Requirements for adopters
By Mauri Formigoni

We are always happy when people want to adopt one of our animals but grieve if they take one and return it. Frequently reassessing our criteria for adopters and fosters, there are a few constants that we require. First, everyone in the family must approve. Second,

they must have enough time to welcome and spend time alone with the new pet. We have had people try to introduce animals when their house is under construction or when they are remodeling or moving. Animals need peace, quiet and stability, at least at the beginning. Third, introducing a new pet during a family visit is not in the best interest of the animal even if you want to introduce Fifi to your grandkids. Fourth, do not expect that your new pet will automatically be house trained or even people trained, though it may happen by chance.

Expect that you may need to reassure a new, frightened and insecure animal with special attention and sensitivity to its needs: hunger, play, sleep, loneliness, elimination. If the kitten or puppy is separated from its original family, it has suffered and may have lost the needed time to learn about litter boxes or eliminating after eating. 

A mother cat or dog will lick its babies on their tummies and private parts for cleanliness and also to stimulate them to eliminate. We must assume that potty training does not happen automatically and offer many opportunities to do it. When I was a child, my uncle Chet was fussing about his dog not eliminating on cue. So he would demonstrate what he was wanting by peeing in the garden. The dog would follow suit. Although it worked, we were all shocked, and I do not recommend this. 

Occasionally if you own other animals, they may suggest by demonstration what ‘we’ do here at home. Also you must offer your pet frequent opportunities to eliminate; and, as with children, when even an accident is in the right place, PRAISE and REWARD this good behavior. Praising always works better than punishment which only produces fear in young animals. Also try paper training, gradually moving the paper toward the door, again praising using the paper instead of the floor. 

If you need to stop an animal quickly from eating the couch, try shooting a squirt gun filled with water and a few drops of vinegar in it. Then quickly offer an alternative like a fresh bone or chewy toy, showing that this is acceptable for a good chew. 

We will soon have a short booklet to offer prospective ‘parents’ information on making a good, new beginning. You clearly must be able to dedicate some time to disciplining your new pet, and we will help with that.

One of our newest dogs is Chato, a sweet, happy, short-legged, neutered, three-year-old black Cocker Spaniel who gets along well with other dogs and with people. He walks well on a leash and is eager to please. His family sadly surrendered him, unable to keep him any longer. Although he looks like a purebred Cocker, somewhere along the line a Dachshund was introduced to the family as demonstrated by the short legs. He is a handsome dog, pleasant and outgoing and definitely worth a visit to meet him.

We are located at Los Pinos 7, just off Calzada de la Estacion, near the bus station. Call 152-6124 for an appointment with the veterinarian, Cristina. Our hours are Monday through Friday, from 10am to 2pm. We are in the Jardín on Thursdays from 11:15am to 1:15pm with a few of our special animals. Please come visit!