The Buddy system
By Christine Foster

A few weeks back we had a small, slender, graceful black-and-white cat we called Amber who came in with her four kittens. They were her first litter and, despite not having a lot of milk, she was a sweet and doting mother who did her best by them.

Now she and two of her babies have been adopted, leaving just two appealing little black-and-white bundles. Now, Amber’s little ones were always, well, little—but I’ve been visiting them in the last few weeks and I actually can’t believe my eyes. These kittens have barely grown at all. Are they going to defy the odds and be miniature cats? At almost four months of age they could easily be mistaken for being eight or nine weeks old. They are also healthy, funny, lively, feisty and really, really cute. So if you like kittens who will always look a bit like, well, kittens—probably right into their adulthood—then don’t miss out on these little misses.

Another great animal who would love to be your buddy was found on the street by a local couple who just couldn’t keep him. They promptly phoned the SPA to say they had a purebred St. Bernard pup, and could they bring it in? At that moment we did indeed have room for puppies and said yes, but when Buddy arrived everyone did a double take. There was no way this fellow was going to romp with our 10-pound babies in Puppy World.

Technically this may be a pup—he’s barely a year old—but he already outweighs and outromps every other creature at the shelter. Our adult cages are roomy but he pretty well fills his up just standing there with a great big grin (and, okay, a bit of drool) on his handsome face. Buddy is neutered, house trained, friendly and sits on command. This picture was taken before he was groomed and fluffed, but please take a good look. There is the possibility that Buddy is actually lost and someone is still looking for him, although we have received no calls and seen no notices. If he is indeed aban
doned he is a total treasure and would make a big, beautiful addition to anyone’s family. He is also proof that you never know what you’re going to find at the SPA. 

Speaking of exciting finds, don’t miss a special SPA event in the Jardín on Thursday, July 10 at noon. Come and watch local teens and some of our best and most adoptable dogs at work together in a demonstration just for you. These dogs have had the benefit of 12 weeks of sponsorship training and are now obedient, focused on humans, and ready and willing to please. All you have to do is step into the role of pack leader and adopt one of these ready-trained graduates! Meanwhile watch our website at www.spasanmiguel.org or visit us at Los Pinos 7 (a right turn off Calzada de la Estación) Mondays–Fridays, 11am–2pm. A 300-peso donation is requested for adoption. If you cannot adopt, why not consider volunteering or sponsoring an animal until he or she does find a forever home? Call 152-6124 for more information.