Watson here and I just cannot believe that my mom thinks I’m getting catty. I looked up catty and it means being subtly or indirectly insulting. I guess I better explain myself before I get into deep doo-doo. Here’s what is happening every single night.
There’s a gang of spy cats who wait until really late when mom and dad are in bed, and then they sneak up to our front windows and peer in. That’s not all. I’ve even caught them climbing up in the tree so they can spy through the high-up windows. They are so sneaky, and one of them even thumbed his nose at me. The nerve!
If I could talk like a human I would just yell, “Hey, scat cats!” Unfortunately, I can’t, so I have to rely on my strong bark to alert my folks. I wish my folks had a quick guide to barking types because I’m sure they would back me up and get rid of the spies.
Well, I’m just going to write a quick reference for mom and dad, so the next time I try to alert them, they’ll know what I’m saying. I have five main barks and each one is slightly different.
My play bark is high pitched and usually repeated in a series. Yep, when I see my friends I let them know I want to play. The territorial bark alerts my folks of intruders. It’s repetitive and increases in intensity. If there is danger, I growl too. For serious situations I use the alarm bark, which is one or two sequential barks. I mean business with this one. It alerts my folks of unusual and dangerous circumstances. When I do this, they know something is wrong.
Another is my fearful bark; I don’t do this very often but it signals fear of the unfamiliar. It is high pitched and repetitive with my lips pulled back. My favorite is the excitement bark when I’m having fun. It’s high pitched and repetitive with little pauses.
So, there you have it, a guide to what your dog is saying, and I’m not just barking up a tree ... well, maybe at the spy cats.
XOXO Watson
IN NEED OF
Aluminum cans, which we recycle to augment our shelter funds. We are now able to pick up cans from you. If you have cans to pick up, call 775-423-7500.
SHOUT OUT TO
Audrey Mondhink for collecting cans. A Tail Wag to you!
Oasis Academy for the cute student-made dog blankets. A Four Paws Salute to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS will be at Walmart on Aug. 18 with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by to get your pooch smooch. We have colorful caps and shirts, so be sure to check out the merchandise after you have loved on our pup.
DON’T FORGET
August Pet Holiday: International Assistance Dog Week
Flower Tree Nursery will again be raffling a 20-gallon tree 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, 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 likeable.
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me, jkwmil@outlook.com.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer.