Is it really a dog-eat-dog world?

Dear Reader, occasionally I stop to reflect upon common sayings. For example, the idiom “dog eat dog.” In the people world it means ruthless competition where people will do anything (even harm other people) to win.

In fact, according to Dr. Brian Hare at Duke University, dogs have flourished not because of survival of the strongest but the friendliest. The theory is that men chose dogs who were friendly, and over centuries of domestication we have our current breeds. There are 471 million pet dogs in the world, and they have become man’s best friend.

Dogs understand rules for play behavior. Because dogs are pack animals, they must learn the rules or be expelled from the pack. They follow four rules to maintain harmony:

1. Communicate clearly: Dogs bow to each other by crouching on their front legs while standing on their hind legs. Known as the play bow, it indicates that the dog wants to romp.
2. Mind your manners: Animals consider their play partners’ abilities and engage in self-handicapping and role reversing to create and maintain equal footing. This is observed when an adult dog is playing with a pup or a big dog with a tiny one. The dominant dog will take turns letting the other dog win.
3. Admit when you are wrong: When a dog misbehaves, he apologizes. After an intense bite, he bows sending the message, “Sorry I bit you so hard, I was just playing, I’ll play fair.”
4. Be honest: Apologies must be sincere. If a dog continues to play unfairly, the pack ostracizes him. The consequences are grave, because an individual alone in the wild will perish.

I suspect if humans would communicate clearly, mind their manners, admit when they are wrong, and be honest, we could retire the idiom “dog eat dog” forever.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have six adorable four- to seven-month-old puppies. There are four girls and two boys.

We also have eight fluffy kittens ages four to seven months. There are five boys and three girls in a rainbow of colors. All our babies need foster homes. Call 775-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

• Volunteers for Walmart Days in 2023. This is one day a month 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 775-7500 for details.
• Fancy Feast kitten wet food.
• Cat litter (clump) for our guests’ comfort.
• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

The wonderful person who donated the adoption fee for Dahlia. You are Purrfect!

Our dedicated kennel attendants who work endlessly keeping our guests living quarters clean and healthy. All tails are wagging for you!

COME SEE US

On Jan. 13, we are hosting a spaghetti dinner and silent auction at Epworth Methodist Church, 5-7 p.m. We are serving spaghetti with a choice of meat, marinara, or white sauce, a green salad, and ice cream. The cost is $12 per person, $20 for two, $40 for four. Join us for dinner and support CAPS.

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

• December Holiday: Responsible Pet Owners Month
• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.
• 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.
• Over the Rainbow: If you would like your pet remembered send his/her name and a short description to Kathleen Williams-Miller a CAPS volunteer, at jkwmil@outlook.com.