Diego is a handsome 2-year-old Lab/Pitbull-mix with golden eyes. He came to CAPS as a puppy from a hoarding situation and has lived here ever since. He is a sweet boy who loves people.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, on a recent venture to the dog park, I observed a vast variety of dogs romping and playing. The diversity of size, shape, and appearance that dogs have is amazing. I wondered why there are so many differences in dogs.
Dogs belong to the Canidae family and are a subspecies of the gray wolf. Their departure from the typical wolf body is traceable to their relationship with man. Man bred dogs for specific tasks, because they fulfilled necessary functions such as hunting, herding, retrieving, and guarding. One example of this is the Labrador Retriever retrieving birds shot by hunters.
Every breed that exists today was bred to serve a specific purpose. However, one modern trend in breeding is selecting for traits that reflect personal taste in facial features, size, and cuteness. The Labradoodle is a recent combination that combines the non-shedding hair of a poodle with the easygoing temperament of a Lab.
Few dog breeds that exist today have evolved naturally from their ancestors. The Alaskan Malamute is perhaps the closest to a wolf. Ancient dogs differed in size to some extent, but currently the difference is extreme. The largest breeds are up to 40 times bigger than the smallest, which is a pattern that has emerged over the past 200 years as humans established modern breeding.
From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, dogs differ more in size than any other mammal species on Earth. Small dog breeds range from 2-22 pounds, medium dogs 24-57 pounds, large dogs 59-99 pounds, and giant dogs, 100 pounds. This huge range is traceable to a genetic mutation that evolved from ancient wolves.
Selective breeding has produced breeds that look, sound, and behave differently from the other breeds. The latest new breed introduced at the 2024 Westminster Dog Show is the Lancashire Heeler. As we move forward with our BFFs, I suspect that we have just begun to see the future of man’s best friend.
ATTENTION
Paint Your Pet Night is back on Aug. 3 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Old Post Office. Supplies, beverages, and appetizers are provided. The cost is $40. To reserve your spot: Text Genevieve at 801-694-0059. All money goes to CAPS.
IN NEED OF
• Funds to go toward veterinary bills.
• 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
• David, Diane, Julia, Krista, Lori, and Tim for their dedication to our guests. You are the heart and soul of CAPS. Pooch smooches to you!
• Our faithful volunteers who walk our guests in spite of the heat. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!
• The wonderful people who have given Rocco and Tator a home. Paw applause 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 Fire Safety Month.
• You can donate directly to CAPS on Facebook by just hitting the donate button. You are our guardian angels, and we thank you for your support!
• 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.