From the SPA
To go, or not to go, to the animal shelter
By Christine Foster


I walked into the Sociedad Protectora de Animales today, and one of our faithful volunteers, Irene Diamant, said: “We have to have more volunteers. Look at this list of unwalked dogs!”

N.: We had many helpers, what happened?”

I.: Well, it is the month of the year; it is down season, but more importantly, people who really care about the animals are still afraid to come down.

N.: And why is that?

I.: They think they will see bad situations and get upset. They expect to find squalor and sadness. They anticipate pain. They say they really care, but they cannot be on the premises.

I pondered this awhile and remembered holding some of the same beliefs way back in time. Then one day, while dropping off a 50-pound bag of dog food from Costco, I ventured beyond the office. “That wasn’t bad,” I said. Yes, there were eager animals confined to enclosures. Weren’t my animals equally eager when I walked into my house? That is not so scary. They are just being who they are. And some of these animals are hopeful of finding their new home. That is the point. That is why they are here. I considered my options: I can say that I fear some preconceived idea of negative impact when I go there. Or I can go there and have an experience. A lot of people do the latter. They come away surprised and happy. They visit and then say things like, “Wow, the place is so clean.” Or, “I didn’t expect such a professionally run place.” I look at them wondering where their preconceptions came from. Or, yesterday’s email from a new volunteer: “Today’s visit to the SPA simply made my day. Thank you so much.” The bottom l
ine is this: If you care about animals, are they better off with your participation, or without you? Is it about you or about them?

There are many things to do, by the way, without direct contact with the animals if you are timid about a visit to the shelter and still want to help. We are getting ever more email inquiries from out-of-town people for adoptions and visits. We are blessed. We are currently planning a gala concert with Doc Severinsen and Gil y Cartas. How lucky can all of us get who care about animal welfare?

Two special residents hoping for your visit are Wendy and Laika. What a Mutt and Jeff pair. They came in together from out of town. They love each other a lot and certainly hope to stay together in their new home. Wendy is a Maltese mix. Laika, with her soft eyes and taffy fur, is Laika, punto e basta. They are a pair, the way some people naturally go together.

 We are, like they are, hopeful that a perfect ( er … semi - perfect) new adoptive parent steps forward and says, “Yes, this is just right and they can take care of each other when I am out working, shopping and socializing!”

Among our feline population is the pattern of black and white. Several new arrivals, both very young and less young kittens, are pouncing and playing and generally presenting themselves with the most irresistible kitten power. Check out Frankie as well. He is full grown, patient and hopeful that you will come by and appreciate such dignity and grace.

The Sociedad Protectora de Animales is located at Los Pinos 7 near the main bus terminal just off Calzada de la Estación. SPA is open 11am–2pm to visitors and potential adopters and volunteers. Call Rosa during these hours for information at 152-6124. Join our orientation time to learn more about the animals.