Patsy Cline is a 2.5-year-old Dalmatian/mix with beautiful markings. She came to CAPS pregnant, and now that her babies are grown, she is looking for her happy-ever-after home.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, my sister just sent a great video of her Labradoodle, Hazel, running wildly around the yard looking joyful. She has a case of the zoomies that just won’t quit. Honestly, it brought a smile to my face and a question to my mind. What are zoomies?
Zoomies are a completely natural behavior caused by a build-up of excessive energy released in one short burst. Some of the nicknames for this activity are crazy eights, midnight madness, and demon possession. However, the scientific term for this behavior is frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs).
According to several veterinarians, there is no known specific cause of FRAPs in dogs. It appears that it is a way to release pent-up energy or alleviate stress. FRAPs usually feature repetitive movements like running in circles and spinning around. This activity is common in puppies but many dogs retain it for life.
There are several explanations for the zoomies and the most popular is that they release tension and anxiety. Imagine a dog that has been alone at home all day with nothing to do. He probably feels the need to get the wiggles out by zooming around the house or yard.
Many dogs get anxious about baths and frequently zoom around after bath time. This helps them release their energy and warm up. Warming up is another factor especially when a pup does the mad dash after getting out of the water running quickly to get dry.
Normally dogs tend to have bursts of energy in the morning and evening. This may be due to their biological rhythms and hunting cycles. Typically, hunting occurs at dawn or dusk when prey is most vulnerable so more energy would be available.
Although, zoomies could also signal your BFF is in pain. Pain in the hind area caused from arthritis or injury may trigger a running response to escape it. Monitoring your dog’s mood can be a clue to the reason he is zooming.
Showing excitement is probably the most common reason to zoom. Seeing someone special, another dog friend, or dinnertime can set your BFF on a zoom. You know they are feeling exceptionally happy or excited. I think zooming is fabulous especially because dogs never have to attend a zoom meeting.
ATTENTION
CAPS' next upcoming event is the Glow in the Dark 5K Run at Rattlesnake Hill on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. Costumes are encouraged and dogs are welcome. 775-423-7500 for details.
Please donate funds to help keep our shelter operating. Donate at http://capsnevada.org.
IN NEED OF
• Board members. We need energetic, community-minded folks. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5 p.m. in room 201 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street. The meeting is open to the public. Join us for an informative evening. Our next meeting is Nov. 12; call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Bleach and cleaning supplies.
• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS. We are temporarily unable to pick up cans.
SHOUT OUT TO
Our community and anonymous donors. Pooch smooches to you!
All the folks who have brought blankets, towels, and supplies for our guests. 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
• October Holiday: Pet Obesity Awareness Month.
• 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.