Many mini-sanctuaries
By Natalie Hardy

I become increasingly aware of the large number of individuals in San Miguel and the surrounding area who offer sanctuary to not one or two, but to a half dozen or more animals in their homes. Some live in the country with endless space, some in spacious grounds of the city and some in rather cramped areas of homes with small yards where taking the animals for walks is necessary. The amount of space one has is not the motivating factor for these dedicated individuals. Providing a safe living space for abandoned animals is in the heart of these sanctuary owners. I have no idea how many people keep this number of animals. What I do know is every week another comes to my attention unexpectedly. You know who you are. SPA is more than grateful for all you do because you help us with the issue of animal overpopulation, and you take some of the pressure off us at the SPA with our limited space.

Anatole France once remarked, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” For those of you who wish to awaken that part of yourself, we offer the following candidates. Melissa is a gorgeous little snuggle bug. We had her in the Jardín the other week, and she perched on my shoulder, nestled under my chin and purred to the world. “Ain't life grand?” she seemed to be saying. Her markings are unusual and slightly off-beat, mostly white, but with some dark smudges. Jardinia, our lovely medium-small sized dog, is named for where she was found. She has mascara-lined eyes and the disposition of a pot of honey. What joy these two will bring to that unawakened part of your soul.

Our July 14th Fundraiser was a howling success. Though we cannot give personal thank you’s to everyone here, and though we could never sufficiently convey our gratitude, we would like to send out a big “thank you” to all those who participated in and contributed to the Fundraiser. We thank the over 200 people who came and made this event a grand success. We thank each of the volunteers for their willing work at the event and at the shelter and on Thursdays in the Jardín. We are fortunate to draw from such a fine pool of helpers who are all part of the ongoing “extreme makeover” of SPA. Do you want to be part of it? Call 154-5761 or visit Los Pinos 7 near the Central Bus Station just off Calzada de la Estacion (an extension of Canal) between 11am and 2pm Monday through Friday.