From the SPA
By Mauri formigoni, Oct 27, 2006

100 percent dogs and cats 

I have made it clear that I prefer mixed-breed dogs. They live longer and are happier, healthier and endlessly more diverse.

Several weekends ago I attended the Kennel Club Dog Show at Unidad Deportivo and, as I watched the primping and strutting, I felt my heartbeat quicken as the snob dog lady inside me came to life. They were beautiful and amazing, and some were hilarious. I watched the grouchy Old English Bulldog pose. I tried not to watch the elaborate machinations of Standard Poodles being groomed to look like scandalous Las Vegas showgirls. 

I watched the magical movements of a young Afghan hound yet could not help remembering a friend’s struggle with her aging Afghan and felt that this dog was being dragged out for one more show. Mutts wouldn’t cooperate—they would refuse. Dignity is vague, but mutts have a quiet kind of dignity. They don’t need primping, just a bit of grooming for cleanliness and a quick brush.

Many people buy certain dogs to enhance their own image—as though elegance, bravery and intimidation can be acquired with a dog that exists to display these qualities. For many, buying is nearly as good as being.

Mutts are who they are—like people. They are real, always themselves, but can also be elegant and brave as well. They have a kind of hardiness, growing up in the campo or on the streets of San Miguel. They are not usually planned but spontaneously appear and struggle for food and shelter. Occasionally, at the Sociedad Protectora de Animales, we have purebreed dogs, but we specialize in mutts. Come see who we have.

Several weeks ago at the SPA we had a meeting of the new board and I noticed a new puppy, darling but very small and frail, playing near us. I thought she might not survive. She seemed to be lacking the will to thrive. Three weeks later, a volunteer who had fostered her brought her to the Jardín and I got to hold her. Her name is Velvet, and she is now about two months old and is totally changed. Her foster parents said she was covered with fleas, and when they removed hundreds of them so they were no longer sucking her blood and energy, the dog jumped at a chance to survive. She is happy, healthy and has just lost her foster home and wants to be part of a family. She is small, a bit shy, yet very sweet and responsive to people. She is a delight to be around and is waiting for another loving person to discover her.

Fostering is a very rewarding way to save at-risk animals and is very important to us. I have four three-week-old kittens with me until they can eat easily, and they are a joy to have around. Watching animals so young and helpless is awe-inspiring. They discovered the toilet paper roll and quickly made themselves a new bed. They are all eyes and tummies and energy, and then they collapse and sleep on top of each other. All are long-haired calico females and will be available in a few weeks. We brought a litter of young kittens to the Jardín—one Russian blue, one black, and one named “Squirrel” with a tiny, expressive face. It would be very easy to take a kitten home and dote on it for a while. They are so affectionate and gratifying.

We welcome your curiosity at the SPA and ask for your help. The Sociedad Protectora de Animales is at Los Pinos 7, just off Calzada de la Estación. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 2pm, for the clinic and noon to 2pm for visitors and volunteers. Our number is 152-6124. Remember to check out photos of our current animals at www.spasanmiguel.org  or check us out at the Jardín on Thursdays from 11:15am to 1:15pm.