Best bets
By Mauri Formigoni

One of the nicest dogs we have had is also a sweet, young adult, blond, pure-bred Cocker 

Spaniel named Charlie. I thought I could not write about him because he would be snapped up in a day, but it has not happened. Please let me introduce him to you. Charlie is three years old, sweet, calm, gets along well with other dogs and loves to be on a leash. He is not happy in a cage. He arrived frightened and shy, but he has responded to volunteer treatment with growing confidence and pleasure.

His matted coat was groomed by Sr. Metro and he is now smooth, clean and handsome. Tomas, the trainer, worked with him and found he was well behaved and responsive to instruction. Charlie is not a bundle of energy, neither grabbing attention nor sparkling. He may be exactly what someone needs.

I feel I must once again sadly repeat that your business actually means a loss of income for the SPA. As you know, our fees are considerably less than private vets in town. We operate the clinic at a loss. We continue to ask for less than cost on many medications and services. We are here to serve those who love their animals, but cannot afford veterinary care in San Miguel. Our services are not inferior to local vets; we are proud of our staff and services, but our purpose is to provide care otherwise not available to low-income families in town. If you prefer to have your animals treated at our clinic, please know that we may ask you for a fee closer to that of private clinics as a donation. If you cannot pay that, you must say so. If you want to support us, please make a donation, foster a pet, or pay for someone else to adopt. Those who have low incomes and cannot afford to go elsewhere come to us. Tricky business, all in all. Please try to understand. If you can, go to other veterinarians, and DONATE to 
us! Thank you for your loyalty.

We received a bundle of beautiful seven-week-old kittens, white with orange touches, and long-haired orange, male and female. They are perfect in every way and we hope you will take one or two for your family.

Remember Amy, the one-eyed cat? Well, it seems she may be losing her remaining vision. She and Carla, the skinny but loyal cat who is her companion seeing-eye cat, came home with me. However, if you really desire to rescue them and can provide a little extra care, please call me at home, 154-5930.

This past weekend at the Amigos de Animales successful neutering and spaying blitz, I was astounded at the sweetness and care given by families with few financial means. We here at the SPA often see the worst: animals who have been abandoned, unwanted, or chained by wire which digs into their necks as they grow. What a difference to see generally loved and cherished animals owned by caring families or single tough guys in our town and the enthusiastic hardworking volunteers of Amigos. Heart rendering and inspiring!

Check our website at www.spasanmiguel.org  for animals available to adopt, or visit our shelter at Los Pinos 7, just off Calzada de la Estacion, Mon–Fri, 11am–2pm, or join us in the Jardín on Thurs 11:15 am to 1:15pm. Call 152-6124 for questions. We always need volunteers!.