Watson makes no bones about bones

If you would like an enthusiastic playmate, Sofi is yearning for a happy-ever-after home.
Watson here and I have a bone to pick with the folks who think dogs do not know what they are doing when they bury bones. Most people believe that once a dog buries a bone he forgets where he put it. When it comes to food or bones, I can assure you that dogs have memories like elephants, and we have a fabulous sense of smell.
Instinct plays a big part in why dogs bury their bones. The act of burying bones is a type of “food caching,” or storing food for later. In the wild, dogs never knew when the next meal would be available, so having something to fall back on was a survival skill. Actually, it is a common behavior in many species of birds and mammals.
Canines are direct descendants of wolves. Known for their cunning hunting skills, wolves tend to devour their prey entirely within the area of the kill. However, they will occasionally carry and bury the remains of a kill. Wolves and other canids are “scatter hoarders,” meaning they stash their leftover food in hideaways located over large areas.
Most pet dogs don’t need to store food, because they are taken care of by their pet parents. Instinct rules behavior, because the natural urge to squirrel away things still exists even when it is not necessary.
Sometimes, the instinct to bury foods isn’t about storing it but protecting it from scavengers. Burying can also be a dog’s way of savoring cherished objects for later enjoyment.
Some dog breeds are more prone to digging; dogs specifically bred to hunt or chase prey often like to bury toys, bones, and treats. Dogs that do “cache” visit their hoards whenever the mood hits them. They may ignore it for a week or move their prize 10 times before settling on a permanent spot.
I am not a food hoarder and I don’t bury bones, because I know I’ll be taken care of. No bones about that; I’m a spoiled dog.
XOXO Watson

IN NEED OF
Folks to help “Pup Grade” our kennels: see the details below.
Dry cat food and Friskies wet. Dry dog food and Pedigree wet food. Our current supplier of donated food is no longer distributing food to shelters. We need help to maintain our guests.
Puppy milk, puppy pads, and Taste of the Wild Puppy food. We have puppies that need lots of care and supplies.
Aluminum cans. If you have, cans to pick up, give us a call (775-423-7500) and we will come get them. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO
Kathy Peterson for the donation of treats and leashes. Pooch smooches to you!

Diane Peters for donating the money for emergency surgery on Bandit. You are just purrfect!
Mike for the big bag of cans. All tails are wagging for you.

COME SEE US

CAPS is now open, by appointment only, for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We cannot accept volunteers until further notice. Call 775-423-7500.

DON’T FORGET

February Pet Holiday: Pet Dental Health Month

You can help “Pup Grade” our kennels. We rely on fundraisers, donations, and volunteers but the pandemic has crippled our sources of revenue. At this time, our kennels are in need of serious service.
We need permanent roofs over the outdoor kennels and new flooring in the indoor kennels. If you are able to contribute expertise, supplies, or monetary assistance please call at 775-423-7500.

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 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 at jkwmil@outlook.com.