CAPS: More of its 30 years of service

CAPS expanded rapidly and quickly outgrew the Crook Road shelter. It was imperative that the shelter move to a more spacious site. Land was leased by Churchill County on Pasture Road, and the process to obtain special use permits was initiated. Animal shelters require special permits to operate. When all the i’s were dotted and t’s were crossed, work on the new shelter could begin.

Money was extremely tight when an “angel” miraculously appeared. June Grinstead donated $30,000 to get the shelter going. Norma Klenakis wrote two grants that parlayed the original amount to $60,000, and then another gift from June of $8,000 brought the total to $68,000. At last CAPS would be able to become the reality that was once only a dream.

Marty Brown of Lumos & Associates was an invaluable source of help with permits, wells, and septic system plans. Unfortunately, after the attack of 9/11, anticipated help from the Navy ended. It was at that point our wonderful community came together to make it happen.

Ron Evans, vocational teacher, had his classes build dog houses and shelter buildings. The metal shop at the high school did extensive work on the cat kennels. Oasis Air Conditioning and Heating donated equipment, expertise and labor to install heating and cooling. CAPS was up and running!

Norma Klenakis, one of the original “Dirty Dozen” founders, headed operations for years until retiring from the board. In 2004 a totally new group of volunteers became board members, with Jennifer Williamson elected board president. Teresa Summers, a long-time CAPS volunteer and employee, became its executive director. Recently, Teresa retired after 25 years of dedicated service.

Our no-kill shelter has seen many changes over the years and illustrates the power of a few dedicated people to make a significant difference in the community. To quote Norma Klenakis, “For our organization to exist we try to get cooperation.” Looking at the history of CAPS, cooperation was the key to its existence. Fallon truly is the small town with a big heart!

Coming Soon, Bark in the Park

Yes, it is only two weeks away. On May 7, the premier pet event of the season will take place at Churchill County Fairgrounds. We will begin the day with our annual Strut Your Mutt 5K walk/run. Bring your favorite four-legged and two-legged buddy to take a stroll.

The fee is only $15 per person or $50 for groups of four. The first 100 to cross the finish line will receive a medal. Dogs must be on a leash. Registration is from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. (promptly), and the 5K begins at 9 a.m. All money raised from this event goes to supporting our guests.

Plan on coming to the fairgrounds for all the activities and fun. Bark in the Park itself is free, and there is something for everyone. Bring your special furry friend, who must be on a leash, for a fun-filled day.

WHO’S WHO

This week we have three wonderful people to commend for their contributions to CAPS. Pat Bavier donated a beautiful red, white and blue quilt that she made for CAPS. Kudos to Pat for all her hard work and lovely stitching1 Your handiwork will be auctioned at our “Mystery Dinner Theater” fund raiser.

Rema White and Marge Earl were so caring to get food for our hungry guests. Everyone at CAPS appreciates your kindness and our four legged guests have a full tummy thanks to you.

A big Paws Up to these wonderful community members. You put the W in Wonderful!

CAPS’ NEWS AND EVENTS

We need dog food! Please help us out. You can drop if off at CAPS or call me at 423-1814 and I will pick it up.

Flower Tree Nursery is again raffling a 15-gallon tree of your choice. The drawing date is June 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. Raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. Please visit our Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likable.

Our website is presently undergoing construction. Watch this column for the grand opening of our new site.

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.