The owl and the pussy-cat went to sea

April is national poetry month, and to celebrate I would like to share my favorite cat poem, “The Owl and the Pussycat.” It was written by Edward Lear in 1871.

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat went to sea/ In a beautiful pea-green boat;/ They took some honey, and plenty of money/ Wrapped up in a five-pound note. The Owl looked up to the stars above./ And sang to a small guitar,/ “O lovely Pussy, O Pussy, my love./ What a beautiful Pussy you are!”

I memorized this poem in first grade, and it recently sparked my curiosity about cats on boats. I didn’t have to look far to discover a floating rescue for cats. Poezenbot (Dutch for “cat boat”) is a house boat located in the Western Canal Ring of Amsterdam.

It was founded in 1966 by Henriette van Weelde who filled her canal-side home with strays. Eventually she needed more room to accommodate her growing feline family. That’s when the “Ark” was built to serve the cats’ needs.

Inside the Ark is a reception desk with information and merchandise. Beyond that is the cats’ lair; spaces filled with everything a cat needs. The Ark serves as a veterinary clinic, adoption center and shelter. Many of the cats are feral and not adoptable but are welcome and given a private space where they can be alone. The cat boat has become a tourist attraction and is listed in a number of tourist guide books. Visit www.atlasobscura.com to see this Ark. As Owl said, “What a beautiful Pussy you are.”

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two darling puppies waiting to find a perfect home.

Policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under 5 years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.

Call 775-423-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

Vendors for Bark in the Park on May 18; we especially need food and coffee. Please call 775-423-7500 for details.

Sponsors for Bark in the Park; your business will be featured on our T-shirts and at the event.

Items for the CAPS garage sale. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up.

SHOUT OUT TO

Ace Hardware for the keys, locks and kick plate. A big Bark of Thanks to you!

The Just Serve.org organization for all of the wonderful volunteers who have pitched in to help at CAPS. A Four Paw salute to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart on May 11 with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by and smooch our pooch. We have hoodies, shirts and hats. Be sure to check out our merchandise after you’ve hugged our pup.

DON’T FORGET

April Pet Holiday: World Veterinary Day, April 27.

To mark your calendar for Bark in the Park on May 18. We would love to see you there!

You can open an account with Chewy and reference CAPS in the order. CAPS will receive $20 directly into our operating account with your first $50 order. Chewy offers quality food and free two-day delivery on orders over $50. Check our Facebook page for more details.

Flower Tree Nursery will again be raffling a tree 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 likeable.

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

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Contact me, jkwmil@outlook.com.