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 herding his soccer ball.
Provided to the LVN
Dear reader, Saturday is Armed Forces Day honoring all five branches of the military including the K-9. In 1942, the Army introduced the term K-9 which is now a federal symbol. United States Military Working Dogs are part of all branches and the Air Force is the executive agent for the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Program.
Military Working Dogs (MWDs) serve in all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Their role in the Army is varied, patrolling, security, and explosive detection. The specialized unit of the 2nd MWD at Ft. Meade is demanding and requires high standards.
In the Navy MWDs are explosive detection experts. They also fulfill security roles in tight spaces on submarines. The Marine Corps employs MWDs for security but particularly for drug and explosive detection.
The Air Force is the training agency for the dogs and provides support for the program. MWDs become experts at security, contraband, and explosive detection. The bomb detection training alone costs over $150,000. The average cost to train a military dog ranges from $20,000 to $40,000.
The dogs used for detection are usually sporting dog breeds such as Labrador, Golden, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. They train to sniff out bombs or narcotics but not both. Amazingly, these dogs don’t need to be close to detect a bomb or narcotics. They can be 50 feet away and still pick up a scent.
Multi-use and security MWD are usually shepherding breeds like German Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois. Malinois are favorites of the Coast Guard, US Navy Seals and other elite forces because of their detection ability and skill at parachuting and rappelling.
Every WMD is a non-commissioned officer (NCO) and they are always one rank higher than their handlers are. This honorary rank reinforces the dog and handler bond as a respectful relationship and insures the dog isn’t mistreated. We salute our K-9 protectors and thank them for their service.
ATTENTION
Bark in the Park is two days this year; June 6-7. 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 10 x 10 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 https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Churchillanimal8
LOOKING FOR A HOME
• We have 10 six-week-old puppies who will be available on May 23 to foster to adopt. Call 775-423-7500.
• We have one adorable Dalmatian/mix puppy who is seven-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
• Help, we need this immediately! Puppy formula and puppy food, wet and dry kitten food.
• 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 https://capsnevada.org/apply-to-volunteer/ or call at 775-423-7500.
• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS.
SHOUT OUT TO
The volunteers who are helping with our tiny kittens. You are purrfect!
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
• May Holiday: National K-9 Armed Forces Day.
• Board Meetings are once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5:30 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, a CAPS volunteer, at jkwmil@outlook.com.