Directionally challenged? Get a dog

Dear readers, I hate to admit it, but I am lousy at directions and I need GPS to navigate. Interestingly, dogs may have a built-in compass and are able to sense the Earth’s magnetic field allowing them to access a universal reference frame. Like a built-in GPS.

Original research on the subject explored why dogs preferred to eliminate aligning with the north-south axis of the Earth’s magnetic field. I have observed this phenomena first hand, as I was my dog’s official poop scooper. It always seemed that our dogs were fussy about their drop spot.

In recent studies scientists discovered that canine eyes contain cryptochrome 1, a light-sensitive molecule that reacts to the magnetic field when stimulated by light. Birds, whales, dolphins, turtles, honeybees, and mole rats have this also. It is how they navigate.

Researchers tested if and how dogs used the magnetic field by attaching video cameras and GPS trackers to their collars. They walked the dogs to a new area that separated them from their owners. Their job was to find their way back to them. During this task, researchers identified two types of problem solving behavior: tracking and scouting.

A dog retraces its original route when tracking by using the scent track. If the scent track was weak, the dogs wandered. Not all the dogs found their owners. Scouting involves returning along a completely new route without backtracking. When going the wrong direction, dogs self-corrected by stopping, turning, and running about 50 feet on the exact north-south axis aligning with the Earth’s magnetic field.

This compass run allowed the dogs to get their bearings. Amazingly, all the scouting dogs found their owners.

As research progresses, I am sure there will be more proof that the magnetic compass exists. I am just waiting to get mine installed. Oh wait, I have one; it’s a cell phone. Now all I need to do is remember to take it.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

Adorable kittens ages 15 to 20 weeks. There are seven boys and five girls in a rainbow of colors. All our babies need foster homes. Call 775-7500 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

Garage sale items for Sept. 9-10. We need gently used appliances, furniture, treadmills, and miscellaneous items. We don’t need clothing. Call at 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up. 

Fancy Feast kitten wet food.

Cat litter for our guests’ comfort.

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
Our Board of Directors who work hard to keep CAPS vital. A pooch smooch to you!
Diane the “cat lady” of CAPS. You have a great cat-titude!
COME SEE US
We will be at the Cantaloupe Festival Aug. 26-28.
CAPS is now open. We suggest appointments for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500.

 

DON’T FORGET
August Holiday: National Dog Day and World Dog Day is Aug. 26.
To mark your calendar for CAPS garage sale.
If you cannot have a pet, you can still sponsor a kitten or puppy. We need financial assistance for spay/neutering, veterinarian bills, and food. You can become an angel to a homeless kitten or puppy. 775-423-7500.
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. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.