Lily is a three-year-old female border collie/Lab mix who would love a home with no cats but she does love other dogs.
In a previous article I wrote about Guinness, not the beer, but a magnificent Manx cat who shared his life with me. I thought he was extraordinary because he played fetch just like a dog. Well, it turns out lots of cats play fetch, and you can even teach them how.
Recently, I listened to an NPR broadcast that discussed this subject. Jeff Podos, an animal behavior specialist, explained why dogs were such eager pleasers. Dogs are successful because of their ability to please people; this is how they get their food and shelter. Cats, on the other hand, don’t rely on people as much.
In their wild state cats are natural fetchers and will bring things to you. Over the years I have found many dead things that the cats have brought in and deposited on the rug. Cats bring their kill back to the den, which is a natural-world equivalent to a game of fetch. This is instinctive cat behavior.
People have domesticated dogs for so long that we have bred retrieving into dogs’ behavior. In fact, retrievers are one of the most popular breeds. Cats, on the other hand, aren’t as domesticated, and there hasn’t been a desire to breed retrieving into cats.
Cats are trainable and can learn to play fetch. One method is click training, where you play a distinctive sound every time your cat does a desired behavior, then give them a treat. By gently modifying your cat’s behavior, you can encourage them to play fetch.
Personally, I suspect that cats really don’t desire to become full-blown retrievers. After all, dogs have owners and cats have staff.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have two darling puppies waiting to find a perfect home.
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.
Call 775-423-7500 for details.
IN NEED OF
Vendors for Bark in the Park on May 18; we especially need food and coffee. Please call 775-423-7500 for details.
Sponsors for Bark in the Park; your business will be featured on our T-shirts and at the event.
SHOUT OUT TO
The entire Tedford family for caring about the dogs and cats at CAPS. You are awesome! All tails are wagging for you!
Diane Peters for her generous donation. A pooch smooch to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS will be at Walmart on May 11 with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by and smooch our pooch. We have hoodies, shirts and hats. Be sure to check out our merchandise after you’ve hugged our pup.
DON’T FORGET
April Pet Holiday: National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day, April 21.
To mark your calendar for Bark in the Park on May 18. We would love to see you there!
You can open an account with Chewy and reference CAPS in the order. CAPS will receive $20 directly into our operating account with your first $50 order. Chewy offers quality food and free two-day delivery on orders over $50. Check our Facebook page for more details.
Flower Tree Nursery will again be raffling a tree on June 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.
CONTACT CAPS
CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 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 likeable.
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Contact me, jkwmil@outlook.com.
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