CAPS: The best import from Australia

Dear reader, I just finished watching “Love and Monsters,” which is a fun, entertaining movie starring a hero dog named Boy. Shot in Australia, this dystopian film features gorgeous otherworldly scenery and magnificent monsters. Boy, the hero dog is an Australian Kelpie.

The name Kelpie is from a Celtic mythological shape-shifting water spirit that can appear as a man or horse. Like their name, Kelpie dogs are magical and amazing!

In the early 1800’s Australia imported black Collies from Britain to herd sheep. A vigorous crossbreeding program that included wild dingoes resulted in dogs who were hardy, able to withstand the brutal weather, and work tirelessly. The first sale record of a dog-called “Kelpie” is in 1876. Since that time, ambitious breeding programs have produced the modern Kelpie.

Kelpies are herding dogs prized for their agility, intelligence, and natural instinct to control livestock. There are actually two types of the Kelpie. The working Kelpie are considered invaluable on the farm, bred specifically to handle the Australian climate and working conditions. These dogs vary in color, including black, red, chocolate, and fawn with tan markings.   

Classified as a separate breed, the Australian Kelpie is usually a single color and most likely lives in the city as a pet. The most significant differentiation between the working Kelpie and the Australian is the coloration and working ability.

Australia has exported the Kelpie all over the world. They are invaluable in drug detection, as service, therapy, and herding dogs. Characterized by their sleek, athletic appearance, they are energetic, intelligent, and loving.

Kelpies require regular physical and mental exercise. They need someone who understands their nature and will spend time training and exercising with them. They often have double coats with an abundance of stiff guard hairs to assure weatherproofing. Grooming is easy and an occasional brushing helps with shedding, especially in the spring.

Because they are territorial, owners must be aware that they are guarding them at all times.

Of course, they excel as pets. In America, our hero dog was the Collie Lassie. It seems like our hero is the original breed that inspired an entirely new breed of heroes the Australian Kelpie.

I hope that the makers of “Love and Monsters” will make a sequel featuring Boy. In these trying times, everyone needs a hero, and a bright eyed, furry brown pup fills the bill.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two handsome 15-month-old male puppies. BG and Diego are anxiously waiting to find their forever homes. We also have one Lab-mix male who is 13-weeks-old. Cat lovers, we have ten Tabby kittens in shades of gray. They are cute!

IN NEED OF

Board members! We are seeking energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks to serve on the CAPS board. We meet once a month. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

XXL Kong Extremes for our guests.

Would you like to foster animals? Call CAPS for details.

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

Maggie’s Play House for supplying a place for Fallon’s dogs. All tails are wagging for you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

November Holiday: National Adoption Month   

Would you 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.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, at jkwmil@outlook.com.