Do dogs, cats have sixth sense?

I have a confession to make. I am the biggest coward in the world when it comes to scary movies. My grandson laughs at me because I’m such a chicken. That said, he talked me into watching The “Sixth Sense” with him. It’s an old movie and probably not too scary, but for weeks afterwards I checked under my bed, behind the door and in the closet. I don’t know what I was checking for, but in the movie the kid saw dead people.

The night I really jumped out of my skin was when my cat literally hissed at something I couldn’t see. I stood frozen expecting to be grabbed. Nothing happened and my cat immediately lost interest.

I have always wondered what was going on. My question may have been answered by recent research into dog, cat and other mammalian eyes. It has been discovered that some animals can see UV (ultraviolet) light which is usually invisible and harmful to humans. UV vision allows cats and dogs to see prey in the dark, urine trails, insects and optical brighteners that are added to many products including paper.

This skill might help explain why cats become obsessed with unusual objects, like sheets of paper. Cats, dogs and other animals are built to detect UV light and are naturally protected from visual damage. It’s thought that UV light tends to create blurry images, but with the entire spectrum of light, there is more to see.

The research is new, so I’m sure there will be astonishing discoveries in the future. Until then, I’m not watching scary movies.

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

Joe and Mike Bailey, the owners of Flower Tree Nursery, help support CAPS with their tree raffles throughout the year. They are so committed to our no-kill shelter that they are raffling off a tree of your choice again in December. We are proud to be sponsored by such giving individuals. It is a testament to both Joe and Mike that they care so much about our community. A huge thank you and big hug from everyone at CAPS. You are great!

Congratulations to Linda Dessauer for winning the tree of her dreams in the Flower Tree Nursery raffle. You too can be a winner as tickets are now on sale for the next raffle; see the details below.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

Did you watch “The Munsters” on television? If you were a Munsters fan, we have the feline version of Eddie Munster. Eddie is a six-month old black-and-white kitty who looks like he just stepped off the set of “The Munsters.” He is sweet and loves to play. Come out and meet our star.

We also have 12frisky kitties who are too cute for words! Our nine puppies will soon be ready for new homes. Only two of our puppies still need 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 will be at Walmart tomorrow, along with Ki and Urtle at our Kissin’ Booth. Ki is the veteran of the kissing 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.

CAPS annual Murder Mystery Dinner is coming soon. Watch this column for the grisly details of murder, mayhem and scrumptious food. Last year was epic and this year promises to be bigger, better and very mysterious.

Flower Tree Nursery is again raffling a 15-gallon tree of your choice (that you can choose is terrific!). 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 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.

Katlheen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.