A sad tai
By Mauri Formigoni

We had a darling little female kitten named Dylan who was adopted several months ago and was returned three months later, when her new owner discovered that she was allergic to her kitten.

More specifically, the dander in the fur of cats and dogs is especially allergenic. Sadly, the little kitten (beautiful, totally orange and still looking as she did as a younger kitten) is depressed at the rejection, though it was not intentional. She has since been spayed and is quiet, calm, sad and sweet. Once animals have experienced love and acceptance, they can easily love again, so Dylan will be a delicious new pet for another owner.

Recently I have had allergies and non-animal lovers all suspected it was the preponderance of pets in my house. Even my doctor suspected that this might be the case. I found this solution utterly unacceptable, and it proved not to be the case, but the discomfort at allergic symptoms make it intolerable to be around the object which inflicts the allergens.

It is important when you wish to adopt that you check all of your bases: that you have the time and attention available to welcome a new pet, that you are not allergic, that you have physical space and accommodations ready for a new puppy or kitten, and that you have the financial and physical resources to meet the needs of your active animal.

For example, certain types of dogs are extremely energetic and need lots of physical room. Can you run them or hire someone who can work with them? Are you adopting a sleepy older cat who wants a warm sunny window to sleep in, or are you looking at a spitfire who needs to play/wrestle much of the day? Would it be better to bring home two kittens who can entertain each other or one older, quiet cat? Though we sit in the Jardín on Thursdays and hope to tempt you into taking an animal home, we know that you need to give it thought and be sure that this is a good plan for you, and eventually for the animal you chose as well. 

Another sweet, but sad animal we have is Pequeña, a six-month-old Schnauzer mix that was rescued from the street. Her first owner had brutally chopped off her ears and tail, possibly to make her appear fierce. She no longer feels the pain, but looks a bit confused—not fierce, but small, scared and lovable.

She was at first fostered by a woman who loved her, and in spite of the fact that she was cut, abandoned and lived by her wits on the streets, she is amazingly sweet, calm and loving. Several volunteers feel very protective about her and are watching carefully to see who wants to adopt her. She must be adopted by good, kind, loving people who understand what abuse she has endured, and be willing to pamper her. Come down to see if she would meet your needs and you, hers. Meeting each other’s needs is what adoption is about.

Again we ask for good quality volunteer help from caring people who can donate a few hours a week to make friends with one dog or cat and convince them that life is good. Call Rosa at 152-6124 to make an appointment for an orientaton. We are open Monday–Friday, 11am–2pm. The SPA is at Los Pinos 7 near the central bus station. You are always welcome to visit. Also meet us at the Jardín on Thursdays from 11am–1pm to see who we have brought.