Champs: Ali, boxing, boxers

I was saddened by the recent death of Muhammad Ali. Ali is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. He won a gold medal at the Olympics in 1960, and throughout his career he never failed to thrill his fans. Even battling Parkinson’s disease, he was a champ.

Thinking about boxing I wondered if the sport and dog breed were connected. Boxers are descendants of the fighting dogs found in the high valleys of Tibet and cousins to bulldogs. Before dog fighting and bull baiting were outlawed, the boxer was used for this purpose. Boxers move like the athletes they’re named for: smooth and graceful but powerful.

Boxers have become a favorite of Americans because they consistently win Best in Show at dog shows. I had never really been around a boxer until my neighbors rescued one. Rogue is a purebred boxer who was adopted from Boxer and Buddies, a rescue organization in Washoe. Poor Rogue, she had been in a crate for so long that she didn’t even know how to play.

T.C. and Cathy Petersen have made it their goal to enrich Rogue’s life and love her completely. Rogue is a well-trained dog who obeys commands and has an undying love for her family. She is absolutely adorable and has become a service dog. If you are fortunate you may see her in Safeway with her dad. Boxers are loyal, loving and protective of their family.

Boxers get along with family pets, both cats and dogs. One of the cutest photos I’ve ever seen is Rogue with her tiny kitty all curled up, both of them looking blissful. Boxers are patient with children and older folks. Rogue is a regular visitor at the Silver Springs Senior Center and Veteran’s Administration. Thanks to T.C. and Cathy’s love, Rouge has become the beloved champion of all who meet her.

Be sure to come by the CAPS garage sale at Oasis Community Church today and tomorrow; details are below. We have tremendous stuff!

WHO’S WHO

A huge thank you goes to Edna Van Leuven for mentioning CAPS in her recent article. We so appreciate your support and value your commitment to our community. We also thank you for asking your readers to help supply us with dog food. We are trying many different avenues for a steady donated supply, but so far we haven’t found our savior. Thank you to everyone in our community who is helping us out.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

If you like board games, we have two black-and-white kitties who love to play. Checkers is two-years old and the mother of Yahtzee who is a one-year-old male. They are both very sweet and loving but a bit shy. Come out and play a game with our kitties. They are sure to win your heart.

CAPS’ NEWS AND EVENTS

CAPS’ annual garage sale will be today and tomorrow at Oasis Community Church at 1520 S. Maine St., from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. We have appliances, clothes, furniture, and incredible miscellaneous items.

CAPS will be at Walmart on Aug. 20 along with Ki at our Kissin’ Booth. Please come by and give our boy a big hug and kiss. We have caps, short-sleeved t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts so please check them out before or after greeting our canine volunteers. You can also pre-order the 2017 Happy Endings Calendar

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. 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 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.