May is a darling 1-year-old pitbull/mix with lovely markings. She is a bit shy at first but warms up quickly. May is affectionate and she loves to run and play.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, Halloween is here and it is time for trick or treating. Wandering around the neighborhood, I have noticed many black cat images incorporated in spooky displays. Unfortunately, the black cat has consistently gotten a bad rap for just being a black cat.
How did this come about? It seems to have started in Europe during the Middle Ages when single old women and cats, were associated with witchcraft. Cats were not witches but familiars (conspirators) of the witch. They assisted with magic spells.
The “witch” was usually a woman who was widowed, owned land or had something others wanted. It was easy to accuse her of witchcraft, fabricate evidence, executing her at the stake, and obtain her property. Lawlessness prevailed and the poor black cat suffered the same sentence his owner did.
There is no specific breed of black cat, but there are more male than female born. Many black cats have intense golden eyes because of high melanin pigment content. Perhaps the unusual eye color and shiny black fur made them a target for the “witch” hunters. In the dark of night, their golden eyes shine creating a spooky disembodied vision.
Cats have not always been the target of distain. Ancient Egyptians’ worshiped cats as sacred because they symbolized Bastet, who is the cat goddess of protection. In fact, cats were so beloved they were mummified and buried with their masters so they could be together in the afterlife.
Today many cultures revere black cats and prize them as a symbol of good luck. For instance, if a black cat crosses your path in Ireland, England, or Scotland, you are blessed and fortunate.
The Japanese have Fortune Cats, which are statues of cats with a raised paw. They symbolize good luck and wealth. Just having one of the adorable statues waving at you makes you realize how lucky you are.
My favorite nod to the black cat is the French belief that if you release a black cat at a crossroads containing five intersecting roads and follow the cat, he will lead you to a treasure. Perhaps the greatest treasure is following a black cat. Have a purrfect Halloween!
ATTENTION
• The High Desert Artists are having an art and craft show at the Old Post Office on Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. featuring a raffle benefitting CAPS.
• Puppy yoga at CAPS at 10 a.m. on Nov. 2. Cost is $15.
• Beer and Bingo at McHoppers Brew Co in Fernley Nov.13 from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $5.
IN NEED OF
• We desperately need help replacing our old boiler! If you can help with supplies or expertise, call 775-423-7500.
• Board members. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5 p.m. in room 201 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street. Our next meeting is Nov. 12; call 775-423-7500 for details.
• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS. We are temporarily unable to pick up cans.
SHOUT OUT TO
Gerald for putting up outdoor shade covers. Pooch smooches to you!
Everyone who took part in the Spooky run. You made our spirits soar!
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: Happy Halloween! Boo to you and your BFF.
• 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, a CAPS volunteer, at jkwmil@outlook.com.