All’s well that ends well
By Mauri Formigoni

The SPA been the butt of local jokes and complaints in this paper for being the retirement home for street dogs and cats. But all’s well that ends well. Our oldest resident dog, Savannah, and this week our oldest resident cat, Ruby, have been adopted.

In Savannah’s case, I see her each week and watch her bloom in her new home where she is thriving, proving that even a long wait for an animal that runs, plays and has human and dog friends does not mean failure. I hope the same is true for Ruby.

This week we also prepared six dogs to go to the United States with SAMM (Save A Mexican Mutt) through the efforts of Kelly Karger. They all go to homes awaiting them, and it feels like success to us.

We know that many of our animals are excellent potential pets and are happy when someone wants them. We also plan to open a dog sanctuary in the near future for some of our older animals to leave room available for more dogs in need who seem always to be at our doors. This also will give our older residents more freedom and stimulation while waiting for a good home.

Our volunteer coordinator, Kathi Hamblet, is working on a new program to train volunteers to successfully prepare our dogs for acceptance and adoption. This includes a training period where dogs are not allowed to jump up for treats or welcome, but to sit at their door patiently, not fighting over food or attention. With this, we improve the chances for some of our older precious animals that many of us would love to adopt. 

I think that our future champions are dogs like Snickers, shown here as a grown-up puppy, trying hard to please and win acceptance. She has been taught to sit at the door of her cage and to receive petting through the door, waiting for perhaps a collar and a leash and a walk, or loving, petting and whispers of encouragement from volunteers. She is diligent and sits waiting for someone to appear, just in case, and she will be ready, sitting as instructed. Earnest and eager, she has great potential for training and will be a good pet for anyone who cares to invest in a year-old spayed female black and tan dog with a winning heart and a good temperament, waiting for a savior. Can you imagine yourself in that role?

We always have kittens available, and now we are receiving white kittens to balance the propensity of black kittens we received last month. I also like the female adult cat, Buffy, who is gradually becoming less frightened and more and more charming. She is a lovely blond tiger, sweet and a bit shy. My house currently is quite full, but I wouldn’t mind this sweet little girl. Please give her a visit!

Check out our animals on our website www.spasanmiguel.org  or visit with us at the Jardín on Thursdays from 11:15–(N)1:15 when we bring out some of our brightest and best. Also please visit the shelter at Los Pinos 7, just off Calzada de la Estacion. Call 152-6124 for an appointment with our vet.