Cutting edge dentistry for dogs

I was at the dog park the other day when Riley came to play. Riley is a big Labradoodle who is a cute as he can be. It seems that Riley and his brother Benson were rough housing like siblings do and Riley’s tooth was broken. He was taken to Reno where there is a veterinarian who specializes in dentistry for dogs.

Riley underwent a root canal, which saved his tooth. I find this absolutely amazing and was more than interested in finding out about this doctor’s practice. The veterinarian who treated Riley is John Koehm, who practices at Sierra Veterinarian Specialists in Reno. I had no idea that there were dental specialists for dogs. The services you can get include endodontic needs, crowns and orthodontics for your pets.

One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to keep Watson’s teeth clean and his breath smelling fresh. So far I have been an absolute failure. I did buy toothbrushes and liver-flavored toothpaste, but I haven’t been very successful in getting his teeth scrubbed. Fortunately, there is a video that teaches you how to become a successful dog-teeth cleaner.

If you are interested in keeping your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, check out the video at http:// nevadaveterinarydentistry.com; just click “Videos” and then choose “Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth.” The video is great, and I have found the method easier than the one I have been using.

I am now a lot closer to keeping my New Year’s resolution. However, be careful not to get your toothpaste mixed up with your dog’s. There is nothing like a toothbrush loaded with liver-flavored toothpaste to wake you up. Take it from me it’s a mistake you want to make only once.

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

Thank you to Betty Duncan, who reads and checks the articles for this column each week. A retired freelance copy editor of college textbooks for 30 years, she also contributed articles for this column in the past. Betty is absolutely wonderful and makes her goal that every “i” is dotted and “t” is crossed. She is truly a gem, and her help is invaluable. Kudos to Betty!

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

Are you looking for that special someone who you cannot resist? Look no further because Dundee is your boy. He is a beautiful orange tabby with hypnotizing eyes and outstanding ears. Dundee is six months old and enjoys the distinction of being born at CAPS on Teresa’s lap. He isn’t a crocodile hunter, but he’ll hunt for a way into your heart. Don’t delay and meet him today.

Our nine puppies will soon be ready for new homes. Only one of our puppies still needs money for spaying/neutering. Donations would be appreciated. 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 annual Murder Mystery Dinner is coming Oct. 24 at the Fallon Convention Center, and doors will open at 5 p.m. Ticket price is $35, and this year’s caterer will be the Churchill County High School culinary class.

Please call the shelter (775-423-7500) to find out where tickets are being sold. Last year was epic and this year promises to be bigger, better and very mysterious.

CAPS will be at Walmart on Oct. 17, along with Ki and Urtle at our Kissin’ Booth. Ki is the veteran of the Kissin’ Booth, and Urtle is the kisser-in-training. Come by and join their fan club. We have plenty of shirts and caps, so please check them out before or after greeting our canine volunteers.

Flower Tree Nursery is again 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 Dec. 6, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win.

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.