CAPS: Honoring our four-legged heroes

Dear reader, March 13 is K9 Veterans Day. This is an unofficial holiday created by Joe White, who was a Vietnam War veteran, dog handler and patriot. The idea was to commemorate all of the dogs who have served in the various branches of the military.

During World War I, dogs had many duties in Europe, including acting as sentries and message carriers. The U.S. recognized the benefits of K9s and developed methods to train them. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 changed the way dogs participated in the U.S. military.

On March 13, 1942, the United States K9 Corps became official. Since then dogs have had an active role in the military. Some of the duties they fulfill are Border Patrol K9s, Customs K9s, Airport Service K9s, Police K9s, Secret Service K9s, and FBI K9s.

Although not recognized for military awards by the government, K9 military dog advocates and animal groups give out awards recognizing bravery.

In 2019, the American Humane Society presented four dogs with the Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage. This is the nation’s highest honor for military dogs. Military leaders presented the awards on Capitol Hill praising the dogs for their bravery.

Troll, a 12-year-old Dutch Shepherd, participated in 89 combat missions and provided cover while under enemy fire. He is currently retired. Sgt. Yeager, a 13-year-old black Lab, performed three combat tours and suffered wounds from shrapnel. Today he is an ambassador for the Project K-9 Hero. K-9 Niko is a 10-year-old Dutch Shepherd who protected U.S. dignitaries including the Secretary of State. His career included house-to-house sweeps prior to high-level meetings. Emmie a 12-year-old black Lab served with the U.S. Marine Corps. She completed three tours in Afghanistan as an IED detector dog. Her job now is being a therapy and companion dog for an autistic boy.

K9 Veterans Day might not be an official holiday. However, for all the hard working dogs in our military, we salute you as man’s best friend.

ATTENTION

Friday, March 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., we are having a spaghetti dinner and silent auction at Epworth Methodist Church, 280 E. Stillwater. The cost is $15. Come out and support CAPS.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have one seven-month-old white and black puppy to adopt and four fluffy white puppies to foster. Call for details. 775-423-7500.

Cat lovers, we have cats galore. Come out and meet them because they are fabulous!

IN NEED OF

• Items for CAPS Spring garage sale. Call 775-423-7500.

• Board members. We need energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks to serve on the board. Please consider being part of our team, we only meet once a month. You can make a difference. 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

Epworth Methodist Church for allowing CAPS to use the Wolf Center for our spaghetti feed. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!

Our faithful volunteers who are cooking, serving, and hosting the spaghetti feed. Paws applause to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

• March Holiday: K-9 Veterans Day. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!

• 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 (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.