Brad Pitt in a wheelchair

Watson here; and it seems like things are looking up for Brad Pitt. I don’t mean the movie star but my good friend Brad from the Fallon dog park. Poor Brad, he has had such bad problems with his hips that he couldn’t walk, but he now has a wheelchair.

Brad was rescued by his dad, Jeff, and he has become his therapy dog. Jeff has macular degeneration that is robbing him of his sight. So the rescued became the rescuer. Brad is the beloved pet and friend that Jeff relies on and my friend too.

We suspect that Brad was hit by a car when he was young, which led to his osteoarthritis and eventually hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs. It is characterized by the malformation of the ball and socket joint. Instead of smoothly sliding together, they grind and cause pain. Some breeds are more at risk for hip dysplasia then others. German shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes and Saint Bernards are prone to getting this condition. It usually begins when the dog is young. In Brad’s case, it developed later because of his osteoarthritis.

I feel really bad for Brad. We are the best of buddies, and both of us enjoy battling and running. Brad is getting around better, but his wheelchair makes it hard for us to wrestle. I’m glad to see him happily bounding around the dog park again. Brad is a champ because he is enthusiastic and friendly; he’s still an action hero, wheelchair and all.

XOXO Watson

LOOKING FOR A HOME

Max is a five-year-old female red heeler. She was surrendered with her BFF (best furry friend)

after her owner unexpectedly passed away. Max gets along with cat and dogs. She is full of energy and fun. Come out and meet Max. She is looking for a play-mate and walking partner. She’s a sweetie!

IN NEED OF

CAPS is presently looking for an Executive Director who will oversee operations at CAPS. You must love animals! This is a 30-hour/ week job. Please call 775-423-7500 for details and ask for Pauline. You may also email your resume to caps@cccomm.net with “Attention Pauline” in the subject line.

Volunteers to walk dogs or play with cats. We have enthusiastic dogs and cats just waiting to meet you. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

Aluminum 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

Steve Ranson, editor of the Lahontan Valley News. Steve is retiring soon and we thank him for giving CAPS a voice in our community. He has covered all the Bark in the Park events. His photography and commentary have been invaluable to our no-kill shelter. Most of all we thank Steve for caring about Fallon. He has made it his mission to highlight our community, people and events that take place. Steve will be sincerely missed and we wish him a very happy retirement. A Four Paw Salute to you!

COME SEE US

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

DON’T FORGET

July Pet Holidays:

Dog House Repair Month

Flower Tree Nursery will be raffling a 20-gallon tree of your choice on Sept.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 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.