From the SPA 
Moving on
By Mauri Formigoni January 25, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

For several years I have been looking for land. My dream was a home for me and my animals and a sanctuary for some of the older unadopted (but not unadoptable) dogs from the Sociedad Protectora de Animales.

Several months ago I found a place with an abandoned stone ranch house and 30 open acres near Los Rodriguez. At one board meeting, I announced this purchase and my desire to take 10 older dogs with the support of the organization. It was agreed. Remodeling has begun and I will move in several months to the country.

I also plan to run a boarding kennel sometime in the near future. The animals from the shelter will have room to run, good food and a bright future until someone finds them and brings them to a new home.

I wonder about my involvement with the shelter and realize that much of my time will be spent caring for the animals on my premises. I see myself as an adjunct to SPA and hope we can continue to work together. In order to continue to write this column, I have needed daily contact with the animals. Since I will no longer spend long hours there, I have decided to write once a month. If any of you would like to write a guest column, please send it to the shelter for consideration at least three weeks before you want it to be published. I have loved writing because I truly fall in love with our animals and want good homes for them, and I have enjoyed your support. I will miss that contact.

My visits to the Jardín probably will diminish and if you are interested, please contact me. This is a vital service which presents the public face of the shelter and offers many people a chance to see the available animals. You must be comfortable with animals and enjoy meeting the public.

Currently we have an embarrassment of riches in glorious purebred dogs. As you know, I prefer mixed breed dogs and feel that they are healthier, more intelligent and more in need. But you must see these two new dogs which will not last long at the shelter. Two board members found Rex, a pure Rough Collie male who is obedient, four years old, housebroken (so we are told), and affectionate to everyone. He has a full, rich coat, and looks like the winner of a dog show, but will continue to need maintenance.

The other surprise is Prinz, a purebred Weimeraner, two years old, neutered, all shots, housebroken, clearly loved and cared for. This dog was surrendered by its owner for personal reasons, but he will be someone’s good fortune. Dogs of this quality only pass briefly through the shelter, so if you are looking for something special, it is important to look often. Come down quickly to see these two. 

We continue to have excellent cats that make good pets, good mousers and good companions. Come in to see our animals. The Sociedad Protectora de Animales is open Monday–Friday, 10am–2pm. We always need volunteers and are looking for dedicated board members. Please contact Rosa, the manager, or Kathi at 152-6124. Our website is www.spasanmiguel.org.  Anyone interested in photographing animals, working on the website, or writing about the animals, please call this number or write to me at mauriformigoni@hotmail.com.  My thanks to you all for a long relationship via this paper. Please stay in contact with the shelter and look for good pets there. If ever there was a need for you to volunteer, now is the time. Any time you have will be appreciated.