CAPS: Do you know what your cat prays for?

Dear reader, my dear friend Audrey recently sent me a cat poem that I just have to share with you. The title is “Cat Prayer,” and the author is unknown. As I know them, it actually sums up cat behavior. 

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray this cushy life to keep. I pray for toys that look like mice, and sofa cushions, soft and nice. I pray for gourmet kitty snacks, and someone nice to scratch my back, for windowsills all warm and bright, for shadows to explore at night, I pray I’ll always stay real cool and keep the secret feline rule, to never tell a human that. The world is really ruled by cats.”

As the weather gets warmer, I have noticed a few feline friends making their way around our neighborhood like silent sprites. I happen to know them, and they are gainfully owned. However, their independent spirits and curiosity leads them to a life of exploration.

My favorite little sprite knocks at my window and won’t give up until I open the door and let her in. She is a princess who demands a treat and a soft nest to curl up in for an afternoon nap. I felt terribly privileged until I spoke to some of my neighbors who assured me that she also visits them. In fact, one man confessed that she watches sports with him and he buys her tuna.

How did cats ingratiate themselves to humans? The mutually beneficial relationship began in the Fertile Crescent when man discovered what wonderful hunters cats are. Used to control rodents that destroyed grain, they sailed on ships with the grain. Cats spread to all corners of the world and were frequently worshipped as gods in ancient cultures.

Modern indoor cats have only become common in the last 60 or 70 years due to spay/neutering, litter boxes, and canned food. They have found a place in our homes and hearts. Perhaps, they remember their god status from the past and realize that humans are the answer to their prayers. After all, dogs have owners cats have staff.

ATTENTION

Mark your calendars for Bark in the Park 5K run June 8.

Reno Aces Dog Days at Northern Nevada Field on June 16. Attendees will receive a complimentary hat if you buy tickets at the CAPS website: www.capsnevada.com.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

Puppies! We have one four-month-old female. Call for details. 775-423-7500. Cat lovers, we have two fabulous felines. Come out and meet them.

IN NEED OF

• Board members! We need energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5 p.m. in room 201 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street. The meeting is open to the public. Join us for an informative evening.

• 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

• Jenn and Rebecca for fostering litters of puppies. Pooch smooches to you!

• Bissell Foundation for sponsoring “Empty the Shelters Adoptions” Bow, wow to you!

• Our faithful board members Genevieve, Janis, Mavis, and Rebecca. A four-paw-salute to you!

• Lahontan Valley News for giving us a voice in the community. Wags and kisses 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

• May Holiday: International Chihuahua Appreciation Month

• 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.