Meet Toffee, the husky-dalmatian mix who's also an escape artist

Toffee is a darling one-year-old Husky/Dalmatian mix with icy blue eyes. She is sweet and loving with everyone. A fan of Houdini, she is an escape artist who needs a secure home. Toffee enjoys playing in water and a good long run. She is not fond of livestock and would do wonderful in an understanding home with folks who appreciate her. Come out for a meet and greet.

Dear reader, I recently had the opportunity to visit with my friend Bill who is a retired veterinarian. He told me about the time he "fancied up" his two Shepherd working dogs for a formal photo.

Bill had bought some tickets to a raffle and the prize was a photo of the winner's pet. Well, he was not about to waste a win but his pups were cow dogs and not into formal bathing. To get them to the groomer he had to use leashes because these were hired hands used to freedom.

The photo shoot went wonderfully and the pups looked spectacular. In fact, the photo was perfect. Immediately after they arrive home, both pups took off and enjoyed a roll in fresh manure. What a grand photo finish for working dogs.

I wondered why dogs tend roll in stinky stuff. There are several theories for this behavior. One is that it is instinctive and they are trying to mask their natural scent from prey. That makes sense because the smell of manure would certainly dissuade investigation.

Other ideas include bringing back interesting smells to his pack, which in this case is his human who undoubtedly would not be thrilled. On hot days, rolling in dirt is a way to cool down and can serve as a back scratcher for the itches that are hard to reach.

Cats tend to roll around in dirt to mark their territory. Because cats have scent glands on paws, tails, and cheeks, they leave a scent trail to let other felines know where they reside. I suspect they occasionally take a dirt bath just for the fun of it.

Regardless of the reasons, giving a bath to your BFF because he rolled in poop is a humbling reminder that they run the household.

CAPS and WAGS K-9 are sponsoring a fund raising raffle. The prize is six weeks of boarding and training at WAGS K-9. The drawing will be Aug. 8. Tickets are $10 available at CAPS or by scanning the QR code on our social media page.

SNAPS is a reduced fee spay/neutering program offered by CAPS. To apply you must have Medicaid card, A QUEST (food stamp) card, or documentation of a child enrolled in a qualifying assistance program. Call 775-423-7500

Check out Facebook or Adopt a Pet to see the animals we have available for adoption.

Pedigree dog food, laundry detergent, bleach, dish and hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper, 13-gallon trash bags, gloves, hard chew toys, and printer paper.

Please donate for the cost of our veterinary bills. Each spay/neuter costs up to $300.

Any amount, one-time or recurring, keeps our doors open and our animals safe. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax-deductible. We appreciate any contribution.

Our Chewy wish list can be found at capsnevada.org/donate-supplies.

The generous folks who have brought by supplies, food, and donations. Your kindness benefits all of our guests. All tails are wagging for you!

Our faithful dog walkers. Four paw salute to you!

CAPS is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CAPS is located at 5894 Pasture Road. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

CAPS Board meets once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m. in room 102 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street.

CAPS' mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS' phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS' email address is [email protected]. Please visit the CAPS website (capsnevada.org) 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 [email protected].