Lily is a three-year-old female border collie/Lab mix who would love a home with no cats but she does love other dogs.
Watson is the BFF (best furry friend) I have. I was pretty sure we didn’t keep secrets from one another, so I was shocked to find out that he has superpowers. I know that sounds improbable, but for the record all dogs have powers that humans can only wish they possessed.
Dogs can sense bad weather coming, and they don’t need the news, internet or Alexis to inform them. Perhaps you have observed your pup pacing, his tail down and verbalizing. This behavior indicates the storm is coming soon, like right now.
Humans see lightning, but new research reveals that dogs feel it. As a storm rolls in, the barometric pressure and ions in the atmosphere change. All this change causes external signals to travel through their nervous system more quickly.
Static electricity builds up in the clouds and eventually bursts into lightning. Long before the lightning strikes, your dog can feel it generating an unpleasant tingling sensation through their fur. Occasionally people feel this, too, on the hair at the nape of the neck.
Many dogs freak out during a thunderstorm and attempt to become grounded by getting as low as possible. I suspect they are trying to get away from the creepy shock sensation. Smart move, huh? Watson always lays flat and as close to the couch as possible.
I know that Watson is very sensitive to storms and he is quite frightened. I’m glad I understand the reasons better. He has super storm powers I don’t share. Now that I know his secret, I’m going to make sure he’s comfortable when it storms because he’s a “Super BFF.”
IN NEED OF
Sponsors for the Lahontan Valley Dogs section of the Lahontan Valley News. This new feature is published on Wednesdays. We would love to see this new section of our paper thrive. What is needed are businesses sponsoring ads. It is a real bargain, and local folks can see their pups in print. Check it out and send a photo of your dog to be featured. If you would like to sponsor an ad, call Joan at 775-423-6041.
Bales of pine shavings to bed our outside kennels.
Volunteers to walk dogs or play with cats. 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
Mayor Ken Tedford, City of Fallon, D&D Plumbing, Kent’s Lumber, Louie’s Ace Hardware, Big R, Fallon Glass, and GBL consultants for all their help in getting our water filtered for the guests. You deserve a Four Paw Salute!
Diane Peters for her generous donation. We appreciate your support! You epitomize the Fallon Spirit! All of our tails are wagging in your honor.
COME SEE US
CAPS will be at Walmart on Oct. 21 with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by to get your pooch smooch.
DON’T FORGET
October Pet Holidays:
Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month (ASPCA)
Flower Tree Nursery will be raffling a 20-gallon blue spruce tree on Dec. 16, 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. to 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.