Pausing to ponder the dog paw

Ellie is a nine-year-old English Springer Spaniel. Originally adopted from CAPS in 2018, she had a home until her owner passed away. Adopted again, Ellie’s new owner fell ill and so did Ellie. Recently diagnosed with diabetes, Ellie has come back to CAPS. We are now looking for someone who will foster Ellie. She needs insulin shots twice a day. Ellie is great with children, dogs, and everyone she meets. She does not fuss about getting shots and is looking for a home to give her a new lease on life. CAPS will provide medications.

By Kathleen Williams-Miller

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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Watson here, and I just talked to my pal Buddy. Poor guy! While he was camping, he burned his paws on the hot cement. It occurred to me that maybe I should teach folks about the remarkable pup paw.

The first thing to remember is paws easily get burnt, so if the temperature outside is 100 degrees, you can bet the cement or asphalt is 120 degrees. The only way to ascertain if the surface is too hot to walk on is for a human to place the back of his hand on the cement before letting his BFF walk on it.

One thing that most people do not know is that different dog breeds have different shaped paws. If you thought that dog paws were all the same, you are wrong. Breeds from cold climes like St. Bernard’s have wonderfully large paws with greater surface areas. Big paws mean better traction on snow and ice.

Labs, known for their long toes and webbed feet, are excellent swimmers. Webbed-feet breeds are fantastic water dogs.

Cat-feet breeds include Akita, Terrier and Doberman Pinscher. These dogs have a short, third digital bone resulting in a compact feline-like foot that uses less energy to lift the dog and increases endurance.

Hare-feet breeds have two middle toes longer than the outer toes. Some toy breeds enjoy the slender, elongated paws. Not all paws are equal!

Paw pads have a thick layer of fatty tissue, but your BFF can sustain injury from walking on a surface that is too hot or too cold. Thick pads allow dogs to develop a tolerance to temperature extremes, but it does not guarantee protection from hot sidewalks. Protect those paws!
XOXO Watson

LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have two four-month-old Tuxedo kittens who 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 five 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.

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
Tom Graham and Jerry Doyle for driving five hours to pick up Ellie from Branson, Missouri. They transported her to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where John Friedrich picked her up and drove her back to Fallon. All tails are wagging for 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 Pet Hydration Awareness 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 more 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.

Pausing to ponder the dog paw

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