National K9 Veterans Day

Monday March 13 is K9 Veterans Day. This is an unofficial holiday created by Joe White, who was a Vietnam War veteran, dog handler and patriot. The idea is to commemorate all of the dogs who have served in the various branches of the military.

During World War I, dogs were used in Europe as sentries, message carriers and many other duties. The United States recognized the benefits of K9s and developed methods to train them. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 changed the U.S. in many ways and one was that dogs were called for duty.

The United States K9 Corps were created on March 13, 1942. Since then dogs have had an active role in the military. Some of the duties they fulfill are Border Patrol K9s, Custom K9s, Airport Service K9s, Police K9s, Secret Service K9s and FBI K9s.

On July 13, 2016, four dogs were honored with the American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage, which is the nation’s highest honor for military dogs. The awards were presented on Capitol Hill by military leaders who praised the dogs for their bravery.

Matty, a German shepherd, saved his unit by detecting hidden IEDs. He presently lives with Brent, his battle buddy. Fieldy, a black Lab, served four tours of duty in Afghanistan detecting explosives. He was reunited with his buddy, Nick. Bond, a Belgian Malinois, worked over 50 combat missions and was deployed to Afghanistan three times. He also lives with his battle buddy. Isky, a German shepherd, was a specialist at bomb detection. He now serves his buddy as his service dog.

K9 Veterans Day might not be an official holiday but for all the hard working dogs in our military, we salute you as man’s best friend.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

Toots is an adorable six-year-old female gray-brown tabby. She was a stray when rescued and can be a bit shy around strangers. Toots would love to find that perfect person who will understand and appreciate her sweetness. Are you the purr-fect soul mate, she’s waiting to meet?

IN NEED OF

Vendors for Bark in the Park coming on May 6. Bark in the Park isn’t just about cats and dogs; we also want vendors who cater to the people.

Call Rita at 775-423-7500 if you would like to be a vendor.

Volunteers to walk dogs or play with cats. We have enthusiastic dogs and cats just waiting to meet you.

Call Rita at 775-423-7500 for details.

Aluminum cans, which we recycle to augment our shelter funds. You can drop them off at CAPS or call and we will pick them up (775-423-7500).

SHOUT OUT TO

To all of our wonderful new and seasoned volunteers. You are the heart and soul of CAPS. Because of your dedication and kindness, our guests are happier

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart on March 18. Everyone is Irish on St. Pat’s Day, and you can see Irish eyes smiling if you stop by our Kissin’ Booth. Come by for an Irish smooch. We will also have caps, long-sleeved T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, so please check them out after you have been smooched.

DON’T FORGET

That the Flower Tree Nursery will be raffling a 20-gallon tree of your choice on March 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

March Pet Holidays:

Poison Prevention Awareness Month.

To mark your calendar for Bark in the Park that will be held on May 6. Watson has already marked his calendar and he’s practicing walking fast for the Strut.

CONTACT CAPS

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.