Currying favor for the American cur

Dear Reader, I have always thought the word cur was used as an insult for a person, usually a despicable man, or a dog who is very aggressive and unattractive. I did not know that cur also refers to several related dog breeds that are common in the southern states.

The name cur comes from the Old Norse term kurra, which means growl. These dogs are athletic, intelligent, loyal, and excellent hunters. Historically they fulfilled a variety of tasks, including herding livestock, tracking, and treeing varmints.

I realized while rereading Old Yeller that the dog described is a Yellow Cur. In the movie version, a Yellow Labrador Retriever/Mastiff portrayed Yeller so curs did not get screen exposure. I suspect Old Yeller launched interest for Labradors.

The silver screen is not the only snub that curs have had because the American Kennel Club does not recognize the breed. Curs are however, the state dog for both Texas and Louisiana honored for the part they played in the early history of each state. The Texas Cur is the Blue Lacy and the Catahoula Leopard represents Louisiana.

There are at least 14 varieties of the cur. Even though there are significant variations within the different breeds, they share many attributes. Curs have an athletic body, a broad chest, and a hound muzzle. Usually their coat is short and they do not shed a lot.

Currently one of the most popular is the Black Mouthed Cur. Known for their loyalty, strength, and ease in training, they are wonderful family members. In the future, I will correct anyone who uses the word cur in a mean-spirited way. I will tell them to curb their tongue!

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two adorable puppies, one three-month female, and one eight-month male.

We also have three fluffy male kittens ages three to eight months in a rainbow of colors. All our babies need foster homes.

IN NEED OF

• URGENT! People to foster two senior dogs, Sadie and Mikey, immediately. CAPS is full, and we cannot take them. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Garage sale items for our spring sale. We need gently used appliances, furniture, treadmills, and miscellaneous items. We do not need clothing. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up.
• Folks to foster puppies and kittens.
• 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

• Kathy Reynolds for the cat food. You are Purrfect!
• Our anonymous donors for helping to support our shelter. Tail wags to you!
• To all the professional pet sitters in our community you are invaluable! Bow Wow to you!

COME SEE US

• 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.
• April 28 and 29 at The Oasis Church for the spring garage sale.
• Coming soon: Bark in the Park is June 3. Mark your calendars.

DON’T FORGET

• You can sponsor an adoption by paying part or full adoption fees.
• Due to rising costs in shelter and veterinary care, we have adjusted our adoption fees. Dog adoptions are $150 for female $125 for male. Cat adoptions are $100 for female $80 for male. All adoptees are healthy, spayed/neutered, chipped, and have all necessary shots.
• 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 jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.