August 10, 2007, Amy and Amigo awaiting new families, By Mauri Formigoni

Amy the one-eyed cat

When Jane Walsh, former director of and benefactor to the Sociedad Protectora de Animales died several months ago, we took her beloved pets into the shelter to find them good homes. One of her favorites was Amy, the one-eyed cat of whom she often spoke. Amy is a pip.

She is a long-haired adult cat with an interesting chocolate-color mane. Amy is docile, gets along with other cats and likes to be carried and petted.

Because of her luxurious coat, one sees the beauty first and only later wonders if she might have a problem with one eye. We do not know the circumstances surrounding her loss, but it doesn’t seem to trouble her in the least. She sleeps much of the day, lounging wherever she can, spreading her beauty around. Clearly she has lived several of her nine lives, but she has lots more to live and it could be peacefully with you.

Amigo was surrendered by his tearful family because he was so big and strong. The wife was struggling to support her blind husband and couldn’t maintain the large dog any longer. He is a beautiful big black lab with long legs, a shiny coat and a powerful body. He needs room to run and a strong hand.

He would be a lovely guard dog, though he is not fierce and loves company. He is two years old and energetic. We have had several people searching for larger dogs and left, saying that none was large enough. Amigo is large enough. Come visit and give him a try. He is handsome, loving and deserving.

A new view of San Miguel

I have been in the States for several weeks and as always, when one returns here, you see the town with new eyes. I love the SPA and also the Biblioteca, and there they are—(M)pure, beautiful, and ours. It makes me happy to be back home.

I am constantly aware that though we are animal lovers, there are many here and each has a poignant story. Today a couple brought in a San Miguel especial, a black and brown female to be spayed. She was in heat and had been chased by a large pack of male dogs in a frenzy and she was hiding under a car with multiple injuries. (See why spaying and neutering is vital?) These people from the US brought her home, gave her a baby aspirin, comfort, food and water. After realizing that she was in shock, they brought her to us for treatment. Much better, though still terrified, they were considering how to find a good home for her, and named her, in the meantime, Baby. Baby will be fine. And bless all the do-gooders who rescue, pay for, pray for, transport and pick up injured and needy animals. Thank goodness for you all.

Please check our website at spasanmiguel.org and join us on Thursdays in the Jardín to see some of our best dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Also please remember to renew your membership. It keeps us working and alive. You are helping us help them.

If you want to help homeless animals and cannot take one into your home, remember our program of fostering animals by paying for their spaying or neutering, food and care so that another family who wants to take home a pet and cannot afford it may get the benefit of your generosity. There are many ways to help. Call the shelter at 152-6124 for an appointment for spaying or neutering. Clinic hours are 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

The Sociedad Protectora de Animales (SPA) is located on Los Pinos 7, a right turn off Calzada de la Estación (which is a continuation of Canal) just before the bus station. Visitation and volunteer hours are 11–(N)2pm, Monday through Friday.