From the SPA

Love for rent?
By Christine Foster

Canines as timeshares? Believe it or not, London, New York, San Diego and Los Angeles all now offer a service called Flexpetz. You say you don’t have time or space for a full-time dog? No worries. You can rent one and have all the joys of pet ownership—a few days each month.

Of course, those four days of dog kisses will set you back a snappy $279.95—plus a hefty drop-off and collection fee. But clients are not in short supply apparently—mostly busy urbanites and apartment-dwelling families with young children. 

But how do you tell your toddler that Fluffy or Rex was only visiting after the two have romped and giggled and given their hearts to each other? Heck, what do you tell Fluffy? Would you rent yourself a child for the weekend, too? (Well, maybe that’s coming.)

Most Flexpetz dogs in the US have been given up by owners who claim to have too little time for them. Others are ex-show or breeding dogs. Maybe some of these animals are able to cope with the “everyone’s-in-my-pack” view of life but it’s not natural to the species. Most dogs need consistency and the security of a proper routine with one love, or one loving family. Just like us.

And that’s what we’ve found at the SPA. Dogs that are Good while in our care, more often than not become Great once they’ve found forever homes. We hear it time and time again. They bond. They blossom. And their owners can’t stop bragging about them.

Two such promising young hopefuls are Brunhilda and Titania, who have both been with us since they were puppies. Brunhilda is bold, bouncy and beautiful. Titania is more introspective, more soulful. Both are bright and focused and responding well to training. Either would love to serve up the right mix of playfulness and devotion and loyalty that only a full-time companion can provide. 

If full-time involvement really isn’t right for you, don’t rent! Volunteers are always welcome to visit for a much-needed warm puppy fix, or to spend special one-on-one time with an eager and grateful dog. The Sociedad Protectora de Animales is open 12–2pm, Monday–Friday for adoptions and volunteers. We are located at Los Pinos 7, a right turn off Calzada de la Estación, or visit us at www.spasanmiguel.org to learn more about how to sponsor, donate or adopt an animal.