Traumatized Pups
By Mauri Formigoni

Currently we have several very fragile young dogs that came from seemingly secure backgrounds, but for one reason or another, are so fearful that they must be handled slowly and with great care.

One is a darling velveteen schnauzer mix who came from a family with young children (not always the best for animals) and is so afraid for her very life that she first needs lots of therapeutic attention before we can show her. Another is a large shepherd mix that can barely be touched, but perhaps one day will become a confident and healthy dog.

The third is my favorite. Her name is Posey, and she came from a home with many dogs, but needs great care and attention. She resembles, in appearance, the dog William, who was featured here several weeks ago, but Posey has a totally different view on life.

 She is fearful of strangers, and easily forgets that you spent an hour with her yesterday and so barks in fear. But we see her changing daily, and we suspect that she needs one owner and perhaps no other dogs in her new home. She is a soft, wire-haired, medium-sized mix, about one year old, bright and healthy, but terribly frightened. A confident adult will need to make her realize that life can be calm and secure (without abuse) and that touch can bring good things to her. I do believe that she will be worth the effort if you want a close attachment with a dog who will be yours alone. Visit Posey and see what you think!

A cat who also would benefit from a one-cat family is Pegotty, a young, long-haired, grey-and-white tiger who does not like living in a community of cats but adores people. She resents others cuddling with “her people” and growls and tries to separate them. She is a beauty with large green eyes and a soft luxurious coat.

I wrote to another animal organization, “Rancho Girls,” that I saw advertised for some time in the classifieds. This organization has female dogs available for adoption. It seems that the owner is changing her goals and is finding homes for the last two dogs she has. She said her dogs were “kept-natural” dogs, running without leashes, rolling in pooh, wrestling with each other and loving life. I visited another dog community again today, and the owner has 28 happy dogs and works very hard to keep everyone satisfied. We are fortunate to live in a community that cares about animals; it benefits all of us in San Miguel.

I had been away from the shelter for several weeks and was amazed, pleased and proud of our physical appearance and recent changes. Several new trees were planted and new dividers appeared in the running spaces; other positive changes included a new safety fence. Come down and see what is new at the Sociedad Protectora de Animales at Los Pinos #7, just off Calzada de la Estacion (Canal). We are open Monday to Friday from 11am to 2pm. You are always welcome to visit.

Visit our website at www.spasanmiguel.org  or come by in the Jardín on Thursday from 11:15am–1:15pm each week, weather permitting. We bring some of our better behaved dogs and kittens to show off. You are welcome to come help or drive the animals on to the Jardin. Call the SPA at 152-6124 to volunteer or make an appointment with the vet.