I’m glad we just shake hands

Gee it’s great to spend time with grandchildren. My grandson and I were walking Watson the other day when he shared a pearl of wisdom with me. He said, “I’m glad we just shake hands.” I was a bit confused by the remark until I noticed Watson sniffing another dog’s behind. Well, that lead to a discussion of why dogs sniff rears.

A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times better that ours. Dogs have a large olfactory membrane in the snout, and a lot of dog-to-dog communication is done through smell. A dog’s rump has two anal sacs containing glands which secrete chemicals that tell the sniffer a lot about the other dog. Sniffing communicates vital statistics like sex and reproductive status, as well as clues about health, diet and even disposition.

So, with a nose that sensitive, wouldn’t a dog be overwhelmed by the less savory odors associated with the behind? It seems that the olfactory function for the secreted chemicals has a fast track to the brain with its own nerve Pathways so that the unsavory odors don’t make an impression. To state it simply, butt sniffing is the canine version of shaking hands to introduce yourself. I’ll stick with shaking hands; how about you?

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

Recently one of our readers inquired about volunteering to walk dogs. To be a dog walker, you must be at least 16 years old, strong and love dogs. The days for walking are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m. If you would like to arrange a walking date, please call the shelter (775-423-7500) and ask for Rita; she will set you up.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can share their life and time with our guests at CAPS.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS ZOO?

Scout is scouting around looking for the person of his dreams. He is a 3-year-old black Lab cross. Scout is amazingly handsome and a bundle of love. He loves everyone and quickly finds his way into your heart. You won’t have to look any further after you meet this guy.

We also have 11 frisky kitties who are too cute for words! CAPS’ policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under five years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.

CAPS NEWS AND EVENTS

CAPS will be at Walmart on Aug. 15 along with Ki and our Kissin’ Booth. Ki is our goodwill ambassador. Join Ki’s fan club because he’s waiting to meet you. We have plenty of shirts and caps, so please check them out before or after greeting Ki.

Vote for CAPS in the Animal Rescue Site’s Shelter Challenge. The website is theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com. At the top of the homepage, click on Shelter Challenge. The challenge ends on August 9, so be sure to vote!

CAPS’ garage sale is coming soon. We need your gently used appliances, furniture, tennis rackets, treadmills and miscellaneous items. We don’t need clothing. If you have items to donate, you can drop them off at our storage units located at 1105 Taylor Place (Spring Valley Rentals) units 67 and 68. Someone will be there from 9-11 a.m. on the following dates: Aug. 8, 15 and 22. If you cannot make it on those dates, call Rita Hand at 775-423-6346 or 775-427-3376.

Please leave a message if necessary, and Rita will return your call as soon as she can.

Flower Tree Nursery is raffling a 15-gallon tree of your choice. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets. Be sure to get your tickets soon. The drawing date will be Sept. 6, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89406. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnv.org) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likable.

Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.