Unloved
By Mauri Formigoni

I had the good fortune to be given a new Great Dane. I adore the breed and she was one and a half years old. She was first purchased by a man from Guanajauto who contracted cancer.

When his children arrived, they sent her to the vet to be put down. It is true that she has no rules, no inhibitions, and no good behavior. She uses her Great Dane-ness to full advantage. She greets people with a full-body greeting, front paws on the shoulder. She walks in her own poop, knocks into people who are with her, but she also knocks herself when she exits a door. She is, by God, the most challenging dog I have encountered on my own or at the SPA shelter. It has taken a long time, but finally I understand that she has never been loved, and therefore why would she respond to disapproval? Underneath all of the chutzpah, she has a sweet nature and gradually she has responded to me, although haltingly. We have a big problem with cats, which amuse her. I have six, including Amy the one-eyed declawed elderly cat (a small lion) that is losing her other eye. How dare she attack her or Tess, the young cat/kitten whom I chose as Amy’s companion? My other cats defend themselves and she respects a good scratching swat. Thanks be. Obviously I cannot protect everyone from everyone. But I understand, through the dog gods who exist, that she needs approval and gentle but consistent discipline. This makes me grateful, both for her and the lesson she was sent to provide. We will continue, she and I.

One of our animals that has responded to love is Posie, about whom I wrote several weeks ago. She has the love of Irene, one of our most ardent volunteers. Irene has worked many hours with Posie and last week took her to the Jardín.

Though she was not chosen, she grew from the experience, and is becoming a happy, trusting dog because someone loves her. This is our goal with all of our animals. Another dog who was won over by love is Pinga, who was mentored by Pauline. She and her sister Pango have been at the SPA since they were puppies. Pinga now is obedient and walks well on a leash, loves to be cuddled, and loves you back. Sometimes it happens; sometimes it doesn’t. It seems to be the burden of proof on each volunteer. Are you willing to work intimately with a specific animal, to make it respond to kindness and affection? We need more good help.

Speaking of loving your pet, I have been impressed with the microchip offered by

“HomeAgain.” A small (size of a piece of rice) informational chip is entered into the body of your cat or dog, between the shoulder blades. We first assumed that the animal needed sedation, but have seen it inserted without, and the animals rarely notice. On this chip are your name and contact information, as well as the health information about your pet. Dogs often get one, but cats rarely, and they do travel, even housecats. If you love your animal, you will want to protect it with a microchip. For information, write HomeAgain.com to find out how to enroll. If your pet is lost or stolen, all local veterinarians and shelters will be notified, and when your pet appears, you will be reunited. A huge victory!

Please visit the shelter or the Jardín on Thursdays (11am–1pm) to meet our best, healthy, socially acceptable, and well-loved animals. You may find a treasure! We are open Monday–Friday, 11am–2pm. You are always welcome. To make an appointment with our veterinarian, Dra. Cristina Valencia, please call 152-6124 during office hours.