Watson is muttering about mutts

Courtesy Mr. B is an incredibly striking black eight-year-old domestic short hair. He is not vain but he certainly knows how handsome he is. He grants humans the privilege of serving him, in other words, we are staff. He is looking to relocate to a new estate where he is the supreme ruler. He would enjoy a pet dog but no cats. Come out and meet your highness because he is granting audiences.

By Kathleen Williams-Miller

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

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Watson here, and it is National Mutt Month. Dad occasionally calls me a mutt and I wondered what a mutt is. Mutts are a combination of different breeds, rather than one identifiable breed. Mixed breed dogs, or mutts, have more than two breeds in their genetic make-up, sometimes even more than three, or four.
In the late 1800s mutt was a derogatory term meaning stupid person or stupid dog.
Aberdeen University researchers conducted intelligence tests on 100 dogs, both mutts and purebreds. The scientist used seven intelligence and psychology tests that included complex mazes, spatial awareness, and problem solving. After the dogs performed the tasks, the results were compared. They concluded that overall, mutts, mixed breed dogs, are smarter than purebred dogs.
Nearly half of all domesticated dogs are mutts and according to the ASPCA. Roughly, 70-75 percent of the dogs in shelters are mixed breed dogs. One of the real benefits of mutts is they are healthier than purebred dogs. The theory is simple. More gene diversity in mutt dogs means they are less likely to develop hereditary diseases and disorders.
There are seven major dog groups: Working, Herding, Toy, Hound, Sporting, Non-Sporting, and Terrier.
The Working group features breeds that perform certain practical tasks, while the Hound Group features breeds that hunt. The American Kennel Club lists 180 pure breeds and then there are the designer breeds.
Designer breeds are hybrids of two pure breeds purposefully mixed to promote key characteristics. The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes 615 designer breeds.
Surprisingly, more than 10 percent of registered designer dogs have a poodle parent. Poodles are popular for crossbreeding because they come in four sizes and have a low-shed coat. The first designer pooch was a Labradoodle made for the visually impaired. The hypoallergenic poodle coat and Lab temperament created an allergen-free guide dog.
Therefore, if mutts are smarter, healthier, and readily available, I think being called a mutt is a real complement.
Happy Mutt Month!
XOXO
Watson
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have two four-month-old Tuxedo kittens that need to be fostered. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
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.
IN NEED OF
Recipes! Please send your favorite recipes to, crazydogmom1810@gmail.com. We are compiling a CAPS favorite’s cookbook.
Garage sale items. We need gently used appliances, furniture, treadmills, and miscellaneous items. We do not need clothing. Call 775-423-7500 for pick up.
Dry cat food and Friskies wet. Dry dog food and Pedigree wet food.
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.
Folks who need help affording spaying/neutering for dogs or cats. The SNAPS program details are below.
SHOUT OUT TO
American Car Wash for donating a portion of the car wash fee to CAPS. A big pooch smooch to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS is now open, we suggest appointments for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We cannot accept volunteers until further notice. Call 775-423-7500.

DON’T FORGET
July Pet Holiday: National Mutt Month.
SNAPS is a program offered to Churchill County residents through CAPS that provides low-cost spay/neutering for cats and dogs. To qualify for SNAPS, you need to have one of the following: Medicaid, a child enrolled in NV Check Up Program, food stamps, 2020 tax return stating income is less than $30,000 or Veterans disability card including a photo ID. Also required are a Churchill County ID and a co-pay. For information, call CAPS at 423-7500.
CONTACT CAPS
CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, Nev., 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.

Watson is muttering about mutts

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