Inali is a lovely 8-year-old American pit bull. She is the grand dame of CAPS, being the oldest at our shelter. Inali is house-trained, loves people and likes some dogs.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, the recent spate of fires that have dotted our country have raised suspicions amongst firefighters, property owners and insurance companies. In many instances, they used arson dogs to ascertain the cause of the fire. I wondered how arson dogs are trained and what the programs prepare them for.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or ATF has the largest and oldest arson dog program in the United States. Arson dog training is a specialized program that requires a great deal of time, effort, and resources. The dogs become experts at detecting explosives and accelerants. It is an essential skill employed in fire investigations.
The first and most important factor in selecting a dog for the program is their scenting ability. Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell that is 10,000 to 100,000 times more accurate ours. After a series of tests that include odor recognition and prey drive, the super sniffers go for training.
It is just like the army for dogs with basic training being the starting point. They learn commands like sit, stay, and come. Walking on a leash and crate training are also part of the curriculum. The next step is introducing them to a variety of accelerants such a gasoline, diesel fuel, and lighter fluid. Following the accelerant training, the dogs learn to discriminate between other scents like burnt wood or plastic.
Along with the dogs, the dog handlers undergo serious training to learn how to work with their partners and understand their behavior. This requires teamwork! Successful arson dogs are part of a unit that investigates collects evidence and documents their findings.
As we learn more about our BFF’s they become partners in our daily lives. Dogs really are man’s best friends and in this case, detectives.
ATTENTION
• CAPS Annual No Flea Flea Market will be held at Oasis Community Church on Friday April 4, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donations can be dropped off on Thursday, April 3, 9 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Bark in the Park is June 6 and 7. We need sponsors and the deadline is April 20. Vendors: we have 10 x 10 sized booths and there is no charge for nonprofit groups. Call 775-423-7500 or email us at bitp@capsnevada.org.
• Reno Aces are collaborating with CAPS for a fun day of baseball plus a free hat details at fevo-enterprise.com/event/Churchillanimal8
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have four adorable Dalmatian/mix puppies who are 27 weeks old and currently looking for homes.
IN NEED OF
• Gently used items for the Flea Market we need furniture, household items, DVDs, jewelry, games, antiques, and sports equipment. Please no clothes, shoes, mattresses, or broken items.
• Dog food treats to put in Kongs, bleach, and printer paper.
• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS.
SHOUT OUT TO
Everyone who supported CAPS during our construction. Pooch smooches to you!
OVER THE RAINBOW
Foster Morris suddenly died March 9. He was an adorable pup who loved his pet mom. Rest in peace Foster, you are missed by your family. Mary XO
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. CAPS is located at 5894 Pasture Road. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
• March Holiday: National Puppy Day is March 23.
• Board meetings are once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5:30 in room 102 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street. Our next meeting is April 8.
• 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.org) and Facebook page CAPS-Fallon. Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.