A tale of missing ears and tails

Watson here and I could hardly believe my ears when I heard about the way some dogs are altered for the Westminster Dog Show. In the last 100 years or so, cropping (ear cutting) and docking (tail bobbing) have been performed for cosmetic purposes. Ouch! I have soft floppy ears and a big beautiful otter tail that I love to wag.

My question is why in the world would someone do that to their BFF (Best Furry Friend)? Winning at the Westminster Dog Show is a profitable deal because the owner of the best in show dog makes big money in breeding fees. There is also a lot of prestige for a breeder when his dog wins best of breed or best in show.

Originally, working dogs were cropped to avoid health issues like ear infections or hematomas. If a dog might need to fight either while hunting, defending livestock, or dog fighting, their ears were cropped to protect them from being torn off. Tails were docked for the same reason.

Docking and cropping is breed specific. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers, Schnauzers and Boxers are among those breeds commonly being altered now.

Most dog shows in Europe and Australia ban docking and cropping. The United States is one of the countries where it is still a common procedure. In nations and states where it remains legal, it is practiced because it’s required as part of a breed standard for exhibition at dog shows.

In 143 years of the Westminster Dog Show, Labrador Retrievers have never won best in show. In the nine years I have lived in my home, I’ve been a winner and star every single day even with my floppy ears, big fat tail and beautiful brown eyes. Who needs Westminster? I’m already best in home.

- XOXO Watson

IN NEED OF

Vendors for Bark in the Park on May 18; call 775-423-7500 for details.

Folks to register for the AmazonSmile program; the details are below, and we receive funds every month from your purchases.

Walking buddies for our fabulous canine guests. Do you have two legs and need exercise? We are looking for folks who would love to walk, lose weight and do a good deed at the same time. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

SHOUT OUT TO

Mayor Tedford for his help and support with our projects. A Four Paw salute to you!

Brian and Ryan for your hard work on the building projects. You are awesome. All tails are wagging for you!

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart on March 2 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

February Pet Holiday: Unchain a Dog Month.

To register in the AmazonSmile program, a website operated by Amazon. Customers enjoy the same selection of products, low prices and shopping features as on Amazon.com. The only difference is that, when you shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5 percent of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization selected by you.

Flower Tree Nursery will again be raffling a tree on March 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.