Rusty is a striking 4-year-old Red Australian Cattle Dog. Because of his owner’s death, he recently returned to CAPS. He is intelligent, energetic, enjoys walking, loves to play tug and herd his soccer ball.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, during a recent conversation about blood drives questions arose about blood banks for cats and dogs. My friend Suzy asked if cats, dogs and humans have the same blood types. If they do, can humans donate blood for their pets? The answer is complicated.
Cats have three main blood types: A, B, and AB. About 90 percent of domestic cats in the U.S. have type A blood. In fact, when a transfusion is necessary the veterinarian will frequently use an in-house cat for the donor because type A is so common. There is no universal blood type for cats.
On rare occasions when no other options are available, a cat can receive a transfusion of dog blood. This is not a long-term solution and the risks of doing so may compromise the health of the cat. More research into long-term effects is underway.
Identified by “DEA” or Dog Erythrocyte Antigen, canine blood types are broken down into seven categories: DEA 1.1, DEA 1.2, DEA 3, DEA 4, DEA 5, DEA 7, and DEA 8. Dogs who are DEA 1.1 positive are universal recipients, while DEA 1.1 negative pooches (60 percents of greyhounds fall into this category) are universal donors. Many veterinarians will use a local dog who is a universal donor when an emergency arises.
Humans have eight blood types: A, B, AB and O with Rh positive or Rh negative for each one. The universal donor type is O. Pig blood is the closest to human and is a promising source for xenotransfusion, which is using blood from one species for another.
Because of the vast differences in blood composition, using human blood for your cat or dog would be very unwise. Blood Banks for cats and dogs can be found in big cities.
ATTENTION
Bark in the Park is two days this year; June 6 and 7. The 5K run will take place on June 6 at 7 p.m. We are seeking vendors for this two-day event. Vendors: we have 10x10 sized booths and there is no charge for nonprofit groups. Call 775-423-7500 or email us at bitp@capsnevada.org.
Reno Aces are collaborating with CAPS for a fun day of baseball plus a free hat details at fevo-enterprise.com/event/Churchillanimal8
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have one adorable Dalmatian/mix puppy who is 7 months old.
We will soon have the cat room up and running. You can check out our cats on the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.org).
IN NEED OF
• Puppy formula and puppy food, wet and dry kitten food – we need this immediately.
• Bleach, dish soap, hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper and printer paper.
• Monetary donations to help with vet costs, operations and necessities.
• Volunteers to walk dogs, socialize cats, and other shelter tasks. You can apply on our website capsnevada.org/apply-to-volunteer or call at 775-423-7500.
• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS.
• You can view our Chewy wish list at capsnevada.org/donate-supplies.
SHOUT OUT TO
John, who immediately became our kennel tech when we needed the help. Wags and Kisses to you.
All of our volunteers, committee and board members for supporting us throughout the recent ongoing construction. You are the heart and soul of CAPS.
COME SEE US
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CAPS is located at 5894 Pasture Road. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
Board meetings are once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m. in room 102 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street. Our next meeting is May 13.
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.org) and Facebook page CAPS-Fallon. Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.