CAPS: Watch for 'trancing' zombie dogs

Dear Readers, during a recent conversation with a friend, the subject of dog behaviors came up and she mentioned that when her dog passes under a shrub or plant, he begins a slow motion zombie walk. Her veterinarian described this movement as "trancing."

The official term is Trance-like Syndrome. Other common terms for this behavior are “ghost-walking” or “weed-walking.” Experts describe it as a “hypo kinetic” gait characterized by slow paced, soft, and deliberate zombie like steps.

TLC is triggered when the dog passes under a plant or hanging fabric that brushes across his head or back. Not all dogs trance the same way. Some dogs can trance in the middle of a room switching from a spry walk to a slow trance with their heads down staring ahead as though they are hunting.

Pet parents sometimes worry that their BFF may be having a seizure but trancing and seizures are completely different things. The main indicator that your pet is not having a seizure is that they will snap out of their trance when you call them.

There is no scientific evidence or explanation to why dogs trance. One theory speculates that it is an inherent trait passed on from their ancestors. Others theorize that perhaps it simply feels good having leaves, shrubbery or hanging curtains moving across the back and that is the reason dogs do it.

A breed that commonly exhibits this trait is the Bull Terrier; however many dog breeds display the behavior. When trancing occurs, the best thing to do is allow the dog to finish carrying out his ritual. As strange as it seems, it appear to be a harmless comforting technique.

Perhaps you can translate trancing into bewitching comfort.

ATTENTION

June adoption special: We will discount any adoption for an adult dog by $50. Females are normally $150 now only $100. Males once $125 are now $75. All of our animals are healthy, spay/neutered, current on vaccinations, and microchipped.

BARK IN THE PARK SPONSORS

Omitted from the last column: Bonanza & Fallon Nugget Casino and Lahontan Valley Veterinary Clinic

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two handsome male puppies 10 months and one-year-old. BG and Diego are anxiously waiting to find their forever home. Come and check them; out they are cute!

We also have 15-week-old Border Collie mix puppies. Coming soon, we will have five kittens.

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.

Call 775-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

• Would you like to foster animals? We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Dog walkers, we desperately need volunteers to walk and socialize our dogs. 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

• All of the Bark in the Park sponsors; your support means the world to all of our guests. All tails are wagging for you!

• The CAPS Board of Directors. You are pawsitively wonderful!

• Everyone who walked or ran in the Bark in the Park 5K. 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.

DON’T FORGET

• June Holiday: National Adopt a Cat Month.

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

8 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.

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