What’s next? Driving dogs?

Yesterday, while driving down Williams Avenue, I happened to glance at the driver on my right. To my surprise there was a golden retriever behind the wheel. Upon second glance I could see the actual driver of the truck was leaning back, so he was barely visible. It made me think of the Subaru commercials that feature dogs behind the wheel.

The Subaru Super Bowl 2016 commercial was a classic. It’s dark and the mother dog is driving a puppy who is in a car seat. She is trying to get the puppy to fall asleep. Finally the puppy nods off, and the car pulls into their driveway. When the mother opens the door, the puppy wakes up. The mother gets back into the car and backs out of the driveway. You can see it on YouTube by Googling “Subaru Super Bowl 2016 Commercial Dog Tested: Puppy.”

I don’t know about you, but I did my share of driving around when my baby was fussy. It really is a brilliant concept placing adorable animals in human situations. Anthropomorphism is a term that means “attributing human traits, emotions and intentions to non-human entities.” When you look around at all the advertising, cartoons and books using anthropomorphism, you realize how attitudes about animals can be changed by using this technique.

I suspect that driving dogs are better left to commercials. To keep your pet safe when you are driving, you should always keep a harness on them and snap it into the seat belt. Just like texting or using a cell phone, an unrestrained dog can be distracting. In a crash an unrestrained pet can turn into a deadly projectile or get crushed by a driver or passenger who is thrown forward by the collision.

Keep your beloved pets safe by putting them in a carrier or harness when you are taking them in the car. If you think about it, dogs have it pretty good. They have their own chauffeur, and they don’t have to work. Doggone nice if you ask me.

WHO’S WHO

Our Who’s Who this week is Norma Klenakis. Norma is one of the original CAPS founders. She is incredibly knowledgeable about CAPS and the history behind our wonderful no-kill-shelter. Norma has been gracious enough to share her memories with me. It is our goal to write the history of CAPS. I was unaware that CAPS has been around since 1986. Hopefully, I can share some of the great stories and highlights about the evolution of our shelter. A big Paws Up to Norma for her dedication to all of the animals she has helped. We love you forever!

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

Tucker is a beautiful 14-year-old Aussie mix. Adorable and very sweet, Tucker gets along with cats and dogs. He is a bit deaf but very attentive and responsive. If you would like to have an adoring partner who would make your home his home, come out to meet Tucker. He’s waiting for that special someone who will love him.

We also have kitties ready for their new homes. 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 has again raffled a 15-gallon tree! The drawing date was Tuesday, and look for the winner’s name in next week’s column.

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.

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.