopefully everyone found their home.

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

Kim Lamb is the official CAPS photographer. He has been taking photos for the Happy Endings calendar for the past few years. Kim works hard at getting just the right expression on you and your pet. He loves animals and tries to show your pet’s special personality. His dedication to CAPS is admirable, and we are grateful for the wonderful photos that appear in our calendar. A four-paw salute goes to Kim from everyone at CAPS.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS ZOO?

Recent arrivals Boomer and Annie have quickly become the favorites of our dog walkers. They are both Australian shepherd crosses and will be two years old in October. You really have to see them to appreciate what wonderful dogs they are. Not only are they popular at CAPS, but they have also established themselves as stars at doggie day care. Come out to meet them you’ll positively fall in love.

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. Ki is ready to smooch. We have plenty of 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 Sept. 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.