From the SPA
Aug 11, 2006
By Mauri Formigoni

Second helpings

The little spaniel was so filthy that at first we thought he was all black. He was left in the office and he hung his matted head sadly as he watched his owner go. The man said they were moving and didn't want him any more. The little dog had a name, Marcel, but precious few other signs that he had ever been loved.

Then, miraculously, after a hearty shampoo and a gentle blow dry he began to emerge as a different dog altogether. For one thing he has great markings, lots of dappled white under all that dirt. By breed he may be part King Charles, certainly all parti-colored delight. Little Marcel is long on both patience and personality.

He is about five years old, neutered, and completely lovable. It's hard to see how anyone could bear to give him up. He has large sparkling dark eyes, heart-melting curls and a welcoming wag that is really more like an all-body wiggle. He cannot figure out why he was left on the wrong side of a cage door and eagerly runs to greet everyone who comes to visit. He certainly deserves to find someone to love him as much as he wants to love them in return. Very soon!

This week's cat is Cucho, another ex-pet. He is a young adult tabby with truly beautiful markings, like a little ocelot. He is clever and friendly and would be so happy to be once more a treasured pet.

And don't forget we still have many, many kittens, all growing like summer thunder, rolling, tumbling and full of energy. If there is any room in your house for one or two bundles of mischief, the sunroom at the SPA is the place to meet to find true love.

Please come and visit these and all our other great animals at The Sociedad Protectora de Animales, open from 12 to 2pm Monday through Friday for adoptions and volunteers. The clinic is open from 10am to 2pm. 


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.