Dogs and veterans united

Last weekend I spent the most delightful day watching videos about dogs at the Dog Film Festival in Sacramento. It was a magical collection of dog-themed films from around the world. One of the most meaningful was one that featured veterans and their therapy dogs.

Many returning veterans are traumatized by the experience of war, death and constant fear. According to K9S For Warriors, one in five veterans suffer from PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), and 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Enter the therapy dog who is specially trained to recognize the symptoms of stress or overload.

K9S For Warriors is dedicated to saving lives of both veterans and dogs. Over 90% of the dogs in the K9 program are shelter dogs. Who could ask for anything more? K9 For Warriors is saving shelter dogs and our brave veterans returning home.

I was overcome with emotion when I watched several of the veterans interacting with their buddies. One veteran actually started crying as he described the emotional bond between him and his dog. Their bond was obvious, and his dog just adored him.

How wonderful is that? I was thrilled by the concept of save a dog, save a vet. If you know anyone who could benefit from this program or you would like to support the program, please go online to learn more at MyK9MyHero.com. I promise you will be amazed by the results this program produces. Happy Veterans Day to all of our two-legged and four-legged heroes!

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart tomorrow with the Kissin’ Booth and a wiggly volunteer to kiss. We have caps, short-sleeved T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, so please check them out after you have greeted our pup pal. Hurry and order the 2017 Happy Endings Calendar. Christmas is right around the corner, so be sure to get a gift for the dog and cat lover in your life.

IN NEED OF

Would you like to lose a few pounds before the holidays? Now is your chance to make friends and walk away those extra calories. We would love to have you join our dog walkers. Our enthusiastic pups will encourage you to step lively and enjoy a brisk walk. Call Rita at 775-423-7500 for details. You will not only enrich your life but also make friends forever.

We are collecting aluminum cans, so we would appreciate any donations. You can drop off the cans at CAPS or call us and we’ll arrange a pick up.

SHOUT OUT TO

Pat, an avid reader of this column alerted me about the many dogs, cats and birds that have been victims of poisoning recently. It seems someone around the Oats Park and Numa Elementary School area has decided to deal death to the small creatures in the area. Please be careful when you let your pets outside and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

Roo is a two-year-old, domestic lon-ghaired brown-gray tabby. He is strikingly beautiful because he looks like a Maine coon cat. He is Ghost’s best friend and is looking for a home where they can be together. Both Roo and Ghost are very sweet and would be lovely to have as companions. Stop by and say hi to Roo and his best friend because they’ll steal your heart away.

DON’T FORGET

November is a month for celebrating many pet events: Adopt a Senior Pet Month, National Pet Awareness Month and Pet Awareness Month.

Flower Tree Nursery is again raffling a 20-gallon live Christmas tree. The 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 drawing date will be held on Dec. 6, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win.

CONTACT CAPS

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89406. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) 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.