CAPS: Right on the tip of your tongue

Dear reader, I hope your Valentine’s Day was as sweet as mine was, because I indulged in chocolate. It is always a delight to enjoy the sweetness of a truffle. Actually, I thought about how sophisticated our taste buds are compared to that of cats and dogs, so I compared the number of taste buds.

Humans have about 9,000 taste buds. Dogs only have roughly 1,700, and cats are the lowest with 470. Because of this difference, food tastes and smells very differently for our BFFs.

By using the Jacobsen’s organ, which is part of the dog’s olfactory apparatus located along their palate, dogs taste food through their sense of smell. They can differentiate between meat-based and non-meat-based foods without smell, but they need smell to tell what type of meat it is. Dogs can identify sweet flavors and that helps them determine if they are eating food with carbohydrates. Yes, most dogs love sweets.

Cats only eat meat, and therefore, do not need to be able to taste sweet things to classify the food. Some cats eat ice cream but it is probably for the temperature or texture.

Studies have confirmed that dogs have four taste classifications: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

Interestingly, cats and dogs have special taste buds to identify water. Found at the tip of the tongue these taste buds are especially sensitive to salty or sugary foods and signal the animal to drink water.

After watching TV ads for pet food, you would think our pets are discerning eaters, but in reality, they rely on smell to taste foods so the smellier the better. Wet food is typically more pungent than dry and more appealing. However, if your fur baby is a fussy eater, he may be holding out for that special treat or people food. So, keep those pet treats handy for your Valentine.

ATTENTION

CAPS is featuring a February “Love Dog” special. Our reduced adoption fee for dogs is $75. All of our dogs are micro chipped, have current vaccinations, and are spayed/neutered. As a bonus, CONNECTED K-9 is offering free or reduced training. Come find your Valentine BFF, we have some sweethearts waiting for you.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two handsome 15-month-old males. BG and Diego are shy guys! They have lived their lives at CAPS but are anxiously waiting to find a forever home. Cat lovers, we have cats galore. Come out and meet them because they are cute!

IN NEED OF

• CAPS is seeking board members. We need energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks to serve on the board. Please consider being part of our team, we only meet once a month. You can make a difference. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Bleach, laundry detergent pods, toilet paper, and paper towels.

• XXL Kong Extremes for our guests.

• Would you like to foster animals? Call CAPS 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

• Diane and Michael for their generous donation of wine to spark creativity in our ‘Paint Your Pet’ artists. Pooch smooches to you!

• Holy Trinity Episcopal Church for their generous donation. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!

• Blueberry Pet for the generous donation of pet supplies. Pooch Smooches to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

• February Holiday: International Tug-of-War Day! Have fun with your BFF.

• View our wish list at Chewy.com.

• Would you 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.

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