Joplin is a sweet two-year-old border collie/Lab mix. She looks like a miniature black Lab and her award-winning smile will brighten your day. She came to CAPS because her family was moving and could not take her. Joplin is looking for a forever loving home.
By Kathleen Williams-Miller
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
I was honestly amazed to read about Hunger for Words and Stella the talking dog. Christina Hunger, the founder of Hunger for Words, is a speech-language pathologist who is pioneering new avenues of interspecies communication.
Christina realized the potential for communicating when she observed that her new puppy demonstrated many of the same pre-linguistic communication skills that toddlers do right before they learn to speak. That was when she decided to use Alternative communication to teach Stella to talk.
In her practice, she uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices to help her patients express themselves with words. People who have some speech but lack understandability use Augmentative systems.
Alternative communication is the term used when a person (or dog) has no speech and must rely on another method to make their needs known. The Alternative Communication device is a large button that records words, activating the button is simple because all you have to do is press it.
To began Stella’s language development. Christina focused on three main components. First, she talked to Stella a lot. She used simple phrases and repetitive language to explain what was happening or about to happen.
Second, she focused on using the same words for an activity. Being consistent with language helps pinpointing the exact need. Each time she took Stella for a walk, she repeated the word walk several times.
The third most important aspect was programming the buttons and using them with the activities. Christina introduced each button individually and modeled how to use them. This phase took the most time and patience. Stella quickly learned the system allowing her to ask for what she needed. To see her in action go to: hungerforwords.com. It will leave you speechless!
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have three adorable, energetic Border Collie/Heeler/mix puppies: one girl and two boys. This is a foster to adopt opportunity for puppy parents. 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.
Leashes, dog toys, harnesses, and fish-based dog treats.
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.
SHOUT OUT TO
Mike Janess for donating a refrigerator. You are one cool guy!
Fallon Poultry Club for donating $200 from the chicken tic-tac-toe game. We love you a peck!
To the friends of Sheila Diane Pontius who donated in her remembrance. Kindness never fails!
John Friedrich for picking up cans, and garage sale items. A Four Paw Salute to you!
Rob McKinney for installing our water system. 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
June Pet Holiday: National Foster a Pet Month
To clean your garage and donate your gently used items to CAPS for our garage sale. We will pick up your donations just call 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.
