The tale of one happy tail that went wrong

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” this quote from Charles Dickens aptly describes what Rolo the Dachshund found out last week. Rolo’s family is now working from home due to the Coronavirus restrictions. Rolo was so happy to have them home that he sprained his tail wagging it too much.

It seems that Rolo is suffering from “Happy Tail Syndrome,” a condition caused from excessive tail wagging. The syndrome is common in dogs with thick, powerful tails and short hair. Labradors and pit bulls frequently suffer from this condition. Pugs or Boxers have curved tails and rarely have problems.

Personality also plays a part and according to Dr. Carrie Uehlein, the dogs that are most likely to get “Happy Tail Syndrome” are bright, energetic, and super excited to see people.

That certainly describes Rolo and presently he’s on the mend so happy to be with his family.

The tail is an important part of the dog and is actually an extension of the spine. The vertebrae are bigger at the base and get smaller at the tip. Soft discs cushion the spaces between the vertebrae and allow flexibility. The tail muscle and nerve facilitate movement and play a role in bowel control. It can be easily injured.

Abrasions, if not serious, can be handled at home by simply washing the area, applying an antibiotic cream, and wrapping it in a self-adhering bandage. For bites or deep abrasions take your pet to the veterinarian.

If the tail is fractured, it depends on where the fracture is. The tip of the tail isn’t as serious as a break closer to the base. Of course, it would be prudent to take your dog to a veterinarian if there was any question. So, this tale of the tail has ended no sense in wagging on.

IN NEED OF

Items for the CAPS annual garage sale. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

Aluminum cans. If you have cans to pick up, give us a call (775-423-7500), and we will come get them. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

Folks who need free spaying/neutering for dogs or cats. We still have funds from Maddie’s but this is a limited time program. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

Everyone to sign up for the AmazonSmile program. The details are below.

SHOUT OUT TO 

All the folks who have made appointments to visit CAPS. Thanks for keeping us safe. Paws applause to you!

All the folks who have brought emergency masks, bleach and gloves for our shelter. All tails are wagging for you!

The faithful couple who supply us with wood chips for our kennels. Kindness never fails and you’ve never failed us!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open, by appointment only, for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We cannot accept volunteers until further notice. Call 775-423-7500.

CAPS will not be at Walmart because all public events have been cancelled. We’ll let you know when we can return.

DON’T FORGET

April Pet Holiday: National Pet First Aid Month.

To register in the AmazonSmile program, a website operated by Amazon. Customers enjoy 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% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization selected by you.

To donate directly to CAPS on Facebook by just hitting the donate button. You are our guardian angels, and we thank you for your support!

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.