Apex is a handsome four-year-old Heeler mix. His coat is just beautiful! He came to CAPS from a hoarding situation. Apex is used to being around other dogs and likes to go on walks. If there is another dog walking with him that is a bonus. He is looking for a secure forever home. Come out and meet him.
By Kathleen Williams-Miller
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Watson, here and I just ran into old friend of mine who was really scalped. His pet parents shaved him, because the weather is getting warmer and they thought he would be cooler. It was a big mistake!
You should never shave Huskies, Malamutes, Retrievers, Border Collies, or Bernese Mountain dogs, because they are double-coated, which means they have two layers of fur to protect them against hot and cold weather.
The outer layer is comprised of long coarse guard hairs that protect the skin and shed water. The undercoat is thick and lies close to the skin, which keeps us warm and dry. In summer, we shed the undercoat leaving only guard hairs to protect us from sunburn and heat. Air circulating through the guard hairs keeps our skins cool.
Shaving changes the coat texture in double-coated, dogs because the undercoat grows back first. Undercoat is the soft fuzzy hair that stays next to the skin. The guard hairs that protect and shed water are slower growing. As the guard hairs grow, they mix in with the fluffy undercoat. In fact, the new coat will never feel the same as before.
The new coat tends to be sticky like Velcro, and unfortunately, burrs, seeds, grass, and twigs will easily stick to the new coat. Shaving doesn’t keep dogs cool, because the coat left after shaving prevents the cool air from getting to the skin. Without a protective layer, we are exposed to the dangers of sunburn and overheating.
The best solution for double-coated dogs in the summer is to brush them frequently to remove the undercoat, establish a pool to dip in, keep water for hydration, and provide an air-conditioned house. Just keep cool and that is my two bits!
XOXO
Watson
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have four adorable kittens: two boys and two girls that are waiting to be fostered. 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
Help! We need emergency funds to repair our air conditioning. It is getting hot!
Items for the CAPS garage sale. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up.
Cat litter for our guests’ comfort.
Friskies wet cat food and any dry cat food except Meow Mix.
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
Rosie and Josh for volunteering. A big pooch smooch to you!
The Bullock Family for volunteering. A Four-Paw salute to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS is now open. We suggest appointments for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500.
DON’T FORGET
June Holiday: National Microchipping 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, 2021 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.
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.
