Ana is an adorable senior 9-to-12-year-old Heeler. She is very sweet, loves people, and enjoys being pet. Ana was primarily an outdoor dog at her previous home.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, a recent article in Scientific American shed light on the reason some Labrador retrievers are hungry all the time and easily gain weight. Apparently, scientists already knew that one-fourth of Labradors have a gene mutation associated with obesity in animals.
The mutation affects a gene called proopiomelanocortin (POMC) which gives off a molecular starvation signal making them feel hungry. To satisfy this feeling, they eat more and dial down their activity as much as 25 percent.
Researchers designed a study in which dog owners conducted an experiment at home. It was an all-BFF-can-eat buffet. Every 20 minutes the dogs got a new can of food until they stopped eating, vomited, or reached the 6.5 pounds of food limit. On an average, the dogs ate about four pounds of food. The dogs with the POMC mutation continued to eat more.
Amazingly, the mutation did make a difference in how quickly the dogs felt full. In fact, the POMC mutation group continued to beg for more food, which indicates that the hunger signal was still active, and they would eat in spite of being full.
In essence POMC affects both the brain and body by increasing the food craving and conserving energy. Therefore, your BFF ends up eating more and burning off fewer calories meaning they are predisposed to obesity from both ends.
I have personally observed the difference in labs who don’t have the mutation and labs that do. Baby, who was a yellow lab, had little interest in overeating and I left her food bowl full at all times. Watson, my chocolate lab, loved to eat and I had to monitor his food, or he would have ballooned. He was always ready for a treat or snack.
The good news is that a pet parent can adjust the food intake of their BFF, take walks, and keep them active. For pet parents on a weight loss plan this advice is also good for them.
ATTENTION
CAPS spring garage sale is Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon at the Oasis Community Church, 1520 S. Maine St. Come find a treasure.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
Puppies! We have two puppies’ one four-month-old female and one eight-month-old-male. Call 775-423-7500 for details. Cat lovers, we have three fabulous felines. Come out and meet them.
IN NEED OF
• Board members! We need energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks our board. We meet once a month the second Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Bleach, laundry detergent pods, toilet paper, and paper towels, 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
• Pastor Caleb of Oasis Community Church for welcoming CAPS. Kindness never fails! Oasis Community Church for hosting CAPS’ garage sale. A four-paw-salute to you.
• The folks that have provided items for the garage sale. Pooch smooches to you! All the patrons of our garage sale. Barks of thanks to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
• You can donate directly to CAPS on Facebook by just hitting the donate button.
• View our wish list at Chewy.com.
• 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 at 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.