May 25, 2007, Laptop pets, By Mauri Formigoni

Purse pets are all the rage in San Miguel. We have plenty of puppies, but most will likely outgrow the average purse. We do, however, have a few that we don’t think will outgrow it by much, for you to consider.

My favorite is Brunhilde, a tiny, spirited black and tan puppy we suspect will not grow much more. She looks like a miniature Rottweiler, a fantasy breed which exists only in my imagination. Although this small three-month-old puppy is not growing, she has a big dog attitude. She often squeezes out of her cage and runs joyfullyaround the shelter, exhilarated by her own audacity.

We brought several puppies to the Jardín a few weeks ago, including Sophie, our gentle Pit Bull mix—and who did Brunhilde choose to play with? Why Sophie, of course.

Our “mini-Rottweiler” came in with the sweet name of Lisa, and within a week, we decided to pick a name to suit her personality, so now we have Brunhilde, straight out of a Wagnerian opera.

Now and then I meet old friends walking large dogs in the Jardín and they accuse me of promising that theirs would be a small dog. I don’t do that deliberately, but I can make mistakes in my enthusiasm. However, I believe that Brunhilde will remain a small to medium sized dog. She will enjoy sitting on your lap, but prefers running around with a ball, a child or another puppy.

Lab checks self into SPA

Many serendipitous things happen at the Sociedad Protectora de Animales and we welcome that and celebrate our good fortune. This week another animal checked itself into the shelter. A large, purebred male yellow Lab appeared and he would not leave. We did not have room for this beautiful creature, but fortunately a friend agreed to take him home and will surrender him if the owner appears. This friend also offered to help pay for the vaccinations and treatment of a tiny Boxer puppy that was proudly brought in by a small Mexican boy. He asked only that the boy pay a modest amount to keep him responsible for his own dog.

Best lap cat in SMA

The best lap cat here is Colombina, the last of a handsome black and white litter. She is about 10 months old, spayed, gentle, beautiful, healthy and loves nothing more than lying on the lap of her favorite volunteer. She could be yours! No wild running, climbing or hiding, just snuggling and sleeping, watching the world go by in total bliss with her new owner.

In Memorium: Jane Welch

We lost a good friend this week: Jane Welch was instrumental in bolstering the old SPA and supporting the organization for many years with her financial generosity and work as General Director on the Board of Directors. Even in death she remembered the SPA, leaving us a parcel of land and we continue to be grateful for her concern.

We need more good friends like Jane to help us in the future. If you cannot adopt or donate now, consider leaving a bequest in your will. I am.

Please visit us at the bright green building at Los Pinos 7, just off Calzada de la Estación (formerly Canal) from Monday through Friday, 11am to 2pm. Call 152-6124 for an appointment with the veterinarian or come visit us at the Jardín on Thursdays from 11:15am–1:15pm or check www.spasanmiguel.org to see who is available for adoption. You are always welcome!