CAPS: Celebrate — no, really — poop-scooping week

Dear Reader, I admit celebrating poop scooping is a stretch by any means, but on a recent walk around Laura Mills Park, I could not help but notice all the waste left behind by dog owners.

Honestly, I do not understand why pet parents cannot just grab a grocery bag before they leave the house and go out for a walk with their buddy.

Leaving pet refuse has so many downsides, and I thought it might be a good reminder to talk about a few of them. Of course, we have all had the experience of stepping in a pile of doo-doo and having to scrapping and scrubbing your shoes. It is icky at best and unhealthy at worst.

Many folks think that dog poop just breaks down and washes away. Wrong! Waste can take months to disintegrate. In the meantime, water carries it into the drainage systems and contaminates existing water. This is true especially in areas that irrigate.

One thing I was not aware of is the number of bacteria and parasites that can be contained in dog waste. Commonly found in waste are E. coli and salmonella bacteria along with ringworm and tapeworms. Actually, bacteria and parasites can stay in soil for years creating risks for barefoot children and people who garden.

Another common misconception is that dog waste is a natural fertilizer. Wrong again! Dog poop is exceptionally high in nitrogen and phosphorus and if left on your grass can cause lawn burn. Because of the acidity of dog waste, it will eventually kill the grass.

I implore everyone to carry a bag and be your BFF’s poop pal.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have three adorable puppies, one four-month female, two males six and eight months old.

All our babies need foster homes, and we need volunteers to become fosters.

IN NEED OF

• Garage sale items for our spring sale. We need gently used appliances, furniture, treadmills, and miscellaneous items. We do not need clothing. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up.

• Dog walkers, we need volunteers to walk our dogs. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Volunteers to foster animals. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• 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

Our Board of Directors who volunteer their time to keep CAPS vital. Pooch smooches to you!

COME SEE US

• 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.

• April 28 and 29 at The Oasis Church for the spring garage sale.

• Coming soon! Bark in the Park is June 3. Mark your calendars.

DON’T FORGET

• April Holiday: International Pooper Scooper Week April 1-7.

• If you cannot have a pet, you can still sponsor a kitten or puppy. We need financial assistance for spay/neutering, veterinarian bills, and food. You can become an angel to a homeless kitten or puppy. 775-423-7500.

• You can make a big difference in a homeless animal’s life by paying for part of their adoption fee. All of our animals are healthy, chipped, have current shots, and are spay/neutered. We rely on you to help make our no-kill shelter a viable alternative for stranded pets.

• 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 jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email: jkwmil@outlook.com.