Are you the leader of the pack?

I love our Fallon dog park! It is always a joy to watch the puppies party, and it’s fun to visit with the pup parents too. Lately, I have been observing how the people round up their dogs, and it really has sparked my interest in pack behavior.

When Danny leaves he yells, “Load ‘em up” then Maria, Merci, Georgie and Danny hustle to leave. When Wayne and Bebe yell, “Gravy train,” Inca and Rocky head toward the gate. Sandy, Rema, Roger, Jay and Tom head and herd their pups toward the gate with little fanfare. I have tried to get Watson to go with me, but he won’t budge without my husband.

What exactly does the leader of the pack communicate? It’s all in the attitude. True alpha leadership is recognized by dogs because it is how their mother was with them: firm yet gentle, and always consistent. As pack animals, their instincts dictate that those who set the rules are higher-ranking.

So to be the leader of your pack, consistent expectations and firm control are the keys. I may not be the leader of our pack, but I’m the queen of the kitchen which counts for something, especially at dinner time.

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

Amanda Bown has been at CAPS for nine years and she is our unofficial shelter manager. Amanda is the queen of organization! She manages files, phones, felines and canines with grace and a big smile on her face. With all of her duties you wouldn’t think she could have time for more but Amanda fosters puppies and kitties too. Wow, that takes a real super woman to juggle all that. Our profound thanks goes to Amanda for her undying love and commitment to CAPS.

You are our Wonder Woman, magic leash or no magic leash.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS ZOO?

Xena is a shy kitty looking for her soul mate. She’s a beautiful brown-gray tabby. Xena is 10 months old and would like to find a special someone who will take time to get to know her.

Tiger is Xena’s kitty, and he is just as pretty as she is. He is a brown-gray tabby who is five months old. If you would like a playful fun kitty, he is your boy. Tiger is a hoot as he bounces and bounds around playing.

We also have 11 frisky kitties and one puppy 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’ 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 the following dates: July 18 and 25; and Aug. 1, 8, 15 and 22. If you cannot make it on those dates, 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 September 6, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win.

CAPS will be at Walmart on Aug. 15 along with Ki and our Kissin’ Booth. Ki is our goodwill ambassador. Join Ki’s fan club because he’s waiting to meet you. We have plenty of shirts and caps, so please check them out before or after greeting Ki.

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.