Are diamonds really forever?
By Kathi Hamblet

Floracita I recently read a statistic that made me sit up and take notice, then read it again to be sure I was not dreaming. Americans spent more of their precious consumer dollars last year on “pet stuff” than they spent on jewelry.

Why? In these tough economic times when luxuries must be replaced with necessities, why would people choose pets over diamonds? Jewelry could be hocked or sold to pay the mortgage if things got tough, and although it is a luxury item, it is also an asset, right?

There is a good reason I do not write for The Economist, but even I can figure out that a precious stone on your hand is worth more money than a cat with a rhinestone collar. Could it be that people need to look to the future with their eyes on something a bit more stable and comforting than their next bank statement?

In animal-rescue-world “speak,” we are always talking about “forever homes and lifetime companions.” These are solid, comforting words when other global issues are only confusing and chaotic.

The SPA recently had a longtime resident of San Miguel adopt one of our most vulnerable dogs. Betty had just lost a dear lifetime companion and was in need of some comfort as she continued to grieve for her dear Missy. Although Betty is a vigorous and healthy senior citizen and will more than likely outlive her new sweet dog, Floricita, she made immediate arrangements with her daughter to take the dog if something would happen to her.

I do not know if Betty has already made arrangements to pass on her favorite jewelry, but my guess is that she has not. She took care of her most prized asset first.

These photos show just a few of the SPA gems that have found their “forever” homes. Thanks to those caring families who can recognize true value for what it is.

The SPA is located at Los Pinos 7; if going west, it’s a right turn off Calzada de la Estación, just before the bus station. Visit www.spasanmiguel.org  or call 152-6124 to learn more about us and to find your own lifetime companion.