Sit, Lacey! Good Dog!
By Mauri Formigoni

This is the new mantra at the Sociedad Protectora de Animales. For years we appealed for volunteer help in any shape, form, or number to walk, feed, talk to and handle dogs and cats, puppies and kittens. Now there is order in our treatment of our animals. We do not want them to grab at any hand expecting a treat, nor do we want animals to jump up for attention. Instead, Kathi Hamblet, our volunteer coordinator for dogs, is hoping for a huge change in the behavior of our population.

When I first came to the shelter nine years ago, it was like the Wild West, untamed and woolly; anything you had to offer was accepted. It was a strange but heady feeling to come in at odd hours to hand feed certain animals who appeared to need extra nutrition. I find that I am chafing a bit at requests to train each dog to sit and wait for a collar and leash. I maintain that I know what I am doing with animals and always have. Yet I can see the wisdom of these changes. Perhaps there is method to the madness of order, since our adoptions increase and more dogs are sent to the US. 

Late one night, as I was chewing over the new changes, I stopped in shock realizing—(M)we are refining our treatment! This is progress! Not just bringing them in and shipping them out, but preparing the animals to behave and try to please. We have Tomas Bustamente working with specific dogs, and soon with volunteers and the dogs they prefer, to make well-behaved and responsive future pets. What could be wrong with this picture? My hurt pride, only. And the hurt pride of other volunteers who always mean well, feel they always knew what to do, and resent being re-educated in the proper way to train dogs. 

I resolve to be more open to change and respect the new method of bringing animals into the fold of good behavior. I applaud and support the goals of our volunteer coordinator.

Six months ago, we had a tiny puppy that looked like a mini Rottweiler, and she seemed not to be growing. She went often to the Jardín and was our star. Several people came close to adopting her, but for various reasons, it didn’t happen. She arrived with the name Lisa, but her huge personality and her big-dog mentality led us to rename her Brunhilde. Now she has suddenly grown to adulthood, is no longer tiny, nor a Rottweiler, but a small- to medium-sized affectionate San Miguel especiale, black and tan, healthy, spayed, and still waiting. We have begun training her, but she can use additional help. She still thinks she is the star, yet in reality, she is an adolescent searching for her place in life. I believe she is very intelligent and would train well, giving affection, undying loyalty and companionship.

The saga of Amy, the one-eyed cat, continues. Her companion was very old and her end came this week. Amy stayed by her side, nudging her with her head, trying to rouse her. After she passed, Amy became very agitated, pacing and hiding. The two cat ladies, Dea and Joan, suggested a new kitten might help. I brought home a black kitten named Tess, who was hissed at first, then later, Amy began grooming her, and they are now a working pair. Lucky for all involved. We have other winning kittens who could be a companion for you or your animals. Here is Todd, a three-month-old handsome male kitten who has a charming personality.

Come see us in the Jardín on Thursdays from 11:15–(N)1:15 or come to the shelter Mon–(N)Fri, 11am–(N)2pm (Los Pinos #7, just off Calzada de la Estacion) to see for yourself.