Ladies in limbo
By Christine Foster

How do we know what animals really feel? Most of us try to take our cue from their eyes, body language and energy levels. That helps, but beyond that a lot of it is guesswork. And assuming they are a bit like us. Or perhaps worse, assuming that they’re not.

We understand something of the grieving process in humans: the stages of denial, anger, depression and finally, if things go well, a kind of acceptance and a moving forward. But a dog can’t comfort herself with anything so abstract. Loss may be an enduring sense of absence, perhaps puzzlement; it’s hard to know exactly what they experience. Two years ago Stella and Lucy were the treasured pets of a beloved local figure—Sareda Milosz. Known for her creativity and energy, she was also known for her love of animals and for taking in needy animals from the streets. When she died (far too young and much missed) she left several rescued dogs. Neighbors took in two. Stella and Lucy, then terrific teenage twins, came to the SPA, which Sareda had always supported.

They have been with us ever since. In limbo. Their period of bewilderment is over, but not their need for a second chance. How are they doing? Amazingly well. Lucy is enjoying special time with her volunteer mentor, Hannah. Under her care Lucy is proudly becoming her best self: responsive, alert, connected, leash trained.

Stella doesn’t have a mentor at the moment but is taken for regular walks and is also a loving, intelligent young lady. Neither are rowdy. Only medium sized, they are both beautiful, slender and graceful. They still love each other (we assume they were litter mates) and get a chance to play together during daily runs in the yard. It would be lovely to see them find a great home together, but the important thing is that they find a great home. Either way these are darlings who deserve another shot at what they once had.

Perhaps you’ve been thinking about a loving companion animal but don’t want to go through the whole puppy training phase? Perhaps you want to know exactly what you’re getting in temperament, social skills and size. If so, Stella and Lucy are ready to prove themselves worthy of your love, every day.

Please come and visit these and all our other great animals at Sociedad Protectora de Animales, open from noon–2pm, Monday–Friday for adoptions and volunteers. A donation of 300 pesos is requested for adoption and includes sterilization. We are located at Los Pinos 7, a right turn off Calzada de la Estación. Visit www.spasanmiguel.org to learn more about us and about how to sponsor, donate or adopt an animal.