CAPS: Help needed to keep from capsizing

Dear readers, I was recently at a social event when someone mentioned that she had read on Facebook that CAPS was facing financial trouble and may be forced to close. It was a startling revelation, but we are in dire times at CAPS.

Since 1986, we have strived to care for displaced animals. It has been a struggle at times, but the wonderful people of Fallon have always supported us. We need your help now because we are hanging on month to month.

The Churchill County budget cuts have ended all plans for a new building but the systemic problems still exist. If you are able to donate time, materials, or expertise, we can use your help. We realize how difficult the past few years have been on everyone, yet we have made it through these tough times with the help of our community.

Because we are a non-profit organization most of our funds come from donations and the fundraisers we sponsor. We thank everyone who participated in our recent garage sale and all the artists who painted their BFF’s pictures at the Old Post Office.

This year has been particularly difficult because the cost of veterinarian services has dramatically increased. As the veterinary costs increased, the number of kittens and puppies has also increased. Our adoptions have been down and this has created the perfect money drain.

CAPS adoption policy for our animals is to provide health care, shots, and spay/neuter each animal we place for adoption. We have not changed that policy and the animals we care for until adoption will receive professional care and will be spay/neutered before they leave our shelter.

Unfortunately, we have suspended our SNAPS program that covered part of the cost of spaying/neutering for low-income individuals.

CAPS was started by Norma Klenakis one of the “Dirty Dozen” who envisioned a shelter for abandoned animals. From the humble beginnings at the old Post Office, we have sustained that vision for 38 years. To quote Norma Klenakis, “For our organization to exist, we try to get cooperation.”

It is with hat in hand that I appeal to everyone for a donation. It doesn’t matter how much you give. What matters is your commitment to our only no-kill shelter. Looking at the history of CAPS, cooperation is the key to its existence. Fallon truly is the small town with a big heart!

ATTENTION

• We will be at the Cantaloupe Festival on Friday and Saturday come by and say “hi.”

• You can donate through our Venmo at Churchill Animal Protection Society.

• You can donate through our website at http://capsnevada.org

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.

• Bleach and cleaning supplies for our kennels.

• 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. Please drop them off at CAPS. We are temporarily unable to pick up cans.

SHOUT OUT TO

Bailey from Ideal Canine, located in Reno, for generously donating raised cots for our dog kennels. All tails are wagging for 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: International Homeless Animal Day is Aug. 22.

• 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.