Yikes, the ghost of Troutie returns

I am embarrassed to admit that I am afraid of scary movies, scary books or anything that resembles scary. I’m sure you can imagine my reaction when I peered out the window and saw Troutie, my beloved but dead kitty staring back at me. Troutie was a beautiful calico cat who didn’t meow but had a distinctive purr sound.

I stared at Troutie, and she stared back just before she bolted. For a moment I thought it was just my imagination, but she streaked back into view. Troutie had the most distinct markings, so I squinted and studied the marking on my ghost kitty. To my relief the markings were close but different.

Seeing that cat made me wonder what exactly is a calico cat. Calico cats are domestic cats with a spotted or partly colored coat that is predominantly white, with patches of two other colors. Calico refers only to a color patterning on the fur, not the breed. Lots of standard breeds allow calico colorations and include: Manx, American shorthair, Persian, Japanese bobtail, Siberian and Turkish van.

Calicos are almost always female because genetic determination of some coat colors in cats is linked to the X chromosome. Male calicos are very rare, are almost always sterile and lack vitality. In many cultures calicos are believed to bring good luck, and they are sometimes referred to as money cats.

Gosh, just thinking about Troutie makes me miss her sweet purr/meow and warm little body lying at the foot of my bed. I was almost sad it wasn’t the ghost of Troutie, but after I thought about it, I’m glad it wasn’t. Troutie lived to be 23 years old and she was a gem. Ghost or no ghost, calico cats are extremely cool.

WHO’S WHO

Our Who’s Who this week is Amanda Bown, the new executive director of CAPS. Amanda isn’t exactly new because she has worked at CAPS for the past 10 years. Amanda is a natural at her job because she grew up on a farm, loving animals and enjoying taking care of them. She brings a true love of animals and their welfare to her new position. Everyone already loves Amanda and is looking forward to helping her be successful in her new job. Our love and support goes out to Amanda. You get a paws up from the CAPS community.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

Lexi is our newest arrival, and she is a gorgeous white one-year-old pit bull. She is a sweet girl, and her whole world up to this point has been on the end of a chain. Lexi seeks someone who will appreciate her beauty and adorable qualities. Could that someone be you? Come out for a visit with Lexi and find out. She is waiting for that special someone to love her.

We also have a darling puppy who is a Lab cross. He is five months old and was dumped in the desert with a torn ACL. Fortunately he found his way to CAPS. He needs tender loving care and will reward you with love and affection. Come by and meet him. He may be our surprise kisser at Walmart; stop by and find out.

We have two male kitties ready for their new homes. Make this a February to remember with a new pet to enjoy life with. 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 again raffling a 15-gallon tree. The drawing date is March 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.

CAPS will be at Walmart on March 16 along with darling Ki at our Kissin’ Booth. There will 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.

CAPS is always in need of dog and cat food. Please feel free to drop it off at the shelter.

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.