CAPS: Thanks go out to an incredible dog hero

Dear reader, it is Thanksgiving and I wanted to give thanks to Maverick, the recipient of the 2023 American Humane Society Hero Award. He is a handsome, 6-year-old Blue Great Dane who weighs a whopping 120 pounds. Trained as a therapy dog, he works tirelessly with the USO and military.

As an official greeter at the USO, he offers a gentle paw, wet nose, and warm heart to our troops. His presence and compassion helps heal traumas, emotions, and injuries, because he offers solace and comfort. Nothing can compare to the dedication that he daily displays to the troops and their families.

Maverick’s duties don’t stop at the USO as he is a grand supporter of military children. During challenging times, he accompanies them to hospitals and funerals. Being the large dog that he is, his physical presence offers a friend to lean on. In fact, the song “Lean on Me” could be his theme song.

He is an excellent listener and works in schoolrooms spending time with children, offering support for reluctant readers, and providing a sympathetic ear for them to share their fears. Many of the children face loneliness when their mom or dad deploys, and Maverick instinctively understands. There is nothing like a lick from your new best friend to help ease fear.

His job as a therapy dog is to comfort military members and their families. One sign of a good therapy dog is that they want to touch the person they seek to soothe. Maverick’s go-to move is placing his paw on the person he is trying to comfort.

Dogs are nominated in five categories for American Humane’s Dog Award: law enforcement and first responder dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; therapy dogs; military dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs. Winners are chosen for each category, and the five finalists compete for top Hero Dog. Maverick reins as the Hero Dog for 2023. Thanks again to man’s best friend. Happy Thanksgiving!

ATTENTION

Bring your BFF for pictures with Santa on Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Two Sisters Boutique 971 W. Williams. No appointment is necessary and all proceeds go to CAPS.

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 have seven 13-week-old pitbull-mix puppies to foster. Cat lovers, we have seven gray tabby and four four-month-old black kittens. 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.

• Bleach, laundry detergent pods, toilet paper, and paper towels to stock our shelter.

• 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

• Everyone who voted CAPS as the best non-profit in Fallon. Pooch smooches to you!

• Diane our extraordinary “cat lady.” You have a great Cat-titude!

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: Thanksgiving is Nov. 23. Adopt a pet and make this a great Thanksgiving.

• 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 is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.