Hope your blood is type O

Who doesn’t love reading the Sunday paper with a hot cup of coffee and a fresh cinnamon roll? Between sips and bites, my husband pointed out an article about Alzheimer’s and blood types. Research reveals there is a link between blood types and Alzheimer’s, and it appears that people with type O blood are the least likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

Drat, neither of us is type O. So that leaves Watson to pick up the slack if we get it. This made us wonder, do dogs have blood types?

Yes, dogs and cats have blood types. Feline blood types are divided into three groups: A B and AB. About 90 percent of domestic cats in the United States have type A blood; B is usually found in exotic purebreds. AB is the rarest, and there is no universal donor when it comes to cats.

Canine blood types are denoted by DEA, or dog erythrocyte antigen, and are broken down into eight categories: DEA 1.1, DEA 1.2, DEA 3, DEA 4, DEA 5, DEA 6, DEA 7, and DEA 8. Dogs that are DEA 1.1 positive can be considered to be universal recipients, while DEA 1.1 negative dogs are universal donors.

There are dog and cat blood banks. Dogs can be donors if they weigh 55 pounds or more and (if female) are spayed and have never been pregnant. Pregnancy can add antibodies to the dog’s blood that might cause rejection by the recipient. Most veterinarians have animals on site that serve as donors in case of emergency.

Well, it looks like Watson is going to be our emergency plan if we slip into Alzheimer’s. I’d like to share the article I read in the paper but I forgot where I stashed it. “Watson, bring mom the paper.”

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

Shannon Miller, is the owner and creator of the business, Maggie’s Playhouse Doggie Daycare, which is named after Maggie, who was Shannon’s dearly departed dog. Shannon takes CAPS guests and socializes them at the Playhouse with other dog friends. Watson, who is a CAPS graduate, absolutely loves Shannon! Our sincere thanks to Shannon for her support and help. Our dogs love Maggie’s Playhouse.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS ZOO?

If you follow royalty, you will love our new addition to the CAPS family. He is a Corgi basset mix with the personality of a prince. Sir Weenie is two years old and full of fun. He is a sweet boy who will make you feel like a queen or king. Come out and take Sir Weenie for a walk; you’re sure to say, “Hot Dog.”

We also have 12 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

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 June 30, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win.

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. Ki, is puckered up and ready to smooch. 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. If you have items to donate contact CAPS at 775-423-7500.

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.