Dear reader, I was fortunate to meet a Basenjis dog named Yodel on a ferry trip to Victoria, British Columbia. I had never seen a Basenjis and his striking regal appearance immediately fascinated me. Of course, I had to meet this amazing dog and as it turned out, he is a retired show dog with quite a history of winning.
Basenjis are small shorthaired dogs that are as long as they are tall. Typically, they have red, black, tricolor, or brindle coats with white feet, chests, and tail tips. Erect ears and almond-shaped eyes crown their V-shaped head.
Known as the “barkless dog,” they cannot bark. Their larynx is shaped differently than those in most other dogs and instead of a bark, they make yodeling noises. Amazingly, Yodel was able to produce what sounded like I love you. His owner told me he could make several variations of sounds and that is why he named him Yodel.
The first Basenjis were brought from the source of the Nile as presents for the Egyptian pharaohs who prized them for their silent hunting and athletic abilities. Several early attempts to introduce them to England failed and it wasn’t until 1930 that they survived and were commercially bred. The breed was officially accepted by the AKC in 1943.
Typically, Basenjis are independent but they usually form strong bonds with one person. It was obvious that Yodel felt close to his human. The surprising thing was seeing Yodel stand on his hind legs like a mongoose to see what his owner was holding. Apparently, he is also an excellent climber and can scale chain link fences.
When the ferry landed, it began to rain and Yodel was reluctant to go outside until his owner opened an umbrella over him. As they left his owner said, “You aren’t sugar; you won’t melt if you get wet.” I suspect Yodel knows just how sweet he is.
ATTENTION
Bark in the Park 5K run is June 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Churchill County Fairgrounds. If you preregister online before June 1, the registration fee is $30.You can download the registration form by going to www.capsnevada.org to pre-register.
Vendors for Bark in the Park can download the application on CAPS website. Booths that are selling cost $35, non-selling/informational are free.
Reno Aces Dog Days at Northern Nevada Field on June 16. Attendees will receive a complimentary hat if you buy tickets at the CAPS website: www.capsnevada.com.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
Cat lovers, we have two fabulous felines. Come out and meet them.
IN NEED OF
• Board members. We need energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5:00 in room 201 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street. The meeting is open to the public.
• 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
• Diane “our cat lady” for fostering and parenting cats. You are the cat’s meow!
• Our CAPS staff David, Tim, Diane, and Lori. A four-paw-salute to you!
• The person who adopted Sweetie. You are a sweetie!
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
• May Holiday: National Rescue Dog Month
• 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.