From the SPA
By Mauri Formigoni, Nov 10, 2006

Cruella DeVille stay away!

SPA fundraiser, Sunday in the Country barbeque Sunday, December 3, 1–5pm, Rancho de Los Olivos (free shuttle), US$50

Walking around the SPA on Sunday, I was overwhelmed by the number of black and white cats we currently have on hand. 

We have shifting populations of orange and white kitties or brown dogs, but the addition of five adult black and white, strikingly beautiful cats shook me into another perception: it appears to be an unconscious, feline reenactment of 101 Dalmatians! I would like to show you one of our many Ascot-attired cats, Macavity, a young adult male. He is gentle and sweet.

 

Last week I wrote about Chiclet, a beautiful, blue-eyed, spunky female puppy as yet unadopted. The photo was not then available, so I submit her photo this week for your consideration. She is such a doll!

Imagine yourself on Sunday afternoon, December 3, in the country setting of Rancho de Los Olivos, a Ralph Lauren-like setting, with black swans, miniature horses, and alpacas running to greet you. A barbeque is being prepared. The musicians are arriving. 

A raffle is offering a chance at 50 pesos a pop for a balloon ride or a stay in Suzanne Montana’s hotel in Pozos. A small Japanese water garden is glimpsed temptingly from one of the flower-filled patios. Everything is in bloom and smelling sweet and fresh. 

A wave of peacefulness washes over you before you indulge in satisfyingly good eats and drinks. Could life be sweeter? You can buy tickets at Border Crossings, La Conexión, Solutions or the SPA or at the Jardín on Thursday for US$50. This day of bliss is our winter fundraiser to improve the condition and care of our 50 dogs and 44 cats. 


The free buses leaving from in front of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at Cardo 6 (12:30pm) will transport you to the life of the country gentry. If you choose to drive, you can get a printable map and directions on our website at www.spasanmiguel.org. For this event, please leave your dogs at home.

The Sociedad Protectora de Animales is the only shelter for homeless animals in San Miguel. We offer animals that have been abandoned another chance at a home. We do not put animals down unless they are too aggressive to adopt or are injured or ill past the point of regaining health. 

Volunteers for the SPA are always welcome, and our animals need touching, walking and interaction with people. Many of our animals need grooming, socializing and training. 

They do not move from us potty-trained, but many are bright and eager to please and learn quickly how to meet your expectations. Feel free to visit out of curiosity, Monday through Friday between noon and 2pm, or come to make animal friends. 

The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 2pm for vaccinations or sterilizations. 

The cost for adopting a dog is 300 pesos, and for a cat, 250 pesos. Meet us and a few animals at the Jardín on Thursdays from 11:15am to 1:15pm, or check out our animals on our website.

We want to thank the members of the local Hash Harriers who stopped by to walk a large number of our dogs and delighted each animal they walked. They and you are welcome anytime. 

Please join us for this Sunday in the country and help Sociedad Protectora de Animales continue to succeed for the sake of the animals. 

The SPA is located at Los Pinos 7, near the bus station, just off Calzada de la Estación. 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.