From the SPA
By Mauri Formigoni, July 28, 2006
From the SPA
By Mauri Formigoni, Aug 4, 2006
Dirty tricks

Did you ever see the ad on TV in which two squirrels give each other high fives as a car swerves to miss them and presumably crashes? Then there's the one about crows congratulating themselves as they polish the glass on the patio door and ring the bell so that the stupid humans smash into it.

I don't remember this particular advertising tack before, except maybe when the wolf dresses as Grandma in order to try to eat Red Riding Hood, but that didn't seem like cruelty or humor. Maybe hunger. There are lots of stories pitting animals against humans, and vice versa, but there are so many more about dolphins saving sailors who have fallen overboard, or dogs who can pinpoint cancer in their owners, or predict when a seizure is about to occur in a child. When I have been hurt badly, feel very sick, or am terribly upset, it is my San Miguel Especial who stays next to me. The big one runs to the garden to hide, and the little one never knows anything happened. My point is: choose your companion caref
ully. Spend time together. If he's gentle, make eye contact, and if he allows you to touch him, get to know each other. You must trust each other. Discipline him gently but set rules. Give affection luxuriously. Take your time and usually you will know which animal is for you. 

Natti is the dog I would choose. He is a six-month-old, neutered, gray, wire-haired "sort of" schnauzer. You see his personality in the way he licks his nose with his tongue. He is happy and playful and expresses pleasure in being alive. Couldn't you drop by and take a look at him? Disney is interested, you know.

Placida was the nickname my Italian husband gave our second son, though I think he has come to reconsider that choice. Our Placida is a contented adult cat, who, unlike my son, does not set fires, pull dirty tricks, or make you regret your choice. She is calm and peaceful-a cat that can make you relax at the end of the day and share some quiet, quality time. Come meet her.

The Sociedad Protectora de Animales nominations for new board members are in and available, and we are proud to be a democratic, publicly funded organization that can choose its own direction. Anyone who has been a member for more than three months is eligible to vote to fill the five available positions. You will receive a copy of the nominees and their qualifications and personal visions for the SPA. Please consider them carefully. You have the choice to decide the future of the SPA, its growth and the welfare of the homeless animals. The ballot lists eight candidates, and you can vote for five. Absentee ballots will be accepted at La Conexión until noon on August 9. If you have any questions about today's animals, the nominees, or the issues involved, please feel free to call me. 

Again, a warm "thank you" to Ron at the Bagel Café for storing our equipment for our Thursday Jardín visits (11:15am to 1:15pm). The SPA is located at Los Pinos 7, near the bus station, just off Calzada de la Estación. Volunteer and visiting hours are Monday to Friday, noon to 2pm. For clinic appointments call the SPA at 152-6124. For information on volunteering, animals, donations and how you can help, call Mauri at 154-5930.

Mauri Formigoni is an Associate Professor of Visual Arts at the University of Illinois, a long-time San Miguel resident and a lifelong animal lover. She can be reached at 154-5930 to answer questions.