CAPS: The genuine joys of dog jowls

Dear reader, I happened upon the funniest photo of Watson sticking his head out of the car window with the wind blowing in his face and his jowls flapping away. I had never really thought about his jowls or the purpose of jowls. Therefore, I did a bit of investigating.

First, it is important to understand what jowls are. They are the loose flaps of skin and lips that hang on either side of a dog’s mouth. Along with the excess skin, a layer of fat and connective tissue offer extra cushion. All dogs have jowls, but some breeds have larger obvious ones.

What purposes do they serve? One advantage is that dogs can easily eat because the stretchy skin on the side of the mouth allows them to open their mouths wider for ease in chewing without their food falling out. Jowls help retain moisture by keeping saliva in the mouth.

Jowls also offer protection during fights, because it is difficult to grab the face when the jowls are moving around. They protect the delicate internal structures and give the dog a chance to break away.

Water dogs have prominent jowls that assist them when they are swimming. They use them to trap a large air bubble close to the mouth. The bubble keeps excessive water from flooding the mouth.

Many people like the look of droopy jowls, and selective breeding has produced larger and more prominent jowls. Some of the more popular big dogs are Bloodhounds, Boxers, English Mastiffs and St. Bernards. All hounds are excellent trackers, and they use their jowls to direct smells toward the nose when following a scent trail.

At one point, I know jowls were popular because there is a famous cartoon character named Droopy. He is a big jowl hound and you can check him out on YouTube by typing in Droopy’s Greatest Moments. Dog jowls may be great, but I would like to lose mine.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have nine adorable four to seven-month-old puppies. There are five girls and four boys.

We also have 12 fluffy kittens ages four- to seven-months. There are eight boys and four girls in a rainbow of colors. All our babies need foster homes. Call 775-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

• Many people like the look of droopy jowls, and selective breeding has produced larger and more prominent jowls. 

• Folks to adopt our guests! Make Christmas merry for a homeless pet.

• Folks to sign up for Free money for CAPS with the AmazonSmile Program details following.

• Fancy Feast kitten wet food.

• Cat litter (clump) for our guests’ comfort.

• Bleach.

• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

Nulo for the generous food donations. All tails are wagging for you.

All of our faithful donation supporters that keep us running! A pooch smooch to you.

COME SEE US

Saturday CAPS will be at Telegraph Coffee 1-3 p.m. for pictures of your dog with Santa.

The donation is $10.

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

November Holiday: National Mutt Day

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.

If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

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.

Over the Rainbow: If you would like your pet remembered send his/her name and a short description to Kathleen Williams-Miller a CAPS volunteer, at jkwmil@outlook.com.