Grass is greener at dog park

Sometimes I wonder if Watson is part cow. When spring comes and the dog park greens up, he chows down on grass. I’m not the only dog parent who has noticed that dogs love to eat grass. With that in mind, I decided to find out what the experts say about grass eating and dogs.

Actually no one seems to know why dogs eat grass. There are several theories but no definite answer. The general consensus is that dogs eat grass because they like it. Dogs aren’t strict carnivores. They are actually omnivores who eat anything.

As the parent of a Labrador, I can assure you that he has an adventurous palate to say the least. Dogs evolved alongside humans to live off whatever they can scrounge. This doesn’t mean that dogs are walking garbage disposals; many dogs have delicate stomachs.

One theory is that dogs eat grass because they have an upset stomach. Many dogs throw up after eating grass, but that doesn’t always indicate sickness. If your dog is salivating, licking his lips or swallowing a lot, he may fell nauseous. If it is accompanied with diarrhea, you need to be sure to take him to your veterinarian.

Another theory is that eating grass is a way to make up for some nutritional deficiency. Unfortunately, no support for this has been found. Another suggestion is that grass eating may reflect an innate predisposition inherited from dogs’ wild ancestors. Eating grass could serve as a way to purge intestinal parasites.

Whatever the reason, I only know that the grass is much better at the dog park because Watson won’t touch the grass in our yard. I guess the grass is always greener or tastier some place other than home.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

Skip is an adorable two-year-old pointer/border collie mix. He was found at Skip’s Mini Mart. He is eager to please, very well behaved and gets along well with other dogs. Skip would love to be in a family with children to play with. Don’t skip meeting our Skip; you will be so pleased that you didn’t.

IN NEED OF

Of monetary donations to take care of our puppies. We would appreciate all donations for the “Puppy Fund.”

Volunteers and sponsors for Bark in the Park. We have many duties that need to be filled. Come out and help and have fun. Call Amanda at 775-423-7500

Vendors for Bark in the Park, May 6. Bark in the Park isn’t just about cats and dogs; we also want vendors who cater to the people. Call Amanda at 775-423-7500. Volunteers to walk dogs or play with cats. We have enthusiastic dogs and cats just waiting to meet you. Call Rita at 775-423-7500 for details.

luminum cans, which we recycle to augment our shelter funds. We are unable to pick up cans because of trailer problems, but please continue to save them.

SHOUT OUT TO

Raul for volunteering to walk our dog guests. We appreciate your dedication to our guests.

Carol Roder for donating cans and canned dog food. Four Paws Up to You!

To all our volunteers who faithfully go to Walmart each month with the Kissin Booth. We appreciate your dedication.

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart May 20 with our Kissin’ Booth and an eager smooching pooch. Come by to get your smooch. We will also have caps, long-sleeved T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, so please check them out after you have been smooched.

DON’T FORGET

April Pet Holidays:

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

To mark your calendar for Bark in the Park that will be held on Saturday, May 6.

Flower Tree Nursery will be raffling a 20-gallon tree of your choice on June 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

CONTACT CAPS

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. 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.

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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.