April 27, 2007, Before and after!, By Mauri Formigoni

It often happens that we get an animal that comes in disguise. After they are groomed, it is a BIG surprise. Such was the case with Goya, a dog that had no fur, was covered with mange, was untouchable and therefore was frantic. Thank God, he was sponsored, treated and recovered. The change in him, both physically and emotionally, is remarkable.

We also had another miracle of dog disguises. A sad bundle of flotsam and jetsam came into the SPA, and we could not even determine its sex or its health, such was its disguise of fur and garbage. After a few days, Pickles (a gender-free name, you see) was sent to Sr. Metro, the miracle groomer just off of Parque Juarez (152-0035).

He discovered that the trembling dog was a blonde, male cocker spaniel, already neutered and tail docked, signs of a valued dog. Despite having lived hard on the streets for too long, Pickles will be fine. However, he is still frightened and trembling, but wears his security blanket—a colorful body sweater which allows him to not feel so naked, cold and embarrassed. His coat will rapidly grow out, and he will look magnificent. He is now convalescing but will soon need loving care, good food and a permanent home. He is gentle, quiet, yet at times plays with his blanket, so we see him responding playfully to his surroundings, which is a good sign. If you are a rescuer and want to sup

port a dog that is down on his luck but immensely promising, come meet Pickles! A one-in-a-million dog, believe me.

Full house in Kitten World

We are full in Kitten World; and, while it is fun having a full house, they are growing up quickly and soon will need homes. I, of course, prefer my fostered babies. (I unashamedly push Francesca, an eight-week-old plush black kitten with blue eyes that won my heart.) They came to me very young, and I worried about their basic survival, supplying milk and food every four hours. Now they are chubby babies, sturdy and playful. This fills my heart with joy, knowing they are healthy and will survive into adulthood. They have had their first kitten shots and are doing well. Come sit in Kitten World and find the one that strikes your fancy. Kittens are happier adopted in pairs and the two sisters, Francesca and Gina, hearty girls looking for a home, would grab anyone’s heart. Ask for them by name or just come in for a rest and watch them play. You’ll see what is missing in your life.

Designated driver needed

The Thursday Jardín visits are always a success, and we welcome you to join us. We are in need of a driver on Thursdays, who likes animals and could drive puppies, kittens and one or two adult dogs to the Jardín with a volunteer, then meet us two hours later to drive us home. We go to the Jardín at 11am and return to the SPA at 1:15pm with those animals that are not adopted. This is an important job which requires an SUV, station wagon or large car and lots of patience—with the volunteers as well as the animals. Please consider helping in this way. It is easier on the volunteers in the Jardín to have a separate person as the designated driver. That way we can concentrate on the animals and the people interested in adoption. If you are interested, call me, Mauri Formigoni, at 154-5930 or send an email to mauriformigoni@yahoo.com.

Thanks as always to Jennifer at The Bagel Café for cheerfully storing the tables and signs for our important Jardín work.

The Sociedad Protectora de Animales is located at Los Pinos 7, just off Calzada de la Estación (formerly Canal). Our visiting hours are Mon–Fri, 11am–2pm for volunteers. Make an appointment with the veterinarian by calling 152-6124 for the shelter. Costs for adoption are 250–300 pesos with inoculations and neutering included. We welcome your visit! Please remember that we are not the dogcatchers! That is Ecología, listed in JuARde; they will pick up problem animals.

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.