Blessed Are the Underdogs!
By Mauri Formigoni, March 23, 2007

Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” law is clearly at work in Mexico. However, offering a chance to a down-and-out dog is often a priority for us. Occasionally, a dog comes into the shelter showing the result of a common method of securing a puppy by its neck using a loop of baling wire, which, as the puppy grows into a dog, becomes imbedded into its flesh.

This happened over a year ago with Tyler, a sweet, passive, appealing dog in great pain. The wound was infected and he could barely walk. I cut the wire and Cristina, our veterinarian, treated him with antibiotics and he survived and recovered. After a period of recuperation and loving attention by volunteers, he proved to be forgiving of his owner’s wicked treatment and was able to trust, was happily adopted, and began life again as a pet. A friend recently asked for a photo which demonstrated human cruelty to animals and we found this in our archives. Upon seeing this old photo, several of us who remembered became once again appalled and sa
ddened. Unfortunately, this is a common practice here in Mexico, and I think the reason is not cruelty but neglect and oversight. It was easier to use materials at hand and in a poor country buying collars and leashes is not a priority. Many animals are starving and we need to remain aware of need and help wherever we can.

Another underdog came this week to the shelter and lay outside the door for days, waiting to run inside whenever a client came in. She had been spayed and released into the neighborhood but did not forget the food inside and was determined to check in.

Sophie is a pit bull female with a damaged front paw (cause unknown) and several bite marks on her face, healing nicely. She is one of the breeds sought by tough guys looking for victims for the popular sport of dog fighting, guys who come regularly to look for pit bulls, Charpeis, Boxers, and other potentially aggressive dogs. We reserve the right to deny adoption to certain unqualified prospective clients. Sophie is, it turns out, a diamond in the rough. Not at all aggressive, she is friendly, docile, clearly abused in many ways, yet trusting and willing to prove that she can be adorable, holding out her damaged paw to shake hands. She is good with other dogs, and with people—her breed, if not trained to fight, is loyal, protective, and sweet n
atured. She will NOT be used for fighting and deserves a good home. She has some irresistible qualities. Could you come meet her? 

I want you to know that we have some tempting excellent pure breed dogs now available: a young, beautiful red Miniature Pinscher. We also have a yellow lab female, gentle and gorgeous, and a small Schnauzer male, frightened but sweet. It pays to look often as special animals come and go quickly.

Our annual general membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and we will be electing board members. Four current members are up for re-election and several other exciting candidates are running to fill vacant seats. Please make sure that your membership is current for 2007 in order to vote. Membership is 350 pesos or US$35 per person.

Visiting hours at the Sociedad Protectora de Animales, located on Los Pinos 7, just off Calzada de la Estacion (previously Canal) is Monday through Friday, 11am to 2pm. Clinic hours are 10am to 2pm. Make an appointment by calling 152-6124 for vaccinations or sterilization. Check our website at www.spasanmiguel.org  for more information or call me at 154-5930..