BG (Big Guy) is an active 1-year-old Lab/Border Collie-mix with a big smile. He came to CAPS as a puppy from a hoarding situation. He is quite shy and unsure of new people but when he becomes acquainted, he is a sweetheart.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, it is World Rabies Day on Friday and I thought it would be a great time to learn more about this disease. My memory of rabies comes from the book Old Yeller, an incredible story of a brave, naughty, wonderful yellow dog who wins the heart of a family.
Unfortunately, Old Yeller contracts rabies, and has to be killed by his young master. Honestly, it is a tearjerker and every time I read it, I’m thankful for the rabies vaccine, because it has changed the health of our pets.
Rabies is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by germs that spread between people and animals. Rabies is a preventable viral disease transmitted through a bite, scratch, or direct contact to saliva from an infected animal. It affects the central nervous system of humans and other animals, and ultimately causes brain disease that leads to death.
There are two forms of rabies: Furious Rabies and Paralytic Rabies. Furious Rabies results in hyperactivity, hallucinations, and lack of coordination. Death occurs after a few days due to cardio-respiratory arrest. Paralytic Rabies causes the muscles to gradually paralyze starting from the wound site eventually ending in a coma and death.
Infections in humans are very rare in the United States with only one or two cases a year. However, more than 50,000 people receive treatment to prevent rabies annually. There are effective vaccines to immunize people before or after exposure.
Fortunately, rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccinating dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens is the most cost-effective way to prevent rabies because it stops transmission at the source. By law, most states require rabies vaccination for dogs and cats. Vaccines for both dogs and cats can be administered as early as 12 weeks of age. The first vaccine is good for one year and following subsequent vaccines will be good for three years.
Modern medicine has come to the rescue again, reducing a death sentence to a manageable risk. The United States has avoided many rabies deaths due to vaccines. Make sure to take advantage and protect your BFF.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have two handsome one-year-old male puppies. BG and Diego are anxiously waiting to find their forever homes. We also have four Border Collie-mix puppies who are six months old and five Lab-mix who are 13 weeks old. Cat lovers we have eight Tabby kittens in shades of gray. They are cute.
IN NEED OF
• XXL Kong Extremes for our guests.
• Funds to sustain the shelter; our bills are ongoing. Contributions are needed.
• Would you like to foster animals? We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500 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 donated items for the garage sale.
• All of the volunteers who worked so hard at the garage sale. You are the heart and soul of CAPS!
• Everyone who came to the garage sale. A big bow-wow to you!
• The Oasis Community Church for supporting our efforts by lending their facilities. Pooch smooches to 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
• September holiday: World Rabies Day is Sept. 28.
• 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.