The answer is blowing in the wind

Watson here, and I have a tale to tell about my tail. I happened to notice that some dogs have cropped tails or no tails at all, and I began to wonder just what a tail does. Humans don’t have tails, but they also walk standing up and they use their arms for balance.

Tails are a curious appendage. They come in all shapes and sizes. My tail is a beautiful brown otter-like tail that helps propel me through the water. Mostly tails are for communication. I wag my tail like crazy when I see my dad, but when I’m frightened, I tuck my tail to indicate fear.

Another way I get messages out is I have two anal sacs on either side of my anus. When I wag my tail, I also squeeze the muscles around these glands. That action sends olfactory signals specific to me everywhere. Of course, the wind carries these signals letting other dogs know I’m in the neighborhood.

Communication isn’t the only reason tails are vital. They also play an important part in balance. Swinging my tail to the side that is directly opposite to the tilt of my body helps me maintain my balance.

Comfort is another plus, for thick-coated breeds like Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes that use their big bushy tails when it is cold to wrap around their faces to keep warm. It is exactly like having a big, fuzzy muffler.

Right now, my tail is wagging, because I know dinner is on the way. Tale told!

XOXO

Watson

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have four adorable kittens: two boys and two girls that are waiting to be fostered. Call 775-7500 for details.
Policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under 5 years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.

IN NEED OF

Help! We need emergency funds to repair our air conditioning. It is getting hot!

Cat litter for our guests’ comfort.

Friskies wet cat food and any dry cat food except Meow Mix.
Folks to donate to the Rotarians fundraiser. You can contribute by contacting Withers at proudpony@cccomm.net or Young at junethebookie@gmail.com.
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 help affording spaying/neutering for dogs or cats. The SNAPS program details are below.
 
SHOUT OUT TO
Diane Peters for the generous donation to help pay for the air conditioning. You are just Purrfect!
All of the volunteers who worked so hard to provide shade structures for our guests. A big bark to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS is now open. We suggest appointments for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500.

 

DON’T FORGET
June Holiday: National Best Friends Day
SNAPS is a program offered to Churchill County residents through CAPS that provides low-cost spay/neutering for cats and dogs. To qualify for SNAPS, you need to have one of the following: Medicaid, a child enrolled in NV Check Up Program, food stamps, 2021 tax return stating income is less than $30,000 or Veterans disability card including a photo ID. Also required are a Churchill County ID and a co-pay. For more information, call CAPS at 423-7500.
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. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.