CAPS: If you need directions, ask your dog

Dear reader, I have recently become fascinated by the ability of birds, dogs, and cats to use the earth’s magnetic field for directional orientation. This curiosity came from reading Mark Trail in the comics section of the newspaper. The comic strip highlighted birds and their remarkable ability to navigate directions in the sky. I had to investigate.

Apparently, scientists have been studying this ability for decades and still haven’t quite figured out how it works. The current theory is that birds and some other animals have a protein (Cry4) or cryptochrome in their eyes that allows them to detect the Earth’s magnetic field. The cryptochrome detects light rays that are in the blue range and beyond normal vision range.

This ability known as magnetoreception allows them to keep their bearings when no familiar landmarks are visible.

A recent story about an accident, a scared lost dog, and an amazing recovery caught my eye because the dog in the story had bailed out of her owner’s car window after the car had been rear-ended in traffic. The woman was beside herself, and she searched with officers to find the runaway dog.

The dog had no idea where they were when this happened but was able to find her way to the doggie daycare where she frequently went that was located miles away. Upon arrival, she promptly rang the doorbell. The proprietor notified her owner, and she enjoyed a happy reunion.

The lingering question was how she knew where the daycare was located especially from a completely different part of town. Many other stories about animals finding their way home have been reported but there isn’t a concrete explanation as to how they accomplished it.

Perhaps there is an explanation. If animals are able to see and use the earth’s magnetic field, it would serve as internal GPS using landmarks and other objects as a guide. It is doubtful that all animals have this ability. However, as we continue to understand our BFF’s, I think we will discover abilities we never imagined.

ATTENTION

CAPS Spring garage sale is Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27. We need items and can pick them up. Call soon if you want them picked up. 775-423-7500.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

• We have one 7-month-old white and black puppy to adopt and four fluffy white puppies to foster. Call for details. 775-423-7500. Cat lovers, we have cats galore and they are fabulous. Come out and meet them.

• Board members: We need energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks to serve on the board. We meet once a month. 775-423-7500 for details.

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

• 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

• Everyone who came to our spaghetti dinner. Pooch smooches to you!

• Pastor Dawn at Epworth Methodist Church for welcoming CAPS. A bark of thanks to you!

• All our volunteers who hosted our dinner and our Churchill County High School ROTC students Aden, Allyssa, Corbin, James, and Jony. You are the heart and soul of CAPS!

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

• March holiday: Take a walk in the park day is March 30. Treat your BFF to an excursion.

• View our wish list at Chewy.com.

• 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.

• 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.