Baby Girl is a striking 3-year-old Mackerel Tabby. She is beautifully marked and her golden eyes sparkle. She loves people and adores being the center of your attention.
Provided to the LVN
Dear readers, on my daily walk around Liberty Park, I spotted an unusual sight. The pond appeared to be solid green; it was not dark green but vibrant bright green. A quick walk over to the pond confirmed my observation, because the entire surface was covered with algae. It seems that algae are blooming again. Last year we had the same problem. Is it dangerous?
Having recently read about the poisonous algae at Lahontan Dam, I called the Fallon Recreation Department and was assured that the algae in our pond is not the poisonous kind. In fact, it is harmless and okay for the fish. It is so dense I suspect is shields the fish from the sun.
I worried about the dogs who take a dip or drink from the pond but was happy to learn that the water was okay. I didn’t realize that there are actually 150,000 different kinds of algae and where there is water there will be algae.
The seven common algae types found in ponds are: Blue-Green, Bryozoans, Filamentous, Green Pond, Golden, Red Pond, Nitella / Stoneworts, and Chara / Muskgrass. I suspect our pond is graced with the Green Pond variety, which is not toxic.
Blue-green algae is the dangerous type and it is not actually algae but bacteria known as cyanobacteria. It gives the appearance of algae when it clumps together in water. Dogs are more likely than other animals to ingest the toxic algae, because they play in the water.
The best way to eliminate problems is avoiding any standing water that is dirty, foamy, or has mats on the surface. Keep your BFF on a leash around icky water and don’t let him drink from ponds or lakes.
If your dog does jump into questionable water rinse him off immediately before he licks the bacteria from his fur and paws. Call your veterinarian if your dog has symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, confusion, or seizures. Your quick action may save your pet.
Ponder the pond before you approach the water and if you wouldn’t swim in or drink the water don’t let your BFF. In addition, I would like to caution dog owners about letting their BFF romp in Liberty Pond because occasionally I see abandoned fishhooks.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
Kittens are now available for fostering to adopt and we have two gorgeous cats.
IN NEED OF
• Folks to foster puppies and kittens. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
• 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
Alex Snell for his generous donation of cat food. You are the cat’s meow!
Michelle and Rusty for the pup pools. Pooch smooches 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 4:00 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
• July Holiday: National Pet Hydration Awareness Month.
• You can make a big difference in homeless animals’ lives by paying for part of their adoption fee. All of our animals are healthy, spay/neutered, current on vaccinations, and microchipped. .
• 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.