When Irish cats are trilling

With St. Pat’s day just around the corner, I was reminded of an incredible Irish cat who was so beautiful he took my breath away. His name was Guinness. He demanded respect, adoration and filet mignon. Occasionally, I would slip him round steak, but he always knew it wasn’t the real deal.

Guinness was the supreme mouser, and if you were really lucky, he might just stop by in his wandering. His jet black coat glistened in the sun and his piercing emerald green eyes could hypnotize.

Guinness, a Manx, was immediately recognizable because he had no tail, elongated hind legs, and a wide round head. The Manx originated on the isolated Isle of Man. It is a unique breed because the lack of a tail is due to a genetic mutation that occurred many years ago. On the Isle of Mann they are referred to as “Stubbin.” Their unique bodies give them a characteristic “stink bug pose” appearance.

Some Manx have tails but the lengths vary. Their varying tail lengths are classified into four categories: rumpy (no tail whatsoever), rumpy riser, stumpy and long. Guinness was definitely a rumpy. A very handsome rumpy at that.

Along with being a master mouser, Guinness was very protective of our family. He acted a lot like a dog because he learned tricks. He could sit and shake, chase a ball and bring it back. His meow was more of a trill than a meow. Like a strange Irish flute.

From body type to behavior traits, he was the Manx extraordinaire. As St. Pat’s day approaches, I would like to propose a toast to the cats of Ireland, the Manx. Cheers to Guinness! It was a thrill to hear your trill.

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

Helen Hernandez for adopting Cleo. After three years at CAPS, her dream came true. A Four Paw salute to you!

Hoof-Beats Gates and Corrals for supplying fencing. A loud bark to you!

OPI for the color copier. All tails are wagging for you!

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart on April 6 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

March Pet Holiday: National Poison Prevention Week

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% 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.