December 01, 2006, Splendor in the grass, By Mauri Formigoni

My main plea is that you consider attending our annual fundraiser, a day of splendor in the grass on a fabulous rancho just outside of town with strolling alpacas, miniature horses (Romeo and Juliet), and gorgeous black swans with fancy pantaloons swishing behind them.

It is a day of relaxation, eating barbeque (vegetarian entrees available as well), drinking margaritas and soft drinks, taking a chance on a raffle for a hot-air balloon ride or an elegant stay in Pozos at one of two hotels, pitching horseshoes, and watching children run and laugh. You will know that you are making life better for the animals at the Sociedad Protectora de Animales. We are collecting money to help defray the US$1,000 monthly expense for badly needed medicine that we dispense at cost to our clients who can’t afford care for their pets and don’t want them to suffer. So the need is urgent, and this is a town that cares for its animals, don’t we? So please, give yourself a good day in the country, take a free bus ride from St. Paul’
s, and enjoy the day with us and give a darn about those homeless animals that need your care and money for medicine.

Also, please take a look at the favorite dog of all the volunteers, Kaya, a young female adult mix (guess who her parents are?). She is kind and sweet and easy to handle, and all at the SPA vote that she is our best. Her coat is like my hair, blond and brown and brindle, and it is spectacular with its distinct marking.

And our cat of the day is another one of the fabulous black-and-white family, this time a female named Columbina, very sweet, docile and huggable. You can’t miss with this family. They are tamed and socialized and gorgeous and waiting for you with no bad experiences to overshadow their early lives.

Tickets for the fundraiser are US$50 or 550 pesos, and raffle tickets are 50 pesos each (cheaper if you buy in quantity—3 for 100 pesos; 6 for 200 pesos—well worth the price). All are available at the Jardín, Solutions, La Conexión and Border Crossings, and soon at the SPA and from board members. Call me for more information at 154-5930. For this event, please leave your dogs at home.

The Sociedad Protectora de Animales is located on Los Pinos 7, just off Calzada de la Estación, and is open and welcoming to volunteers from Monday through Friday, noon to 2pm. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 2pm. Call for an appointment at 152-6124. Our veterinarian, Christina, is friendly, skilled, compassionate and very kind to animals. All vaccinations and sterilization costs are included in the adoption donation of 250 pesos for a cat and 300 pesos for a dog. A very good buy indeed.

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.