CAPS: Do pets notice daylight saving time?

Seemore is a 7-year-old hound mix. He can be shy at first, but he is happy and loves everyone. Seemore is in his glory when he gets all the attention. A pro at fetch, he enjoys watching you get the ball.

Seemore is a 7-year-old hound mix. He can be shy at first, but he is happy and loves everyone. Seemore is in his glory when he gets all the attention. A pro at fetch, he enjoys watching you get the ball.
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Dear Reader, this morning it dawned on me (pun intended) that I live by the clock, but my body does not. I have an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm that responds to daylight. Even though I set the clock forward an hour, I continue to wake up at my normal time.

Because our pets are not aware of human timekeeping, you might think it would not bother them. However, as we change the clock we also adjust our schedules. From an animal’s point of view, we are suddenly behaving oddly.

Daylight saving time does affect pets, because they have no choice but to follow our schedules. It is confusing for your fur baby, who is used to eating breakfast at 7 a.m. and instead is getting it at 8 a.m. It is inexplicable that breakfast or dinner is suddenly an hour later or earlier than expected.

Just like humans, animals have an internal clock that tells them when to eat, sleep, and wake up. This internal timekeeper is set into motion by natural sunlight. Animals in the natural world adjust their daily routine to sunlight, not clock faces, and they do not notice daylight savings time at all.

One way to minimize the effect of daylight savings time is to introduce the time change gradually by changing your routine in 15-minute increments. If you have the flexibility to do that, most dogs will adjust within three or four days as long as you are consistent.

Honestly, I am still trying to adjust to the new routine myself. According to the plan, we spring forward in spring. I just am waiting for my spring to bounce back.


LOOKING FOR A HOME

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

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


OVER THE RAINBOW

With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to Barkley Haskell. He was adorable and loved by all who knew him. The light of his Mom’s life he will be missed forever.


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.

• 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

The generous folks who contribute monthly to our shelter, you are the heart and soul of CAPS. Bow Wow 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

• March Holiday: National Puppy Day is March 23.

• You can sponsor an adoption by paying part or full adoption fees.

• Due to rising costs in shelter and veterinary care, we have adjusted our adoption fees. Dog adoptions are $150 for female $125 for male. Cat adoptions are $100 for female $80 for male. All adoptees are healthy, spayed/neutered, chipped, and have all necessary shots.

• 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, a CAPS volunteer, can be reached at jkwmil@outlook.com.

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