Scientists just love studying dogs

As I have mentioned before, I love science, especially when it pertains to man’s best friend. It occurred to me that I read more articles about dogs in research than cats and I wondered why. One of the main reasons is that there are more dog breeds. Dogs have about 400 different breeds compared to 40 cat breeds. I found that fact astonishing. How did that happen?

Domestication of dogs took place in an amazingly short period of time. A few ancestral wolves gave rise to all domestic dogs. During the Victorian period, many breeds were produced with much inbreeding. Scientists are still trying to get a handle on the genetics involved.

One reason why dogs are studied is because they get many of the same cancers humans do. Because dogs have been domesticated for many generations, it is possible for researchers to study inherited diseases. Dogs have a shorter lifespan, so many generations can be studied in the same time as one human’s life.

Another factor is that dogs are similar to humans in many ways that are just now being recognized. A recent study at Duke University reveled that our brain centers react the same as a dog’s when exposed to certain stimulus. I suspect as science unlocks the bridge between man and dog we will be amazed to find many more similarities and maybe a cure for cancer.

Scientist or not, I love being with Watson and learning how to be dog’s best friend.

IN NEED OF

Vendors for Bark in the Park to be held on May 5. We would like a huge variety of goods and services. Please contact Karen at 775-423-7500.

Shelving for storing supplies.

Aluminum cans, which we recycle to augment our shelter funds. We are now able to pick up cans from you. If you have cans to pick up, call 775-423-7500.

SHOUT OUT TO

Ken and Joanne Dietrich at Artistic Fencing for donating and delivering fencing for our kennels. We appreciate your generosity.

William and Fran Scott at Future Fencing for donating and delivering pipe for our kennels.

Brian Tanner for cheerfully delivering the pipe. Future Fencing is awesome.

Lowe’s for donating wire racks for shelving. You are great.

Debbie Switzer for donating $234, dog food, cat food and kitty litter. A Four Paws Salute to you.

Lola Boletz for donating food. We appreciate your commitment to our guests.

Tom and Geri for your loyalty to our guests. Congratulations on five years of dog walking.

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart Saturday with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by to get your pooch smooch. We have colorful caps, shirts and mugs, so be sure to check out the merchandise after you have loved on our pup.

DON’T FORGET

April Pet Holidays:

Pet First Aid Awareness Month

Bark in the Park will be held on May 5.

To enroll in AmazonSmile program, a website operated by Amazon. Customers enjoy many of the same selection of products, low prices and shopping features as on Amazon.com. The only difference is that, when you shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5 percent of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization selected by you.

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

CONTACT CAPS

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, 89407. 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.

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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.