From the SPA
By Kathi Hamblet

Calling all Volunteers!

The SPA is organizing an exciting new volunteer program for dogs. Our four goals are to make our large, adult dogs more adoptable; to better prepare dogs for transport to the US when homes can be found; to increase our foster program for puppies and animals waiting to come in when space is not available or when animals are too young; and to decrease the risk of spreading infection and contagious viruses in the shelter.

All volunteers will need to complete orientation before working with the dogs. Orientation is offered every Monday and Thursday at 11am or by special appointment. You can schedule with Rosa in the SPA office if you need a special time. Children are welcome, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The general categories where we need help from volunteers are special needs, evaluations, puppy socializing, on-site mentorship, fostering and basic obedience. 

Special needs. This is a job that requires a minimum of 1.5 hours per week on a regular schedule. The volunteer would work with animals that need very specific help adjusting to shelter life. It could involve working with different dogs each week, possibly with extra cuddling or special food supplements as each individual animal’s needs are met.

Evaluations. This job requires a minimum of 2 hours per week on a regular basis writing evaluations of each dog so that we can better inform prospective adopters and find a good match and a permanent home for each dog or puppy. This job requires some additional orientation or training time initially, but after that it could be done on your own schedule.

Puppy socializing. This job is perfect for someone who is just in San Miguel for a short period of time but would like to spend time with the animals or for someone who could come by occasionally to help but cannot make a weekly time commitment.

On-site mentorship. This volunteer job requires a commitment of a minimum of 2 days per week for at least 40 minutes per dog mentored. This is one-on-one contact with a dog of your choice, working to make them more adoptable.

Fostering. We desperately need foster parents who can offer temporary home care. Volunteers can sign up for a week or two on a temporary basis or can have their names put on a call list in case an emergency placement is needed.

Basic obedience. A select group of volunteers work with our older dogs on basic training. If you have some experience training dogs or would be willing to commit time to learn the procedures, this might be the right task for you.

If you have questions, please email kathamblet@gmail.com. 

Meet Bernadette, Skye and Carmela. These pups were surrendered at a very early age by a caring family. Cristina gave them a check up and worming and gave the family some instruction. They faithfully took them home for three weeks to nurture and feed, even building them their own little dog house. They were returned to the SPA fat and healthy. No such thing as too much attention for puppies! If you can spare an hour, come by for a volunteer orientation session and meet these sweet girls.

The SPA is at Los Pinos #7 near the Central Bus Station. Volunteer orientation sessions are each Monday and Thursday at 11am. Visiting, adoption and volunteering hours are Monday through Friday, 11am–(N)2pm. The clinic number is 152-6124.