CAPS: our community treasure

The past two articles have highlighted the journey of CAPS and how it grew from an idea to reality. It all happened because a few individuals had a vision for the discarded, abandoned, and unloved animals of Churchill County. Yes, dogs and cats were just dumped at the dump. How could anyone be so cruel? Starvation and death were common.

We have come a long way from those days. We now have a no-kill shelter in Churchill County. It is amazing that it was conceived, constructed and created right here in Fallon. Now many of our homeless animals are able to live a happy, fulfilling life because of CAPS. Our city has the motto “Live Local”; CAPS is an example of living local.

How is CAPS funded? Originally, we had bake sales, car washes, garage sales and anything that would give us the funds to continue. We still get our funding from several fund raisers. One of them is coming on May 7. Bark in the Park is a fun-filled day that begins with the Strut Your Mutt-5K walk/run. Registration is from 7:30 to 8:45 (promptly), and the 5K begins at 9:00. The first 100 to cross the finish line will receive a medal.

Come to the fairgrounds for a day with special activities. Bark in the Park starts at 10 a.m. and is free; there will be a little something for everyone. Bring a furry friend, who must be on a leash, and join us. I plan on being there, so please join me, Joe and Watson for the walk/run and other fun. Impress your friends by buying a stylish Bark in the Park T-shirt. We won’t tell if you didn’t do the 5K.

Thankfully, Flower Tree Nursery donates a tree for raffle four times a year, so we have another source of revenue. We also have the Happy Endings calendar, which can feature you and your pet with others in the coming year. You can get your photo taken at Bark in the Park for the calendar ($20 sitting fee). The theater crowd can look forward to the Murder Mystery Theater Dinner in the fall, which is deliciously mysterious.

CAPS still relies on the wonderful folks of our community for support, and we haven’t been disappointed. Watson and I will be seeing you at Bark in the Park.

WHO’S WHO

This week we would like to commend all the awesome community members who have donated food. We are still working on the grant, and until it comes through we will have to rely on people for donations. Thank you from the bottom of our hungry tummies. We will keep you informed about the grant, but in the mean time we still appreciate anything you can spare.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

Mandy and Lizzy are two delightful cats looking for a loving home. They came to CAPS because their owner died. Mandy is a beautiful 7-year-old Russian blue short hair and Lizzy is a short hair calico who is also seven-years old. Both Mandy and Lizzy are lovely ladies who are sweet, friendly and loving. If you are looking for a BFF (best friend forever) you won’t have to look far. Come out and meet our sweet ladies.

CAPS’ NEWS AND EVENTS

We need dog food! Please help us out. You can drop if off at CAPS or call me at 775-423-1814 and I will pick it up.

CAPS will be at Walmart on May 21 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.