Pepper is an elegant, black 13-year-old domestic-short-hair. She came to CAPS from a multi-cat household. Diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis, she requires special food. Pepper is tiny, but she has a big heart and is looking for that extraordinary person who will love and pamper her. Are you that special person? Come out and meet her.
By Kathleen Williams-Miller
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Watson here, recently while trotting around the park, I noticed that I was limping. I know that my mom and dad are too polite to mention it, but I guess we all limp around with our friend Arther (arthritis). I think that I may have figured out why I have such severe arthritis in my elbow.
Looking at my foot and foreleg, I realized that I don’t have dewclaws. My dewclaws were removed when I was a puppy. My feet are not exactly the same as humans, but they are similar.
If you look at a my front foot, the toes that contact the ground correspond to my mom’s pinky, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger. The dewclaw is my thumb and the same is true for my hind feet, because the dewclaw is the big toe. Five tendons attach to the dewclaw and play an important role when dogs’ are in motion.
When dogs run, their feet often bend to the point where their dewclaws make contact with the ground. At high speeds (especially when turning) or on slippery surfaces, dewclaws provide extra traction and stability for the wrist joint. Dewclaws have a definite purpose!
Some dogs use their dewclaws to help them climb trees, hold objects to better chew on them, or climb out of the water. They are especially helpful if a dog falls through the ice.
Because front dewclaws serve an important purpose, they shouldn’t be removed unless there is a very good reason to do so. If a dog does not have dewclaws, there is a higher potential for the carpal ligaments to stretch and tear, which could result in laxity and arthritis over time. This can then result in more stress on the elbow, shoulder, and spine as it tries to compensate for the lack of digit.
Well there you have it; dewclaws make a big difference in the stability of dogs’ feet. So remember what you do to the dewclaws do make a difference.
XOXO
Watson
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have four Lab/mix puppies. They are so cute and ready for new homes.
We have kittens to foster! Call 775-423-7500 for details.
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.
IN NEED OF
Help with our failing water system. Any monetary or expertise contribution will be appreciated. Our volunteers bring gallons of water to insure our guests’ survival. Please help us!
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.
SHOUT OUT TO
Everyone who attended the Murder Mystery. Paws applause to you!
The Lions Service Organization for catering our Murder Mystery. A big pooch smooch to you!
The wonderful actors, volunteers, and businesses who donated time and resources to make our Murder Mystery successful. A big bark of thanks to you!
COME SEE US
At The Grid on Saturday, we will be there with the Kissin’ Booth. At 3:00 p.m., we are sponsoring a costume contest for your favorite BFF.
CAPS is now open. We suggest appointments for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We are now accepting volunteers. Call 775-423-7500.
Jordan’s Way will be at CAPS on Nov 5. You can check out the details on Facebook.
DON’T FORGET
October Pet Holiday: National Black Cat Day Oct 29.
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 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 at jkwmil@outlook.com.
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