Watson’s becoming a cow dog

Watson here. Last week my mom and dad went to the Monterey Jazz Festival, so I spent the week at my most favorite place in the world, Audrey’s home. She lives out in the country where I get to visit with Cocoa, Sammy and the little dogs. There are lots of other animals too, deer, skunks, horses and rabbits.

Well, I’m not too hip on my animals, so when two big four-legged guys came trotting over I wasn’t sure what to do. When in doubt always wag your tail. So I’m standing there wagging my tail and Audrey says, “Woof, woof, bark at those cows.” Well, I barked a couple of times but these guys looked friendly, so I just trotted up wagging my tail. They weren’t afraid of me, so I figured we’d have some fun running around; that’s when it got silly.

I’m running and they are wild crazy running. Fortunately, Audrey called me in and shooed them away.

All night I dreamed I was herding cows across the prairie. When I woke up, I realized it was all a dream. Fortunately, using the Internet I can learn anything, so I’m taking an online course titled Cow Dogging 101.

Cow dogs were bred in Australia where conditions are harsh and a dog has to have stamina to withstand the conditions. Australian cow dogs are medium sized, muscular and have a double coat. There are two layers: a short, straight outer coat and a short kinky undercoat. Once or twice a year they “blow” their coat. Similar to molting, the fur comes out in big patches. These dogs come in colors, too: red or blue.

Australian cow dogs are intelligent but can be stubborn and hard-headed. They are fiercely protective of their people and property.

Initially they are shy, but once you gain their trust, they are your friend for life. Known as “Velcro” or “shadow” dogs, they are constant companions.

Cow dogs control the herd by circling and herding the cows in the direction they need to go. Lots of times cows don’t cooperate, so a nip on the legs gets them “moooving” along.

Well, I may never make a serious cow dog, but I do know the song “Whoop-ee-ti-yi-o Get Along Little Doggies.” That’s a good start.

XOXO Watson

IN NEED OF

Bales of pine shavings to bed our outside kennels.

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

All the wonderful folks who have adopted our guests. We have quite a list of adoptees who have found their happy-ever-after home. Congratulations to Nala, Heckle, Jeckle, Buddy, Daisy, Moo, Teddy, Teal and Emma. As Mr. Spock would say, “Live long and prosper.”

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

September Pet Holidays:

World Rabies Day Sept. 28. Be sure to have your pet vaccinated.

Mark your calendar for the CAPS Murder Mystery Dinner on Oct. 28. More details will follow.

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, 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 at jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.