From the SPA
By Irene Diamant and Dea Randall

No place like home

Everyone needs a home. No matter how friendly and caring an environment, it is not the same as belonging to someone. Dogs and cats need love and need to know, no matter what, they are more than just a name on a cage.

We do our best at the SPA. All dogs and cats receive good healthcare, nutritious food and the necessities of life. Still, that is not enough.

Tipper, our medium-sized brown and black, curly-tailed dog is a good-looking mix of German Shepherd and (fill in the blanks—“special”). She has lived four of her five years with us, making her one of our “red collar dogs.” These dogs have been with us for the longest time and thus have the greatest need for a home. They are also the ones that make the best and most grateful pets.

When anyone approaches Tipper’s cage, they are met with an abundance of enthusiasm. Competition for attention from a potential adopter is very high. Each dog knows that they have but seconds to impress and connect. Tipper, like many dogs, overdoes it. Who can blame her? She wants to belong to someone.

Sometimes people may be put off by her energy, but what she is really putting out is a lot of hope. Once out of her cage and given a chance to stretch her legs or find some enticing new smell, she calms down and is ready to concentrate on you, to love and be loved. She is ready to be a loyal and protective member of your household.

We also have cats deserving of homes that have been with us for quite some time. Our distinguished oldest male feline is Frankie, a handsome tuxedo cat who belonged to one of our founders, the late Joan Welsh. Frankie was declawed prior to arrival and has been with us for over two years. He loves people and will be a wonderful companion for those who enjoy talkative cats. Frankie’s greatest joy is to curl up in a little bed and be the only cat in the house. Even if you can’t take him home, he would love to spend a little time talking with you.

Come and say hello and take the time to get to know Tipper, Frankie and our other red collar dogs and cats hoping for homes. The SPA is located at Los Pinos 7, off Calzada de la Estación, and is open 11am–2pm daily. Pop in to visit our animals and maybe you’ll find a friend. You can take home a dog for a donation of 300 pesos, or a cat for 250 pesos.