CAPS: 30 years in our community

Recently I was asked how long CAPS had been operating. I am embarrassed to admit that I didn’t really know. I was lucky enough to catch up with one of the original founders, Norma Klenakis. She was very kind to share the history of CAPS with me. I am always humbled by the amazing results that people can achieve with their enthusiasm, love and grit.

CAPS grew out of a need within the community for a humane solution to the problem of people dumping their animals at the county dumps. In 1986 a meeting addressing animal welfare was convened. The 12 people who showed up eventually became known as the “Dirty Dozen.” Officers were elected and CAPS became an official animal rescue group.

The original CAPS was housed in the old post office. In those days when workers would arrive at CAPS, they would sometimes find boxes of kittens or dogs tied to the door. Many unwanted animals were dumped and left to die.

Eventually CAPS outgrew its facilities and with a lot of help from NAS Fallon moved to Crook Road. There were a few old trailers to house the growing animal population. The Sea Bee’s provided not only the labor to put up kennels and fences but also well services.

Bake sales, car washes and donations from service clubs and memberships funded CAPS at this time. The amount of energy and time given by volunteers was staggering. The vigor and commitment of these pioneers in animal welfare is astonishing!

The move to our present location came when the Crook Road shelter had outgrown its space and was able to move operations to a bigger and better area. That move opened a whole new era for the organizers, guests and public.

Our CAPS wasn’t always a no-kill shelter but grew to the present-day shelter that is no-kill. The guests in our care can now look forward to living and enjoying each day. The move to our present location is a long and involved story that highlights the incredible commitment of our community. Please read next week’s column to continue the evolving story of CAPS and Fallon, the small town with a big heart.

WHO’S WHO

Our Who’s Who this week is Pauline Friedrich who has generously donated bags of dog food when she realized there was a serious shortage for our dog guests. We are experiencing a shortage because our normal source for food has changed the rules for non-profit organizations. Thank you, Pauline, for stepping up and providing the necessary supplies for our guests. A big Paws Up to you! XOXO from Watson; he loves you!

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

Keeva is a beautiful Lab-cross girl who is sweet and gentle and loves belly rubs. She is young and would love a kind, gentle place to call her home. Please come out and meet her because she is waiting for that special someone. You will be thrilled!

CAPS’ NEWS AND EVENTS

We need dog food! Please help us out. We are desperately reapplying for the grants that have helped us in the past but until they come through we have hungry guests. Walmart stocks Purina Pro Plan dog food that you can purchase and drop off with our volunteers who will be there tomorrow.

CAPS will be at Walmart tomorrow along with adorable Ki at our Kissin’ Booth. There may also be a “mystery” kisser. Please come by and give our boys a big hug and kiss. We have hoodies, sweatshirts 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 drawing date is June 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. Raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

Bark in the Park will be held May 7: watch here for details.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. Please visit our Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likable.

Our website is presently undergoing construction. Watch this column for the grand opening of our new site.

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.