Sonic is a handsome 1-year-old Lab-cross with a splash of white on his nose. Before he came to CAPS his person took Sonic to the city shelter because he didn’t have time for him. Sonic is affectionate, playful, and amiable with adults and children of all ages.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, I recently spotted a curious sign on the side of a truck in Sparks. I was actually sitting at an outdoor cafe when the truck rolled by. The sign read “Lost Pet Aerial Search. We Search from the Air.” Wow, there are actual services for finding your lost BFF.
I knew that some search and rescue groups used drones to find missing people but now you can employ the same techniques to find your pet. One known fact about finding a lost pet is that it is crucial to locate them as quickly as possible. I suspect that is the reason new technology is being used in pet searches.
Thermal drones are best for search and rescue operations because they can detect heat and temperature differences through thermal imaging. Living beings emit heat that is undetectable by human eyes. However, a thermal drone can detect it.
Drones use infrared camera sensors to make the temperature differences visible. Infrared radiation detection allows the drone to capture and analyze the thermal energy. Drones cannot see through objects, but they differentiate between different materials and the amount of energy radiated. For example, a log would not give off heat, yet a cat hiding under the log would register heat.
The cameras use different colors but the most popular for searching are white hot and black hot. The object that gives off the most heat will appear to be white. I observed a drone searching for a dog in a large forested field. Powered from a laptop, the drone searched and as it progressed, you could follow it on the screen.
It was amazing to see blobs of white appear on the black background. When the drone got closer to the heat source, you could actually see what the blobs were. In one case, they were tiny fawns hiding in the grass. Happily, for the dog owner, his BFF was located.
The next step in rescuing his dog was pinpointing the exact location of the pup. By connecting the owner’s phone to the coordinates on the laptop, they were able to walk to the location. The darling dog had hunkered down under a fallen branch. He was obviously thrilled to see his family. New age “eye in the sky” technology gives new hope to lost pet owners.
ATTENTION
You can donate directly to CAPS on Facebook by just hitting the donate button. We count on you!
IN NEED OF
• Board members. We are seeking community-minded folks to serve on the CAPS board. We meet once a month. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Funds to go toward veterinarian bills.
• Folks to foster puppies and kittens.
• Leashes, harnesses for big dogs, Big Kongs, and treats for our guests.
• Dog walkers, we need volunteers to walk our dogs and foster animals. 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
To everyone who supported Paint Your Pet Night. A Bow-Wow to you!
Brad for picking up donated cans. Wags and Kisses to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
• August Holiday: Spoil Your Dog Day is Aug. 10. Get your BFF a Pup Cup at Dairy Queen.
• 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.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.